It has been an unexpectedly challenging year, unprecedented times indeed!
Unfortunately, it seems likely that we will face more difficulties ahead. The global pandemic still needs to be beaten, and the U.K. leaving the EU will result in unpredictable trading conditions.
Having just celebrated our fifth anniversary, YellowsBest looks forward to continue working with our partners and assisting Customers’ businesses through the uncertain times ahead.
We wish you all the best for a safe, seasonal celebration.
Our aim continues to be “Keeping Customers Operational”; understanding requirements and fulfilling them by providing a range of management services and solutions, including:
consultancy, for business development, sales and marketing
technical support, onsite engineering or 24/7 NOC remote assistance
systems supply, including legacy IT servers / workstations
spares for infrastructure, such as telecoms and CCTV cameras
repairs at module and component level, e.g. LED displayboards, PSUs
value recovery through reverse logistics, resale and recycling
As we continue to move forward, we’d very much like to understand what other services and solutions we can provide to our existing Customers, as well as what would be of interest to potential clients. We’re always keen to enhance our range of #business services, increase the #enterprise infrastructure we support and expand our mix of #sustainable solutions we offer for supply and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products.
Please get in touch to discuss your challenges; whether you’re implementing new systems or maintaining existing infrastructure to serve your operational business needs. We look forward to hearing from you.
Equipment repair decisions – the Customer’s right!
Customers with critical infrastructure networks have elements that fail from time-to-time. These can usually be swapped out with items from a spare parts stock, to return the system to operational service with the minimum of disruption to overall system availability.
The question then arises of whether the failed item can be repaired. In most circumstances, it is possible to restore parts to working condition, but sometimes they are classified as ‘Beyond Economic Repair’ (B.E.R.). This can be a somewhat contentious issue.
In theory, the term should be only applied to items where the repair cost would exceed the price of the purchase of a new or refurbished replacement. However, on the one hand the term can be used to label something that physically cannot be restored e.g. due to fire or water damage. On the other, it’s often applied to items where no repair facilities exist or it’s not possible to easily source the required components to complete the remedial work. So in other words, the term is used instead of the negative-sounding ‘repair not possible’.
The reason why this can become a source of frustration is because some customers rightly insist that they should be the “one who decides” if the item is ‘B.E.R.’. Maybe for reliability statistical reasons or version compatibility, it is sometimes desired to retain the original part even if repair costs are high. Sometimes, legacy replacement spare parts are in very short supply, and so it makes sense to retain and refurbish items rather than scraping and losing them forever. Even if the short-term associated costs are greater, for products that are no longer being manufactured, the available ‘spares pool’ is finite and diminishing over time and so the decision to repair may avoid longer-term supply issues in the future.
Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
Most customers have implemented their private network infrastructure systems over a number of years, and for many their operational requirements have not changed. Consequently, it makes more sense both financially and environmentally to maintain these systems rather than embark on complete change-outs.
@YellowsBestLtd helps Customers with their operational needs, and one aspect is to #Reduce the demand for avoidable whole-scale replacements through a combination of #Reuse of refurbished spares and repair of system elements. When removal and disposal of no-longer serviceable infrastructure parts is necessary, we can also assist with the resale and #Recycle for ‘value recovery’ of valuable materials.
We can assist by supplying critical and hard-to-find spare parts and hardware repair services, even when the systems have been declared ‘obsolete’ (i.e. no longer in production) by the O.E.M. And we will endeavour to ensure that repair options are always available and the question of B.E.R. is up to the Customer to decide. Please let us know how we can help; we look forward to hearing from you.
Continued use of Legacy Telecoms – Nokia PDH ‘Dynanet’
Public Operator and Private Network Customers across the Telecoms, Utilities, Transport and Public Safety markets maintain ‘legacy’ infrastructure for mission critical applications, which continue to deliver good operational service with high availability.
Typical products utilised are those from the ‘Dynanet’ family of PDH Transmission telecoms products, which were first introduced by Nokia over 20 years ago, and were continued in recent years by DNWP. Production of the majority of the product range was ceased in 2019.
In order to maintain these systems and networks, it’s still possible to supply spares from surplus stocks and refurbished items to keep networks operational.
Don’t forget the Connectors and Cables!
One challenge for the continued use of existing infrastructure, particularly when installing replacement parts, is sourcing the appropriate specialised and often propriety connectors for cabling of interfaces and management connections.
Regarding ‘Dynanet’, fortunately some products can still be produced, notably the Euro / SMB connectors, along with the DCN Adapter C4.0, related management software products and other items such as the TPS64 and NDUE. Listed here are a few of those currently available new:
Part Number
Description
21475
SMB Connector for RD179 cable
21472
Euro Connector 3×32
21470
Euro Connector 3×7
Euro Connector 3×7 – 21470
Part Number
Description
24201
TPS Control Unit
24202
TPS Channel Unit
T37882.02
NDM DC Unit, enhanced (NDUE)
T31094.01
DCN Adapter C4.0
DCN Adapter C4.0 – T31094.01
We are able additionally produce a wide range of cable products to suit most connection requirements, utilising our UK-based manufacturing partner. Bespoke cable assemblies, control boxes, harnesses, wiring looms, panels, fibre optic products are some of the network solutions available.
@YellowsBestLtd satisfies world-wide customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies from a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.s), surplus stocks and refurbished items.
Hence, please check and if you do have any requirements, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.
FIX & UPGRADE – Restoration and increase of Solar Panel energy production
Project Re-cap
The project from 2 years ago, detailed here, built a solar energy charger using these system elements: Solar Panel, Charge Controller, Battery, Inverter. Last year, an upgrade was performed to increase the batteries to provide more storage capacity, as described in Update #1.
Solar Panel Failure
The system has operated satisfactorily for almost exactly 2 years, but then it was observed that no energy was being produced. After investigation, it was discovered that the solar panel had developed a fault. The panel was a flexible’ model, and by slightly bending it, energy was intermittently produced. Hence clearly there was an internal breakdown of connectivity.
Solar Panel Replacement & Upgrade
Since a replacement was needed, it was decided to purchase a more robust, ‘fixed (i.e. non-flexible) solar panel, which has a solid frame and securely mount onto a brick wall. Taking advantage of the overall lower cost of fixed vs flexi panels, it was decided to opt for an increase to 100W for the replacement.
Rating Information
This will bring the advantage of producing more energy during sunny periods, which will compensate for the need to mount the panel on a wall where it receives slightly less direct sunlight hours.
100W Solar Panel (mounted)
The installation of the replacement panel was relatively straight-forward, using ‘Z-brackets’ to affix to the wall.
Z Brackets
It came with MC-4 connector terminated cable ‘tails’, which were plugged into the existing positive and negative connections.
Connector Block & MC4 tails
Power generation was resumed immediately, with an extremely healthy 4A (roughly double of the previous 50W panel, as expected) confirming the success of the remedy.
Charge Display
Conclusions
Alas, it transpires that the originally chosen ‘flexi’ type of solar panel is not very ‘robust’ and consequently is only warranted for 1 year. It is somewhat disappointing that only such a short life-span is achieved, especially since it had been mounted on shed-type roof without experiencing disturbance or damage.
Happily, the replacement ‘fixed’ type of solar panel is warranted for 10 years, so should operate for a considerably longer time. And given that like-for-like it is less expensive, then it is concluded that this should be selected to ensure maximum lifetime and collection capacity for the same outlay.
@YellowsBestLtd we are always looking to expand our portfolio services for #business development and #enterprise support, and increase the mix of solutions for #sustainable systems and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products for our customers. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements; we look forward to hearing from you.
Surplus and Refurbished Items for continued operational service
Many Customers have ‘legacy’ telecommunications networks which are continuing to provide good operational service. Particularly where functional requirements have not changed, it makes sense to avoid or delay costly and time-consuming change-out replacement projects, by obtaining spare parts.
@YellowsBestLtd satisfies world-wide customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies from a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.s).
Stocklist of Nokia ‘Dynanet’ Spare Parts – Available for immediate supply
For the ‘Dynanet’ family of PDH Transmission telecoms products, which has provided 20+ years of service, we still have a few spare units are in stock and available for immediate supply. These items have been mostly retrieved from operational service during Customers’ decommissioning projects, and have been refurbished, tested and are warranted for working operation.
Given that production of the majority of the product range was ceased in 2019 or before, it is recommended to consider purchasing spare parts whilst there is still availability.
Here is a list of the main items currently in stock, though there may be a few additional parts that can be supplied. Hence, please check and if you do have any requirements, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.
Part Number
Description
CC 24002
DB2 2×2 Mb/s Branching Unit (B2), 75ohm
CC 24011
DB2 2 Mb/s Switching Unit (X2), 75ohm
CC 24101
DN2 2×2 Mb/s Interface Unit (IU2), 75ohm
CC 24111
DN2 Control Unit (CU), 75 ohm
CF 24186
DN2 19in Subrack
CF 24186.09
DN2 19in Subrack, grey-L91 EMC
CG 24170
DN2 Bus Power Unit (BPU)
CG 24171
DN2 Extended Bus Power Unit (EBPU)
CU 24013
Data Interface Unit (DIU) 2M, nx64k: G.703/704, 75ohm
D-21470
Euro Connector, 3×7
D-24204
Optical Teleprotection Interface Unit, C37.94
T30506.09
17-slot DYNANET Subrack
T30851.02
Subrack Power Adapter (SPA)
T31094.01
DCN Adapter C4.0
DCN Adapter C4.0 – T31094.01
Part Number
Description
T37870.01
NDM 19in 17-slot Subrack
T37871.01
NDM DN2 19in 17-Slot Subrack
T37882.01
NDM DC Unit (NDU)
T37882.02
NDM DC Unit (NDUe)
T37885.01
NDM Ring Generator
Ring Generator – T37885.01
Part Number
Description
T37885.02
NDM Ring Generator + DC/DC converter
Ring Generator – T37885.02
Part Number
Description
T37889.01
NDM Backup Unit (NBU)
NDM Backup Unit – T37889.01
Part Number
Description
T65520.01
ACL2 RM DC Power Gen
T65580.01
ACL2i PF GEN Line Terminal Card
ACL2i PF GEN – T65580
Part Number
Description
TA 21513
Optical Line Terminal Repeater (DF2-8), 1300 nm LED MM/SM
TA 21516
Optical Line Terminal Repeater (DF2-8), 1300 nm LASER SM
TA 21518
Optical Line Terminal Repeater (DF2-8), 1300 nm LASER LP
DF2-8 – TA 21518
Part Number
Description
TC 21101
DM2 Multiplexing Unit, 75ohm
TC 21301
DM8 Multiplex Equipment, 75ohm
TC 21705
Supervisory Substation
TC 21710.01
TMS Adapter
TG 21261
Ring Generator 25HZ 15W
TU 21122.5
Data Interface Unit (DIU) 48..64k, V.11, 10ch
TU 21124
Data Interface Unit (DIU) nx64k, V.11/V.35/X.21, 2ch
TU 21124.05
Data Interface Unit (DIU) nx64k, V.11/V.35/X.21, sync
The ‘Dynanet’ family of PDH Transmission telecoms products were first introduced by Nokia over 20 years ago, and were continued in recent years by DNWP. These have well served Public Operator and Private Network Customers across the Telecoms, Utilities, Transport and Public Safety markets with high availability mission critical infrastructure, and indeed some networks are continuing to provide good operational service.
Production of the majority of the product range was ceased in 2019. However, some products remain available to order, notably the DCN Adapter C4.0, related management software products and other items such as the TPS64, NDUE and Euro / SMB connectors.
Nokia DCN Adapter
Continued Supply of Spare Parts – Surplus and Refurbished Items
@YellowsBestLtd satisfies world-wide customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies from a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.s).
For the ‘Dynanet’ range, we should be able to continue to supply refurbished and surplus equipment for as long as required, but the effect of the discontinuation of production is squeezing the availability of remaining stocks, with a consequential impact on pricing.
Hence, for those customers continuing to maintain their networks, it is recommended to consider purchasing spare parts whilst there is still availability. Please get in touch to advise what you need!
From time-to-time, hardware elements within infrastructure systems fail, and repair services are required for a diverse range of parts procured over a considerable period of time, from a multitude of Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.s), some of which no longer exist.
YellowsBest is able to provide a comprehensive repairs management service for both new and old equipment items, all to a standard equivalent to the original working condition and with warranted operation.
Component Level Repairs Example: SES Displayboards
An example of the type of equipment that we are often asked to assist with is the MS1 Matrix LED ‘displayboards’ produced by SES and used for professional signage applications.
LED ‘displayboards’
Typical issues to deal with are Faulty LEDs, damaged capacitors and broken sockets, which have occurred in operational use over time. Adding to this are problems stemming from heat gun damage and resoldering caused by previous ‘user fixes’. But these issues are addressable and the boards restored to full working condition.
Other types of equipment for repair services include Telecommunications products, power supplies and CCTV cameras.
Typical Items for Repair Services
Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
@YellowsBestLtd helps Customers with their operational needs, and one aspect is to #Reduce the demand for avoidable whole-scale replacements through a combination of #Reuse of refurbished spares and repair of system elements. When removal and disposal of no-longer serviceable infrastructure parts is necessary, we can also assist with the resale and #Recycle for ‘value recovery’ of valuable materials.
Most customers have implemented their private network infrastructure systems over a number of years, and for many their operational requirements have not changed. Consequently, it makes more sense both financially and environmentally to maintain these systems rather than embark on complete change-outs. We can assist by supplying critical and hard-to-find spare parts and hardware repair services, even when the systems have been declared ‘obsolete’ (i.e. no longer in production) by the O.E.M. We look forward to hearing from you.
Given the current unprecedented situation restricting normal business operations, resulting in revised working arrangements including home working, consideration should be made of the preparations and processes organisations need to take.
Consequently, we recommend joining the following Webinar by Vysiion and Radiflow, Thursday 2nd April 2020:
If you miss this event then please get in touch so we can discuss your interest and requirements.
@yellowsbestltd our mission is to assist with ‘Keeping Customers Operational’. We’re keen to provide #solutions and #services to help your business survive and maintain your systems – let us know if we can help!
It certainly is a troubling time with the rapid spread of the Coronavirus sweeping the world.
It’s no exaggeration that for most people, nothing quite like it has been experienced in living memory. There’s a lot of confusing information around and the advice seems to keep changing on a daily basis. This graphic found posted on twitter by @TheLoff provides a sensible guide to being careful …
Businesses in general are also experiencing an extremely challenging situation, testing the most robust of #BusinessContinuity plans. Again from twitter, this summary posted by the @Cabq Economic Development Department, provides an overview of the tips and resources they have put together for businesses and organisations navigating through the Coronavirus …
@yellowsbestltd our mission is to assist with ‘Keeping Customers Operational’. We’re keen to continue to provide #solutions and #services – let us know if we can help!
