No. 11/2016 (March 14, 2016)
A new way of payments with Google.
Google is testing a new payment system called Hands Free. In compliance with its name, the system is completely contactless i.e. it does not even require NFC functionality or touching anything, including a phone. The users should only install the Hands Free app on Android or iOS phones and provide their credit or debit cards into the app during the setup. The users also have to add their photos to the Hands Free profiles. To make payment at a store that is involved in the pilot program, the user must inform the cashier about the intention to pay hands-free and should provide some identification data (e.g. initials). The cashier connects wirelessly with the phone of the user and the terminal displays the photo to confirm the identity of the person making the payment. In selected stores, there are experiments with automatic visual identification based on in-store cameras. After the proper verification, the completed transaction is additionally confirmed via SMS.The Hands Free app enables the user to pay truly hands-free,
even without touching their phone. To detect the phone,
it uses Bluetooth low energy, WiFi, location services etc.
even without touching their phone. To detect the phone,
it uses Bluetooth low energy, WiFi, location services etc.
Payments with the use of smartphones and wearable electronics are comfortable for the users. They are being implemented and operated by banks, cellular operators, hardware and software developers. Our virtual money becomes even more virtual, represented by virtual credit or debit cards. Currently, the most popular contactless payments, such as Android Pay, are based on NFC technology. Google takes a step forward by offering a more convenient payment system. The company is currently running a limited public pilot of the system in a number of stores in the South Bay, USA. Similarly to Android Pay, the system will be probably available in the US, and maybe in other countries.
Operating and half-power angles of IR illuminators.
Half-power angle is the angle within which radiation intensity of the beam does not fall 3 dB below the maximum value. The smaller the half power angle, the higher concentration of the beam. Operating angle is larger, in the case of Redbeam illuminators equipped with lenses it is about twice as wide as the half power angle.Basic specs of Readbeam illuminators:
Alarm systems - installation of PIR sensors.
Motion detectors are the key elements of alarm systems. The effectiveness of a system and its resistance to false alarms strongly depend on the deployment of the sensors. There are two popular kinds of motion detectors: passive infrared detectors (PIR) and dual infrared sensors (PIR + MW).The principle of operation of passive infrared motion detectors (PIR) is the detection of changes in thermal radiation of external objects in the far-infrared range. Dual detectors (PIR + MW) combine the advantages of infrared and microwave sensors. By using two different detection elements, they are more resistant to false alarms. The electronics of the detectors analyzes both signals and triggers an alarm only in the case of simultaneous detection of an intruder. To improve the reliability of an alarm system, the installer should mount the sensors according to the following rules:
- observe the minimum and maximum mounting height, typically 2.2 - 2.7 m (see the instructions provided by the manufacturer of a device)
- avoid places located close to heaters, radiators, chimney ducts etc.
- each detector should be installed away from moving objects such as fans and with a guarantee of free field of view (not blocked by curtains, furniture etc.)
- do not point the detectors at bright light sources, ventilation or air conditioning openings
- due to the characteristics of the detectors, the maximum effectiveness is ensured when the intruder moves perpendicularly to them, so the arrangement should take into account the possible routes of potential intruders
Hotel TV system in DVB-T COFDM standard.
The simplest hotel television systems distribute only free-to-air terrestrial TV channels available in the area, but many hotel owners add satellite channels. In the case of using a headend, the cost of the solutions with satellite channels depends mainly on the number of satellite positions and different transponders. The number of outlets in a hotel does not influence the expenses significantly - the cost of additional amplifiers is rather a small part of the investment in the entire system.Digital TERRA headend has been designed for reception and distribution of terrestrial DVB-T and satellite DVB-S/S2 TV channels in hotels, motels, boardinghouses or other facilities. Thanks to the distribution of all the channels in the form of DVB-T COFDM multiplexes via coaxial cables, they can be received by any modern television (with an integrated DVB-T tuner) connected to an antenna outlet in the facility.
Diagram of the hotel TV installation
The implementation of the headend in a hotel, shown in the diagram above, is a good example to illustrate the principles how to select appropriate elements for this kind of applications.
- at440 R82511 - is a four-channel highly selective tunable RF amplifier capable of filtering, amplifying and equalizing four digital multiplexes (DVB-T) broadcast in the UHF band. Each of the four independent sections can amplify different DVB-T multiplex. It means that one module can amplify four digital multiplexes.
- TDX410C R81617 transmodulator is used for reception of DVB-S/S2 (8PSK/QPSK) signals, selection of desired channels from a transponder, and retransmission of them in COFDM format in chosen channel in VHF/UHF frequency range. Built-in CI interface for conditional access modules enables the transmodulator to operate with scrambled services. In multiplexing mode, one panel receives a whole multiplex (up to 10 or so channels) and converts it to DVB-T multiplex with up to 5 services.
- UP413 R82533 12 VDC power supply is dedicated for TERRA amplifiers, receivers, signal processing devices.
- Splitters and taps enable division of the RF signal into subnetworks (e.g. for groups of rooms on each floor) and further distribution to individual outlets.
LTE-Advanced will enable the connection of two bands in different frequency ranges, for example 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz (LTE FDD - Frequency Division Duplex). Such solutions allow for transfers up to 300 Mbps. So, the important thing is to choose LTE antennas that can work in different frequency ranges, even when some of them are currently not used.
TRANS-DATA KPZ LTE A741022 is an outdoor directional MIMO panel antenna for use with LTE/GSM/3G modems. It operates in all bands that are or can be used in LTE networks, i.e. 806-960 MHz and 1710-2700 MHz. The user of the antenna will not be surprised by future advances in LTE technology.
TRANS-DATA LTE KPZ 6/8 MIMO antenna A741022
Passive optical networks (PONs) - installation of distribution frames and boxes.
To distribute FTTH services throughout an apartment building, it is necessary to bring fiber optic cable to each subscriber. The most common method of cabling multifamily buildings is based on distribution frames mounted in basements, and distribution boxes installed on individual floors close to the riser. Independent fiber optic cables are run from the distribution frame to the distribution boxes on the floors. Then, optical fibers are led from the distribution boxes directly to termination boxes in apartments, e.g. ULTIMODE TB-02H L5302.Distribution boxes are often installed in a confined space, so they should be small in size, easy to install and maintain. These requirements are met by ULTIMODE L5404 boxes allowing for easy organization of up to 4 fibers.
All the fibers distributed in a building go from a distribution frame usually located on the lowest floor (basement). It is the node which connects the internal network with external infrastructure. An example is the ULTIMODE TB-48B L5448 frame.
FTTH architecture in a building
Flat Panel Ceiling Mount: PLB-CE946-02L E93524 has been designed for mounting modern flat LCD or plasma monitor/television (with diagonal from 37" to 70") on a ceiling. Its load capacity is 50 kg. The mount allows horizontal rotation (360 degrees) and adjustment of tilt in the range of 0 to -25 degrees. | ||
F-connector F MASTER 11 E80362 is made of brass plated with nickel and is specially prepared for Triset-11 PE cable. High precision ensures superior quality and professional look. The compression method of installation is very simple and guarantees good and stable connection for a long time. Precise thread of the F MASTER E80362 connector eliminates problems with screwing the connectors on sockets, which can happen with other plugs. Double compression rings of the F MASTER E80362 connector (on the cable and the O-ring seal on the connection side) fully protect the cable and the connection (also the equipment) against water penetration. | ||
UNICABLE QUAD+SINGLE LNB A98241 with UNICABLE output allows for connecting up to four Unicable-ready SAT TV receivers via one coaxial cable coming from a single satellite dish, e.g. A9648. Additionally, the A98241 LNB has independent fullband output that can be connected to a typical SAT receiver. The LNB eliminates the need for using a multiswitch. | ||
News
March 4, 2016 - trainings and seminars. It is the halfway point of the winter-spring training session organized by DIPOL. This year, the attendance is very high, with nearly 500 installers taking part in 14 courses. A variety of topics, exploration of new technologies, and practical exercises are the basic features of these meetings. The courses are held till early April. A total of 23 training courses have been planned in 11 Polish cities.
A curse in Czestochowa, March 2016
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