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| Image by Rebecca Rozenstraten |
Please go there and read this.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Happy Birthday Lady Liberty: A Tribute to Torches and Tablets (AKA Flashlights)
Please go there and read this.
Monday, October 17, 2011
UM Solar, WSC day two of the race
The guys (and gal) from UM Solar are in the outback.
Over 30 teams will compete in The Veolia World Solar Challenge, which begins on October 16th in Darwin.
The teams will race 1800 miles through the Australian Outback. Throughout the race the teams will be entirely self-sufficient and will camp in the outback during the four days of the race.
If the University of Michigan Solar Car Team wins this race, they will be the first American Student Team to win the World Solar Challenge.
Every project it takes about $1.2 million to run the Solar Car Team.
You can see by the vid that the Nomads are coming in handy for them!
Will keep you updated
Over 30 teams will compete in The Veolia World Solar Challenge, which begins on October 16th in Darwin.
The teams will race 1800 miles through the Australian Outback. Throughout the race the teams will be entirely self-sufficient and will camp in the outback during the four days of the race.
If the University of Michigan Solar Car Team wins this race, they will be the first American Student Team to win the World Solar Challenge.
Every project it takes about $1.2 million to run the Solar Car Team.
You can see by the vid that the Nomads are coming in handy for them!
Will keep you updated
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Gear Test: FoxFury Discover Series Fire Helmet Light
FoxFury’s powerful Discover Series Fire Helmet Light boasts accuracy & centered weight
By Raul A. Angulo
Published Saturday, October 1, 2011
| From the October 2011 Issue of FireRescue
Firefighters and kids have one major thing in common: We love toys!
One “toy” we both enjoy are flashlights. The latest flashlight on the
market for fire and rescue personnel is FoxFury’s Discover Series Helmet
Light, and it’s very cool!
The FoxFury Discover Series Fire
Helmet Light (model 480-006), which is specifically designed for
firefighters, is a sleek, streamlined, low-profile, horizontal light
strip that mounts to the brim of your fire helmet and is housed in
tough, aircraft-grade aluminum. The three white LED lights contained on
the strip provide 100 lumens/1,256 candle power of panoramic
illumination. The resulting beam of light fans out, giving you a
180-degree peripheral view of your surroundings—and that’s the first and
most impressive feature you’ll notice about this light. There are
numerous lights on the market with a bright, focused beam that can cut
through smoke and zero in on a target, but they lack the ability to
sufficiently illuminate your periphery. The FoxFury Discover light has
combined both beam reach (up to 150 feet) and peripheral illumination
(up to 60 feet) capabilities, making it one of the most powerful
headlamps on the market for interior firefighting, rapid intervention
and close-quarter rescue operations.
Why is the combination of
distance and periphery illumination an important feature for
firefighters? Because fire loads have changed. With more plastics and
synthetics found in household items, the smoke they produce is thicker,
blacker and more toxic. Thus, surrounding objects (including occupants)
can be obscured by much darker—and more dangerous—smoke. Illuminated
peripheral vision helps you perform a search faster and more
efficiently, while also helping you maintain your sense of direction and
your sense of the immediate surroundings.
Distance illumination
capability that cuts through smoke speaks for itself. Any tool that
helps you accomplish search and rescue and gets you in and out of an
immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environment faster is
something worth considering.
Traditionally, flashlights have been
mounted on the side of fire helmets because the helmet shield, a source
of company identification and unit pride, is mounted on the front. For
years, the old, reliable Garrity flashlight was all that was available.
Smaller, side-mounted flashlights came along with improved illumination
technology, but their beam is usually off center, and the extra weight
they place on one side of the helmet causes the helmet to tilt toward
the weighted side, which can be very annoying.
Not so with the
Discover Helmet Light. A 1-inch-wide silicone strap firmly holds the
light at the bottom of the helmet shield and above the front brim of the
helmet. And the battery pack is centered at the rear of the helmet bill
so it’s perfectly balanced. As I tilt my head up or down, the light
shines directly on the object in my line of vision. It just takes a
slight turn of the head to the left or right to gain a 180-degree
peripheral perspective of my surroundings.
At first, I thought
the battery pack, which uses four AA batteries, was a little too large
and heavy for the unit. Smaller lithium battery-powered units are
available on specialized models, but they tend to make the light
cost-prohibitive for fire department and individual budgets. FoxFury
gave up weight reduction in exchange for a more economical power
source—but saving a few extra bucks definitely comes in handy nowadays.
The entire unit weighs 9.4 oz., but after wearing it for a while, I
didn’t even realize it was there. The battery pack also fits inside my
goggles, which are strapped to the rear bill of my helmet, so that’s a
plus.
Another consideration is the on/off power button. This “tap
switch” is located to the side of the LED lights on the horizontal
light strip, but it takes some practice to activate the light quickly
while wearing the helmet, because it’s difficult to feel with gloves on.
To get to it, I run my finger down the edge of my helmet shield. It’s
also a little bit difficult to switch between the two operational modes
during the heat of battle, with gloves on. The first tap turns the light
on low, which is at 45% power. A second tap turns the light on to high
at 100% power. I give it two quick taps before I put my gloves on and
that seems to work pretty well. The great thing is that the light can’t
be accidentally bumped, switched off or get caught on anything.
Finally,
it’s important to note that this is an extremely powerful light, which
is ideal for working in dark, smoke-filled conditions; however, because
this headlamp is worn right above the brim of the helmet, it’s also at
eye level. This works well when everyone is facing forward, advancing a
hoseline, but if you turn around for face-to-face communication with
someone, the light may strike them directly in their eyes. The remedy is
simple: Remember that you’re wearing one of the brightest lights on the
market for close-quarters work, and when you’re having a face-to-face
with someone, tilt the helmet or your head back slightly so that the
beam isn’t shining directly into their eyes. This is especially
important if you’re on a truck company performing rooftop ventilation at
night. Another simple remedy is to raise a free hand up to your helmet
shield to cover the light beam.
Other features include a red,
rear-flashing, LED safety light on the back of the battery pack that
activates as soon as the light is turned on, and it stays on in either
low or high mode. The light is waterproof up to 10 feet, and impact- and
fire-resistant; it’s been tested to withstand 500 degrees F (260
degrees C) for 30 minutes. You can expect about seven hours of
illumination on high mode and 12 hours on low mode.
I’ve used the
Discover Helmet Light on numerous training evolutions and elevator
rescues, and I have to say this light is a noticeable improvement over
others I’ve had in the past. I also spent a six-hour day lighting fires
and supervising recruits in a burn building. By the end of the day, my
helmet shield was noticeably warped and slightly melted, but the FoxFury
light looked pretty darn good. The silicone strap withstood all the
heat of the day, the lens was still clear (not bubbled) and the aluminum
housing unit was barely tarnished. Everything on the light cleaned up
with soap and water and looked just like new.
The unit retails
for $114.99, and ships with a two-year warranty. And I don’t know about
you, but catastrophic incidents, such as the World Trade Center attacks
and the recent earthquakes in Japan, have helped me realize more than
ever before that I can’t put a price on my personal safety and survival,
or those of my crewmembers.
FoxFury’s Discover Series Fire Helmet Light
Pros
+ Brightness and balance
+ Durability
+ Illuminates periphery and objects in direct line of vision
+ Economical power source
+ Easy to clean
Cons
- Difficult to feel on/off switch with gloved hands
- Brightness can be intense if not prepared for it
- Cost
FoxFury Lighting Solutions
2091 Elevado Hills Dr.
Vista, CA 92084
Tel: 760/945-4231
www.foxfury.com
FoxFury to Showcase Defense and Security Lighting Tools at Milipol Paris 2011
FoxFury Lighting Solutions, designer and manufacturer of professional portable LED lighting, will be demonstrating its LED lighting tools at Milipol Paris 2011. The event runs October 18-21 in Paris, France at the Paris Porte de Versailles Pavillion 1. The Nomad 3600 Area-Spot light, Rook CheckMate and MD1 LED flashlights and Discover Shield light will be among the lights on display in the FoxFury booth (Stand 2A 075).
Vista, CA (PRWEB) October 12, 2011
FoxFury Lighting Solutions, designer and manufacturer of professional portable LED lighting, will be demonstrating its LED lighting tools at Milipol Paris 2011. The event runs October 18-21 in Paris, France at the Paris Porte de Versailles Pavillion 1. The Nomad 3600 Area-Spot light, Rook CheckMate and MD1 LED flashlights and Discover Shield light will be among the lights on display in the FoxFury booth (Stand 2A 075 in the U.S. International Pavillion). FoxFury last exhibited in Milipol in 2009 when the company primarily made LED headlamps and helmet lights. FoxFury has since expanded its range of portable lighting solutions to include compact LED flashlights, sleeker LED headlamps and a rechargeable quick deployment combination LED area light and spotlight. Many of these portable LED lights were developed specifically for police along with civil and military security.
"FoxFury is excited to return to Paris and to Milipol. Most of our innovation has focused on targeted lighting solutions to assist hard working first responders around the world. Our lighting tools make it safer and easier for homeland security and internal state security to do their work and defend their region and country," said Mario Cugini, CEO of FoxFury.
About Milipol:
Milipol Paris has established itself as the most important exhibition in Europe in the Security and Law Enforcement market, and it has enjoyed a steady increase in both exhibitors and visitors for each edition. The show is held under the aegis of the French Ministry of Interior (Homeland Security Department) and features a full range of Homeland Security products.
Vista, CA (PRWEB) October 12, 2011
FoxFury Lighting Solutions, designer and manufacturer of professional portable LED lighting, will be demonstrating its LED lighting tools at Milipol Paris 2011. The event runs October 18-21 in Paris, France at the Paris Porte de Versailles Pavillion 1. The Nomad 3600 Area-Spot light, Rook CheckMate and MD1 LED flashlights and Discover Shield light will be among the lights on display in the FoxFury booth (Stand 2A 075 in the U.S. International Pavillion). FoxFury last exhibited in Milipol in 2009 when the company primarily made LED headlamps and helmet lights. FoxFury has since expanded its range of portable lighting solutions to include compact LED flashlights, sleeker LED headlamps and a rechargeable quick deployment combination LED area light and spotlight. Many of these portable LED lights were developed specifically for police along with civil and military security.
"FoxFury is excited to return to Paris and to Milipol. Most of our innovation has focused on targeted lighting solutions to assist hard working first responders around the world. Our lighting tools make it safer and easier for homeland security and internal state security to do their work and defend their region and country," said Mario Cugini, CEO of FoxFury.
About Milipol:
Milipol Paris has established itself as the most important exhibition in Europe in the Security and Law Enforcement market, and it has enjoyed a steady increase in both exhibitors and visitors for each edition. The show is held under the aegis of the French Ministry of Interior (Homeland Security Department) and features a full range of Homeland Security products.
FoxFury to Illuminate UMsolar in Australian Outback during 2011 Word Solar Challenge
FoxFury Lighting Solutions, the official lighting partner of the University of Michigan Solar Car team (UMsolar), will illuminate UMsolar's race crew and Quantum solar car
in the Australian Outback during the 2011 World Solar Challenge. This
grueling 1,800 mile four-day biennial race across the desert begins
Sunday October 16 in Darwin. Proper lighting will be vital in keeping
UMsolar's race crew safe and Quantum well maintained.
"The
Outback is very dangerous given the extreme temperature swings, lack of
communication, infrastructure, and water. Top that off with not having
adequate lighting, and it is easy to find yourself in trouble very quickly," said Rachel Kramer, UMsolar Team Lead.
UMsolar
performed a mock race earlier this month in the Outback and benefited
from FoxFury's portable LED lighting. The race crew utilized FoxFury's wide angle LED headlamps, compact LED flashlights and portable rechargeable LED area lights to perform maintenance on Quantum.
"During
our 3000 km drive across the Outback, many times we used the FoxFury
equipment to flag in our vehicles to the proper camp sight," said Ethan
Lardner, UMsolar Global Operations Director.
UMsolar
will be competing against 36 teams. All teams are required to be
self-sufficient and must set up camp at night in order to inspect and
maintain their vehicles. FoxFury's lights will help increase UMsolar's
efficiency and enable them to quickly and safely set up camp in the
dark.
UMsolar
Strategist, AJ Trublowski states, "I could see the strobe feature of
the FoxFury Rook flashlight several minutes before I was even in radio
range!"
If
UMsolar wins this race, they will be the first American Student Team to
win the World Solar Challenge. Be sure to visit the UMsolar website for
updates before and during the race.
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About UMsolar:
UMsolar is an entirely student-run organization that designs and builds solar electric vehicles. The team races both nationally and internationally. Since its establishment in 1990, the team has built 10 vehicles, won the American Solar Challenge six times, and placed third in the World Solar Challenge four times. The team is recognized as the most successful team in North America.
UMsolar is an entirely student-run organization that designs and builds solar electric vehicles. The team races both nationally and internationally. Since its establishment in 1990, the team has built 10 vehicles, won the American Solar Challenge six times, and placed third in the World Solar Challenge four times. The team is recognized as the most successful team in North America.
Friday, October 7, 2011
A Day at The Gun Range, FoxFury style
On my recent trip back to the home office in Vista, Ca, I got a rare treat.
I got to shoot a handgun in California!
Now us peoples here on the right coast seem to think that all of Cali is a gun hating, liberal mess,
I found out ( much to my pleasure) that is far from the truth.
A short drive from my hotel brought us to Iron Sights indoor range.
This turned out to be a great faculty with a helpful and knowledgeable staff of individuals.
Two of our group had not shot a firearm before, before we left they were cranking rounds downrange like seasoned pro's.
We got to test out some of our pistol lights, showed off our new Checkmate and had a heck of a good time.
Check out some of the pic's of our evening of loud noises, gunsmoke and for some, learning a new skill.
I got to shoot a handgun in California!
Now us peoples here on the right coast seem to think that all of Cali is a gun hating, liberal mess,
I found out ( much to my pleasure) that is far from the truth.
A short drive from my hotel brought us to Iron Sights indoor range.
This turned out to be a great faculty with a helpful and knowledgeable staff of individuals.
Two of our group had not shot a firearm before, before we left they were cranking rounds downrange like seasoned pro's.
We got to test out some of our pistol lights, showed off our new Checkmate and had a heck of a good time.
Check out some of the pic's of our evening of loud noises, gunsmoke and for some, learning a new skill.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Miramar Air Show 2011
2011
is the 100th anniversary of naval aviation. This past weekend Antonio
got a chance to take in a San Diego tradition, the Miramar Air Show.
This year's show was titled "A Salute to San Diego: Birthplace of Naval
Aviation" and attracted over 700k people over 3 days.
The
Miramar Air Show takes place at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station)
Miramar...the same place where the movie Top Gun was filmed. MCAS
Miramar is filled with many of America's finest soldiers from the
various branches of the military and they proudly show many of the
planes and vehicles in the military's arsenal. Visitors get the chance
to go inside the cockpit and cargo hold of
many of the planes and get to ask the pilots and mechanics seemingly as
many questions as they want. For example, Antonio inquired about the
lighting used by military pilots when they're flying and he learned some
new information.
An
incredible number and variety of planes and vehicles are on display on
the two miles of humongous tarmac. In the air, visitors get a chance to see
performances by a wide variety of historic and newer planes. The U.S.
Navy Blue Angels, the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and the Army Golden
Knights Parachute Team are among the performers.
MCAS Miramar is a tremendous facility and the Miramar Air Show is a great opportunity for civilians and soldiers to interact.
Saturday
night's show concludes with the "Wall of Fire" that the MCAS Miramar
EOD team puts on. If you've never seen or heard of it before, be sure to
check it out
Hope you enjoy the pics from the event.
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