Monday, June 29, 2009

Vertical cable management Instant Rack - The Video

Here is a video we put together of the Instant Rack, our Featured Product of the week back on June 2nd.

This is just one of the many videos we will be posting on the website, so check back often.
You can also view the video on our website, at Discount-Low-Voltage.com.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Front Termination 12-port Cat 5e Patch Panel by Dynacom

This weeks Featured Product is a Dynacom Front Termination 12-port Cat 5e Patch Panel. This unique patch panel allows you to punch down your cable on the front of the block, instead of a tradition rear panel block. Cable enters through the back, or through cable knockouts on the sides and ends.

This is ideal for supporting data installations (CAT-5/5e) for your home office or small business. Easy cover removal allows for fast access for adds, moves and changes. The panel has knock outs on the top, bottom and side. You can also run the cable straight in the middle as the panel has a opening in the center inside. Need to fit this in a tight space? You can install this panel without the 89D bracket as the inside has screw holes to mount it directly to the wall. If you plan on doing adds, moves or changes often, then this panel is perfect for you. Contractor rated Grade A Quality.


Features:

568B configurations
UL approved
Front access to 110 blocks
ID strips with removable window
Mounting options
Category 5e
Multiple cable entries
GB89D mounting bracket included

To order, visit Discount-Low-Voltage.com

Or call us at (888) 797-3697

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Performance & Safety Issues Found in Offshore Communications Cable


The Communications Cable & Connectivity Association (CCCA) commissioned an independent lab to test nine randomly chosen samples of Category cable, all carrying the UL or ETL mark. They released the findings in a recent press release that cited the following results:

- 9 out of 9 failed to meet all minimum physical requirements for communications cable (per TIA 568-B.2 spec)

- 4 out of 9 failed to meet all minimum electrical test requirements for communications cable (per TIA 568-B.2)

- 8 out of 9 failed to meet the minimum flame/smoke safety requirements specified by the National Electrical Code (specifications UL 1666 and NFPA 262)

- 4 out of 5 CMR (riser) rated cables failed the UL 1666 flame test. The failing cables burned the entire length of the test chamber. The worst cable burned beyond the maximum length allowed in 45 seconds, and reached a temp of 2000 degrees F.

- 4 out of 4 CMP (plenum) rated cables failed the NFPA 262 plenum test. The samples showed peak smoke levels at least 3 times higher than maximum allowable levels. The worst performing cable had disastrous results.

- Peak smoke levels were >4x higher than maximum allowable levels

- Average smoke levels were >5x higher than maximum allowable levels

- Flame spread reached maximum length of the chamber within 6 minutes

To read the full Press Release, go to the CCCA Website.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Everfocus Day/Night Dome Camera

Dome Camera - Color Day/Night IR-Type 380TVL

This high quality Everfocus Day/Night Indoor Dome Camera uses infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) to give you CCTV coverage even in complete darkness. During daytime, it functions as a standard color camera, but when the light level goes below 0.3 lux (about the brightness of the full moon under a clear sky), the camera switches into night mode, which turns on its light emitting LEDs, which will give you a clear picture in black and white even when the room is completely dark.

The IR emitting LEDs will light up the area in front of the camera in 850nm infrared light, a color of light that the human eye cannot see. Only a very slight red glow will be visible to the eye in night mode, but the transmitted image will be clear as day. The illuminators will light up an area in front of the camera up to approximately 40 feet away. The lens in this camera is made of glass, while many no-name import products have hard plastic lenses.

It comes standard with a black mounting base, although can be ordered with a white base if you prefer. A "pigtail" is included in the box to make wiring for power easier. Mounts easily to the ceiling (or wall with optional bracket).

The Everfocus ED200 IR-type day/night security dome camera, with its 380 lines of resolution, is the standard resolution version of this camera and will work for most applications. For a small additional price increase, you can upgrade to the ED300, which is a higher resolution version of this camera, and also features a varifocal lens.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Video Format: NTSC
Picture Element:NTSC: 510 (H) x 492 (V)
Horizontal Resolution: 380 TVL
Video Output: BNC 1.0Vp-p, 75 ohm
S/N Ratio: 48 dB (AGC off)
Auto White Balance: Yes
Gamma Correction: 0.45
Sync Mode: Internal Sync.
IR Distance: 45 feet
Dimensions: 108 (D) x 80 (H) mm / 4.3" (D) x 3.1"(H)
Power Source: 12 V DC + 10%; 6 watts
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 50°C / 32°F ~ 122°F
Power Consumption: 280mA (IR on) 100mA (IR off)
Auto Tracing Function: AGC (Auto Gain Control)
ES (Electronic Shutter)
Sensitivity: 0.3 lux/F=1.2 (AGC On) 0 lux (IR Led on)
Lens (optional): 4.3mm, 6mm, or 8mm
IR Life: 20,000 hours
IR Wave Legth: 850nm

Available in Black or White

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Video Surveillance - Part 3: Your Typical Retail Setup

Welcome back. In the previous 2 posts on Video Surveillance, we covered the basics of a CCTV system, including DVRs and cameras. Now that your familiar with these components, I'll cover what a typical retail setup might look like and which cameras to use.

The Entrance
If your storefront is made of glass, the lighting is going to change depending on the time of day. It is best to have a Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) camera here. WDR cameras record 2 images, one at a high shutter speed and the other at a low shutter speed. This generates clearer images of the subject by extracting highlights and shadows from the two shots and then combining them into a single detailed shot.

Cash Registers
For this situation, install high resolution, varifocal cameras. A varifocal camera has an adjustable lens that allows you to get exactly the picture you want. You can zoon in to get a tight image with lots of detail, or zoom out for a wide overview.




Aisles
You'll probably want to get a long-range lens here, depending on the size of your store. It's also a good idea to put cameras at both ends of the aisle, facing each other. This will give you optimal results by minimizing dead spots (area with no coverage). But remember not to face them towards a light source.


Storage
Much of employee theft comes from the storage areas, so this is an important area to cover. Many warehouse and storage rooms are lit poorly, so it's best to go with a Day/Night camera here. If your on a budget, get one with a wide-angle lens to cover more area. The trade-off is a slight loss in detail and clarity.



Outside
It's a good idea to have cameras outside of your store also, whether it be to help deter vandalism, or in the event something like a robbery happens on your property. Your going to want a Day/Night camera here also, which will help see images once the sun goes down. Note: once the infrared illuminators come on, the camera turns to black and white. If color is important to you, its best to have auxiliary lighting.

Recording Options
Keep the DVR in a dry, cool, safe spot. If your worried about someone tampering with the system, you can enclose it in a lockable cabinet. You'll need high-speed internet access and a router. Forward the ports on your router to access your cameras from any PC on the planet.






If you have any further questions about setting up your CCTV system, contact a Discount Low Voltage Surveillance Specialist at Discount-Low-Voltage.com
or
By Phone - (888) 797-3697
By Email - sales@discount-low-voltage.com

Monday, June 8, 2009

4 Pair Cat5e CMR 1000ft pull box


4 Pair Cat5e CMR cable from Discount-Low-Voltage.com is manufactured by LS Cable, the parent company of Superior Essex and one of the largest, most respected cable manufacturers on the planet.


While many of our online competitors sell Cat5e PVC cable with thinner conductors or copper-coated aluminum conductors, this cable uses 100% pure copper 24 gauge conductors to comply with all industry standards. It has been rigorously tested and is guaranteed to give you optimal results. Our Cat5e PVC cable comes in sturdy, easy to use pull boxes so you won't have to worry about spool tangles or wire damage. We use additional packaging so that they also hold up well during shipping.

This Cat5e cable features a specialized print legend that will display a countdown from 1000 feet to 0 feet (as well as from 305 meters to 0 meters), so that you know the exact length of the cable left in the box.

Because we care about quality, this cable is fully UL, ETL, and DELTA Verified for guaranteed performance and safety standards compliance. It is also fully RoHS compliant.

This high quality product from LS Cable supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 155 Mb/s ATM, and many multimedia applications, as well as can be used as standard telephone wire or for installing many types of 24 volt amplified and 70 bolt commercial paging speaker systems.

This cable design is accepted world wide as the standard for global commercial network installation.

Every single master reel is tested individually before it leaves the factory to make sure that it is in compliance with electrical performance standards.

When this Cat5e cable is installed with approved Cat5e jacks, patch panels, 110 blocks, and patch cords by an LS Cable certified contractor, the complete network cabling system can be eligible for a manufacture backed 20 year system warranty. For more information, email us at sales@discount-low-voltage.com

We've been selling products by LS Cable for years, since back when they were called LG Cable (part of the same company that makes everything from cellular phones to refrigerators). LS Cable's consistent product quality and competitive price point has earned our loyalty, and we know that when you try it, you will become a repeat customer as well.

Applications:
Horizontal Distribution & Backbone Cabling
4 / 16 Mbps Token Ring (IEEE 802.5)
10 / 100 / 1000 BASE-T (IEEE 802.3)
155 Mbps ATM
100 Mbps TP-PMD
ISDN, ADSL











This cable follows the standard 4-pair EIA color-coding, which is as follows:
1 white/blue
2 blue/white
3 white/orange
4 orange/white
5 white/green
6 green/white
7 white/brown
8 brown/white

To order, visit Discount-Low-Voltage.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The "Instant Rack" - Mount it Anywhere

This weeks Featured Product is a lifesaver. Well, not literally, but the Instant Rack can make your job a whole lot easier when your in a pinch and can't find room to mount that switch or panel. No room left on the data rack? Rack not deep enough? Only need to mount 1 switch? The Instant Rack is perfect for doing just that. Simply put, "This thing rocks."

Features:
- Mounts to the wall or ceiling
- Vertically or horizontally
- 2 sizes available (1RU or 2RU)
- #10-32 Screws Included
- Powder-coated Black
- 14-Guage Steel
- No depth limitations
- Mount Switches Flat Against Walls
- Compatible with all types of standard 19" wide rack-mountable equipment











Instant Rack universal wall mount bracket available at Discount-Low-Voltage.com