Atlantic Signal Dominator II User manual

Brand: Atlantic Signal

Model: Dominator II

Type: User manual

DOMINATOR II

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

THE DOMINATOR II COMMS SUITE

The DOMINATOR II was developed with a U.S. Naval Special Warfare team in an effort to overcome issues they were having with other

communication systems on the market. Prior to the DOMINATOR project, most of the comms systems available forced the operator

to have something in, on or over one or both ears to communicate. Many of the systems required earpieces to be worn in both ears to

both RX and TX. Furthermore, most of those same systems required the use of batteries inside the push-to-talk coupled with software

that required periodic updating via connection to a PC. Other systems required ear cups to be positioned and worn over both ears for

radio RX. Our client complained about issues with these various designs including ear fatigue, sweat lling the ear canals, less than

clear transmitted comms by systems using an in-the-ear microphone for TX and dissatisfaction with the quality of amplied ambient

environment (situational and directional awareness) as compared to SA and DA from natural hearing. The DOMINATOR development

project began in May of 2009 and satisfactory completion was not realized until December of 2012 - a project that required nearly 3.5

years of development, design/re-design and test and evaluation in both the U.S. and in theatre.

The DOMINATOR II combines a waterproof/noise canceling boom microphone for TX while utilizing both bone conductors and

electronic earpieces for radio RX. The bone conductors and electronic earpieces work independently of one another as well as in

concert when operational requirements call for the implementation of hearing protection. The electronic earpieces are capable of

performing three functions: a. Radio/ICS/Smartphone/MP3 Reception b. Electronic Hearing Protection c. User Controlled Ambient

Environment Amplication. When hearing protection is not required, the earpieces can be removed from the ears and stowed out of the

way via a magnet assembly on each earpiece cable. Radio RX is maintained without the use of the electronic earpieces via twin bone

conductors integrated into the headset. Radio transmissions are received via the facial bones directly in front of each ear and passed

via bone conduction to each inner ear canal. The DOMINATOR II is available in both single and dual comm radio models and features

a broad mix of mission-specic accessory cables as well as connectors for the most elded military radio platforms. A wireless, gun

mount remote push-to-talk control is also available.

The DOMINATOR II met the requirements of the U.S. NSW client, including a simple to use plug and play design, the ability to engage

and disengage hearing protection at will, little or no maintenance, no main push-to-talk batteries or software upgrades as well as not

having something in, on or over the ears at all times to maintain RX and TX capabilities. A team-wide purchase was made in early

2013.

PROPERLY FITTING THE

DOMINATOR II HEADSET TO YOUR HEAD

Undo the adjustable rear Velcro strap and position the stainless steel DOM II frame over the top of your head. Grab ahold and

position the two individual sidepiece housings (containing the bone conductors and earpieces) of the headset directly in front

of each ear. Release the sidepiece housings, if your headset frame is the proper size (S-XL) the sidepiece housings should

remain in place directly in front of your ears lying across the cheek bones (think of each sidepiece as a ‘sideburn’). If the

sidepiece housings slide downward after you release them and are no longer positioned on the cheek bone, in front of the ears,

your frame length is too long. Likewise, if you position the headset on your head and the sidepiece housings orient themselves

above the cheek bones when released - your frame length is too short. As mentioned earlier, the DOM II is available in 4 frame

lengths (S-XL) - it is crucial that you have the proper size frame in order to take full advantage of the unique capabilities of bone

conduction reception. Look closely on the inside portion of the headset that lies against your face -- you will see a laser etched

letter (S-XL) that will denote the size of headset you have.

DOMINATOR II BONE CONDUCTION

AND EARPIECE RX

As shown in the pictures and previously described, the bone conductors should be positioned directly in front of each ear

for proper radio RX. With the earpieces positioned properly - the attached, black concha bow should be bent forward as the

earpiece is inserted into the ear canal. The patented concha bow acts as a stabilizer, holding the earpiece rmly in the proper

position to ensure clear and consistent reception of incoming comms as well as maintaining a proper seal to protect the user’s

hearing. As a reminder, the bone conductors ONLY receive incoming radio comms. The electronic earpieces receive radio

comms PLUS smartphone, MP3 and ICS comms - also providing ambient amplication and level dependent electronic hearing

protection.

The DOMINATOR II nylon head strap separates for adjustment. One end of each strap features a steel snap designed to

encircle and lock down on the stainless steel frame of the headset. One of the opposite strap ends features sewn hook Velcro

while the other strap features its sewn loop counterpart. When attached together, the strap provides a stabilizing effect for

the headset to prevent unwanted rearward or forward movement. When properly adjusted, the sidepiece housings of the

DOM II should be directly in front of each ear and directly across each cheek bone. There should be little forward or rearward

movement of the headset once the rear head strap is adjusted properly

Each DOM II electronic earpiece features a framed magnet on the earpiece cable. The magnet frame is held onto the earpiece cable via

two small screws. Sandwiched between the two magnet holder halves is a sleeve of neoprene. The magnet frame is designed to allow

an operator to loosen the two screws, providing the ability to slide the magnet frame up and down on the earpiece cable for personal

positioning for comfort. The neoprene sleeve should be moved into position with the two magnet holder halves. Once the proper magnet

position is determined, retighten each screw, encircling and capturing the neoprene sleeve. Due to overall ear size/shape differences,

you may nd that the magnet’s positioning, when initially provided to you, is not optimum -- the magnet may lay against your lobe

and cause discomfort over time. The release and repositioning ability of the magnet holder design remedies this potential issue. It is

recommended you utilize the thumb, index and middle nger when grasping the earpiece to insert or disengage from the ear. Please

note; each earpiece features a monolament line over the center of the ambient microphone windscreen - this was designed to help

take tension/pressure off the windscreen when grasped. When removing the earpieces from the ears you will nd, with little repetition,

the ease with which you can locate the magnet and steel sidepiece housing - capturing and holding the earpieces out of the way when

not in use.

DOM II BOOM MIC

The DOMINATOR II headset features a waterproof, noise-

canceling boom microphone as the method of voice transmission.

The microphone arm is manufactured from exible brass covered

in a durable neoprene jacket allowing the operator to position the

microphone element, at the end of the boom arm, at the most

advantageous degree for voice transmission. The DOM II boom

microphone features twin elements, one that points away from

the mouth and face when properly positioned and the other that

points directly toward the mouth and face. When a push-to-talk

button is depressed on the control box, the microphone element

pointing away from the mouth/face, picks up the noise in the

operator’s ambient environment and cancels it out - preventing

it from being transmitted to other operators on the same radio

frequency. This allows the voice transmission being picked up by

the element facing the mouth and face to be clear and concise

when transmitted to others. Many systems on the market utilize

an in-the-ear bone microphone for picking up the operator’s

voice and transmitting it to others. Our client believed in-the-ear

transmissions to sometimes be garbled, impacted by sweat in the

ear canal and generally less than reliable - particularly in high

noise environments such as helos. Furthermore, the operators did

not want to have something positioned in the ear(s) the entire time

to maintain radio, phone and ICS comms. A high-quality, noise

canceling boom microphone overcomes those obstacles - thus

one of the main reasons it was utilized in the DOM II’s design.

CHOOSING DOMINATOR II

EARTIP SIZES & STYLES

You likely already have experience with some form of earplug

or earpiece and the DOMINATOR II is no different. You want

the foam or silicone ear tips to t comfortably in the ear canal

yet tight enough to seal the ear canal opening to prevent access

to dangerous sounds. The DOM II features your choice of foam

and silicone ear tips in three different sizes. In terms of noise

protection, when the proper size is worn and properly tted, the

foam models provide 28 NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) while the

silicone provide 23 NRR. We do not recommend one style over the

other -- it is an issue of personal choice for both t and comfort.

Both styles of ear tips are eld replaceable and should certainly be

periodically changed to assure proper function and performance.

DOMINATOR II ADJUSTABLE MAGNET PLATFORM

DOM II ELECTRONIC EARPIECES FOR RX /

HEARING PRO / ENVIRO AMPLIFICATION

The DOM II also features electronic earpieces terminated to each sidepiece housing of the headset. The DOM II earpieces

serve three primary functions: a) radio, smart phone, MP3 and ICS communication reception b) electronic dynamic hearing

protection and c) ambient environmental amplication. Each earpiece, when not worn in the ear canals, is easily stored, via

a magnet assembly, on each earpiece cable that, when positioned near each headset sidepiece, makes magnetic contact

with each headset sidepiece’s steel faceplate surface. This method of storage keeps each earpiece out of the operator’s

way when not worn yet provides ease of access when the earpieces are needed to meet an operational RQT. The hearing

pro element of the DOM II includes the operator’s choice from 3 sizes each of both foam and silicone earpieces in sizes S/M

& L. The earpieces remain stable in the ear via the patented concha bows on each earpiece yet are easily removed by the

operator when the earpieces are not required. Furthermore, the DOM II earpieces were not designed to position deeply in the

ear canals like many other systems, rather are positioned comfortably just inside the canal providing a tested and conrmed

28 NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) in foam and 23 NRR with the silicone alternative. The DOM II features noise-dependent

dynamic hearing protection. This means in a quiet environment the ambient amplication feature does not over-amplify the

environment - rather it provides normal hearing reproduction and allows the operator to adjust the amplication upward or

downward from the body worn control box. In loud environments, the earpieces provide automatic attenuation of dangerous

noise levels, providing protection against both constant and uctuating noise. Furthermore, the earpieces provide protection

against impulse noises. The binaural microphone monitoring the operator’s environment provides excellent localization as

well.

DOM II BONE

CONDUCTORS FOR RX

One of the founding members of Atlantic Signal invented the

world’s rst tactical bone conduction headset back in 1989

and the same bone conductor, with minor variations through

the years, is still manufactured today and is part of the best-

selling line of tactical bone conduction headsets in the world.

The DOM II features a vertical, steel frame (available in sizes

S-XL) with sidepiece housings on each end that contain, among

other components, a bone conductor. When properly positioned,

the bone conductor picks up incoming radio transmissions on

the cheek bone, directly in front of the ears, and transmits them

directly to the inner ear canal. This unique method of voice

reception allows an operator to leave his ears unobstructed

to hear non-radio voice commands as well maintain natural

situational and directional awareness. The bone conductors are

used for incoming radio communication reception only - we do

not utilize bone conductors as transmit devices as positioning is

crucial in order to pick up the voice well enough for TX. Years of

experimentation have proven that vigorous operational activities

do not allow for assured/constant proper positioning - thus the

DOM II utilizes bone conductors for RX only. As a receive device

in the DOMINATOR II, the bone conductors are utilized for

incoming radio communications only -- they are NOT used for

incoming MP3, smartphone or ICS reception.

DOM II CONTROL BOX

The DOM II Control Box is available in two versions -

single and dual comm. models. They were specically

designed separately to offer the single comm. operator

an even more streamlined system than those competitive

products available on the market. The control box can be

ordered specic to both single and dual comm. operator

preferences. The single comm. box is available with

the shrouded PTT switch positioned either for inboard

or outboard switch access. The dual comm. model

is available with twin, shrouded PTT switches on the

inboard side of the control box or one inboard and one

outboard. The DOM II control box requires no batteries or

software updates/programming.

AVON MASK

COMM CABLE

The DOM II 2 pin Avon Comms Cable connects directly

to the ECP (Electronic Comms Port) on the front of the

AVON FM53 / M50 and C50 breathing apparatus with

built-in dynamic mic inside the mask. The opposite end

of the cable features a straight connector with white ring

designed to connect directly to its white colored insert

receptacle counterpart on the top of the DOM II control

box. The cable, when connected to the mask and control

box, will automatically disable the boom microphone of

the headset the operator is wearing and only utilize the

dynamic microphone inside the mask when transmitting.

This features prevents the operator from transmitting

noise in his ambient environment - outside of the mask

where his headset’s boom microphone is located -

keeping mask TX communications clear and concise with

no competing environmental noise.

COLOR COORDINATED

KEYED RECEPTACLES

The top end of the DOM II control box features a 14 conductor

receptacle with a RED color insert. This receptacle is used for

connection of the DOM II upper headset and the Peltor transition

cable. Next to the RED receptacle is a 9 conductor WHITE

receptacle. This receptacle is used for the ICS, Auxiliary Comms

and AVON Mask interface cables. The bottom end of the DOM

II control box for the single comm. version features a BLUE

colored receptacle for the radio cable and a GREEN receptacle

for the remote chest PTT cable (for single comm. models only).

Dual comm. systems feature two BLUE colored receptacles for

twin radio cables. All of the receptacles feature cap assemblies.

It is highly recommended you keep the receptacles capped to

keep them clean and clear of debris. Periodic use of a can of

pressurized air sprayed into each receptacle opening is highly

recommended.

DOM II CONTROL BOX

MOLLE CARRIER

The DOM II control box MOLLE carrier features a simple, yet

durable, method of mounting the control box to a MOLLE vest. A

black nylon system consisting of a Kydex back, bungee cable and

sewn on Velcro hook and loop material provide a sleek, out of the

way solution. An alternate tuck tab is also available.

ENVIRONMENTAL

AMPLIFICATION BUTTONS

The DOM II control box features a shrouded pair of buttons

used to activate the environmental amplication capabilities

of the electronic earpieces when in use. The square button

with the molded “+” sign can be depressed multiple times to

sequentially increase environmental amplication levels of

the earpieces. Likewise, the square button with the molded “-”

sign can be depressed to reduce ambient amplication to the

point of switching that feature off. There are two distinct sets of

beep tones sent through the earpieces when you have reached

maximum volume levels as well as minimum levels (off). When

a radio connector of the DOM II is connected to a radio and

the radio is subsequently turned on, the volume level of the

earpieces (whether being worn or not) will engage at a level

closely representing normal human hearing levels (individuals

with little or no hearing loss). Adjustment in volume should be

made depending upon your personal hearing capabilities as well

as environmental surroundings and conditions.

PELTOR/SORDIN

TRANSITION CABLE

The Peltor/Sordin transition cable was designed to provide

the operator with the ability/option to connect a circum-aural

(COM TAC III / Supreme Pro) or COM TAC IV to the DOM II

control box. The transition cable features a red band inside the

connector housing designed to mate with the 14 conductor red

receptacle on the DOM II control box. The opposite end of the

cable features a standard, NATO wired female jack assembly

to allow for the mating male plug end of the Peltor or Sordin

headset to connect. The transition cable is intentionally short as

the circum-aural headset’s standard cable lengths are 20 inches.

90 Degree & Standard

Cable Connections

At the request of the client we were asked to design and develop

as many cable options as possible to be terminated with 90 degree

connectors. This design decreases the overall footprint of the

control box on the vest by eliminating taller straight connectors.

Furthermore, we were asked to design the connectors so, when

connected to the control box, they were 45 degrees inward, toward

the body armor - further reducing the overall prole of the box

when positioned on the vest. All of the cable connectors feature a

visible colored ring inside the connector housing that corresponds

with their colored receptacle mate on the control box. Additionally,

each of the connectors are specically keyed to the receptacle

they are to be mated with - therefore you cannot connect a cable

to the wrong receptacle on the control box. Connectors should be

pushed inward to connect to their receptacle mate on the box and

pulled to disengage. DO NOT FORCEABLY TURN or TWIST the

connectors into or out of the receptacles as this could potentially

break wires inside a connector housing causing a non-warranty

covered failure. Simply line the red dots up on the connector and

receptacle and gently push the connector into the receptacle -- it

will self-lock.

DOM II ICS CABLE

(2 STYLES)

The DOM II ICS cable is signicantly different than others on

the market. The DOM II ICS cable features over-molded smart

components inside the plug housing allowing the headset to work

properly on multiple versions of DOD ICS systems. The current

DOM II DOD ICS cable has been tested and approved on over 10

different military ICS platforms. The cabled 90 degree connector

to the control box features a white band designed to interconnect

with its white receptacle counterpart on the control box. When

the cable is connected to an ICS system in a HELO, the ICS

transmissions will be received through the electronic earpieces

only. Radio reception will occur in both bone conductors and

earpieces. On the DOM II dual comm. version the radios will be

split between right and left bone conductors and earpieces while

the ICS will receive comms via both earpieces simultaneously.

The DOD ICS cable is used for DOD ICS platforms, A coyote

version is available for General Aviation ICS platforms. Please

specify, when ordering, which version(s) you need.

DOM II AUXILLIARY

COMMS CABLE

The DOM II Aux Comms cable features a 90 degree connector

with a white band inside the connector designed to mate with

its white centered counterpart receptacle on the top of the DOM

II control box. The Aux Comms cable is coiled, allowing an

operator to position his phone or other type of applicable device

easily in front of him to manipulate. The opposite end of the cable

features a 90 degree, 3.5mm connector designed to connect to

the operator’s device and rotate at the connection point as the

operator moves/manipulates the device - taking stress off the pin

that connects to the device. The cable is wired for 4 connections

so it can be used with listen only as well as receive / transmit

devices - such as smartphones. When connected to a phone,

the phone’s speaker and microphone are disabled and the DOM

II’s electronic earpieces become the phone’s receive devices

while the DOM II’s boom microphone is activated to transmit for

the phone. As opposed to a radio connection, no push to talk

switch is required to speak and release to listen. The DOM II

simply becomes a wired RX/TX optional headset for the phone.

The bone conductors are not activated as a receive device when

used with the Aux Comms cable.

DOM II RUGGEDIZED

LO-VIS KIT

The DOM II LO-VIS KIT is a ruggedized 2 wire kit featuring

stainless steel components, robust cables and fully sealed

microphone, speaker and circuitry housings. The kit was

designed with the input of U.S. Military operators to perform in

rugged environmental conditions including fresh and salt water

environs as well as dust / dirt / rain and snow. The coiled ear tube

is designed to allow the operator to connect various sizes and

brands of acoustic tube earpiece styles. The kit is terminated

with a 4 conductor male Nexus plug designed to plug into the

DOM II Peltor/Sordin transition cable.

QUESTIONS/CONTACT

ATLANTIC SIGNAL, LLC

900 SW 39TH STREET

TOPEKA, KS 66609 USA

OFFICE: 800-850-8512

ALT: 785-582-5823

FAX: 785-408-5897

EMAIL:

support@atlanticsignal.com

WEB: atlanticsignal.com

DOM II REMOTE

CHEST MOUNT PTT

The DOMINATOR II remote chest mount push to talk was

designed for single comm. DOMINATOR II systems only.

The cable features a green banded 90 degree connector

designed to connect to its green insert counterpart on the

bottom of the DOMINATOR II control box. The opposite

end of the cable is terminated with a shrouded PTT switch

mounted to a rectangular housing measuring only 1” W

x 3/4” T x 1 1/4” L. The backside of the chest mount PTT

features a blackened steel clip designed to clip through a

single MOLLE strap

DOM II RADIO INTERFACE

CABLES

Whether for a single or dual comm. DOMINATOR II system,

all DOMINATOR radio interface cables feature 90 degree

connectors to the DOM II control box, turned 45 degrees inward,

toward the body armor. All DOM II radio cables feature a BLUE

ring inside the connector housing designed to mate with their

blue centered receptacle counterpart(s) on the DOM II control

box. As stated previously in this document, all of the DOM II

connectors feature a RED DOT on the connector housing

that mates with its RED DOT counterpart on the control box.

Simply line the dots up and push to lock the connector into the

receptacle and pull to disengage. DO NOT TURN or ROTATE

the connectors in any fashion as that could break one or more

wires inside the 90 degree and/or straight connectors - causing

non-warranty cable failure. Also remember, connectors are not

only color coded as shown throughout this manual, they are also

keyed - meaning connectors will only connect to their mating

receptacle -- in other words a blue ringed connector will not t

into a white receptacle on the control box. Multiple styles and

models of radio connectors are available. Please check directly

with our company on your distributor for further radio model

interface details.

CARE OF YOUR DOM II

COMMS SUITE

While your DOM II Comms Suite is a tactical product, care of the

headset, control box and associated cables and other accessories

should be taken. Everything associated with the DOM II is rated

IP67 against dust and water exposure/ingress - including 30

minutes maximum in water depths up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. If

exposed to saltwater, all components should be washed down

with fresh water at an operator’s earliest convenience to avoid

corrosion to metal parts. As stated numerous times throughout

this manual, the connectors and receptacles should be lined up

properly (red dot to red dot) for engaging and disengaging from

the control box -- twisting or wrenching will likely break wires

inside the sealed connector housing causing non-warranty

failures. The protective caps on the control box receptacles

should be pushed into the receptacles, providing a seal,

when not being utilized to prevent unnecessary dust and dirt

intrusion. Both control box receptacles and their cable connector

counterparts should periodically be blown out with pressurized/

canned air to remove dust and other forms of debris. Your

earpiece tips should be replaced periodically to maintain

proper t and seal. Field replaceable components include the

headset adjustable rear strap, microphone windscreen, headset

sidepiece inner cushions, control box MOLLE holder, rubber

receptacle covers and earpiece tips.

Atlantic Signal Dominator II User manual

Brand: Atlantic Signal

Model: Dominator II

Type: User manual

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Atlantic Signal Dominator II User manual

Atlantic Signal Dominator II User manual

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