NSN Sourcing Blog

In the world of aviation, reliable engine startup is crucial for safe and efficient aircraft operation. Of all the components that contribute to the seamless functioning of an engine, the starter adapter is arguably one of the most important. This integral device serves as a link between the starter motor and the engine's crankshaft, ensuring a smooth and efficient startup process. To better understand the importance of a starter adapter, we will delve into its varying functions, components, and its role in starting piston engines.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based radio navigation system that is used to determine the ground position of an object. Information derived from GPS can be utilized to craft accurate surveys and maps, take precise time measurements, and track position or location. Since its initial launch in 1978, the market for GPS devices has transformed, offering users handheld GPS options found in tablets, cellular phones, and more. In this blog, we will cover how to choose the right GPS device for your applications.

Determining one's altitude has been a critical part of flying since aviators first took to the skies. As such, the barometric altimeter has been long employed to give pilots an accurate measurement of the current height they are flying at. Its invention allowed aircraft to fly in conditions with less visibility while still providing a precise altitude. As aviation instrument technology advanced, the radar altimeter has become commonplace on many modern aircraft. It works with the barometric altimeter to provide pilots a more accurate representation of their altitude. In this blog, we will discuss the history, function, and application of radar altimeters.

An audio transformer is an electrical device that modifies and filters an electromagnetic signal as it passes between two circuits. While their implementation is widespread, audio transformers are most commonly used in audio circuitry. This blog will discuss the basics of how audio transformers work, how they are classified, and their typical applications.

When lifting heavy items with the use of rigging equipment, the winch is a crucial part that consists of a rope, chain, or cable that is wound around a drum. With the use of a motor or crank, the winch may be turned for the means of lifting or hoisting objects with less power that would normally be needed for a certain weight. As technology that has been steadily relied on since ancient times, having an understanding of how winches and their related equipment may be used is crucial for any major lifting operation.

Relays are a type of electrically operated switch, and they provide input terminals and operating contact terminals for their functionality. Depending on the relay, they may be implemented within a device in order to control a circuit with a low-power signal or several circuits with a single signal. In their infancy, relays served as signal repeaters for long-distance telegraph circuits as well as telephone exchanges. As more advancements were made to such electrical switch components, their applications widened to include a number of electronic systems and appliances for motor control, circuit protection, safety-critical logic procedures, and more. While a number of relays exist to facilitate numerous needs, the three primary types that are most often used include the electromechanical, solid-state, and reed relay.

A voltage regulator is a device that provides two functions: changing the input voltage to a different level at the output and regulation, or maintenance of a constant output voltage despite changing load conditions. They are an important component in any power system, and choosing the right regulator for your system is crucial in developing an optimum solution. In this blog, we will discuss the types of regulators and how to decide which one is best for you.

Unknown to a majority of people outside of aviation, manufacturing, and industrial space, an air capacitor is a type of capacitor that uses air as a dielectric medium which is placed between conductive plates. Or in basic terms, they are capacitors that utilize air as a dielectric, with the most simple form being one that is made of two conductive plates separated by an air gap. As for the way that they are manufactured, air capacitors can be produced as either a fixed or variable. The difference between fixed capacitors and variable air capacitors is that the latter are often applied more than the former because it has a simpler makeup. In contrast, the air capacitors are hardly used since there are many other types with superior characteristics. For more information on air capacitors, read the article below.

The marine radar of a ship is useful for providing the captain and crew awareness of other ships and land obstacles that are surrounding them during their voyage. Detection is achieved through the radar emission of a radio signal which bounces back to the radar when it comes into contact with another marine vessel or object, thus providing an estimate of surrounding targets. With this reading, the captain and crew can then enact collision avoidance and properly navigate the ocean safely.

Almost all marine machinery today is incorporated with electronic automation systems from remote controlled operations to advanced pollution control methods. Electronic advancement has been seen predominantly in the two stroke main engines of a ship. In electronic marine engines, the electronic system serves to improve efficiency and performance of the main engine by providing better communication and control. With this said, no matter how technologically advanced a ship may become, marine engines will still consist of mechanical moving parts. Maintenance of these electronic and mechanical parts is the top priority of a ship engineer. In this article we will go over some important tips to ensure a smooth and safe trip on water.

Choosing a GPS for a marine vessel might seem like a foreign concept to some people, but the more you get familiar with what you or your Captain need to direct the boat, the less complex it becomes to shop around for the right GPS. Read on below to see some helpful tips on what to look out for in your search.

Offshore boating offers adventure and opportunities that near-shore boating simply cannot. Fishing, travel, and the simple thrill of the open seas are all available, but offshore boating also carries its share of risks and challenges. The lack of visual reference points, long distance navigation, and the unpredictability of the open ocean all make offshore boating far more difficult. Therefore, having modern electronics onboard is critical for a safe voyage.