News

Blue Cube wireless sensor hub delivers measurement and sensing data

including GPS position and tracking in real time to mobile devices

Maintain reliability and safety of systems remotely; sensing options include GPS, shock and vibration, temperature & pressure, voltage, current and switch operation 

Barnbrook’s Blue Cube wireless sensor hub enables real time data to be delivered remotely to mobile devices and PCs and is now available from Aerco, the distributor and stockist of electrical and electronic components servicing hi-rel markets. Blue Cube is an award-winning wireless sensor system originally developed to monitor the condition of onboard systems in trains, tracking them in real time to make sure they are running efficiently, avoiding delays and cancellations due to system failures. Winner of two major rail industry awards, the innovative Blue Cube wireless sensor hub system with Blue Cube Cloud can now be applied across multiple sectors, including defence and aerospace. This ability to monitor critical systems remotely ensures they remain safe and reliable at all times.

The Blue Cube sensor hub is easy to install either as a standalone or wired in system, with up to 8 channels per device, to send data in real time as an SMS or e mail alert via PC, smartphone (iPhone and Android) or tablet. The Blue Cube wireless sensor hub offers six measurement options: voltage, current, temperature/pressure, shock & vibration, GPS for position and tracking, and switch operation. Supplied in a metal enclosure, Blue Cube is EMC tested and approved, so will not impact on nearby devices.  Its quick-fit design is inexpensive to install, plus the system is modular and fully expandable.

The Blue Cube wireless sensor hub transmits data status updates and GPS information to the Blue Cube Cloud and in turn to user devices including Smartphone, tablet and PCs via PC client, thin client, web browser or App. Blue Cube hardware systems are fully compatible with the iSense Software Suite, which is user and password protected and allows different user profiles to be configured (view only, monitor & reporting; sensor control; system & sensor health reporting and diagnostics).  All data is analysed against key data parameters, with alerts sent to the customer alone or monitored via 24/7 enterprise managed services.

The standard Blue Cube monitoring system comprises the Blue Cube data collection/transmission unit, an external GPS antenna and external GSM antenna, the Blue Cube I/O connectivity unit with 4 switch input ports, 3 analogue current ports and the Red Cube 9-32VDC trickle charging unit complete with connection cable to the Blue Cube.  There is an option to re-package standard off-the-shelf Blue Cube solutions into custom housings for specific applications and more information on this option can be obtained from Aerco's Design Support service.

To learn more about products at Aerco, please message us  or call us on 01403 260206.

Smiths Interconnect miniature Snaptac™ Connectors deliver exceptional signal integrity and EMI shielding for wearable soldier systems in contaminated military environments

 First spring-loaded hi-rel range with hyperboloid contacts; sealed to IP67 - now available at Aerco

Smiths Interconnect Snaptac™ series of circular and rectangular miniature snap fit connectors is now available from Aerco, the distributor and stockist of electrical and electronic components servicing hi-rel markets. The Snaptac series is an ultra-reliable, extremely robust hi-rel interconnect system for use in dirty and contaminated environments, such as land-based military scenarios, where fast and easy mating/unmating are needed.   Lightweight and compact, Snaptac connectors suit multiple military applications, including tactical communications equipment and lightweight, wearable soldier systems that are vital to modern warfare.

Snaptac connectors combine Smiths Interconnect’s proprietary high-reliability hyperboloid contact technology in a spring-loaded form factor for the first time, enabling extended operation within a sealed while unmated connector system. The unique Smiths Interconnect hyperboloid contact technology is resistant to shock and vibration while the compressible HyperSpring® spring loaded contacts inside cannot be damaged or bent from mishandling.  As Snaptac connector series contacts have a target and chisel blade contact mechanism with an inherent self-cleaning wiping action that removes surface contamination, potential mating and connectivity problems (such as those which occur when the bores of conventional socket contacts are contaminated with mud and other detritus) does not occur. In addition, both plug and receptacle have sealed when unmated characteristics. 

Snaptac connectors are available as circular interconnects with 7, 13 and 19 contacts, AWG 28 – 24 or rectangular connectors with 12, 21 and 30 contacts. Both are available with and without over-moulding, plus the circular connectors can also be supplied in a 90° overmoulded version. Receptacle styles are solder cup, or straight through.  Locking mechanisms are simple and fast: snap on for the circular connector range and push-pull for the rectangular range.  Snaptac connectors are sealed to IP67 when in mated or unmated condition and incorporate full line EMI shielding, with dust caps available to ensure full EMI shielding and protection when in the unmated condition. They can be mated and un-mated up to 10,000 cycles. Operating temperature range is -55degC to +85degC.

Electrical characteristics for both the circular and rectangular ranges are 360° EMI shielding, current rating 3A@25degC per contact, dielectric withstanding voltage between contacts of 500 Vrms at sea level and 150 Vrms at 21336m. Contact resistance (low level) is 15 mΩ for each contact; insulation resistance is 5000 MΩ at 500 VDC. 

To learn more about products at Aerco, please message us  or call us on 01403 260206.

TE Connectivity’s DEUTSCH ACT Series circular connectors are EMC and environmentally protected, fast and simple to use and very versatile

Aerco, the distributor and stockist of electrical and electronic components servicing hi-rel markets, is now stocking TE Connectivity (TE)’s DEUTSCH MIL-DTL-38999 series next generation ACT composite connectors which deliver up to 40 percent weight savings over similar aluminum devices. TE’s DEUTSCH group created one of the original composites in 1990, and its ACT series shells are not only very lightweight, they are also highly resistant to corrosion, withstanding 2000 hours of salt spray, and very durable, surviving 1,500 mating cycles. 

ACT series circular connectors are among the most versatile and popular circular mil spec input/output connectors in the world. They are available in three shell styles, two plating options, six shell clockings, over 50 different insert arrangements supporting size 23, 22D, 20, 16, 12, 10, and 8 contacts for power and signal, as well as coax and twinax contacts. 

Originally designed as military and aerospace components, ACT series connectors are now also used in many other hi-rel applications where extreme reliability is paramount. They feature a scoop-proof design for fast, easy, secure mating, and a triple-lead, threaded self-locking coupling for excellent vibration resistance. Devices are environmentally-sealed and feature grounding fingers and a trapezoidal thread which provides excellent shell-to-shell continuity, to help support high EMC performance.

Comments Alec Sluce, Aerco’s Connector Product Manager: “These lightweight, rugged, environmentally-sealed connectors survive some of the harshest environments of commercial and military aerospace, ground defence, and marine applications. TE’s DEUTSCH composite connectors have led the field in composite connectors for many years, and this latest generation ACT series reinforces their reputation for high quality, extreme reliability and ease-of-use.”

DEUTSCH, TE and TE Connectivity are trademarks of the TE Connectivity family of companies.

To learn more about products at Aerco, please message us  or call us on 01403 260206.