Tag Archives: power
The Importance of Solid and Secure Computer Data Storage
Are you thinking about computer data storage yet? Because with the rainy season approaching, your backup computer files might be the only thing between secure records and utter chaos. And if youre thinking thats a well-placed bit of exaggeration, try asking the residents of Freehold, NJ how many of their personal emails, financial records and pictures they wish they still had.
But what happened in Freehold is an excellent reminder of why computer data storage is so vital. When you dont backup your computer files, you run the risk of losing everything during power outages not just because the power is out and your computer wont run but because the surges in power can corrupt your files and hard disk. There are ways of protecting your computer at home a power strip is a good idea, and saving files to a thumb drive is smart but theyre not comprehensive enough for people who use their computer for more than just creating documents or updating social media. Offsite backups are a far better idea for keeping your most important files safe and sound.
So: what can you do to keep your files safe in the wettest season of the year? Weve compiled some ways of protecting your computer and its contents so that you dont end up with a very expensive paper weight the next time a hurricane rolls through town.
Offsite Backups: There are a number of reputable companies out there who can help you protect your information. Outside computer data storage facilities will store your information (for a fee, which can be nominal or not depending on the company) at their facility. Be Things to watch out with this so be careful of where your data is and how secure it is. That will be another article.
The Cloud: It seems strange to recommend putting all of you stuff into space, but thats essentially what the Cloud is. You can backup computer files online for free, which is great. Just be conscious that a computer hacker can wipe out those files a bit easier than s/he could if you use a company that specializes in computer data storage for your home or business.
USP: Thats an Uninterruptible Power Supply, and its a pretty cool gadget. It sends a steady stream of power to your computer even if a storm causes a power surge, giving you time to shut it down correctly. Some of them will even initiate the shut down for you, if you cant get to it yourself because you are away. Its one of the better ways of protecting your computer because it keeps the machine and its contents safe. Just make sure to “comparison shop” first, because some of them are a little pricey. Be aware that they do need to be configured properly in order for them to work the way they are meant to work.
Electricians: How good are your wires? If you live in an older home or if your area is particularly susceptible to sever storms, then all of the computer data storage in the world might not be able to save you. May be time to invest on a home generator to help keep your lights on during and after a storm. You never know how long it may take the electric company to get your lights back on. No matter what, remember to backup those computer files ASAP before it is too late.
Dont Wait to Backup Computer Files
The most important thing to remember is that sometimes believe it or not the weather reports are wrong. Some storms blow right over, while others cause levels of devastation that are almost unimaginable. (Just ask anyone from the Gulf Coast.) The best ways of protecting your computer mean nothing if you dont implement them. Thats why its so incredibly important that you backup computer files often. Offsite backups at reputable companies can keep your files necessary and precious safe when the lights go out.
Uses & Benefits of CCTV Testers
CCTV (closed circuit television) installations are a line of defense that companies and individuals employ to increase the security of a building or home through remote surveillance of selected areas. Depending on the premises, the number of camera installations required may range from one to one hundred, or more. Most configurations will include a DVR (digital video recorder) for storing footage, and sometimes monitors and computers for viewing live feeds in a particular location. With the cameras set up in separate areas, installers may need to run between the video feed and camera in order to fine tune the settings. CCTV testers, also known as LCD field monitors or CCTV field monitors, offer installers an ideal solution that enables them to view the video feed from a camera in real time, as well as calibrate and troubleshoot based on the additional features they provide.
The most basic feature of a CCTV tester is an LCD screen, usually between 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches (diagonal), which allows installers to view the camera feed on the spot. Additional features for video calibration may include video test patterns, brightness/contrast/saturation adjustments, video signal intensity testing, and support for PAL and/or NTSC video. Some testers are capable of providing power to the camera, often up to 12VDC, enabling installers to mount and focus cameras in the optimal spot before running power cables.
Other functions a CCTV installer might require in a CCTV tester or in a separate device are: a multimeter, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control, and a network/coaxial cable tester/tracer. The multimeter can usually verify that the camera is receiving the correct amount of AC or DC power and check the resistance of a cable. PTZ cameras enable remote directional and zoom control, which, depending on the type of camera, could be controlled by RS485, RS232, software, or web interface, amongst other options. With PTZ control on a CCTV tester, users can bench test or set up a camera without any additional equipment. Cable testers are great for troubleshooting cables for shorts and miswires. Some also include a cable tracer, making it easy to locate the other end of a cable during installations.
Regardless of additional features, most CCTV testers are compact and portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of CCTV installations. Higher-end units tend to support more functions, thus reducing the need to acquire and operate multiple devices for a single job. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a selection of CCTV testers that can simplify the installation and troubleshooting process.
VPI’s TESTER-CCTV-W CCTV Tester with Wrist Strap displays NTSC/PAL video on a 2.5 inch LCD screen with a resolution of 480×234. Users can adjust the brightness and color of the video feed on the spot. The unit runs on a 3.7V Li-ion polymer battery and boasts a runtime of up to four hours. Secured by a wrist strap, the unit enables easy and hands-free installations without the hassle of running between a camera and DVR located in separate areas.
The TESTER-CCTV-P Professional CCTV Tester and Multimeter is a multifunction device for CCTV installations and maintenance. With the ability to display video on a 3.5 inch TFT-LCD 960×240 screen and supply 12V DC power, cameras can be set up on the spot without having to run power cables or move between locations. The unit can generate seven forms of PAL/NTSC color bar patterns and adjust LCD brightness, contrast, and color saturation for video calibration. The built-in cable tester can test LAN (local area network) cables for connection status and display the wire sequence.
TESTER-CCTV-P also provides PTZ control and supports more than twenty PTZ protocols, such as PELCO-D/P, Panasonic, and Samsung. Its digital multimeter not only checks the voltage, current and resistance of cables, but can also test for electrical continuity and diode function, and confirm capacitance of a capacitor. The unit supports RS232, RS485, and RS422 interfaces, and baud rates ranging from 150 to 19,200 bps. RS485 data can be captured and displayed for convenient troubleshooting. Requiring only a 3.7V Li-ion battery, the unit possesses a runtime of up to 12 hours. With multiple features consolidated into a single device, the TESTER-CCTV-P is ideal for a wide range of applications.
CCTV testers provide a quick and convenient way to test, calibrate, and troubleshoot CCTV installations. VPI’s selection of testers is suitable for both simple and extensive configurations, making them an essential addition to any professional’s toolkit.
Uses & Benefits of CCTV Testers
CCTV (closed circuit television) installations are a line of defense that companies and individuals employ to increase the security of a building or home through remote surveillance of selected areas. Depending on the premises, the number of camera installations required may range from one to one hundred, or more. Most configurations will include a DVR (digital video recorder) for storing footage, and sometimes monitors and computers for viewing live feeds in a particular location. With the cameras set up in separate areas, installers may need to run between the video feed and camera in order to fine tune the settings. CCTV testers, also known as LCD field monitors or CCTV field monitors, offer installers an ideal solution that enables them to view the video feed from a camera in real time, as well as calibrate and troubleshoot based on the additional features they provide.
The most basic feature of a CCTV tester is an LCD screen, usually between 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches (diagonal), which allows installers to view the camera feed on the spot. Additional features for video calibration may include video test patterns, brightness/contrast/saturation adjustments, video signal intensity testing, and support for PAL and/or NTSC video. Some testers are capable of providing power to the camera, often up to 12VDC, enabling installers to mount and focus cameras in the optimal spot before running power cables.
Other functions a CCTV installer might require in a CCTV tester or in a separate device are: a multimeter, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control, and a network/coaxial cable tester/tracer. The multimeter can usually verify that the camera is receiving the correct amount of AC or DC power and check the resistance of a cable. PTZ cameras enable remote directional and zoom control, which, depending on the type of camera, could be controlled by RS485, RS232, software, or web interface, amongst other options. With PTZ control on a CCTV tester, users can bench test or set up a camera without any additional equipment. Cable testers are great for troubleshooting cables for shorts and miswires. Some also include a cable tracer, making it easy to locate the other end of a cable during installations.
Regardless of additional features, most CCTV testers are compact and portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of CCTV installations. Higher-end units tend to support more functions, thus reducing the need to acquire and operate multiple devices for a single job. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a selection of CCTV testers that can simplify the installation and troubleshooting process.
VPI’s TESTER-CCTV-W CCTV Tester with Wrist Strap displays NTSC/PAL video on a 2.5 inch LCD screen with a resolution of 480×234. Users can adjust the brightness and color of the video feed on the spot. The unit runs on a 3.7V Li-ion polymer battery and boasts a runtime of up to four hours. Secured by a wrist strap, the unit enables easy and hands-free installations without the hassle of running between a camera and DVR located in separate areas.
The TESTER-CCTV-P Professional CCTV Tester and Multimeter is a multifunction device for CCTV installations and maintenance. With the ability to display video on a 3.5 inch TFT-LCD 960×240 screen and supply 12V DC power, cameras can be set up on the spot without having to run power cables or move between locations. The unit can generate seven forms of PAL/NTSC color bar patterns and adjust LCD brightness, contrast, and color saturation for video calibration. The built-in cable tester can test LAN (local area network) cables for connection status and display the wire sequence.
TESTER-CCTV-P also provides PTZ control and supports more than twenty PTZ protocols, such as PELCO-D/P, Panasonic, and Samsung. Its digital multimeter not only checks the voltage, current and resistance of cables, but can also test for electrical continuity and diode function, and confirm capacitance of a capacitor. The unit supports RS232, RS485, and RS422 interfaces, and baud rates ranging from 150 to 19,200 bps. RS485 data can be captured and displayed for convenient troubleshooting. Requiring only a 3.7V Li-ion battery, the unit possesses a runtime of up to 12 hours. With multiple features consolidated into a single device, the TESTER-CCTV-P is ideal for a wide range of applications.
CCTV testers provide a quick and convenient way to test, calibrate, and troubleshoot CCTV installations. VPI’s selection of testers is suitable for both simple and extensive configurations, making them an essential addition to any professional’s toolkit.