Ops-Core RAC Operator's Manual

™

RAC

Operator’s Manual

HEADSET

OM101116-00 REV. C

Compatible with: FAST® Maritime, FAST Ballistic High Cut,

FAST Carbon, and FAST Base Jump Helmets

RAC HEADSET

Operator’s Manual

Headset Features

Headset Components

Included / Optional Items

Preparing Headset for Use

Installing Batteries

Attaching Headset to Helmet

Attaching Pile Fasteners

Moving the Microphone

Donning and Dofng Helmet with Headset

Understanding Headset Positions

2

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

13

13

Basic Donning

Using Ventilation Mode

Dofng

Using Wireless Earbuds

Headset Functions

Maintenance

Operator Notes

14

16

17

18

20

22

24

1

RAC HEADSET

Headset Features

• 3D Hearing Technology (3DHT)

By coupling a patented ear simulator design with binaural audio and advanced audio processing the RAC
Headset delivers hear-through audio that accurately preserves azimuth and elevation cues to provide
situational awareness. Smooth compression algorithms eliminate “clipping.”

• FAST ARC Rail Attachment

The RAC Headset attaches to the rear of the FAST ARC Rails leaving the top portion of the rails free for
mounting accessories, such as lights, cameras, etc.

• Noise-Cancelling Microphone

Mounts to left or right earcup.

• Integrated Microphone Mounting & Connection Point

Accepts mask microphones with U-173/U standard plug.

• Arm Articulation/Latch

Ventilate mode allows the ear cups to be set in ready position, near, but not pressing on the user’s head.

• Single Point Gimbal Attachment

360˚ adjustment instead of conventional adjustment systems.

• On/Off/Volume/Balance Control

Provides operator full control to personalize the listening experience to suit individual needs. Optional
Speaker/Ear Plug Switch used with Inductance Driver System to switch between speaker and earplug.

2

• Ear Cushions

High performance to ergonomically t the head geometry, providing a better seal and increased noise
attenuation.

• Streamlined Stowage

Earcups rotate to the rear of helmet when not in use, creating a very low prole.

• Quick-Release Downlead Connection

Helmet/headset can be disconnected from the downlead, allowing users to easily remove the helmet as
there are no excess cables to consider.

• Inductance Receiver Earplug

Un-tethered double-layer hearing protection provides noise attenuation in excess of typical Active Noise
Reduction (ANR) equipped headsets. Earplugs are battery-free.

• Weight

1.1 lbs (500 g) base version

1.2 lbs (545 g) with earplug option

• Immersible

IP-67 immersible
IP-68 immersible to 3 m for short durations

• Environmental

Tested to MIL-STD-810G

• EMl

Tested to MIL-STD-461E

• Export Classication

EAR-99

• Available Colors

Tan, Black, Green, and Gray

3

HEADSET COMPONENTS

Cable Guides

Hear-Through

Microphones

Earcup

Earcup

Cable

Pivot
Arm
Button

Battery
Compartment

Boom Microphone

4

Ear

Seals

Mic Boom

Attachments

Points

Pivot

Arm

Button

Battery

Compartment

Volume / Function

Buttons

INCLUDED / OPTIONAL ITEMS

Items Included with Headset:

• (2) AAA Batteries (to install into earcups)

• Pile Fasteners (to attach to helmet for cable stowage)

• Cable Loop (for cable stowage)

• Utility Pouch (to store headset)

(2) AAA Batteries Pile Fasteners Cable Loop

Utility Pouch

Optional Items (Specify When Ordering Headset):

• Earbuds (wireless and battery-free)

• Foam tips for use with earbuds (three sizes: Standard, Slim, and Large)

Foam Tips

Earbuds

5

PREPARING HEADSET FOR USE

To prepare the headset for use, you will:

1. Install the AAA batteries (one in each earcup)

2. Attach the headset to the ARC Rails on the helmet

3. Attach the pile fasteners to the helmet

4. Move the microphone to the other earcup (if needed)

6

INSTALLING BATTERIES

Installing the Batteries:

NOTE: Also follow the applicable steps below to replace the batteries.

1. Remove the (2) AAA batteries from the packaging.

2. Pry the ear seal away from the earcup by pressing the tab at the bottom.

Rubber Seal

CAUTION: When performing Step 2, be careful not to damage the

rubber seal in the groove on the underside of the earseal.

+

Positive

3. Insert the battery into the battery

compartment making sure to align the
battery so that the polarity marks (+ and -)
on the battery align with the corresponding
markings in the earcup battery
compartment.

NOTE: Always replace batteries

from both earcups as a set, do not
mix-and-match batteries.

-

Negative

7

INSTALLING BATTERIES

4. Reinstall the ear seal, ensuring that it is securely snapped to the

earcup all around the edges.

CAUTION: Be careful not to pinch the ear seal in the

groove when snapping it closed.

5. Repeat Steps 2-4 to install the other battery into the other earcup.

NOTE: Remove batteries before storing RAC Headset

for extended periods of time.

8

ATTACHING HEADSET TO HELMET

Attaching Headset to ARC Rails on Helmet:

NOTE: Before you begin, ensure that:

• The tab at the bottom of the headset is pointing down.

• The pivot arm button is all the way out (not pushed in) – rotate the pivot arm out to
the second click.

1. On one side of the helmet, align the headset in the rail as shown and slide the

bracket up into the rail until it clicks into the rst slot.

Bracket

Pivot Arm

Pivot Arm Button

Tab

2. Repeat for the other side.

NOTE: To remove the headset from the rails, lift the tab up (using

a at tool if needed) and slide the headset out, moving the pivot arm as
necessary to gain access to the tab.

9

ATTACHING PILE FASTENERS

Attaching Pile Fasteners to Helmet:

Use the pile fastener pieces included with the headset to stow the cable.

NOTE: Use the headset several times to determine the best position for

the pile fasteners. Steps 1 and 2 are provided as a guideline.

1. On both sides of the helmet,

attach the adhesive side of the
fastener to the helmet near the
ARC rail as shown.

Pile Fastener

2. Press the hook side of the cable

guides to the fasteners.

3. Thread cable loop around cable

and attach to the Velcro on the

Cable Guides

Cable Loop

back of the helmet.

10

MOVING THE MICROPHONE

Moving Microphone to
Opposite Earcup (Optional):

NOTE: To make this task easier, rotate

the earcups to the stowed position behind the
helmet as shown.

1. Remove the screw that attaches

the microphone to the earcup.

3. Remove the screw that attaches

the cover to the other earcup.

2. Unplug the microphone from

the earcup.

4. Remove the cover.

11

MOVING THE MICROPHONE

5. Plug the microphone into the

other earcup.

7. Place the cover at the attachment

point on the earcup from which
you removed the microphone.

6. Install the screw to attach the

microphone.

8. Install the screw to attach

the cover.

12

DONNING AND DOFFING

Donning and Dofng Helmet with Headset:

Donning and dofng includes the following tasks:

• Understanding headset positions

• Basic donning

• Using ventilation mode

• Dofng

Understanding Headset Positions

The headset has four positions:

Use Mode

(earcups snug over the ears)

Ventilate Mode

(out one click)

Donning & Dofng

(out two clicks)

Stowed

(out two clicks, then rotated behind the helmet;
can also be used for donning)

13

DONNING AND DOFFING

Basic Donning

1. With the headset in the stowed position,

don the helmet, fasten the chin strap, and
tighten all straps.

2. Rotate the headset earcups over the ears.

3. On both sides, press the pivot

arm buttons all the way in so that the
earcups enclose the ears completely and t
snugly against the head.

14

DONNING AND DOFFING

4. Ensure that the ears are centered within the

earcups. If necessary, slide the earcups back
or forward within the pivot arms to adjust the
earcups over the ears.

5. Adjust the microphone over the mouth (within

¼ inch) for optimal performance.

6. Align the headset cable connector to the

matching alignment indicators on the adapter
cable or radio PTT cable and press the
connection together.

NOTE: This quick disconnect is

designed with a break away force of
10lbs to prevent neck injuries in the
event that the cabling becomes snagged.

15

DONNING AND DOFFING

Using Ventilation Mode

If heat buildup occurs around the ears, pull the earcups away from the ears to the
rst click.

• The increased airow will reduce heat buildup.

• The audio will still reach the ears.

16

Out One ClickOut One Click

DONNING AND DOFFING

Dofng

To doff the helmet, pull the earcups away from the ears to the second click. Unfasten the
chin strap, and remove the helmet (this position also permits donning).

Out Two ClicksOut Two Clicks

17

USING WIRELESS EARBUDS

Using Wireless Earbuds with Headset (Optional):

Use the optional earbuds to increase hearing protection. The earbuds function
wirelessly and contain no batteries.

1. Select the largest tips to start and remove

the foam tips from the packaging. Foam tip
sizes are Slim, Standard, and Large (in case of
tting problems, try the next smaller size).

2. Thread the foam tips onto the earbuds.

18

USING WIRELESS EARBUDS

3. Roll the foam tip between your ngers

to compress it.

4. Carefully insert the foam tip into the

ear, ensuring that the earbud is level in
the ear as shown.

5. Repeat Steps 3-4 to insert the other

earbud into the other ear.

6. Don the helmet; adjust and connect

the headset (see Basic Donning on
page 14).

7. Press the center switch on the left

earcup to transfer the audio from the
earphone to the earbud.

NOTE: To transfer the audio

back to the earphone, press the
center switch again.

Center Switch

19

HEADSET FUNCTIONS

Headset Functions:

Headset functions include Hear-Through
3DHT mode and balance mode, which

you can control via the + and – buttons.
You can also toggle the audio between
earphones and earbuds via the center
switch (with wireless earbuds only).

Center Switch+ Button - Button

Hear-Through 3D Hearing Technology (3DHT) Mode

The Hear-Through 3D Hearing Technology (3DHT) function broadcasts ambient sounds through the
earcups for increased situational awareness. The radio/intercom communications function continues
with hear-through turned on or off.

To turn Hear-Through 3DHT ON: Press and hold the + and – buttons together once. The headset
emits three ascending tones, and the hear-through function activates.

To turn Hear-Through 3DHT OFF: Press and hold the + and – buttons together for two seconds.
The headset emits three descending tones, and the hear-through function ceases.

To increase Hear-Through 3DHT volume: Press the + button one or more times. The headset emits
a short tone that gets louder as the volume increases.

To decrease Hear-Through 3DHT volume: Press the – button one or more times. The headset
emits a long tone that gets softer as the volume decreases.

NOTE: After two hours of Hear-Through 3DHT ON operation without any button

presses, the headset emits a shutoff tone, and Hear-Through 3DHT function ceases. To
reset the two-hour counter during the shutoff tone, press the + or – button. Otherwise,
press the + and – buttons together once to return to Hear-Through 3DHT mode.

20

HEADSET FUNCTIONS

Balance Mode

Balance mode allows you to personalize the balance between both ears to compensate for differences
in you hearing.

To enter balance mode: While the Hear-Through 3DHT is turned on, press the + and – buttons
together twice. The headset will emit a constant tone that will increase in volume as described below.

To increase volume to left earphone: Press the + button one or more times; volume will increase
with each press.

To increase volume to right earphone: Press the – button one or more times; volume will
increase with each press.

To exit balance mode: Press the + and – buttons together once (or wait approximately ve
seconds without adjusting the balance). The headset will return to Hear-Through 3DHT mode.

Switching Between Earphones and Earbuds

Press the center switch to toggle the headset audio between the earphones and the earbuds.

NOTE: The feature only works with headsets which have been factory congured

for optional wireless earbuds. Headsets without this option cannot by upgraded to
allow the use of the wireless earbuds.

21

MAINTENANCE

Maintaining Your RAC Headset:

Simple maintenance will help keep the headset in good operating condition. Complete
the following tasks as necessary.

Inspection

Inspect the ear seals regularly to ensure that they have no cracks, which can lead to
sound leakage.

Cleaning

1. Clean the headset regularly with a soft cloth dampened with soap and water.

2. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Replacing the Batteries

When the batteries are low, the headset will emit a four-note warning tone. Replace
batteries within two hours. See Installing Batteries for details.

NOTE: When the batteries fail, radio and intercom functions continue to

work, as do the earbuds. However, the hear-through function ceases. Replace
the batteries to restore the hear-through function. Always replace batteries
from both earcups as a set, do not mix-and-match batteries.

Recommended: When replacing batteries, inspect the rubber ring around the earseal

plate, and wipe away any dust or debris around the groove.

22

MAINTENANCE

Storage

NOTE: When storing the headset, ensure that the ear seals are not

compressed. Long-term compression can deform the ear seals, causing loss of
sound attenuation.

1. Remove the batteries before you store the headset.

2. Enclose the headset in the pouch.

3. Store the headset in a cool, dry area. Do not store it in an area prone to excessive

heat (for example, near a windshield or a window).

23

OPERATOR NOTES

24

OPERATOR NOTES

25

Copyright © 2016 Ops-Core Inc. Ops-Core and FAST are registered trademarks of Ops-Core Inc., a wholly

owned subsidiary of Gentex Corporation. RAC is a trademark of Gentex Corporation or its afliates.