Archive for December, 2007
December 24, 2007
By Anna Woodward
The basic makeup of each battery type is very similar. Each has a positive electrode (cathode), a negative electrode (anode), a separator and an electrolyte. However, the chemistry in each is different. The differences offer various levels of performance.
Much of our newest technologies demand much more power than its predecessors. The features and sophistication of the newer electronics have truly increased the power demanded from batteries. It is this power demand that motivated the industry to develop power sources to keep up.
A lithium is different from an alkaline.
Both the chemistry and construction of lithium and alkaline differ. It is the lithium design that helps this newer power source meet the high drains of many of today’’s devices.
These new and powerful batteries are used in various portable electronic devices, and are widely used as a mobile laptop computer power source.
Here are some tips to make your laptop power source last longer:
Heat Kills!
Heat truly decreases the life span of lithium batteries. You may notice that if you use your laptop as a replacement for a desktop, the battery capacity decreases greatly. Some measure the decrease at 60% to 80% of the original capacity after about a year.
If you use your laptop as a desktop, you should remove the battery while using the plug-in power source. And before storing your laptop battery, you may want to first check with the manufacture on the effects of moisture and dust in the casing.
Correct Storage
If you don”t plan on using your lithium batteries for a while, you may want to put them in your refrigerator - not the freezer!
Ideally, you should store at a 40% charge level. At 100%, you may have unnecessary stress and internal corrosion. But if the charge is too low, the battery can eventually become unusable because it will self discharge.
Calibrating Helps
Most manufacturers agree that there is some benefit to completely discharging your lithium batteries periodically, especially for your laptop. If you completely drain the laptop cell, it will help to recalibrate which will allow for more accurate measure of the life span.
You should try this every 30 charges or when you notice readings are off.
Calibration does not extend the discharge time - it only resets it to show the remaining charge accurately.
Memory is not what it once was …
When I got my first cell phone, I was told to let it completely die before recharging. This idea is that of memory. This process of completely discharging before recharging to the max, would supposedly give my phone the complete battery capacity.
If I recharged with 50% capacity already, the battery would assign the half way point as the empty point, and cut the capacity in half.
But this does not apply to lithium cells - only for nickel based. In truth, fully discharging your lithium battery often can be harmful to its battery’’s health, possibly making it completely unusable if levels go too low.
The modern lithium has a safety circuit to make sure it doesn”t reach the point of no return. The safety circuit isn”t guaranteed. If you leave it completely drained for a few days, the safety circuit probably won”t save it.
About The Author
For a wide variety of lithium batteries, laptop batteries, and laptop battery rechargers, visit http://www.all-battery.com/. All-Battery.com offers high quality rechargeable batteries and chargers that are made with industry leading technologies and the most cost effective manufacturing process.
December 23, 2007
By Ann Knapp
The Firbimatic washer allows manufacturers to use solvent cleaning in their plants while still adhering to environmental regulations in place to limit solvent use. The Firbimatic is designed with these specifications in mind, and controls the environmental impact of the solvent used.
The machine is hermetically sealed. Parts are loaded manually or by an automatic pusher into the process area, where solvent spray is applied as a pre-wash/gross cleaning cycle. Solvent for this first step is obtained from a storage tank, known as Tank #1.
The solvent spray removes up to 70% of the soil from the parts, and then is pumped into the still for the distillation process that separates oil from solvent. The still is heated via plate and frame steam heat coils, which warm the solvent until it becomes a clean solvent vapor. In the first still, the oil is reduced to a level with 15% solvent. The vapor is clean due to the fact that the oil (or lubricant) cleaned off the parts boils at a higher temperature than the solvent. The solvent is sent to a second still, where the remaining oil is boiled. In industrial applications, virtually all of the solvent is boiled out of the oil using this dual still system. When the sill is not cleaning solvent from the pre-wash cycle, it is still running. The still is operating continuously, drawing from Tank #1 and boiling the solvent to vapor, and then directing it to the condenser.
The soil not boiled in the still travels via closed plumbing system into a storage drum, where it waits to be hauled away by a licensed hauler. Using a qualified hauler keeps the soil (with less than 5% solvent content) from contaminating the surrounding environment.
The clean, vaporized solvent moves to a chiller, where a plate and frame exchanger uses chilled water to condense the clean solvent vapor back to liquid form. The liquid solvent is then stored in a second, smaller tank, where it is kept until the final fluid rinsing stage.
In the immersion stage, after the pre-wash stage, new solvent is drawn from tank #1 and pumped into the process area for submersion of the parts. The parts are covered completely in solvent, and at this point different mechanical actions can assist in the cleaning process. The basket can remain still, it can oscillate back and forth to move parts in the basket, or the entire load can be completely rotated on a constant basis to provide a more aggressive action. Also, a vacuum can be used to remove air bubbles in the process house so that ultrasonic action can be more effective.
The process development team determines the appropriate mechanical action after evaluating the design of the part to be washed. Once the submersion is complete, the used solvent is returned to the holding tank #1, where it is eventually drawn into the distillation process.
In the next stage, the parts receive a final solvent fluid rinse. The solvent that has been cleaned, vaporized, re-chilled and directed to tank #2 is used to rinse the parts before being pumped back into storage tank #1.
Following this fluid rinse, the parts are then subjected to a clean solvent vapor rinse with that vapor which is generated from the still. The vapor becomes fluid again when it comes into contact with the parts and removes the remaining soil. The vapor also warms the parts to prepare them for drying, and the condensed vapor returns to tank #1.
Once this cycle is complete, the parts are ready for the drying cycles. Using an electric fan, airflow is generated across the heated steam coils and into the process area to facilitate drying. The air is driven out of the process house and moves along the chilling coils to cool back down before it passes through the fan again. This cycle of air continues for a pre-determined duration to assure adequate drying is accomplished.
The heated drying cycle is followed by the vacuum drying cycle. A vacuum pump lowers treatment chamber pressure, which allows for the solvent to boil at a lower temperature. Therefore, the remaining solution is evaporated from the parts at the lowest possible temperature.
Charcoal absorption is the next phase in the process. This process assures that no solvent fumes are able to exit from the process area to the operator area. A fan directs air circulation through a Coalperc activated carbon recovery unit, which filters the air to remove solvent fumes. Once the concentration in the chamber is below 1g/m3, or 150 PPM, the process area door can be opened and the parts are removed.
About The Author
Midbrook is a minority owned provider of parts washer and parts cleaner systems, custom metal fabrications, CapSnap water bottling systems, and production cleaning services. Visit us at http://www.midbrook.com
December 23, 2007
By Ann Knapp
Perchloroethylene, also known as PERC, has set the standard in cleaning precision parts for more than 50 years. The use of this chemical has been declining recently though, as PERC has been replaced with other solvents or processes. The decision to replace PERC is usually based on misperceptions about the chlorinated solvents regulatory status, continued availability, and safety in use. Despite PERC’’s superior performance compared to alternatives, these misconceptions have led to many companies dumping PERC for a different method.
Today, the development of new equipment and processes that minimize emissions and maximize solvent recovery makes PERC more effective than ever. At the same time, it is safer than ever. Despite the belief of many, PERC has not been banned. Of the chlorinated solvents, only 111-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform) has been phased out of production, due to its ozone depletion potential. The other chlorinated solvents remain in use around the world as acceptable substitutes for ozone depleting solvents.
With regards to operators, PERC is only dangerous when used improperly. Chlorinated solvents are among the most studied industrial chemicals, which has resulted in the development of careful guidelines that keep handlers safe. Animal tests and epidemiological studies have indicated that when the solvents are handled, used, and disposed of in accordance with these recommended practices, they do not cause adverse health or environmental effects.
Physical Properties
Perchloroethilene and trichloroethylene are clear, heavy liquids that demonstrate excellent solvency. The chemicals are virtually non-flammable due to the fact they have no flash point. They work well with oils, greases, waxes, tars, lubricants, and coolants generally found in the metal processing industries.
Trichloroethylene (TRI) is recognized for its cleaning power. A heavy substance (1.2 kg. /lt) with a high vapor density (4.53 times that of air) allows relatively easy recovery from degreasing systems. TRI has the ability to maintain a constant pH and protect against sludge formation. These characteristics have made it the standard to which other degreasers are compared. Due to its high solvency, TRI dissolves soil quicker than other degreasers and increases the output of a machine. TRI is often used to degrease zinc, brass, bronze, and steel parts during metal fabrication and assembly. It is well suited for aluminum as well, because its stabilizer system protects the solvent against decomposition.
PERC has a high boiling point, weight (1.3kg. /lt), and vapor density (5.76 times air). With these statistics, it leads all chlorinated solvents. The high boiling point of PERC gives it an advantage in removing waxes and resins that need to be melted before removal. This higher temperature also allows more vapors to be condensed on the surface of the parts, thereby using a higher volume of solvent for metal cleaning than other options.
PERC is ideal for light weight and light gauge parts because of its high boiling point. These parts would reach the operating temperature of lower-boiling solvents before the cleaning process was completed. PERC does not have that problem. The high boiling point is essential for obtaining good penetration during cleaning, especially when parts have fine orifices or spot-welded seams, and particularly if there is moisture trapped in the part.
PERC is also inherently more stable than other solvents. It incorporates a multi-component stabilizer system that provides resistance to decomposition. It can be used to degrease all common metals, but is especially applicable to cleaning those prone to staining or corrosion, such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, brass, and their alloys.
Life Cycle
Water and detergents are often used as alternatives to PERC. They are thought to have less environmental impact. However, studies have shown that this is not always true. In a 1997 study sponsored by the European Chlorinated Solvents Association, robust data was collected to compare the environmental impact of metal cleaning methods. All technologies were found to have potentially significant environmental impact, depending upon how they were used.
PERC is especially prone to creating air pollution. However, by using technically advanced, hermetically sealed machines, this can be effectively controlled.
Aqueous solutions cause water pollution, even after treatment of the cleaning resides. In fact, impact on water of aqueous solutions was between 200 and 2,000 times higher than with PERC degreasing, depending on the site.
Both technologies have disadvantages, and each have their own strengths. The study concludes that Aqueous cleaning is best for producing clean and wet metal parts. In this scenario, even the best PERC method had a greater environmental impact than the aqueous technologies. However, when clean and dry parts were required, hermetically sealed machines operation with PERC, especially when paired with carbon recovery, had a lower environmental impact than aqueous solutions. Therefore, solvent metal cleaning is preferable when the following production step requires a dry part.
To reap these benefits, PERC must be used with a machine that is properly designed to minimize environmental impact. If used correctly, PERC can be the most efficient, effective, and economical metal cleaning process for precision products.
About The Author
Midbrook is a minority owned provider of parts washer and parts cleaner systems, custom metal fabrications, CapSnap water bottling systems, and production cleaning services. Visit us at http://www.midbrook.com
December 22, 2007
By Ann Knapp
Part washing systems come in a variety of styles to accomplish a wide range of goals. These different variations allow customers to select a washing system designed for their specific needs, rather than settling for generic one style fits all models. After a thorough analysis of their manufacturing process, engineers can design a custom model that is created specifically for their individual part.
Production cleaning systems can be aqueous or solvent based. They can vary from cabinet style spray washers to flow through ultrasonic tanks. They can use rotating basket immersion systems, return to operator overhead conveyor systems, flat wire belt conveyors, fixtured indexing units with part specific spray manifolds, robotically operated high pressure deburring spray operations or auger drum systems. All have custom options available and are suitable to achieve specific goals.
The rotating table, cabinet style washer can feature a smaller footprint than other washers. It also has a single point loading and unloading area which requires only one operator to run the cell. The cabinet washer works well in a low production manufacturing plants. It handles large parts, along with baskets of parts, however this style does have its drawbacks. It runs slower than other models and requires a labor intensive setup system. The process also makes it very difficult to keep tank solution distinct from each other as they are moved through the washer, so most often this style is limited to a simple wash and blow off. Cabinet cleaners also run in a batch process, which may be inappropriate for parts that need to be individually washed.
Ultrasonic and immersion systems are able to clean parts with small holes and other complex geometries. Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to remove particles from contaminated parts. By manipulating these waves, the cleaner can operate in a number of different manners. The cavitation process created by ultrasonic cleaning is able to remove debris and soil from parts efficiently. Ultrasonic washers, however, can be expensive to build and maintain. Specifically, ultrasonic washers require the customer to invest in technology such as a transducer and generator in order to create the ultrasonic waves that clean the parts. These washers are efficient, but may be inappropriate for a part that does not feature the complex design they are most useful for.
Rotary and auger drum washers operate continuously or in a batch process, giving them flexibility for a customer. These washers do an excellent job cleaning parts, as they utilize both spray and immersion stages in the cleaning process. This combination makes them useful for small parts, which may need to undergo both steps in order to be effectively cleaned. They are also simple to load and unload, making them easier to implement on the floor. However, these flow through washers cannot assure the manufacturer that all parts will be processed through the system prior to introduction of the next batch of parts. This leads to fears regarding the lack of lot integrity that is unacceptable in many applications.
A belt conveyor is a highly flexible type of washing system. It is modular in design, so it can be manipulated and installed to fit the floor plan of the customer quite easily. The flexibility extends to the washing process, where the part orientation and material handling operations can be manipulated in a simple manner. That flexibility means that the belt conveyor can be modified to fit another part if necessary, with a minimum of hassle. This simple and reliable material handling process cuts down on maintenance and production slowdowns. Disadvantages of the belt conveyor include the constant motion of the part. When the part is constantly on the move, it can be difficult to ensure that the spray jets are able to direct their impingement at the most critical areas of the parts for the necessary length of time.
A fixtured, indexing wash system is another option for those with complex parts to clean. Indexing washers hold the part in a specific orientation, so they are suited well for complex part configurations which can include bores, drilled holes or blind holes. Indexers are also flexible in what type of parts they can handle. The most attractive feature of this style of system is the manner in which the part is transported through the system to enable single piece flow along with the ability to wash the critical areas of the part’’s design. They also feature a reduced footprint for those concerned with space on the production floor. Unlike other washers, the indexing units cannot handle multiple styles of parts. New parts require new fixture nests and new part specific spray manifold designs
A return to operator system, as implied in the name, returns the cleaned part to the operator at the load area via an overhead conveyor. A single operator can load and unload parts. This style system is most suitable for large parts like dashboard frames or dunnage trays that must hang, rather than lay flat to allow for proper cleaning and proper draining prior to the blow off of the part.
Equipment selection should take place last in your washer customization process. After the load and unload method is determined, the manufacturing floor footprint is allotted, the part cleanliness level has been agreed to and the cleaning chemistry has been determined, the customer has all the necessary information to pick a washer that will work for them, rather than the other way around. A careful consideration of the pro and con of each washing system as it relates to the specific process of the customer will yield a machine that efficiently and effectively completes its designed task.
About The Author
Midbrook is a minority owned provider of parts washer and parts cleaner systems, custom metal fabrications, CapSnap water bottling systems, and production cleaning services. Visit us at http://www.midbrook.com
December 22, 2007
By Ann Knapp
Several common issues often arise when operating an industrial production parts washer. Difficulties starting the machine, unsatisfactory cleaning and parts not drying sufficiently are the main resulting deficiencies that usually can be attributed to a contributing factor. These issues can usually be remedied if the manufacturer is able to discover the root cause of the issue.
If the machine is having trouble starting or is otherwise incapable of running, it does not necessarily indicate a major problem. Rather, it may simply be an issue with the electrical controls. The first step necessary to get the machine running is to check all the emergency stop buttons on the machine and make sure they have not been pushed in to activate them accidentally. The operator must ensure that they are in the “out-or-run position.
If this proves not to be the issue, check the voltage and amperage on the control panel. Make sure that the machine is receiving an adequate amount of energy and that the control panel lights come on when the master knife switch is in the “On” position. From there, be sure to press the green “Master Start” button that is on the control panel, usually at the top left side of the panel, and then check the PLC screen or lighted push buttons to confirm that the machine is in “Auto” mode, rather than “Manual” mode. Finally, look at the red, amber, and green warning light tree located on the top of the control panel. If the red or amber lights are on, a fault or component trouble may be the cause of the stoppage. See your control panel PLC screen or lighted push buttons for red or fault indications for the individual systems of the machine.
If the machine stoppage is due to a purchased component problem such as a blower motor, pump motor, drive motor or heating element, there are a few steps that can be taken. First, make sure the machine is off. Then check the failing component to see if it is physically jammed or otherwise stuck. If it appears to be acceptable, check the electrical box of the component and see if the conduit or wires leading to the box are damaged or have been pulled out. If the component has an inlet filter as is the case with a blower, then remove that filter and check to see if it is being clogged by excessive debris. Finally, check the service life of the component and compare that to how long the component has been in use. It may simply be nearing the end of the lifespan.
Occasionally the washer will stop producing clean parts. Whenever this happens, it is time to check the condition of the bath. If the bath is saturated with soil, then change the solution making up the bath, along with the filters cleaning the solution. After the solution is removed, then use a heated, high pressure power sprayer to clean the tank. This preventative maintenance should be performed regularly in order to prevent cleaning failures. If the bath is of acceptable quality, move on to other possible causes. Make sure that the bath soap concentration is correct and that the proper cleaning chemistry has been mixed into the bath.
Next, inspect the spray headers, making sure that the cleaning solution is coming out of the nozzles in the correct spray pattern. If the nozzles are plugged or just dirty, clean or change the affected nozzles. Also look to ensure that the spray headers are in the proper position, and they have not been broken or bent by an improperly loaded part.
Finally, check the pumps to be sure that they are pumping at the proper pressures. The correct pressure is indicated by the flow gauges on the filtration system, or in the control panel depending on the configuration of the machine.
The drying stage of the washing process is another area where problems occur. To troubleshoot your dryer, first turn off the machine. If the machine includes a blow off system, then check the air blower and make certain that they are operating at the proper pressure. The digital gauges for positive back pressure indicate the correct pressure for this stage. Then move on to check the hoses which lead from the blower(s) to the air knives or air nozzles. Make sure that they are not broken, split, or obstructed in any manner.
To check these nozzles or knives you will have to remove the filter covers as the hosing is inside the machine and connected directly to the blowers. If the machine has a dryer system rather than blow off, check the squirrel cage blower and make sure that it is running. Also inspect the cage blower to see if the fins are obstructed. Then check the opening from the fan box to the drying stage and ensure that is not obstructed, allowing for hot air to the be re-circulated to the parts.
After performing these checks, if the problem is not solved or a specific problem is identified but requires assistance, you will need to contact the service department of the vendor who provided the washer. They will provide a crew to perform the necessary maintenance work and get your washer back up and running to the standards expected.
About The Author
Midbrook is a minority owned provider of parts washer and parts cleaner systems, custom metal fabrications, CapSnap water bottling systems, and production cleaning services. Visit us at http://www.midbrook.com
December 18, 2007
By Corbin Newlyn
If you are having challenges trying to carry around your camcorder, and because of that, you end up losing out on your more treasured moments everywhere you traveled; you no longer need to concern yourself with this. As of late, size reductions in different types of camcorders, or better known as mini digital camcorder, has begun to enter into and is gradually increasing in market saturation.
In the not too distant past, people were still utilizing camcorders that were up to 2 pounds, however nowadays, these newer types of camcorders weigh only as much as your mobile phone making it more transportable.
Miniaturized Mobile Video
When looking at it in a different perspective, this new type of trend is really not so new after all. In reality it began with mobile phones. At one time mobile phones were as large as bricks, then as time progressed they became about half that size, and a little later they have turned into a device as small as a matchbox.
The camcorder manufacturers were taking notice of this trend and it motivated them to switch from large and bulky camcorders to the smaller ones that fit into a small pouch, and eventually into even smaller types that will fit into a small pencil case.
The most beneficial part of it all is that regardless of how small the mini digital camcorder has become, the quality of the image has rarely if it all decreased, because of the introduction of superior compression technology which saves and stores the whole video into a smaller file size, but retains its quality of output.
Technological Evolution
This mini Digital camcorder can be equated to the miniature version of the hard drive camcorders in which you are able to record the raw video stored within the internal hard drive, which you can then transfer onto a different computer through FireWire or USB 2.0.
Video is then saved in the newer Mpeg-4 format. This format is the newest generation of video compression format to save a raw video file in the smallest size without effecting quality of video output.
The mini Digital camcorder also has the capability of being one of the best digital still cameras, and the majority of them have an extremely high picture quality capturing ability utilizing Carl-Zeiss lens with a capacity of up to 8 megapixels. Even better, some of the newest versions of mini digital camcorders have a web cam, an MP3 player, as well as a voice recorder integrated into it.
A mini digital camcorder less expensive than conventional digital camcorders, due to the fact that this kind of camera is has a market amongst teenagers, particularly those who prefer to travel and take snapshots or video of there trip.
They are available in many different colors and they fit in your palm. The captured videos also have the capability to be played directly on your television set to be shared with everyone.
About The Author
Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of electronics. If you would like to learn more go to http://www.camcorderpros.com/ and at http://www.camcorderpros.com/camcorder-guide/hdv-camcorder/
December 18, 2007
By Yahya Allababidi
Who can forget the many tragic events in our history? Assassinations of presidents such as John F. Kennedy, the dreadful events of Pearl Harbor, or the unexpected and disappointing disasters of space crafts. These are all events that will be etched in our memory for life. And let’’s not forget about the recently occurring events of September 11. This terrible act was done by terrorists who flew two commercial planes directly into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The chaos did not stop there! The pentagon was also attacked via a third hijacked plane. Lastly, a fourth hijacked plane went down in Pennsylvania. This unimaginable national disaster caused the US government to immediately ground all types of planes throughout the US. Although years have passed since then, the security level for airports and planes has reached an unprecedented level. Naturally, the role of security devices such as cameras can not be downplayed in wining our war with terror.
The vanguard of Defense
Spending on airport security has been increased drastically over the past couple of years since September 11. This is all aimed towards maximizing the safety of the passengers from the moment they enter the airport until they reach their desired destination. Specifically speaking, the airports” security camera systems have been significantly transformed and updated to meet the demands of our insecure world.
Not only do the security cameras monitor the interior of the airport, in addition to that, they monitor the airport’’s surrounding perimeters and effectively every aircraft in the entire airport. The safety of the aircraft is insured through the utilization of disguised and un-disguised security cameras monitored closely by the keen eyes of the crew members. The utilization of security cameras varies greatly from country to country.
The U.S. capital, Washington D.C., accommodates many video monitoring devices which observe a vast network, containing hundreds of governmental video cameras in addition to those located at the national airports, are installed in a police command center. On the other hand, Singapore is taking action to place an extensive amount of surveillance cameras all over the International Airport of Changi. Monitoring suspicious parcels and actively observing the passenger’’s actions constitutes the primary function of these cameras.
Utilities of the Profession
A variety of new supplemental technologies have enhanced the job of airport security cameras. Devices such as digital video recorder (DVR) severs are priceless when it comes to airport security.
DVR servers can be programmed to several modes, such as air mode, ground mode, and parking mode, all of which makes it more efficient and manageable for airports to obtain large amounts of information. On the other hand, a set of specific software can be used along side with airport security systems to monitor activity and objects in the terminals of the airport. The security is notified as soon as abnormal behavior is recognized. At last, security cameras can be transformed into infrared cameras via extreme security cameras. This technique enables the capturing of images at any time of the day, regardless of the weather.
A Popular Topic
Are airports utilizing their security equipment to their fullest potential? Various experts in the field of technology strongly belief that the terrorists who conducted 9-11 could have been caught in many airports prior to their implementation of the devastating plot. This belief could have been a reality had there been more advanced security cameras installed.
They also point out that up to 3 of the 19 alleged hijackers who were involved in the World Trade Center and Pentagon were already included in the
About The Author
Security and peace of mind are priceless, make sure your home and belongings are safe and secure with our cutting edge selection of CCTV Security Cameras and accessories available at http://www.2mcctv.com/
December 17, 2007
By Matthew Hick
Children today consider wireless phones as necessary and usual in daily life. They don”t know a time without them being prevalent. But that was not the case in 1973 when Martin Cooper made his first cellular phone call from a New York City street and New Yorkers stared gaping at him. But the history of cell phone starts further back in time.
The history of cell phones or wireless communications must start with Samuel Morse. He introduced the concept of wireless by conduction when he transmitted a telegraph signal through water. His telegraph was the first device to transmit messages by electricity.
Then in 1843 a man by the name of Michael Faraday studied to see if space could conduct electricity. In 1865 a dentist, Dr. Mahlon Loomis was the first person to communicate through wireless via the atmosphere. He came up with the idea of transmitting and receiving messages using the atmosphere as a conductor and sending up kites covered with copper screens that were linked to the ground with copper wires. Loomis was awarded a $50,000 research grant by congress.
But let us move forward to the twentieth century and the invention of the cell or wireless phone as we know it today. This brings us to a man often referred to as the father of the cell phone, Martin Cooper. He was employed by Motorola and worked on developing the first hand held radios made for the Chicago police department in 1967. He then went on to lead Motorola’’s cellular research.
AT&T’’s, Bell Laboratories introduced the idea of cellular communication in 1947. Through the 60” and 70′’s Motorola and Bell Laboratories were in a race to incorporate the technology into portable devices.
On April 3, 1973 Martin Cooper won the race when he placed the first cell phone call to his rival at AT&T. Motorola introduced the 16-ounce “DynaTAC” phone into commercial service in 1983, at a cost to the consumer of $3,500. It weighed 2.5 lbs. took 10 hours to charge with 35 minutes of talk time. Features were limited to dial, listen and talk. This was commonly referred to as the Brick.
In 1977 cell phones went public. Chicago was the first city to trial cell phones with 2000 customers.
In 1983 Motorola, with the help of Martin Cooper, introduced the 16-ounce “DynaTAC” the first truly portable cellular phone. This phone took 15 years and a cost of over 100 million dollars to come to market. The cost to the consumer was $3500. It weighed 2.5 lbs., took 10 hours to charge and allowed 35 minutes of talk time. Features were limited to dial, listen and talk.
From 1983 to the late 1980″s 1st generation cellular or car phones as they were often called became very popular. Most were not hand held but rather installed in cars or bag phones.
In 1988 the CTIA (Cellular Technology Industry Association) was founded.
In the early 1990′’s second generation or 2G phones came onto the market. They were able to work on GSM, TDMA, and CDMA technology. 2G digital networks were online and replacing the analog network frequencies making them virtually obsolete. The phones became much smaller and portable and usage soared.
Currently third generation or 3G phones are the technology available today. 3G phones include innovations that allow them to receive more than just phone calls. For example Internet access and email capability and streaming video.
In December 2005 the wireless industry in the US surpassed the 200 million subscriber mark. In 2006 that number grew to 233 million subscribers with 12.8% of households being totally wireless. There are 195,613 cell sites making this possible.
About The Author
Get Your Own Successful Adsense Website at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years.
December 16, 2007
By Anna Stenning
When I used to work in the heart of Central London, some of the biggest companies were surprisingly behind on all of the IT software packages needed to keep a business running efficiently. Some companies pay extortionate prices for basic IT support in London, these kinds of support are worth being weary about as some services can try to dupe their customers into thinking there is a major problem with the PC, but it could just be a simple issue that requires very little work. Knowing which companies to approach can be difficult, especially if you are not IT savvy so there are few things to consider before approaching a support service.
Recent findings in America have witnessed on-call IT services making home visits and coming up with false diagnostics for the problems of some PC’’s. These companies were monitored and deliberately set-up to see which company gave the correct conclusion. Two out of the nine services that were called out had proved to be honest. The rest were quite worryingly false, which raised questions of just how much these larger businesses are paying for external IT support in London.
Technical support has evolved from just simple telephone calls to an integrated help desk, with India being the biggest in outsourcing strategic technical services. During my employment in Central London, my company had their own IT support department. I was always bound to have something wrong with my PC, therefore my name was very well known in IT services. It always used to amaze me how they would remote desktop into my PC and take complete control without even being present in the room. I would pretend that my PC was possessed, the whole process was very new to me at the time but most impressive. It made me realise how much IT support services has changed.
It is more common for larger companies to have their own in-house IT support department, especially if they are based in London. Getting external support continue to provide long-term support with a regular fee payment. Their services can vary; this can include onsite support, advice, training, Software selection, development and integration, telephone and remote access support. With these factors in mind, it is always best to research company services, installation support, and find out about client testimonials and view evidence of work carried out.
Prices of IT services can vary based on location. Each business is highly recommended on establishing an IT support service in order to improve their company service. Gaining a support contract will alleviate any hassle or stress for the company on keeping up-to-date and ensure customer satisfaction. Some technical support companies focus on just resolving problems with certain programmes, rather than providing training or customization. Depending on the size of your company, what is required for the staff and the kind of support needed, prices will vary. Therefore it always best to gain advice and conduct plenty of research before signing a support contract.
About The Author
Anna Stenning is an expert on IT support London and has had plenty of experience dealing with their technical services. If you are looking for help in IT for your company log on to http://www.scottadam.co.uk/
December 13, 2007
By dror klar
Those were the good old days when dad had to venture out side in the freezing could or pouring rain to give the old television antennae an adjustment. In a strong wind it could spin completely out of range and not pick up a signal at all.
This meant a trip out doors and someone on the inside to yell out to turn it the other way or that is as good as it is going to get. Actually, those were the frustrating old days when sometimes trying to watch television could be really aggravating.
Then there were the inside antennas. Those reliable old rabbit ears, we would twist and turn them, hang them from a wall or ceiling, and even decorate them with aluminum foil all in the name of getting the television picture to tune in just a little bit better.
It is astounding that today we take that perfectly clear and crisp satellite picture we get so much for granted. We get upset if a small line might run through our picture. Goodness knows how we would react if we had to watch it in black and white and the whole picture look like snow and sound like static at the same time.
Fortunately, those good old days are long gone and we get to enjoy television the way it was made to be enjoyed, with a clear picture you can see and sound you can understand. The satellite television we enjoy today is digitized and we get the very best picture possible. The high definition technology makes a picture that is so real and life like, it seems like you could reach out and touch it.
The digital sound technology is just as good. With the right television set, usually the newer models, the sound that comes out is almost like being in a movie theatre. When you own a big screen television and have satellite television, it is just as good as being in a theatre. You just have to spend 3 minutes making that microwave popcorn and fix your own glass of soda.
If children today had to endure television of the past for about a week, they would realize just how far we have came since those first good old days of television.
Even with the drawbacks that television used to have, it was still the greatest thing ever invented to most of us and we would have continued to watch it if even we had to stand on our heads. That was how much we loved television then and it would be hard to say exactly how much more we love satellite television now!
About The Author
Dror Klar is a writer and promoter of news, movie reviews and celebrity information. Visit his sites for Direct tv, Dish Network and high Speed Satellite Internet.
http://www.idn-direct.com
http://www.idndirectsatellite.com