no. 9/2025 (March 3, 2025)

Artificial sun.

A new fusion record has been set at France's Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies (CEA) WEST Tokamak reactor – the plasma reaction was successfully sustained for an impressive 1337 seconds, or more than 22 minutes. This achievement not only surpasses the previous result of China's EAST tokamak by 25%, but also represents a significant step towards the practical use of fusion as a nearly limitless and clean energy source. Can this breakthrough technology solve global energy problems and revolutionize the way we obtain energy?
The desire for clean and nearly inexhaustible energy has been with humanity for many years. Nuclear fusion, the process responsible for the energy of the sun and stars, represents the hope of fulfilling this dream. However, transferring this powerful energy to Earth is an extremely complex task. While initiating fusion is not difficult, maintaining it under controlled conditions so that energy production exceeds consumption is another matter entirely. France has just accomplished a significant step forward, setting a new record.
CC BY 2.0 via Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Fusion energy is regarded as the holy grail of modern engineering. How powerful is it? Just one gram of hydrogen isotopes provides as much energy as we get from burning 11 tons of coal, all without producing radioactive waste or pollution.
It is no surprise that governments and private companies are investing billions of dollars in developing this technology. The challenge remains to achieve a controlled thermonuclear reaction under earthly conditions. The greatest challenge is not to start the fusion of atoms, which can be accomplished in simple laboratory experiments, but to create conditions in which the fusion reaction is self-sustaining and generates clean energy.
Achieving this goal requires temperatures as high as 150 million degrees Celsius and pressures of five to ten atmospheres at the reaction point. Maintaining stable plasma energy for at least 10 seconds is another key element. The ultimate goal is to control the unstable plasma and ensure that all components in contact with it are immune to its radiation, eliminating the risk of failure or contamination. Keeping the plasma stable is an important aspect on the way to constructing a commercial fusion reactor. The achievement made by France is an important step in this difficult and complicated path.

RG-6-type cable family by TRISET-302.

The TRISET-302 cable line is a new series of high-quality type RG-6 coaxial cables designed for the transmission of DVB-T2 television and DVB-S/S2 satellite signals. They are characterized by low attenuation, high resistance to interference and robust design, making them an ideal choice for small home systems and professional SMATV systems. And these are Tri-Shield cables, with A+ shielding class and 1.02mm copper core. There are indoor cables with different classes of reaction to fire: TRISET-302 Eca E1005_250, TRISET-302 Dca E1006_500, TRISET-302 B2ca E1007_500, and the outdoor cable TRISET-302 Fca E1008_250.
Coaxial cable 75 Ohm TRISET 302 Eca class A+ 1.02/4.6/7.0 110 dB [250 m]
Coaxial cable 75 Ohm TRISET 302 Fca class A+ 1.02/4.6/7.0 110 dB [250 m]
TRISET 302 Eca E1005_250 – 75 Ohm indoor antenna cable
TRISET 302 Fca E1008_250 – 75 Ohm external antenna cable
Eca and Fca version cables, in addition to the standard 100 m (box) and 500 m (drum) lengths, are available in a 250 m version. This version includes the packaging method known from some fiber optic solutions – the cable is wound on a rotating drum inside the box. Unwinding the cable is fast and convenient.
Name TRISET 302 Eca TRISET 302 Dca TRISET 302 B2ca TRISET 302 Fca
Code E1005 E1006 E1007 E1008
Application indoor outdoor
Type RG-6 Tri-Shield – triple shield
Reaction to fire class Eca Dca B2ca Fca
Lengths available 100 m, 250 m, 500 m 500 m 500 m 100 m, 250 m, 500 m

Splicing optical fibers – testing with VFL.

Signal Fire Ai-9 splicers have a built-in visual VFL fault locator. This device generates visible (red) light with a wavelength of 650 nm for preliminary check of a splice. After removing a pigtail from the package, the user connects its plug to the VFL socket, while the free end of the fiber is spliced with that of the cable. After splicing, it is possible to generate visible light with the "650" button on the front of the splicer. The person at the other end of the link checks if the light reaches the other end of the optical path.
Interestingly, Signal Fire splicer can splice when the visible light is already propagated through the fiber. Splicing with the VFL on relies on the splicer mechanical system and its software. Some splicers refuse to work if this is the case. This feature can be useful when visible light is introduced into several or more fibers using an optical splitter on one side of the connection (using a dedicated VFL, to avoid switching the light source and being constantly in touch with the splicing person), and splicing is performed on the other side.
Signal Fire AI-9 fiber optic splicer + box + tool kit (upgraded version).
Signal Fire AI-9 fiber optic splicer + box + tool kit (upgraded version).
Signal Fire Ai-9 L5875 splicer has a built-in VFL module. Therefore, it is possible to connect the pigtail being spliced directly to the module, and then splice and verify the joint. The photo on the right (click to enlarge) shows the VFL module connector (right) and the OPM optical power meter connector (left).

5G antenna – what is it and what is it used for?

A 5G antenna is a device used to improve the signal quality of mobile networks using 5G technology. It is used in areas where the operator's signal is weak, which can lead to low Internet speeds or an unstable connection.
Types of 5G antennas:
  • Indoor antenna, installed inside the building, usually near the router, most often the modem/router purchased is factory equipped with them.
  • External antenna, installed on the roof or façade of a building, provides better signal reception, especially in areas with poor coverage.
    • Directional antenna – focuses the signal in one direction, allowing precise targeting of the nearest transmitter.
    • Omnidirectional antenna – receives signal from all directions, works well in areas with relatively good network coverage.
The 5G antenna is particularly useful in rural areas or in places where the signal is disturbed by terrain obstacles. Its correct selection and installation can significantly improve the quality of the Internet connection.
Antenna TRANS-DATA 5G KYZ 10/10 + 5 m cable + SMA [698-960, 1710-2700, 3300-3800 MHz]
A popular outdoor antenna for 5G signal reception:
Antenna TRANS-DATA 5G KYZ 10/10 + 5 m cable, SMA, 698-960, 1710-2700, 3300-3800 MHz A741027_5

New products offered by DIPOL

Tubular IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2043G2-LI (4 MP 4 mm, 0.005 lx, hybrid. 40 m, AcuSense)
Hikvision DS-2CD2043G2-LI tubular IP camera (4 MP, 4 mm, 0.005 lx, hybr. illumination up to 40 m, AcuSense) The K03204 is a tubular IP camera from Hikvision 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.
Dome IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2343G2-LI2U (4 MP 2.8 mm, 0.005 lx, hybrid. 30 m, audio, AcuSense)
The Hikvision DS-2CD2343G2-LI2U IP dome Camera (4 MP, 2.8 mm, 0.005 lx, hybr. illum. up to 30 m, Audio, AcuSense) The K01318 features a 1/2.9” Progressive Scan CMOS sensor with 4 MP resolution and a hybrid illuminator with a range of up to 30 m to ensure proper visibility in the absence of light. It has a fixed 2.8 mm lens with a viewing angle of 104°. Two built-in microphones allow for audio recording. Support for the legacy and latest H.265(+) compression methods allows for the archiving time of recordings to be extended while maintaining excellent image quality and backward compatibility. Additional features to help improve image quality, such as AGC, 3D-DNR, WDR (120 dB), BLC, HLC and built-in video analytics (VCA), allow the camera to be used for implementation of more advanced projects. The IP67 rated housing protects the inside electronic components from adverse weather conditions. The camera can be powered conventionally with 12 VDC or through PoE (compliant with the 802.802.3af standard).
Tubular IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2686G2HT-IZS (8 MP, 2.8-12 mm MZ, 0,0008 lx, IR up to 60 m, WDR, IK10, H.265, AcuSense)
Hikvision DS-2CD2686G2HT-IZS IP tubular camera (8 MP, 2.8-12 mm MZ, 0.0008 lx, IR up to 60 m, WDR, IK10, H.265, AcuSense) The K05265 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 60 m to ensure proper visibility in low-light conditions. It has a varifocal 2.8-12 mm Motozoom type lens, enabling remote viewing angle change in the range 112.3-41.2°. The lens focuses automatically after the focal length change.

Worth reading

Powering a camera directly from a fiber optic media converter. Fiber optic cables are the core of the cabling of many surveillance systems. They are usually opted for in cases where the camera points remain at a considerable distance from the monitoring center. Where the camera point includes 1 camera, its implementation usually takes into account the use of a sealed box, in which a media converter is placed together with a power supply, a PoE power supply and a box/tray that protects the place of fiber optic splicing introduced into the box...>>>more
Universal fiber L76004 terminated with L34372 pigtails plugged into the patch box with adapter L42233. The fiber stock and splice are secured in the L5302 subscriber box recommended for this type of system due to its small size. The connection of the SFP 1415 insert installed in the L1302 media converter to the fiber, was made with a 0.5 meter LC duplex patchcord L3223372_05. The short patchcord saves space and avoids troublesome excess cabling inside the box.
Sunell cameras – advanced features at an affordable price