6 posts tagged “military wire”

In the news, President Obama is currently deliberating with aides to determine the best course of military action in the war on terror in Afghanistan is response to a request for additional forces from the top commander there. In any military endeavor, electronics is vital part of the mission. Specifically, having dependable communication between units could mean the difference between a successful operation and a military catastrophe. Modern-day foot soldiers are now “walking computers” equipped with night vision goggles, GPS receivers, computers and radios are becoming commonplace. The interconnecting military cables must be lightweight and strong, but still contain all of the circuit conductors required by their mission.

The cables can be snagged on environmental hazards such as bushes or protrusions from vehicles. Increased strength demand means that the addition of strength members, such as Kevlar or PPO fibers, which are now the norm. Robotics cables inside tanks and heavy machinery must be able to withstand the rigors of drill after drill, and actual combat application during times of war. Satellite cables need to have lightweight shields while still maintaining the same or higher shield effectiveness. Aracon, which is nickel- or silver-plated Kevlar, can assist in these applications. As a plated fiber that will spread across the cable core,it can easily give greater shield coverage than can be obtained with flat or round copper wires.

Ground support equipment, while relying more and more on radio communications, still has the need for robust military wires between communication huts.

Fiber optics can pass large amounts of data, but there is still the need for power to the equipment. Composite cables can do both. The need for high tensile-strength members to keep the composite custom cables from pulling apart as well as crush-resistant materials to protect the fibers calls for tougher materials.

The design process starts with a source control drawing (SCD), as most harsh environment cables do not conform to the old MIL-spec system. Many cable designs use the material and physical properties and testing requirements from existing MIL-specs as a starting point and then delineate the additional requirements on the SCD. Contact your custom cable specialists to learn more.

Effective shielding prevents interference from entering or emanating from a cable

In the late 1800s, as the use of electricity was first being used for communications, interface reared its ugly head. The imperative for some form of mitigation became apparent. The first attempts involved using custom cable for wire spacing. Bare wires entered buildings and were forced closer to each other, twisting the pair was the preferred technique for reducing interference says military wire specialist. Look at early pictures of New York City; the sky is dark with thousands of wires for telegraph and telephone wires. Then radio came along, and radio broadcasts could be heard coming from the telephone wires. The need for shields became a problem begging for a solution. Wrapping the cables similar to military cable with grounding wires (a simple served shied), worked or fixed installations; but when the cable was subjected to flexing, the wrapped wires separated and interference returned. Enter the braider. Braiders were invented in the mid – 1800’s to manufacture shoe laces and other textile items. Tinsel wire, a flattened wire wrapped around a cotton or flax yarn, was used for the epaulettes on military uniforms. Early telephone engineers discovered that this was great, very flexible conductor for telephone earpiece cords. The tinsel wire could also be braided over the conductors in the earpiece cords to reduce radio interference. When the custom extrusion cable was not subjected to high flexing conditions of a telephone cord, tinsel wire could be replaced by simple strands of wire.

These days, the purpose of a shield is to prevent interference from entering or emanating from a cable. The three types of interference radio are: radio frequency interference (RFI), electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP). RFI was the earliest type of interference that engineers had to deal with, Early radio signals easily found their way into devices. Coaxial cables and shielded twisted pairs using copper eliminated most of this type of interference. Today, EMI has become more problematic because of high power transmission lines; higher magnetic fields, such as MRI machines in hospitals; and other high power applications. Copper may not offer much resistance to higher magnetic fields; therefore,the use of magnetic materials such as high permeable irons may be required. EMP is produced by the detonation of nuclear devices. When the hydrogen bombs were tested in the 1950s at Bimini Atoll in the South Pacific, circuit breakers at power stations in Hawaii were tripped by the EMP

wave from the detonation. Critical military and civilian circuits must be protected from

an EMP condition. These shields require the use of both high and low permeable materials

to reduce the effect of an EMP.

According to HealthYes!, a leading mobile medical screening provider it is critical to follow the “3’R’s” – reduce risk, recognize symptoms and respond immediately. Following these steps could limit the number of Americans who die or are disabled each year by a stroke. Also helpful are new treatments and today’s technological advanced medical wire and military cables built with exacting specification. With years of researching, developing, manufacturing and testing high-performance EKG patient cables, custom cable assemblies in turn provide the ideal material for satisfying medical and military wire equipment needs.

National Stroke Awareness Month is a great opportunity to educate your employees, friends, family and community about stroke. Knowing the symptoms of stroke and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death. Just remember, every second counts!

According to the American Stroke Association, below are the warning signs of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Each year millions of dollars are poured into the medical field worldwide for research in cures as well as accurate treatment. With the advent of many new technologies, there has been a considerable amount of improvement of new medical equipments that have been invented to provide accurate treatment for different diseases. The quality of medical cable is very important, as this will have a direct influence on the patient’s health. Advanced custom cable for the medical field is critical for producing exact specifications, such as the custom EKG patient cables which can literally mean the difference between life and death.

According to military wire and medical cable company, with years of expertise research, developing and manufacturing high-performance EKG cables, military cable and other custom medical cables assemblies provide the ideal background for satisfying market needs.