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

A new type of memory can change computers.

Seeking to create smaller and more efficient computers, scientists from the New York University (NYU) have developed a new digital data storage technology named the "racetrack memory". This technology configures the magnetic field in a new way and can replace the present mass storage methods. The highlights of the new solution include increased information storage density, faster operation and lower energy consumption.

Two basic forms of data storage: flash memory and hard drives, are currently used in computers. The flash memory stores key data on a physical device separated from the computer, e.g. memory cards, flash drives. The HDD drives are known for relatively slow and noisy operation. Modern hard drives utilize magnetic induction, and their platters, made mostly of glass or aluminum with a ferromagnetic coating, serve as data carriers. At the end of the moving actuator arm, controlled with a precise positioning system, there are heads responsible for writing and reading data.

Skyrmionic magnetic textures shown at high magnification

The NYU researchers have decided to create a completely new digital memory format, essentially reversing the normal technique the computers use to write data to hard disk platters. A tiny magnetic quasi-particle called the skyrmion is what carries the data. External stimuli, such as a current pulse, can move the skyrmions which rotate coiled into a ball. The resultant skyrmion balls represent data portions, and the computer can quickly move them in sync with electrical pulses. Since the skyrmions are small, they move at a high speed and require a small amount of energy, the computing process is faster and more energy efficient, while storing more data in a specific space. The process, however, is not absolutely flawless. The scientists have discovered that small skyrmions are only stable in very specific environment. Determining the ideal conditions in which the skyrmions can be created and function will be the key objective of the research into implementing this technology.

MRP multiswitch series with a passive DVB-T/T2 TV path

. DVB-S/S2 multiswitches of Signal MRS series are dedicated for systems built in star topology In such systems, all outlets are connected by cables concentrated in a multiswitch or a group of multiswitches. These devices are ideal for installation in single- and multifamily houses. A very high isolation among outputs (with no crosstalk between bands and polarizations), and the built-in cable characteristics equalization function can compensate the influence of cable attenuation that increases with frequency and cable length. The multiswitches have 12 VDC switch in the terrestrial path. When a pre/amplifier is to be powered via the signal cable, the switch has to be set to "12 V ON" position.

The MRP series has passive terrestrial path. The multiswitches should therefore be installed in locations with access to a relatively good TV signal (high signal level, good quality). If the terrestrial signals in the location of the terrestrial antenna(s) are not strong enough, it will be necessary to use an antenna preamplifier, or even a high gain outdoor amplifier, such as MA080L R82022.

Counting customers in a store.

In many countries, stores and malls have been obliged to monitor the number of customers present on their premises. While the limit of a few customers in small stores can be easily observed, it is quite challenging in the larger ones, particularly those with many entrances and exits.

The use of a counting camera can be a solution to this problem. The camera is installed above the passage to be monitored to count the people coming in and out of the building. A virtual zone is created in the camera configuration which, when passed, causes another person to be counted. Artificial intelligence can distinguish every single person, so groups of two or three are also detected. The dual lens determines the height of objects. Therefore, people of up to a specified height (e.g. children) or other objects (shadow on the floor) can be excluded. The detection of people is based on deep learning algorithms and ensures high accuracy, even when there are more people in the passage. Exceeding the allowed number of customers in the ECO solution is indicated by color change of the stack light connected to the alarm output in the camera or the NVR. In the HIGH-END solution, the Series I NVR enables visualization of the number of people on the monitor (the number of people and the limit available, color scheme indicating when the limit of customers is exceeded). The schematic diagram of both solutions for a single entrance is shown below.

Counting camera installation for one entrance:
"Eco" version with an indicator
"High-End" version with an NVR

In small stores, only one counting camera will be sufficient. What if the facility has many entrances and exits (e.g. shopping mall)? It is not an issue for the system either. A dedicated digital recorder or an appropriate application (e.g. Hik-Central from Hikvision) can not only sum up the counting results from multiple cameras (entrances/exits), but also automatically generate reports on people counts, broken down to hours, days, weeks, etc. For facility managers, the counting cameras are therefore not only a means to meet the required occupancy limits, but also a powerful business tool offering very accurate data on the number of customers at a given time.

Counting camera installation for multiple entrances:
"Eco" version with an NVR and optional indicator
"High-End" version with Hik-Central software

Cleaning electrodes of the Signal Fire AI-8C/AI-9 fiber optic splicer.

Electrodes in fusion splicing machines are operating elements requiring periodic replacement. One of the parameters included in the datasheet of each splicing machine is the number of splices that can be performed with the use of one set of electrodes This value is usually between 2,000 and 5,000 splices. In fact, it depends on the environmental conditions in which the splices are made, as well as on the amount of calibration of the electric arc. One splicer can therefore require the change after 2,500 while another after 4,000 splicing cycles.

The reason why the installer should be interested in the condition of the electrodes are problems with making correct splices – usually the arc becomes too weak and irregular, which results in to low temperature and weak fiber connection. If additionally it is impossible to perform manual calibration of the electric arc, the electrodes should be cleaned or replaced.

This particular splicer has been serviced by DIPOL, and the customer complained about problems with generating electric arc during splicing. The initial assessment made it clear that the problem was caused by dirty electrodes. Electrodes in fiber optic fusion splicing machines collect dirt and deposits that can cause problems with proper splicing process. In this case, the electrodes should be removed from the splicer (procedure described in the user’s manual), then the dirt should be scraped with an upholstered blade, and finally the entire electrodes have to be cleaned with a tissue moistened with alcohol. In the case of the Signal Fire Al-8C/AI-9 fusion splicer this can be easily done by the installer.

Improved and more accurate crimping of RJ-45 plugs.

DIPOL now offers EZ RJ-45 (cat. 5e J2012_100 and 6 J2013_100) plugs. Their hallmark is a loopthrough on individual wires that allows for a faster and more efficient termination. The plug should be crimped and the excess conductor cut off with the dedicated E7911 crimping tool.

The plug ready for crimping

The plug has an elastic latch that prevents it from sliding out of the socket. Individual contacts have sharp, slightly spaced prongs, sticking directly into the insulation of individual wires, ensuring a reliable and durable connection.

E7911 Crimping tool for EZ Modular Plugs (8P8C/RJ45, 6P6C/RJ12, 6P4C/RJ11)

Fast firmware update in Hikvision devices.

Batch Configuration is the software that makes it possible to quickly update the formware, configure, activate and restore Hikvision devices to factory settings. While building a new monitoring system, it is often the case that the devices purchased have different, outdated firmware versions. Updating them after logging in via a browser may take a long time, particularly in the case of complex systems with 32 or 64 cameras. The entire process can be made faster with Batch Configuration by quick batch updating of identical devices, or devices belonging to the same hardware platform, or by individual updating of every single device.

To perform a batch update:

Batch update of 2 cameras belonging to the same hardware platform

HDMI over optical fiber with a USB. Multiple complex CCTV systems, due to the distance and the need to control e.g. NVR, require an HDMI to fiber converter with a USB extender. DIPOL offers an opportunity to implement such a scenario using a set of devices: a HDMI to IP converter and a media converter. ...>>>more

Using media converters with HDMI converters

Signal Fire AI-8 AI-9 / AI-8C fusion splicers