Views / News – Blog

Solar Power – eCharger UPGRADE

Project Re-cap

Last year’s project, detailed here, built a charger that collected and stored solar energy for use by an eBike, also for charging additional Li-ion or Ni-Cad batteries for other equipment as well as powering LED lights for illumination of the work space.

These 4 main elements were put together to create the solar charging ‘system’: Solar Panel, Charge Controller, Battery, Inverter. The resultant assembly captures energy from the sun via the solar panel, ‘conditioned’ by the controller and stored in the battery. This therefore provides an ‘off-grid’ 12V DC power source, or via the inverter as 240V AC ‘mains’ subsitute.

Experience from use

What wasn’t certain at the time of the project construction was how much energy would be available to be captured (estimates indicated sun 2-3 hours per day, weather and time-of-year dependant), how much could be efficiently stored and what would be needed to charge the eBike (understood to require around 3-4 hours for a full charge) and/or for the other uses. 

It had been assumed that there would be sufficient sunlight during summer days to adequately charge the storage battery, but at other times of the year the energy might be lacking, requiring additional solar panels for more energy generation.

The experience gained from use indicated that more solar panels were not needed, as enough energy was being captured, resulting in a fully charged battery (indicated by the charging stopping, despite it being sunny) when not being used for eBike charging. What was noticed however was that if the eBike had been used for a medium to long ride, requiring moderate to high charging afterwards, that insufficient energy was available from the storage battery to power the inverter (indicated by an audio alarm) long enough to fully charge the eBike.

The resulting conclusion was that the storage capacity was needed to be increased, to capture more sunlight energy to be available for charging purposes.  

Storage Upgrade

It was decided to purchase a second 12V 110AH 800CCA AGM-type battery, of identical make and specification as the original, thereby doubling the storage capacity (although since its advisable to allow for discharge of only 50% of the stated rating, the total energy available is taken to be 110AH). This compares with the capacity of the eBike battery, which is 36V 11AH (400WH).

Twin AGM batteries

It is important to note how additional batteries are added to a solar energy system. The choice is between series or parallel connection. 

Series would result in a doubling of the operating voltage to 24V. This would bring some advantages in terms of lower current rating for wiring gauge with the same power, and a simpler daisy-chaining method of connection. However, this is only possible if the other system components are rated for 24V operation.

For this upgrade, it was chosen to add the additional battery in parallel, thereby keeping the operating voltage at 12V (suiting the controller and the inverter) whilst providing more current. The parallel connection requires the battery terminal connections to be separately wired to the inverter and controller connection points, and for safety an additional fuse was added so that each battery is separately fused to protect against a short-circuit.

Twin batteries and inverter in use

Conclusions

Limited experience to date of the upgraded 2-battery-storage Solar power system finds that there is now sufficient energy available to completely charge the eBike even after a long ride, without incurring a low-energy warning from the inverter.

Charge controller with 2A input

The conclusion is reached that due to the usage pattern of occasional eBike charging compared with the daily solar energy collection, that more battery storage is a more appropriate choice over more solar panel energy generation. This is re-enforced by the fact that on poor-weather days, although there is a lack of available solar energy, the eBike is unlikely to be used, so the energy usage requirements are also low!

eBike fully charged

If will be interesting to monitor the performance of the upgraded system through the seasons of another year.

@YellowsBestLtd we are always looking to expand our portfolio services for #business development and #enterprise support, and increase the mix of solutions for #sustainable systems and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products for our customers. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements; we look forward to hearing from you.

Nokia ‘Dynanet’ PDH Telecoms Spares

Continued Supply of Spare Parts – Surplus and Refurbished Items

@YellowsBestLtd satisfies customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies.

Despite the recent ‘rampdown’ announcement by DNWP for the ‘Dynanet’ range, we should be able to continue to supply refurbished and surplus equipment for as long as required, but the likely effect of the discontinuation of production will be to squeeze the availability of remaining stocks, with a consequential impact on pricing.

Hence, it is recommended that if there is anything that might be needed, it would be best to consider purchasing it in good time to ensure availability of items and best prices.  

Here is a list of the main items immediately available from current stocks, though there may be a few additional parts that can be supplied. Hence, please check and if you do have any requirements, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

Part NumberDescription
24204TPSO H/W Module
CC 24002DB2 Branching Unit, B2 2×2 Mb/s 75 ohm
CC 24011DB2 2 Mb/s Switching Unit, X2 75 ohm
CC 24101DN2 Interface Unit (IU2) 2×2 Mb/s 75 ohm
CC 24111DN2 Control Unit (CU) 75 ohm
CF 24186DN2 19″ Subrack
CF 24186.09DN2 Subrack 19″, grey-L91 EMC
CG 24170DN2 Bus Power Unit (BPU)
CG 24171Extended DN2 Bus Power Unit (EBPU)
CU 24013Data Interface Unit (DIU) 2M, nx64k: G.703/704, 75 ohm
T30506.0917-slot DYNANET Subrack
T30851.02Subrack Power Adapter (SPA)
T37870.01NDM ACM2 19in 17-slot subrack
T37871.01NDM DN2 19″ 17-Slot Subrack
T37882.01NDM DC Unit (NDUe)
T37882.02NDM DC Unit (NDUe)
T37885.01NDM Ring Generator
Ring Generator – T37885.01
Part NumberDescription
T37889.01NDM Backup Unit (NBU)
NDM Backup Unit – T37889.01
Part NumberDescription
T65520.01ACL2 RM DC Power Gen
T65580.01ACL2i PF GEN Line Terminal Card
ACL2i PF GEN – T65580
Part NumberDescription
TA 21513Optical Line Terminal Repeater 2-8 M, 1300 nm LED MM/SM
TA 21516Optical Line Terminal Repeater 2-8 M, 1300 nm LASER SM
TC 21101DM34 Mux Card
TC 21301DM8 Multiplex Equipment, 75 ohm
TC 21705Supervisory Substation
TC 21710.01TMS Adapter
TG 21261Ring Generator 25HZ 15W
TU 21122.5Data Interface Unit (DIU) 48..64k V.11 10ch
TU 21124Data Interface Unit (DIU) NX64k V.11/V.35/X.21 2CH
TU 21124.05Data Interface Unit (DIU)
TU 21125Data Interface Unit (DIU) 48..64k with sync, X.21
DIU X.21 – TU 21125
Part NumberDescription
TU 21205Channel Unit SUB/SUB
TU 21206Channel Unit SUB/SUB
Channel Unit Subscriber / Subscriber – TU 21206
Part NumberDescription
TU 21215Channel Unit SUB/EXCH
TU 21216Channel Unit SUB/EXCH
Channel Unit Subscriber / Exchange – TU 21216
Part NumberDescription
TU 21234.20Channel Unit E&M/VF-P, 10 CH, 20 E&M CH
TU 21236.10Channel Unit (CU) 8ch E&M/uP: 2xe&m/vf
TU 21255.01Channel Switch, 4 PORT
TV 21640.08Power Interface Adapter DC

‘Dynanet’ Telecoms – ‘Rampdown’ notice

Phased Discontinuation of Production – 31st May 2019 – 31st January 2020

The production of the ‘Dynanet’ family of PDH Transmission telecoms products, first introduced by Nokia over 20 years ago, and continued in recent years by DNWP, is finally being ended.

This product range has well served Public Operator and Private Network Customers across the Telecoms, Utilities, Transport and Public Safety markets with high availability mission critical infrastructure, and indeed some networks are continuing to provide good operational service. 

Essentially almost all the old equipment items, with a very few exceptions such as the TPS64, are being completely discontinued in a phased way according to these milestones, which have already commended:

31st May 2019 – DM8 Multiplexers, DF2-8 Optical Terminals, RPSA

31st October 2019 – DM2 Multiplexers, Subs/Exch & VF Cards, DN2 IU2, Service Terminals, V.28/V.11 DIU

31st January 2020 – DB2, DN2 CU & BPU, G.703 & V.110, DIU, Ethernet I/F, Ring Gen, NDM 19” Subrack, NDA

@YellowsBestLtd satisfies customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies.

Should you wish to read the full ‘ramp-down’ notice and know more about obtaining equipment before it is no longer available, then please get in touch.

Mobile Communications for Professional Users

Mission Critical Technologies

For many years, pioneering mobile communications technologies have been developed and implemented to serve the operational needs of professional users, such as public safety, utilities and transport organisations.

Initially based on radio technologies predating the public cellular networks and offering bespoke functionality, these were implemented as individual regional networks. Technology evolved from Analogue to Digital and deployments increased from regional to national rollouts.

We are now on the verge of next generation of mission critical communications with the arrival in the UK of the Emergency Services Network (ESN)

A brief history of PMR

When mobile communications were in their infancy, major organisations with mission critical requirements chose to build their own ‘dedicated’ networks to ensure availability of service. The users of such systems had operational requirements that shaped the technology developments, and gave rise to features such as Press-to-Talk (PTT), instant call set-up, encryption, user priority, 1-to-many and group calling. 

Initially such networks were analogue-based and collectively known as ‘Private Mobile Radio’ (PMR). Inter-operation between systems was rarely possible, though one standard that did evolve was MPT1327 ‘Trunking Radio’, implemented by a range of vendors such as NOKIA and TAIT. Individual organisations built, operated and maintained their own infrastructure.

The next generation of technologies were digitally-based; one of the most widely adopted standards was TETRA. A break-though was the standardisation of the ‘air-interface’ permitting the inter-operability of user mobile terminals with infrastructure from a range of manufacturers, such as NOKIA and Motorola.

In the UK, two nationwide networks were rolled out, AIRWAVE for public safety users and DOLPHIN for professional users. The latter of these hit financial difficulties and was closed. Other regional networks were deployed, such as that on the London Underground, whilst other organisations continued to maintain their analogue-PMR systems.  

ESN is coming

As on show at this year’s @TechXLR8 expo, the Emergency Services Network (ESN) is set to revolutionise professional mobile communications in the UK again, ultimately replacing the existing Airwave TETRA network and offering existing and updated services.  

Essentially, acting as an overlay onto EE’s 4G network, the software from Motorola solutions will deliver an advanced mobile communications experience, including the PTT, group-call, priority and security features demanded by professional users. 

The new service will bring PMR into the modern era with ruggedised mobile-phone-like user terminals providing advanced data capabilities, offering high quality colour-displays, GPS-mapping and location-based services. 

A huge investment in development and rollout is taking place, which will result in additional network capabilities and coverage provided by 500 new base-station sites. The new network will serve the needs of the Police, Fire, Ambulance services as well as other professional users such as local authorities and utility services.

Supporting existing and future requirements

@YellowsBestLtd satisfies new and ‘legacy’ requirements for the operations and maintenance of systems and networks by providing services including consultancy, technical support and hardware repairs, and solutions, with the supply of functional replacements, spare part items and software support.

We would be keen to hear from you regarding your existing or future operational needs; please get in touch.

Apple macOS 64-bit transition – Software ‘Legacy’ issues

32-bit Application compatibility Issues resulting from macOS updates

Issues have started to appear using existing and older software applications on Apple Macintosh computers with the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit operating systems, commencing with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, and it’s set to get a whole lot worse!

Current Difficulties

Noticeable problems with applications have surfaced with the update to macOS Mojave.

Strange and unwanted things have crept in. For example:

  • opening a new Finder window causes a new tab to open instead. It’s like the wrong option has been selected – now opening a tab or a window are incorrectly identical. If you want a new Finder window, you need to then select ‘move this tab to a new window’. So suddenly this is a two-stage process 
New Finder window opens a New Tab instead
  • Trying to print from Microsoft Word causes the application to ‘crash’. The work-around for this is its still possible to print by using the toolbar button, instead of selecting ‘print’ from the drop-down menu. But then this doesn’t allow for changing print settings etc.
Microsoft Word quits when trying to print

Promise of worse compatibility problems

This is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’. A whole range of software applications which currently run happily on the Apple Mac are set to become unusable in the next update to macOS. We’re talking about mainstream applications such as Microsoft Office as well as ‘niche’ applications that you may utilise. This appears to represent the biggest shift in software compatibility since the change from Mac ‘Classic’ (OS 9 and before) to Mac OSX, more than 10 years ago.

A warning is displayed when a 32-bit application is launched in macOS High Sierra, and in macOS Mojave the alert appears every 30 days.

The official Apple advice is to ‘contact the application developer’. For the average user, that’s unlikely to achieve anything, particularly for mature applications that perhaps are no longer available or don’t have ongoing development. With something like Microsoft Word, then it should be possible to obtain the latest version, but naturally that will require a new purchase and/or an annual subscription.

Purchasing a new version of existing software will be an expensive business to just maintain your existing functionality

Maintenance Decisions

The standard maintenance advice for computers is to upgrade to the latest available version of operating software; that way, security patches are up-to-date, keeping the system secure, with new functionality as well as bug fixes provided, and support for the latest applications.

On this occasion however, it is worth taking a long considered look at the benefits of upgrading verses sticking with your current macOS release. If you haven’t yet moved to macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 or macOS Mojave 10.14 then you may wish to stay where you are for now, particularly if you’re happy with your current applications and functionality, such as Microsoft Word 2008. If you’re contemplating upgrading, either because you ‘must’ for security purposes or need to support a new generation application, then it will be worth taking the time now to review all of your existing software and work out what the upgrade path will be, or find out what the alternatives you could migrate to e.g. Apple’s ‘Pages’ to replace Microsoft Word, etc.

The most worrying situation will be for owners of specific hardware e.g. the M-Audio USB Midi interface, which may not (and never will) have a suitable updated driver software alternative

In such circumstances of uncertain application support, backups are as always essential; ideally you should be in a position to ‘roll-back’, dual-boot and/or run virtual machines to maintain previous applications and functionality. 

Consideration should also be given to maintaining a dedicated computer at the existing macOS version, and over time, migrating day-to-day applications (where they can be) to a new computer, keeping the old machine for ‘legacy support’.

Further Assistance

Take a look at the full Apple announcement about the transition to 64-bit technology and how it affects 32-bit apps.

@YellowsBestLtd satisfies new and ‘legacy’ requirements for the maintenance of systems and networks by providing services, such as technical assistance and hardware repairs, and solutions, including the supply of spare part items and software support.

We would be keen to hear from you regarding your operational needs, please get in touch.

Keymile UMUX – Multiservice access solutions

Comprehensive Functionality

The UMUX platform provides carrier-grade reliable multi-service multiplexing and aggregation functions over copper and fibre networks. A variety of voice (POTS, FSX, FSO, ISDN) and data (e.g. G.703, V.11, V,24, V,35) interfaces, SHDSL and Ethernet (including PoE+ and EoS) services are available. 

  • UMUX module range

The modular and flexible housing provided by the UMUX 1500 (8U, 21-slot) and UMUX 1200 (4U, 8-slot) 19” subracks provide the perfect solution for all applications and locations, offering redundant controller and power supplies.

‘Legacy’ telecoms history

The UMUX SDH product portfolio was originally launched 1991 by Ascom, which subsequently became Keymile.

In 2003, by when 70,000 units had been deployed worldwide, the ‘enhanced’ UMUX multiservice access platform was introduced, offering the delivery of ATM, TDM and IP based services from the same platform, with support for IP/Ethernet, ADSL, VoDSL and G.SHDL.

Keymile was sold to ABB in 2017 when the UMUX range was discontinued, and then was acquired in 2019 by DZS. 

Continuing to provide operational service

The UMUX, together with the UNEM network management system and ‘sister’ LINERUNNER and MILEGATE products, continues to provide operational service with various global Operator, Utilities and Transport companies. 

@YellowsBestLtd supports requirements to maintain these networks by supplying various spare part items from refurbished and surplus stocks in perfect working order.  

There follows a list of the main elements that are typically provided, though other items can be provided. Please let us know of any specific requirements you may have. We look forward to being of assistance.

Part CodeUnit typeDescription
A31A1679U1500-CSU1500 Core R2 (DC) for 19″ mounting (incl. Subrack, POSUM, COBUX 128x2Mb/s XC)
A30A0205DATAS-FUData Interface unit.  Multi-Interface V.35, V.24/V.28, X.24/V.11, RS485, Ethernet, 4 ports, all options
A24A3323LOMIF-FU2 Mb/s IF (E1), 8 x G.703 Interfaces
A24A3651COBUX-FUControl Unit Standard,128x2Mb/s XC
A21A2865EXLAN342POTS FxO Interface Unit, 12 ports, complex impedance
A31A7871GECOD371Data IF 64kb/s G.703 codir., 8 interfaces
A24A3338LOMI4-FU2 Mb/s IF (E1), 4 x G.703 Interfaces
A24A7979POSUM306Power supply unit -48VDC 85W
A30A1442SUBH3-FUPOTS FxS  Interface Unit, 30 ports
A31A7873SULIS393ISDN Interface Unit Subscriber side, ISDN BA 2B1Q, 8 interfaces
A23A9927SYNAC-FUSDH Access bridging unit SBUS-PBUS, 8xVC-12; no external IF
A24A1989TUPON-FUOptical Trunk Interface 8Mbit/s 1xopt.(o), 4xel.(e), 1550nm, PBUS access


PC Troubleshooting Project

Stop Code: PROCESS1 INITIALIZATION FAILED

As a result of a PC replacement and upgrade project for Action for Asperger’s, we were presented with a seemingly serviceable Dell Optiplex 755 machine but suffering from a critical failure on power-up, meaning that the computer was unable to boot into windows, preventing use and severely limiting the diagnostics and configuration options.

PC restart

The first step following a reboot was an automatic ‘startup repair’, however, this didn’t result in a fix:

Startup Repair

Rebooting again and selecting F2 during the initial boot-up screen:

Boot Up

enabled a look at the system information, which indicated that the PC hardware was fine.

System info
Processor info
Memory info

As an extra measure, the internals of the computer were briefly examined, ‘reseating’ components including the video board, memory chips and hard disk and then the system test run to verify all was well.

Internal
Test

It was concluded therefore that the PC hardware was not the cause of the difficulties, and that the Windows installation was severely compromised. 

From the bootup, troubleshooting was selected

Choose an option

From the ‘advanced options’, the Command Prompt was accessed.

Advanced options

Using these commands:

DISKPART

SEL DISK 0

LIST VOL

It was possible to view and confirm the drives and their assigned letters.

Diskpart

Extra information was provided using this command:

wmic logicaldisk list brief

Progress was further hampered by the internal DVD/CD drive not being recognised on boot-up, in its place an external DVD drive was connected.

Rebooting and pressing F12 on power up enabled the adjustment of the Boot priority, selecting the DVD drive first.

A copy of the Boot Repair Tool by yannubuntu was next downloaded and a boot-repair-disk created

This was run from boot and gave encouraging results:

Boot Repair Disk

Alas, these steps hadn’t cured the problems, now a further critical error message was displayed:

Recovery

Consequently, using the Microsoft USB/DVD Download Tool, a Windows 10 install disk was created (confusingly the site specifies Windows 7, but it works fine for Windows 10)

This was booted and the appropriate selections made for a fresh installation of Windows 10:

Windows Setup
Windows Install now
Windows type of installation
Windows operating system selection
Activate Windows
Applicable notices and licence terms
Partition choice

At this point, it was found necessary to delete the old windows partition, extend a different partition and create a new partition in order to be able to commence the windows installation.

Partition selection

It did however then allow the installation of Windows onto the other partition, meaning that two bootable volumes were created. Might be useful for future upgrades or troubleshooting.

Choose OS

Just the straightforward matter left of completing the user configuration of the operating system ready for use. 

Choose region

All done, pleasing to conclude that the critical issues with this PC could be resolved through software corrections alone! 

@YellowsBestLtd provides professional Management Services for Business Development activities and Enterprise Support of Infrastructure. We source Solutions for Sustainable Systems maintenance, equipment Technologies and telecoms and other Products to enhance operations.

We’re always keen provide whatever is needed, so please let us know anything you require.

Launch of Telecoms Products

Management Services and Solutions

@YellowsBestLtd provides professional Management Services for Business Development activities and Enterprise Support of Infrastructure. We source Solutions for Sustainable Systems maintenance.

Together with our broad range of new and ‘legacy’ equipment Technologies, we have now launched a portfolio of telecoms Products, enabling Customers to do more whilst reaping cost-benefits. 

Below is listed the Market Sectors of our Customers, together with the equipment Technologies and telecoms Products we can supply.

We’re always keen to expand our portfolio, so please let us know anything you require as we can usually provide whatever is needed.

Market Sectors

  • Maintenance Companies
  • Private Networks & SMEs
  • Public Safety (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
  • Systems Integrators
  • Telecoms (Carriers, Operators)
  • Transport (Rail, Metros, Underground, Highways, Aerospace)
  • Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Oil, Water)

Equipment Technologies

  • Optical Fibre and Copper, PDH Access & SDH Transmission, Telecommunications equipment
  • TDMoIP, Pseudo-wire, IP Data and Voice Telephony
  • Carrier Ethernet, C / DWDM optical fiber multiplexing technology
  • Microwave Radio, wireless coverage solutions
  • Private Mobile Radio (PMR), TETRA infrastructure, terminals, accessories
  • CCTV Cameras, security systems
  • LED displays and information signs
  • Antennas and Radio Direction Finding (RDF)
  • Solar Energy off-grid installations
  • Power supplies and peripheral devices
  • IT network, workstation, server, storage products
  • Network Management Systems (NMS), OSS software
  • Test Equipment

Telecoms Products

  • Telephone Lines & Calls
  • Connectivity Voice & Data
  • Hosted Cloud Telephony
  • Telephone Payment Line
  • PBX
  • Call Centre solutions
  • Dialler Service
  • Reports & Statistics
  • Cost Centre Billing
  • Conference Calls
  • 03 & 08 Numbers
  • Voice and Omni Hub
  • Marketing & Inbound numbers
  • VOIP & IP PBX / Cloud Telephony
  • ADSL & Internet connections
  • SMS Text messaging & survey
  • Fax and other servcies

Merry Christmas

@YellowsBestLtd we would like to thank our Customers for your enquiries and orders throughout this year, as well as our Suppliers for your support.

We’re pleased to have been of assistance providing services and solutions. Now into our fourth year of trading, we appreciate your continued interest and support, and look forward to continuing our business relationship in the New Year ahead.

Wishing a Merry Christmas to you and your family.