Etratech and HVAC Controls Systems

Over the last several years we have seen records fall in the path of extreme weather, both in the U.S. and throughout the world.  Droughts, record-breaking heat, and endlessly lingering winters have shown that our old models and expectations seem to be turning obsolete.  As the weather throughout the world becomes more volatile and unpredictable, people rely increasingly on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology (HVAC) to enhance their safety and comfort.  Additionally, as the popularity and practicality of super-efficient “smart homes” increases, the need for those to help improve the technology and efficiency of HVAC systems throughout the world becomes more pronounced.  Who will bring creative and cost-effective solutions to the most pressing problems in this area?

At Etratech, we have established ourselves as an innovative leader in engineering and design, with a proven track record of incorporating new technology into HVAC products.  Our broad experience in this sector has made us a trusted partner for some of the leading manufacturers in the HVAC field.  Working with a number of market leaders, Etratech was able to develop an industry first:  proprietary air balancing technology for heat recovery ventilation.  Many other companies were trying to achieve this goal, but were unable to do so.  Etratech took the lead to create this state-of-the-art technology.  We are proud to stand at the cutting edge of this industry, innovating and manufacturing advanced electronics and controls for maximum performance and efficiency, with products that meet the most stringent international standards of quality.

Even if we can never be certain of what the next weather trend might be, we do know this: residential and commercial HVAC consumers will continue to demand innovative, convenient, and energy-efficient products to meet their demands—now, and for many years to come.

The Evolution of GPS Technology

Originally conceived for the military in the 1970s, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is now a ubiquitous technology that is used in a variety of consumer applications such as car navigations systems, sports devices, freight tracking, child tracking and mobile map applications. The technology hinges on data transmitted from a number of satellites which, when combined, work together to pinpoint your location on a device.  There are a total of 29 satellites that circle the earth twice a day, but a GPS only needs information from 3 to recognize where you are. Each of these 3 satellites calculates the distance between itself and your receiver, allowing the receiver to narrow down the area of your location until it is finally able to determine your exact position.

GPS was first used to help military personnel and transportation units, and it wasn't until 2000 that its popularity boomed commercially. That year, the U.S. military ended the practice of deliberately degrading satellite signals to prevent potential enemies from taking advantage of the technology.

As the accuracy of GPS improved, so did its applications as a civilian tool. Most of us have used a GPS navigator in a car to map the best route to our destination.  Today, GPS navigation systems even come pre-installed in new car models.  If you don’t have a GPS in your car, you most likely have one in your smartphone. The same technology allows you to take advantage of mobile mapping applications that help you find your way.

Beyond navigators, GPS technology has even expanded into the world of sport. Athletes and amateurs alike use GPS devices to help them quantify their successes. Runners use them to calculate miles run; cyclists use them to map routes; golfers use them to gauge the number of yards to the next hole; and hunters use them to discover entire forests.

GPS technology also helps us track people in emergencies. In 1999, the Federal Communications Commission required cell phone companies to include a way to track people when they make 911 calls. A number of companies have even developed GPS child trackers, such as the Spark Nano, which can be slipped into a child’s pocket or backpack to give parents real-time updates on their activities.  GPS technology also gives people a greater degree of control in the shipping process, whether their packages are traveling by land, air or sea. Thanks to GPS, businesses can monitor the location of their valuable freight, as well as its condition and security. Customers can easily track parcels with the click of a mouse, and even get accurate estimates of delivery.

As a specialist in the design, development and manufacture of advanced electronic controls, Etratech has years of experience with the components of GPS technology, especially circuit boards. Through the years, we’ve become experts in the field and have demonstrated a proven ability to optimize existing components, make process improvements and provide our customers with tangible benefits.  For more information about how our engineers can help you design and build a circuit board for your specific GPS application, please contact us today.