The Tower of Babel Effect

According to the Book of Genesis, the Tower of Babel was erected in Babylon as an attempt by the people to build a structure so immense that its top would reach into heaven. To do so, the people worked in a concerted manner by speaking a single language, thereby expediting the project. Displeased with the builders’ intent, God came down and confused their languages and scattered the people throughout the earth, thereby creating the many different tongues we know of today. This, of course, brought an abrupt halt to the project.

We see a similar Tower of Babel effect in just about every company who has an Information Technology (I.T.) department. Because the I.T. people work in a technical world, their jargon is laced with a lot of well meaning, yet very confusing gobbledygook. Their language abounds in seemingly strange acronyms, abbreviations and buzzwords. So much so, it has alienated non-I.T. people for many years. Sometimes this is done to deliberately lay down a smoke screen to confuse end-users, other times it is done as an attempt to baffle people with seeming brilliance, but most of the time it is done innocently as I.T. developers must cope with fast changing industry developments and vendor nuances.

What might come as a surprise to outsiders is to learn the I.T. staff has trouble communicating amongst themselves. It is not unusual for sharp disagreements to arise among the staff in terms of what something means and the best approach for implementing something. Ask ten I.T. developers what something means, and you may very well get ten different answers. Why? There are painfully few standards in the industry which means I.T. developers are forced to learn the peculiarities of each vendor’s hardware and software, and the incompatibilities between products, hence a Tower of Babel effect.

A Systems Analyst (or Business Analyst) is typically the intermediary between the business and I.T. people and, as such, acts as translator between the two groups. This means the analyst must be knowledgeable not only in the vernacular of the business world, but I.T. as well. A good analyst understands the business, the end-user’s wants and needs, develops an approach for solving the user’s problems, translates it into specifications the I.T. staff can understand and implement, and reviews their finished product to assure it satisfactorily solves the user’s requirements. Some people would argue an analyst is not necessary, that the I.T. staff can competently represent the users’ interests. I’m sorry, but the communication aspect alone prohibits this and requires the talents of a true analyst.

One of the best ways to hold any job hostage is to cloud what you’re doing and keep it so seemingly cryptic that your superiors are afraid to terminate your employment in fear your technology will go awry and nobody will be able to correct it. This typically happens when no standards are in place thereby encouraging the Tower of Babel effect. However, imagine the progress that could be made if I.T. developers operated according to a set of standards, that they spoke a common language and worked in a concerted manner. As long as they don’t try to build another tower to heaven, I doubt the Almighty would be displeased (or the executives of the company for that matter).

Keep the Faith!

Dell Precision Tower 3420 Review – All You Need to Know About This Professional Workstation

Recommended for professionals who have big ideas but lack big budgets, the “smart” design of this computer is available in two sizes: small form factor and mini tower. Professional workstations are all about scalable graphics cards, tons of memory, and multi-core processors. No matter which version of the tower you choose to buy, you can count on the Dell Precision Tower 3420 to provide you with the reliability you need with a computer.

The 3000 series can be described as an entry-level, fully-customizable workstation certified to run a wide range of professional applications. It’s surprisingly affordable for the amount of performance it’s capable of providing. The Tower SFF has an innovative design, as it is approximately 6% smaller than its predecessor, and delivers a smaller footprint. Access the interior of the chassis via the removable side panel and add or replace existing hardware.

Opt for an i7 processor and you can get built-in HD 530 graphics. There is also an option for an Intel Xeon v5 or v6 processor for just a little bit more money. In addition to the integrated graphics, an AMD FirePro 2GB video card is also included in the cheapest configuration. NVIDIA Dual and Quadro video cards are also available. Keep in mind that Dell Precision models all come with a variety of discrete and integrated graphics options to suit your computing needs.

How much memory do you need in order to perform your demanding tasks? The cheapest configuration option is 16GB (1 x 16GB) DDR4 UDIMM / 2400-MHz. If you would prefer the 16GB as a 2 x 8GB setup, it’s available at a slightly higher price. 16GB is more than enough for the average user – even those with professional requirements. However, should you need more, expand all the way up to 32GB.

Drive Choices for Dell Precision Tower 3420

The Dell Precision Tower 3420 comes with a Dell wired keyboard and mouse, both with sleek black appearances that match the tower. The storage capacity is almost limitless. The bare minimum is a 1TB 2.5 SATA hard drive (7200-RPM), which is still more than what the average desktop and laptop offers. Go up to 4TB and/or add a PCIe SSD M.2 drive. No optical drive is included but there is a slot for one if you need a DVD-ROM, writer, or Blu-Ray player.

All Precision Workstations are thoroughly tested and have Independent Software Vendor certification. Dell’s Precision Optimizer is installed in every Precision model. This software enables you to experience increased productivity and application performance by automatically adjusting settings in accordance with the needs of specific professional applications.

With all of these impressive hardware specs and software applications, you can’t go wrong with the Dell Precision Tower 3420.

Dell is an innovative global leader in computer technology and electronics. If you’re shopping for a durable workstation, consider putting your trust in this company. Get a good deal by using Dell Precision Tower 3420 coupons or promo codes.

Build a Wind Power Tower

Construction of a Wind Power Tower is affordable and can be achieved with basic DIY skills.

The basics are finding a site that has a regular supply of wind that cannot be affected by trees and surrounding buildings. People in the home won’t be distressed by modern construction of these lightweight generators that can be fixed to the house such as the roof, with little or no noise.

If a household is at, or near to the ground, a wind power tower may be vital and inquiries should be made for any building restrictions or height restrictions. The next step in making a Wind Power Tower is to decide what output is required, and this should be done after the whole household has been energy audited.

Wind atlases can be purchased from online sources that are government authorized. If serious in constructing a Wind Power Tower, investment in a wind meter to research and confirm the direction of the wind for a few months is recommended.

It is important to make sure the structure won’t be affected by trees and overhanging branches and that it can’t be easily accessed by children and pets.

Mounting your Wind Power Tower on the roof is the best choice, and an individual with DIY skills should have no problem in constructing this and possibly using recycled lumber.

If the builder is lacking the mechanical aptitude or doesn’t understand the technology, then buying a kit set is the proper alternative.

Tail assembly, blades, generating unit, gearing systems for the generator, and the necessary wiring cables to join the unit to the battery are all contained in a kit set.

Assembling of the gearing, tail assembly and generator is a task for more than one person due to the awkward nature of the windmill. And electrician maybe essential with the connection of the wiring and motor to generate energy into electric power, particularly when supplying power to the grid for credit.

Return on investment can be achieved within three to five years, so this is one outlook that shouldn’t be overlooked when building a Wind Power Tower.

It is a good idea to consult with professional services when building a Wind Power Tower, as particular standards need to be met when connecting to the grid.

Remember that the ultimate goal, apart from saving money, when making wind generator is to benefit the environment.

It’s worth looking into this fun project in order to save money and do your part in the reduction of the carbon footprint and global warming.

AM Tower Colocation Benefits and Technical Details

Historically, wireless site acquisition teams have been warned… “if there’s ever been a place to stay clear of, an AM station is certainly it!” Today, there are an estimated 10,000 AM towers in the United States, and they are virtually untapped resources for wireless base station sites. And, notwithstanding the mythology, AM tower colocation is both practical and efficient.

The benefits of AM tower colocation in a wireless network system buildout are many. Typical benefits, which reduce time-to-market and result in cost efficiencies, are:

Available in desirable locations. In many locales, tower colocation opportunities are becoming scarce. Acquisition strategies that target AM towers bring immediate new site opportunities. AM towers have historically been located in highly urbanized areas, close to downtowns, where fill-in facilities are most needed. Often, an AM tower may be the only possibility where moratoria have been imposed.

Zoning delays are minimized. Local ordinances and zoning regulations increasingly restrict site acquisition opportunities. AM tower colocation usually requires little or no zoning action. Where zoning approval is needed, AM owners are typically influential allies within their communities and local communities typically attempt to accommodate AM stations’ requests. Furthermore, wireless antennas mounted on AM towers are relatively unobtrusive, and are being installed in an environment where residents are already used to the presence of towers. Thus, AM tower colocation fosters a good neighbor image with zoning boards.

AM Station owners are positive partners. Most AM station owners have looked at their tower systems as necessary evils. They become very supportive of AM tower colocation because it improves their facilities at little or no cost to them. It also generates a new, secure revenue stream.

AM tower colocation is economical. It often costs far less to implement AM tower colocation than it does to build a new site. Even with structural augmentation, completed cost may be below that of a “greenfields” site of comparable capacity and site rents may be favorably negotiated. When properly implemented, long-term operational constraints and costs are not significantly different from other tower colocation situations.

AM detuning problems are avoided. Network design imperatives increasingly place site requirements close to AM stations, triggering a requirement to protect the AM from signal interference with the new tower. This often requires detuning or other measures which increase the cost of site development. Wireless facilities located on AM towers do not require detuning, cost of which may actually exceed the cost of the AM tower colocation, saving on site budgets.

Why Have AM Sites Not Been Developed?

Wireless developers have stayed away from AM radio towers because of the traditional “Keep Away From AM!” adage, and not without reason. The ad hoc procedures, previously available for AM tower colocation, indeed did make the practice taboo for wireless carriers.

Coordinating construction between the vastly different AM and wireless cultures was frequently a slow and painful process. From an engineering perspective, the process of integration and demonstrating license compliance to the FCC often required tinkering, delays, and costs unacceptable to wireless carriers.

AM station owners have also wanted assurance that the tower colocation methods proposed by the wireless operator were reliable, proven, acceptable to the Federal Communications Commission and would not harm their signal coverage pattern. Those outcomes could not be assured with the old methods of AM tower colocation.

Many wireless system designers and constructors are yet unaware that a new technological capability can now efficiently and painlessly integrate wireless and AM systems.

CoLoSite Enables AM Tower Colocation

A new technological approach to AM tower colocation called CoLoSite has been developed. This tower colocation system is based in proprietary hardware and procedural systems, which overcome traditional obstacles to AM tower colocation.

The CoLoSite system permits virtually unlimited wireless users on most AM towers. Once the CoLoSite system is installed, additional users or antennas may be added with minimal additional cost. The hardware components are permanently integrated into the AM system, and designed for “utility-grade” life. CoLoSite recognizes fundamental differences of approach to non-directional and directional AM stations, and makes tower colocation practical in both cases.

In order to install users on conventional AM towers, the associated transmission lines must electrically be isolated from the AM tower to prevent disruption of the AM transmission. The CoLoSite technology used to accomplish this most efficiently differs depending upon whether the AM antenna system is a single, non-directional tower or a directional, multi-tower array.

On non-directional towers, the CoLoPole isolation system is used. The CoLoPole results in direct grounding of the AM tower. Thus, wireless antennas and transmission lines are mounted and bonded directly onto the structure. The CoLoPole uses a unique wire cage impedance transformer, derived from an AM-only design and proven in hundreds of installations. Lower portions of the cage are heavily insulated and spaced away from the tower to allow ready operational access to the wireless antenna system. The CoLoPole benefits the AM station with improved efficiency, “air sound”, and lightning protection, thus enhancing the tower colocation experience for the station.

Directional stations use multiple towers to form an FCC licensed radiation pattern crucial to protecting other stations from interference. This licensed pattern may not be disrupted by tower colocation. The cost-effective approach to this end is to employ specially designed isolation coils between the base station equipment and transmission line on the towers. The CoLoCoil was developed for this purpose. It effectively prevents the wireless transmission lines from impacting the operating parameters of the AM towers. CoLoCoils are modular, accommodating later expansion of wireless user requirements without significant impact on AM host facilities.

Notwithstanding the importance of the CoLoSite hardware to the AM tower colocation project, its overall success is primarily dependent on the complete project management of the effort. It is essential that this begins with initial coordination and negotiation with the AM station and extends to the final system testing and FCC reporting.

Planning for AM tower colocation begins with an analysis of the station facility. While all AM stations may theoretically be used for tower colocations, practical factors may make some facilities economically or technically impractical to develop. Where multiple towers exist, the most favorable of the towers must be chosen. A wrong choice may add thousands of dollars to project costs.

AM operations are at times complex, with different towers or even different sites, being used for day or night transmissions. This may impact costs and operational aspects of the project. For instance, selection of a tower used only at night could be a benefit to daytime construction and maintenance activities.

Normal site factors, such as access and construction convenience must be evaluated. Structural suitability of the tower and any required augmentation must be considered and viewed in terms of AM system parameter impacts. Further, each AM tower has beneath it a radial ground network of miles of copper wire. This is essential to proper AM operation and is mandated by the FCC. Special planning and construction precautions are needed to protect ground system integrity to avoid disruption and expensive replacement of the system.

Because AM towers operate “hot” at high RF voltages, proper selection of candidate towers is very important to cost effective and operationally supportable tower colocation. There are significant safety and operational issues, which must be carefully dealt with in installation and maintenance of wireless equipment near AM towers. Fortunately, these RF concerns can be managed and are not a significant problem in a CoLoSite installation. However, a high level of expertise is required in the planning phase to ensure that all safety and operational concerns are addressed.

It is not true that AM stations must be shut down for installation and maintenance of colocated antenna equipment. FCC and OSHA permit work on “hot” towers with proper power levels and precautions. The CoLoSite hardware is specifically designed to facilitate “hot” maintenance and to protect against unsafe conditions.

The location of the wireless equipment shelter or pad must be carefully chosen to minimize AM interactions, and appropriate shielding and filtering must be employed. Electromagnetic field modeling techniques allow experienced designers to specify exact locations for equipment packages to avoid interactions. As part of the CoLoSite solution, shielding systems that permit operation of sensitive equipment even in high AM RF fields are used.

In summary, AM tower colocation is not only possible, it is being accomplished successfully throughout the country today! When careful planning, competent project management and quality hardware are integrated into the overall AM colocation site development procedures, success is certain. Furthermore, professional interaction with the AM host makes the station a willing and positive partner in a long-term colocation relationship.

Tower Cranes – Manufactured Using the Most Recent and Modern Technology

The purpose of Tower cranes is to lift up, carry and drop down heavy construction material and substances. Since it is a mechanical device that is normally used in the manufacturing of heavy weight equipment, it is appropriate for individuals related to construction business. Therefore, these cranes are generally used and seen at almost all the sites that are under construction.

According to many experts, Tower cranes are the contemporary kinds of cranes that are made using the most recent and modern technology. It is because of its uplifting ability and height that these cranes are mostly found at sites where tall buildings are being constructed. These cranes feature long post, which is fixed to the land or ground and also two arms, one, which is horizontally positioned, and another, which is diagonally balanced disproportionately at the top of the crane tower. The function of the long extended arm is to hold the lifting gear whereas the function of the short arm is to hold building blocks.

Now the question arises that since Tower cranes have no such support on both sides, how does it actually operate or function? In order to have a clear understanding on how these cranes operate, it is essential to gain knowledge regarding the basic parts of these cranes. The cranes consist of three basic parts, base, mast (commonly known as a tower) and a slewing unit. The Base serves the purpose of providing support to the tower crane and is fastened tightly to a large and solid concrete pad. The mast or the tower provides height to the crane and is directly connected to the base. Last but not the least, the slewing unit is a motor, which enables the crane to revolve or rotate at different directions.

As discussed earlier, Tower cranes are manufactured using the most recent technology, and intelligence when combined with this remarkable technology gave origin to this effective machinery that has made the construction work much easier. The entire crane is not built in one go, but is created in parts a few weeks or months before its actual operation. A Tower crane is a great invention and has amazed people with its incredible attributes and performance.

Though Tower cranes have the capacity to load up to 40,000 pounds, experts suggest that it is not recommendable to load this heavy weight. These cranes have the capacity to rise up to hundreds of feet high. The construction team utilizes these cranes to lift up concrete, steel and other large objects like generators, acetylene torches and various other heavy building substances. If you ever get a chance to look at how these cranes operate you will be amazed of how it can lift such heavy weight and is able to grow up taller as the building increases in height.

The Eiffel Tower – The Symbol Of Paris

The Eiffel Tower is an iron tower built beside the river Seine in Paris. Originally intended as a structure to commemorate the French Revolution, nobody could have guessed that 100 years later The Eiffel Tower would become the symbol of Paris itself.

The Eiffel Tower has its name after the engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. For two years, 1887-1889, three hundred steel workers struggled to join together

18038 pieces of steel by using 2,5 million steel bolts. When thinking about safety-measurements in the 19th century it is remarkable that only one worker died during the construction of the tower.

In all they used 7300 tons of steel to form the tower’s three distinct levels. Those levels currently house two restaurants and a snackbar. Altitude 95 is one the first level, the Jules Verne restaurant on the second level and the snackbar on the third level. The Jules Verne Restaurant even has one star in the Michelin guide.

The Eiffel Tower is 300 metres high, without the 21 metre antenna which is mounted on the top, and in order to get to the top visitors must climb 1665 steps. The number of steps has varied over the years with different renovations. Luckily visitors can use one of the many elevators in order to get to the top.

By far the tallest structure in Paris, the tip may bend away from the vertical by as much as 18cm (7in) due to expansion of its 7,300 metric tons of iron because of heat from the sun. Warming by the sun heats one side more than the other. That’s all the more remarkable since wind shear is usually the major problem with tall structures. But, the engineering is so well-thought out that the strongest winds cause no more than five inches of deflection.

In the beginning The Eiffel Tower met a lot of resistance, there were widespread petitions to have it torn down by some who considered it ugly and intrusive. That might have succeeded if it hadn’t been in use as an antenna for the then-leading-edge technology of telegraphy. In 1909 a permanent underground radio center was built and since 1957 it’s been used as a transmission tower for both FM radio and television. The tower has even been part of scientific research. In 1910, Wulf used it to make measurements that resulted in the discovery of cosmic rays.

The Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest structure until 1930, the record was then overtaken by The Chrysler Building in New York.

A visit to Paris is not complete without a visit to The Eiffel Tower, it is a must. From the top visitors can se 67 km into the French landscape, it is truly a remarkable sight. If it is not appealing to stand in the long line , which you must do in order to enter the tower, it is very nice just to stand beside or beneath the tower and enjoy it. It is also a good idea to take a picnic in the nearby park.

To visit the tower, take the Metro – the Paris subway – to the Trocadero station. Then, walk from the Palais de Chaillot to the Seine. From there you can’t miss it.

The Tokyo Tower – An Exceptional Japanese Tourist Attraction

Tokyo Tower, the landmark monument of Tokyo, is one of the worlds tallest towers made of self-supporting steel. It is also the tallest man made structure in Japan. The design of the tower has a close resemblance with that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but is actually 9 meters taller and 3 thousand tons lighter than the Eiffel Tower. The difference in weight is attributed to the kind of steel used and exceptional Japanese technology.

The Tokyo Tower is painted white and orange to conform with air safety regulations. It takes more than 28,000 liters of paint to repaint the tower every 5 years. During the winter, one can easily see its’ primary radiant orange color and the shining white in the summer. The lighting of the tower will often change, signifying a special function or event taking place within the city.

Although the Tokyo Tower is surrounded by many buildings, due to its’ height and structure, can be spotted from other fabulous locations such as the Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Bay, and The Imperial Palace Garden.

The tower is used to support broadcasting signal antennas for both FM radio and television channels. The special observatory set up at the top of the tower, helps visitors view distant tourist sights such as Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Fuji. From the main observatory one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the entire Kanto region that surrounds Tokyo. Tourists are invited to take a break and do a little shopping in one of the many stores located at the base of the tower.

The first floor of the tower has an incredible aquarium collection open to the public, and currently displaying fifty thousand different varieties of fish. The third floor houses a wax museum and the Mysterious Walking Zone.

In spite of being built primarily as the broadcasting center for radio and television, the Tokyo tower is now one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Tokyo. Some may find it to be a bit expensive but it definitely should be on your “places to visit” list.

Even More Planning Issues For Tower Collocation

How Much AM Power is Too Much?

As power on a tower goes up, potential carrier collocation issues increase. The feasibility of tower collocation is a matter of budget and operational convenience for both the AM and carrier. The choice of carrier isolation technology is an important factor in the analysis. In a directional array, the important factor is the power in the tower under consideration, not the licensed power. A thorough engineering investigation is necessary in all but the lowest power situations. Successful collocates can be done on 10,000 watt towers, but usually “lower is better”!

AM Directional Compatibility

Collocation on one or more towers of a directional array is often quite practical. In fact, in terms of maintenance flexibility, such installations can offer advantages over nondirectional tower collocations. A good directional array collocation requires a balance between carrier operational logistics and AM technical factors.

The number one factor in tower selection from a carrier perspective is convenience for fast and safe maintenance and/or system modifications. This suggests the choice of a tower that is inactive in one mode (preferably daytime) and that uses low power. At the same time, that tower should be low impedance and stable for minimum perturbation of array operation. Part of the equation is accessibility for roads and underground utilities without unreasonable disruption of AM transmission line and ground system elements.

For the protection of both the AM and the carrier, it is very important that coordination of RF grounding, equipment placement, interim operation and RF safety plans be accomplished and memorialized before construction begins.

Construction will inevitably result in some AM array disruption, and plans should be in place for appropriate FAA notices, FCC STA’s, power reduction, pattern changes, or other actions to facilitate the construction phase. Of course, associated costs should be factored into the lease agreement.

Tower Defense Games – Rise to Popularity

In recent years, the sub-genre of strategy games known as “Tower Defense Games” has seen a great revitalization. Thanks to new personal portable computing platforms coming into prominence like the iPhone and iPod touch; Tower Defense Games are enjoying a renewed popularity.

This gaming has come a long way from what they were when they first appeared many years ago. It began with very simplistic boards when they first came out. Now they have spawned into intricate games with difficult playing levels. With the advanced gaming technology that exists in both PC’s and gaming systems, tower defense games hardly resemble the games of old

Perhaps the very first game in this genre was the classic strategy game called Rampart. The game made is arrival in the early 1990’s. Like all games of this type, the purpose was to defense a central location using weaponry such as cannons.

With the advent of Flash technology, user generated games have risen in popularity, with some gaining large followings. Tower Defense games are simplistic in the sense that you have one ultimate goal. You must defend one central location from enemy attack. Because of the rudimentary nature, some find the games to be a bit boring after a while. At least, that’s what many used to complain about. The creativity of game programmers these days has helped take away that sense of repetition that used to be associated with them.

Whether you know or it not, if you have played any sort of strategy game in the past, you have likely played a Tower defense game. Most people don’t even realize that some of their favorite games are called by that name. If you have played games like Age of Empires or Command and Conquer in the past, and enjoyed them, you should check out the latest generation of offerings in the genre.

More Technical Issues With AM Tower Collocations

Providing for Coax Replacement, Additions

Rarely is a collocation tower dressed with lines and antennas, then forgotten. Rapid technology changes in carrier systems result in almost routine changes or additions of antennas and lines. The isolation method and infrastructure deployment must give maximum flexibility to the carrier, and keep tower crew workloads to a minimum. The old quarter wave stub isolation method, used for years for its simplicity in isolating a single coax, fails seriously when confronted by modern cable installation requirements, and is rarely, if ever, employed today.

Isolation Device Considerations

Modern carrier systems often employ tower top amplifiers and antenna positioning devises powered over the signal coaxial cable. Devices such as isocouplers do not pass DC or AC, and thus have limited utility. The isolation system should be designed for end-to-end DC and AC connectivity, for which devices like folded unipoles and ColoCoils are well suited.

Because of the wide range of frequencies employed by carrier systems (700 – 3600 MHz), and stringent VSWR specifications on the system, it is preferable to have no cable discontinuities. Devices, such as isocouplers, that are tuned to a pass frequency seriously limit broadband carrier installations. The most desirable installation is on a folded unipole tower where no interruptions in the coaxial cable are required at all.

Folded Unipoles can Improve Bandwidth

Folded unipoles are time tested in their ability to both match an AM tower, and make it “cold” at the same time. Towers with folded unipoles installed may be ready for tower collocation with little, if any work. In many cases, the folded unipole will need to be replaced with one that is built specifically for tower collocation. These systems employ wires that are spaced and insulated in such a way as to allow safe tower climber access. They are also built to accommodate clearance to multiple coaxial lines and ice bridges.

Non-directional series-fed towers can often be converted to folded unipoles with only replacement of the antenna tuning unit. The complexity and economics are a bit different with towers in a directional array, however. Since the folded unipole significantly alters the impedance and phase matching conditions at the base, you will likely need a new ATU to accommodate these parameters. This will usually require redesign by your consulting engineer, retuning of the array, and a partial proof of performance.

The upside of a unipole is not only isolation for unlimited coaxial lines, but better bandwidth and lightning protection. It also eliminates the need for tower lighting and sample loop isolation.