DIPOL Weekly Review - TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN

No. 30/2014 (Sept. 29, 2014)

3D printer flew into space.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the American agency responsible for the civilian space program as well as for aeronautics and aerospace research, came up with the idea to provide astronauts with 3D printers. Such printers, with the size of a microwave oven, could produce various tools, spare parts, and even ... food. The use of this technology would not only help astronauts in their duties, but also could reduce the operational costs of space missions.
Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX corporation has been resupplying the International Space Station since 2012. Now, the cargo of its Dragon spacecraft (total of 2216 kg) also contained a 3D printer. The printer was manufactured by Made In Space, Inc. Before, the engineers of the Californian startup had been testing the printer in micro-gravity conditions for several months. The special tests were carried out in the air, on parabolic airplane flights producing short periods of weightlessness.
Made in Space engineers testing the 3D printer in microgravity conditions on board of aircraft. On the International Space Station, the printer will be used mainly for producing plastic tools and spare parts needed by astronauts during their missions.
On Earth, three-dimensional printing is no longer a problem. The same operation in zero gravity is not that simple. The process of building objects layer by layer from various materials had to be adapted to the quite different conditions. NASA in cooperation with the Made in Space company solved that problem. The items are made of plastics formed at temperatures within the range of 225-250 degree Celsius. The world's first space 3D printer was launched into orbit on September 21.
3D printing is a hot topic now, however some people tend to think of it as another curious idea that will never be available or useful for the masses, while others believe that this technology means revolution similar to that caused by the Gutenberg's invention of mechanical movable type printing. Such experiments show the sky-high potential of this technology. Another thing is that a widespread use of 3D printing on the ground is still a matter of the future, although there are some printers designed for the consumer market.

Installing compression connectors ... without a compression tool.

The DIPOL offer includes "Self-Install" compression connectors. They can be used wherever there is a need for high performance antenna connectors that should be installed on a permanent basis. Other popular RF connectors, PCT, are cheaper, but have to be installed with the use of dedicated compression tool. The "Self-Install" Cabelcon connectors are not so cheap, but can be mounted without using special tools.
Antenna Plug (IEC): Cabelcon (angular, RG-6/Triset-113,
Antenna Socket (IEC): Cabelcon (angular, RG-6/Triset-113,
Antenna Plug (IEC): Cabelcon (RG-6/Triset-113,
Antenna Socket (IEC): Cabelcon (RG-6/Triset-113,
F-plug: Cabelcon (for RG-6/Triset-113,
Self Install compression connectors from Cabelcon can be installed without a compression tool
To install a Cabelcon connector, the user should only prepare the cable end, slide the plastic cap onto the cable, insert the plug body so that the sleeve enters under the braid, and screw the cap onto the threaded body. It causes the self-compression action. Thanks to the patented "Self Install" concept, no compression tool nor considerable force is needed. The connector installed properly is fully integrated with the cable. The special design and high quality materials ensure good impedance matching, low loss, excellent shielding and long-term protection against corrosion.
How to install the Cabelcon IEC E3002 connector

What cabinet for a server room?

The cooled air in air-conditioned server rooms should flow in the areas with the active devices. This requirement is well fulfilled by Signal RACK cabinets with perforated doors, which ensure optimum air exchange with the environment
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
SIGNAL 19" Server RACK Cabinet (24U 600x800mm, standing) R9120161
SIGNAL 19" Server RACK Cabinet (42U 600x1000mm, standing) R9120165
SIGNAL 19" Server RACK Cabinet (42U 800x1000mm, standing) R9120166

In order to improve air circulation in the cabinet, the user may employ suitable fan module.
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
Rack Ceiling Fan Module
(4 fans, for SIGNAL standing cabinets)
R9120264
RACK Fan Tray
(1U, 3 fans)
R9120263
RACK Fan Panel
(3 fans, front-mount)
R9120261
Vertical mounting rails in the server cabinets can be adjusted (the in-depth position), accordingly to the depth of the devices mounted inside. The rails have 1 U marks that help the installer to mount devices horizontally.

Switches in fiber optic systems.

When connecting two LAN segments based on copper UTP cables with the use of an optical link, the installer should consider one of the two basic solutions, with a pair of media converters or a pair of switches equipped with SFP modules. The latter solution is usually more convenient, but it is also possible to use a mixed configuration, i.e. a media converter on one side and a switch with SFP module on the other side. An example of connecting two subnetworks via an optical link is shown in the diagram below.
Managed Switch: TP-LINK TL-SG3210 JetStream (8x10/100/1000Mbps, 2xSFP 1000Mbps)SFP Transceiver: ULTIMODE SFP-203G 2xLC (two single-mode fibers up to 20 km)Patch Cord (made to order) SFP Transceiver: ULTIMODE SFP-203G 2xLC (two single-mode fibers up to 20 km)Web Smart Switch: TP-LINK TL-SL2210WEB 8+2G 1xSFP RACK
Optical link with TP-LINK switches with ULTIMODE SFP modules
The N29949 switch with 8 Fast Ethernet ports receives signals from four IP cameras. The 100 Mbps ports are sufficient for even most advanced megapixel cameras. The gigabit SFP port of the switch has been equipped with L1415 gigabit module for optical connection with the second subnetwork. On the other side of the link there is the same type of the SFP, inserted into one of two SFP slots of the N29959 switch. This gigabit switch with eight 1000 Mbps ports ensures smooth operation of the NVR and several PC workstations. Its second SFP slot can be used in the future for connecting another LAN segment, e.g. a video monitoring system in a new building.

How to make use of alarm sensors in a video surveillance system?

The appropriate configuration of video recording in a CCTV system is especially vital in the case of small disk space. Usually, the most effective way of using the space is triggering the recording by motion detection, the feature embedded in security cameras or in the DVR. In some cases it is not the ideal solution, since the detection based on image analysis may cause many false alarms and unnecessary recording. A good idea is to use alarm sensors connected to the alarm inputs of the DVR (usually available in NO and NC versions). Hikvision DVRs with alarm inputs can record selected channels assigned to individual inputs. Such configuration of video recording ensures very high operational reliability and saves disk space.
CCTV Network DVR: HIKVISION DS-7216HWI-SH/A (16xWD1@25fps)HDD SEAGATE 1TB SV35.5 SATA3 (for CCTV DVRs)Compact Camera: Sunell IRC13/40ZMDN (day/night, D-WDR, 900TVL, Sony Exmor, ICR, 0.01 lx, 2.8-12mm, OSD, IR up to 30m)
The idea of using alarm sensors for optimization of video recording

Firmware update in Sunell IP cameras.

Sunell company supports users of its cameras by providing from time to time new versions of software. The software update should be performed with the use FTPUpdate 1.1.5 app (3.7 MB). The advantage of this application is the ability to make mass updates. This means that it is possible to simultaneously update tens of cameras, which significantly reduces the time of the operation. The list of the cameras for updating may contain different models.
A screenshot from the UpdateClient V1.1.5 for Sunell cameras
For successful update, the user must specify the File Path to the new software, ONVIF version, the appropriate username and password of each device added to the list. In the case of a problem with adding a camera to the list, it may help to deactivate the Add online device option.

New products offered by DIPOL

Roller Blinds Controller: Exta Free SRP-02
Roller Blinds Controller Exta Free SRP-02 F5432 is used to control roller blind drives with 230 VAC motors and limit switches. The user can control the blinds locally with a suitable switch connected to the dedicated inputs and/or remotely, with the use of any wireless remote control (transmitter) of EXTA FREE system.

Universal Wireless Control Kit: Exta Free RZB-05 (ROP-01 + P-257/2)
Universal Wireless Control Kit Exta Free RZB-05 F5014 is ready to use complete wireless kit from EXTA FREE system for remote control of lighting and other electrical appliances. In addition, at any time it is possible to program and use another transmitter or receiver/actuator of the EXTA FREE system to modify or extend the set.
Wireless LED Controller: Exta Free RDP-02
Wireless LED Controller Exta Free RDP-02 F5430 is designed for control of LED light sources powered with 10-14 VDC voltage. The control can be performed remotely by any controls/transmitters of the EXTA FREE system. The RDP-02 F5430 unit can switch on/off the connected LED light source or change its intensity.

News

September 18, 2014 – the conclusion of Energetab 2014 trade fair. The Dipol's stand was attended by many thousands of visitors. Our Singing Robot attracted almost everyone with its beautiful voice and chivalrous behavior. There was also time for concrete conversations and detailed technical advice. We thank all the visitors for coming and interest in our offer... more
DIPOL at ENERGETAB trade fair, Sept. 16-18, 2014
DIPOL at ENERGETAB trade fair, Sept. 16-18, 2014
DIPOL at ENERGETAB trade fair, Sept. 16-18, 2014
DIPOL at ENERGETAB trade fair, Sept. 16-18, 2014

Worth reading

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... more
The set of ULTIMODE media converters protecting all devices connected to a home LAN
HDMI/USB - COFDM (DVB-T) Modulator: Signal-450
DVB-T modulator Signal-450