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

Is language learning a thing of the past?

Communicating in languages you don't know may no longer be the stuff of dreams. Google has just announced its "Google Assistant" app has been upgraded to include a new real-time translation mode to help break down language barriers. Known as the "interpreter mode", the functionality currently supports 44 different languages, including Polish, expanding on what "Google Translate" has offered thus far.

Interpreting with the Google Assistant

The Google Assistant for Android (v5.0 and above) or iOS (v10.0 or above) can be used on a smartphone or tablet. Once installed and launched, the app will respond to commands such as "Translate conversation from [language] to [language]" or "Hey Google, help me speak English" to automatically start the interpreter mode. Of course, the requested language must be supported by the app. Three modes are available: automatic, manual, and keypad. In the first, the language is detected automatically, and in the second, you have to choose it yourself, and the keypad mode allows you to type in a text. Apart from providing voice translation, the app will also transcribe the conversation and display it on the screen.

Besides the obvious benefit of breaking language barriers in the daily lives of average users, the Google Assistant is sure to facilitate communication at hotel reception desks and in ticket offices at railway stations, in cinemas, etc, where it will enable smooth communication in practically any language.

Composite masts - cheap shipment, no disassembly.

Being able to join masts together is particularly important when you want to build a roof structure longer than the standard height. Another important advantage has to do with cheap and easy shipment (delivering a long mast is often very expensive or impossible). DIPOL currently offers a 1.5 m long antenna mast (E9038151, diam. 38 mm, 1.5 mm walls) designed to form an element of a larger whole. A special embossing at the tip makes it possible to connect two elements: one segment should be driven into another so that their embossings overlap by 12 cm. Once the segments are joined together, they cannot be disassembled.

Two 1.5-m-long E9038151 masts joined together form a permanent whole and cannot be disassembled.

The maximum permissible height of the composite mast depends on :

• the selected safety coefficient,
• the weight and surface area (wind resistance) of suspended elements,
• the antenna arrangement (larger antennas should be placed at the bottom),
• the type and rigidity of the wall/chimney clamp,
• the type and number of additional anchoring clamps.

Measuring optical signal strength at network terminals.

Examples of passive optical networks (PON), where receiver signal strength is of key importance, include fiber-optic TV systems, consisting of optical transmitters, passive elements such as cables, splitters, attenuators, and optical receivers.

The most important goal in such networks is to ensure that optical power at the input of the receiver falls within the range specified by the producer. Interestingly, the power often proves too high rather than too low. It is a perfect example of a situation in which it makes little sense to report the attenuation of the optical path alone, since despite excellent passive elements and appropriate measurements, the system may not work. The only exception is when the cabling is laid first and the devices are mounted later. In this case, both parameters (path loss and receiver signal strength) should be tested separately.

The receiver signal level in shared SMATV systems can be measured with a TM503N L5816 meter.

Using IP cameras in HD-TVI DVRs - Enhanced IP mode.

Analog channels in Hikvision Turbo HD DVRs can be replaced with IP channels in a 1:1 ratio, which means that any analog channel can be replaced with an IP channel.

In addition, the DVRs offer a special "Enhanced IP" model to increase the maximum number of supported IP cameras, available once all analog channels are disabled. It will depend on the DVR model and the number (n) of analog channels and can be calculated using the formulas shown in the tables below (the figure in brackets represents the maximum resolution of IP cameras).

For DVRs of up to 16 channels:

For 24- and 32-channel DVRs:

The Enhanced IP mode eliminates intelligent image analysis in analog channels and limits the video resolution of HDMI/VGA outputs to 1080p. The mode can be switched on only with local access to the menu of the DVR.

AXHub Hikvision wireless alarm systems.

The AXHub Hikvision alarm system is an ideal solution for all those who wish to protect their property against unauthorized access but want to avoid ruining their home to lay the cables and mount the system.

A good solution is to purchase the DS-PWA32-NST G01219 kit and adapt it to the local requirements. The system is very simple, fast and intuitive to mount. Polish voice alerts facilitate installation, testing, and ongoing support. Wireless motion detectors connected to the control unit are fitted with signal strength indicators (SSIs), allowing users to instantly verify their range and on-site operation. Not unlike video intercom or monitoring systems, AXHub is compatible with the Hik-Connect app, which allows users to control its work and receive alerts in any location, as well as to integrate the whole Hikvision security system in a single app. Two IP cameras can be connected to enable video verification and create 7-second recordings (spanning 5 seconds before and 2 seconds after the alarm is activated) for extra security. Three idependent transmission paths (Ethernet, GPRS, and WiFi) guarantee that the user will be alerted even if one fails. The control unit can be configured and used via a web browser and client applications.

A single-family home using the AXHub Hikvision wireless alarm system

A simple GSM amplifier system.

The image below shows a basic GSM amplifier system in a single-family home, which enables users to use their cellphones even when low signal strength inside the building would otherwise make phone calls impossible. The system allows users to make calls and use mobile internet (GPRS, 3G 900 MHz).

A GSM amplifier system in a single-family home

The system above consists of the following devices:

• A Trans-Data KYZ8.2/9.5 GSM/DCS/UMTS antenna (A741030), designed to pick up and transmit signals to the BTS.
• A Signal GSM-305 GSM amplifier (A6765), which amplifies GSM (EGSM) signals in both directions: to and from the BTS.
• A two-way splitter (A6812), which distributes the signal between two indoor antennas.
• A Trans-Data DW3-A GSM/DCS/UMTS antenna (A741001) and a Trans-Data DW3-B GSM/DCS/UMTS antenna (A741002), which amplify and distribute GSM signals inside the building. A741001 is designed for suspended ceilings, while the surface-mount A741002 can be used with concrete ceilings.

Reflectometry - a case study. Reflectometers can provide users with a lot of information on tested fiber-optic lines. The measurement method is also recommended for troubleshooting and fault location in the optical path. A sample reflectogram is shown below. The measurement in question was performed in an actual network designed for the distribution of SMATV signals...>>>more

A sample reflectogram. The measurement was performed with the use of Grandway FHO3000 L5828.

Vertical mounting system in 19" RACK cabinets