3M™ PELTOR™ - Tactical Modular Audio System (TMAS)
TMAS has been purpose-designed to protect the hearing of operators, while simultaneously enabling them to effectively communicate in dynamic and noisy environments.
The modular audio system consists of:
- System Control Unit (SCU-300) + Remote Control Unit (RCU-300)
- Comtac VII headset
- Tactical Earplug, TEP-300
The modular audio system mainly focuses on wireless communication, increasing the operator’s mobility.
Alongside the basic control unit, the set also includes a remote version, which is fitted onto the weapon rail. This allows operators to send messages and adjust the volume without taking their hand off the weapon in combat support operations.
Compared to the previous version, the visual design, the system integration and the auditory situational awareness of the headset and earplugs have all been improved.
3M™ PELTOR™ System Control Unit - SCU-300
The Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) technology enables wireless connection between the System Control Unit and the tactical earplugs (TEP-300) or the ComTac™ VII headset. This technology draws on a lower power, non-radiating magnetic field between devices at a distance of up to around 50 cm. As the distance increases, the signal strength greatly diminishes, which results in more privacy and reduced interference compared to traditional wireless technologies. So the NFMI allows you to wirelessly communicate and connect with the earplugs and the headset, even if the system has a cable port.
The SCU also has an extra Remote Control Unit, RCU-300, which can be mounted onto the weapon rail for easy operation. In addition, the SCU is also able to connect to multiple radios and channels via three COM ports, giving the user the option of choosing between three pre-set sound profiles: Mix, Surround and Single.
3M™ PELTOR™ ComTac™ VII Headset
The new headsets are able to adjust the sound settings to different situations by means of the Mission Audio Profiles (MAP). Unlike traditional headsets, which have a set frequency response and can only adjust the volume, the MAP feature offers advanced environment listening modes. These modes give access to various amplification settings and frequency shaping to enhance the auditory performance in five specific circumstances that are pertinent to combat and combat support operations:
- Mission Audio Profile 1: Observation
- Mission Audio Profile 2: Patrol
- Mission Audio Profile 3: Conversation
- Mission Audio Profile 4: Comfort
- Mission Audio Profile 5: Silent
Moreover, Natural Interaction Behavior (NIB) enables wireless communication between headsets within a transmission range of approximately 10 metres from the loudspeaker. There is no limit to the number of persons within this transmission range that are able to receive the transmission. However, there can be no more than 4 users within a 150 metre range who are able to simultaneously communicate over one of the four channels. When all channels are being used, the fifth person who attempts to communicate will hear a beeping sound so they know their message has not been sent.
3M™ PELTOR™ Tactical EarPlug, TEP-300
The modular audio system also offers double hearing protection if necessary. The earplugs may be worn along with the ComTac™ VII headset. In double protection mode, incoming audio is diverted to the TEP-300 instead of the headset. The earplugs are fitted with an in-ear speech microphone that captures sound waves whilst speaking, enabling users to communicate this way. In doing so, the system not only provides double hearing protection, but also ensures clearer communications.
Various configuration options
The modular design offers the option of choosing between various configurations. For one thing, the system has multiple configuration options for different protection levels and radio scenarios.
In addition, it also allows for several radio configurations. The most widely used configurations are shown below.
