FOG HORN
2016 Twobirds Flying Publication
Crimson Trace Corp’s LinQ Wireless System
Copyright 2016, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.
Crimson Trace Corp’s LinQ Wireless System
2016
Crimson Trace Corp’s LinQ Wireless System The beginning of something beautiful… By: Sal Palma available channels randomly or under the control of a predefined algorithm.
There’s a great deal to be excited about when Crimson Trace announced its industry first LinQ wireless laser/light weapon mounted accessory, a testimony to the level of innovation Crimson Trace brings to a crowded and competitive space. I’m beyond excited at the development and I hope that as part of the Smith & Wesson family, CTC will continue to development the LinQ concept, product/system. I see huge potential in the LinQ approach to accessory control. Let’s touch on the technology a bit. The LinQ system is based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology. The system operates in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. BLE technology provides a total of 40 channels, each 2 MHz wide with a potential throughput of 1 Mb. Three of these channels are used for advertising (letting other systems know they are there) leaving a total of 37 channels for data. Data can be anything including control signals, video and even digital voice streams. Like military software defined radios, BLE uses Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). So, it’s hoping between the 37
BLE is also relatively secure. When two devices pair, they exchange a long-term encryption key following a set of rules called the key exchange protocol. Eavesdropping is possible but difficult to accomplish as long as the keys are not compromised and remain unpredictable. It’s therefore reasonable to assume that the paired devices can communicate securely. However, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the No.1 ELINT rule which is anything that is transmitted can be intercepted. The LinQ system consists of an AR style pistol grip, which is the control unit and a rail mounted laser/light accessory. Once paired, the operator can select operating modes directly from the pistol grip without the need for wires or pressure pads, using the BLE connection. The potential of this technology is significant. Imagine incorporating a Bluetooth hub in the pistol grip. You can now connect a rail mounted video device with a communications device, a laser range finder to a targeting system. This is the door that LinQ technology opens. Let’s talk about the product. The pistol grip is a standard AR pistol grip so it’s fully compatible with the AR platform to include the AR-10 and HK-416. The unit contains the circuitry needed to achieve pairing and once paired control the module. Powering the pistol grip is a CR2 battery.
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
Crimson Trace Corp’s LinQ Wireless System
The grip houses the mode select/pairing switch and the instinctive activation button. The mode select buttons are fully ambidextrous so there is a button port and starboard, so my southpaw readers will love that feature.
To toggle through the modes, the operator needs to depress the mode select button holding it down and followed by pressing the instinctive activation button. The LinQ module operates in one of 4 modes: light and laser, laser only, light only and laser and strobe. All of these modes are available in momentary or continuous activation selectable from the grip mode buttons or the module’s pressure switch. Crimson Trace did a pretty good job with grip ergonomics but here I had an issue. Hand geometry varies, sometimes extensively. Your right hand and fingers are not exactly alike your left hand’s. Finger thickness and even range of motion will vary. In my testing, I found myself having to make changes to my strong hand grip in order to activate the module; when I transition to the left side I had no problems, a problem stemming directly from hand geometry differences.
2016
To mitigate the issue, CTC should consider increasing grip size in the area of the instinctive activation button, or optionally increase the activation surface area. The picture below best illustrates the problem.
Note that my middle finger makes contact with the instinctive activation button along the Proximal Phalanx. Adding girth to the grip has the effect of shifting the activation button to a position where the finger makes better contact. The figure on the left illustrates the grip geometry in the instinctive activation switch area. I found it to be narrow and difficult for me to activate the module with my right hand. I needed to change grip positions frequently to operate the module.
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
Crimson Trace Corp’s LinQ Wireless System
Fortunately this is not a show stopper because the module can be easily activated from its own control.
2016
If you’re tired of pressure pads attached to your rail system with double back tape, paddle switches or tie-wrapped excess cable, the LinQ system is for you. At an M.S.R.P. of $649 you’ll want to test drive the system to makes sure it works with your hand anatomy. However, whatever decision you reach, you can rest assured that LinQ is totally reliable with all of the quality and advanced engineering Crimson Trace brings to the table. All you early adopters out there jump on it. It’s my firm believe that this is just the tip of LinQ technology from the folks at CTC. Manufacturer Specifications
So what does the user get with the LinQ system? Besides getting a high performance and technically advanced system, LinQ delivers 300 lumens of well collimated white light and a green laser dot visible in bright light that also lights up the night. The laser dot size at 50 feet is 0.5 inches providing precise targeting. The laser is adjustable for wind and elevation allowing you to fully customize the accessory to your weapon system. The module, which houses laser and light, is compact and mounts on any Picatinny rail requiring only 2.75 inches of rail space.
Color: Black Activation Location: Front Activation Attachment: Grip Replacement Free Batteries For Life: Yes Finish: Polymer Grip with Rubber Overmold Activation Pad Installation: User Installed Laser Battery Life: Over Two Hours Activation Mode: Pressure Activated Sighting: Factory Sighted at 50' User Adjustable Windage and Elevation Warranty: Three Year Full Warranty Dot Size: Approx. 0.50" at 50'
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved