Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

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Silver Migration in Membrane Switches

Silver is a metal commonly used in many electronics and microelectronic applications including hybrid electronics, microelectronic components and membrane switches. Silver is a very attractive metal to use because it has good conductivity, durability and relatively low costs. It is much less susceptible to oxidation than bare copper and in fact silver oxide is actually more conductive than the silver itself. It has been used in polymer thick film membrane switches for over 30 years. Silver based conductive compositions are usually screen printed to form the conductive traces in membrane switches.

One of the problems associated with silver is a phenomenon known as dendrite growth or silver migration. Silver migration is the ionic movement of metal, usually between two conductive traces where an electric potential exists. Given enough movement, the migration will cause a short between two traces and render the electronic device useless. Because silver has a free ion it tends to be more active than other metals, thus more susceptible to the dendrite growth.

Silver migration will occur if there is moisture present between two traces with a potential. The rate of migration depends on the amount of moisture, the temperature and the voltage. Silver migration can be created in a test lab by applying a droplet of water between traces with a voltage potential. The migration will happen within seconds.

Membrane switches that are exposed to high humidity or moisture conditions are more likely to experience silver migration. I am personally aware of a major silver migration field failure issue that occurred in a microwave oven. This was back in the early 1980’s and the application was stove top microwave oven. Boiling water on the stove created the moisture conditions. Additionally the configuration of the assembly made this particularly susceptible to moisture collection. The “pig tail” was crimped to the main body of the membrane switch, which actually formed natural collection points for moisture. A simple design change actually eliminated the crimps and the field failure dropped to near zero.

The following are some common techniques used to reduce or eliminate silver migration.

  1. There are several new polymer thick film pastes available that contain palladium, which has been demonstrated to significantly reduce (but not eliminate) the tendency of silver to migrate. Cost and performance may be a trade off with these pastes.
  2. Protecting the traces with a carbon coating or dielectric can be effective if the proper material is adequately applied. Some materials tend to be porous and are susceptible to small “air gaps” that allow moisture to penetrate.
  3. Increasing the conductor spacing between traces that have a voltage potential will decrease the likelihood of silver migration.
  4. Keeping moisture from penetrating the membrane switch can be effective in preventing migration. There are several methods and materials available that can effectively seal a membrane switch from its environment.

Silver migration is a potential problem that needs to be addressed in the design and manufacturing process.

Source by Mark Ester

Popular and Spectacular Modular Kitchens

Cooking has become a joyful experience with the advent of modular kitchens. These kitchens have transformed the complete decor of a home with its amazing designs and styles. Now a days these become so popular that most of the people prefer to install them in their homes regardless of their prices. The dual advantages of both style and convenience have escalated their demands.

Reasons Why These Kitchens are So Popular

The modular kitchens are far better in comparison to the ordinary ones. These kitchens appear modern and chic and can be fitted even when there is space constraint. There are many advantages of using these fitted kitchens and some of them are:

  • Trendy and chic: these appear quite chic and stylish with a variety of contemporary designs and colors. A huge variety of colors can be obtained including blue, green, red, orange, birch and hues of gold and cedar.
  • Maximum utilization of space: the modular kitchens are ideal for even small spaces as with a proper design and plan, you can obtain maximum storage facilities.
  • Easy to clean: these kitchens are quite easy to clean and maintain.
  • Variety of designs and colors: You can choose from a variety of designs and attractive colors. Kitchens with simple designs are also in vogue these days.
  • Quick installation: it takes very little time to install them kitchens as most of the fittings are ready made. The experts needs little time to install them and it’s quite handy for homeowners as well if the gets a short session of installation guide training.
  • Maintenance: it is also easy to repair individual components of the kitchen separately.
  • Durable: the kitchen accessories and components last for a longer period of time if all the materials installed are authentic and of superior quality.

Accessories in Modular Kitchens

A well equipped kitchen requires a number of accessories but the modular kitchens are inclusive of some of the best accessories which make cooking a fun activity. Some of the essential accessories include:

Cooking range or hob: electric stoves and gas stoves have been transformed into a new compact unit which can be engraved into the granite countertops. Such hobs are clutter free and leave ample space for cooking. It is a single unit which has multiple burners for quicker cooking.

Units or pull out drawers: the units are the best features of modular kitchens as it helps in storing many items like utensils, food items and so forth. There are different storing capacities for different units. You can choose them according to your requirements.

Cooker hoods: cooker hoods are essential in eliminating smoke from the kitchen. Electric cooker hoods are efficient and used in many modular kitchens.

Adjustable shelves: these shelves have handles for sliding drawers which can be used for storage facilities.

Shutters: Shutters are widely used in modular kitchens as it is best way to store crockery like plate and bowls safe and clean.

A variety of modular kitchen designs are available online where you can select the best among them according to the space available in the kitchen and the estimated budget. These fitted kitchens prove to be a style statement with its contemporary designs and functions.

Source by Vaiv Jais

Pet Bird Home Hazards – Keep Your Feathered Friend Safe

Interacting with a pet bird outside of it’s cage is one of the joys of living with a bird, but the home that is safe for us, may not be so safe for our feathered friends. The little day to day things that we take for granted can injure or kill a bird in the blink of an eye.

Ceiling fans are so common in homes these days we barely take notice of them. It’s easy to forget they are even on sometimes. If your bird can fly, it can fly into the fan. The spinning blades can easily mean a quick death. When interacting with a bird outside of it’s cage, play it safe and turn off the ceiling fan!

Non-stick coated pans have made clean-up in the kitchen a breeze, but an overheated coated pan releases fumes that are toxic to your bird. Recent studies have shown that even a moderately heated pan can still emit fumes, so just regular cooking can be dangerous. When cooking, make sure your bird is safely in it’s cage to prevent any accidents and when using non-stick pans make sure the kitchen is well ventilated to prevent any fumes from reaching your bird. Want to make life for you and your birds even safer? Toss the non-stick pans…the fumes aren’t good for you either!

Pans, sinks, tubs and toilets full of water might be attractive to your birds, but it doesn’t take much water for a bird to drown. Close those toilet lids when your birds are out playing and if you both need to bathe…take a shower together and skip the bath.

Non-stick coating isn’t the only inhalant that can be dangerous to your bird. You should never use aerosol sprays in any area where your bird may inhale the fumes. If you must use sprays in rooms the birds reside in, remove the bird from the area and ventilate. Once the fumes have cleared out, then it is safe to return your bird to the area. Some bird owners have reported illness or deaths when their birds were exposed to scented candles, perfumes, hair sprays, and even scented lotions! Be aware of the scents you use in your home and watch your bird for any changes in behavior when any of those items are in use.

We all know birds use their beaks to explore and to play. Like puppies and kittens, electrical cords can pose dangers to chewing birds. Never leave a bird unattended in an area where it can chew on cords. Power still runs through electrical cords when the item in question is turned off, so don’t think any plugged in cord is safe.

Getting a birds eye view of your home and taking precaution when your feathered friend is out with you is the best way to make home sweet home a bird safe home.

Source by Jill Richards

Application of the Internet of Things in HVAC, Lighting, and Outlets for the Home

The Internet of Things has already made its way in the industrial and commercial sectors, and now it is taking up on the homes too. The home automation system is available nowadays by the companies who are looking forward to introducing the smart devices. The industries are looking forward to using them for HVAC, Outlets and even for the lighting system of one’s home. Many companies are providing these services, and many others are about to introduce them in their smart home services’ section. Let us look at the performance of smart devices in the residential houses.

Making the Smart HVAC System

The smart home concept will add convenience in the lives of the people, as they will be able to save more on energy and cost. This will also add convenience to the working of the people but before that, they need to go through several aspects of this newer technology. Most of the houses have air conditioners, centralized heating system or equipment, lighting, water heaters, outlets and much more. As the companies are providing smart HVAC system nowadays, so it plays an important role in the homes.

Most of the homeowners are dependent on HVAC as it is must have in every home in today’s days because one needs the air conditioner and ventilation system for the summers and heating system for the winters. With the usage of the IoT for this system, it will make the smart home concept, and the improvement will be shown in its working. Here are some of the positive aspects that the IoT is going to present for the HVAC system:

  • The smart device will be able to adjust the room temperature, smart thermostats will be adjusted with the cooling temperature, and the minimization and saving of energy will be there.
  • The users’ will be educated about the cooling and heating temperatures simultaneously, and the app will be monitoring the smart devices.
  • The IoT will also advise the homeowners about saving the energy and providing knowledge on saving more on the energy usage.
  • This is also a cost-effective approach as smart devices will help in saving the energy and in return, the cost will be cut down too.

Top companies have manufactured many smart home devices that will help in adjusting the room temperature and will be using a sensor to determine the temperature and the time of users’ location. It can even work well with the latest voice-activated assistants.

Watch out for the Outlets

Not only, are the smart devices designed to work well with the HVAC system but also the outlets that comprise of the power usage in your home. The IoT helps the homeowners to be aware of the power consumption of the home and how to save it as the smart thermostat does it. The hi-tech Outlet devices will help in the real-time monitoring of the power usage that is done in the home. Such devices react in an efficient manner and avoid any kind of electrocutions or the over consumption. Here are some of the uses of smart devices for the Outlets of the home:

  • An automated feature will keep a check on the consumption of power by the old and the new appliances and will warn the homeowner about the same.
  • The affordable and modernized plugs from the companies are used with the voice assistants in order to state about the power consumption of the home.
  • With the addition of wireless controls, hi-tech power sockets, etc., the power usage in the home has taken a newer scenario.

Lighting and the Internet of Things

The smart home lighting concept will also make the work of the homeowners easy, as there are many companies working on delivering the latest technology lighting devices. Various top companies are offering the most lucrative shades and the kit for smart lighting. There is a bridge offered by most of the companies that handle nearly 50 lights simultaneously. This is a great investment for the larger homes, and even some apartments prefer taking smart LED bulbs. Here are some of its useful effects:

With the usage of hi-tech lighting devices, the homeowners can get convenience, and they can save more on power and cost of the lighting system.

The features of such devices allow the residential owners to get the lights off from any place in their home. They even offer colors, and these modernized lights can prove helpful during power disruption too.

Most of the homeowners are nowadays making investments in the smart bulbs in order to save energy by turning off the lights automatically when no one is around. Therefore, in order to minimize the power consumption, smart lighting is a cost-effective idea.

The software that is developed for the lighting system is compatible with Android and iOS systems, and one can control the bridge or LED bulbs through this software.

Conclusion

While seeing the current system, the smart homes are being preferred by the homeowners as this reduces the power consumption and saving of energy is being done. The automated lighting, Outlet, and the HVAC system are becoming the need of an hour. Therefore, homeowners are ready to take the services from the companies for the smart home devices.

Source by Frank Shan

Useful Information About Dry Risers

Dry risers are the vertical mains fitted into staircase enclosures or other appropriate positions, with outlet valves on every floor and inlets fitted at ground level to enable the fire brigade to connect supply of water in case of fire in the building. The only function of the dry risers is that they provide a ready made means of distributing substantial amount of water to stub out or prevent the spread of fire.

Where dry riser should be installed?

Riser should be installed in the building where any floor is higher than 18 meters above ground level. On the other hand, buildings where there are floors higher than 60 meters above ground level, wet risers are used.

The number and disposition of dry rising mains should be such that:

1. One is provided for every 900 square meters of floor area at each level other than ground floor of the building

2. Rising mains are not more than 60 meters apart in a horizontal direction of the building

3. No part of any floor area is more than 60 meters from a landing valve measure along a route appropriate for hose lines.

Design Consideration for Dry Riser:

1. In dry riser pipe work and fittings should be of Galvani wrought steel and pipe work should be joined by screwing

2. Changes in pipe’s direction should be made with standard bends rather than elbows

3. Dry riser should have a nominal bore of 100 millimeter where only one outlet is provided on each floor. If two outlets are provided on any level on any one riser the main should have a nominal bore of 150 millimeter

4. Each riser should be provided with a 25 millimeter drain valve at the lowest point of the pipe work. When drain valve is not in use, it should be strapped and padlocked

5. An appropriate automatic air release valve should be fitted at the highest point in each rising main to allow the pressurised air in the pipe to discharge when water is pumped in.

Electrical Earth:

Dry riser should be electrically earthed and bond those joints which do not provide electrical continuity. These considerations are very important and need proper concentration at the time of installation. There are many professional companies in UK which are providing quality services for dry riser servicing, installation and maintenance.

Source by Muhammad Azam Gohar

Various Types Of Computer Repair Services

There are numerous computer repair services, hence before choosing a right one it is important to know if the provider will provide you the required service; otherwise all the research work will be wasted. In order to give a better judgment, you should be aware of all the types of repair services.

Mentioned below are the computer repair services that are commonly offered:

• Virus removal: In this type of service, the providers ensure that the virus will be removed without risking the data or the information. There are independent service providers that only remove viruses. You can also get this service online, besides a complete service includes everything that is required to bring the computer into a safe condition.

• Hardware repairs: This is related to many physical damages that are incurred by the computer, or its accessories. This includes any dents, paint jobs or other structural issues that might be faced by the computers.

• Accessories repair: There are numerous accessories with a computer, like scanners, and printers, etc. which might need a repair due to damage. A person specialized in computer hardware would not necessarily be aware of the techniques and methods required, as both have different components. They might also provide advisory services regarding this or any other matter.

• Data recovery: Sometimes due to certain issues, your data might get lost. This might be irrecoverable for you; but a professional can easily recover the data by tracking the information. This is an extremely sensitive matter, hence a high quality service should be chosen. A low quality work might result in permanent loss of data; making it impossible for an experienced professional to recover it.

• Troubleshooting and networking errors: These are the two most common types of services which can get complicated. They include network installation, and the related problems.

• Maintenance services: A computer requires constant updating and tune ups, as it not only enhances the working speed of the computer, but also increases its lifetime. It includes rebooting, updating, and installing the new windows or general inspections.

• Customization: This service has become less common in the current period, but you can ask a computer repair provider to build a customized computer for you with specific features. One important factor is the stability, so you should ask the provider about its stability.

• Tutoring: With the current fame of this business, many people show interest in learning about computer repair. That’s why many institutions offer tutoring services to people about different techniques and types of repair services. You can specialize in any type, or get an entire course, as it will be good for starting your own business or to save future repair costs.

Now that you are aware of the different types, you can easily choose what you require.

Source by Pinky Ahmad

Maintaining a Freshwater Aquarium: 100% Foolproof Method (Part I)

Many folks have or want a pet fish, but unfortunately, not all fish are as resilient as the common beta and necessitate more dedicated care. Case in point, you cannot toss a freshwater fish into a bowl with unfiltered water from your sink and do nothing but feed it once a day. Here, you may find out how to sustain a freshwater tank so you can keep happy, healthy fish that will live longer than a week.

1. First, figure out what material you want your tank to be made of. The most well-liked options are glass and acrylic (plastic), and each one has their individual pros and cons…examples being that glass breaks easier, but is more economical than acrylic, or that glass cannot be shipped via mail, yet acrylic is a better insulator than glass. It comes down to taste in the end, so we can’t advocate one tank over another.

2. You also must take into account the size of the tank that you’ll require depending upon how many fish you aim to keep. You probably will not need a tank the size of a small car for one fish, but you also can’t cram two dozen fish into a miniature tank and expect them to live. Like us, fish need oxygen; the smaller the tank, the less oxygen will be available to them. Our recommendation? Buy the biggest tank you can afford – even for a couple fish, a large tank is quintessential for space and breathing. Fish tanks come in quite a variety of sizes, from a tiny 2-gallon tank to a massive 180-gallon one. You shouldn’t require anything larger than a mid-sized tank, though, and these range from 20 to 40 gallons.

3. A freshwater tank will necessitate a filter system of some kind. There are loads of filters and filtration methods available for the freshwater tank which include canisters, standard power, sponge, mechanical, chemical, skimmers, ultraviolet, ozone (almost always for large, commercial tanks) and under gravel (most common and most favored) filters. Like the tank itself, the type of filter you purchase is up to partiality and possibly budget. In addition, you’ll need to get some kits to test the water for ammonia and nitrate, both of which are byproducts of breathing fish and both of which are toxic to fish (kind of like how humans exhale carbon dioxide, which is toxic to us). And be sure to clean out the filter from time to time; if it gets congested with fish waste or gravel, it won’t work like it should and your fish could get sick.

4. Don’t overlook a heating system – water in which fish are present is not always the same temperature as your tap. A good temperature to keep your tank at for tropical fish is around the mid to upper 70s…any hotter or colder and they may not live too long. Also, you’ll have to invest in an air p ump to keep the water circulating in the tank since no fish lives in a natural environment with completely stationary water.

5. Before you place your fish in their new home, be sure you’ve let the tank “run” for a few hours (as in at least 12 hours) so the water becomes thoroughly oxygenated and heated. Would you want to go into a new house with no heat or running water, or one where everything’s ready to go for your arrival?

6. How many fish do you want in your tank? A good rule of thumb (or fin) is that for each inch of fish, you should have a gallon of water, and this will depend on the size of the fish. For example, a dozen little fish will not need as much oxygen as one great big one. If you put a plethora of fish into the same tank, there will not be sufficient oxygen for each of them and they’ll start dying. As an example, four four-inch fish would do just fine in a properly-filtered and heated 20-gallon tank.

The above-listed steps give an overall explanation of the process of setting up the tank and getting it running. Please continue reading Maintaining a Freshwater Aquarium – 100% Foolproof Method Part II to learn about the fish themselves, how to feed them, how to keep their water clean, and keeping an eye on your critters to ensure good health.

Source by Chris Rubenstein

How to Store Handmade Rugs and Kilims to Minimize the Risks of Moth Damage

There are many reasons why people at one point or another need to store their rugs or kilims for an extended period of time. If you follow just a few guidelines, you can minimize many of the risks associated with storing your valuable rugs and kilims. Unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate the risks of moth damage completely, but follow these guidelines, and you’ll at least minimize the risk of having your rugs or kilims damaged while they are in storage:

1. Whenever you store wool rugs or kilims, you should always have them professionally cleaned first. Moths are attracted to dust and dirt; storing a dirty carpet is very risky and greatly increases the chances of having your piece damaged by moths.

2. Wrap the carpet or kilim in a cotton sheet or any other natural material that will allow the rug or kilim to “breathe.” Never store your rugs or kilims in plastic. Plastic or other similar sealing material provides the ideal humid environment for moths to flourish and devour your wool items.

3. Store your rugs and kilims in an area that is exposed to cross-ventilation. Closets are among the worst places you can store your wool rug or kilim because it provides an ideal dark and stagnant environment to which moths are attracted.

4. Keep your rug or kilim away from other wool products while it is in storage.

5. It may seem obvious, but never store your rug or kilim in an area that you know has had a moth infestation.

6. Every few weeks, open your rug or kilim for a day and place it an area where it can be exposed to some sunlight and cross-ventilation (although you may not want to place an antique rug in direct sunlight if it will cause it to fade). Examine the piece for any signs of moths or moth damage and if you find any, take it as soon as possible to a professional Oriental rug cleaner and restorer to have the problem addressed. Do not procrastinate and give moths more time to extend the damage.

Lastly, remove your rug or kilim from storage as soon as you can find a good home for it. Rugs and kilims were made to be enjoyed so never store them for longer than you have to. Follow these guidelines and you’ll go a long way to minimizing the risk of having any damage done to your handmade rugs and kilims while they are in storage.

Source by Atilla Kosker

Just What Is An HVAC System, Anyway?

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment can be a bit of a mystery to homeowners. You may be aware that your home has the ability to remain climate controlled at the touch of a button, but you find yourself wanting to understand more about the machinery that works so hard for you. Read on for a comprehensive definition of the components of your indoor climate control machinery.

Cooling:

In hot summer months, the air conditioner is the star of the climate control show. Your AC unit draws air from outside and cools and dehumidifies it as the air passes over a cold metal coil. This coil is itself an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, meaning the warm air absorbs cold from the coil, and vice-versa. Rows of tubes pass cold liquid through the coil, and flat surfaces connected to the tubes create a large cooling surface area, increasing the amount of air that can be cooled at one time. More cold surface area equals more cool air. The type of cold liquid used depends on the system you have, but can be a liquid refrigerant or chilled water with added freeze protection. Regardless of the liquid medium used, the liquid is delivered to the cooling coil at a cold temperature.

As this liquid passes through the cooling coil two things happen to the air that passes over the coil’s surface: the air’s temperature is lowered (cooled) and moisture in the air is removed (dehumidified). The cooling ability of your air conditioner depends on its efficiency at cooling and dehumidifying air. It’s important to note that factors such as outdoor temperature can affect the cooling capacity of some machinery. When cooling is inversely proportional to outdoor temperature, a machine’s ability to cool your indoor air is reduced when outdoor temperature increase. Similarly, indoor temperatures and humidity affect your machinery in much the same way. Most manufacturers of AC equipment provide a user guide that shows the efficiency change of the machinery when indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity changes.

Heating:

Central air conditioning units are usually paired with a gas or oil burning furnace to provide heat to your home through the same set of air ducts. Alternatively, there are central HVAC units called heat pumps, which combine both the heating and cooling functions. If you heat your home with electricity, a heat pump system can be more efficient in moderate climates, providing up to three times the heating per electrical energy it consumes.

Air conditioners and heat pumps use different components to functionally cool or heat your home’s air, but the basic principles of operation are the same. The heat pump transfers heat from the evaporator coil to air and circulates the now-heated air through your home. A heat pump’s heat coil actually extracts heat from outdoor air (yes, even cold winter air carries heat that can be extracted by your system). Heat pumps are often installed with a back-up furnace to help heat your home during those times when only a small amount of heat can be extracted from outdoor air.

Types of Systems:

Typical homes employ a “split system” HVAC, with the air condensing unit placed outside the home, and the coil inside. The other available type is called a “packaged” air conditioner, and it combines the condensing unit and the coil into one outdoor unit. The best unit for you depends entirely on your home’s location and construction.

Source by Shawna Thompson

3 Tips to Finding a Beautiful Vacation Home in Your Budget

Spending time in a comfortable holiday home can be extremely relaxing and refreshing. Moreover, if you can stay at a beautiful vacation home without overstretching your budget, there is nothing like it. This article explains how you can achieve a harmonious balance between the two. Follow these three simple tips to get your dream holiday home within your budget.

Do your research

Research is very important if you want to get a beautiful vacation house within budget. Since actually going out into the field and doing a survey from the ground up would take a lot of time, the Internet is a good place to start. You will find several tourist sites, social media pages and discussion blogs where tourists review and rate various aspects of their holiday homes. This will give you a fair idea of which features of a vacation home appeal the most to visitors. In this way, you will know which aspects of the house should be high on your priority list. You will also get to know the areas and neighborhoods where the most beautiful homes are available.

The research will also show various agents and property knowledgeable dealers with insight into the market and know whom you can approach with your query.

Trial the vacation house first

At first glance, every house will look like the perfect investment. However, do not get fooled. Photographers and editors work meticulously by choosing camera angles, lighting and even photo editing tools when publishing photographs of holiday homes in travel magazines and brochures. Take the sensible route and visit the house several times before settling on it. The house should be comfortable and exciting enough to make you want to visit the place regularly and to commit to it long-term. Remember that once you have made the investment, it will be difficult to offload the property, and you may not have the time to do that. Make sure that you are comfortable with the location, amenities, neighborhood, scenery, and structure of the house before making the purchase.

New houses last longer

The design of vacation houses is to be beautiful and aesthetic. However, not all of this beauty comes without effort. A lot of effort goes into the upkeep and maintenance of the house. If you want to avoid this hassle, in the end, opt for a newer property since an older house will pose more frequent maintenance issues.

Moreover, if you plan to rent out your property, you will need to make frequent repairs and upgrades to keep your property hot on the property market. This involves making plumbing and electrical repairs, upgrading the fittings, landscaping the lawns, and regular maintenance. Be prepared to invest the time and money into this effort to continue to enjoy the benefits of your holiday home.

A beautiful vacation home comes with its own set of expenses but does not necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg. Being ready with the correct information and realistic expectations, you can certainly find the holiday home for the price you are willing to pay.

Source by Moona Sharief