USB On the Go-What is it?

GET, LLC is always on the hunt to share news about new and emerging technologies.  We found a neat one-USB OTG.  

USB OTG is short for an "On-the-Go" cable or adapter. A USB OTG cable or adapter can make a USB host out of your phone or tablet's regular USB device port while you are out and about. They are usually Micro USB male on one end to standard USB "A" female on the other. 

USB OTG cables and adapters have the ability to turn your phone or tablet into a USB host, just like the ports on a desktop computer. With a USB OTG adapter you can connect full-sized keyboards or mice to your smart phone or tablet. This can make it easier to type up documents directly to your cell phone or tablet instead of dealing with a digital keyboard. You can also use them to connect flash drives, card readers or an external hard drive, making it simple to drag and drop files as well as backing up all your information. 

This cable also works for directly connecting your digital camera to download images. 

These cables and adapters will allow all these devices to communicate with each other, no matter where you are. 

The Google Play app store offers a USB OTG checker app that allows you to make sure your Android operating system allows the USB OTG function. You can also find OTG adapters for Apple iOS devices on the web.

GET, LLC can bring USB OTG cables and adapters for most Android based smart phones and tablets right to you. For more on the benefits that our partnerships can bring to you and your respective business, including Panduit and Cisco, contact us at 671-483-0789 or at www.get-guam.com.

Why Keystones?

It sure has come a long way from the first patent in 1979 as a "wiring module for telephone jack". Amp Incorporated led the way until 16 years later the patent that we know today as that telephone connector with contact protect block that revolutionized telecommunications and continues to inspire thought on the transferring of data in and around facilities all over the world.

Keystone wall plates are built to connect keystone jacks for various cables into a single or double gang outlet box, which would be installed directly into a building's drywall. Surface mount wall boxes allow you to mount keystone jacks on the surface of the wall. 

Keystone ports are the small square holes in the wall plates and surface mount boxes that are made so that keystone jacks can snap right in. 

Keystone jacks are female connectors that snap into the wall plate or surface mount box, allowing cables to be connected in various configurations. There can be up to twelve keystone ports in a wall plate. Keystone wall plates will work with all kinds of different keystone jacks, including HDMI, VGA, DVI, RCA, IR, speaker cables and F-connectors, just to name a few.

Need a keystone or keystones for your next project?  Please give GET, LLC a call at 671-797-0789 or see our website at www.get-guam.com for more details on how we can be of assistance.

Certified Fiber Installer Training Coming to Guam in May 2014

GET, LLC is proud to announce that our friends at Fiber Optic Marketplace have confirmed that they will be holding a a Certified Fiber Installer Course in Guam from May 19-22, 2014.  The  joint TFS/ETA Certification course is geared towards those who layout, install or maintain fiber optic cabling systems.

The Fiber School is known as the premier certification body in Fiber Optics, as well as many other telecommunications areas including wireless, pro audio and video, fiber optics for wind turbines and much, much more.

Thousands of technicians have gained Electronics Technicians Association certifications since 1978, including over 28,000 fiber optics installers and thousands in each basic or specialty segment of electronics. Some reasons for choosing an ETA certification include the modeling of  its electronics certification exams after international competency standards including the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), the National Skills Standards Board’s feasibility study concluded the ETA electronics certification programs were among the best industry certifications available, and educators, practitioners, students and employers have the opportunity to provide regular feedback (to discuss individual exam question wording, practicality or fairness) for added reliability, validity and consistency.

The program will identify you as an installer able to demonstrate a practical knowledge of fiber optic theory, codes, standards and practices widely accepted in the fiber optics industry. In addition, the program will incorporate two days of individual hands-on training validating installer skills, including fiber terminations, cable preparations, fusion splicing, OTDR and optical loss testing. These skills are applicable to all the requirements to safely and competently install, maintain, and test fiber optic cabling systems. 

Also, the fiber optic installation course will be offered with a self-paced, online lecture and a hands-on workshop. This innovative approach to Fiber Optic Training and certification allows students to minimize expense, time and travel by learning at their own pace, on their own schedule (using online e-Learning to complete the lecture portion of the class.) Students will then complete the hands-on portions of the class at any of our scheduled sessions around the world (and can review the material within one year of registering for the course.)

For more information, please give us a call at 671-797-0789 or drop us a line at www.get-guam.com for more information on the related products and services we provide-though our friends at Cisco Systems, Panduit and Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC.

Prices for Construction Materials Stable in November 2013

Construction material prices fell by half a percent in November 2013 according to a report by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).  In a recent DOL Producer Price Index report, the numbers are up by 1.1 percent from the same period in 2012.  The DOL report noted that non-residential construction materials prices are down 0.6 percent for the month while the Country's wholesale goods prices have jumped by 0.2 percent.  Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chief Economist Anirban Basu told the Illinois-based Metal Construction News that November represented another month of remarkable stability for construction input prices and 2014 is not likely to offer as much stability as last year.

"Although many investors predicted significant inflation this year due to expansionary monetary policies in much of the developed world, there continues to be a lack of significant inflationary pressures both globally and nationally," said Basu. "Global economic growth is set to accelerate and the apparent budget deal in Congress should produce greater certainty among businesses, helping improve an already benign national economic forecast."

Some promising figures from the November report that GET,LLC will be keeping a close eye on:

• Fabricated structural metal products were up 0.1 percent for the month and 0.3 percent year over year.
• Nonferrous wire and cable prices rose 0.2 percent on a monthly basis and are down 3 percent year over year.
• Iron and steel prices were up 1.8 percent for the month and are down 0.1 percent compared to the same time last year.
• Steel mill products prices increased 0.8 percent in November but are down 0.6 percent compared to the same time last year.

Let's all hope that the November numbers are a view into the activity in the next 12 months. 

GET, LLC can assist with all your construction supply needs including great American made energy efficient lighting products from Independence LED Lighting and Deco Lighting, structured cabling solutions from Panduit and Cisco, and your steel building needs through our friends at MCR Guam Inc.  Give us a call a 671-797-0789 to talk further about how we can help on your respective job site or check out our website at www.get-guam.com for more details about our products and capabilities.

Certified Fiber Installer Training Coming Soon

There is a great opportunity for Guam next year as GET, LLC and our friends at the Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC are planning for a Certified Fiber Installer Course in our part of the world in 2014.  

This proposed fiber optic installation training course is designed for those who layout, install or maintain fiber optic cabling systems. The program will identify you as an installer able to demonstrate a practical knowledge of fiber optic theory, codes, standards and practices widely accepted in the fiber optics industry. In addition, the program will incorporate two days of individual hands-on training validating installer skills, including fiber terminations, cable preparations, fusion splicing, OTDR and optical loss testing. These skills are applicable to all the requirements to safely and competently install, maintain, and test fiber optic cabling systems. 

Also, the proposed fiber optic installation course is currently offered with a self-paced, online lecture and a hands-on workshop. This innovative approach to Fiber Optic Training and certification allows students to minimize expense, time and travel by learning at their own pace, on their own schedule (using online e-Learning to complete the lecture portion of the class.) Students may then complete the hands-on portions of the class at any of our scheduled sessions around the world (and can review the material within one year of registering for the course.) If online training is not ideal for your learning style, a more traditional instructor-lead lecture or question and answer section is available upon request depending upon the location and the size of the class.

Any takers?

If you or your company is interested in attending, please give us a call at 671-797-0789 or drop us a line at www.get-guam.com where you can find more information on the related products and services we provide-though our friends at Panduit and Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC.

The Next Chapter in HDMI

As a person who has followed the  advancements in High Definition Television since I was a young man in my Dad's garage, some more exciting news rolled out last week.  

The new standard for HD entertainment is here with the new HDMI 2.0.  

What I like very much is that it is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI.org specification but significantly increases bandwidth up to 18Gbps and adds key changes to enhance the consumer audio and video experience.

Among some of the new features is that you get four  times the clarity of 1080p/60 video, up to 32 audio channels for a multi-dimensional immersive audio experience, up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency for the highest audio fidelity, simultaneous dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen and support for wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratios.

According to HDMI.org, the forum that creates and polices the standards, HDMI 2.0 does not define any new cables or connectors. All current High Speed with Ethernet HDMI cables (Category 2 cables) are already capable of carrying the increased bandwidth and new features.

In 2014, we will see 4K (Ultra HD) HDTVs, Ultra HD Blu-ray players and native 4K content supported through the HDMI 2.0. This new hardware will have to be certified HDMI V2.0 to take advantage of the new Ultra HD features but your existing cables will still continue to work, without any loss of picture or sound quality.

Should be fun to watch. 

Contact GET, LLC at 671-797-0789 or check out our website at www.get-guam.com for more information on the related products and services we provide-though our friends at Panduit or Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC. News will soon follow on an important add to GET, LLC's capabilities in this important niche market-will keep you posted.

A Look at Fiber Optic Converters

You learn something new every day. 

Did you know that ethernet over copper networks are limited to a data distance of only 100 meters (328ft) when using unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or sheilded twisted pair (STP) cable?  

By using an Ethernet to Fiber Optic Converter, fiber cabling can be used to extend data connections over a much greater distance. Ethernet to Fiber Optic Converters change Fast Ethernet or Gigabit UTP links to 100Base-FX or 1000Base-X fiber connections at distances of up to 100km on Single mode 9/125 fiber.

These converters can also be used in environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI) which is commonly found in industrial environments. This interference can cause corruption of data over copper Ethernet lines. However, data over fiber is immune to this type of noise. An Ethernet to Fiber Optic Converter enables you to inter-connect your copper Ethernet devices over fiber ensuring optimal data transmission across the entire long distance network.

Also, the transceiver used in an Ethernet to Fiber Optic Converter transforms the signal from a UTP/RJ45 Ethernet link to one that is light and can be used by a fiber optic cable. Media converters can connect to various fiber optic cable types such as multimode or single mode. Many different pre-made fiber lengths are available and are perfect for your Ethernet to fiber application.

If you need Fiber Converters, contact GET, LLC at 671-797-0789 or check out our website at www.get-guam.com for more information on the related products and services we provide-though our friends at Panduit or Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC. 

Digital Visual Interface-A Primer on Connecting a Video Source to a Display Device

For years, Video Graphics Array (VGA) has been the standard for connecting analog monitors to computers. 

Times are changing.  

Ever since the introduction of digital flat panel LCD monitors into the highly competitive video monitor marketplace, there was a push to develop a standard to effective carry component video out to the masses wanting to experience a better viewing experience of video or computer signals.  Several early standards were proposed including Digital Flat Panel or DFP which is an early digital-only interface that suffered from resolution limits. Eventually, Digital Visual Interface or DVI emerged as the new interface for Digital flat panel LCD monitors and video cards.

One of the most confusing aspects of DVI is that there are actually three different types of cables and connectors.

Digital Only Signal or DVI-D or Digital Only Signal is the most common type. Almost all of today's DVI capable devices on the market use a DVI-D interface.

Integrated Analog and Digital or DVI-I cables and connectors offer the best of both worlds: a single cable and connector that can transmit both a digital and an analog signal. Since a DVI-I connector offers the most flexibility, video cards such as the ATI Radeon 8500 use this connector so that either a DVI digital screen or VGA monitor can be connected. In practice, DVI Analog-only cables are rare, and DVI Analog devices are non-existent.

Analog Only Signals or DVI-A  uses a DVI style connector on a cable that sends an analog-only signal, which can be understood by analog VGA monitors. In a digital-only world, "DVI Analog" would make no sense. However, as with all new technologies, there needs to be way to connect to older equipment.

Mini-DVI connectors are capable of carrying DVI, VGA, or TV signals through the use of adapters, detected with EDID (Extended display identification data) via DDC (Display Data Channel). This connector is often used in place of a DVI connector in order to save physical space on devices. Mini-DVI does not support dual-link connections and hence cannot support resolutions higher than 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz.

Don't forget these additionally issues: these signals come through single or dual link cables-primarily 8 versus 24 pins, most DVI digital devices have connectors that can accept dual link cables, a few plasma TVs that can only accept a single link cable and in DVI like anything else, an Analog signal will only talk to analog devices, and a Digital signal will only talk to digital devices.

Give GET, LLC a call at 671-483-0789 or drop us a line at www.get-guam.com to make sure you get the exact digital video cable you need.  We are proud to be a Panduit Business Partner and an Authorized Reseller for the Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC. 

Be on the Look Out for Counterfeit UL Marked Cable and Wire

There is an alarming trend being seen across the cabling industry. There are suppliers in the marketplace selling cable -- particularly network cable -- that is mislabeled and fails to meet basic safety requirements. 

Case in point-network cable rated for a certain level of fire resistance that does not actually meet that rating, causing serious safety issues when installed.

Also, network and/or power cable being sold that is made with copper-clad aluminum wires (CCA), as opposed to pure copper wires. The most concerning issue here is the possibility of fire, in the case of power and POE (Power over Ethernet), due to aluminum's higher resistance and lower melting point. While less important, there is a  degraded network performance that comes from using the wrong metal and the possibility of paying full price for a product that fails to meet  specifications.

A network cable (Cat5e/6/6a) is defined by specific physical and electrical characteristics, the most important being resistance across distances. CCA-based network cables do not meet UL testing or meet approved standards. This should be a concern for both the contractor and the business/home owner who pays for specific category graded network cable. Quite simply, a CCA cable is not an approved technology for Category cable, and suppliers who try to pass them off as such are "ripping off" their customers and opening them up to potential lawsuits.

GET, LLC advises that you know your supplier. Don't be fooled by the cheapest cabling product on the market you can find. Make sure that what you're buying is actually what it claims to be.

If you need network cabling, contact us at 671-797-0789 or check out our website at www.get-guam.com for more information on the related products and services we provide-though our friends at Panduit or Fiber Optic Marketplace LLC, if you don't see what you need just give us a call.

Ethernet FAQ-Solid vs Stranded Cable

GET, LLC wraps up our look at the world of structured cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet and other high speed networking solutions. This particular blog post will examine the uses of solid versus stranded cable.

The term solid cable and stranded cable refers to the type of center conductor being used in Ethernet cable. Some stranded cable uses 7 smaller strands to make up one conductor that is specified to reach the American Wire Gauge (AWG) for that cable, whereas solid uses 1 single strand to make up 1 conductor to make up the specified AWG of the cable.

Solid Ethernet cable is great for "in-wall" applications. This solution excels at terminating to 110 and Krone type punch downs typically found in patch panels and keystones. Solid wire also offers better electrical performance, which is important for the longer runs typically found during "in-wall" installations.

Stranded cable is much more flexible and excels at being used as patch cables. This solution crimps easier to RJ45 connectors and is more resistant to breaking after repeated use and movement. Stranded cable  forms more easily than the more rigid solid cable.

For more on structured cabling solutions for your respective business or building, please give GET, LLC a call at 671-797-0789 or see our website at www.get-guam.com for more details on how we can be of assistance.

Ethernet FAQ-Plenum vs. Riser vs. Communications Cable

GET, LLC remain committed to providing more information about structured cabling for computer networks. This particular blog post examines the difference in use of three of the most popular cabling solutions and where the application is used in a building space.

In order to discuss Plenum (CMP) rated cable we must first discuss what plenum space is. Plenum space is the space in ceilings or between floors, which facilitates air circulation for heating and cooling systems. If air can travel between rooms in a building freely that air occupies a plenum space. The danger is when a fire breaks out. If the fire enters the plenum space, it encounters an oxygen rich environment that feeds it. By using plenum rated cable, one mitigates further fueling of the fire and reduces the toxicity of the smoke.

Riser Cable (CMR) is another designation found on cable and this is intended to be run between floors and not in a plenum space. Riser cable has a fire rating but not as strict as CMP so therefore CMP can be used in CMR applications, but CMR can never be used in CMP applications.

Communications Cable (CM) is general use cable suitable for in wall applications. It is rated to go in wall. It may not be used in applications where CMR or CMP is required, but CMR or CMP can be used for CM applications.

For more on structured cabling solutions for your respective business or building, please give GET, LLC a call at 671-797-0789 or see our website at www.get-guam.com for more details on how we can be of assistance.

Ethernet FAQ-Unshielded versus Shielded Cable

GET, LLC continues our look at the world of structured cabling for computer networks. This blog post examines cable shielding.

Unshielded and shielded cables have a few deployment requirements that one should keep in mind when deciding which is best for your particular network. Experts argue that unshielded cable have an installation advantage over shielded cable.

Unshielded cable is smaller in size because it lacks a shield and is less fragile which is much better for repeated movement or disconnects from a network. Manufacturers say that such cabling will transmit at the same speeds as shielded and does not require that a ground be used to function properly. Unshielded is vulnerable to more noise on the line, but its helps negate this by the twists in the pairs.

Shielded cable is foil wrapped around the four twisted pairs and actually attracts more noise than unshielded. The difference is that it was designed to offload that noise down a ground wire and away from the twisted pairs. Shielded cable is designed to be used in any application where EMI (Electromagnetic Interferences) are high, such as heavy power lines or radar systems. Shielded cable will actually perform worse than unshielded if it is not installed and terminated correctly. This is because the shield actually attracts noise.  Network professionals say that it is vital that the ground be connected properly in order to offload that noise and keep it away from the data being transferred.

For more on a structured cabling solution for your respective business or facility, please give GET, LLC a call at 671-797-0789 or see our website at www.get-guam.com for more details on how we can be of assistance.

Ethernet FAQ-Cat5e v. Cat6 v. Cat6a

GET, LLC begins a look at the world of structured cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet and other high speed networking solutions. This blog post will examine specifications for the in-demand twisted pair cable and the signals that are carried across them.

Believe it or not-CAT5 is the fifth generation of twisted pair Ethernet technology and the most popular of all twisted pair cables in use today. Cat 6 and Cat6a have followed and is backward compatible with Cat5 standards.  But while all are wildly popular with network professionals, they all pose a down side for those seeking faster network bandwidth solutions.

One of the most misinterpreted specifications that customers and installers get hung up on is the megahertz (MHz) rating on Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a Cable.

Search for Cat5e cable and the most common rating you will see is 350MHz. There are two things wrong with this number. The Telecommunications Industry Association and the Electronic Industries Alliance specifies the electrical characteristics for a Cat5e cable to have a 100 Mhz bandwidth. So automatically any cable advertised above this number is not following the spec.

Then why do we see this number? Some have been using this number for so long that people have come accustomed to seeing 350 MHz bandwidth, and when it is not present, they question the quality of the cable. The truth of the matter is, yes, you probably can test most Cat5e cables to 350 MHz and beyond, but it means nothing past 100 MHZ. So to say that a Cat5e 350 MHz cable is better than a Cat5e 100 MHz cable is just marketing.

In much the same way, Cat6 cable is commonly seen advertised at 500 or 550 MHz, when the actual specification calls for Cat6 cable to be up to 250Mhz.

The official bandwidth specifications are as follows: Cat5/Cat5e 100 MHz, Cat6 250 MHz, Cat6a 500 MHz. Along those same lines, there is no such thing as "Cat5a", "Cat6e" and there is no official release for Cat7 or Cat7a in the USA yet. The data transfer rate on these cables is as follows: Cat5e and Cat6 are 1 Gb/s (Gigabits per second), Cat6a is 10 Gb/s.

For more on structured cabling solutions for your respective business or building, please give GET, LLC a call at 671-797-0789 or see our website at www.get-guam.com for more details on how we can be of assistance.