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Technomad Military PA / Giant Voice Military Audio Systems -
Frequently Asked Questions
Technomad Military
PA / Giant Voice Military Audio Systems -
Frequently Asked Questions
Click
on a question below to read the answer.
Don't forget to visit our Technical Support Site for additional documents, manuals, and more.
»
Who uses Technomad military audio systems?
» How reliable are Technomad Military PA Systems?
» How loud are Technomad systems as different distances?
»
Can I get Technomad Military PA systems wet?
» How clear / intelligible will speech be through a Military PA system?
» How is the sound quality? Can I play music through a Technomad Military
PA?
» Why should I use Technomad Military PA systems instead of a "HORN"
system?
» What is the difference between the standard Turnkey PA systems and
the Modular PA systems?
» Where can I install them?
» Should I
install speakers at the edges of my base pointing in, or at the middle of my
base, pointing out?
» What kind of power do they require?
» Can the systems be run from solar panels?
» Does Technomad provide WIRELESS controlled PA systems?
» What frequencies and certifications apply to the wireless Link Kits?
» Is any programming required to setup a Technomad wireless PA system?
» How does the audio quality of Technomad's wireless system compare to
typical narrowband radios?
» Can I set up "Zones" using the Technomad wireless system?
»
Does Technomad offer Wireless Microphones, and at what frequencies
do they operate?
» Does Technomad provide ETHERNET controlled PA systems?
» What technology to you use for Ethernet /Wireless link kits? Are they secure?
» Can Technomad Military PA systems be used for shipboard / marine applications?
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA system on a vehicle (i.e. Humvee?)
» How heavy is a Technomad Military PA? Can one person move it?
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA PERMANENTLY on a building?
» Can I palletize a Technomad Military PA System?
» What kind of operating range can I expect from the Technomad Military
PA systems?
» Are Technomad Military PA systems expandable? Can I add more speakers
to a basic system later?
» I want to cover a LARGE area ( i.e. an entire base ). How can
I do this?
» I need to record custom messages, siren tones, music, or sound effects
and play them back through my PA system. How can I do this?
» Can I hook up my existing audio equipment to a Technomad Military PA?
» Can I use Technomad PA Systems for Force
Protection / Mass Notification ?
» What special training or knowledge do I need to have to setup and use
a Technomad Military PA system?
» I am considering upgrading my Whelen PA system. What advantages
does Technomad offer vs. Whelen?
» Where can I download a Military PA specification sheet in PDF format?
» I need more information / I need a quote
» I want to order NOW on GSA!
» Key PDFS: MilSpec 810F, Audio Performance, Critical Features
»
Who uses Technomad military PA systems?
Technomad Military PA Systems are uses by all branches of the US Armed forces,
by the White House Communications Agency, by the UK MOD, and by other national
armed forces. Applications include combat
simulation, presentations
and ceremonial use, psyops, base-wide
paging, deployed site communications, ship
stand-off / warning systems, mobile
/ vehicle mounted audio, and much more. [ Back
to top ]
»
How reliable are Technomad Military PA Systems?
Technomad Military PA Systems are completely weatherproof. They are IP56 compliant. They are impervious
to rain, snow, sleet, salt fog, UV radiation, insect attack, rough handling,
and more. [ See "torture testing"
videos ] They are Mil-Spec 810F compliant, and are constructed
from thick, one-piece polyethylene. No other commercial or military loudspeaker
comes close to the physical and electrical reliability of Technomad. [
Back to top ]
»
How loud are Technomad PA systems at different listening distances? What's the system range?
Technomad PA systems have useful ranges of up to 1 mile in radius. For a complete chart of SPL / Volume levels at different listener distances, please click here. [ Back
to top ]
»
Can I get Technomad Military PA systems wet?
Yes! Technomad loudspeakers are designed for permanent installation and mobile
use outdoors. They can be mounted to a vehicle or building without fear
of weather damage (of course, proper installation instructions must be followed).
The "control racks" - amplifier / mixer racks - can get wet when in
case mode, but should be protected from moisture when in-use. [ Back
to top ]
»
How clear / intelligible will speech be through a Military PA system?
Technomad Military PA systems offer unmatched speech and voice clarity,
free of horn-mouth distortion and the compressed frequency range of other systems.
The result? Speech instructions are clear, intelligible, and natural sounding,
even at the full operating power of the system. This is more than a luxury -
clear speech is essential in emergency situations. Horn based systems cannot
provide the clarity, intelligibility and realism of a Technomad military PA
system. This is critical not just for speech, but for Psyops and music playback
applications as well. Choose Technomad Military PA systems for the best
voice clarity available. [ Back to top ]
»
Where can I install them?
Technomad Military PA systems can be installed on any vehicle, ship, or building
using the optional wall-mounting brackets. All Technomad Turnkey Military
PA systems also include tripods for deployed / field use. Technomad military
PA systems can be used virtually everywhere. [ Back
to top ]
» Should I install
speakers at the edges of my base pointing in OR in the middle of my base pointing
out?
It is better to install speakers in a central cluster rather than at the edges
of a facility pointing in. Click here
to read why and see examples. [ Back to
top ]
»
What is the difference between the standard Turnkey PA Systems and the Modular
PA systems?
Technomad Turnkey Military PA Systems
are complete, ready-to-use PA systems which include IP56 rated weatherproof loudspeakers,
a control rack with a mixer, amp, microphone, CD player, tripods, speaker
cables, etc. They are delivered pre-wired, and ready to use. They are the best
choice for all-around military audio use, because they can handle everything
from voice paging to music playback to siren generation (with the optional Warning
Tone Generator). Note that the Turnkey PA systems can handle very large areas
- up to 1 mile radius from the PA system in the case of the Turnkey MilPA4.
For some applications where you need to link a bunch of PA systems together, it may be unecessary for EVERY PA system to have a microphone and CD player, warning tone generator, etc. In this case, you'd use Turnkey Modular PA Systems. There is an "Audio Source Pack" - a small rack containing the CD player, mixer, and hand-held microphone - which generates audio signal. You'd then send this signal to "Output Packs" - integrated packages of loudspeakers / amplifiers / tripods / speaker cables etc. - using either the Fiber Optic Link Kits or the Wireless Link Kits. In essence, the Audio Source Pack is the "brain" that provides audio to all the Output Packs. Another way to look at it is that the four Output Packs (Output Pack 1, Output Pack 2, Output Pack 3, Output Pack 4) are the exact same thing as the Turnkey PA Systems (MilPA1, MilPA2, MilPA3, MilPA4), but without the CD player and the microphone. The Output Packs need to be fed an audio signal to operate.
Here are some applications where you might want to consider using the Modular PA approach: if you want to generate audio in a command post but you want install the loudspeakers cluster somewhere else, you'd select one Audio Source Pack, appropriate Link Kits (fiber optic or wireless), and an Output Pack with the range and coverage pattern you want. Or, if you want to create a permanently-installed base-wide PA system, you would use an Audio Source Pack to send signal (via the appropriate Link Kits) to several Output Packs installed around the facility.
Note that for
deployed applications, you still might want to select all Turnkey PA systems
- that way if you need to reconfigure the base, or use the PA systems by themselves,
any single PA system will be able to operate stand-alone and play CDs, generate
sound from the microphone etc. Also, that way any Turnkey PA System can be used
as the source of audio for the whole base if needed - a good level of redundancy.
Technomad sales can help you determine
if a Turnkey PA or Modular PA approach is right for you. [
Back to top ]
» What kind of power do they require?
Standard Technomad Military PA systems (MilPA1, MilPA2, MilPA3, MilPA4) operate
off of standard 110/120V AC power. A 10A circuit provides ample current. "DC"
Technomad Military PA systems (MilPA1DC, MilPA2DC, MilPA3DC, MilPA4DC) systems
operate from BOTH 110/120V AC AND from 24 volt DC power. The 24 volt system
must be provided current of at least 65A to drive the PA continuously at full
power (less peak current is needed if you are not playing the system at full
volume, or playing audio without heavy bass content). For vehicle mounted systems,
we suggest a minimum alternator power of 100A. [ Back
to top ]
»
Can the systems be run from solar panels?
Yes. If your solar system charges a 24V battery rig, then the Technomad
Military PA can be driven from the batteries (just as in a vehicle mounted system).
Note that the length of time the system will operate is determined by
the amp-hour capacity of the battery rig, the recharge rate provided by the
solar panesl, and by the type of audio the PA system is reproducing. Technomad
Military PA systems require at least 65A of 24V current to drive them at full
power with full-range audio. If you are playing audio without heavy bass
content (i.e. speech, sirens) then the battery draw will be much less than 65A.
Technomad Sales can help you design
a solar power system to drive a Technomad PA. [ Back to top
]
»
Does Technomad offer WIRELESS controlled PA systems?
Yes. Technomad offers optional wireless link kits which allow you to send audio
from any audio source to one (or many) receivers - while preserving CD quality
sound. The link kits are commonly used to relay audio from one "master"
turnkey PA system to remote PA systems. Technomad
Sales can help you design your wireless application. The system
employs a proprietary digital audio encoding system with powerful error correction.
The result is VASTLY better audio than typical analog military audio systems,
especially narrowband systems. CD-quality sound is preserved throughout the
wireless link. The system is available in an encrypted version if needed. Advantages
of the digital wireless link over typical UHF military radios include: better
speech clarity, excellent music playback quality, and excellent PSYOPS / sound
effects playback quality. [ Back to top ]
»
What frequencies and certifications apply to Technomad wireless Link Kits?
In general, Technomad Wireless Link kits can be used around the globe without
conflict with other military communications systems or local regulations. FCC identifiers for Technomad wireless link kits are NCBSL9000, NCBSL9101, and NCBSL9102.
The typical radiated power from the wireless systems is 200 mW @ 2.4 GHz. It is spread-spectrum, digital, and frequency-hopping. The system uses the "WiFi" band (used world-wide without license requirements), but employs a proprietary digital encoding method with powerful error-correction. [ Back to top ]
»
Is any programming required when setting up a Technomad wireless system?
No! Technomad systems are designed to require zero programming
or other technical setup in the field. The transmittters and receivers automatically
locate and link to each other, and no programming is required. This is a critical
requirement for deployed base PA systems - the simplicity of the Technomad wireless
systems mean that systems can be setup quickly and reliably under dangerous
or stressful conditions. Technomad's 'no-setup' approach is much better than
that of other systems, that require complex programming in the field to use.
Note also that the wireless link kits do not require a computer to operate. [ Back to top ]
»
How does the sound quality of Technomad's wireless digital links compare to
typical narrowband radios?
MUCH better. Because many military audio systems only deviate by 2K to 5K from
their carrier frequency, their audio bandwidth is very limited. This impacts
speech clarity, destroys music quality, and renders the system useless for PSYOPS
/ sound effects / etc. In contrast, Technomad's wireless systems provide CD-quality
digitial audio even at very long range.[ Back to top ]
»
Can I address "zones" using the Technomad wireless system?
Yes. Because Technomad's wireless systems are designed to be robust and require
zero programming to use, we do not employ a computer-based "zone-control"
system. The operator can select any zone that needs to be addressed (or "all
zones") right at the Technomad control rack. The wireless receivers are
pre-set to zones, and reproduce audio locally only when their zone is addressed
or when "all zones" is selected. NOTE: the Technomad
system also allows two transmitters to address one receiver - for example, if
two guard posts need to send warnings to a central PA.[ Back to top ]
»
Does Technomad offer wireless microphone systems? At what frequencies do they
operate?
Yes, Technomad offers extremely high-quality wireless microphones, with either
hand-held, headset, or lapel microphone elements. All microphone systems operate
in the 710.2 MHz to 745.6 MHz range. Typical operating range is up to 100 meters.[ Back to top ]
»
Are there Ethernet neworked / controlled systems?
Yes. Technomad offers optional Ethernet link kits which allow you to send
audio from any audio source to one (or many) receivers - while preserving CD
quality sound. The link kits are commonly used to relay audio from one
"master" PA system to remote PA systems. Technomad
Sales can help you design your network application. The result is VASTLY better
audio than typical wireless military audio systems, especially narrowband UHF / VHF systems.
Advantages of the digital Technomad Ethernet Link Kits include: better speech clarity, excellent
music playback quality, and excellent PSYOPS / sound effects playback quality.[ Back to top ]
»Are the Etherenet / Wireless Link Kits secure? What technology do you use?
Technomad Link Kits (wireless and Ethernet) are robust systems with embedded microprocessors. Here are some background notes regarding the technology we employ.
Devices are password-protected to limit unauthorized access to configuration pages. Network operator typically imposes MAC-address security in addition (i.e. only allowing Technomad devices to 'speak' on Port 80 and UDP 3030 to authorized MAC-address devices). [ back to top ]
»
Can Technomad Military PA systems be used for shipboard / marine applications?
YES - our systems are ideal for use on ships. The speakers are resistant
to salt fog and corrosion, and provide clear speech and music for "standoff"
warnings to small craft up to 1 mile away. The Military PA control rack should
be operated in a dry location, but the loudspeakers can be permanently installed
on-deck. The provided protective lids should be attached during extreme weather
/ hurricanes, etc. [ More info
on shipboard applications
] [ back to top ]
»
Why should I used Technomad Military PA systems instead of a "horn"
system?
Horn systems degrade speech and destroy music quality. Technomad systems
provide unmatched speech intelligibility, can play warning tones AND play music
with outstanding quality. Technomad Military PA systems cover multiple uses:
warning/siren playback, voice paging, and music playback, and do it all vastly
better than a horn system or a "music store" PA system. [ Back
to top ]
»
How is the sound quality? Can I play music through a Technomad Military PA?
Technomad Military PA systems equal the music playback quality of the finest
commercial PA systems. They deliver "no-compromises" music quality,
with deep bass and clear, detailed highs. Speech, singing voice, and amplified
instruments all sound great when reproduced by a Technomad military PA system.
Warning tones, local-language announcements, sirens, and other sounds
are faithfully reproduced by Technomad military PA systems. This is essential
for clear communications, for deception / Psyops use, and for music playback.[
Back to top ]
»
Can I hook up my existing audio equipment to a Technomad Military PA?
YES. Unlike other military audio products, Technomad systems are "open"-
we provide mixers with standard XLR, 1/4", and RCA connectors, allowing
you to plug virtually any audio playback device or signal source into the PA
system. [ Back to top ]
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA system on a
vehicle?
YES. [ Example ] Any "DC"-version
Technomad Military PA system can operate off of 24V vehicle power (AND off of
standard US AC power). IMPORTANT: your vehicle must have a 100A alternator.
Note that Technomad does not provide specific mounting hardware
to attach loudspeakers to a vehicle. However, all Technomad loudspeakers
include many strong, molded-in threaded inserts which can be used to bolt the
loudspeaker to a support frame or other hardware. [ Back
to top ]
»
I need to record custom announcements, music, warning tones, and sound effects,
and play them back. How can I do this?
There are two methods by which you can accompish this. First off, if you have
the capability to burn CDs you can record your custom messages, warning tones,
etc. onto a CD and play them using the CD Player included in all Technomad Turnkey
Military PA Systems and Audio Source Packs.
If you need an even more rugged / simple solution, you can purchase the optional
Technomad Flash-RAM player-recorder. Technomad Flash-RAM device (part number
472-tno-873) is a user-programmable, no-moving-parts digital
audio player. It can hold up to 250 recordings (i.e. sirens, speech, music,
local-language warnings and announcements), which can be selected and instantly
played back. The user can record any audio desired into the flash-RAM player.
The audio is recorded into PC-card memory chips, via standard audio inputs (RCA)
on the back of the device. Note that since the Technomad turnkey PA systems
and Audio Source Packs ship with a CD player and a handheld microphone,
the user has everything needed to program their own sounds
at will. Audio playback from the unit is simple to control - the user selects
the sound location desired, then hits "play" using front panel switches.
Playback can also be triggered via a remote switch using screw terminals on
the back of the device.[ Back to top ]
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA permanently
on a building?
YES. Technomad offers optional wall-mount brackets, which allow you
to bolt a loudspeaker directly to a wall, pole or other strong stable structure.
Note that exact interface details must be solved by the installer in the field.
[ Back to top ]
»
Can I palletize a Technomad Military PA system?
YES. A MilPA4 system (the largest Technomad Military PA, with a 1
mile radius range) takes up only 25% of a standard Air Force AF 463L pallet.
Details: The usable area is of the pallet is 84" x 104". Standard
load height limit is 96"
The MilPA4 PA, stacked in its integral flight cases was 72" high and took
up less than 1/4 of the pallet surface area. [ Back to top
]
»
How heavy is a Technomad Military PA? Can one person move it?
Technomad Military PA systems can broken down and moved in compact (1-2
person lift) elements. No part of the system weighs more than 100 lb (45 Kg).
The total weight of the systems ranges from @ 200 lbs (MilPA1)to @ 600 lbs
(MilPA4DC). [ Back to top ]
»
What kind of operating range can I expect from the Technomad Military PA systems?
Under optimal conditions (still air, no obstacles), the MilPA1 and MilPA3
system have a range of 1/2 mile (delivering 57.5 dB). Under optimal conditions
(still air, no obstacles), the MilPA2 and MilPA4 system have a range of 1 mile
(delivering 57.5 dB). [ back to top ]
»
Are Technomad Military PA systems expandable? Can I add more speakers to a basic
system later?
YES. You can add like-type loudspeakers to any Technomad military PA system
to bring the total quantity up to 6 loudspeakers (DC systems up to a maximum
of 4). To add speakers to the MilPA1 or MilPA3, use the "Pismo Expansion
Kit" (product# 472-tno-727), consisting of 2 Pismo Loudspeakers and 2 loudspeaker cables. To add speakers
to the MilPA3 or MilPA4, use the "Omaha Expansion Kit" (product#
472-tno-728), consisting of Omaha Loudspeakers and 2 loudspeaker cables. [ back
to top ]
»
I want to cover a LARGE area ( i.e. an entire base ). How can I do this?
It is simple to "link" several Technomad Military PA systems with
optional microwave wireless Link Kits or fiber-optic Link Kits. In a linked
system a central command area can broadcast warning messages, siren tones, and
music to ALL the PA systems on-base. However, each individual Military PA system
can continue to be used for local-area paging and music also. This is very useful
if you have a number of functional areas (housing, weapons depot, firing range,
etc.) which each require a local PA system AND need to all reproduce messages
from a command area. Click here
to download a PDF showing a base-wide PA system example (page 3). Technomad Sales
can help
you determine how many Military PA systems and link modules you'll need for
your large-area system. Also, remember that just one omni-directional
Technomad PA - like the MilPA3 or the MilPA4 - can cover a small base by itself.
See an example of a recent
installation in Afghanistan [ Back to top ]
»
What special training or knowledge do I need to have to setup and use a Technomad
Military PA system?
Technomad Military PA systems are designed to be simple to setup and use, and
come with detailed, step-by-step instructions. [ See
a video of a MilPA1 system being set up ] Most people can have
Technomad Military PA system up and running in @ 15 minutes, even if they have
no prior audio experience. Even Technomad's wireless systems are simple to use,
and require no field programming or custom setup. [ Back
to top ]
»
Can I use Technomad Military PA Systems for Force Protection / Mass Notification?
Yes! Technomad military PA systems offer significant advantages over traditional
force protection / mass notification PA systems, such as those that use "horn"
loudspeakers. Advantages include: better speech intelligibility, multi-mode
use (sirens / speech), quick setup in tactical environments. Contact Technomad
for more details, and/or visit
this page. [ back to top ]
»
I am considering upgrading my Whelen PA system. What advantages does
Technomad offer vs. Whelen?
Technomad Military PA Systems offer a number of advantages over Whelen's
military audio products. Some include: lower system cost, much better speech
clarity, much better music quality, easier setup, no-programming deployment
of wireless systems, lighter weight, self-casing design, smaller total volume
when palletized, digital audio links with CD-quality, no delay in playing audio
from multiple sources, and much more. Visit
this page for a comparison between a Whelen and a Technomad system. [
back to top ]
»
Where can I download a Military PA specifications sheet in PDF format?
Click Here
to
download the Military PA PDF features sheet. [ back to top
]
»
I need more information / I need a quotation.
Please Click Here
to fill
out our on-line information request form. We'll get back to you quickly (really).
[ back to top ]
»
I want to order NOW on GSA
Technomad systems are available on GSA schedule, and on the government on-line
purchasing system GSA Advantage. Please click
here to read how to login to GSA Advantage and order. You can
also order on GSA in the usual off-line ways - click
here for details. [ back to top ]
»MilSpec 810F Summary PDF
» Critical Features Summary PDF
» Audio Performance Summary PDF