Category: News

Three years milestone

Three years completed; onward in our fourth year!

@YellowsBestLtd has now reached the significant milestone of completing three years of trading; something often useful to be able to state when qualifying for opportunities and registering with business customers.

Our aim continues to be “Keeping Customers Operational”; understanding requirements and fulfilling them by providing a range of management services and solutions, including:

  • consultancy, such as business development planning3_years_services
  • technical support, e.g. day-rate engineering, NMS assistance
  • systems supply, including legacy IT servers / workstations
  • spares for infrastructure, in particular telecoms and CCTV cameras
  • repairs at module and component level, e.g. LED displayboards
  • value recovery through reverse logistics, resale and recycling

As we move forward in year four, we’d very much like to discover what else to provide to our existing Customers, as well as what would be of interest to potential clients. We’re always keen to enhance our range of #business services, increase the #enterprise infrastructure we support and expand our mix of #sustainable solutions we offer for supply and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products.

Please get in touch to discuss your challenges; whether you’re implementing new systems or maintaining existing infrastructure to serve your operational business needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Data Centre Solutions – Keeping IT cool!

In order to get the best out of data centre infrastructure, ensuring equipment runs at its most efficient, reducing risk of failure and extending its life span, attention should be paid to ensuring the optimum operating environment. Efficiencies impacting on both the building cooling systems and power for room hardware (servers, switches, routers, etc.) means that improvements will pay for themselves, whilst also lowering the carbon footprint to the benefit of all. Solutions range from quick deployment for office computer room spaces with low power demands through to high density Data Centre applications delivering true containment giving scalability, mixed power zones and zero hot spots.

@YellowsBestLtd we would be very keen to discuss further; since the exact project requirements dictate the costs and savings to be gained, we can arrange a site survey as appropriate without cost or commitment. Hence please contact us; we look forward to hearing from you.

 

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Low energy ultrasonic humidifiers have been widely used in data centre projects for many years. They consume a fraction of the energy of an equivalent steam humidifier, providing an assistance to data centre cooling with hygienic operation and virtually maintenance-free operation. There are a range of units available for installation within air handling units, cooling corridors or in the data hall itself, on any scale.

 

Cold Aisle Containment

Cold Aisle Containment is a non-intrusive bespoke retrofit to data centres, whereby the cold aisle is contained and supply and exhaust air separated to maximise cooling efficiency. By creating a positive pressure, air is directed straight into the servers, making them run more efficiently, whilst preventing recirculation of air back to the computer room significantly improves the efficiency of the building’s cooling system. Better control of the room’s temperature results in energy savings, and providing temperature equilibrium across all servers addresses the problem of overheating in the top third of the rack, where traditionally most server failures occur.

Legacy and New Infrastructure Spares

Most Customers’ infrastructure systems now consist of a wide range of technologies from the very old to relatively recent, having been built to serve operational requirements for a number of years. In many cases, these requirements don’t significantly change, and it therefore makes sense to keep these systems in place to maximise the use of the investment and avoid whole-scale change-outs that would be costly, disruptive and unnecessary.

@YellowsBestLtd locates hard-to-find replacement spare parts to keep legacy infrastructure in operational service that has been deemed ‘obsolete’ by the manufacturers, as well as supplying additional spares for newer systems that can be used to increase capacity or provide alternative interfaces.

Typically we provide refurbished spares, tested and working, but often it is the case that unused products from surplus stocks can be supplied. Hence for both old and new systems, we are usually able to source parts at very commercially competitive rates and with short lead-times.

Here is a selection of items that we’ve recently been helping customers procure or obtain parts for. Keen to hear what requirements you may have, so please get in touch.

Alcatel AnyMedia Access System
Bosch MIC-400, -550 and -7130 Cameras
Dialogic I-Gate 4000 System
Huawei UMG8900 Node
Marconi ST68NB Matrix and 1HAT60558ADV
Meraki MS250 switch and MR52 access point
Motorola Terayon DM6400 Network CherryPicker
Nokia Dynanet PDH Subrack and 9500 MPR ODU
Pelco S5220 Spectra CCTV Camera
Siemens SRT1 C Base Band Unit

Reverse Logistics and Value Recovery

With the New Year upon us, it’s a good time to take stock and prepare for this year’s activites and operational maintenance requirements. Its at times like these that decisions are made to move forward with projects to implement replacement systems, and/or ‘clear out’ unwanted infrastructure parts. One resolution we can all embrace is to ensure that a responsible Reverse Logistics process is followed.

Furthermore, it’s not always the case than there has to be a significant cost to disposal; unwanted infrastructure items in many cases can result in a generation of funds to Customers, either through resale of working spare parts or by recycling of components. This ‘Value Recovery’ can help to pay for replacement systems, as well as disposing of unwanted parts with the least environmental impact.

YellowsBest helps Customers perform their Reverse Logistics whilst achieving ‘Value Recovery’ by taking delivery of systems and parts, cataloguing the items, then providing a managed approach to the resale of spares, maximising the revenue arising. During this no-cost process, whilst the assets have been removed from the Customers’ premises saving storage space, they remain the Customers’ property and can be called back should unexpected spares requirements occur. Anything not saleable is then broken down for recycling, with useful materials extracted which can generate additional funds, and unwanted items disposed of in accordance with WEEE regulations.

We look forward to hearing from you; please get in touch to see how YellowsBest can assist with Reverse Logistics and maximise ‘Value Recovery’ for your organisation.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

@YellowsBestLtd helps Customers with their operational needs, and one aspect is to #Reduce the demand for avoidable whole-scale replacements through a combination of supply for #Reuse of refurbished spares and repair of system elements. When removal and disposal of no-longer serviceable infrastructure parts is necessary, we can also assist with the resale and #Recycle for ‘value recovery’ of valuable materials.

Most customers have implemented their private network infrastructure systems over a number of years, and for many their operational requirements have not changed. Consequently, it makes more sense both financially and environmentally to maintain these systems rather than embark on complete change-outs. We can assist by supplying critical and hard-to-find spare parts and hardware repair services, even when the systems have been declared ‘obsolete’ (i.e. no longer in production) by the O.E.M.

Eventually there does come a time when it proves necessary to remove and replace network infrastructure. Rather that simply discarding the old system elements, we can provide ‘value recovery’ to the Customer by means of resale of working parts and recycling of components, extracting useful materials. This often proves financially beneficial, generating a source of funds which helps to pay for the replacement systems, as well as providing an ethical means of disposing of unwanted parts with the least environmental impact.

Please get in touch should you wish to discuss your operational requirements and see how @YellowsBestLtd can be of assistance.

 

Recommended reading on the wider aspects of ‘The Future of Waste’ can be found in:

@TheIET @EandTmagazine Volume-12_Issue-11

IET Achievement Awards 2017

Delighted to have attended @TheIET @IETawards #IETAchieve ceremony on Wednesday 15th Novemeber 2017. Well organised with a good turnout at the impressive @theBreweryVenue, it was a chance to network with a very diverse, international mix of engineering professionals, academics, students, armed forces representatives and volunteers.

This year’s event was hosted by the very capable @AngelaLamont (best known for the #BBC1 It’ll Never Work? programme) who ensured the smooth running of the event whilst always keeping the tone enjoyable and interesting.

Naturally there were many awards. Key highlights included the Faraday Medal presented to Dr Bjarne Stroustrup for his revolutionary and now far-reaching work on the creation of the C++ programming language, and an Honorary Fellowship awarded to @iamwill‏ for his contribution to the engineering profession – helping to raise the industry profile even further!

The ceremony was interspersed with impressive and thought-provoking presentations by the Present Around The world (#PATW) global finalists, the audience being able to vote on presentation skills and technical content of the speakers, and so special mention goes to Shubham Saraff of the South Asia Region who emerged the winner with his presentation on “Neurons that Shaped Us”.

Next years’ @IETawards Ceremony, celebrating and networking as the winners of the #IETAchieve prestigious Achievements Awards and Scholarships are announced, will be held on 14th November 2018 in London.

Keen to hear more from others who attended this year’s event, or anyone interested in attending next year, feel free to get in touch!

Read more at the IET Website

 

Trade Shows and Industry Events

Although often busy with immediate actions and therefore time can become short, throughout the year it’s good to make the effort to attend a number of the multitude of trade shows and industry events held throughout the year. They can be helpful for finding out about industry developments and trends, products and services and generally networking with Customers and Suppliers.

There follows a non-exhaustive list of a few held recently in the U.K. Where possible, dates for next year’s events are included which should help with next year’s diary planning. If you’re going we could meet up, and if you’re exhibiting then do advise so your stand can be visited! Always keen to find opportunities and occasions to discuss how services and solutions can be best aligned for mutual success.

 

@CloudExpoEurope – March 2017 at ExCel, London.

The cloud event for business. Includes #CloudSecurityExpo, #BigDataWorld, #SmartIOTLondon, #DataCentreWorld.

Next scheduled for 21st & 22nd March, 2018, ExCel, London.

 

@Railtex – May 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham.

The UK’s International Rail Industry Exhibition. Specialising in the latest equipment, systems & services.

It’s sister event @Infrarail will be held 1st-3rd May 2018 at ExCel, London.

 

@TechXLR8 – June 2017 at ExCel, London.

#TechXLR8 is a festival of technology, connecting industries and enabling new thinking. Part of London Tech Week #LTW 2017.

Next scheduled for 12th-14th June 2018 at ExCel, London.

 

@IPEXPO Europe – October 2017 at ExCel, London.

Europe’s number one enterprise event. Includes #CloudEurope, #CyberSecurityEurope, Networks & Infrastructure Europe, AI Analytics & IOT Europe, #DevopsEurope, Open Source Europe.

Next scheduled for 3rd-4th October 2018 at ExCel, London.

Also IP Expo Manchester is on 25th-25th April 2018 at Manchester Central.

 

@EngDesignShow – October 2017, Coventry.

The #EngineeringDesignShow is the UK’s must-attend event for engineering, and also includes #ElectronicsDesignShow and #EmbeddedDesignShow.

Next scheduled for 17th-18th October 2018 at Ricoh Arena, Coventry

 

@IETAwards Ceremony, London.

Celebrating and networking as the winners of the #IETAchieve prestigious Achievements Awards and Scholarships are announced.

Held on 15th November 2017, at The Brewery, London – Read the review!

Next years’ @IETawards Ceremony will be held on 14th November 2018 in London.

 

Please contact us to let us know your plans for the coming year ahead, and perhaps we’ll meet up!

Repair Services

Although many industrial infrastructure solutions tend to be very reliable and long-lasting, from time-to-time system components can become non-operational, and when these cases arise, businesses benefit from professional repair services.

Equipment requiring repair services falls into two categories:

  • Recently deployed systems, which are still in production by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
  • ‘Legacy’ systems, where the production has ceased; in some cases even the original vendor is no longer in business.

For the first category, certainly where there is a residual warranty provision, it may be best to return the failed item to the OEM for repair or replacement. However, businesses may still benefit from an alternative or supplementary service provision, particularly when the vendor’s production facilities are located overseas, and repair and return times are long (typically in excess of 30 days).

Regarding the second category, fortunately there are a range of options that YellowsBest, together with its network of independent service providers, can assist businesses with their ongoing support needs, to maintain the operational nature of their systems and thereby maximise their investment in deployed infrastructure.

YellowsBest assists customers with a wide variety of infrastructure elements, including telecommunications cards, CCTV cameras, matrix displays, etc. There are a number of ways YellowsBest can provide repair services:

  • Component-Level Repairs
  • Swap Repairs (Entire Module substitution with Spares)
  • Functional Replacements (Complete system substitution with compatible alternatives)

There follows brief descriptions of these repair services that we have been providing to our customers. We would be very pleased to hear from you should you wish to discuss your requirements; please contact us to see if we can be of assistance.

 

Component-Level Repairs

From time-to-time, hardware elements within infrastructure systems fail, and repair services are required. The diversity of modern networks and technologies in use by businesses means that there are a wide range of parts procured over a considerable period of time, from a multitude of vendors and international manufacturers from across the globe. This means that there is a spectrum of the relatively new to aging items, some parts being still under warranty to elements from OEMs that no longer exist.

YellowsBest is able to provide a comprehensive repairs management service, assisting business by acting as a single returns facility for both new and old equipment items. Typically, newer parts in or out of warranty will be sent to the OEM for repair or substitution. Older items, especially in the case where the OEM is no longer exists, will be repaired using our network of independent service providers, all to a standard equivalent to the original working condition and warranted operation.

 

Swap Repairs

Sometimes the repair of equipment elements is not possible, such as when the item is physically damaged or Beyond Economic Repair (BER). Or it can be the case that the repair times are long, and in order to safeguard continuous operations of systems, additional parts can be used for substitution when failures occur.

YellowsBest can source the required equipment spare parts, though its partnership with key vendors of the latest products as well as suppliers of legacy systems components. In many cases these parts can be newly manufactured to order and delivered within specified lead-times, or quickly despatched from either unused surplus stocks or ‘2nd user’ items, particularly in the case when systems are deemed obsolete and are no longer produced by the OEM.

With such a ‘swap service’ in place, the operational status of the deployed equipment can be restored without delay. YellowsBest can then, in many cases, obtain a component-level repair for the substituted item, and thereby return the original unit to ‘stock’, ready to provide the next swap repair.

 

Functional Replacements

When systems have reached the end of their useful working life, repairs are challenging and spares are unattainable, companies may need to completely change out or upgrade their infrastructure equipment.

YellowsBest can assist businesses by seeking alternative product solutions, in the form of either complete replacement systems, or re-manufactured elements to provide the most efficient substitution of equivalent required functionality. Particularly in the case where operational requirements have not changed, it may prove commercially beneficial to replace like-for-like products. In many cases, the substitution of functionally equivalent newer elements may pay for themselves over time through efficiency savings due to lower power consumption, etc.

Professional CCTV Cameras

In response to a strong demand for a diverse range of Professional CCTV cameras, we are providing both new and refurbished ‘legacy’ models from a number of manufacturers, to suit our clients’ exact requirements.

Industrial and professional use dictates key features such as a robust weather-proof housing, excellent optical quality, Pan Tilt & Zoom (PTZ) with high magnification, plus options including wiper (for clearing the lens), heater (for extended operating temperature range) and privacy masking. To support existing deployed networks, matching the communication protocol is critical, as well as the appropriate video standard (e.g. PAL).

There follows descriptions of some of the cameras YellowsBest has recently sourced and supplied to our customers, however, we are always keen to receive further enquiries and seek to provide alternatives as necessary; please contact us to discuss your requirements.

 

Bosch MIC series PTZ cameras

The MIC Series are best-fit cameras for high quality surveillance security applications, installed into the harshest of environments, thanks to its IP68 rating. This tough and vandal-resistant casing provides protection from the elements and physical attack. An integrated, long life silicone wiper, and a reversible rain shield ensure high quality images regardless of the installed environment.

The brushless-motor technology offers ultra-reliable operation with full 360º continuous rotation pan and 186º tilt control for exceptional viewing capability. Small increment pan speeds from just 0.2º per second to 120º per second gives the user precise control. This speed control is especially important when used with video analytic systems, particularly for tracking subjects when fully zoomed in. The MIC Series cameras are simple to integrate and use within systems that already use Bosch AutoDome cameras.

Typical of the range of products meeting professional needs, Bosch cameras have been available for a considerable time, and whilst continuing to fulfil the same basic requirements, have undergone a number of changes over the years in the portfolio which are important to understand. In particular, Bosch previously acquired the range of cameras from ‘Forward Vision’, and consequently it is critical when sourcing additional units to match the communication protocol in use i.e. FV, Pelco or Bosch. The main models (ranging from previously produced and currently available) include:

  • MIC-300 Series
  • MIC-400 Series
  • MIC-500 Series
  • MIC-550 Series
  • MIC-612 Series
  • MIC-7000 Series
  • MIC-9000i Series

There are also two product families, the ‘Classic’ standard camera and the more advanced ‘Professional’ series.

Therefore it is worth analysing the structure of the full model number in detail to ensure all requirements are met:

EXAMPLE MODEL NUMBER: MIC-500-AL-B-U-R-1-4-6-18-P

Explanation:

MIC – Metal (IP68 weather proof housing)

500 – Camera series (e.g. 300, 400, 440, 500, 550)

AL – Case Style (AL = Aluminium, STS = Stainless Steel, IR = Infrared LEDs included)

B – Colour (i.e. Black, Grey, White)

U – Configuration (C = Cantered, U= Upright)

R – Protocol (W = Forward Vision, P = Bosch, D = Pelco P/D, R = multi-protocol (S/W selectable))

1 – Wiper (1 = Wiper fitted, 2 = No Wiper)

4 – Heater (3 = Heater fitted, 4 = No Heater)

6 – Privacy masking (5 = Privacy fitted, 6 = No Privacy)

18 – Optical Zoom (18x, 28x, 36x etc)

P – Video standard (i.e. PAL, NTSC)

Not all options were available for all camera types, and the above model numbering applies to the ‘Classic’ series products. For the ‘Professional’ series, the ‘UR136’ part of the above number is omitted, since these models are by default Upright, multi-protocol units with the Wiper, Heater & Privacy functions included. Hence the part number is shorter, e.g. MIC-500-AL-B-18-P.

 

360 Vision Technology ‘Predator’ cameras

Since its inception in 2002, 360 Vision Technology has developed an extensive range of analogue, high definition IP, white light, infrared, cooled and uncooled thermal, polished stainless steel and radar controlled CCTV surveillance cameras to suit a broad range of general and harsh environment applications across many market sectors.

The Predator is a high performance, fully featured range of ruggedised PTZ Cameras designed and manufactured in the UK. The Predator range comes with multiple protocols as standard allowing quick and simple integration with many leading DVR’s, matrices and IP VMS systems. The Predator range covers all applications with a comprehensive range of models including analogue, HD, Thermal, Radar, and Stainless Steel versions. Predator cameras can be supplied in any colour, in any quantity.

Key features:

  • NEW Sony Starvis Modules – Ultra low light performance
  • ONVIF 2.4 Profile S Fully Compliant
  • Full Web Server Set Up
  • 1080p Full HD 2MP
  • 30x and 20x Optical Zoom options
  • Ultra Low Light options (0.1Lux colour)
  • ANPR compatible
  • Privacy zones as standard
  • High Light Suppression to eliminate glare from vehicle headlights and other bright objects
  • High quality accurate motors
  • Colour / mono, Analogue and IP camera options
  • Triple Slip Ring technology for preset accuracy and smooth movement
  • Rain Guard around the optical glass to reduce water on the screen
  • IR option for 400m illumination
  • Dual IR & White Light LED Option for 250m (IR) 250m (White Light)
  • Wiper option with programmable wipe settings
  • Washer option
  • Inverted or upright mount
  • Easy & quick setup software
  • UK supported and supplied
  • Colour at Night™ Technology for true colour at night
  • Unique alarm activated White Light illumination for enhanced CCTV Surveillance
  • Any colour Paint & Finish options
  • Marine Paint Preparation with 10 Year Paint Guarantee

 

 

Ganz ZC-YX/NX270 Series – 700 TVL Digital Day/Night  cameras

These high performance camera features Ganz GX5 technology, combining 700TVL, WDR (wide dynamic range), intelligent image enhancement and advanced OSD controls. These highly sensitive cameras are designed to deliver an unprecedented level of resolution, sensitivity and control for optimal video surveillance in all conditions.

Key features:

  • 700 TVL Super High Resolution
  • Extremely High Sensitivity Day/Night mode 0.07 lux (colour), 0.007 lux (B/W)
  • Super Low Light Performance 0.00015 lux (Sens up, 512x mode)
  • Automatically switches between 4 pre-programmed profiles for best image results
  • Smart Day/Night mode synchronizes with IR LED
  • 2D/3D Digital Noise Reduction
  • Test Pattern Output with colour bar
  • 12VDC or 24VAC Operation, Auto-Sensing
  • UL Listed
  • A time saving Pro-Pak kit is available for outdoor installations, including camera and a selection of Day/Night compatible varifocal lenses pre-installed in a rugged outdoor housing
  • True WDR, Digital Day/Night and True WDR, True Day/Night models also available.

Solved: UK Date Format Issue on a new Apple Mac with Microsoft Excel:mac 2008

An annoying issue (for UK users) is of the date format defaulting to US (MM:DD:YY) rather than UK (DD:MM:YY). This occurs when transferring to a new Apple Mac computer with a previously correctly working installation of Microsoft Excel:mac 2008 (from an older computer, but running the same version of OS X). In theory, there should be no change, but hidden somewhere in the setup of the new computer lurks something preventing use of the UK date format.

The problem shows itself when, in a new Excel worksheet, a date is entered, e.g. using the formula =TODAY() returns something like 11/22/16 (for 22nd November 2016) instead of 22/11/16. Worse, if an existing workbook is opened, which had previously  correctly UK-formatted dates, they are all changed to the US-variation. A particular ongoing problem is then generated when new dates are added to the sheet, as entering 1/12/16 is then taken as 12th January not 1st December 2016.

 It turns out that the issue manifests itself in any User account set up on the Mac computer EXCEPT the ‘Guest’ account, which mysteriously sets the date to the UK-format. Hence this provides the clue to solving the problem. After some searching and trial-and-error, I have identified that the issue relates to the absence of a key file: com.apple.HIToolbox.plist, which for some reason is not created when setting up a new User account (and may not be copied across if importing from another computer). Luckily this file is created when opening the Guest account, which can then be copied across to all required User accounts.

Here is a detailed summary of the procedure I eventually used to fix this date format issue:

  1. Create and open a Guest Account (if not already enabled, go to Users & Group Preferences)
  2. Go to the Library folder (it’s a hidden folder, so to find it, use Finder to go to the home folder, then select from the menu ‘Go:Go to Folder’ and type in ‘Library’)
  3. Go to the Preferences folder
  4. Make a local copy of the file: com.apple.HIToolbox.plist (e.g. onto an SD card, or external/cloud drive)
  5. Now open your desired User account
  6. Go to your Library folder (again it will be hidden, so find it as above)
  7. Go to the Preferences folder
  8. Copy the file: com.apple.HIToolbox.plist (from local storage) into this folder
  9. Quit Excel and then log out of your user account, and then log back in
  10. Next time Excel starts, UK date format will be correct!