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

No. 2/2025 (January 13, 2025)

Antennas for monitoring of intercellular communication.

Scientists at MIT have developed tiny wireless antennas that use light to detect tiny electrical signals in liquid environments. The technology is helping to understand how cells communicate and could contribute to a deeper understanding of biological processes, more effective disease diagnosis and the development of new therapies.
Monitoring the electrical signals sent by cells is crucial to understanding how organisms function at the molecular level. Previous methods required wires connecting electrodes to amplifiers that severely limited the number of recording sites. The new technology overcomes these limitations with wireless antennas using optical phenomena.
GerryShaw, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Organic Electro-Scattering Antennas (OCEANs) are microscopic structures just 1 micrometer wide. They are made of a polymer that changes its optical properties in response to electrical signals in the surrounding liquid environment. As light falls on the antenna, changes in light scattering reflect the intensity of the electrical signals.
Each antenna acts as an independent sensor, making it possible to record electrical signals with high spatial and temporal resolution. OCEANs can detect signals as low as 2.5 millivolts, while neuron signals are typically around 100 millivolts. With a fast response time of just a few milliseconds, the antennas allow real-time monitoring of signals.
The antennas are made using a fast and precise manufacturing process. Conductive and non-conductive layers, which are optically transparent, are applied to a glass substrate. Then, using a focused ion beam, holes are cut in these layers at the nanoscale. In the cut holes, thanks to an electrochemical process, antennas “grow” from the ground up, taking the shape of mushrooms. Using this method, it is possible to create chips containing millions of antennas, making the technology scalable and suitable for large-scale applications.
The devices could potentially find applications in diagnosing and treating conditions such as arrhythmia and Alzheimer's disease. Their ability to precisely monitor cell activity opens up new possibilities in both basic research and precision medicine and drug development.
The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we study and treat diseases, providing new tools for biological analysis with unprecedented accuracy. Researchers also see potential in integrating antennas into nanophotonic devices, which could revolutionize next-generation optical sensors and devices.

Antennas for DVB-T2 – which one to choose?

Choosing the right antenna is a key issue in any TV system. When looking for a suitable model, the following factors should be taken into account – gain, directivity, mounting location, built-in signal amplifier and the band for which the antenna is tuned. Of these five factors, the primary and most important parameter in selecting a DVB-T2 antenna is antenna gain. Energy gain is a measurable parameter and is most often given in the unit dBi. In simplified terms, it is how much more “better” a given antenna is compared to a theoretical isotropic antenna that is omni-directional, lossless and has zero physical dimensions. The greater the gain, the better. Some antennas have amplifiers in the antenna box, which, when supplied with voltage (usually 12 VDC), further increases the received signal level. However, this should not be confused with the nominal gain of the antenna itself.
Features of a good antenna for DVB-T2:
  • frequency bands supported: VHF (174 – 230 MHz) and UHF (470 – 694 MHz)
  • antenna gain – the higher (given in dBi), the better the signal quality
  • resistance to interference – LTE/5G filters protect against interference from cell phone transmitters
  • solid workmanship, resistance to weather conditions
DVB-T2 TV antenna DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO with H/V polarization
DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 DVB-T2 antenna
DVB-T2 TV antenna DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO with H/V polarization
DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO A2050 DVB-T2 antenna
DIPOL SMART antennas have a number of advantages, among the most important of which is their versatility. The new COMBO TV antennas are designed to receive DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV in the VHF (174-230 MHz) and UHF (470-694 MHz) bands.

Hikvision IP video intercom system in the guesthouse.

The following diagram shows a Hikvision IP video intercom system installed in a guesthouse, whose parking lot is divided into two zones: A and B. The parking area A and the part of the guesthouse reserved for guests, includes the M2 monitor door station SB(A1) operating wicket F(A1) and entrance gate B(A1) and door station SB(A2) operating door D(A2). The parking zone B and the part of the guesthouse for guests includes the M1 monitor, SB(B1) door station for the F(B1) wicket and B(B1) entrance gate, SB(B2) door station for the D(B2) door. Each door station includes the main module with camera DS-KD8003-IME1(B) G73652, numeric keypad DS-KD-KP G73668, surface-mounted housing DS-KD-ACW2 G74354 and protective canopy DS-KABD8003-RS2 G74373. A Bira XS00U G74236 low-current door strike, powered directly from the door station, is used to control the gate. The entry gate is connected to the relay no. 2 of the door station. DS-KH6320-WTE1 G74001 are used as M1 and M2 monitors. All door stations are connected to an Ultipower 00108afat N29985 PoE switch, which powers the door stations and enables communication between the devices. Access to the devices from the Internet is via a Mercusys AC12G N2933 router.
The entire system should be configured so , that from each door station it would be possible to call the M1 monitor operated by the owner, and so that the owner could control each gate and entrance gate on the property. Furthermore, the owner can view the image from each gate station and open the gate or entrance gate at any time, even if no one calls. The M2 monitor, can only be called from the gate stations located in zone A i.e. SB(A1) and SB(A2). Door stations in zone B should also not be visible on the M2 monitor. For the functionality described to work, the SB(A1) door station must be set as master and the door station SB(A2) must be set as slave to the door station SB(A1). In both, the M1 and M2 monitor, the SB(A1) should be indicated as the main IP address of the door station. The SB(B1) door station should also be set as the master and SB(B2) as the slave relative to the SB(B1) door station. However, in this case, the SB(B1) door station should be added to the M1 monitor in doorphone mode. After adding the M1 monitor to the Hik-Connect cloud and installing the Hik-Connect app on a smartphone, the system can be configured so that the owner has calls forwarded to the phone if no one answers the call after a set time. The owner can then remotely open the wicket or entrance gate to let a guest into the guesthouse. The owner can also make selected door stations available to the tenant to remotely operate the A zone while using it.

Outdoor or universal fiber optic cable?

For outdoor systems it is necessary to use outdoor or universal cables. The following are the most important features of both types of cables so that the final choice can be made.
Outdoor Cable: DRAKA A-DQ(ZN)B2Y SM (8xG.652D) [1m]
A typical outdoor cable: DRAKA A-DQ(ZN)B2Y 8SM L79508

The DRAKA A-DQ(ZN)B2Y outdoor cables are the best choice in wide outdoor installation. These cables can be laid without additional conduits on roofs, facades, in tele-technical ducts and even buried, although the use of additional conduits is a good practice and is always recommended, regardless of the type of cable. The most significant features of these cables include:
  • high resistance to UV radiation
  • ease of pulling – the coating provides good glide
  • maximum pulling force of 3000 N resulting in high tensile strength
  • gel filling of the central tube – protection against moisture propagation inside the cable
  • glass fibers reinforcing the cable and providing basic anti-rodent protection
The DRAKA U-DQ(ZN)BH universal cables can be used both indoors and outdoors. The halogen-free LSZH sheath meets the applicable flammability criteria. Therefore, when installing such cabling, there is no need to change the cable type after entering the facility. Otherwise, it would be required to use a coupler and splice the fibers of two different types of cable.
Universal Cable: DRAKA U-DQ(ZN)BH 4E (4xG.657A1)
Typical universal cable: DRAKA U-DQ(ZN)BH 4E L76004
DRAKA universal cables have most of the advantages of outdoor cables. These include a gel-filled central tube and glass fibers for reinforcement and basic anti-rodent protection. DRAKA universal cables have excellent strength in comparison with similar types of cables from other manufacturers. The maximum installation pulling force is 2000 N which makes them slightly less resistant than typical outdoor cables. The outer sheath is resistant to UV radiation, but in the long run the cables with PE sheath perform better in this respect. For this reason, when using the universal cable outdoors, it is recommended to use PVC or similar protective conduits.

Full access to Sunell's DVR via the Internet without port forwarding.

P2P cloud typically allows partial access to devices from the network. Using an app on a phone or computer, it is possible to get encrypted live view, play archive recordings, handle alarm notifications and basic device configuration.
For Sunell NVRs, in addition to standard P2P access, the Web NAT function can be activated, which allows full access to the device via a web browser. With this function, it is possible to configure all DVR parameters from a remote location.
This function is crucial for both the user, who easily gains full access, and the installer. The installer can remotely adjust parameters, add new cameras, and easily perform all necessary configurations. After enabling Web NAT, go to https://www.51cloudtech.com, where you enter the device's serial number. The NVR's browser interface will then appear, allowing you to log in and have full access as if the device were on the local network.
Such functionality will be appreciated primarily by installers, who, with the appropriate login credentials, will be able to verify the configuration of an NVR in an easy, fast and, above all, remote manner.

New products offered by DIPOL

Tubular IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G2H-2I (4 MP 2.8 mm, 0.003 lx, hybrid. 60 m, AcuSense)
Hikvision DS-2CD2086G2H-IU IP tube camera (8 MP, 2.8 mm, 0.0008 lx, IR up to 40 m, Audio, AcuSense, black) The K03420 is part of the second generation of cameras based on AcuSense technology, featuring even higher false alarm filtering performance. It is dedicated for use in CCTV systems based on IP DVRs/NVRs. The camera is fitted with an 8 Mpix 1/1.8" CMOS sensor and an IR illuminator with a range up to 40 m to ensure proper visibility in low-light conditions. It has a fixed 2.8 mm lens with a viewing angle of 105°. Built-in microphone enables sound recording.
Tubular 4 in 1 Camera: Hikvision DS-2CE17K0T-LFS (5 MP, 2.8 mm, 0.01 lx, IR up to 40 m)
Hikvision DS-2CE17K0T-LFS 4-in-1 tube camera (5 MP, 2.8 mm, 0.01 lx, microphone, IR up to 40 m, white light 40 m) M74348 can work in HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and analog CVBS systems. The choice of the standard is made by the micro-switch located on the additional cable. The camera generates images with a resolution of 1080p. A distinguishing feature is the hybrid illuminator with intelligent switching, which consists of an IR illuminator and white light. It is possible to select one of three low-light modes: IR, white light or smart mode.
Dome IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2383G2-LI2U (8 MP 2.8 mm, 0.005 lx, hybrid. 30 m, audio, AcuSense)
Hikvision DS-2CD2383G2-LI2U IP dome Camera (8 MP, 2.8 mm, 0.005 lx, hybr. illumination up to 30 m, AcuSense) The K01516 is a Hikvision IP dome camera equipped with hybrid illuminator and AcuSense technology. The AcuSense technology increases the effectiveness of the surveillance system by eliminating false and nuisance alarms through human/vehicle object filtering. The use of IR and LED illuminators in a single camera allows it to operate in several modes – classic IR, white LED light and smart mode, in which when an object such as a person or vehicle is detected, LED illumination is switched on, allowing observation in color mode. After the object disappears, the camera switches back to IR mode.

Worth reading

Can splice amplify the signal? Installers performing reflectometric measurement of a fiber optic line can sometimes notice a certain anomaly on the reflectogram and in the event table. Here, we are talking about the so-called "gainers", i.e. places where fibers are connected (usually it will be a splice), on which one can notice an amplification of the signal backscattered in the direction of the OTDR...>>>more
Example of a measurement showing the splice of G.652.D and G.657B3 fibers. In one direction, the attenuation of the event of -0.119 dB (i.e. gain) is recorded, while in the opposite direction, the attenuation of the same event is already 0.264 dB. Thus, the final attenuation of the splice is: (-0.119 dB + 0.264)/2 = 0.0725 dB. The measurement was made with an Ultimode OR-20 L5830 OTDR.
Sendun SD-9+ fiber optic splicer, box + tool set
Sendun SD-9+ – a splicer with great potential