Tech Time: Solar Energy

We begin a four part series on technology in the home; we will be exploring cleaning systems, living room comforts, kitchen appliances and bedroom tech. But we begin, with solar energy.

Tourists flock to Jamaica for our sun, while we import oil for our lights. We can save money (oh yeah, and the environment too) if we harness our greatest renewable energy source, the sun. Thanks to technological progress, photovoltaic panels have become both cost effective and the best legal way to reduce your JPS bill.

Don’t think this is a far-fetched concept for only first world applications. Locally, it’s been done. Retired chef Hans Schenk runs 95% of his Spring Farm, St. James home off the national eclectic grid after installing solar panels on the roof of his home … and, he’s not the only one.

Solar energy can be used to provide indoor and outdoor lighting, power batteries and chargers, heat and pump water and provide power to most of your home. Solar power is such a great option to JPS that the government provides loans and other incentives to switch to renewable energy, in the form of a water heater loan offered through the National Housing Trust (NHT). Qualified NHT individual and business contributors can access up to JMD $250,000.00.

Solar water heaters are the most common application of solar energy locally. They can store and heat 40 to 240 gallons of water up to 140 degrees depending on model. The price tag starting at roughly $180,000.00 does NOT attract GCT.

I need an electrician to set up my solar panels, my regulator to charge my cycle battery, my connectors and inverter to bring solar power into my apartment. I need an electrician cause I know nothing of amps and volts and watts, all of which are important concepts. Visit How Stuff Works for a detailed explanation of the technical aspects of solar power.

Yes, there are three important factors to consider with solar energy – cost, location and weather. But none of these is a major deterrent. If a full-scale solar energy powered home is not practical, then consider integrating some solar devices. By all means, get a solar water heater loan from the NHT and start saving. Then get some small portable chargers to power devises like your phone. Step in gradually, and in time you can turn the tables, by selling power to the national grid.

Interface with us:

Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Superbowl Tech

The Super Bowl is the largest, single day sporting event in the world, tens of thousands in attendance and over 100 million watching from around the globe. Staging an event this large requires insight, coordination, commitment and technology. Let’s take a look at Super Bowl Tech.

Cameras
More than 50 cameras including handheld, robotic and a cable camera (suspended above the gridiron) are employed to capture every moment in HD and super HD. Yes, super HD. Six high speed, high definition camera shoot at a mind boggling 300-400 frames per second (fps) to facilitate replays of fumbles and receptions from multiple angles. (The usual fps rate is 60). Speaking of playback, over two dozen video replay systems and eight digital postproduction suites develop high end, carefully calibrated, exceedingly accurate graphics while processing images from the cameras, nearly 100 microphones and miles of cable for your viewing pleasure.

Security
Game officials have to deal with everything from threats on US national security to pickpockets and other petty thieves. But hey are prepared for it all. Advanced metal detectors and scanner cameras screen all persons and packages entering the stadium, even the celebrities. Bomb removal robots are on hand in case any suspicious items are found.

Vehicle tracking on steroids is the best way to describe the sophisticated vehicle tracking systems used for the sporting event. Used on ambulances and other vehicles, the organizers have real time tracking with updates every three seconds.

Communications
Game participants utilize a wide range of communication technologies from headsets for the coaches and coaching staff to advanced computers to calculate real time stats before, during and after game play.

For thousands of spectators in the stands, previous frustrations of poor mobile service were addressed with installation of an additional three cell towers by AT&T, I Phone users were free to make calls, send text and pictures from the game without encumbrance.

Speaking of iPhone and other smart phones, American football lovers need to install ScoreMobile, a free app. Score Mobile has up to the minute stats, scores, betting odds, previews, recaps, top stories and league standings right in the palm of your hand.

Die-hard football fans can get a wealth of knowledge from the website (very traditional) or by following the NFL twitter feed/becoming a fan on Facebook (very modern).

Commercials
For football fans and non-football fans alike, the commercials are a major attraction. They tend to be as elaborate and expensive, as they are funny and memorable. This year, several technology companies used the captive audience to pedal their wares including: Google, Go Daddy, Motorola, Monster, Vizio and my personal favourite E*Trade. If you missed them last Sunday, watch them all on YouTube.





Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)

Tech Time: Wireless Printers

We are living in a wireless world, so much so, we take wireless for granted. I am old enough to remember when TV remotes were wired. Even so, I think printers were slow to join the wireless revolution. The wait is over.

Previous wireless printing protocols were very limiting. Printers employed infrared and bluetooth technology to allow wireless access. Both methods limited the user to a range of three to fifteen feet at best. Helpful, but not good enough.

New wifi enabled printers are functional, practical and above all, cheap. ALl the major manufacturersnow offer wifi enabled wireless dedicated and multi-function printers at a variety of price points for home and office. And, new wireless printers both work with PC and Mac.

These printers offer significant advantages over their wired predecessors. For one, they are cable and cutter free. With each new peripheral, we add a cable that contributes to the mess in our home or office.

Wireless printers offer a neater alternative.Further, fewer cables means less cost to acquire, maintain and replace.

Being able to remotely operate your printer from across the room, your house or even your neighbourhood truly liberates your laptop; after all, your laptop was meant to roam and not be tethered down.

Another notable advantage is that of multiple users. traditionally,a printer was attached to one machine, even on a network the host machine needed to be on. wireless printers are available from Hp, Brother, Lexmark,Canon and other major manufacturers for as little as US$99.00. Depending on the functions needed, look to spend US$!1150-US$250.00

Interface with us:

Online:trivialonfame.blogspot.com

On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com

On SMS: 876-878-FAME(18768783263)