MovieStuff, a leader in HD home movie equipment needs, has expanded their line of Reel-to Reel transfer systems. MovieStuff specializes in frame-by-frame scanning to assure transfers are 100% flicker free, crystal clear and razor sharp from corner to corner.

MovieStuff WorkPrinter-HD Telecine

The ScanStream DV8 Sniper-HD, featuring unique PulseGate Technology, was custom designed and fabricated to create super 8 and regular 8mm transfers that offer sharpness and clarity that can only come with frame by frame scanning in high definition.

MovieStuff has selected and implemented the VCC panel lens products into their latest system. The Bi-Color CNX “D” connector was selected for easy assembly to the front panel and multi function of a Bi-Color RED / Green LED. The traditional methods of soldering wires to the LED and then heat shrinking the insulator was time consuming and costly.

“We do lots of panel work and need a quick and affordable solution for mounting LED’s. We’re pleased we found VCC. “ Said Daniel Jircik.

VCC specializes in developing and producing LEDs, connectors and other devices that are not only suitable for a wide variety of applications, but are also easy to install. Our development of alternative connections options support LED leads by providing the stability necessary to eliminate the broken and damaged lead problems. LED push back problems are also resolved through these innovations and result in a more secure assembly.

The CNX “D” connector was perfect for this project as it simplified method of electrically connecting Bi-Color LED’s and required no tools for assembly. The CNX “D” provides a simple, fast press-fit connection to the CLIPLITE lens. The “D” connector enables the pre-assembled wire harness, precluding the need for hard wire directly to the LED. This configuration permits easy replacement of defective LED’s in final assembly and will reduce both time and cost associated with test and field service operations.

Contact VCC today for your specialized application needs.

MovieStuff is the world’s leading supplier of high def and standard def telecine equipment for the small business.

For “Something New Under the Sun” visit MovieStuff at: http://www.moviestuff.tv

The many benefits of LEDs have now led to a wide spread rush to implement them in a variety of new ways. One of the fields in which LEDs are taking over is backlighting for various applications from televisions, to IPOD displays and numerous LCD devices.

Regardless of the particular application, Engineers are in agreement regarding several ways in which LED devices provide advantages over other backlighting options such as CRT and fluorescent bulbs. The benefits of LED usage in backlight applications include:

• Improved Reliability – As they are solid-state devices, LEDs have a longer lifespan typically lasting over 100,000 hours. A benefit of solid state devices, LEDs will perform consistently from installation to end of life cycle as opposed to florescent options which continuously lose up to 50% of their light output over their life cycle.
• Lower Power Consumption – LED backlights have lower power consumption than traditional backlighting sources. Manufacturers quote a 60% reduction in power consumption for LED backlighting compared to conventional mercury-arc lamps.
• Blur Reduction and Brightness – LCD displays have a motion blur effect primarily because an LCD pixel remains lit, unlike the CRT phosphor screens which are strobed for a very short time. To resolve this issue, one of the latest improvements being employed by large manufacturers is to use LED for the backlighting. They then employ a new scanning technology that strobes the horizontal rows of LEDs from top to bottom. This approach is also superior in reducing computer generated motion blur produced by video games.
• Blacker blacks – The improved dynamic contrast ratio achieved through use of LEDs for backlighting creates improved contrasts, stronger blacks and whites as well as a greater range of color levels in between. This is accomplished by utilizing multiple LEDs to vary the backlighting across the LCD screen based on the image displayed.
• Wider Color Array – LED’s cover a broader range of red and greens well over the NTSC standards. This results in a more extensive range of colors allowing images to appear more life-like. Current improvements using LED backlighting are bringing the available color array closer to the human eye’s perception range.
• Environmentally friendly – The significantly lower power requirements of LEDs result in reduced air pollution from carbon emissions. The longer life span of saves maintenance costs by being replaced less often. In addition, LEDs do not contain mercury and thus are not only easier and less expensive to dispose of they are safer and leave less of an environmental impact. Even Apple computer began changing to LED backlit display in their efforts to become a “greener apple.”

Though using LEDs in backlighting applications is still more expensive at this time, the benefits are overcoming the cost concerns. The new development in LED materials will also reduce the price in the future. Regardless, the benefits are so strong that the result has been an increased demand for LED use in backlit applications in all sizes. This will significantly boost LED production requirements immediately and into the future. VCC Optoelectronics is happy to provide you with LEDs and LED mounting components for your entire project.  Check out our catalog for LEDs as well as products you will require to complete a successful and innovative PCB design.

The first few decades after the 1907 discovery of electroluminescence by British experimenter H.J. Round, were very slow in the development and use of this innovation. However, research and progress was being made. In the 1960’s Texas Instruments received a patent for the first infrared LED and a more practical version came the next year by the scientists at General Electric.

From that time until the present day, constant research, testing and developments have taken place to allow some truly unique and amazing uses of LEDs. The inhibitive costs in the first applications have been greatly reduced increasing the logical applications for everyday products. The recent concerns in reduction of energy usage and environmental responsibility completed the circle and LEDs have been touted as the preferred lighting device. Where they were once relegated to single signal usage, seven-segment displays and simple indicators, today the applications are unlimited.

Traffic signals are currently being converted to energy and Co2 reducing LED cluster lights. They are used to light entire rooms as well as their trusty, proven use as signals and indicators. Billboard size video displays are manufactured with LEDs. There are even applications in the clothing industry where safety vest, jackets and head gear are being equipped with LEDs to increase personal protection whether working in a hazardous location or taking an evening jog down the road.

The UK is taking the lead in the implementation of energy busting LEDs for traffic signal and street lighting. London has become the first major city to secure a finance initiative to replace both street and traffic signals throughout the majority of the city. The London Mayor estimates the LED street lights and traffic signals will save the taxpayers up to 25% of their street lighting bill as well as reduce Co2 emissions by 60%.

Clothes are usually designed to be practical or fashionable. Today they are also functioning as true safety gear for the average person as well as field applications engineer. A shirt that lights up at night draws attention much faster than waiting for the head beams of a car or piece of equipment to illuminate a reflective strip. Gloves are being manufactured with LED lights embedded to assist workers and sportsmen. Instead of relying on someone holding a flashlight, the LED gloves will consistently illuminate the work area. Headlamps with LED clusters have been designed and implemented for rock climbers and campers. You then have the copious amount of marketing and personalized visual displays being applied to everything from t-shirts to hats to shoes that flash when you walk.

No matter what unique idea you come up with or what project your challenged to find an answer for, when it comes to lighting, LEDs are the wave of the future.

VCC high-performance Litepipes™ and LEDs are available in a wide variety of sizes, mounting types, colors, power ratings, intensities and wavelengths to meet your every application need. We can also assist you with selection and even the development of custom applications. Our interconnections, standoffs and myriad of other accessories are available in our product catalog.

LEDs are among the most environmentally friendly electronic components available today. The expected life of a properly designed LED lighting assembly can exceed 10-12 years, or 70,000 hours. There are no moving parts to wear out, filaments to be broken or mercury biohazards present. So how, you may ask, can one extend the life cycle of this product?

The first key for maximizing your circuitry and extending the lifecycle of an LED is to correctly size and wire your components. To avoid almost instant burn out, a resistor must be connected in series with LEDs to limit the current.

To calculate the resistor value ‘R’ use the following:

R = (V_S – V_L)/I where:

V_S = Supply Voltage

V_L = LED Voltage

I   = LED Current

Check manufacturer specifications for the applicable LED voltage and current. If the resistor value calculated is not available choose the next larger size to limit the current and protect your LED.

When connecting multiple LEDs it is advisable to wire them in series when possible, as they will share the same current. If parallel connections are to be used, make sure each LED has a resistor in series to limit the current in that leg and protect your device. Always be sure to double-check polarity. While many think the only result of incorrect wiring is a light that doesn’t energize but it is possible to apply a reverse voltage above the typically low reverse breakdown voltage of an LED. This will result in damage to your LED and a reduced lifecycle, if not destruction of the component.

The future opportunities for extending LED life cycles are abundant. I’ve included a couple of the most interesting projects that are closest to completion and implementation.

One of the new developments being researched and tested is using metal-coated silicon wafers. This will reduce costs further and extend the LED life cycle even beyond current abilities. The Applied Physics Letters journal published a study by Purdue Engineers regarding current silicon-based research trials. A reflective metal coating is applied to a silicon wafer. The new metal coating is a thin, reflective layer of zirconium nitride.

Currently, when the LED emits light, that light is emitted in both the up and down directions. The reflective metal coating limits the light lost in the downward direction. This will reduce the LED duty cycle and allow an extended life.

Another method of operating LED circuits through manipulation of the gain control and duty cycle is currently seeking a patent. The higher gain control in this technique results in a duty cycle of less than 100%. This extends LED life by essentially slowing the aging process. This process also includes end-of life predictions for your LED device or entire lighting assembly. Being able to predict and replace LEDs during scheduled maintenance times reduces facility cost and downtime of equipment.

There are many other research projects in place to improve the life cycle and efficiency of light emitting diodes. A variety of these use IC chips for circuit control while others employ new multi-chip technologies.

With copious amounts of research time and money being dedicate to improving the current benefits of LED usage, this is a new and exciting time for this field. Research efforts to further prolong LED life will once again bring new life to this device and expand its use to unknown limits.

Electronic component salvage is catching on with Engineers in both shops and test facilities. You may wonder why would they choose to salvage parts that you can buy for pennies? Many different reasons exist but the most significant are:

• Whether it be an emergency repair or a prototype circuit board, having wide assortment of salvaged parts on hand, ready to grab in the middle of a project, saves the time it would take to choose to order parts from a catalog.
• A newly encouraged sense of responsibility to save perfectly reusable components from going into the landfill.
• Bringing acknowledgement and benefits to your company or facility for your efforts in implementing green strategies.

Knowing what types of components, including LEDs, that your facility most commonly uses, is the best place to start. Compile that list and create a storage system so you don’t end up with a large pile of junk instead of valuable components, ready to use. Invest in a tower or even desktop organizer with small compartments and clear drawers that can be labeled clearly. Look in your local hardware store or ask your electronic supplier, as they have great storage pieces designed specifically for this use. After reviewing the list you have made and the number of components you would like to keep on hand, it may be feasible to buy separate storage for the different component types (i.e. LED tower, resistor tower, etc)

If your facility decides to salvage through-hole IC’s, those are best left in the circuit board until you are ready to use them. Part such as diodes, LEDs, resistors and capacitors are more economical to remove and store by size or in the case of LEDs, color.

Note – Make sure trained personnel are available to do the removal. Wear all necessary protective gear, especially goggles when salvaging parts.

There are still ways to keep an assortment of spare, salvaged parts around without doing the work in-house. That option is to buy your parts from an electronics salvage dealer. You can find a list of them here.

If your department goes crazy with parts salvage, you can sell them to recycling facilities. As a matter of fact, facilities such as IMS Electronics Recycling will buy your unused boards without you first removing the parts at all. They accept almost anything including old pc boards, low-grade pcbs and even cellular pcbs. They recover not only parts but also precious metals. It’s a great way to reduce waste, be responsible and make a profit.

When beginning a salvage program at your facility, be sure to make those in charge aware of your efforts, as they may be able to get government or local concessions for being environmentally aware and instituting recycling practices. The EPA and NCER websites allow you to search both federal and local recycling programs and the benefits you can obtain from participating. Being pro-active in reducing waste and conserving our resources shows we not only care about the products we make and sell but about the environment and community around us.

The excitement you feel when watching a pyrotechnics display at a concert or watching explosive special effects in a movie can transport you to another place in time; watching law enforcement or military operations involving explosives can amaze and frighten you at the same time. In reality, these operations are dangerous and only the best trained personnel with the most precise equipment and protective gear can conduct a successful operation.

Implementing any type of explosive activity is monitored and regulated by the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal). Extreme caution and supervision must always be the first consideration. Specially designed equipment must be precise and easy to read. Hazardous operations may generate adrenaline but operators can never forget that there is always a risk to the safety, lives and property around them.

Blaster One Control Unit

Blaster One EOD designs and manufactures electronic devices for the bomb-squad and explosives industries. They recently researched and developed the BB-75 Capacitive Discharge Blasting Machine for use by law enforcement, the military and various special effects groups.  This device integrates internal energy testing and a digital galvanometer.

As is often the case with applications that involve extreme hazards, great care and thought was taken in the design. Specially designed LEDs and lens were needed for this project to assure easy to read and accurate readings.

After an extensive review of possible suppliers, Blaster-One selected VCC for several reasons. As stated by Cory Star of Blaster-One:

“VCC had the perfect components, and just as important, they have outstanding customer service. When we queried about a “super-bright” bi-color 3mm LED (that doesn’t exist elsewhere) they told us they had just created one! Needless to say, we promptly placed an order. The current project uses one super-bright white LED-VAOL-3GWY4, one super-bright bi-color LED-VAOB-3GRGE4-C, one yellow Fresnel lens-SMB200YTP, and one clear Fresnel lens-SMB200CTP.

Mr. Gregg Johnson and Mr. Mark Baker took extra concern in finding me the right components, and providing many samples. We will continue to choose VCC for all of my opto-electronic components now, and in the future – and I sincerely recommend them to anyone looking for such.”

VCC is devoted to producing highly technical and precise devices for every application and was pleased to provide the LEDs and lenses for this important project. VCC has taken a pro-active role in encouraging our clients to achieve their best by providing ours daily.

In that interest, VCC presents its Design Award to Blaster-One EOD Equipment for their dedication to excellence in research and development in a field demands only the best.

Additional information about Blaster-One EOD Equipment can be found at www.blasterone.com

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small solid-state lamps used mainly for signaling and circuit board applications. The first commercial applications were limited to single bulb applications such as circuit board signals and instrument panels. They were also used as replacements for incandescent and neon indicator lamps, for seven segment displays, and various laboratory devices.

The use of LEDs, however, is growing as the benefits both in energy consumption and cost savings are realized. Newer applications include traffic lighting, exit signs, TV’s, watches, home fixtures and even Christmas light displays. These applications are achieved by clustering large amounts of LED’s into one housing and provide many benefits over previous lighting options.

A current goal of most organizations is to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally responsible about consuming resources. Implementing LEDs in new and creative ways can reduce emissions of CO₂ and also provide payback in longer life and lower power bills.

In buildings and renovations where LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is desired; using LED lighting on exit signs, elevator indicator lights, room lighting and all possible applications will help meet the required reductions for energy use and consumption.

The environmentally green benefits of LED usage include but are not limited to the following:

• Extended Life Cycle: LED bulbs last up to ten times longer than compact fluorescent bulbs and far longer than typical incandescent bulbs.

• High Efficiency: LEDs use between 1/3 and 1/30 the amount of energy of CFL and incandescent lamps. An LED being a solid-state device also lasts approximately ten times longer than the other options available. This saves on maintenance and replacement costs.

• Durability: Unlike other lamp types, LEDs do not have internal filaments that can be damaged or broken in the same circumstances in which another bulb type would be need replacement. Since they are solid LEDs hold up much better to jarring or an occasional bump.

• Reduced Heat Generation: LED applications will produce less heat than other bulb types, thus requiring less cooling in the system.

• Safe Disposal: Unlike compact fluorescents, which contain mercury or the old incandescent bulb that breaks into shards of glass, the LED can simply be removed and thrown away. No Biohazards or cut fingers here!

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Led usage can reduce your carbon footprint by close to 60% over other bulb types.

• Cost Effectiveness: LEDs for circuit board and signaling applications are inexpensive to implement. The cost for LED clusters is slightly more to purchase initially but the power savings over time and the long life of the lamps allow you to see a return on your investment in a short period of time.

• Variety of Use: The variety of uses for LEDs is endless. The ability to quickly modulate allows LEDs to be used with fiber optics and free space optic cabling systems where normal bulb types cannot be implemented. They can also be used in combination with phototransistors or diodes to provide circuit isolation. This is especially important for medical applications. The infrared abilities of LEDs allow them to be used in many remote applications from your computer mouse to emergency communications equipment.

• Lower Machine Power Usage: LEDs can be used as machine vision systems. For applications such as process lines that require bright illumination and barcode scanners currently using laser lighting; an LED will reduce power consumption when used in place of other lighting types.

By simply taking another look at your applications and implementing LED strategies, you can see payback in your power bill, receive certifications for being conservation leaders and be environmentally responsible at the same time.

Talk-A-Phone, a Chicago-based communications manufacturer was in need of a set of LED indicators for its series of VoIP emergency phones. The indicators needed to be outdoor-rated, due to the phone systems being installed in settings such as parking facilities, college campuses, medical centers, and industrial parks.

VCC’s solution included our CNX C Series connector (5mm LEDs) and a CMS 322 RTP lens. The CNX C Series requires no tools for assembly while providing a simple, fast press-fit connection to the panel lens. The CMS 322 RTP low-profile panel lens is designed to provide a means of protecting equipment from both drip or splash conditions. It meets IP 56/NEMA 4 requirements; providing a highly effective seal against water and dust. Additionally, the aforementioned low-profile design minimizes the potential problem of snagging, interference, or other physical damage that might result from outside agencies such as clothing, jewelry, tools, etc.

Additional information about Talk-A-Phone and its products can be found at www.talkaphone.com.

Mesa Boogie, the Petaluma-based company known for their diverse range of power-style guitar amps, has selected VCC to provide panel indicator lenses for its products. The CLB 300 is a low-profile, button-type lens that is designed for use with 5mm LEDs. It has a smooth, clean look with a convex shaped surface protruding above the panel. This minimizes the potential problem of snagging or other interference that might result from varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the CLB 300 uses striated lines and Fresnel rings to increase the apparent brightness to 125% and deliver a 180 degree viewing angle. All of the features above helped  VCC distinguish itself as having the fit and feel Mesa Boogie was seeking.

Jim Albritton, a VCC Sales Representative explained, “For Mesa Boogie, aesthetics are very important. The indication products offered by VCC’s competitors just didn’t provide the clean look and feel that Mesa Boogie was looking for.”

Find more information about Mesa Boogie and its products here.

Neato Robotics, maker of innovative robotic vacuum cleaners, recently called on VCC to develop a half-circle lightpipe for the Power On button in its SLA prototypes to be tested. Unlike standard SLA materials, VCC’s lightpipe SLAs are made of a material that closely mimics the acrylic that will be used to manufacture the final product, providing a more accurate prototype. With only a two-day turnaround, VCC’s full-service SLA shop came through with shining colors, literally.

Following this success, Neato Robotics approached VCC with another time-sensitive request: to provide a custom Bi-Color high-bright LED for its product. VCC once again met the delivery demands on time and exceeded Neato’s expectations in overall light output performance.

For more information on Neato Robotics, visit www.neatorobotics.com.