User:NSSchueth/Hyperspike

HyperSpike is a brand name for acoustic products manufactured by Ultra Electronics – Undersea Sensor Systems Inc in Columbia City, Indiana. HyperSpike is composed of a line of acoustic hailing devices that feature integrated electronics with a flat frequency response curve.

History
HyperSpike was originally invented by Curt Graber of Wattre Corporation. Wattre was unable to keep up with demand for the device. In 2008, Wattre and Ultra Electronics – USSI signed a teaming agreement for the design and manufacture of an array of acoustic hailing devices. Since then, over 8 new devices have been released.

Characteristics
HyperSpike units are created out of custom composite materials or carbon fiber. Each is sealed against the environment and has been designed to operate in extreme environmental conditions including hot, cold, blowing dust, freezing rain, and torrential downpours. HyperSpike units are weather-proof, not water-proof. Each directional unit has an integrated electronics package, which increases usability and decreases overall package weight. Certain high-output models are also manufactured with an output selector switch that can toggle between the hearing safe "low" and extreme output level "high." Finally, new HyperSpike units have been manufactured with an integrated network port.

Inputs
All HyperSpike units have three inputs for sound. These inputs use unique Amphenol connectors so that they cannot be accidentally interchanged in extreme situations. The details for each type of connector is below.
 * 1) Dynamic Microphone This CB-Style microphone is designed to adapt to user input.  The louder the input, the louder the HyperSpike output. The dynamic microphone is activated by a thumb-toggle.
 * 2) AUX In Using a standard 3.5mm (1/8") headphone jack, a HyperSpike can accept any commerical audio source including iPods, Zunes, and other MP3 players. The AUX In is always on.
 * 3) Alert Tone Each HyperSpike has an alert-tone button that puts out a frequency designed to gain attention. This button can only output the alert tone.

Models
HyperSpike models are divided into two types, directional and omni-directional.

Directional Models
Directional HyperSpikes are characterized by their ability to form a laser-like beam of sound. This collimated beam can range from 5 degrees to 15 degrees radius at 2kHz. The current models offered are detailed below with their maximum sound pressure level.
 * 1) HyperShield 140 dB
 * 2) HS-Micro 140dB
 * 3) HS-16- 148 dB
 * 4) HS-18- 153 dB
 * 5) HS-24- 153 dB
 * 6) HS-40 161 dB

Omnidirectional Models
These HyperSpike products emit high volumes in a 360 radius. At 50’ the units can be heard over 1.5 miles away. The MA series of acoustic hailing devices consist of a hexagonal array of transducers. As the number of transducers increases, the potential output increases. As such, the MA-2 is essentially two MA-1 emitter heads. The current models are detailed below with their maximum sound pressure level.
 * 1) MA-1 138 db
 * 2) MA-2 144 db
 * 3) MA-3 150 db

Field Usage
Directional HyperSpike models are in service with various domestic and international private, law enforcement, and military users. Notable users include the United States Navy, United States Army, United States Coast Guard, Allen Country SWAT (Fort Wayne, IN), the French Navy, the Malaysian Navy, and various international energy conglomerates.

The MA-1 is currently in service with the United States Army as the speaker of choice for their Counter Rocket, Artillery, & Mortar (C-RAM) program. In addition, units have been fielded for use at large tradeshows, for the United States Air Force, and international navies.