LittleBits - practical electronics like Lego bricks.

LittleBits Electronics Inc. has developed a modular system of electronic devices connected one with another with the use of magnets. The whole idea is to create solutions for various applications by combining the modules and commonly available materials. What's more, dedicated CloudBit module allows for remote management of the designs as well as for triggering their functions by any events. The possibilities are truly endless - an SMS doorbell, a remote pet feeder, and even ... a device to improve communication with the dog. That's just several examples of implementations submitted by active users of the LittleBits platform.

The CloudBit module is a small microcomputer (15x10x5 mm) running Arch Linux OS, based on Freescale i.MX233 processor (ARM926EJ-S at 454 MHz), equipped with 64 MB RAM , microSD slot with 4 GB card, 802.11b/g WiFi adapter. LittleBits modules are available for the price of $ 99 (10 modules), $ 149 (14 modules) and $ 199 (18 modules) and the system components include actuators, sensors, LEDs, DC motors and other elements. The pieces communicate with each other using a serial bus and are easily connected by magnets allowing for fast implementation of projects without soldering, wiring or programming. The CloudBit module will cost only $ 59.

The modular system launched by LittleBits is a completely open platform that gives developers full control over the hardware. The users are already provided with tens of ready-to-use solutions. Importantly, there is a community of contributors who experiment, share online, and can learn from each other creativity.

SMATV system based on fiber optics in a hotel complex.

The hotel complex consists of three buildings. The signals from the MMH-3000 headend installed in one of the buildings are transmitted to the other buildings via the existing multicore fiber optic cable, similarly to surveillance video and the Internet. The headend consists of three RDC-311 R817102 receivers, DVB-T encoder-modulator TRX-360 R81709, and DVB-S/S2 (8PSK/QPSK) receiver / DVB-T (COFDM) modulator TDX-311C R81711C. This configuration allows for reception, decoding, and distributing 15 satellite broadcasts from four different transponders in the form of DVB-T channels.

The RF signal from MMH-3000 headend is split by passive R60102 splitter into two paths, the first for providing the signal to 24 outlets in the center building, and the second for transmission of the signal to the two other buildings with total of 48 televisions. The signal from the second path is converted into optical form by the TV optical transmitter TERRA mo-428 R82523. The optical signal is transmitted via fiber optic cables to the OD-120 R81724 nodes, over distances of 350 m and 400 m, which is only a small part of the capabilities of such optical links. High output level of the RF signal of the OD-120 node (113 dBμV) enables direct distribution of the programming to all outlets via passive networks with R6028 splitters.

F&HOME Radio - a fully intelligent home.

F&HOME Radio is wireless intelligent building system dedicated for apartments, houses and business premises. Its concept and capabilities allow for the implementation of functions that so far seemed to be impossible, or available only to organizations and rich people. F&Home is a cheap solution, and its modular design allows for the division of the entire investment into stages spread over time. New features can be added to the system when needed. The initial system may consist of only a few elements (already offering a lot of opportunities for building automation), and, over time, can be expanded it by additional modules to increase its functionality, and thus to provide better adaptation to individual needs.

Created by nearly 20 engineers, this proprietary system allows users to control: lighting, blinds, heating and cooling (heaters, air conditioners), garden sprinkler, gate and doors, burglar alarm. All this can be realized in many ways (including so-called Scenes, e.g. predefined lighting in certain areas). The control can be executed locally, remotely (with a smartphone, tablet, computer), or may be automated, by processing data from sensors (e.g. switching on lights at dusk, turning off the air conditioning after reaching preset temperature, watering the garden if the soil is too dry, lowering roller blinds in the case of strong sunlight etc.) in accordance with a program schedule.

More info: Intelligent building - F&Home Radio System.

How to protect home LANs?

The times when the Internet was connected only to one or two PCs in the home have gone forever. Currently the home network often includes a number of devices, such as a router or switch, several computers, television(s), network drive(s), console(s), cable or satellite set-top box and media player(s). Along with the expansion of the home network, the importance of network protection against overvoltages is much higher.

Voltage surges can come from both the AC power network and the signal transmission lines. The protection against overvoltages in the power network is provided by safety extension cords/strips with surge suppressors (varistors) and fuses. In the event of a voltage increase over a limit (typically 250 VAC), the fuses cut off the power for the connected devices.

The signal path based on twisted-pair cables can be secured by dedicated protectors, for example. J2820. The condition for the proper functioning of this type of elements is their proper grounding.

The best and increasingly popular method of protection is the change of the LAN transmission medium from twisted-pair cable to optical fiber before the first device in the home network. This substitution results in a total galvanic separation of the local area network from a WAN and provides 100% protection.

In the diagram above, the home LAN is protected by the pair of L10021 media converters connected via the L31119 multimode patchcord. When selecting media converters, it is important to adjust their capacity to the parameters of the access network - in the case of data rates over 100 Mbps the suitable choice is to use gigabit devices, e.g. L10025. The type of the fiber should only be compliant with the media converters (multimode or single-mode), but due to short lengths, in some cases the user should remember about suitable attenuators. In the example, all the devices in the home have been connected to the AC power network via safety multi-outlet extension cords with surge suppressor ACAR P7ACAR P1316.

Hikvision - conversion of analog DVRs into hybrid devices.

Analog Hikvision DVRs from the HVI-SV, HWI-SH and HFI-SH series, after firmware updating to the V3.0.0 version, are capable of cooperation with Hikvision IP cameras. Depending on the model (the number of analog channels), the "new" hybrid DVR has a specified number of additional, fully functional digital channels for the following IP cameras:

Offline license activation in NUUO Titan NVRs.

NUUO DVRs of Titan series are dedicated for large video surveillance systems. To streamline the process of activating a large number of licenses, the manufacturer provides additional software. The use of the method is recommended even for 10 licenses.

To activate the licenses, it is necessary to log on to the NVR, enter Management and then License management sub-menus. After clicking Export tab, the system saves the offline.reg file. It is necessary that the computer saving the file is connected to the Internet. The next step is to create a text file containing all the licenses (written one under the other).

After running NUUO Offline License Tool and indicating the location of the offline.reg file, we should select the "Import SN file" option and point the previously created text file with the licenses. Then, after clicking Activate, we choose the destination of the Offline_license.dll, log on to the NVR, and point the Offline_license.dll file in the "Import license file" field in the License management sub-menu. After this operation, the NVR should show all the licenses.

September 1, 2014 - DIPOL is a comprehensive supplier of telecommunication and automation equipment for homes and buildings. DIPOL has expanded the range of offered products by home automation (smart home) and alarm systems. The offer includes three renown platforms, F&HOME, EXTA FREE ... more>

PoE - IEE 802.3af and IEE 802.3at. PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the name of a number of methods that allow for powering network devices through UTP/FTP cables. This way it is possible to power devices such as cameras, phones, switches, access points, etc. In 2003, the IEEE established 802.3af PoE standard, upgraded to 802.3at in 2009. 802.3at distinguishes between the first type (prior 802.3af) and the second type with maximum transmitted power of 30 W, nearly two times higher. The second type is suitable to power cameras with high-power IR illuminators, IP telephones, small network printers etc... more

Practical implementation of a home junction box. This time we show how to terminate lines in telecommunication junction box. Just look and see...

CCTV system with wireless access to video. The investor needed a video monitoring system in the office building located side-by-side with another building with the surveillance room. There was no structured cabling between the buildings. The project had to include cameras for monitoring vehicles entering and leaving the area, capable of working at night without additional lighting... more