No. 28/2014 (Sept. 15, 2014)
Transparent solar panels.
A team of researchers from Michigan State University has developed a new type of solar concentrator that, when placed over a glass window, can be used for generation of electricity without changing the view through the (closed) window or the amount of light entering the room.According to Richard Lunt of the MSU College of Engineering, professor of chemical engineering and materials science, the key word is "transparency". Studies on the production of energy by solar cells located in the luminescent plastic materials are not new, but so far they did not provide good results - the amount of energy produced was relatively small, and the materials were more or less colored. "No one wants to sit behind colored glass", said Richard Lunt.
The transparent solar concentrator developed
by the team of researchers from Michigan State University
by the team of researchers from Michigan State University
In this case, the solar energy is collected by small organic molecules absorbing specific wavelengths of invisible light. The material can be "tuned" so as to receive only ultraviolet and near infrared wavelengths, and then emit the absorbed energy in a different range of infrared light. Because the material does not absorb or emit light in the visible range of the spectrum, it is transparent to the human eye.
Among many problems faced by scientists, the biggest seems to be the low efficiency of the materials. At the moment, transparent panels consume only 1% of solar energy and conventional solar panels are characterized by efficiency reaching 20%. According to professor Lunt, the final product should have efficiency at least of 5%, which would be sufficient for a range of applications
Completely transparent solar panels have been a dream of scientists for a long time. Such a revolutionary technology could transform our windows in small power stations. After reaching sufficient efficiency, such materials could even improve the energy balance of our smartphones, where the large and power-consuming screens would "give back" at least part of the energy.
How to design SMATV systems in apartment buildings?
The most flexible multiswitch installations in multi-story buildings are based on 5-cable (one satellite) or 9-cable (two satellites) systems. On each floor the "bus" is split by a suitable tap providing signals to a "story" multiswitch. It allows to shape the network according to actual requirements - there can be deployed practically unlimited number of outlets.The new MV-5XX series of TERRA 5-input multiswitches is designed for use as story devices in such bus systems. The high maximum output level and compensation of the attenuation caused by coaxial cables, plus outputs with graded signal levels - allow for building large systems with cable runs up to 80 meters (between multiswitch outputs and subscriber outlets).
An example of a SMATV system in a multifamily building (4 staircases, 4 stories). The system distributes programming from terrestrial transmitters and one satellite position. It is based on bus topology, with SDQ-508 R70520 and SD-504 R70515 splitters, SD-515 R70517, SD-510 R70516 taps, and TERRA MV-5XX multiswitches. All active components of the system are powered from the SA-51 R70501 amplifier.
The bus topology offers a number of advantages over cascade solutions. The most important of these is the minimization of the impact of a failure in one network segment on the rest of the system. In the solution proposed by TERRA company, a failure of a multiswitch causes a loss of signal only in the outlets connected to the multiswitch, the rest of the network is unaffected.
How to easily create a hotspot in a hotel or restaurant?
Unifi UAP is an integrated solution for building WLAN / Wi-Fi networks operating in 2.4 GHz band with the use of 802.11n MIMO 2x2 standard. Thanks to a unique construction, Unifi UAP offers unparalleled performance in such a compact device. UniFi UAP-LR is an easy to use and manage Access Point. The device has an elegant look and the ability to be mount on the ceiling or wall using the included accessory kit.Access point Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-LR Long Range 802.11b/g/n N2574
A distinguishing feature of the product is advanced management by the UNIFI WiFi Enterprise System. With the system, the administrator can configure and manage wireless network composed of UniFi devices directly from a web browser. The software enables the administrator to view the status of devices and operation parameters in real time. Additionally, the software also allows for import of premises maps to display the signal range of each device.
To add hotspot functionality in a building, the owner should install several N2574 devices, so as to cover all the rooms, and then configure the devices using the dedicated software. The wireless network is visible by the users as one SSID (regardless of the number of installed access points). The devices support roaming between the points.

A screenshot from the UNIFI software
Why ONVIF does not always work?
ONVIF forum informs that products that are fully compliant with ONVIF standard and the same profile are compatible. However, anyone who installed devices marked with this standard might encounter some problems or even no connectivity. Why is this happening and how to avoid such problems?
First, it is necessary to check whether intended devices actually support ONVIF protocol. Asian manufacturers often mark their products as compatible with ONVIF, although this is not true. European distributors do not verify these declarations despite it is quite easy - the compliance with this standard can be verified on the official ONVIF website that lists all compatible products.
Second, it is important to use ONVIF devices with the same profile. For example, a camera compliant with older version of ONVIF protocol (without profiles) will not connect to a DVR with the higher version.
One may encounter cases within a set of devices with S-profile, having no problems with connectivity and video streaming, but with some functions (e.g. motion detection). It is usually caused by errors of the standard or, more often, by an incorrect implementation of the standard/profile made by the manufacturer. Such problems should be immediately reported to the manufacturer that, in turn, should release improved software. ONVIF forum is heavily working on new, improved versions of the standard (currently they are preparing version 2.4, which will be debugged and more precise in terms of terminology).
One may encounter cases within a set of devices with S-profile, having no problems with connectivity and video streaming, but with some functions (e.g. motion detection). It is usually caused by errors of the standard or, more often, by an incorrect implementation of the standard/profile made by the manufacturer. Such problems should be immediately reported to the manufacturer that, in turn, should release improved software. ONVIF forum is heavily working on new, improved versions of the standard (currently they are preparing version 2.4, which will be debugged and more precise in terms of terminology).
Although ONVIF standard promises compliance within the same profile, the user should always be skeptical. Before purchasing or installing equipment, it is necessary to check its compatibility or obtain information from the manufacturer(s). For example, the website of Sunell company provides list of devices that have been thoroughly tested and described in terms of compatibility levels. The company is among the full members of ONVIF forum. This status has been given to the founders and most active members that take active part in the development of the organization and the standard.
Secondary stream in NVRs - basic video monitoring.
A common problem arising during configuration of network video recorders is an incomplete set of images in screen division (with "no resource" or similar message). If the change to full-screen mode results in displaying the missing image(s), it usually means that the reason is an inappropriate configuration of the secondary stream of the camera(s).The second stream, also known as auxiliary, is used for general viewing of the video from several cameras. With lower resolution and bit rate, it practically does not load the processor, while providing smooth video on small screens of mobile devices.
To fix this problem, it is necessary to disconnect the camera from the NVR and configure its parameters. The resolution of the video stream from the camera should not exceed D1 and the bit rate should be limited to 1024 kbps or less. After connecting the camera to the NVR, the image should be displayed correctly, both the primary and secondary stream..
Mini Controller Exta Free EFC-02 F5001 after connection with a Wi-Fi router allows for control of all EXTA FREE receivers/actuators via mobile devices. Apart from the function of "virtual transmitters", the EFC-02 unit can execute routines called "scenes", time functions, and has the possibility to monitor states of the deployed sensors. The wireless communication with the system is carried out at frequency of 868.32 MHz. | ||
AC Power Outlet (flush-mounted, w. ground connector, 16A/250V) R62150 is to be installed on a wall in a junction box. | ||
Wireless Motion Sensor Exta Free RCR-01 F5801 has been designed for use in in energy-efficient lighting systems - the light is switched on for a definite time period only if the sensor detects motion in its detection area. An additional advantage of the device is its mobility and independence from power network. | ||
News
September 15, 2014 - DIPOL as a comprehensive supplier of telecommunication and automation equipment for homes and buildings. At Energetab trade fair, Sept. 16-18, DIPOL will present a number of solutions in the fields of data transmission, video surveillance, fiber optic systems in buildings, and completely new solutions for intelligent buildings.. Just come on Tuesday, we start on 9 a.m. CET.
September 8, 2014 – Intelligent Building at Technical Picnic. During Technical Picnic that took place last Friday in DIPOL Sandomierz, we presented two systems for smart homes, F&HOME and Exta free, which we had launched on the market since the beginning of September. Due to a great interest the lecture had to be delivered twice. We are very pleased that many installers shared with us their ideas about the potential use of these systems in order to enhance the comfort in homes, offices, hotels etc.
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Full-HD surveillance video distributed in shared antenna system. Residents of a newly built housing development requested access to images from selected security cameras deployed in the residential area (children's playground, parking lot). The most practical way was to use a solution distributing the surveillance video in SMATV system as another DVB-T multiplex that could be received by any television connected to the antenna system... more