What Does an Inertial Navigation System Do?

Inertial Navigation Systems are electronic systems that monitor the location, velocity, and acceleration of a vehicle, often a submarine, missile, or airplane. This enables sharing of navigational data or control without requiring communication with a base station.

At least three gyros and three accelerometers are used in an INS system to obtain a navigation solution. At the very least, this navigation solution comprises the position (normally latitude, longitude). Today, the majority of Inertial Navigation Systems output heading, pitch, and roll. Additionally, some systems incorporate heave, sway, and surge.

Benefits and Drawbacks to INS systems are operated automatically and do not require external assistance or visibility conditions to function. This enables them to function in tunnels and beneath the sea, as well as in stealth applications, as there is no external antenna that may be detected by radar. They are well-suited for integrated vehicle navigation, guiding, and control. The IMU of a system collects data on factors such as location, velocity, and altitude.

One downside of Inertial Navigation Systems is the high cost associated with the purchase, operation, and maintenance of the systems. Additionally, navigation mistakes and heat dissipation are negatives. Although the size, weight, and power requirements are still greater than those for GPS receivers, they are decreasing in size and power consumption with time and technical advancement.

4 Questions To Ask Before Purchasing Telecom Services

Whether you are moving to a new location or you just need different connectivity options, there are many reasons why you might consider looking for a phone, internet or satellite provider. 

When searching for the best telecom services, it can be helpful to prepare a list of questions that you can ask the agent before you decide to purchase. Depending on your local area, you may have several options to choose from. Finding a service provider who can meet your needs is essential.

1. How Can I Reach Customer Support?

When you talk to an agent about new services, find out what days and times you can reach customer support if you have a problem. Some telecom providers offer multiple contact methods, so inquire about which options you have. Also, ask what emergency support is available in situations when you have unexpected outages.

2. What Are Your Billing Policies and Procedures?

In general, there are usually standard packages and payment options through most major telecommunications companies. With that said, each provider may have different billing policies and procedures for receiving services. Make sure to ask about them.

3. Do You Offer Self-Service Resources?

Sometimes, calling a person on the phone or even chatting online can be inconvenient. For this reason, many customers love having self-service resources that can quickly answer questions without having to wait on hold for an unknown amount of time. 

4. What Does Your Customer Service Portal Look Like?

Another good question to ask before deciding on a new telecom service is to see an example of what the company’s customer service portal looks like. Typically, this is where you will log in to access your service information and billing options. Some portals are better than others. 

By asking these questions before deciding on a telecom service, you will increase your chances of being happy with what you pay for. 

How To Select the Best Magnetic Stirrers for Your Laboratory

A magnetic stirrer is a good choice for conducting chemical processes and laboratory research experiments, including those related to biology and chemistry. The stirrers are also widely used to maintain uniform heating during the process. So, what are the best practices of using a magnetic stirrer? How can you maximize your investment in this product? Below are a few tips to help you answer these queries.

Functionality and Performance

Choose a stirrer capable of delivering the performance you want, especially in stirring speed, movement size, and oscillation. To know which magnetic stirrers are the best in functionality and performance, check online reviews written by experts or experienced users. In choosing a product, make sure to look at its technical specifications before making a purchase decision.

As for functionality, the stirrers can be used to accomplish common laboratory tasks such as heating liquids and dissolving solids. Make sure that the product you choose has a stirring range compatible with your experiment’s scale and material volumes. In addition, it is also best to choose a lab stirrer that has a glass or open-style vessel, and that does not require special accessories for the stirring bar.

Compatibility with Common Vessels and Stir Bars

Choose a stirrer compatible with common glass vessels and stir bars. Manufacturers of these laboratory tools produce various types of glassware and stirring implements, such as Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers, tubes, and crucibles.

The choice of a magnetic stir bar is also important when purchasing a stirrer. If you plan to use your stirring unit for heating water in Erlenmeyer flasks or boiling solids in open vessels, be sure to look for a stirrer with a stirring bar compatible with those types of vessels. Some magnetic impellers are designed to work with particular types of glassware.

Power Consumption

The final tip in choosing the best stirrer is to check its power consumption. The product you choose should operate using an existing power source, such as direct current or alternating current through a conventional transformer. To extend your laboratory stirrer’s battery life, you should choose a product with low power consumption.

You can also save energy by choosing stirrers with an auto shut-off feature. This will help the lab stirrer switch off automatically when not in use and turn on again when its job is needed. This way, you can minimize power consumption and extend the life of your battery.

When choosing a magnetic stirrer, make sure to choose the one with the best performance in terms of functionality and power consumption. In addition, also check compatibility with common vessels and stir bars before making a purchase decision.