Otto NoizeBarrier TAC User manual

NoizeBarrier™TAC
Circumaural Headset
Technical Manual and
Instructions for Use

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OTTO NoizeBarrier™ TAC
Instructions for Use
Introduction
The OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC headset provides clear radio communications, industry-
leading hearing protection andexcellent situational awareness/talk-through capability
for mission-critical operations. Advanced talk-through sound suppression circuitry
enhances the ability tohear low-level sounds while protecting hearing.
OTTO’s NoizeBarrier TAC headset features left and/or right integrated audio input
downlead(s) to connect to external radio(s) or other communications device(s).
Situational awareness functions are controlled bybuttons onthe left earcup and
powered bytwo AAA batteries that provide approximately 72hours ofuse. Selectable
signal separation allows dual comm users toseparate audio into left, right orboth ears.
An external Push-To-Talk (PTT) cable isrequired to control communications functions.
Some models ofthe OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC headset may also be used with the OTTO
Multi-Port Hub PTT that provides modular control ofuptothree communications
platforms. The Hub iscompatible with majorradio platforms using detachable cables, as
well asvehicular andaircraft intercoms (ICS). Situational awareness can becontrolled
either via buttons onthe headset orvolume controls onthe Hub.
An optional helmet mount kit is available to change the headset from an over-the-head
headband configuration to a top or rear rail helmet-mounted configuration while in the
field without the use of tools.
This manual covers the following equipment:
NoizeBarrier™ TAC Headset
(Models: V4-10995BK, V4-10995FD, V4-10995OD; V4-11020BK, V4-11020FD, V4-
11020OD; V4-11032BK, V4-11032FD, V4-11032OD; V4-11033BK, V4-11033FD, V4-
11033OD; V4-11042FD; V4-11054BK; V411055BK; V4-11056BK; V4-11058BK; V4-
11059BK; V4-11072BK, V4-11072OD; V4-11082BK)
NoizeBarrier™ TAC Helmet Mounting Kit
(Models: C102359BK, C102359FD, C102359OD; C102365BK, C102365FD, C102365OD)
Important
This headset reduces exposure tonoise andloud sounds that can damage hearing.
Misuse oforfailure towear hearing protection when exposed tohazardous noise may
result inhearing loss and/or injury. Be sure tofollow the instructions inthis manual
carefully. If you experience symptoms ofhearing injury (ringing inears, dulled hearing,
headaches), contact your supervisor ora medical professional immediately.

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Features of the OTTO NoizeBarrier™ TAC Headset
•Circumaural headset compatible with major helmet systems
•Talk-through electronics for situational awareness (SA)
•Limits volume tosafe level andlowers sound floor without clipping
•Passive Attenuation: Min. 23 dB NRR
•Amplified hearing of external communications
•Volume +and- buttons onleft ear cup control situational awareness circuitry
•5-step volume control adjusts +/- 12dB
•Dynamic, telescopic boom microphone can bemounted onthe left orright
side andadjuststo the optimal distance from face
•Wind noise suppression technology
•Talk-through operating time using headset battery power only: Upto72hours
with nodegradation ofperformance over that time
•Talk-through powered bytwo AAA batteries. When used with the OTTO Multi-
Port HubPTT, talk-through ispowered bythe radio battery ifAAA batteries are
depleted ornot installed inheadset
•Automatic shut down after two hours ofidle time
•Scalloped front earcups reduce interference with rifle stock
•Low-profile headband can easily beworn under most helmet systems
•Proprietary Comply™ foam ear seals allow forsecure comfortable fit
•Ear seals snap in for easy field replacement
•SCBA-compatible connector for gas mask interface
•MIL-STD-810G compliant
•Immersion IP68 rated 1meter/31 minutes
•USA Country ofOrigin. TAA, BAA, andBerry Amendment compliant
•Optional rail mounting system compatible with Hi-Cut helmets including Ops-
Core andTeam Wendy™
•Rail mount system includes battery holder for two extra batteries

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Figure 1
Supplied Equipment
OTTO NoizeBarrier™ TAC Headset (Figure 1)
a
b
e
h
j
c
d
k
f
g
i

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Figure 2
a) Headband
b) Adjustment frames
c) Audio cross-over cable
d) Ear cups
e) Comply™ foam ear seals
f) Situational awareness (talk-
through) microphones
g) Battery compartment & cover
h) Noise-cancelling communications
microphone with adjustable
boom
i) Power/Volume control
j) Push-to-talk connector cable (for
models with disconnectable cable,
see page 10)
k) Boom microphone connector
Optional Helmet Mounting
System for Hi-Cut Helmets with
Rails (Figure 2)
•Helmet rail for accessories
•Rail mount connector
•Swivel rail ear cup mount
Helmet mounting instructions
begin on page 8.

OPERATION
Downlead Cables
Most models of the NoizeBarrier TAC Headset have hard-wired downlead cables ready
to attach to your push-to-talk cable. For Models V4-10995FD and V4-11042FD with
connectors for the cables, please see page 10 for cable installation instructions.
Install the Batteries to Power the Talk-Through Functionality (Figure 3)
The OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC headset uses battery or radio power to operate the
situational awareness/talk-through functions. Batteries are not required for radio
communication.
1. Identify the rubberized battery covers on the ear cups.
2. With finger pressure, pry off the battery cover on one
ear cup.
3. Install a AAA battery, aligning the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ symbols on
the battery with the markings in the battery
compartment.
4. Press the battery cover securely into place over the
chamber. Starting at each end applying pressure while
moving to the center of the cover.
5. Repeat the operation with the other ear cup.
6. When replacing batteries, be sure headset is off before
opening battery compartment (see instructions on page 8).
Configure the Boom Microphone (Figures 4 & 5)
The boom microphone is commonly worn on the left side but can be installed on either
the left or right ear cup. To move the mic from one side to the other:
1. Identify and pull out the two-pin plug that
attaches the boom mic to the ear cup (Figure 4).
2. Unscrew the knurled screw that attaches the
boom assembly to the bottom of the ear cup.
3. Remove the knurled screw from the locking
clamp and reverse it so that the clamp will
position the boom at the outboard position on
the headset (See Figure 5 for proper boom
alignment).
4. Position the boom under the opposite ear cup,
and thread the screw in to the ear cup.
5. Re-orient the boom so that the mic symbol
faces the user’s mouth.
6. Tighten the knurled screw until boom is
secured.
7. Plug the two-pin plug into the jack at the back
of the new ear cup. Note that the rubber insert
for the plug has an offset shape so that it will
only insert in one direction.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5

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Figure 7
Wearing the Headset (Figure 6)
(Note: If mounting the headset to the helmet with the optional Rail Mounting Kit, please
see instructions beginning on page 8.)
1. Identify the left and right ear cups. The Power/Volume
buttons are on the left ear cup.
2. Place the headset over the head.
3. Adjust ear cup height by pulling or pushing on the cups
until the ear seals are securely positioned over the ears.
Adjustment is accomplished by
extending and contracting the ear
cup frames on either side of the ear
cups while holding the headband in
place.
4. For effective sound protection, be
sure that the ear seals are
completely sealed around the ear
and obstacles such as hair, jewelry,
or clothing are out of the way.
Boom Mic Placement (Figure 7)
The boom is flexible and has a length adjustment screw to ensure proper placement for
effective communications.
1. Position the boom microphone so that the microphone is about ¼ inch from the
mouth.
2. To adjust boom length, loosen the screw, position the mic at the desired length,
and re-tighten.
3. Position the mic element so that the mic symbol on the boom faces directly
toward the user’s mouth.
Figure 6

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Situational Awareness Talk-Through Operations
The OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC Headset’s talk-through technology allows users to hear
normal sounds around them and maintain complete situational awareness (SA). At the
same time, sound suppression circuitry reduces dangerously loud noises over 85dB to
safe levels. The OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC is unique in that it does not shut down
situational awareness when loud noises, including impulse noises such as gunfire, are
blocked. The headset will continue to transmit sounds at a safe volume.
Talk-through SA feature is NOT required to be active to receive and transmit radio
communications. When talk-through is not activated the headset works simply as a
passive noise-reducing headset.
Instructions for Powering Up and Using the Talk-through SA Function of the
OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC Headset
(Figure 8)
1. Place the headset on your head.
2. Power up active talk-through by pressing and
holding either the +or – button on the left side of
the headset until a long tone sounds to indicate
that talk-through SA is active.
3. Volume +and – buttons adjust the talk-through SA
audio for five volume levels. A tone will sound
when maximum or minimum volumes are reached.
4. To power down the unit, press and hold either the
+ or – button on the headset until a different long
tone sounds to indicate that talk-through SA is turned off.
Radio Operations
The OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC headset can be used for radio communications regardless of
whether active talk-through is powered. The headset may be configured to work with
single, dual or multiple radios or other communications devices.
Single Radio
1. Plug the connector on the headset cable into the Push-To-Talk (PTT) cable for
your two-way radio.
2. Attach the cable to the connector on the radio.
3. Turn on the radio.
4. Receive volume for radio communications is controlled by the volume controls
on the radio. The +and – buttons on the headset only control the volume of the
situational awareness talk-through function.
5. Use the PTT controls for radio communications.
Figure 8

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Dual Radio
1. Follow the above steps to attach the second cable to the communications
device.
2. Sound from the radio or other device connected to the left side of the headset
will be heard in the left ear, and sound from the device connected to the right
side will be heard in the right ear.
Multiple Devices
1. Plug the headset into the OTTO Multi-Port Hub.
2. Refer to the OTTO Multi-Port Hub PTT Technical and Instruction Manual for
operating instructions when using the Hub.
Note: The listening volume on the headset is controlled by the volume control on the
radio or other communications device. The +and – button on the headset and on the
Hub only control the situational awareness talk-through function.
Using the Headset with Optional
OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC Helmet Mounting Kit (Figures 9-13)
(Parts: C102359BK, C102359FD, C102359OD; C102365BK, C102365FD,
C102365OD)
The OTTO NoizeBarrier TAC headset can easily convert from over-the-head use with a
headband to mount on helmet rails with the use of the optional helmet mounting kit.
The helmet mount kit also includes a compartment for a spare battery on each earcup.
Follow the steps below to convert to rail mounting:
1. Identify the ear cup cross-over cable that runs along
the rear of the headband. Pull the cross-over cable
out from under the lip on the headband so that it
hangs free (Figure 9).
2. Holding an earcup with one hand, with the other
hand firmly grasp the plastic adjustment frame
where it attaches to the earcup. Pull the adjustment
frame off the pivot point on the earcup, being
careful not to pull on the wire form portion of the
adjustment frame. The frame will un-snap from the
retention ball on the earcup (Figure 10).
3. Repeat the operation on the frame on the other side
of the same earcup.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other earcup to fully
remove the headband.
Figure 9
Figure 10

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5. Position the rail mount over the ear cup and snap the
rail mount frames onto the pivot points on the earcups
(Figure 11). NOTE: The spare battery
compartment on the rail mount
frames should be positioned at the
top of the frame.
6. Attach the other rail mount to the
other earcup.
7. Slide the earcups on to the rails as
shown. They may be positioned either
on the top or rear rails. Be sure that
the cross-over cable sits at the rear of
the headset (behind the head) and
that the boom microphone faces the
front of the helmet (Figure 12).
8. To remove spare battery from the
compartment, remove the helmet mount.
Holding the mount by its wire form, sharply strike
the mount into the palm of the hand with the
battery facing the palm. The battery will eject
from the holder into the user’s hand (Figure 13).
Positioning the Headset
(Figures 14-16)
The rail system mount has two positions. The first position is outward (Figure 14) below.
In this position the earcups sit slightly off the head for comfort. The second position is
inward to provide contact with the head and a solid seal around the ears when in a
noisy environment.
To engage the ear cups against the head, press the palms of the hands inward against
the wire form adjustment frames until they snap into the inward position against the
head (Figure 15). This is best accomplished by pushing against the bend in the wire
frames—pushing inward on the earcups WILL NOT engage the inward detent.
To release the headset to the outward position, squeeze the wire forms together (Figure
16). This will release the adjustment frames to swing outward.
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16