ASAP IT Technology Blog

If you have ever used a microphone to give a presentation, it was likely linked with a speaker or some other amplification device. Many assume that this setup is the only way in which a microphone can function. However, microphones can operate independently of any loudspeaker or such devices. In this blog, we will discuss the mechanism by which microphones can transmit data without an external playback system.
 
At the most basic level, a microphone is a device that is able to convert sound waves into electrical signals using a vocal diaphragm and transducer. Individual microphones will vary in design past the level of the diaphragm, with some containing additional transistors and transformers. In addition, depending on a particular component's need for power, a microphone can be labeled as either passive or active.
 
Similarly, loudspeakers and other output devices can function independently of a microphone. These devices convert electrical signals into sound waves which travel through the air and eventually enter a consumer's ear. With both descriptions laid out, one may notice that speakers have an inverse function to a microphone.
 
When these two devices are used together, as is usually the case, the microphone is linked to the output device by a cable or wireless transmitter. As the signal propagates through the line, it is amplified by the output device to increase its intensity. Between the input and output devices, several additional components can be added to further modulate the signal and are thus explained:

 
1. Microphone Preamp: This device is used to boost the low output from the microphone into a signal that is compatible with the external amplification equipment. Higher-end preamps perform additional functions such as lessening distortion and increasing gain.

2. Analog-To-Digital Converter: Since microphones naturally produce an analog output, analog-to-digital converters must be equipped to change the signal to digital.

3. Digital Mixing Console: These consoles are commonly employed in professional settings to combine, equalize, and modulate other characteristics of multiple sound channels before the signals move on. These robust tools can be used to modify real-time or recorded inputs.

4. Power Amplifiers: The last step before the microphone input reaches the loudspeaker is the power amplifier. These devices increase the magnitude of the input signal to be above the needed output threshold. Power amplifiers must convert input signals into a variety of different outputs. For example, the required signal power for devices such as headphones is in the milliwatts, whereas home theater systems may require up to several kilowatts of power to properly function.

Wireless microphones work using similar principles, but without the need for certain intermediate components. In these audio systems, the electrical signal from the microphone passes through the transmitter and is converted to a radio or infrared light wave. These waves travel through the air before being picked up by a receiver on the output device. Typically, wireless microphones and receivers are sold as a package because most are not interchangeable.
 
As you can see, both microphones and output devices can function independently of each other. If you are in the market for high-quality audio recording equipment or other electronic components, look no further than ASAP IT Technology. As a leading distributor of aviation, NSN, and IT hardware, we offer customers direct access to an inventory of over 2 billion ready-to-purchase components. Additionally, we leverage our market expertise and global supply chain to bring customers competitive pricing and rapid lead times. If you are facing a time constraint and need your parts quickly, you can depend upon our robust network of distribution centers which enables us to offer expedited shipping on all orders. Submit an RFQ through our website today to learn how ASAP IT Technology can serve as your strategic sourcing partner.

In computer graphics, there are several strategies that inventors use to increase resolution and accurate color while saving storage. While modern computers use high graphics cards capable of storing up to 32 GB of memory, an older and less appreciated approach to computer graphics is the planar method. This blog will discuss what planar graphics are, its pitfalls, and the current applications for this system.
 
Planar graphics operate by using several bitmaps of RAM to arrange pixel data. In this system, every bit is associated with one exact pixel. The distinguishing factor which sets planar graphics apart from other forms of organization, such as chunky, is that the data for an individual pixel is spread out across various bitmaps that make up the display.

Prior to higher-performing graphics cards, older memory chips could not supply enough data to display an image from a large bitmap onto a monitor. Planar graphics systems worked around this by storing the data in various planes, which could be stored by different memory chips.  With the data being split up between multiple chips, it could be read at a slower rate, allowing for an appropriate image to be displayed. While modern graphics systems and chunky displays store color values for each pixel contiguously, such as an RGB or BGR display, planar formats store each color component in a different plane. This was a critical difference in the 1980s and '90s because if the monitor only needed to display eight colors, a chunky display would assign eight bits to each pixel versus the three from a planar display.
 
The apparent advantage of a planar graphics system is the ability to save a significant amount of RAM. For example, on a 640x480 screen with 32 colors, a planar arrangement would only need 192,000 bytes versus the 307,200 bytes that would have otherwise been required. Additionally, planar graphics were also beneficial in allowing older programs to still run even after a system upgrade. For example, if a monitor was upgraded from a 16 to 32-color display, a planar arrangement would still allow 16-color games or programs to run. These programs worked because the software on planar-based systems could specify how many planes it wanted to use and completely disregard unneeded colors.
 
There are several technical disadvantages to planar graphics, which is one of the reasons they are rarely used today. The most significant drawback is that scrolling and other kinetic animations require more RAM address cycles to display correctly. On planar graphics systems, the display would flicker as text scrolled by or would temporarily change color. As the performance of graphics cards exponentially increased through the 2000s, and the number of colors used in displays increased eight-fold, planar graphics became nearly obsolete. Many of the planar graphics systems sold today are legacy pieces and are very rare. Examples of specific models include the Lenovo 02DC327, Planar SD2020, and Dell 1909Wb. The Commodore Amiga and NES, famous for their revolutionary color video games, were the first to popularize a planar graphics system.
 
If you are in search of premium graphics cards, monitors, or any other electronic components, look no further than ASAP IT Hardware. Take the time to explore our vast inventory, and know that our team of industry experts is readily on standby to provide you with a personalized quote or answer any questions. We are owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor and proudly operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. As such, we maintain a quality control program that exceeds industry standards to ensure you receive the highest quality components. At ASAP IT Hardware, we aim to be more than a trusted distributor; we strive to be your strategic sourcing partner.

Whether for entertainment, education, or other purposes, projection screens are quite useful for displaying projected images for an audience. Projection screen equipment may be portable or permanent in installation, while others may even take advantage of inflatable screens for outdoor events. The screen that is used for projection will often differ depending on the application and environment, materials and designs being set to enhance how light is diffusely reflected.
 
For projection screens that are used for movie theaters, reflective screens are used, such materials either being aluminized or a white surface containing small glass beads. As projection screen accessories such as speakers and subwoofers are placed directly behind the assembly, evenly spaced holes are situated across the screen itself. Home theaters are fairly similar in geometry, often coming in the form of rigid wall-mounted screens or pull-down screens. Pull-down screens are quite beneficial for spaces where there is not enough space for a permanent installation, and such equipment is commonly produced with painted fabric.
 
In some instances, an electric screen may be used. These types are often situated on a wall, ceiling, or recessed within a ceiling. While typically being large in size, some may be available for home theater use. Often, these screens are raised and lowered with the use of electric motors that are controlled by a remote control or wall-mounted switch. Sometimes, the electric screen may even be automatic in deployment and retraction, operating when the projector itself is turned on or off.
 
Beyond such types, another common variation is the mobile screen. Generally, such equipment will come in the form of a pull-down screen placed on a free stand or a pull-up screen placed on a weighted base. Typically, such options are best when there is no wall or ceiling that the projector can feasibly be attached to. Alongside permanently installed pull-down screens, both types may either be tensioned or not tensioned. Non-tensioned screens often face the downside of constant movement if there is a current present, causing the image to be imperfect.
 
As visuals are simply projected onto the screen, rather than sourcing from the screen itself, as would be the case with a TV, image brightness and contrast will be dependent on ambient light conditions, the luminous power of the project, and the size of the projected image itself. Often, the larger a screen is, the less luminous the image will be when there is ambient light. To promote a clearer and higher quality image, the room should be kept as dark as possible. Furthermore, screen surfaces that direct light back at the source can also be beneficial. 
 
If a flat screen with high reflection is used, such equipment may suffer from hot spots where a brighter image is displayed in one area. High gain screens also suffer from a reduced viewing angle, meaning that one needs to be very selective on which screen they choose and where it will be placed. After narrowing down the various needs that you have for your particular projection applications, let the experts at ASAP IT Technology help you source all you require.
 
ASAP IT Technology is your sourcing solution for all the projector screen equipment and projector screen accessories you require, offering a plethora of top quality components from leading manufacturers such as Epson, Acer, Sony Corporation, and Hitachi Electronics. As you peruse our vast offerings, you may request quotes at any time through the submission of a completed RFQ form through our website. With team members always available for customers 24/7x365, responses will be given in just 15 minutes or less from the receipt of a completed form.

Are you debating the advantages of a laser printer? A speedy equivalent to older model printers, laser printers provide an economical solution to high-speed printing when precision, accuracy, and efficiency are key. Not to be confused with their relative, the inkjet printer, laser printers harness a specialized printing method dissimilar to most standard inking systems. In lieu of using a continuous ink jet (CIJ) or drop-on-demand (DOD) system found in most inkjet printers, laser printers employ a fuser unit for transferring toner onto paper or another medium of choice.
 
If purchasing a laser printer or fuser assembly parts is on your agenda, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed purchase. To better understand laser printers, we will dive into how they function, examining their parts and how they contribute to improved printing quality for offices and industrial applications.
 
First implemented for commercial use in 1976 by IBM and setting the precedent for future models, laser printers have modernized into multifunctional devices capable of printing, faxing, scanning, and photocopying — among other tasks. Manufactured in various sizes for home, office, and heavy-volume printing, laser printers can be chosen based on an individual's primary printing needs. For more specific applications, systems that only print in black and white (monochrome) or color are available for convenience. Outweighing standard printers with their capability to produce persistent high-quality, high-volume prints, laser printers are also advantageous for text documents and image printing. As such, they can print in a variety of color options for crisp, sharp printing of all text and images.
 
When initiating the printing process, a laser printer will always begin by repeatedly passing a laser over a negatively-charged, light-sensitive cylinder known as an organic photoconductor or “drum.” Constructed to improve photoconductivity, these drums are often made from N-vinylcarbazole or an organic monomer for the efficient deflection of electrons when exposed to light. Additionally requiring the use of an electrically charged powdered ink (toner) instead of a liquid toner, powdered toners are critical for their particular application within laser printers. As the laser moves across the drum, it will activate miniature electrostatically-charged dots which act to attract toner. Selectively depositing toner in specific locations with the aid of the negatively charged drum, a differentially-charged image along the internalized drum is then formed and ready to be applied to a printing material as the printing process continues.
 
Subsequently moving from the drum to the fuser component, the materials being printed on must then be heated to a maximum threshold of 801 °F to instantly fuse the toner to paper. This process involves passing paper through two rollers, a heat roller and a pressure roller, which act to evenly apply pressure and heat. Affixed in a fuser assembly, a heat roller consists of a hollow tube built with a suspended heat lamp while a pressure roller is simply a rubber-backed roller. Respectively, heat rollers and their accompanying radiant heat lamps serve to apply infrared energy along the entire expanse of a hollow cylinder, while pressure rollers act as a backing roller to firmly apply pressure. Once the fusing process has been completed, the finished product will display your image onto your printing medium of choice, and your paper(s) will be expelled for collection.
 
Promoting unparalleled clarity, laser printers are known for their efficiency when it comes to minimizing ink and energy waste, but at what cost? Though exceptional for long term cost savings, especially when comparing the cost of powdered toner to printer ink, laser printers have a higher upfront cost as compared to inkjet printers. Due to being newer in terms of technology, manufacturing costs for laser printers can easily be doubled. However, as laser printers continue to grow in popularity for their multiple benefits, the initial cost of a laser printer can be expected to drop in the near future, matching its competitors in terms of pricing and obtainability.
 
No matter your printing needs, for all laser printers, it is best to understand the working components of internal parts for the adequate facilitation and repair of sensitive equipment. To obtain the printers and necessary parts for their operations, we invite you to browse our inventory for numerous systems ready to be put to work. Whether you require fuser bearings, fuser kits, radiant heat lamps, toner, and more, ASAP IT Technology is here to streamline and expedite any one of your orders for immediate procurement. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation, alongside our NO CHINA sourcing pledge. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.  

Skywriting is a traditional method of advertising used to share information publicly in an easy-to-view format within the sky. Leaving behind a specialized trail of smoke, aircraft used for skywriting employ specific oils that leave exhaust visible as visual text or shapes in the sky. Those who decided to take on the role of a skywriter originally flew solo, operating a single aircraft to create visual text in the sky. Modernized with specialized equipment, digital skytyping is now a method of advertising that can be completed with five aircraft in shorter periods of time. Often done around a large audience or group of people to display aerial advertisements, personalized messages, and more, skywriting is an eye catching experience that can easily captivate many.
 
Though the exact creation and original use of skywriting remains uncertain, it is estimated to have been perfected in 1919, subsequently used in the United States the following year. First implemented as a means of advertising in 1922, priming the arrival of Savage and Cyril Turner to New York, skywriting was not commercialized in the United States until 1932 by Sid Pike. Gaining traction by corporations and aerial artists alike, skywriting rapidly became a popular means of visual advertising in the following decade. Substituting standard skywriting for digital skytyping in the 1940s, aircraft that once utilized a one-man crew for skywriting could now be replaced by five aircraft and pilots, alongside the assistance of computer controlled digital writing systems.
 
Faster in its processes as compared to skywriting, skytyping utilizes “dot matrix skywriting,” later coined as skytyping by Skywriting Corporation in 1946. While skytyping has surpassed skywriting as a preferred method of aerial advertising, small aircraft and the parts they employ to perform such features remain relatively the same. Often using five or more aircraft to get the job done, any aircraft used for skytyping must be equipped with an ejector and pressurized container of viscous oil. This viscous oil, Canopus 13, formerly known as Corvus Oil, is an oil specifically chosen to generate dense smoke necessary for making skywriting and skyping visible. Depending on the weather, skytyping is also best performed on sunny, clear days where overcast skies are not an issue.
 
Taking place at an elevation around 10,000 feet, once the appropriate elevation has been reached, all pilots involved in the skytyping process can then align to fly in formation. Once flying side-by-side and equidistant from one another, aircraft are then ready to create individual dots at their designated intervals. Relying on a computer automated system to calculate where and when smoke should be emitted when skytyping, pilots do not have any control over such systems and are only required to navigate the aircraft into proper formation. Once completed, the individual dots emitted by all accompanying aircraft combine to form words in the atmosphere.
 
If you are questioning starting your own skytyping business, it is important that you take into consideration quality tools to create a successful business centered around safety and prized results. Parts fundamental to all aircraft performing skytyping include: a paraffin-based oil or fluid, aircraft of specific weight and balance requirements, and a smoke oil tank. Although devoid of acrobatics and relatively short on part requirements, skytyping requires pilots to be skilled in terms of aerial formations. Without significant practice when flying in close proximity to other aircraft, a pilot risks causing serious harm to themselves, and those around them.
 
When you are looking for the best digital writing system the market has to offer, rely on your partners at ASAP IT Technology for streamlined services on all your part procurement needs. As your trusted supplier of skytyping systems and their various parts, we invite you to browse our inventory for numerous digital writing systems from name brand manufacturers such as Solidtek, Epson, and more. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.