We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tactical Support Equipment (TSE), a valued partner of Watec Cameras for over two decades. Our discussion centered around TSE’s latest innovation: the K9 Camera system, Ghost. This cutting-edge product features a customized Watec Camera, showcasing the continued collaboration and ingenuity between our companies.
Watec: How long has TSE been working with Watec and how did the partnership begin?
TSE: TSE has been dealing with Watec products since 1999. The cameras Watec were developing at the time were very small. They’ve always been small and still had great capability, which was very important for our integration.
Watec: When did you start integrating Watec cameras into K9 camera unit?
TSE: I would say it was around 2011.
Watec: Could you share with us what type of clients use the K9 Camera units?
TSE: Largely the Department of Defense, but also it was built for the Special Operations community. We also have law enforcement that uses it a lot, local, state, and federal agencies.
Watec: How are you using the Watec camera in the integration?
TSE: It’s a special version of one of Watec’s legacy low light products. We have an IR illuminator that is controlled by the camera. It’s not a standard camera that Watec has on their website. It’s a version that was specially made for TSE specifcally for this application. The camera is a bit recessed in the housing right below the IR illuminator, and below that is a white light. The Watec camera and the IR eliminator below it are all one assembly, but two different boards. The camera controls the IR illuminator and it brightens and dims as the camera needs more or less light.
Watec: How’s the process been when working with Watec to develop the customized camera that you needed?
TSE: It’s been great. We had a lot to plan out, because the lead times are long for a lots of things, not just Watec products. But we haven’t had any shortage issues because we’ve planned well.
Watec: What do you think about Watec product durability, reliability? Do you find that they’re higher quality when compared to other cameras on the market?
TSE: Yeah, definitely. Otherwise, we would probably integrate something else. Specifically, it’s because Watec and Watec Japan were willing to do a special version for us. So that helped out significantly.
Watec: So tell me about the Ghost K9 unit. Are there different versions of the Ghost product?
TSE: Yes, there are different bands/frequencies. That’s really the differentiator. Also, some clients want the unit with the vest. Some clients don’t need the receiver and control system, because they already own that equipment. They may only need the Ghost itself. That’s why there’s all the different options.
Watec: Would there be anything else that you would want to add to our conversation?
TSE: Well, the biggest thing is that Watec made a custom camera for us based on one of your existing products. That shows Watec’s willingness to do things like that. I think that’s the biggest take away.
Watec: Thank you TSE, we really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us.
TSE: Thank you.
You can read more about Tactical Support Equipment and the K9 Camera system at their website: click here.