Description and Features

system diagram - click to enlarge

Wireless intercom system certified Intrinsically Safe by Factory Mutual to Class 1, Division 1, Groups C and D. The only wireless intercom system certified to this level currently available. Suitable for use in the most dangerous environments, it is rugged, reliable and completely safe. Field proven in hundreds of extremely demanding industrial, government and military applications, the system has a well-established record of performance, durability and dependability.

C-AT's "IS" system is available with two to eight RF channels, supporting up to eight users in the "hands free" full duplex mode. All users hear what the other users are saying at all times, and they also hear their own voice as retransmitted by the system repeater, verifying that their transmission is getting through. The repeater also includes interfaces to external systems, including most types of wired intercom systems, telephone systems, cell phones, two-way radios and a wide variety of other devices and systems.

True full duplex operation is provided for all users, allowing multiple users to speak at the same time if necessary. No VOX (voice operated switch) is used, making the system suitable for use in very high noise environments. A push-to-talk (PTT) mode is also available, allowing a group of users to share one RF channel. In this case, users must wait for their channel to clear before transmitting. A combination of full duplex and PTT channels is supported.

Portable units can operate from alkaline 9-volt batteries or a rechargeable NiCad rechargeable battery pack. The repeater may be powered from AC or DC, and an optional standby battery pack. Table top and rack-mounting versions of the repeater are offered, as are portable versions in various types of transit cases.

Portable units supplied in ballistic nylon belts that can be worn around the waist or across the shoulder and inside protective suits. Typical weight with alkaline batteries is 16 oz. Other configurations are available.

Portable units specifically designed to operate inside protective suits when required, including MOPP 4. Full duplex operation makes it unnecessary for suited users to fumble with controls.

A wide variety of intrinsically safe headsets are available, including hearing protection and lightweight versions. Noise canceling microphones are standard. High performance, high intelligibility throat microphone headsets are also offered.

Portables have low current drain; typical battery life ranges from 8 to 16 hours depending upon cell type and headset drive levels.

Tone coded squelch is provided for the portable to repeater links to prevent system noise due to low level RF interference.

Portable transmitters have accurately controlled power output to ensure safe operation. Separate receive and transmit antennas are used for the portables for optimum efficiency and application flexibility.

Repeaters support two to eight RF channels in a modular fashion. An internal filtered and amplified RF splitter is used to allow operation from a single receiving antenna. Remote mount antennas are fully supported.

A compatible front panel headset interface with volume control is provided to allow system access from the repeater unit. Front panel status indicators and channel control switches are also included. However, the repeaters are normally operated unattended.

Available repeater communications interfaces include "TW" intercoms (ClearCom, RTS and others), "four-wire" intercoms, repeater-to-repeater linking, two-way radio with PTT, transformer coupled balanced audio, unbalanced audio, cell phone and acoustic coupler.

Communication interface functionality is internally programmable. Other interface options are available on special order.

The repeater may be powered from +11 to +18 VDC or 100 – 260 VAC in the standard configuration. Optional versions with 20 - 30 VDC input, standby battery backup and long-term battery operation are available.

Portable repeaters may be housed in waterproof transit cases, operation in the fully waterproof mode is easily achieved (battery or DC operation only).

Typical Applications:

* Facilities with dust or vapor explosive atmospheres

* Weapons, explosives and propulsion testing facilities

* Aircraft or vehicle refueling operations

* Oil well drilling, oil and gas terminals, refineries, petrochemical plants

* Nuclear facilities, chemical plants, chemical disposal operations

* HAZMAT teams, CBRN inspection teams

* Any operation where personnel safety requires use of contain suits

* Bomb disposal teams, EOD teams

C-AT systems are easily fitted to work with other products without impeding the performance of them.