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 amplied 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 Amplication. 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-specic 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 amplication 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 monolament 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 amplication. 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 conrmed
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 amplication feature does not over-amplify the
environment - rather it provides normal hearing reproduction and allows the operator to adjust the amplication 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 specically
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 specic 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 amplication capabilities
of the electronic earpieces when in use. The square button
with the molded “+” sign can be depressed multiple times to
sequentially increase environmental amplication levels of
the earpieces. Likewise, the square button with the molded “-”
sign can be depressed to reduce ambient amplication 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 prole 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 specically 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 signicantly 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.
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