2012年7月23日 星期一

Home Automation DIY - Preparation II


Warning: Remember that electricity is very dangerous and will kill you in a heartbeat. Electricity can also start fires very easily, and fires can also kill you. The best way to get your home wired is by a certified professional who knows your local codes.

We have now a plan and we need to look at the design piece of our new Home Automation. The first step is to do an assessment by answering several questions:


Wiring and Networking:


What is the house status? (being built, being remodeled, old construction, new construction)
The status will affect greatly the type of wiring we will select. We had a complete home remodeling and all the walls were open. We had the opportunity to install 1" ½ orange cable tubing in every room, this allow pulling any type of cables within minutes. We have Cat6 cable, Fiber Optics, TV and audio/video cables.
Existing construction may not offer the same flexibility and going wireless will become the solution.
In old construction the quality of the power line is not high quality and will definitively impact transmission such as X10. Ask a certified electrical professional to help evaluating your existing wiring to make sure it's still meets 'code'. Don't be afraid to spend money on your electrical wiring, it will pay back later.
For this project we will choose an existing old construction with up to local code wiring. The network will be wireless as well as security and monitoring. Z-Wave being too expensive, Home Automation will be based on Insteon and/or UPB equipment.

Lighting
Planning for this section is quite easy and interesting. We need to select for each room the type of switches we need and as we will implement security, monitoring and multimedia distribution we will use a control unit to manage all functions.
Control Units - we recommend 2 different brands Cortexa Technology and HAI. The Cortexa is more IP network based while HAI is more versatile on the security part. For this project I would use HAI which offer two main lines: Lumina and Omni. The Lumina is more limited on the security side but it connects to existing security systems. The Omni offers a complete solution from lighting to security and fire system.
The Omni IIe Pro will be my choice as it has the most features and won't limit our future ideas.
Based on this control unit selection, the technology we will use UPB for lighting control. The cheaper X10 won't work very well in an old electrical wiring environment.
Now let look at the need for each room to replace existing switches.


Bedrooms - one switch and one or 2 side lamps
The switch can be dimmer or non-dimmer, side lamps will need lamp modules dimmer or non-dimmer as well.
Dining and Living rooms - one switch per room and may be some floor and table lamps with the same dimming status as for bedrooms.
Play room - two high wattage switches and may be several floor and table lamps.
Family room - three high wattage dimmer switches, several floor and table lamps and why not adding a nice LCD control panel to create lighting scenes.
...etc for each rooms including bathrooms
Outdoor lights - replace existing switches with non dimmer high wattage ones plus two or three non-dimmers modules for Xmas lights as well.

We have a list of material to purchase - but don't buy anything yet!

Heating and cooling


To plan this section we will base it on a 3 zones heating and cooling system. One for the main floor, one for the second floor and one for the basement.
First we need to verify with a certified professional that the current heating cooling system can support multi-zoning and that the house and the furnace don't need too much modification.
For this project all is needed is 6 motorized dampers, a 4 zone control panel for the furnace and 3 RC-90B thermostat as the furnace is a single stage. We can upgrade to RC-2000 with humidity control.
Thermostats will need to be connected to the furnace control panel and to the HIA control unit. Some wiring to add here.
The RC-90 and RC-2000 accept external temperature sensors. These sensors installed in bedroom will allow to adapt the floor temperature to the lowest or most important room - Master bedroom or baby's room for example - additional wiring will be required to these rooms.




Pierre Merlin owner of High Tech and More, LLC - We provide great deals on HomeAutomation [http://www.myhightechstore.com/Home-Automation/] including Home Security [http://www.myhightechstore.com/Home-Automation/Security/]





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Moisture And Temperature Sensors: Top Domestic Uses


It is quite an undeniable truth that technology advancements, when applied to our home, can make our everyday life not only more comfortable but also easier. From being able to record a TV show we want to see but we will not be at home by the time it is on or to keep up with our laundry, different and more or less sophisticated home appliances help us enjoy our homes more and to do so more efficiently.

Moisture and temperature sensors are quite new technology advancements that are being increasingly adopted by homeowners across the country. They are both used to keep a close control of the humidity level and the temperature in a given environment in order to make sure the house is a cozy place to live in. Let's explore some of their top domestic uses:

Hygrometers and Detection of Leaking Pipes

Placing an hygrometer in the basement can be a great idea, especially if you want to know immediately when a pipe is leaking or there is water filtering from the surrounding ground into the structure of your property. As these instruments are very sensitive, they are able to detect even the slightest change in the level of humidity. Thus, as soon as one of the pipes in your basement starts leaking, this device can let you know by sending you an email or by triggering a buzzing sound.

Temperature Sensors and Room Temperature

With a temperature sensor it is really easy to make sure each and every room of you house is at the adequate temperature. It doesn't matter how cold or hot it is outside, you can always keep your house cozy. Thus, they help you use heaters and air conditioners more efficiently and reduce your gas and electricity bills.

Humidity Analyzers Fight Against Moss and Fungi

Moss and fungi tend to appear in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and in every other place of the house where humidity can be a problem. Fortunately, by installing humidity analyzers it is easier to make sure that your house stays dry so that fungi and moss do not appear.

Moisture Sensors Prevent Allergies

In close relation to the domestic use above mentioned, moisture sensors are also very valuable home appliances that help users prevent allergies and improve their respiratory health. Many people suffer from allergies caused by moss and fungi and, by providing these elements with an inadequate environment, it is really easy to stop allergies from triggering.




ElizBeth B Davis From Processsensors.com





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What Makes a Sanyo Microwave Oven Worth Purchasing?


If you just came home from work, and you do not have the stamina to cook yourself a meal, you can simply reheat a dish from the refrigerator. Reheating can be a lot of work, if you decide to do it the conventional way. With a lack of stamina to grab a pan and heat your food with a stove, you might simply decide on sleeping on your hunger. It is either that, or you might decide on ordering a box of pizza from the nearby store.

However, with an efficient kitchen appliance, you can have a warm meal in only a matter of seconds. A microwave is ideal for busy people who have no time or energy to fix them up a meal. With a microwave oven, you only need to take out the dish from the refrigerator, pop it inside the microwave and just wait for the signal so you can already eat your food. This surely takes away the laborious method of reheating with a stove.

You can find several brands of microwave in stores; however, you have to be sure that you only purchase the best one that is affordable, as well. The Sanyo microwave oven comes with a bunch of impressive features that make this brand a great buy. Here are some features that you can expect from this superb brand of microwave.

Installs in Seconds

Some microwave ovens come with an intricate instruction and start-up manual. This serves as a guide on how to install and operate the microwave. However, you will not have trouble with a Sanyo microwave, as compared to the other brands. You can install and start using any microwave by Sanyo in seconds, the moment you take it out of the box.

Sensor Cooking

You no longer need to rely on guesswork when cooking any dish with the Sanyo microwave oven. The advanced Sensor Cooking feature in this microwave only requires you to place the food inside, and the microwave do the rest of the job. It detects the steam levels and humidity of the food, which allows it to adjust automatically the best power level and time in cooking the food perfectly.

Super ShowerWave Advanced Technology

This feature allows microwave rays to circulate properly and efficiently inside the oven. Hence, the even distribution of heat cooks food quickly. The same goes with defrosting and reheating, which takes only a matter of seconds because of this smart feature.

Boomerang Turntable

Once you put in the container in a certain location in the microwave, you can be sure that after the signal, you will find the container in the exact location as when you put it in. This is what the boomerang turntable feature does. It offers convenience because you no longer have to reach far inside the oven to get the container. You can easily grab the container with your warm food in the nearest location.

One Last Note

There you have it, the top features that you can find in a Sanyo microwave oven. Truly, each of these features contributes to the amazing performance and overall quality of this microwave brand. Purchase one now, and experience the ease in cooking and preparing food with this smart kitchen appliance.




For more information about Microwave Ovens and Parts, please visit: Sanyo Microwave Oven and Sharp Microwave Oven Parts.





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2012年7月22日 星期日

Formax FD 8702CC Cross-Cut Multimedia Office Shredder Review


The Formax FD8702CC is a powerful shredder with enhanced capabilities, destroying paper at a Level 3 Security, as well as many forms of digital media such as compact discs. Here is a closer look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of the FD8702CC.


Sensitive documents and other information don't only come in paper form anymore. If you've ever been stuck worrying about how to dispose of non-paper or digital media that may contain sensitive data, the FD 8702CC may be just the shredder for you. Right along side the normal paper feed is a dedicated feed opening that accepts compact discs, DVDs, ZIPs and floppies, as well as common credit cards and tapes. The regular feed easily takes staples and paper clips, making the FD 8702CC, in our opinion, one of the most powerfully versatile shredders available, and certainly of those we have tested.
Company literature states that the FD 8702CC offers a capacity of 40 sheets at a time. While we didn't quite test it to that limit, we see no reason why it wouldn't be able to perform to that rather impressive capacity. Keep in mind that overall shredder capacities vary according to such factors as humidity, paper stock weight, and the quality of the power source you are using. The FD 8702CC's cutting heads are of the highest quality, constructed of heat treated tempered steel and Formax guarantees them for the life of the machine.
In order to cut down on identity theft and other types of consumer fraud, congress implemented regulations in 2005 that require businesses or individuals that are disposing of documents containing sensitive employee or customer information shred such documents at a security level of 3 or higher. The FD 8702CC is indeed a cross cut Level 3 shredder, and thus offers a great and versatile machine that can protect you from stiff state and federal fines as well as possible litigation.
Ease of use is a great quality to have in a machine that sees a lot of different users, and the FD 8702CC delivers in that regard as well. The control panel is easy to understand, even for relative beginners. Optical sensors are used for auto on-and-off operation, and there's a manual button for items like film, which the sensors won't detect. The control panel also features a handy load indicator which informs you if you're overfeeding the machine.
Maintenance is relatively easy with this machine as well. The FD 8702CC's control panel features a reverse mode for automatic cleaning of the cutting heads and will even indicate to you when the mechanism needs oiling. Best of all, is how the FD 8702CC can keep a record of your usage, and display the stats to service technicians if need be.
The FD 8702CC has some nice safety features as well, such as automatic shutoff if the bin door is open and/or when the waste bin is full. There is also an onboard circuit breaker that keeps electrical overloads from occurring.

Weaknesses:


Perhaps due to the FD 8702CC's increased abilities, it only has a motor speed of about 11 feet per minute.We don't think that's necessarily a bad tradeoff.However, other large shredders run at significantly higher speeds.
While the 9.4-inch feed opening will work for the vast majority of paper sizes, productivity may slow a bit if you are shredding a lot of paper that is larger, such as computer printouts.If you need to shred larger format sheets, you will have to fold them in half to feed them through the opening of this machine.




If you are interested in more information about the Formax 8702CC Multimedia Shredder, you might want to visit MyBinding. They offer a great price on this machine and they even offer Free Shipping. Plus, they carry the full line of Formax Paper Shredders, shredder bags and shredder oil. Check it out today!





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Drying Oak for Use in Oak Worktops


Most people have seen old oak beams in buildings where the beams are all twisted, split and warped. Whilst this is fine for a building, the same cannot be said for a wooden kitchen worktop. Once it's in, you want it to say stable, flat, and not start cracking and splitting. Of course as any timber adapts to its environment, and any changes in that environment, it will move. Consider the change in humidity from a warm, dry, heated kitchen in winter, to a hot, much more humid unheated kitchen in summer. Correct treatment, installation and maintenance of an oak worktop will significantly reduce these changes to the point where they are unnoticeable, however it still requires that the oak was dried correctly in the first place.

As soon as an oak tree is felled, it needs to be planked and laid out 'on sticks'. Here, the oak planks are laid on a flat surface with small wooden bearers in between layers. Th bearers should be about 12 - 18 inches apart. This allows the air to flow freely around the oak which aids the drying process, however this must be carefully regulated to prevent the oak from drying unevenly or too fast, which introduces exactly the problems we are trying to avoid.

One of the first steps to stop the oak from drying too fast is to paint the ends with a wax based paint. Where the end grain is cut, it exposes the capillaries which carry water and nutrients up and down the tree, so clearly significant moisture loss will occur at this point. Painting with wax minimises this, and forces the moisture to flow out through the sides of the timber evenly.

The next step is cover the top of the stack of oak, which is usually provided by a fixed roof in a shed called a 'T' shed. This is simply a roof to keep the sun and rain off, and also to provide a fixing for 'curtains'. The curtains are in fact just like heavy duty curtains made from a tight mesh that allows air flow, but crucially stops wind from blowing over the oak. Wind is a big enemy when drying oak, as it takes the moisture out too quickly, and leads to splitting and checking.

Finally, it's a good idea to place a few sheets of thick ply on the top, and then pile on some railway track to weigh it down and hold it flat. Once all that's in place, the oak should be left for a minimum of six months, but preferably 12 - 15 months.

After this, the next stage is to kiln dry the oak. The longer it has been sat on sticks the lower the moisture content will be as it goes in to the kilns, although of course the cost of the timber is tied up for longer.

The kiln drying process is where most of the damage occurs from trying to dry the oak too quickly. Running a kiln costs around $ 12,000 dollars a month for a 120 cubic metre kiln, so it's easy to see why most companies rush it. It's not just a matter of putting it in the kiln, turning the heat on and leaving it for three months either. The temperature needs to be built up very carefully so that the balance between the core moisture content of the oak and the surface reading are never too far out. Obviously there has to be a gradient here, but it's the relative steepness that matters. Too much, and the moisture is being forced out too quickly, and will split and damage the fibres of the oak, which will then be in there forever. Modern kilns use an array of moisture sensors both inside the oak, the surface and all in between, across a complete cross section of the kiln to ensure evenness of drying.

Once the oak is down to around 6 percent moisture, it is then conditioned with heated steam back to up to 7.5 percent, which makes the oak stable. Obviously each step adds complexity and considerable cost, but without these elements, production of quality dry oak is all but impossible.

Oak which is force dried too quickly will eventually equalise, however during this equalisation it will almost certainly warp, split and crack. If the overall moisture content it too high, then it will shrink once installed, which will lead to glue line failure in the majority of cases.




For more on Oak Worktops please visit http://www.NorfolkOak.com.





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Soil Moisture Meter - A Farmer's Friend


A device used to measure the percent of water content in any kind of soil is a soil moisture meter. It is an essential device to be possessed in the field of agriculture and its related fields. Such a device can detect the moisture content of the soil and we can decide the amount of water to be supplied to the plants that are to be grown at that time. Thus pretty much healthy growth of plants is ensured.

Any farmer who runs a field or a householder who possesses a garden can own one such gadget to measure the humidity of the field or garden soil as it is not that costly and it is a user-friendly device for anyone to make use of it efficiently. When put to use, it will show the various ranges of water content in the soil by the color indicators and each color denoting a particular range.

Different models are available and each of them works on a different principle. We have meters that use electrical resistance blocks and thermal dissipation blocks. The farmer uses a sensor called the electrical resistance block and the latter temperature sensors.

The commercial farmers grow various kinds of crops in a very large scale and they cannot afford to bear huge losses. Thus for the plants to give a better yield and thereby generate more profit a healthy soil and environment are the main criteria that should be made available. One of the factors that determines the soil health is its dampness and it should be monitored throughout the life of a plant and ensure enough water is supplied when it is dry and follow a dry period if the soil dampness has increased sue to some reasons.

Thus we can opine that this device is a must have one as it guides you how much and when to water the plants making a way for their healthful development continuously.




Chris is the writer of this article, you can visit us for more information on soil moisture meter and acidic soil. Visit to read more detail.





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High Tech Backyard Weather Stations Can Save You Big Money


People are always looking for technology innovations that will make their life easier, more comfortable, or provide a bit more predictability to their daily events. One innovation that holds promise for doing exactly that are backyard weather stations.

Not so many years ago a high-tech backyard weather station might consist of a weather vane, a barometer, and a rain gauge. Today's technology can provide you with a wireless weather station that monitors so much more critical information like soil moisture and leaf wetness, among other things, and then wirelessly transmits the data to your computer where you can track, graph and analyze historical data.

Today's weather stations have sensors that can detect important weather variables such as daily highs and lows, temperature changes by the hour, barometric changes, and windspeed and direction for any time of the day, along with humidity. If you live in a hgh wind zone be assured that the best outdoor units are built to withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph. They can wirelessly send the data every couple seconds up to 1000 ft. away to an indoor console. The indoor console also collects data for the indoor temperature and humidity and interfaces with your computer.

So what can you do with his data? Everybody with a garden wants to know what to expect in weather conditions over the next several days or even how this particular day of the year has panned out weather-wise in the recent past. High winds dry soil quickly. Frost or below normal temperatures could devastate exotic plants. Some homeowners take great pride in their landscaping and spend many hours caring for thousands of dollars of bushes and plants. Any realtor will tell you that flourishing landscaping plants add significant value to your property. Weather knowledge is about saving money, too.

Outdoor home improvement activities like painting, roof work, masonry, and concrete are highly dependent on favorable weather conditions. For a small independent contractor in the construction business having a better than your average weatherman handle on upcoming weather events could mean the difference between the success and failure of his business. He cannot afford to do every job twice - and out of his own pocket. Construction materials ruined by weather are costly to replace, especially for homeowners who have nobody else to look to for leaving them out and exposed to the weather.

If you're planning a big outdoor event like a barbecue or a pool party you would probably like to have more solid information than an eye to the sky and a finger in the air. How much more important would it be if you were planning an outdoor wedding for tomorrow? Maybe you will be able to save a few hundred dollars on those rain canopies because you know you will not need them, or maybe now you know you are going to have to dig a little deeper to come up with the extra money to pay for them.

Not everybody needs to our wants to be a weather nut but for those people to whom today's and tomorrow's weather mean everything, high technology backyard weather stations can provide it all.




Cooking technology is changing for the better too. The portable, tabletop size Nuwave Oven Pro [http://kitchenamerican.com/blog/nuwave-oven-pro] can roast and brown a 16 lb. turkey in 50% less time while using 70% less energy.





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2012年7月21日 星期六

The SainSpeed 7045V Car Thermometer


A car thermometer is great for knowing the inside and outside temperature when you're driving. Here are what to look for in a car thermometer: They should be constructed with durable material that will be able to stand to wear and tear. A digital LCD is ideal for display that lets you know the temperature, humidity level, date and time simultaneously if possible. You want something that is fairly easy to install this means you don't want to have to call a professional to do it for you.

Introducing the SainSpeed 7045V, it can provide you with all of these features and more. Equip your car with the thermometer to quickly know the temperature yourself.

The SainSpeed 7045V is one of the latest models of car thermometer that amazon carries. It has a multi-function system that will display temperature inside and outside of the car accurately. It shows dates, time in a dynamic way accompanies by an alarm snooze and the best part is it can monitor your car's battery voltage.

SainSpeed Features

The SainSpeed comes with a very unique digital temperature meter that has an 8ft. cable plus remote temperature probe sensor. It is great for checking out temperature in cars plus other equipment like: computer towers, cpu temp, test equipment, farms, Jacuzzi, pool, outside air, the water in your automobile, trucks, RV's, boat, aquariums, and even pet habitats. The SainSpeed car thermometer has a great professional look to it.

It is can be un-mounted which is great when you want to remove it from your vehicle. The mounting holes size is 1"x1.75". It has a great range to it of -40F to +160F. Plus you need a unit that will keep you up to date on temperature changes if you live in places where the weather is unpredictable, the SainSpeed 7045V car thermometer auto updates temperature reading every 8 seconds, how's that for being up to date! The Sensor is rust proof; it is made of 100 percent stainless steel, which is very important as you may not want to buy new ones very frequently. It also comes with a backlight that makes it easier to see at night.

It's Your Decision if you want to go out and buy an expensive car thermometer that has laptop and phone charging capability plus other host of features like solar power thermometers. Now it depends on the kind of technology that was used to create them so the manufactures will have to account for the cost and labor which they will pass on to you. So you might be looking at a pretty big price tag for the hooked up versions. If all you need is to know the inside and outside temperature of your car then the SainSpeed 7045V is perfect for you.




Please visit our website to get information filled with more tips http://www.carthermometer.org





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Is Your House Smart? Add Automation Technology to Your Luxury Home


Smart homes are the concept of the future that already has roots today. The more advanced our technology becomes, the smarter our environments such as cars, homes and offices become. However, unlike our cars, or offices, our homes are an intimate reflection of our style and desires as well as a place that we need to feel comfortable. The true key to home automation is not so much focusing on one technological aspect, but connecting them all so that the house provides a total environment. Here are some powerful devices that make your home work to make your experience more relaxing and enjoyable.

Smart Thermostats

One of the most powerful environment regulators is the thermostat in your home. It keeps rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. While a traditional thermostat is set by your choice of maximum and/or minimum temperature for comfort, a smart thermostat, coupled with a temperature sensor unit regulates temperatures based on current conditions and exact temperatures desire for complete comfort. They can even regulate humidity, and be programmed to keep specific rooms at individual levels.

Automatic Lighting

There are double benefits to smart lighting in a home. The first benefit is security, the second is comfort and ease of visibility. Lighting timers have been around for awhile, and they are a good way to turn lights on at night when you are away to scare away possible invaders. However, modern smart lighting goes a step further in using sensors to regulate the operation of certain programmed lights to go on exactly when natural light dims to a specific level. That adds to the benefits on both sides by de-regulating the time lights turn on so it looks more natural, and also making sure you have the visibility in your home that's best for all times.

Staging Lights Get Automated

This type of light accents individual focal points in the best manner. Stage lighting is shaped by situating the lights in the most attractive manner for the exhibit, and very advanced lighting even includes beveled lights to reflect different surfaces in different ways. Another way of using lighting to enhance an area is to bring out the surrounding colors, or create an atmosphere with colored bulbs. Automation allows all of these aspects to be combined with specific timing, or even rotation of lighting colors or focus points.

Automation for the Home Theater

One of the most popular aspects of modern home technology is the entertainment center. A home theater inter-connects all aspects of the entertainment experience for a total package including superior sound, picture and also seating comfort. Lighting also plays a strong part in creating a home theater. Different types of lighting can be programmed into the system to provide a brighter light for sports events, dimmer lights for romantic movies, or even create levels of light in different areas of the room, such as pinpointing more light to a bar area and less to a sofa area.

Integrated Audio Technology

Nothing creates ambiance better than music. Integrated music systems pump your choice of music through strategically placed speakers in every room of the house, or can be programmed to play in specific areas. You can even have music played in the garden through speakers embedded into faux rocks so it seems to come out of thin air.

New Technology in Remote Controls

Although a big part of smart homes is having the various aspects controlled automatically, sometimes it is nice to take back control. Smart homes let you develop systems that give you the power of control no matter where you are. Remote control programs let you access all of the systems in your home right from a phone, or computer.




Learn more about home theater systems and the cool technology in today's most amazing houses at LuxSpaces.com.





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Ice Makers and Dispensers


All food service operations need ice, and the simplest way to meet that need is to have an icemaking machine that freezes, "harvests," and stores ice automatically. There are large, standalone machines that produce up to 3000 pounds of ice per day; medium-size, undercounter models that make up to 200 pounds per day; or small, countertop ice makers that deliver as little as 1 pound of ice per hour. You will sometimes see ice makers referred to as ice cubers. Before you buy an ice machine, you should not just determine how much ice you'll need, but where you will need it. If there are several sites for ice consumption-garde manger area, bar, wait stations-you might be better off with several smaller machines in various locations instead of everyone hauling ice from a single, large unit.

We'll talk in a moment about how to determine your ice needs. Ice-making machines are refrigeration units. The ice is made when a pump circulates water from a tank. The water runs trough tubing to a freezing assembly, which freezes it into a single sheet. The frozen sheet is then cruhed or forced through a screen to produce ice cubes. Different types of screens produce different sizes and shapes of cubes. After the ice is crushed or cubed, it is automatically dumped into a storage bin. When the bin fills to capacity, a sensor inside the machine shuts it down until there is room to make and store more ice. Because most of the ice maker's parts come into direct contact with water, it is important that components be made of rustproof materials.

Ice maker capacity is determined by how many pounds of ice the unit can produce in a 24-hour period. However, any machine's output (and the quality of the ice itself) will be affected by several factors: Incoming water temperature. The ideal is 50 degrees Fahrenheit; warmer water makes the machine work harder. Room temperature. The ideal is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If installed in an environment that has an ambient temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, consider getting a unit with a water-cooled condenser to compensate for hot, humid, or grease-laden air. Incoming water pressure. The minimum water pressure should be 20 pounds per square inch (psi); recommended pressure is between 45 and 55 psi.

Anything higher than 80 psi will cause malfunctions. Water quality. Hard water will cause the machine to work more slowly and almost always necessitates some kind of pretreatment before the water enters the machine. The fewer minerals and chemicals in the water, the more quickly and harder it will freeze, and the more slowly it will melt. Filtration is almost always a good idea. Read manufacturers' output claims carefully and you'll find they are often based on ideal conditions: incoming water temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient air temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, a 10-degree increase in air temperature means daily ice output decreases by 10 percent.

Also examine the water and energy usage figures provided by the manufacturer. You'll note that there is a wide range: from 15 to 27 gallons of water to produce 100 pounds of ice, using from 5 to 10 kilowatts of electricity. An additional source to check is the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the national trade association that represents about 90 percent of manufacturers. Ironically, ARI data rates ice machine production capacities using more realistic conditions than the manufacturers' sales literature-with incoming water temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and ambient air at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. ARI also rates machines by how many kilowatthours and how much water they need to produce 100 pounds of ice. The group's "CoolNet" Web site can be found at http://www.ari.org.

No matter where the ice maker is located, it needs a source of cold water and drainage. Particularly critical is a one-inch air gap between the ice maker's drain line and the nearest floor drain. This is a necessary precaution to prevent a backflow of soiled water into the ice bin. Wherever you install the ice maker, proper plumbing will be mandated by your local health department. A recessed floor beneath the unit is also recommended. Along with nearby drainage, this ensures that spilled ice does not melt on the floor and cause accidents. One smart option is to install an inlet chiller along with your ice machine. About the size of a household fire extinguisher, it collects the water that would normally be discharged from the ice maker into the drain. Instead, the water recirculates first through a series of copper coils in a chamber that contains fresh water on its way into the ice maker.

The cold outgoing water chills the coils, which chill the fresh incoming water and allow it to freeze more quickly for faster ice production. The inlet chiller, which has no moving parts and uses no electricity, can save up to 30 percent on the electricity used to run the ice maker and boost its capacity by 50 percent. There is also a need for air circulation around the unit. An ice maker gives off warm air, like any refrigerator, and should be placed at least 4 inches from the wall to allow for ventilation. Those are just a few of the factors to consider in your "life cycle" calculation. Others are listed in the next "Foodservice Equipment" box.

Just as there are different machine capacities, there are also various sizes of storage bins. Most operators choose a combination ice maker and storage bin; by adding an extra 20 percent to the total capacity of each, you'll (theoretically) never run out. Ergonomics experts add that bins with a depth of more than 16 or 18 inches are hard to reach for employees that must scoop from the bottom. Look for storage compartments with volume sensors, so production cuts off automatically when the bin is full. When ice tumbles out every time you open the bin, you're just wasting it.

A final important consideration is the length of time it takes the machine to complete one ice-making cycle. Under normal conditions, the whole freezing-harvesting-ejection period should take no longer than 15 to 20 minutes for the finished cubes to hit the storage bin. Now that we've discussed the machine itself, what kinds of ice do you want it to make? There are many different cubed-ice options. Large cubes (full cubes) melt more slowly, so they're good for banquet situations where glasses must be set out early. They may be awkward in some glasses and may give the appearance of a less-than-full drink.

Smaller, half cubes stock better into most glasses and are preferred in bar settings. Even smaller cubelets are suggested for soft drinks, because they fill the glass or cup so well (and therefore make your soft drink supply go further). Nugget ice is flaked ice that has been compacted into high-density, random-size chunks that melt slowly and are easier on blender blades than cubed ice. Nugget ice is a good choice for soft drinks and smoothies. Round shapes fit a glass better at its edges. Rectangular cubes stack better than round ones, leaving fewer voids in the glass. Your clientele, your glassware, and your type of service will determine the right shape for you.




Franco Zinzi has been involved with online marketing for nearly 3 years and likes to write on various subjects. Come visit his latest website which discusses of restaurant fridges and refrigerator supplies for the owner of his own business.





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2012年7月20日 星期五

The RMR500ES +ECO By Oregon Scientific - A Scientific Gift


The need to create more green energy is growing in importance as fossil fuels are used up. Lots of investment is going into green energy generation, including solar panel development, with the aim of making them more efficient. You'll save money by using solar panels to generate green energy by keeping your fuel bills down. Of course, the energy that is generated from solar panels in your own home is energy that doesn't have to be generated by other means, which helps reduce our national energy usage. A small 1. 5 degree reduction in your thermostat temperature can yield savings of up to 10%. That same 1.5 degree reduction can reduce the greenhouse gasses in your household by up to a tonne.

Are you concerned about the energy consumption in your home? Keep an eye on it with the Oregon Scientific RMR500ES +ECO. In no time at all you will be able to see the temperature and humidity in up to four rooms in your house. You can save energy and money with the fantastic new Oregon Scientific RMR500ES Solar Charging Clima Control. You can easily see the temperature and humidity readouts on the main unit, allowing you to make adjustments as necessary. The unit is powered by solar energy and is probably the most effective way to keep home energy consumption in control. There's a wealth of data at your fingertips with the crystal-clear LCD display, allowing you to make an informed decision. You can even place the sensors outdoors, allowing them to transmit weather data back to the central unit. This unit is incredibly easy to set up. With no fiddly wires, the Oregon Scientific RMR500ES transmits its data through wireless signals. The Solar Charging Clima Control unit is an innovative product from Oregon Scientific, a market leader in unique scientific products. The company was formed in 1989 in the United States and is well-known for its Home Weather Stations and Smart Clocks amongst other innovative products.

Make sure you check the company's website regularly as new offers and money-saving deals are often added. As well as the usual discounts on products, there are discounts for checking out online. The company offers free postage and packaging on many items so be sure to check the website. You're sure to be delighted with the RMR500ES - the perfect tool for lowering your bills. This product will probably pay for itself within months from the energy saving you'll get from using it.




At Scientific Gifts we review many science-based products, games and toys, including the Oregon Scientific RMR500ES. Visit our website for many more scientific gift ideas.





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Extractor Fans - What to Look For When Buying


Extractor fans are a definite must-have in all homes as they help remove condensation from the main two rooms that cause it - bathrooms and kitchens. Fitting the correct device will assist in removing the excess moisture caused by activities such as showering and cooking.

The two main types for domestic use are the Axial and Centrifugal. Theses can be wall, window or ceiling mounted and there are many different models to choose from and with varying features.

The effectiveness of the unit is measured by its rate of air flow, which is the number of complete changes of air within the room per hour. Typically a kitchen requires 10-15 and a bathroom 6-8 changes per hour.

The capacity of a fan is defined as volume in cubic metres (m³), or cubic feet (ft³), per hour. To determine the minimum capacity of the extractor fan required, you will need to calculate the volume of the room (length x width x height) then multiply that by the recommended number of air changes required. So a kitchen measuring 15m³ (3m long x 2m wide x 2.5m high) and requiring 10 air changes will need a fan capable of extracting 150m³ per hour.

Many models have timers which allow the device to continue working even after you have switched it off. The idea behind this is that when you leave the bathroom, the fan continues to extract the steam and turn itself off after 10 minutes, which frees you from having to return to the bathroom to turn it off.

Advanced features are sensors which turn the fan on when the humidity in a room reaches a pre-determined level. Others are triggered into operation by integral body movement sensors. When motion is detected, the fan will run for a pre-set period. Any further movement will restart the sequence.

The noise level of an extractor fan is also something to consider. This is measured as the sound pressure level in decibels at three metres. One of the quieter models on the market is listed as operating at 26.5 db(A)3m.

Domestic extractor fans can vary in price from as little as £15 to over £100.




All homes will experience excess moisture levels at some time. For advice on reducing condensation in your home, visit http://streamingwindows.blogspot.com





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How Important Is the Extended Range Feature of the Minirae?


The MiniRAE 3000 is recognised as the most advanced hand held portable volatile organic compound (VOC) detector available today. It includes many innovative features which, combined with its handy small size, set it apart from other VOC detectors on the market. In this article we will be focussing on just one of these features, the extended range of 0 to 15,000 ppm of the Photoionisation Detector.

But first, let's take a quick look at the other fantastic features of the MiniRAE 3000. The MiniRAE 3000 can be used anywhere, and is able to give real-time readings straight to a base controller that can be located up to 500 feet away, using a built in RF Modem. The large display of the MiniRAE 3000 is the perfect size to quickly view comprehensive information including the gas type, concentration and correction factor. The MiniRAE 3000 includes an integrated flash light, enabling the VOC detector to be used in any environment or setting, making it perfect for use in emergencies.

The rugged, durable housing and construction of the MiniRAE 3000 also make it appropriate for use in extreme environments; the waterproof design allows it to be easily cleaned and decontaminated in water and the strong, removable rubber boot protects the inner workings of the detector from rough handling and accidents. Every design and technological aspect of the MiniRAE has optimised it for safe, effective and easy use in any situation.

The MiniRAE is unique for its 350 compounds correction factors list. This is the most comprehensive chemicals list of any PID, making it the most versatile and sensitive VOC detector yet. The extended range, from 0 to 15,000 ppm of the PID complements and amplifies this versatility. Standard PIDs only detect volatile organic compounds in concentrations up to 10,000 ppm. The extended range of the MiniRAE makes it useful in more applications than standard detectors, such as industrial hygiene, leak and hazardous materials detection, environmental contamination detection, arson investigation and taking lower explosive limit measurements.

The design of the Photoionisation Detector used in the MiniRAE 3000 is unique, guaranteeing that the results it gives are as accurate as possible. The extended measuring range is complemented by improved linearity, meaning that the MiniRAE not only detects gases at a wider range of concentrations but also maintains its excellent accuracy at very low and very high concentrations. The accuracy and sensitivity of the MiniRAE 3000 is even assured in differing humidities and temperatures. The detector features inbuilt humidity and temperature sensors to overcome the 'quenching' effect high humidity normally has on VOC detectors.




These are few features we read above and there is much more about MiniRAE 3000 to know what makes it useful for manufacturing industries. Active Environmental Solutions make available a quality range of products for manufacturing industry like gas detectors, environmental monitoring products, Noise Dosimeters from leading international manufacturers of Australia.





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Environmental Chambers: Designed for Product Testing


Environmental chambers are large reactors and are usually made of glass or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, in which gas phase chemical reactions are carried out to simulate changes occurring in the atmosphere. Natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet lighting can be used to initiate the chemistry.

Environmental chambers are made of convenient wireless systems complete with finely calibrated sensor caps, logger caps and complaint software. They are designed for product testing at various temperatures, from extreme cold to extreme hot.

They can also measure humidity, vibration, highly accelerated stress screening, life test or any combination of these. These are used to test the effects of specified environmental conditions on biological items, industrial products, materials and electronic devices and components.

The chambers can be used for:

• As a standalone test for environmental effects of test specimens.

• As preparation of test specimens for further physical test or chemical tests.

• As environmental conditions for conducting testing of specimens.

Environmental test chambers artificially replicate the conditions under which the machinery, materials, devices or components might be exposed. These can include the conditions which might not be expected like: extreme temperatures, sudden and extreme temperatures variations, moisture or relative humidity, electro-dynamic vibrations, rain weathering and others.

Chambers can be small rooms used both to condition test specimens and to conduct the test. They can be smaller units that are used for conditioning test items. There are some test chambers which are small enough to be placed onto a universal testing machine or other test apparatus.

Environmental chambers vary widely in size, they can be small unites designed for placement on bench tops to large walk in chambers. With the wide difference in size, a number of user control options are available, including simple analog indicators up to digital readouts with LCD displays.

Environmental may be computer programmable, and networked or web-enabled test chambers are also available.




I am holding a degree of post graduate. I love to write articles on various topics.This article is on environmental chambers which specially designed for product testing in pharmaceutical companies.





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2012年7月19日 星期四

Attic Power Vent - Attic Ventilation Problem Solution Basics


Attic power vent warning:

Fan blades are extremely sharp! When doing any type of maintenance work around it, make sure that power supply to the motor has been turned off! Most of those vents are controlled by a heat or humidity sensing switch, and can become active/cause injury while you're performing cleaning.

Humming, muffled noise coming from above the ceiling during the summer is most likely an attic power vent, working hard to pull out hot air from under the roof (attic power vent should be placed close to the roof ridge - top, or installed as a gable vent).

The most common installations include adjustable thermostat and in some cases humidistat, which activates an attic power vent motor accordingly with your preferences (once set, it operates automatically responding to temperature or/and humidity changes).

There are also some devices preset by the manufacturer (usually between 85F - 100F), and attic power vents with no sensor at all, controlled by on/off switch mounted in various location (usually close to the attic entrance).

For the attic power vent to serve its purpose properly, and save instead of wasting your money, certain requirements have to be met:

There must be other, adequate number (or more likely square footage area) of ventilation ports installed in lower section of the roof.

Those ports are called:


soffit vents, if your house roof has an overhang, which extends beyond the house exterior wall
or gable vents - located at the attic area, commonly on the exterior wall where the two planes of a sloping roof join, forming a triangle

There's a possibility, that type of your roof allows only for installation of vents on its surface - good examples are hip roofs on many of the Chicago style Georgian type homes, which have no overhang/soffits.

In such case, if the attic power vent has been installed in upper section of the roof, passive vents should be placed not less than 1/3 of the distance between the roof bottom edge and top (ridge). Hip / ridge vent system can be also installed, or vented drip edge mounted along the roof edges.

For the attic power vent to perform efficiently, the attic floor, and all penetrations between the attic and living area of your house should be properly insulated and sealed.

Any gaps, holes, and lack or inadequate number of attic vents will cause attic power vent to create a vacuum, and remove AC cooled air from the house. In some properties, there's an open duct (or two) between the attic and utility room, which provides combustion air for gas burning appliances - it must remain open on both sides.

Make sure that the attic power vent, or its opening is protected with wire mesh / screen. Vents are usually equipped with wire mesh that wraps exterior of the fan blades housing, and prevents rodents from accessing attic area. If that screen becomes damaged and you decide to install one from the attic side, be prepared to clean it often - the birds often build nests inside the fan, especially during the cold season.

Also, some of the larger animals are strong enough to penetrate this obstacle, in the process damaging fan blades. Therefore, it's a good idea to examine your attic periodically - be careful, most attics have no flooring installed, and walking on framing is difficult / if possible, examine fan condition from attic access point.

Before installing a new attic power vent in your house attic area, make sure you properly calculate square footage area - vent calculator. If installed fan is too small, it will have to operate much longer, to move the same amount of air through the attic.

Adjusting thermostat too low might cause fan to run constantly during hot summer - try to set the temperature dial to a 100 -110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fan should start automatically as soon as the attic temperature rises above the preset setting, and cuts off when the attic is cooled down to approximately 10% below the thermostat setting.

Go Green and try low voltage, solar battery operated power vent - saves money on installation, very quiet, but approximately 3 times as expensive, as a regular attic power vent.




For more valuable information from Dariusz Rudnicki, on how to maintain your real estate property, correct most common problems, and prevent serious disasters by doing repairs the right way, please visit http://www.checkthishouse.com

Dariusz is a licensed Illinois home inspector who has been in this business for over eleven years, crawling through the areas you'd newer expect that even exist in your house... just to let you know that everything is working properly... or not. If you have some attic ventilation, or any home maintenance related questions, you can always ask him for help.





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Off Site Physical Data Tape Storage - It Shouldn't Be Off Site And Out Of Mind


Out of all of the questions I hear from our customers, there is one very important factor that is in most cases overlooked or disregarded as boring and unimportant, and that is Off Site Physical Media and Tape Storage. By this I refer to where and how your physical backup and archive tapes are stored.

Firstly, do you currently store your backup and archive data off site? - If the answer is no, then stop reading this article immediately, grab your tapes, and get them to an off site data storage provider NOW.

If the answer is yes, and your tapes are already off site then congratulations, you have taken the first step in ensuring the long term preservation of your backup and archive data. You may pass GO and collect $200. However, before you breathe that comforting and smug sigh of relief, read the following important questions and considerations for selecting a physical tape storage supplier:

1. Have you personally seen and inspected the off site storage facility?

As obvious as this may sound, personal inspection of the premises is often the first thing that is overlooked. In short, DO NOT ASSUME that the provider is doing the right thing. I have personally visited three local storage providers' facilities and they are definitely not all the same.

2. Are you confident that your data is being looked after correctly?

A key factor in choosing a physical tape storage supplier is to find a company that you can not only trust, but who can actually meet your particular data storage requirements. All storage companies are not the same, and most organisations have different tape storage needs. Are they professional? Does the company have a good track record? Have you spoken to other customers and been given references?

3. Does the storage company maintain the correct storage environment with regard to temperature, humidity and air filtration? Is it a proper media and data vault?

Are the storage facilities climatically controlled and regulated? Magnetic and optical media are highly sensitive and susceptible to damage. The higher the density the more vulnerable they may be due to increased linear and track density, substrate thickness and the positioning of data and tracks closer to edges. Long term data storage conditions should be temperature controlled at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 90°F) with a relative humidity of between 30 & 40% (as specified by Imation Tape Care Guidelines). Is there a filtration system installed to eliminate contamination by dust particles, corrosive gases or chemicals? Is there the possibility of the data being subject to magnetic fields, radiation or static charge build up? Is the data subject to excessive ultra violet light - ideally the facility should not have any windows which allow direct light in? Another point to note is that tapes should be stored on metal shelves, not wooden shelves.

4. What security prevention and detection measures are in place at the facility?

There are several issues here you should ask. What type of security system is in place and is it used for both prevention and detection? Does the facility have 24/7 onsite security personnel or is it externally monitored? How is access to vaults monitored? Do all staff have access or just specified personnel? Is this via key/card/PIN access?

Finally, for areas subject to earthquake activity, make sure you ask about the building itself. Is it structurally sound and stable? What is its earthquake rating? A multi-story facility could be up to ten times more likely to collapse or sustain serious damage.

5. What fire protection systems are in place - for example smoke detectors, heat sensors and sprinkler systems?

Ascertaining whether adequate fire protection systems are in place is definitely worthy of investigation and scrutiny. I once visited a facility that had installed a "wet" type sprinkler system INSIDE the tape vault. Great if you think that your data may require a bath, but not so great if you need to actually access this data in the future!! I have also seen a "tape vault" which was actually just a converted office with a fire extinguisher as the fire protection system. Make sure you know what you are paying for. Are there smoke detectors installed? Do they have a VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Alarm) in place? Are "dry" type sprinkler systems used where required? What is the fire evacuation plan? Is the vault fireproof if the fire originated outside? Are the tapes stored alongside paper records and archives?

6. Is the storage company quality endorsed?

Do they have a QA Policy? A simple yes answer will not suffice - make sure you ask to see it. If they are ISO9000 endorsed, is it by a registered accreditation body? Does their QA Policy reflect your own organisation's QA policy and requirements sufficiently? Do they conduct audits regularly?

7. Do they have sufficient insurance?

What insurance do they have in place? Are they covered by Valuable Records Re-creation insurance? If so, what level would you be covered for and in the event of a disaster, what would be required in order to make this claim?

Also, storing your physical tape offsite is part of your organisation's business continuity plan, but what is the storage providers business continuity plan? Do they have one? Always an interesting question to ask.

8. How easily and quickly can you access your data?

This will depend on your actual requirements and the service you are purchasing - whether it is just long term ad hoc archival storage or continuous back up and rotation data storage services. Make sure you clarify charges up front for urgent retrievals, weekend and public holiday retrievals, additional delivery sites, outside metro areas etc. These are all things that can suddenly blow out budgets if not agreed and made transparent from the beginning. What rotation cycles are required? How is your data inventoried and accounted for? Is it bar-coded, labelled or simply left in the delivery boxes? What kind of access/retrieval system or database do they use for logging of transactions and movement of your tapes?

9. How is the media transported?

Similar to environmental storage conditions, magnetic and optical media must be carefully shipped and transported to/from storage facilities. If your storage company is providing this pick up/drop off service, ask to see their for their media shipping policy. Make sure that your valuable data will not be subject to temperature extremes, open transport vehicles where the data would be subject to dust and moisture along the journey, or the impact of rough loading and in transit vibration.

Why it is important to store physical data off site at a scrutinised facility -

1. Business Continuity & Disaster Planning - Off site data storage is essential to ensure the survival of your company in the event of a disaster or crisis - be it from fire, earthquake, terrorism or an upset employee determined to wreak havoc. A prime example is following 9/11 where companies such as Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan & Chase, who were able to resume operations in alternative locations within days of the tragic events.

2. In-house storage facilities are generally inadequate - can be difficult to maintain the correct storage conditions, require substantial human and physical resources and are generally not cost effective.

3. Off Site Storage at an employees home, in a car boot or briefcase is insufficient and quite honestly, laughable. Putting aside that individuals can be unreliable, the storage conditions are not appropriate and there would be no accountability, auditing or tracking of the data, your data could be subject to a multitude of other uncontrollable circumstances such as fires, floods, stolen briefcases, car accidents etc.

4. Corporate Governance Issues - With the emergence of legislation such as Sarbanes-Oxley in the USA and CLERP9 in Australia, senior executives could become increasingly exposed to litigation if sufficient data protection and retention requirements are not met.

In summary, the safe and secure long term storage of archival data and current backup data involves a lot more than just getting the data off your premises and into a storage facility or your car boot. You need to personally visit and critique the supplier and ensure that your data is going to be looked after correctly. After all, you wouldn't leave your children at a Day Care Centre or Nursery without examining the premises and meeting the caregivers first, so why would you place your organisation's "offspring" into a third party environment without thoroughly researching it first.

If your organisation has vast volumes of data to store, you are looking at a long term relationship so will want to ensure that you are 100% satisfied and confident with the physical data storage supplier you choose. Moving large volumes of data from one supplier to another can be an expensive and costly exercise - one which very often can be avoided if you do your homework and choose your supplier carefully in the first place.




Guy Holmes is the Chief Executive Officer of SpectrumData, an organisation specialising in the storage, recovery, migration and management of legacy, archive and backup data. To subscribe to their monthly newletter see http://www.spectrumdata.com.au/content.aspx?cid=119&m=2 In his free time he enjoys playing ice hockey and spending time with his three children.





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張貼者： 於 上午10:30 0 意見
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LCD Enclosures - Protecting Outdoor Digital Signage to -30 Degrees


With the evolution of advertising mediums, all you have to do is look round and you see digital signage every where. Now one of the main issue is when you put digital signage in hostile areas, such as in areas that are extremely hot and humid or extremely cold, the electronics inside the media players and LCD or plasma televisions start to erode, causing problems to occur with the digital signage.

 

There are three main solutions, one is to purchase an actual television that can cope with these extremes temperatures, however these are very expensive and on a long lead time. They however will either offer protection in only one of the temperature zones, such as working at below freezing or working in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, this is not a solution for all seasons.

 

The second solution is to run the signage hardware in normal conditions and when any extreme temperatures occurs, then relocate the sign to an indoor location, then relocating later when the temperature is more normal. This is not an ideal solution, having to down the electronic billboard system and then having to re set it up inside.

 

The last option is to purchase an outdoor LCD enclosure, these are fitted with both heaters and chillers, so that a digital signage solution can be installed outside and left, these are ideal for outdoor signage networks with up to 300 electronic billboards spread across different States.

 

The sophisticated electronics inside the television enclosure provide a safe and secure environment for the standard dynamic signage system, when the internal temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the chiller unit is activated and cools the internal temperature back down, then when the internal sensor detects the outside temperature goes just above freezing the heating element automatically comes on and heats the unit internally, preventing any humidity or condensation build up inside the enclosure.

 

The above solution allows businesses to locate outdoor signage even in areas that are susceptible to extreme temperatures from -30 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, giving the digital signage integrator the piece of mind, that their hardware and solution is protected.




Dave is an expert in the field of digital signage, as well as owning the leading European manufacturer of outdoor LCD enclosures, that supply several tiers of digital signage integrators throughout the world.





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2012年7月18日 星期三

Weather Station Components


An advanced weather station which wirelessly monitors the temperature (indoor and outdoor), relative humidity, wind direction, wind speed and rainfall generally consists of a wireless backlit LCD display screen for the system control and data display, system processor, wireless communications and sensors.

All wireless weather stations are run by battery or solar power making them very portable with very low and easy maintenance.

Below is a list of measurement components used on wireless weather stations:

Thermometer

Used to measure the temperature and temperature gradient in your exact location. A thermometer works by measuring the temperature through resistance, the system processor records the resistance that is higher in warmer temperatures and lower in colder temperatures.

Anemometer

Used to measure wind speed and pressure. An Anemometer has 3 or 4 small hollow hemispheres set to catch the wind and revolve on a vertical rod, the revolutions of these cups are then recorded by the system processor which then calculates the winds velocity.

Barometer

Used to measure atmospheric pressure, this pressure tendency can forecast short-term changes in the weather. A Barometer works by measuring the pressure exerted by the atmosphere by using water, air or mercury.

Psychrometer

Is a simple form of a Hygrometer which is used to measure the relative humidity. A Psychrometer works by measuring the temperature of condensation, changes in electrical resistance and changes in electrical capacitance.

Udometer

Also known as a rain gauge is used to measure the amount of rainfall over a period of time. A Udometer works by having a rain collection container which measures the amount of rain falling into the collection point.




Visit http://www.ewirelessweatherstation.com/ for lots more about weather stations





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Find Your Home Weather Station


People don't often consider that having a home weather station can be a real bonus. This is particularly true if you live in an area that can be prone to severe and rapid changes in the weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or severe wind or ice storms.

Generally these storms are preceded by changes in the pressure readings. Knowing what those changes are, and watching for them can help you to keep your family safer.

How do you find the best weather station, what does it take to be a good one, and how do you be sure that the one that you select is cost-effective and suitable for you?

Choosing your home weather station is best approached by taking a look at three different factors:

• Your Budget

• Your Needs

• Your Placement Opportunities

What is the best station for you is going to be partly dictated by your budget. That doesn't mean that you can't get the best that you can afford. It means to get what you can afford and don't spend a vast sum of money on something that you not only can't afford, but has a learning curve that may take you months to overcome.

Getting a great weather station can be accomplished for under 100 dollars. It will be one that will offer you pressure and temperature and humidity as well as other items that you'd like to see. Frankly, if you're not a weatherman, and do not really need massive technology, then buying it is futile and a waste of money. Get the weather station that you can afford, as well as the one that you need to accomplish your tasks.

Some weather stations offer you some really outstanding software as well as the ability to connect to your computer and to offer your readings online on various websites. If you are into the more social aspects of weather networking, then this is the type of home weather station that will be best for you and your intended purposes.

If you'd merely like to be able to read the temperature and the humidity and pressure, then one of the smaller models will work best for you and will also offer you the ability to place it in a less sunny area and make your readings more accurate.

Smaller models, not really a weather station, are equipped with an outdoor sensor and an indoor element to permit you a digital reading will typically cost about 30-50 dollars and work very well for your needs. They last several years and are a fairly accurate model. You can place them right outside the door so they don't need any real special consideration.

Laser home weather stations may require a pole or a location that is away from the home somewhat to provide them with an accurate setting, will set you behind for about 300-400 for a good setup that will give you all of the minute details that you would like to have.

Set a reasonable budge based on what you need and what you can actually use.




Marko Kavcic
For http://www.thehomeweatherstation.com where you can find the stations that we recommend.





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What You Need to Know About Ductless Heat Pumps


Ductless Heat Pumps are a great way to add comfort in your home while reducing your energy bills by up to 50% or more than traditional heating sources like electric resistance systems, oil, propane and natural gas.

Even at low temperatures, pending on the model and brand you choose can still provide you with a COP of 2.5 at -15C, not factoring the wind chill factor. The simple definition of COP is: for $1.00 in of input, you get $2.50 of output in energy for that one dollar (taking the above example).

Now these systems are not very difficult to install, but should be done by a Certified professional Technician without a question.

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise as your system will fail and it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. The reason your system will fail is that; If your line sets and system has not had a proper vacuum performed on the system (lowered the humidity level down to a minimum of 500ppm) your compressor will fail. The refrigerant R-410A and the compressor do not do well with humidity and will rote out your compressor and can also damage your indoor evaporator and your warranty will be voided.

There are a lot of companies now days selling systems directly to home owners over the internet, but they also advise of getting their systems installed by a tech. The reason why I talk about this is that most home owners that go on the internet and see the prices of the systems sold on the internet is a lot cheaper than what they received from a local contractor.

Why is that, you may ask? The major difference is that contractors usually can't purchase those systems for those prices advertised. Why is that, well contractor's purchase from their local suppliers who also have a mark-up on those products as they also need to make a living and they also provide perks for the end users "the consumer".

Example: I buy a heat pump from my local HVAC supplier, all is great and I enjoy my system, but then all of a sudden my heat pump is no longer working. I call my local HVAC supplier and they send out a tech to diagnosed the problem " a pipe sensor failed". Great news customer, my local supplier keeps these in stock and will return this afternoon to get you up and running and all is under warranty, parts and labour.

Now you purchased off the internet and you have the same breakdown. You are responsible for all the leg work and it's all at your expense (labour, shipping etc). Is it worth the few hundred dollar savings?




Looking for a heating contractor in Moncton NB, Saint John NB, Fredericton NB and Bathurst NB? Total Heat Pump Solutions provides full service heating, air conditioning systems and home comfort systems for your residence or business. Visit http://www.totalhps.com for more information.

Eric Michaud





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2012年7月17日 星期二

Why High Quality CCTV Cameras Are a Must Have for the Home and Office


Some surveillance cameras are equipped with more and better functions than the ordinary, run of the mill surveillance cameras sold at a significantly cheaper price. There are no advantages to choosing a surveillance system unequipped with basic features and functions, not even saving money as it can cost you more in the long run in terms of burglaries.

A lot of people make the mistake of skipping the research stage before buying CCTV cameras or kits. They usually focus on price, not function. They do not assess their needs first and they do not scrutinize what is available in the market today. Here are some things that might happen if you buy a low quality surveillance camera...

1. The camera, when installed outdoors, might be prone to wear and tear.

Cameras installed on doors or windows of your home need to be extra durable to withstand rain, snow and direct sunshine. They need to be weather proof so as to not get damaged due to changing weather conditions throughout the year. Depending on where you live, you may even need to find a CCTV camera that can withstand minor hurricanes or regular thunderstorms. They should not be prone to rusting and they should still capture clear surveillance footage even during hot and humid seasons.

2. The camera might not capture images well under low light conditions.

Here is another mistake people make when buying. They tend to buy cameras that cannot capture clear images at night or during dark and dreary days. The camera you are buying should be reliable even under low light conditions. It should deliver a perfect image quality. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of setting up CCTV equipment as most burglaries happen at night.

This is true especially if you are going to install it in your business establishment, when no one is in the building at night. Cameras with infrared sensors can be installed in parking spaces where lighting conditions are usually very low.

3. You might be buying a camera that is not backed by a warranty.

If you want to get the most out of the money you spent buying the CCTV camera, you should look for one that is backed by a warranty. In the unlikely event you experience problems with your camera caused by factory defect, if you do not have a warranty you will have to fork out for a repair or spare parts. Reputable brands will include a guarantee so you are covered in case of problems.

4. The camera might not have replacement parts.

If you are buying a cheap and unknown brand of CCTV, you might have a hard time finding replacements for some of the parts. Remember that there will eventually come a time when some of the parts with wear out and break down. The surveillance cameras you are using should have parts that are readily available in the market so you do not have to spend a lot of money replacing the whole system.

5. The camera you are buying might not be scalable.

It is important to look for a kit that can be expanded in the future. You may only want a small kit for now but if your car is stolen for example you may want to add an extension to have CCTV in the garage too. High quality cameras are designed to be compatible with other products from the same brand or even other brands, so you can adapt your CCTV system over time as your needs change.

It is more ideal to find high quality CCTV equipment. You can be assured that these products have been equipped with some of the most durable materials. They have passed rigorous tests and trials before being sold to the public. A good kit also comes with a warranty or a guarantee. If there are any defects, the company can replace it.

Companies selling these high quality surveillance cameras also have more options for you. You can choose from those with infrared sensors so the camera can still work even in low light conditions. They have parts that can be easily replaced.

Contrary to popular belief, high quality CCTV systems and kits are not very expensive. In fact, many companies selling CCTV equipment strive to give their consumers the best price without compromising the quality of the products. You need to find a CCTV camera with the right features for your own surveillance needs but you can find reliable cameras packed with intelligent features for a very reasonable price. The camera should have a very good resolution day and night. Make sure you check the features and compare them with other cameras you are thinking of buying so you can make an informed choice.




Iain Jenkins writes for CCTV Direct, an online retailer selling all types of CCTV equipment. Whether you are looking for a CCTV camera or a particular accessory, you will find what you need among their range of competitively priced products. This is the one stop shop for all your CCTV needs.





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Pressure Calibration - The Use of Equipment Calibration in Industry Production


Do you know that pressure calibration equipments are highly used in industry production? There are high accuracy sensors and equipments available which are suitable for calibrating other instrumentation like pressure gauges, pressure transducers and transmitters. Some of these calibrators are chosen for meteorology, laboratory, and factory use.

There is a huge line of pressure gauge calibration products used for various purposes. Whether they are used for increasing the volume of industrial production or for some other applications, they are quite essential. Following are some of the widely used such equipments:

1. Pneumatic Calibration Hand Pumps

These equipments are used for generating precise air pressure set-points manually for calibrating pressure instruments with a pressure indicator.

2. Digital Test Gages

They are used for fitting to the top of pneumatic or hydraulic calibration hand pumps to measure precise pressures.

3. High Pressure Calibration Hand Pumps

There equipments are used with a view to generating calibration pressures with fittings for rising a test gage or connecting to a indicator.

4. Secondary pressure standards

In calibration laboratories or instrumentation workshops, these devices or equipments are used for displaying high accuracy readings.

5. Hand held precision manometers

They are often used as a part of a pressure calibration kit. They are battery powered and can show a choice of pressure units.

6. Pressure Calibrators with Electrical Measurement

Pressure calibrators work as voltage and current measurement to display the output signal of the pressure transducer or to transmit under test along with pressure reading.

7. Calibration Standard Pressure Sensors

These equipments are with very high accuracy. They are often used as a secondary reference standard in calibration standard laboratories.

There are some most common pressure and vacuum calibration instruments like Calibrators, Gauges, Differential Pressure, Manometers, Pressure Controllers, Monitors, Transducers, Transmitters, and Vacuum Gauges.

Most Common Type of Pressure Gauge:

One of the most common types of pressure gauge is the plunge or pencil type. Though such types of equipments are calibrated but some cheaper ones are not calibrated. Please remember that a common plunge type gauge, that you buy will be accurate to + or - 3 psi when it is new. Normally, the accuracy of such type of gauges is affected by temperature, and humidity.

Don't Compromise With the Quality:

Irrespective of the type of gauge you choose, there are high as well as low quality gauges available. Many inexpensive gauges can not be calibrated. And if the reading is inaccurate, the gauge will be worthless. Therefore, you should spend a little more and get a quality pressure gauge that can be calibrated for better accurate results. You should not compromise with the quality keeping in mind the price of the equipments.

You will come across many pressure calibration services where you can choose for calibrating pressure instrumentation. If you wish to get huge production, you need to get your pressure equipments calibrated regularly. Your pressure measurement equipment may need to be calibrated regularly in order to stick to quality system standards like ISO9000.




Looking for the best quality pressure calibration equipments? Visit RSCalibration.com for availing the benefits of a wide range of pressure and vacuum calibration of equipment and services.





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Wireless Weather


Our close fascination with the weather is being aided by the ever growing popularity of the wireless weather station.

Wireless weather stations are gadgets for determining the weather, temperature, air pressure, humidity, and other weather factors. Wireless weather stations are great for the home or office with professional units having PC connections and related software. These professional wireless weather stations are easy to install and have the flexibility to change the location of the console without having to drill a new hole and move the cable. Wireless Weather Stations are very useful and are clearly the most convenient of all weather instruments.

Many of these units come with inbuilt alarms set to alert you of certain weather conditions. My personal unit's alarm is only triggered maybe once a year, but when it does I know there's some severe weather on the way. Depending on the model you select, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and other types of weather information such as wind measurement can all be monitored within the comfort of your home. Of course if you have a built in anemometer (wind gauge) then you need it to be located away from any obstructions to the prevailing wind. The roof is generally a good place.

Wireless home weather stations use radio waves to transmit their weather measurements from the remote sensors to the indoor display console. This console can not only tell you the climate readings outside, but with a touch of a button will tell you the conditions inside as well! Some units can come with several consoles so you may locate then at various points around your home or garden.

Wireless home weather stations typically cost more than the older cabled units but it is often worth spending the extra money for the increase in convenience. Before making your weather station purchase, you should consider several issues related to wireless digital weather station technology: Manufacturers usually specify a transmission range rating based upon "open air," meaning a direct line of sight path with no obstructions (walls, etc. To make a more realistic estimate of the distances required between components in your installation it is recommended to review the weather station set up information for the individual unit of your choice.) Another minor problem can be radio frequency interference (RFI). Generally speaking though, this is not a major issue, as there are millions of wireless home weather stations operating without any problems. Finally, the altitude where your wireless digital weather station is going to be installed can also be an issue with regard to the accuracy of barometric pressure measurements. Many stations have a transmission range of up to 330 feet, overcoming most problems effecting home wireless weather stations.

Also, and this is the case for many people, if temperature is your only interest, a wireless thermometer may be all that you need at a much cheaper price than the full weather station. Many of these weather stations also feature radio controlled clocks, which are accurate to the second and updated daily automatically.




Mark Boardman BSc dip.hyp is a leading author and expert on The Weather For more information about World Weather, feel free to visit these sites.





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2012年7月16日 星期一

Home Automation Changing The Way People Live


Houses today cannot escape the digital lifestyle defining the 21st century. The colonnade may look Doric or Corinthian while the facade could very well be cut stone or a Mediterranean white, but hidden from the naked eye are the wires, the optical cables, the blue tooth devices and the WiFi working 24/7, making sure that the occupants of a new home are kept comfortable and safe.

Home automation or domotics has been used in homes for many years now in its more elementary form. Fire alarms and burglary alarm systems were stand-alone units which functioned in an automated fashion, offering tele-assistance and other such simple services. With the evolution of networking and high speed computing, home automation has seen a paradigm shift in its application and scope. The main thrust for providers of such services has been the integration of the different aspects of a home into a compact gadget that can be operated through human interfaces such as keypads and software.

The vast field of home automation can be broken down into four essential components without which any modern home is incomplete.

Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning

This aspect of domotics manages the utilities in the home, optimizing the use of energy and saving large amounts on monthly bills. The controllers turn off or lower heating and air-conditioning automatically when the home is unoccupied, manage humidity levels and operate exhaust systems in kitchens and washrooms. These systems can be programmed to regulate variable temperature settings in different areas of a home such as swimming pools, green houses, basements, wine cellars and coolers.

Stylish Lighting

No home is complete without excellent ambient lighting. Home automation provides the perfect tool to control, regulate and monitor the illumination needs of a house. Dimmers, mode switches and scene switches are some of the products offered by manufacturers. These devices sense human presence and automatically turn on and turn off lighting and other electrical appliances. The sensors can change scenes for dinners and parties and even open and close electric windows and drapes to let natural light in. Many of these systems use radio frequencies, WiFi or even GPRS, thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome wiring.

Audiovisual Components

How would it be to hear music play throughout the house? Connect every room to an iPod and preset the volumes for a party! Or wake up to the news in the morning! The Whole Home Audio system allows all this and more. Manufacturers also provide stand-alone transmitters and speakers that can be connected to your existing system as a cheaper option. The permutations are limitless while setting up a multi-zone entertainment system in a home, providing the residents with true-to-life concert and movie hall-type experiences.

Security and Surveillance

Any standard automated home should come with state-of-the-art security and surveillance units which work in tandem with the other components of the house. Motion detectors, sensors for crystal breakage, cameras, doors and windows with magnetic contact strips and fire, gas and water escape alarms are all part of this integrated system. These units are often connected to the audiovisual and lighting components, and function as surveillance monitors or even alarm systems.

The versatility of these home automation systems lies in their remote access capabilities. The light and thermostat setting, for example, can be automatically controlled and adjusted using a telephone from anywhere in the world. Some companies even offer memory sticks with USB interfaces, which can be plugged into any computer, allowing a home owner to access their home settings over the Internet.

The need for architectural design to keep up with the growing technological awareness of consumers has led to builders providing more than just a telephone and a television jack in each room. The dynamic nature of today's home buyers, the extensive use of the Internet, home offices and other networking needs have made automation an invaluable tool. Aesthetically designed consoles and user friendly interfaces cater to every unique lifestyle, adding value and prestige to any prospective home. The advantages home automation offers are limitless, affording ease and flexibility, reduced energy consumption and, most importantly, peace of mind!




Bill Weber is the President of Weber Design Group, Inc., a custom architectural design and home plan resource firm that has been in business for more than two decades. His homes feature designs of award winning grace that are seamless in their setting and fluid in their design. The design team at Weber will work to create a custom home unique to your lifestyle.

Contact Weber Design Group to begin the process of bringing your dream to reality.

Phone: Toll Free (888) 4WeberDesign (493-2373) - Email: info@WeberDesignGroup.com





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