X-RAY VISION

Will Smart Robots Automate OSP Maintenance?

By Ray Thomas – The time has come for the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain the outside coaxial cable network. Robotics technology has developed well beyond what would be required for a product that is specialized for cable outside plant (OSP) maintenance. Artificial intelligence is also well advanced and capable of guiding an autonomous robotic unit, which we shall refer to as the “OSP-bot.”

Read More

Reflections on Automation in Testing

By Ray Thomas – As test equipment has gotten “smarter” through the addition of automated measurement routines, does the flip side of the coin mean that techs’ understanding of basic electronics theory is being negatively affected? An executive at a large search engine company has speculated in public that the ability to search online for easy answers to life’s questions was dumbing people down.

Read More

Harshing My Buzz — Standards for Extreme Conditions

By Ray Thomas – take a look at ANSI/SCTE 158 2016 — Recommended Environmental Condition Ranges for Broadband Communications Equipment. If this standard was a bottle of wine, it would be described as “approachable.” ANSI/SCTE 158 2016 is free to download at scte.org.

Read More

Stories… From Back in the Day

By Ray Thomas – During lunch with Carl and his wife Lola in January 2017 I asked him to share a cable story or maybe two. One incident burned into Carl’s brain was from the beginning of his cable career. An elderly lady had demanded immediate removal of a pole strand anchor

Read More

Epic Fail

By Ray Thomas – Car ignitions that jam and result in accidents and deaths. Hoverboards with batteries that catch fire. Automotive safety airbags that explode and send shrapnel into faces and throats. Electronic vaporizers with batteries that explode in the smoker’s face. Endless other product failures. Making stuff is hard.

Read More