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No. 22/2018 (May 28, 2018)
Helicopter on a mission to Mars.
NASA has announced that during the mission to Mars scheduled for 2020 will send a new-generation rover accompanied by an autonomous helicopter. The rover is a new version of Curiosity (you can get back to the information in our Newsletter), which should be equipped with new generation cameras and sensors.The mission landmark is to be a flight of the helicopter over the Red Planet. This would be the first flight of this type of vehicle in the atmosphere of an alien planet. The main difficulty is cause by low atmosphere density, hundred times lower than of the Earth's air. Such conditions resemble those occurring at the 30 km height in our atmosphere, and the current record in the case of a helicopter flight is 12 km. For this reason, the helicopter will have to be lifted by propellers rotating at 3000 rpm. - almost ten times faster than on Earth. On the other hand, there is a factor that will have important positive effect - lower gravity, only 38% of that present on our planet. The hull of the helicopter will be the size of a tennis ball and will be equipped with two rotor engines.
Visualization of the new NASA helicopter that is to take part in the Mars research mission, as the first vehicle of its kind in history
(source: www.jpl.nasa.gov)
(source: www.jpl.nasa.gov)
The helicopter that has been developed for 3 years, is to examine the planet surface for 30 days. During this time, it will perform several flights up to distances of a few hundred meters from the rover. The photos taken along the routes will provide detailed information about the surface and its geological structure. The flight paths will be programmed manually from the station on Earth, but flight to the destinations will be independent due to long delays in transmission, reaching about 40 minutes.
The helicopter is powered and heated using batteries that are charged by solar cells. The batteries will last at least for 90 seconds of flight.
The helicopter is powered and heated using batteries that are charged by solar cells. The batteries will last at least for 90 seconds of flight.
A video showing the cooperation of the rover and helicopter
Curiosity rover is a robot and mobile laboratory in one. The purpose of its mission is to search for organic substances and other traces of chemical compounds considered necessary for the development of microbiological life on the Red Planet. The flight of the helicopter in the Martian atmosphere is a trial that is not critical to the entire mission. This will be the first test of flight capability in completely different conditions than those prevailing on Earth. Successful flights can provide information about the most interesting places around the rover, including many photos. The information will be further analyzed by researches.
This year, the 1st place winner will receive a high-class Manfrotto photographic stand, the winners of the 2nd and 3rd places will receive Fujifilm Instax camera, and honored participants will get mugs from DIPOL collection.
The works will be adjudicated by professional photographer from Krakow, Mr. Pawel Zechenter.
More information on the contest you can find here.
More information on the contest you can find here.
The prizes in the "Engagingly about Antennas" competition
Multiswitch SMATV system in Krakow.
MONTEX company from Krakow has installed a multiswitch SMATV system. The antenna system distributes satellite channels from two satellite positions (Hotbird 13.0E and Astra 19.2E) and DVB-T broadcasts. The whole system has been based on TERRA solutions and equipment of theMV-9xxL series.
The master antenna set consists of 120 cm satellite dish IDLB-STCF INVERTO A9649 with two quatro Inverto BLACK Ultra A98266 LNBs, and Dipol 44/21-60 Tri Digit DVB-T A2670 terrestrial TV antenna. The support for the set is the MB-3/PLUS E8744 ballast base designed for use on flat, solid roofs where there is no possibility of attaching a typical mast to some elements on the roof.
The distribution system includes amplifier for 9-input multiswitches, Terra SA-91L R70901, which also supplies power to all multiswitches in the system. It has 8 satellite inputs and DVB-T/Radio input and allows for equalization of the input signals with 4-position switches. Similarly, the levels of the compensation of the increased loss of signals at higher frequencies (slope) are also set with such switches. The UHF DVB-T channels before injecting into the multiswitch system, are amplified and equalized by the Telmor WWK-951 R89861 amplifier.
A double-row arrangement of inputs / outputs of the SD-9xx taps and MV-9xxL multiswitches makes the installation work easier. The switches instead of traditional potentiometers guarantee high stability of the gain and slope settings, in terms of time and environmental conditions. The use of MASTER E80345 compression connectors further increases the quality and durability of the professionally installed system.
Relationship between the level of the optical signal and the quality of RF signals in fiber-optic TV distribution systems.
Optical fiber solutions are increasingly used in SMATV systems. They are chosen for reasons of the safety (no overvoltages) and transmission limitations of copper cables. The A9880 set and A9882 receivers are often used when the main signal bus is based on optical fiber, while the access part of the installation (the network with subscribers' outlets) is based on traditional copper cabling connected to multiswitches.The implementation of an installation based on this type of equipment is not difficult. The installers can use ready-made fiber optic patchcords. In the case of terminating the optical fibers on their own, the installers have to deal only with one- or two-fiber cables. So, the workload associated with the installation of cable boxes is not large. Problems, if they appear, relate rather to significant decrease in signal quality after conversion of copper cable - optical fiber - copper cable. There may be several reasons of such a situation:
- low quality of the input signal provided to the optical transmitter (improper antenna, insufficient signal parameters) - the conversion of the medium always slightly deteriorates the quality of the digital signal (more on this below), so it is necessary to ensure very good or at fairly good parameters of the input signal to avoid any problems at the input of the system;
- too high level of the input signal - very often the optical transmitter is preceded by an RF amplifier built into the antenna or a mast amplifier, in most cases it will result in overdriving the optical transmitter, whose maximum input level for the DVB-T signal is 97 dBuV, and the recommended level is only 70 dBuV. A normal professional DVB-T antenna equipped only with a balun can provide 70 dBuV level at distances up to 15 km from a typical DVB-T transmitter;
- too high level of the optical signal at the input of the A9882 receiver, which also results in overloading the optical input and deterioration of the output RF signals that carry an unacceptable numbers of errors.
The latter reason is responsible for the highest percentage of errors made by installers. Often, due to the lack of measuring tools, they are unable to verify the actual level of the optical signal on the receiver. Theoretically, such meters are not necessary, because all the necessary information to determine the power budget for a given connection are included in the catalogs of devices and passive elements. However, in practice installation conditions can bring a series of surprises (excessive bending of the cable or pigtail, dirty connector), and the parameters of elements such as attenuators or splitters may differ from the declared ones. Therefore, it is recommended to use optical power meters, such as Grandway L5821 or Signal R10837 (a multi-function device with optical power meter) even in the case of simple point-to-point connections.
The example below shows how too high level of optical signal affects the quality of the signal on the receiving side. The measurements were also performed to analyze the overall deterioration of the signal quality caused by the signal conversion (copper - optical fiber - copper) for normal signal levels. The measurements were made for a DVB-T channel at 506 MHz.
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The signal level measured directly at the DVB-T antenna is 65.4 dBuV (the recommended range is 67...97 dBuV). So, it is a little less than the minimum given by the manufacturer of the A9880 set, but taking into account very good signal quality parameters (MER 35.3 dB and BER 3x10-5), no additional amplifier has been used.
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///The next step was the verification of the operation of the optical transmitter. The signal strength at the transmitter output was measured with the use of the GRANDWAY FHP1B02 L5821 meter and L3233 patchcord. The meter indicated 7.11 dBm at wavelength of 1310 nm, which is in accordance with the manufacturer data. The transmitter was then connected to the Quatro A9882 receiver using a previously prepared fiber optic cable. This is the most typical implementation based on this set (no splitters, no attenuators). A signal with a power level of about 7 dBm was provided to the receiver. This is the most common mistake made by installers. The permissible power range -15...0 dBm. The measurement of the DVB-T signal at the output of the overloaded receiver showed a signal power of 80.9 dBuV, due to the function of the AGC system in the receiver. However, the quality of the signal was so bad, that the MER and BER values were practically unmeasurable. Obviously, the signal was not suitable for further distribution in the installation.//
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Then, the optical signal levet at the input of the A9882 optical receiver was decrease by 10 dB by the L4522 FC/PC attenuator. The measured level was -2.33 dBm, a little different than expected (-3 dBm), but below the required 0 dBm border. The quality parameters of the signals have dramatically improved, with MER of about 32.8 dB and BER 1x10-4. These parameters were sufficient for further distribution of the signal in the system.
Installers should be aware of degradation of quality parameters after conversion copper - optical fiber - copper. The MER value declined by 2.5 dB, while BER fell by one order of magnitude. It means that they have to ensure an adequate signal quality at the input of the system.
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In the next step, the A9882 receiver was connected to the Terra R70708 MV-508 multiswitch in order to measure the signal at its output. The parameters practically did not changed (BER was the same, while MER dropped by 0.2 dB, which in the absence of other active elements in the installation is negligible.
New EasyIP 2.0 plus cameras.
We have already introduced cameras from the new EasyIP 2.0 plus series that can be placed somewhere between Easy IP 2.0 (cameras marked as DS-2CD2xx2FWD-I, DS-2CD2xx2WD-I) and EasyIP 3.0. The cameras of the series support modern compression methods (H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264) and have housings like the EasyIP 3.0 series, including EXIR IR illuminators. H.265 (HEVC - High Efficiency Video Coding) is currently the most efficient video compression method. Compared with H.264, H.265 can reduce by half the data stream, which translates into proportional savings of the disk space or extended data retention time. H.265+ and H.264+ are Hikvision algorithms based on the original standards and optimized for CCTV applications. They further minimize the data streams in typical video surveillance scenarios.The offered models with fixed or variable focal length use 1/2.8" or 1/3" image sensors with 2 MP or 4 MP resolution. The integrated image analysis functions (VCA) including face recognition, intrusion and line crossing detection, allow for applications in advanced video surveillance projects.
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Ceiling IP camera Hikvision DS-2CD2123G0-I K17321 | Compact IP camera Hikvision DS-2CD2043G0-I K17635 | Compact IP camera Hikvision DS-2CD2T43G0-I5 K17835 |
Intelligent remote search of recordings from Hikvision HD-TVI DVRs.
Hikvision HD-TVI DVRs enable the operator to use functions of intelligent search for recordings. The analysis of recordings is available both locally and remotely - via a web browser.
An example of intelligent analysis of recordings. The recordings were searched for the events of crossing the yellow line. The DVR marked the moving object with green rectangle. The moments of crossing the line by the object are marked red in the timeline (the blue color indicates continuous recording mode).
An analysis of recordings can be carried out by detecting:
- events of line crossing,
- intrusion into a selected area,
- motion detection (within the whole field of view).
After the analysis, the moments when events have been detected are marked in red in the timeline. This allows the operator to locate the relevant video coverage quickly and effectively. For detecting line crossings and intrusions into selected area(s), the VCA functions must be active at the time of recording (no matter how they are set up). This is not required in the case of full-screen motion detection.
Jackets of twisted-pair cables.
Taking into account the installation environment, there are cables for outdoor and indoor use. The scope of the application of a cable depends on the features of its outer sheath/jacket, i.e. the material used. Typical cables for indoor use have jackets made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This synthetic polymer, commonly used for the production of plastics, has thermoplastic properties and is resistant to mechanical damage. However, in the case of combustion, it produces a large amount of smoke and toxic gases. Polyethylene (PE) is harder than PVC, has even higher mechanical strength and chemical resistance, and makes a better barrier against gases. These features predispose it for use in outdoor cables.When using cables inside buildings, a special attention should be paid to the requirements concerning reaction of the wiring to fire. Dedicated types of insulation, for example LS0H or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) polymers, are safe when exposed to fire. In comparison with PVC and PE, they do not produce harmful and toxic substances (halogens), and also do not generate such large amounts of smoke. The use of cables in LSZH coatings is very often a requirement of fire regulations in large buildings, residential, commercial and public ones.
![Cat5e Shielded Cable: NETSET BOX F/UTP 5e [1m], outdoor](https://static.dipol.com.pl/images/en/pict/e1517_305++.jpg)
NETSET BOX F/UTP 5e E1517 cable with PE sheath
 | Compact IP Camera: Signal HDC-270P K1887 is dedicated for professional IP CCTV systems. The compact camera has been equipped with high quality 4 MP (2560 x 1440 px) 1/3" CMOS sensor providing good video coverage even in low-light conditions. Along with IR illuminator with range up to 40 m, the camera can also operate in complete darkness. The camera produces three independent video streams that can be encoded in several ways, H.265/H.264/MJPEG. The H.265 option minimizes consumption of the network band and memory resources. | |
| Compact IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2T43G0-I5 K17835 is dedicated for professional IP CCTV systems. The compact camera has been equipped with high quality 4 MP 1/3" CMOS sensor providing good video coverage even in low-light conditions. Along with IR illuminator with range up to 50 m, the camera can also operate in complete darkness. The built-in 2.8 mm lens has 98° viewing angle. The IP67-rated housing of the camera protects the electronics against adverse weather conditions. The camera can be powered conventionally with a 12 VDC source or with the use of PoE option (802.3af). | |
| Compact IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2043G0-I K17635 is dedicated for professional IP CCTV systems. The compact camera has been equipped with high quality 4 MP 1/3" CMOS sensor providing good video coverage even in low-light conditions. Along with IR illuminator with range up to 30 m, the camera can also operate in complete darkness. The built-in 2.8 mm lens has 98° viewing angle. The IP67-rated housing of the camera protects the electronics against adverse weather conditions. | |
The latest
May 16, 2018 - DIPOL is again the leader of sales of Hikvision products. For the third time in a row, DIPOL company has become the leader of sales among Regional Distributors, with the highest turnover in 2017. We thank all our customers that helped us to achieve such high sales. HIKVISION is the biggest supplier of video surveillance solutions and devices in the world. The market capitalization of HIKVISION is over US$ 20 billion and the company employs over 10,000 people, among them 720 engineers in the R&D department. The company has 40 subsidiaries in the world and regional offices in USA, Netherlands, Dubai, Australia, Singapore, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Great Britain, RSA, Brazil, and also joint ventures in India and Russia. According to independent surveys, the market share of HIKVISION in 2015 was 19.5% and the company became the world leader in the CCTV industry. In 2017, its revenue increased by over 31%.
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Worth reading
Satellite and terrestrial TV signals over single coax. To use two satellite receivers or the function of simultaneous recording and watching two different channels provided by a PVR (Personal Video Recorder), it is necessary to have two independent SAT signals. Individual satellite installations with a SINGLE type LNB installed several or more years ago cannot provide such a functionality... >>>more
An application diagram of the multi-band converter KIT Johansson R85261.
Transmission of two independent DVB-S/S2 signals (from one satellite)
and DVB-T broadcasts via one coaxial cable (red).
Transmission of two independent DVB-S/S2 signals (from one satellite)
and DVB-T broadcasts via one coaxial cable (red).
Signal Fire AI-8 fusion splicer
