Google AIY Project - artificial intelligence for everyone.

Google has launched a new initiative called AIY Project, which includes the distribution of electronic kits employing artificial intelligence solutions. Currently, the project website offers two kits, Voice Kit and Vision Kit. They both are now available in electronics stores around the world.

The Voice Kit consists of Raspberry Pi Zero WH microcomputer, Voice Bonnet board, speaker, push button, and cardboard frame and box that make up the housing for all the components. The kit allows the users to built their own voice recognition systems supported by Google Assistant, as well as to use it in different projects that utilize the voice recognition and natural language processing functions.

Voice Kit - a miniature set of hardware supported by AI software

The components of Vision Kit are Raspberry Pi Zero WH microcomputer, Vision Bonnet board, Raspberry Pi Camera v2, set of accessories, and cardboard frame and box for housing all the components. Unlike Voice Kit which needs Google Cloud for voice recognition and natural language processing, the Vision Kit can work without a network connection by running a neural network implemented on the Vision Bonnet. The security of the captured images is considerably higher due to the fact that they are processed locally. After assembling the kit, the user can run many neural network programs. One of them is a detector of people, dogs and cats, another is focused on the detection of emotions expressed by the human face, one more can identify 1011 objects, such as a cup, orange, or chair.

These kits are ideal for people who want to start their programming adventure or give new life to already existing projects. They can also be used as educational tools for students.

How to increase the range of HD-TVI signal transmission.

Exceeding the maximum rated transmission range results in a lower image quality (loss of image detail, blurring), and in the case of a significant overrun may lead to lack of synchronization and loss of the image. A solution to such a problem can be the application of the VHD-15 M1845 amplifier.
A single device compensates the attenuation of about 150 m UTP cable or 300-500 m coaxial cable (depending on the type of the cable used). So, one repeater will ensure good quality of video transmitted via twisted-pair cable over a total distance of up to 300 m. The maximum distance can be further extended by the application of another device (up to 450 m), or even of the third device (up to 600 m). In the case of using a coaxial cable, these distances will be correspondingly longer.

In the case of much larger distances, the transmission medium should be changed into optical fiber - the lengths of the transmission lines can reach even 20 km. The conversion can be performed with the use of Ultimode video converters.

Designing SMATV systems.

The implementation of bus topology with the use of multiswitches can provide the most flexible solutions for SMATV systems in large, multi-story buildings. The 9-cable bus is split into subnetworks for apartments in each staircase, and then on each floor, by a suitable tap providing signals to a "story" multiswitch. This way the network can be shaped according to the actual requirements. In the case of growing number of subscribers/outlets, it is enough to use multiswitch with a greater number of outputs.

TERRA provides designers/installers with a powerful design tool, SatNet, allowing for effective designing of a wide range of multiswitch systems. The free SatNet software is advanced and easy to use application. The designer and installer get guarantee that the project will be compliant with technical requirements for this type of shared antenna systems and each user of the SMATV system will receive high quality signals. An example of an SMATV system designed with the use of the SatNet software is shown below. The latest version of the software is SatNet 3.7.4.

Such solutions are widely used e.g. in the UK, Germany, Australia, Poland (employed in large SMATV systems since 2004). Excellent performance, stability of parameters, very low failure rate of TERRA multiswitches allow us to recommend them even to the most demanding customers.

GUI 4.0 for Hikvision IP NVRs.

Hikvision has introduced a new, improved user interface, GUI 4.0. The completely new local graphic interface is dedicated for NVRs from the I and DeepinMind series. It offers greater ease of use thanks to a new wizard and a simplified structure that makes programming much easier. Additional features such as intelligent data entry and disk health testing determine that an NVR with the new interface is more efficient and reliable. To get the new interface, the user should download and install a firmware version above 4.0. In the case of NVRs from I series the 4.1.50 firmware version is available on the product sites. This version supports H.265 using the ONVIF protocol and enables the user to coinnect with the NVR via Chrome or Firefox browser without installing additional plugins.

A screenshot from an NVR interface (Recording Schedule window)

Does an outdoor antenna increase the speed of LTE?

Wireless Internet access via cellular networks is an increasingly popular service. The growing popularity of this service among subscribers is the result of mobility, high throughput and falling prices. The absolute highlight is LTE technology that enables the achievement of data rates similar to those in landline /cable or WiFi networks.

In many cases where the mobile device is at a longer distance from the base station or is shadowed by various obstacles there are problems with adequate signal strength. Usually the problems can be solved by connecting the modem to a suitable external/outdoor antenna. Sometimes such an antenna can also be used for the improvement of the communication with a concrete base station offering e.g. the advantages of LTE-A standard. In each case it is important to buy broadband antennas that can operate in the "old" and "new" LTE bands and can provide the advantages of band aggregation.

ATK-LOG ALP LTE MIMO 2x2 antenna
800-3000 MHz A7054_5

Two IP cameras on a pole, video transmission via optical fiber.

Extensive monitoring systems with cameras placed on poles require careful planning, including the choice of equipment necessary for signal transmission via optical fibers and for power supply. Due to limited space, installers have to minimize the number and size of the pieces of the additional equipment and the size of the protective enclosures.

In such cases, the ideal solution is to use the L11542 media converter with integrated 2-port switch. This way, there is no need for an additional switch and power supply. The number of connections is also limited to a minimum. The concept is presented in the diagram below.

An application of the L11542 media converter with integrated 2-port switch
for transmission of signals from two IP cameras via universal single-mode fiber optic cable

Displaying video on monitors in a bus. Public transport buses are often equipped with monitors intended for displaying some information and commercials. An effective way to distribute the video from a computer or multimedia player to multiple monitors installed in a bus is the application of an HDMI to IP converter/extender... >>>more

A multimedia system in a bus

Signal Fire AI-8 fusion splicer