No. 26/2014 (Sept. 1, 2014)
LittleBits - practical electronics like Lego bricks.
LittleBits Electronics Inc. has developed a modular system of electronic devices connected one with another with the use of magnets. The whole idea is to create solutions for various applications by combining the modules and commonly available materials. What's more, dedicated CloudBit module allows for remote management of the designs as well as for triggering their functions by any events. The possibilities are truly endless - an SMS doorbell, a remote pet feeder, and even ... a device to improve communication with the dog. That's just several examples of implementations submitted by active users of the LittleBits platform.The CloudBit module is a small microcomputer (15x10x5 mm) running Arch Linux OS, based on Freescale i.MX233 processor (ARM926EJ-S at 454 MHz), equipped with 64 MB RAM , microSD slot with 4 GB card, 802.11b/g WiFi adapter. LittleBits modules are available for the price of $ 99 (10 modules), $ 149 (14 modules) and $ 199 (18 modules) and the system components include actuators, sensors, LEDs, DC motors and other elements. The pieces communicate with each other using a serial bus and are easily connected by magnets allowing for fast implementation of projects without soldering, wiring or programming. The CloudBit module will cost only $ 59.

The CloudBit module developed by LittleBits Electronics Inc.
The modular system launched by LittleBits is a completely open platform that gives developers full control over the hardware. The users are already provided with tens of ready-to-use solutions. Importantly, there is a community of contributors who experiment, share online, and can learn from each other creativity.
SMATV system based on fiber optics in a hotel complex.
The hotel complex consists of three buildings. The signals from the MMH-3000 headend installed in one of the buildings are transmitted to the other buildings via the existing multicore fiber optic cable, similarly to surveillance video and the Internet. The headend consists of three RDC-311 R817102 receivers, DVB-T encoder-modulator TRX-360 R81709, and DVB-S/S2 (8PSK/QPSK) receiver / DVB-T (COFDM) modulator TDX-311C R81711C. This configuration allows for reception, decoding, and distributing 15 satellite broadcasts from four different transponders in the form of DVB-T channels.
Distribution of 15 satellite DVB-S/S2 broadcasts in the form of DVB-T channels
to 2 buildings distant by 350 and 400 meters from the center point
The RF signal from MMH-3000 headend is split by passive R60102 splitter into two paths, the first for providing the signal to 24 outlets in the center building, and the second for transmission of the signal to the two other buildings with total of 48 televisions. The signal from the second path is converted into optical form by the TV optical transmitter TERRA mo-428 R82523. The optical signal is transmitted via fiber optic cables to the OD-120 R81724 nodes, over distances of 350 m and 400 m, which is only a small part of the capabilities of such optical links. High output level of the RF signal of the OD-120 node (113 dBμV) enables direct distribution of the programming to all outlets via passive networks with R6028 splitters.
F&HOME Radio - a fully intelligent home.
F&HOME Radio is wireless intelligent building system dedicated for apartments, houses and business premises. Its concept and capabilities allow for the implementation of functions that so far seemed to be impossible, or available only to organizations and rich people. F&Home is a cheap solution, and its modular design allows for the division of the entire investment into stages spread over time. New features can be added to the system when needed. The initial system may consist of only a few elements (already offering a lot of opportunities for building automation), and, over time, can be expanded it by additional modules to increase its functionality, and thus to provide better adaptation to individual needs.Created by nearly 20 engineers, this proprietary system allows users to control: lighting, blinds, heating and cooling (heaters, air conditioners), garden sprinkler, gate and doors, burglar alarm. All this can be realized in many ways (including so-called Scenes, e.g. predefined lighting in certain areas). The control can be executed locally, remotely (with a smartphone, tablet, computer), or may be automated, by processing data from sensors (e.g. switching on lights at dusk, turning off the air conditioning after reaching preset temperature, watering the garden if the soil is too dry, lowering roller blinds in the case of strong sunlight etc.) in accordance with a program schedule.
F&Home RADIO system in action
More info: Intelligent building - F&Home Radio System.
How to protect home LANs?
The times when the Internet was connected only to one or two PCs in the home have gone forever. Currently the home network often includes a number of devices, such as a router or switch, several computers, television(s), network drive(s), console(s), cable or satellite set-top box and media player(s). Along with the expansion of the home network, the importance of network protection against overvoltages is much higher.Voltage surges can come from both the AC power network and the signal transmission lines. The protection against overvoltages in the power network is provided by safety extension cords/strips with surge suppressors (varistors) and fuses. In the event of a voltage increase over a limit (typically 250 VAC), the fuses cut off the power for the connected devices.
The signal path based on twisted-pair cables can be secured by dedicated protectors, for example. J2820. The condition for the proper functioning of this type of elements is their proper grounding.
The best and increasingly popular method of protection is the change of the LAN transmission medium from twisted-pair cable to optical fiber before the first device in the home network. This substitution results in a total galvanic separation of the local area network from a WAN and provides 100% protection.

The set of ULTIMODE media converters protecting all devices connected to a home LAN
In the diagram above, the home LAN is protected by the pair of L10021 media converters connected via the L31119 multimode patchcord. When selecting media converters, it is important to adjust their capacity to the parameters of the access network - in the case of data rates over 100 Mbps the suitable choice is to use gigabit devices, e.g. L10025. The type of the fiber should only be compliant with the media converters (multimode or single-mode), but due to short lengths, in some cases the user should remember about suitable attenuators. In the example, all the devices in the home have been connected to the AC power network via safety multi-outlet extension cords with surge suppressor ACAR P7ACAR P1316.
Hikvision - conversion of analog DVRs into hybrid devices.
Analog Hikvision DVRs from the HVI-SV, HWI-SH and HFI-SH series, after firmware updating to the V3.0.0 version, are capable of cooperation with Hikvision IP cameras. Depending on the model (the number of analog channels), the "new" hybrid DVR has a specified number of additional, fully functional digital channels for the following IP cameras:- 4-channel DVRs - 1 additional IP channel for a 720p camera
- 8-channel DVRs - 2 additional IP channels for 1080p cameras
- 16-channel DVRs - 2 additional IP channels for 1080p cameras

View of the main menu of the 8ch Hikvision DS-7208HVI-SV M72408 DVR
- images from 8 analog cameras and one IP camera
- images from 8 analog cameras and one IP camera
Offline license activation in NUUO Titan NVRs.
NUUO DVRs of Titan series are dedicated for large video surveillance systems. To streamline the process of activating a large number of licenses, the manufacturer provides additional software. The use of the method is recommended even for 10 licenses.View of the "License Management" window of the NUUO NVR Titan NT-4040(R) K4204
To activate the licenses, it is necessary to log on to the NVR, enter Management and then License management sub-menus. After clicking Export tab, the system saves the offline.reg file. It is necessary that the computer saving the file is connected to the Internet. The next step is to create a text file containing all the licenses (written one under the other).
The window of NUUO Offline License Tool | The list of licenses in the K4204 NVR |
After running NUUO Offline License Tool and indicating the location of the offline.reg file, we should select the "Import SN file" option and point the previously created text file with the licenses. Then, after clicking Activate, we choose the destination of the Offline_license.dll, log on to the NVR, and point the Offline_license.dll file in the "Import license file" field in the License management sub-menu. After this operation, the NVR should show all the licenses.
Flush TV/FM Outlet GAR-TVP8/RS5 R62120 has been designed for use in CATV and MATV distribution networks with separate lines to subscribers / end users. The outlet is also ideal for applications in individual antenna systems. | ||
CAT 6 Cable NETSET BOX U/UTP 6 E1608 is the highest-quality twisted pair cable designed for data transmission systems inside buildings (LANs). NETSET cables come with a 15-year warranty. | ||
Keystone UTP Module Cat5E J2302 is designed to install unshielded subscriber outlets and crossover points in systems compliant with the ANSI/TIA/EIA 568 Cat.5e, ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173 Class D standards. This universal module can be easily mounted in patch panels and wall or floor boxes and plates. | ||
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