Category Archives: Telecommunications

Telecommunications

What Is Audio Surveillance?

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Audio surveillance is the act of listening to third-party conversations and recording them. This technique is frequently used by law enforcement, private detectives and government spy agencies. Most audio surveillance consists of either bugging a room, wearing a wire, tapping a phone or distance listening. Each provides distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.

Wiretapping is one of the most common and simple form of audio surveillance. This is preferred because it is highly inconspicuous and allows for two sides of a conversation to be clearly recorded. Small audio devices, commonly called bugs, are attached to the internal circuitry of a telephone to pick up a conversation. A signal is wirelessly transmitted to another device that records the conversation. The drawback of this method is getting access to a subject’s telephone to properly wiretap it.

audio surveillanceA room microphone is another audio surveillance technique that often is utilized. This involves planting a wireless microphone in a room to pick up conversations. Disguised room microphones are available to look like pens, clocks, stuffed animals and a variety of other covert forms. This microphone sends a signal to a receiver, just like a wiretap does, and the signal can be directly recorded. The disadvantage here is access to some rooms and getting only one side of a phone conversation if it takes place in that room.

Concealable transmitters known as body wires are well-known devices that have been featured in many television shows and movies. A small microphone and transmitting device are worn under the clothes of a person in order to send a signal back to a receiver and record a conversation. This allows the person wearing the wire to ask questions and get specific details that simply listening to other people’s conversations could not provide. The disadvantage of this method is getting access to the person needed to be recorded and also concealing the microphone in a way that hides it but allows for clear recording.

Long-distance microphones are another covert means of audio surveillance. A parabolic microphone, often called a shotgun microphone because of its long shape, has a powerful ability to pick up conversations up to 300 feet (91.4 m) away. Its main disadvantage is its high sensitivity. It can pick up other noises and cannot function if obstructions, such as trees and automobiles, are between the microphone and the conversation.

What Headset Fits My Bike?

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The headset of a bicycle is, in simplest terms, the part of the bike that allows the steering column and front wheel to rotate and turn. It is, therefore, fairly important to the general running of a bike (as we’re sure you’ll agree!)

A bicycle headset generally consists of two cups that are pressed to the top and bottom of the headtube, there are bearings inside the cups that provide low friction contact between the cup and the steerer. This setup allows the rider to be able to steer and operate the bike with maximum efficiency.

Today’s bikes use lots of different headset styles, so we’ll take you through a few of the most common ones (because we’re nice like that).

  1. Threaded Headsets – These headsets are the most simple and ‘classic’ of all headsets. They were once nearly ubiquitous, but times have moved on since then. According to ParkTool.com, “The “threaded” in the name refers to the external threading at the top of the fork steering column. Bearing cups are pressed into the bike head tube. The bearings, which may be loose ball bearings, retainer ball bearings, or cartridge bearings, sit above and below the pressed races. The top most bearing-race has internal threading, and is held in place by a threaded locknut. The stem has no effect on the headset adjustment”.
  2. Threadless Headsets – Threadless headsets are actually quite similar to their threaded cousins, with one major difference (and you’ll probably see this one coming), there is no threading. According to ParkTool, “The top race uses an internal centering sleeve on the column to maintain alignment to the bearing cup. Pressure is applied to the top race from the stem. Threadless Headsets must use a compatible stem that matches the steering column diameter. The stem binds to the outside of the column, and holds the top race in adjustment. The threadless standards are 1-inch and 1-1/8 inch diameter steering column.”
  3. Low Profile Headsets – Alternately known as ‘Integrated Headsets’, ‘Internal Headsets’ and ‘Zero Stack Headsets’ (amongst others), these headsets use pressure frame cups to secure the bearings. “The cups have a flange, or lip, and sit adjacent to the outer edge of the top and bottom of the headtube. The headtube is a relatively large outside diameter, approximately 50mm, and cups allow the bearings to sit flush or even inside the headtube. The headset bearings sit “internally” to the top and bottom of the headtube. Some models use a cup that holds a cartridge bearing. The cartridge bearing is a slip fit into the cups. The cups act as a bearing holder and do not take bearing movement or wear directly. Other types have the cartridge bearing and cup/holder as a unit. These are simply replaced as a unit when it is worn out. Still another version of this type uses a cup and cone system with caged ball bearings, similar to the conventional threadless headsets”.

Of course, its up to you to decide which of these styles best suites you and your bike.

SOURCES

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/headset-standards

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headset_(bicycle_part) 

How does a virtual reality headset work?

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Virtual reality, which I’m going to define as ‘the creation of a computerized 3D environment that can be interacted with and manipulated in much the same was as the real world can’, is a pretty multi-faceted concept. There are quite a few ways to allow interaction with a virtual environment (VE), but the headset is perhaps the best known.

So, the key thing that a VR headset needs to be able to do is track the movements of the user’s head (and, where possible, their eyes) in order to allow for better interaction with the VE. After all, if I tilt my head from where I’m sitting and look at the ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage action figure that stands on my desk, the positioning of my eye line will change my perspective of the figure. So VR, in order to be convincing, needs to work on the same principle. Continue reading →

How does a virtual reality headset work?

by

Virtual reality, which I’m going to define as ‘the creation of a computerized 3D environment that can be interacted with and manipulated in much the same was as the real world can’, is a pretty multi-faceted concept. There are quite a few ways to allow interaction with a virtual environment (VE), but the headset is perhaps the best known.

So, the key thing that a VR headset needs to be able to do is track the movements of the user’s head (and, where possible, their eyes) in order to allow for better interaction with the VE. After all, if I tilt my head from where I’m sitting and look at the ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage action figure that stands on my desk, the positioning of my eye line will change my perspective of the figure. So VR, in order to be convincing, needs to work on the same principle. Continue reading →

The Long Road Home: Radios used on Transport Systems and Fleets

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According to the UK Government, there were an estimated 5.2 billion bus passenger journeys undertaken on our roads in 2011/2012. Public and private transportation is not only big business; it is also of massive importance to the smooth running of the country.

Whilst only 14% of the UK’s 25 million commuters travel to work by bus or train, this still accounts for over 1.7 million people. In order for a country this reliant on public transport to survive and thrive, it is absolutely imperative that transport workers can communicate with each other in a quick, efficient manner, fuelling an industry that, by necessity, spans the length and breadth of the nation. Continue reading →

New RFD5500 Sled Transforms Motorola Solutions’ Enterprise Mobile Computers into State-of-the-Art RFID Handheld Readers

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SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Nov. 19, 2013 – Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI), a leading provider of mission-critical communication solutions and services for enterprise and government customers, today announced the RFD5500 UHF RFID sled that can instantly turn the MC55N0, MC55A0, MC65 and MC67 mobile computers into lightweight, rugged, handheld RFID readers that deliver fast read rates and improved productivity for retail storefronts, warehouses and field applications. Continue reading →

Icom Launch New Training Aids for VHF/SRC Radio Instructors

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Editorial – Many individuals would not know a lot about DSC technology, but it’s a safety system built into 2 way radios, mainly in marine and sea communications, as of the increase in use of smaller and individual boats on the rivers. As an island this tech is becoming more and more popular, the tech is linked to your boat in case of an tragedy, more facts can be found from this icom uk blog.

DSC technology is becoming more widely used today and it is important for potential users to see how it works and to be trained in its use. To this end, Icom UK have now added their latest range of VHF/DSC radios to their VHF/SRC training simulator range. The models now available for instructors to purchase include the IC-M423 Fixed Mount VHF/DSC Transceiver and for the first time from Icom, a Handheld VHF/DSC in the form of the IC-M91D. Both training simulators provide a real ‘hands on’ experience of both voice and DSC message sending and receiving, in the classroom without causing interference. Both models share a new easy to use interface which is easy to learn, meaning that trainees will be able to understand the basics of two way radio quickly. Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK Ltd, said, ’When choosing the Icom IC-M423 VHF/SRC training simulator, the instructor will receive two fully modified radios that will communicate via the cabling so that it is unlikely to cause any interference to other users nearby . This enables the trainee to send ‘live’ distress and voice calls without alerting any other radios. Both units come with an interconnecting cable up to 20 metres in length, which is ideal for any training environment. The IC-M91D is supplied with an adapter and a cable to allow it to communicate with the fixed sets.’ To help trainees further understand the need for DSC, Icom has a new microsite dedicated to Handheld DSC radio. The new website sheds light on this relatively new marine technology. It explains what DSC Handheld VHF radios are, where they can be used and why boat owners need one. It also answers several questions about the ownership and registration of DSC handheld radio in an informative FAQ section. To go to this new site, click on www.dschandheld.com. The microsite will provide a handy resource for both instructors and students alike. Ian, said, ‘Customer reaction has been incredibly positive to our recently launched IC-M91D Buoyant VHF/DSC Handheld with GPS. However we have had lots of questions regarding where and how they can be used. So we decided to put all our information on an informative microsite.’ Icom Marketing: marketing@icomuk.co.uk

02/11/2012

 

Source – http://www.icomuk.co.uk/categoryRender.asp?r=rssFeed&categoryID=3508&cCID=17736

What bluetooth headphone to select, are you able to go wrong

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2013 may be a year that may see more individuals than ever using Bluetooth headphones and that we’re committed to ensuring that those people are using the very best obtainable styles. A Bluetooth headset may be a virtual necessity if you need to conduct business in today’s fast-paced modern world.

First, the basics:

Use Bluetooth technology for a number of different jobs, most notably the wireless shift of information from 1 device to another. On the other hand, because Bluetooth only works over relatively short areas, it is in fact significantly better for connecting headphones to mobile phones. Continue reading →

How to find the top earphones to be used when working out?

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Hello and welcome to a new group of advice to those headphone inquiries. Ever wanted to find out about something headphone, earphone or receiver related? Now’s your opportunity. Due to the great deal of questions we are so regularly asked, we’ve reached into our mailbox and picked up the 9 most significant (and most often submitted) inquiries. Enjoy.

Oh, by the way, if your inquiry is not below, then merely send us an email and come back in a few… you might find it featured in the later series. Cheers. Continue reading →

Why would wireless earphones be better than wired headphones

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Hi and welcome to the modern group of replies to those headphone questions. Ever desired to learn about something headset, earphone or headset linked? Now is your opportunity. Due to the great deal of questions we’re so often asked, you’ll find we’ve dipped into our mailbag and picked up the 9 most relevant (and most frequently submitted) inquiries. Enjoy.

Oh, by the way, if your query isn’t below, then just mail us an message and come back in a few… you could see it featured within the later series. Thanks. Continue reading →

We are recommending the best headphones for exercise?

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Hello and welcome to the innovative new group of replies to your headphone questions. Ever wanted to find out about something headset, earphone or receiver linked? Now is your chance. Due to a great deal of inquiries we are so frequently asked, you’ll find we’ve dipped into our mailbag and selected the 9 most important (and most often submitted) questions. Enjoy.

Oh, by the way, if your inquiry is not below, then simply dispatch us an message and check back in a few… you may see it featured in the next series. Cheers. Continue reading →

Noise cancelling headphones or closed headset, What would be the difference?

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Hi and welcome to the new series of advice to the headset inquiries. Ever desired to learn about something headset, earpiece or headset linked? Now is your chance. Due to the great deal of questions we’re so regularly asked, we have dipped into our mailbag and selected the 9 most significant (and most frequently submitted) questions. Enjoy.

Oh, by the way, in case your query is not here, then just mail us an email and check back in a few… you might find it featured in the next series. Thanks.

Part Four: What is the difference between blocked headphones and noise cancelling headphones?

That is one of the most frequently asked inquiries, we get it much of the time and, frankly, we’re sick of sending a similar routine reply time and again. So, we chose to answer it once and for all.

Now, before we go to any extent further, I am off to draft the stock email that directs someone to this short article, back in any minute…….You still there? Good. I stopped off to obtain a vitamin drink and a cup of tea too, sorry.

OK. To put it plainly, there are two sorts of noise reduction, active and passive.

Passive noise cancellation/reduction is often a by-product of wearing the headsets in the 1st place. If a headset covers your ears up, it fundamentally has a similar noise reduction effect like a set of earmuffs. The sound has to work that much harder to travel to the ear how it must initially go through a hard surface. Passive noise cancellation arrives mostly from blocking, or covering your ears and listening to a louder sound in closer proximity. In case your friend is attempting to talk to you and you can’t hear them due to the headphones, then that is passive noise reduction.

Active noise cancellation/reduction is a bit more mechanical. Headsets that actively cancel external noise achieve this by generating a low field of white sound close to your ear, this actually masks outside sound and is a meaning in and of itself, from the sound reproduction performance of those speakers.

To be truthful, anything you place in or around your ear carries a passive noise reduction effect, but only headphones equipped with noise reducing options will create a masking white noise. This sound won’t interfere with the operation of the headphones, but it will cover the noise from wind, rain, road works and other train passengers and their noisy mobile conversations.

Noise cancellation/reduction headphones will do a far better job of drowning out the noise pollution produced by barking pets, train announcements, bad street buskers and the charity trolls who accost you in the street.

Joking aside, it’s much a FAQ because it is a good one to ask. Noise cancellation functions significantly add to the cost of the headphones and it’s totally worth knowing what you are purchasing before you put down your hard-earned down onto the counter.

The gaming headset, what we all have to look out for

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Hello and welcome to a modern group of replies to the earpiece inquiries. Ever wanted to learn about something headphone, earphone or headset related? Now’s your chance. Due to the great amount of questions we’re so often asked, you’ll find we’ve reached into our mailbag and chosen the 9 most significant (and most frequently submitted) inquiries. Enjoy.

Oh, by the way, in case your question is not here, then simply mail us an message and check back in a few… you may find it featured in the later series. Thanks.

Part 7: How to define the benefits of a gaming headset?

You signify, besides the fact that if you don’t have one then nobody can pay attention to what you’re angrily calling them?

Joking aside, this is a question we get rather plenty and, joking apart, written above may be the reply we as a rule provide (though its habitually scrawled in monkey’s blood, on the back of an napkin awash in paint thinner and slightly on fire).

Perhaps we’re being too hasty. Possibly. You see, having a gaming earphone, it is possible to talk to everyone you come across in existence about the battlefields of cyberspace. You’ll be able to co-ordinate your defence methods, collaborate on battle tactics or share your recipe for that wonderful cupcakes once the many disembowelling and death dealing is finished. Otherwise, it is possible to spread disinformation (i.e. betray your companions by messing up their cupcakes), mock your enemies and force them right into a blind rage that brings them to generate errors at essential times. Anything you want. Because the actor Troy McClure previously said: “have it your way, baby”

While your laptop could have its own built-in systems that permit you to do that, a superb quality gaming headphone will provide the player with sharper sound and clearer input, meaning that you simply don’t concede your armies when your command of “attack the left flank!” becomes contorted into “attack what’s left of Frank!” producing your army to purge itself of the hapless For the Frank and thus eradicate a complete platoon of otherwise loyal cannon fodder. Poor Frank. “Fire at Will” is an additional oft-used phrase you will want to be careful of but if your mate William is leading a wing.

When you’re not so into joint gaming, then a headset can help you to take pleasure in your game while all your family enjoys a film or your significant other settles down using a good book, ensuring that no-one gets distracted by anybody else. It also opens up a world of video calls and much better voice recordings, in the event you’re into that.

Now, you do not need a gaming headphone to enjoy games, nevertheless it surely helps. If you prefer Internet games, either in collaboration or competition, a headphone is one way to bring those gamers into your house. It’s like sitting down and playing beside your mates, except that instead of them being in your house and eating your food, your mates are on the other side of the world, most probably eating someone else’s food.

A top quality gaming headset will open up an entire new world of gaming and many games are now designed with the headset at heart, that may put you at a disadvantage should you do not have one. So to sum up, a gaming headphone is not important, but it is certainly very functional.

New Self powered Router to enhance internet access in Africa

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An innovative new modem is being created expressly for use in Africa.

Launched at this month’s TEDGlobal Expo in Edinburgh, the modem is expected to permit a far larger level of Internet connectivity across the continent.

The device, which may be technically named BRCK, will achieve its aims by switching among Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G and normal broadband.

BRCK is developed by Kenyan firm Ushahidi (which translates from Swahili as ‘testimony’). Ushahidi offer open-source software that is used all the way through a variety of African nations, as well as Japan and South America, among the rest. Continue reading →