ATEC Blog

Advanced Test Equipment Corp. (ATEC) is proud to present its new logo: an origami-inspired refresh of the classic symbol that Jim Berg, founder and CEO, drew on a restaurant napkin in a flash of inspiration in the 1980s.

The team at Narda Safety Test Solutions has been busy with updates and trainings lately. They're ready with a few more improvements and seminars for easier use of all their products.

In today's blog, you can find information on these updates and seminars:

• The recent "Finding Interference in Mobile Cellular Networks with Narda SignalShark” webinar
• An exciting new firmware update for the SignalShark series
• Upcoming seminars for the SRM-3006 and Direction Finder IDA 2

Even low bandwidth can't get in the way of Narda Safety Test Solutions and their reliable 5G measurements:

In this week's blog, we'll cover these stories and updates from Narda:

• Correct measurement of 5G networks with a bandwidth of “only” 20 MHz? Not a problem for the SRM-3006
• A shark in camouflage as the SignalShark continues to excel with the military
• Exciting software updates and new datasheets for the AMB-8059, AMS-8061, and EHP-200

As this busy and unusual year comes to a close, Narda Safety Test Solutions is celebrating a milestone with the RadMan and looking forward to 2021:

This week's blog, the last of the year, will go over these topics from the team at Narda:

• Even after 25 years, the RadMan is still the favorite warning device for Telstra in Australia
• With 2020 coming to an end, the SignalShark team has high hopes for a better 2021
• New software updates for SignalShark and seminars are available

Simplifying some products and adding flexibility to others, Narda Safety Test Solutions is making improvements to its long list of reliable products.

This week, the blog covers these features and updates from Narda:

• Measurement results directly as a percentage of the limit value – what could be simpler?
• No more graveyards full of keys, thanks to a versatile mix of softkeys and touchscreen technology
• Personal Monitor RadMan 2 – totally flexible with more user options than ever before

Narda Safety Test Solutions has been busy with updates for a wide range of their products, improving the 5G capabilities, warning systems, firmware and software across the board.

This weeks blog covers these new updates from Narda:

• SRM-3006 has a new Code Selective Measurement option to guarantee precise 5G EMF measurements
• RadMan 2XT with Variable Alarm Thresholds greatly improves the device's warning system
• A slew of updates for SignalShark products, including new scripts for even more applications

Narda STS unveiled a couple of new products and updates, including some improvements to the already-impressive SignalShark series.

In this week's blog, the topics include:

• Speed is(n't) magic, as Narda updates the SignalShark sweep time
• All good things come in threes, with Narda introducing a new outdoor unit for the SignalShark series
• 5G measurements with the Narda SRM-3006

Instruments like a spectrum analyzer will rely on a high dynamic range to cut through unwanted artifacts. Harmonics and intermodulation can rise above the noise floor and hurt the performance of a spectrum analyzer. Understanding the parameters that make up dynamic range can not only help to ensure a spectrum analyzer is working correctly, but also offers key information on all instruments which should meet ITU guidelines.

We're excited to share a few exciting updates courtesy of Narda STS, plus one impressive milestone to celebrate:

The topics in this week's blog include:

• Narda STS – A Hidden Champion turns 20 years old
• A couple important updates to the SignalShark series
• Improvements to the Area Monitor AMB-8059 and AMS-8061 software

Today we will be going over how to operate and demo an Advanced Amplifier. Then we will look at the control software interface. By the end of this video we will be connected to a simulated load and control it using remote control software.

When it comes to safety or quality of life, wireless communications always seem to be in the spotlight. That’s no doubt because wireless technology has meant that antenna arrays are installed right in the neighborhood. If you want or need to determine the electromagnetic field strength to assess the current situation, you need to decide whether to make broadband or selective measurements. Broadband measurements have the advantage of generally being faster, easier, and less expensive. The result, though, is “all-inclusive”, i.e. it is the total exposure level consisting of broadcast, cellphone, and other services.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, has revised its recommendation for limit values in connection with human safety in electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields that were published in 1998. The revision, entitled RF EMF GUIDELINES 2020, was published in March. In particular, the mid-frequency range, i.e. frequencies in the kHz range are affected by the revision. These guidelines will now go through the process of incorporation into national laws. 
 

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Narda STS NEWS.

This blog will cover the following topics:

• NEW: EF 0692 – band-limited 6 GHz probe for NBM
• Near field probes
• SignalShark: Scripting requires remote control option
• NEW: Area Monitors: New software, configuration software, and new datasheet

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Narda STS RadMan NEWS.

The topics in this blog include:
•    NEW: RadMan 2XT for the general public
•    RadMan 2: Conforms to ITU-T K.145 and ICNIRP 2020
•    RadMan 2: Press release  – “Premium safety 2.0 in electromagnetic fields” Conformity with new standards

The difference between SONET and SDH can get a little confusing because so many people struggle with appropriately distinguishing their differences. Both SONET and SDH are sets of standards used to test fiber optic connections and networks. However, these two sets of tests are designed for specific countries and their unique standards.

Bit error rate testers are used to find disruptions in connections, determine what causes them, and prevent future disruption. Bit error rate (BER) is the number of bit errors per unit time. The results are expressed as a ratio, converted into a percentage.

Check out our comparison chart to find out which of our recommended vibration analyzers suits your testing needs.

Problem: On a cold Friday evening as you are up reading an old book on your porch overlooking the Pacific, a great winged and tentacled creature rises from the dark waters and seizes you. Its octopus arms drag you down into tremendous depths.

In a remote prison somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, three prisoners are serving a life sentence. The guards get bored and decide to play a game with the inmates to pass time.

This video demonstrates how to do a simple horizontal laser shaft alignment using two shafts. Click here to learn more about the Vibralign Fixturlaser EVO Laser Shaft Alignment Tool

You are given 2 pieces of rope, each piece of rope burns from one end to the other in 30 minutes (no matter which end is lit). If different pieces touch, the flame will transfer from one to the other. You cannot assume any rope properties that were not stated. 

This week's riddle is known as Einstein's Riddle. It is said that 98% of the world could not solve it. Can you solve it? Give it a shot!

A farmer challenges an engineer, a physicist, and a mathematician to fence off the largest amount of area using the least amount of fence.

Every day at noon an ocean liner leaves Le Havre to sail for New York, and (simultaneously) an ocean liner sails from New York to Le Havre. The crossing takes exactly seven days and seven nights in either direction. How many other ocean liners will an ocean liner leaving Le Havre today pass at sea before arriving in New York?

In front of you are three light switches. Only one does anything, and it turns on the light downstairs. From here you can't see the light, and it makes no sound. 

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC Rentals) is North America’s premier environmental chamber rental company, equipping test engineers with temperature and humidity chambers, ovens, chillers and temperature forcing systems from leading manufacturers like Cincinnati Sub-Zero, Tenney, Espec and Thermotron.

By the end of this video you will have a clear understanding of what temperature forcing systems (TFS) and environmental chambers are capable of and how you can benefit from them. 

Highlight Reel of ATEC's annual Phoenix Day celebration. Visit our careers page to learn more about our company culture.

Richard with Advanced Test Equipment Rentals here to remind you of the importance of measuring and monitoring particle levels, pollutant levels, humidity and dew points as well as other indoor air quality characteristics in warehouses, labs, cleanrooms, or any working environment.

Learn the basics of Fiber Optic inspection and testing using the ODM TTK 650 for single mode fiber.

What are ESD Guns? In this video you will learn the importance of an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Simulator/Gun and the standards for which these devices test. 

Advanced Amplifiers is a provider of next-generation solid state RF power amplifiers, offering continuous wave and pulse amplifiers with a variety of frequencies and power. The Advanced Amplifiers line of ultra-high linearity amplifiers revolutionizes RF power amplifier design with their unique high-power density and small size form factor, high energy efficiency and simple front panel and remote operation.

Substation preventive and predictive maintenance is one of the important task for asset managers and power system operators. In this presentation, substation assets such as transformers, circuit breakers, batteries and current transformers will be discussed.

Testing of power transformers is important for the manufacturers and end users. Manufacturers need to be certain their units are meeting the desired specifications, while end users need to perform regular maintenance procedures to detect minor fault symptoms before timely and costly failures occur. Learn more by watching this informational presentation.

Why is upgrading to the DSX Cable Analyzer Series your best choice? DTX Cable Analyzers were the world’s most popular tool for certifying premises copper and fiber cabling, with billions of links certified, however, new technological advancements allow the new DSX Cable Analyzers to have a faster set up, faster testing, reduced mistakes, and faster reporting. 

Taking reliable, repeatable, broad-spectrum measurements are stressed in three areas - computational limits, narrow band focus and unpredictable transients. All three problems can be easily identified and solved with new capabilities in today’s modern FFT-based receiver technology.

Electrical safety testers – often referred to as “hipot” testers get their name from the high-potential (high voltage) they produce to perform dielectric withstand and insulation resistance tests. These testers are an integral part of electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing since electrical safety testing and certification is a requirement for virtually every electronic device and electrical apparatus.

We know you've heard of all the buzz about 5G, so ETS-Lindgren is here to clarify things. Enjoy their presentation on Bench & Lab Testing 5G and IoT Enabled Devices.

RF amplifiers are used in various industries like communications, radar, aerospace, defense, medical and many others. Engineers and technicians rely on RF amplifiers for product testing to verify functionality, which must be successfully accomplished before products can be sold. These Amplifiers can help achieve Radiated Immunity test standards such as:

• MIL-STD-461G RS103 – for Radiated Susceptibility and Electric Field Testing
• IEC 61000-4-3 – For Radiated, Radio-Frequency, electromagnetic field immunity testing and meets Radio Equipment Directive regulations

Presented by Chuck Britten, AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation. ​

Presentation topics: EMC 101:

• What is EMC testing and why is it important 
• Using in house vs. outside labs 
• Standards overview 
• What equipment is needed

At this year's IEEE EMC+SIPI Symposium, Advanced Test Equipment Rentals' Jamison Berg, Electrical Engineer, and Gabe Alcala, Business Development Manager, provided a demonstration titled "Hands-On Verification of EMC Transient Waveforms: CE, Automotive, MIL-STD-461."

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulates the radiation standards that all electronic components must comply with. The official stance of the FCC is a standardization of "interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable." The goal is to make sure devices aren't radiating at frequencies or power outputs that are outside predefined ranges, and could cause interference or harm to the surrounding environment, equipment, or people.

The IEE EMC+SIPI Symposium, perhaps the most highly anticipated EMC event of the year, is just around the corner. Hosted in our nation's capital, the 2017 Electromagnetic Compatibility and Signal and Power Integrity Symposium will once again provide education that spans training sessions, interactive workshops and tutorials, experiments, demonstrations, as well as socializing and networking opportunities.

Some pretty amazing things are happening in science and tech today. We're living in an era where advanced technology has allowed us to create even more at an exponential pace.

When we think of grid simulators and their applications, we often imagine grid testing. It's true – grid simulators are frequently used as AC power supplies for turnkey test purposes and other battery management uses.

Often used for inspection of electrical panels, piping and other infrastructure, thermal imaging cameras may seem like they have a pretty clear-cut line of duties. However, these heat-seeking devices have experienced somewhat of a renaissance in recent years, and are becoming increasingly useful, even cropping up in specialized smartphone cases to give ordinary people a chance to play heat detective. Engineers aren’t the only ones who use infrared technology anymore – here are five unexpected ways you can put a thermal imaging camera to use. 

If you go into your medicine cabinet and pull out a bottle of pain relievers, you’ll find a tiny inscription that instructs you to keep the bottle at room temperature.

As we continuously move toward greener technology and energy, electric vehicles (EV) have moved from an elite acquisition to something more attainable for the masses.

It takes routine maintenance and knowledgeable engineers to keep an electrical system running smoothly.

In 2014, the European Commission adopted a new series of rules regarding the production and distribution of radio equipment into the European market.

You may not think you need to do much preliminary research before selecting an amplifier. There is a lot of transparency and educational supplements from manufacturers that explain what each product can do, empowering you to make an educated choice.

An unfortunate reality of working with machinery and equipment – no matter how advanced – is that the risk of issues, disruptions, or flat out equipment failure is always present.

One question we often see in the industry revolves around current injection testing – namely, what is the difference between primary and secondary current injection.

Frequently found in medium and high-voltage systems, protective relays help ensure the safety and reliability of today's electrical power systems.

Lately, we've received some questions about renting equipment in 19" racks that range from 12U up to 42U, and the benefits of an ATEC custom rack.

Lithology, Analyzing Artifacts, and Improving Fuel Efficiency

With the ubiquity of handheld devices and other electronics, there has been a growing concern about electromagnetic frequency (EMF) – or more accurately, radiation frequency (RF).

Three-phase testing devices, like the OMICRON Testrano 600, are crucial to completing tests quickly, accurately, and safely. Because you can run three tests simultaneously, you'll have to set up for that round of tests just once, as opposed to going back and forth to the power transformer each time.

The demand for cleaner energy and sustainable technology is becoming greater across various industries. The automotive industry is no exception, and has shifted focus to produce electric vehicles in order to grow with the market.

When it comes to test and measurement equipment, you can probably make a solid case for either renting or purchasing.

As technology and its innumerable capabilities grow, so too do the standards by which the world measures for compliance. There have been multiple revisions and updates to MIL Standards, and with that, equipment suited for testing has also adapted to keep up with the changes.

Fluke just released the latest in copper cabling equipment, the DSX-8000 CableAnalyzer. Now part of the Versiv Cable Certification Family, the DSX-8000 joins the likes of the DSX-5000, an earlier generation cable analyzer, to offer accurate, error-free certification.

A global leader in providing test equipment rental solutions, Advanced Test Equipment Rentals now carries the Fluke DSX-8000 CableAnalyzer.

A vital piece of EMC equipment, ESD testing is necessary for a device to receive a CE mark (a symbol that denotes whether or not a product is allowed to be sold legally within the European Economic).

At Advanced Test Equipment Rentals, we’re dedicated to offering the best rental solutions to suit your needs: which is why we carry Newtons4th Flicker & Harmonics testing solution.

ATEC announced that it now carries the Newtons4th PPA5531 Flicker & Harmonics Analyzer and IMP753 3 Phase Impedance Network.

Gabe Alcala, Business Development Manager at ATEC, has just been elected Chairperson of the San Diego Section of IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization.

ATEC has announced that it now carries the newly released Teseq NSG 3150.

ATEC has entered into an agreement with Pacific Power Source to carry a fleet of new 3150 AFX Sources for short and long term rentals.

This year, the EMC Symposium Exhibition took place at the Shaw Centre, Ottawa, ON Canada.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC) has entered into an agreement with Megger to carry the Megger TRAX Transformer and Substation Test System.

ATEC has entered into a partnering agreement with AE Techron to carry the 3110 Audio-Bandwidth Standards Waveform Generator for short and long term rentals.

Gabe Alcala Secretary of IEEE San Diego Section, and Quality Manager at Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC), will be in Anaheim, CA to speak at the 2016 IEEE Symposium on Product Compliance Engineering (ISPCE) May 16 – 18.

ATEC has entered into a partnering agreement with EMC Partner to carry the AVI3000 Indirect Lightning Generator for rent. The AVI3000 tests outside electromagnetic interference on products, helping to determine whether or not the device under test can stand up to indirect lightning.

The aerospace and defense industry is facing a crisis. Since 2008 there have been public projections of a labor force shortage. Many engineering majors straight out of college begin working for web-based companies, or choose careers in non-traditional fields.

Is it really time to upgrade from the DTX? Fluke says absolutely. They mention that though "you might want to use it forever… that [would] be a very costly plan."

Do you literally have what it takes to produce radiated susceptibility? Whether you have done signal testing before, or are new to the field, it is always good to go back to basics. Here is a list of the top must-haves for testing radiated susceptibility from signal generators to antenna accessories.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC) and NH Research, Inc. (NHR) today announced an agreement for ATEC as an authorized rental partner of the NHR 9200 Battery Test System.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC) today announced an expansion of its authorized rental distributor agreement with Fluke Networks to include the Fluke Networks OptiView® XG Network Analysis Tablet, the first tablet specifically designed for network engineers.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC) now rents Fluke 1736 power loggers for data collection of power, voltage, current, harmonics and other power quality values. ATEC—a leading rental company of test and measurement equipment for a variety of industries including power, energy, and utility—has added the Fluke 1736 to an extensive inventory of rental equipment.

Here at Advanced Test Equipment Rentals we work with our own staff of engineers in-house, as well as our clients who are in the product development world. Life changing technologies are produced at an inspiring pace; opening the door for a constant influx of new engineers. Whether it is a temporary position, or a direct hire, finding the right skill set and personality fit are crucial to a company's success.

Empower RF Systems provides best in class RF and Microwave amplifiers and modules from 10Khz to 6Ghz with 10 watts to 10 Kilowatts output power- ideal for wireless infrastructure testing and radiated immunity compliance testing with field strengths that go beyond 200V/m CW and 2000V/m pulsed, and well aligned for demanding automotive, military, communications, and aerospace requirements. ATEC is one of the largest rental companies of test equipment for telecommunications, aerospace, semiconductor, consumer electronics and many other sectors.