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Home > News > Military & Aerospace > Future of Rotary Wing Craft
Future of Rotary Wing Craft
By Gp Capt AK Sachdev
Issue Vol. 30.4 Oct-Dec 2015 | Date : 30 May , 2016
Technological advances have brought impressive improvements in rotorcraft technology albeit without eliminating the intrinsic limitations. The classic helicopter design has been mutated into newer types of rotorcraft or hybrid VTOL ones. Nonetheless, the majority of helicopters retain the original tadpole-like shape with a main rotor and a tail rotor. Designers all over the world are persistently and continually seeking breakthroughs to achieve incremental performance parameters. Advances in high technology regimes continue to provide slow but steady support.
Size has always been a laudable and desirable criterion for any craft…
The term 'pecking order', so visibly manifest in chickens, supposedly owes its origin to the Red Jungle Fowl of Thailand that evolved it as an aid to survival. It ensured that, when limited food was available, there were no fights over food which could attract attention of predators to the flock. In the technological marvels of the 20th century, fowl created from metals and alloys have displayed a similar, apparent 'social' demeanour wherein resources have been served up to the stronger of the flying machines. Thus, fixed wing combat aircraft with higher speeds and offensive roles have usurped a slot higher in the pecking order than slower, less potent, ground hugging ones, the helicopters.
Witness the fact that the first production helicopter, the Sikorsky R-4 in 1942, came over three decades after the first mass produced fixed-wing aircraft the Wright Model B in 1910. That is not to say that the potential of rotary wing flight was not recognised early. Indeed, US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has had its Langley Research Centre in Hampton since 1917, where it has been carrying out research on helicopters and other vertical flight aircraft for almost a century. The Centre was recently named the Vertical Flight Heritage Site by the American Helicopter Society International (AHSI), the world's only international society for engineers, scientists and others working on vertical flight technology. However, traditionally, fixed-wing R&D has arrogated a larger share of the funding pie than the rotary wing domain.
The aviation enthusiast, civil or military, tends to the predisposition that helicopter performance has reached a plateau and that future developments are unlikely to demonstrate spectacular advances in speed, performance or design. While fixed wing advances may be dramatically projected through the fifth-generation F22 Raptor with several others said to be under development, progressions on the rotary wing front are also worthy of attention, certainly more than they receive now.
The heavier the helicopter, the more restricted its operational envelope…
Design Dynamics
At the beginning of World War II, Igor Sikorsky flew the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300. Its modified version, the Sikorsky R4 became the world's first mass-produced helicopter in 1942 and saw limited employment during the War. A look at a picture of the R4 will confirm that basic helicopter profile has more or less remained the same over seven decades although design and capability have struggled to keep up with mission and role requirements. Design R&D endeavours have continually addressed the inherent imperfections of the helicopter, the prominent ones being restricted payload, poor performance, limited speed, excessive noise, high vibration levels, high vulnerability and low survivability.
The 1920s saw significant changes in helicopter design with application of aerodynamic theory to rotor systems, availability of high power-to-weight ratio aero engines capable of supporting vertical flight and lowered cost of aluminium alloys for light-weight airframes. Initial challenges to helicopter design were counteracting main rotor torque reaction, providing safe levels of stability and control and reducing vibrations to acceptable levels. Once these had been tackled, rotorcraft design graduated to higher levels of sophistication and evolved from the original single main rotor to tandem rotors, synchropter (intermeshing rotors), co-axial rotors, tip-jet driven rotorcraft, No Tail Rotor (NOTAR), tilt-wing aircraft, tilt-rotor aircraft and compound helicopters.
CH-47F Chinook
Size has always been a laudable and desirable criterion for any craft. The largest helicopter ever flown was the V12, built in late 1960s by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The company merged with Kamov and Rostvertol to form Oboronprom Corporation in 2006. The helicopter had a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 105 tonnes. Only two prototypes were built, but they still hold four current world records for payload/altitude combinations. The Mil Mi-26, with an MTOW of 56 tonnes is the largest, heaviest and most powerful helicopter to go into series production. While the Mi-26 had a unique design with a single disc having an eight-blade rotor, the closest Western heavy-lift helicopter is the CH 53 Super Stallion (MTOW 33.3 tonnes) followed by CH47 Chinook (MTOW 22.7 tonnes). The CH53 has a seven-blade rotor and the CH47 has a tandem rotor system.
Sikorsky CH 53K
The foregoing figures have been mentioned to assert that, as far as designer's skill and operator's ambition are concerned, big can keep becoming bigger. However, the heavier the helicopter, the more restricted its operational envelope including the ground infrastructure and helipad size. As an illustration, a Chinook being operated by US 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment was stranded at 2,600 metres in Afghanistan; stripped of fuel, rotors and all non-essentials, it weighed an estimated 12 tonnes. As the largest US helicopter, the Super Stallion could carry only nine tonnes at that altitude, a civilian Mi26 was leased and the Chinook airlifted to Bagram Air Base. India has used the Mi26 in the past and is in the process of procuring the Chinook.
The helicopter is a complex machine which uses a substantial part of the lift its rotor system generates to just stay away from the ground…
As an aside, Russian Helicopters and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) have signed a framework agreement to work together on creating an Advanced Heavy Lift (AHL) with take-off weight of 38 tonnes and the capability to carry ten tonnes of cargo inside the cabin or 15 tonnes under-slung. The helicopter will be designed to operate round-the-clock in hot climates, mountainous terrain and all weather conditions and will be able to fly a highly varied range of missions.
The helicopter is a complex machine which uses a substantial part of the lift its rotor system generates to just stay away from the ground even when not using its engine power to move from one place to another. Thus weight becomes a crucial design factor. Interestingly, the first flying aircraft of the Wright Brothers had a wooden airframe, but the engine crankcase was made of aluminium to keep weight down. Aluminium gradually replaced wood, steel and other parts in the early 1900s and the first all-aluminium plane was built in the early 1920s. Since then, aluminium alloys have become critical to airframe manufacture and today represent about 80 per cent of a typical helicopter airframe.
With significant advances in carbon composites, lighter weight with ever increasing strength has become possible and every helicopter manufacturer is increasingly eyeing carbon composites although the cost factor has bridled that trend a bit. New Zealand's Composite Helicopters International has been developing the KC518 Adventourer, an all-composite, frameless, six-seat helicopter constructed from Carbon and Kevlar using EvoStrength technology. It is the world's first helicopter with a monocoque fuselage made entirely from composite materials and is a change from the use of aluminium and steel tube framing used in helicopter manufacture.
KC518 Adventourer
As a single piece composite structure, there are no rivets or bolts used in the assembly with the result that there is substantial resistance to corrosion, fatigue and impact. A possible threat to the programme, a recent accident where the prototype pitched up and rolled on its side during an emergency landing, was converted into an opportunity for promotion by the company. The company President Peter Maloney was quoted as saying, "Though the accident was unfortunate, we are impressed by the strength of the carbon-Kevlar composite fuselage which withstood the force of impact when landing. It was the unique composite structure of the helicopter that saved us from serious injury."
The single major limitation of a helicopter is its forward speed…
The single major limitation of a helicopter is its forward speed. It would be stating the obvious that a faster helicopter would be more desirable and designers have indeed been fervently working towards helicopters that can fly faster. While the drag reduction logic applicable to fixed-wing airframes apply to a large degree to a helicopter, there is an insurmountable problem associated with the rotor disc.
The geometry of a typical helicopter rotor has the inherent aerodynamic challenge with the rotor system which increases with forward speed. During hover, all the rotors travel at a velocity determined by the length of the blade and the Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). However, as the helicopter moves forward, the velocity of the blades relative to the air depends on the velocity of the helicopter as well as the rotor speed. The airspeed of the advancing rotor blade is much higher than that of the helicopter itself and it tends to approach the speed of sound with resultant increased drag and vibration. Also, because the advancing blade has higher velocity than the retreating blade, there is a asymmetry of lift between the two, rotor blades are designed to 'flap' i.e. lift and twist in such a way that the advancing blade flaps up and develops a smaller angle of attack. Conversely, the retreating blade flaps down, develops a higher angle of attack and generates more lift.
At high speeds, the force on the rotors is such that they 'flap' excessively and the retreating blade can reach too high an angle and stall. The forward speed is thus limited and any endeavour to go beyond around 130 knots, involves special materials and technologies. In a tandem rotor system, like the Chinook, the effect of retreating blade lift asymmetry on one rotor is countered to some extent by the other, but not wholly.
The leaders in the race for faster helicopters are the Sikorsky X2 and the Eurocopter X3. Reportedly, in June 2013, the X3 broke the X2 records for level flight and dive speed, recording 255 knots and 263 knots respectively. However, it may be mentioned that both X2 and X3 are technology demonstrators and are not designed as classic helicopters. The X3 has stub wings fitted with a tractor propeller at each tip. The differential propeller pitch counters the torque effect of the main rotor.
The traditional helicopter design would not quench operators' thirst for higher speeds and better performance…
The X2, on the other hand, uses co-axial rotors with a pusher propeller at the tail. The X2 and X3 records are unofficial as they are not recognised by World Air Sports Federation which recognises a 1986 record of 249 knots set by a Westland Lynx demonstrator. Russia is also reportedly working on a high speed design with a target of bettering 249 knots. The prototype based on a Mi24 airframe is expected to be ready to fly by 2020 and a flying laboratory is expected to be set up by end-2015 under the programme named Perspectivny Skorostnoy Vertolyot (PSV) or advanced high-speed helicopter.
It is worth a mention here that the marginal increase of speed that rival companies are so assiduously working to achieve is essentially a public relations exercise and comes at enormous cost. Thus, while breaking speed records is one thing, finding civil or military operators willing to pay very high costs to get a few extra knots may be very difficult. Witness the announcement of Eurocopter X4 in 2011 which has now been unveiled as Airbus H160. While the X4 nomenclature indicated a progression beyond X3, the H160, with a cruising speed of 160 knots, has no pretensions to record breaking speeds.
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Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL)
From the foregoing, it would be obvious that the traditional helicopter design would not quench operators' thirst for higher speeds and better performance. The basic design has other limitations as well. The rotor system is not as efficient for forward travel as a fixed-wing one, uses more fuel and requires more maintenance. It consumes approximately 15 per cent of its total power available to run the essential tail anti-torque rotor just to keep the helicopter from spinning. The helicopter must also deal with high vibration levels.
There are many other safety related problems that beset a helicopter design; some of them are loss of tail rotor effectiveness, ground resonance, mast bumping, loss of control during negative 'g' conditions, power settling, dynamic roll-over, anti-torque rotor failures, the requirement for unusually quick response in case of engine failure and the non-feasibility of an ejection system for the crew. Thus, over the last few years, it was realised that there was a need to move away from the original shape but retain the Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) characteristic of a helicopter. Developing a practical, hybrid aircraft with the performance of a fixed wing aircraft in forward flight has proven to be a surprisingly difficult task.
Bell Helicopter has been dominant in tilt-rotor development with major designs from almost every decade back to the 1950s…
The engineering challenge consisted of achieving two main goals. The first was to accomplish controllable vertical flight using the very same mechanisms and equipment that are required for forward flight. Any weight of exclusively vertical flight mechanisms would be useless during forward flight and would represent a reduction in available payload relative to a comparable fixed wing aircraft capability. The second goal consisted of achieving 'power matching' i.e. a VTOL design that requires the same power in vertical flight as in forward flight. Any mismatch would represent excess capacity which corresponds to excess weight in one mode of flight. Numerous approaches to VTOL aircraft have been explored over the years; the prominent ones are tilt-rotors, tilt-props and tilt-wings, as well as deflected-slipstreams, deflected-thrust, thrust augmenters, ducted fans, tilt ducted rotors and tail sitters.
As the name implies, a tilt-rotor aircraft uses tiltable (rotating) propellers, or proprotors, for lift and propulsion. For vertical flight, the proprotors are angled to direct their thrust downwards, providing lift. In this mode of operation the aircraft is essentially identical to a helicopter. As it gains speed, the proprotors are slowly tilted forward, eventually becoming perpendicular to the ground. In this mode the wing provides the lift, and the wing's greater efficiency helps the tilt-rotor achieve its high speed. In this mode, the platform is essentially a turboprop aircraft.
Bell Helicopter has been dominant in tilt-rotor development with major designs from almost every decade back to the 1950s. They are currently partnered with Boeing on the first production tilt-rotor aircraft, the jointly developed and manufactured Bell/Boeing V22 Osprey. Tilt-rotor proprotors require all the fundamental parts of a twin-rotor helicopter. They also have a full set of airplane controls and a tilt mechanism that rotates the lifting rotors while carrying flight loads. This means that the cost of a tilt rotor is typically 50 to 100 per cent more than a helicopter of the same power and empty weight.
The Bell V-280 Valor is a tilt-rotor concept being developed by Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin for the US Army…
Incidentally, India's Aviation Research Centre (ARC), responsible for electronic surveillance and signals intelligence along the country's borders with Pakistan and China, wants to acquire Bell-Boeing V22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to augment its operational capabilities. According to IHS Jane's, Bell-Boeing has recently provided ARC with price estimates and delivery schedules for four Ospreys to be acquired via the US Foreign Military Sales route. The ARC Ospreys could be used to deploy Special Frontier Force personnel and provide them logistic support on missions in tandem with Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external intelligence-gathering agency.
The Chinese toy industry has popularised the quadcopter globally. However, aircraft designers in pursuit of VTOL technology have found that the quadcopter does not perform impressively when scaled up to a size with significant payload. Bell and Boeing are working on larger Quad Tilt Rotor (QTR) military models for possible use by the US Army. The QTR has two sets of fixed wings and four tilting rotors mounted at the tips of the wings. The program has been nicknamed the V44 Tilt Rotor for the four tilt rotor version and V66 Tilt Rotor for the six tilt-rotor version. These poly-tilt-rotor aircraft have also been called "The Flying Freight Train" for their large capacity almost the size of a railcar which could carry as many as 100 passengers or troops or heavy cargo over 50,000 pounds. They would use advanced versions of the tilt-rotor engines used for the V-22 Osprey.
AW609 TiltRotor
The UK-based aerospace company AgustaWestland is developing AW609 formerly known as Bell/Agusta BA609, for civilian use. In an allied development endeavour called Project Zero, AgustaWestland is working on the world's first electric tilt-rotor aircraft, as a technology demonstrator termed Project Zero. Each of its two rotors is driven by its own electric motor, which is powered by rechargeable batteries. The aircraft's control systems, flight controls and landing gear actuators are also all electrically powered, so there is no need of the hydraulic system. Besides, the aircraft doesn't require a transmission as well. A first flight was demonstrated in early 2013, but a dateline for production is yet to be announced. A hybrid version, which would use a diesel engine to power a generator, is under consideration.
The K-MAX is a UAS transformed by Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation…
NASA's Greased Lightning or GL-10 deserves a mention here. It is a battery-powered, ten-engine remotely piloted tilt-rotor and the prototype has a ten feet wing span and can take off vertically like a helicopter as also fly efficiently in forward flight. It is in design and testing phase and flew a series of test flights during early May 2015. The final version is expected to have a 20-foot wing span.
The Bell V-280 Valor is a tilt-rotor concept being developed by Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin for the US Army. In one major difference from the earlier V22 Osprey tilt-rotor, the engines remain in place while the rotors and drive shafts tilt. A driveshaft runs through the straight wing, allowing both proprotors to be driven by a single engine in the event of engine loss.
Besides tilt rotors, VTOL aircraft could have other designs like ducted fans Bell X22A, Ryan XV5A/B, hovering platforms UrbanAero X-Hawk, or the Elytron design which combines three sets of wings and one pair of rotary wings called 'proprotors', mounted on a single tilt-wing in central position and two pairs of fixed wings or the Disc Rotor in which for hover, a set of blades are extended from the periphery of the disc, much like a helicopter but forward flight is like a fixed wing aircraft with the blades either fully retracted into the disc or with two of the rotors sticking out like conventional lift producing wings.
Kaman K-Max
Unmanned Craft
While toy helicopters, especially quadcopters, are easy to construct, practical drone helicopters with useful payload become increasingly complex to design. The maximum and most interesting variations of helicopter designs are emerging in the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) regime. The GL10 mentioned earlier is a small tilt-rotor but there is a spectacularly successful drone helicopter that has pioneered its way to fame.
The K-MAX is a UAS transformed by Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation from an existing helicopter model of Kaman to enable US Marines to deliver supplies by day or night to precise locations without risking lives. The aircraft can fly at higher altitudes with a larger payload than any other rotary wing UAS. It can lift and deliver 2,700 kg of cargo at sea level and over 1,800 kg at 15,000 feet density altitude. With its four hook carousel, the K-MAX UAS can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight in autonomous or remotely controlled operations. The K-MAX did laudable service in Afghanistan and has proven the concept beyond any reasonable doubt. The future can be expected to see more variations of the concept in optionally manned versions as well.
The Mars Helicopter would revolutionise the manner in which future Mars exploration could progress…
Another noteworthy helicopter innovation is the Mars Helicopter being developed by NASA. A team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is working on a prototype, autonomous, solar powered helicopter that would work as a scout for a rover, giving NASA teams a heads-up to what they might encounter ahead and steering them toward the best possible location. Due to the large distance from Mars, remote control is not technically feasible in real-time as it would take minutes for radio waves to travel one way between Mars and any control station on Earth. Therefore, the Mars Helicopter would be totally autonomous. The Mars Helicopter would revolutionise the manner in which future Mars exploration could progress and is expected to be ready well in time for the Mars 2020 Rover.
US Future Vertical Lift Programme
It is not possible to describe all the developments going on in vertical lift technology across the world but it is worth mentioning the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme of the US Department of Defence (DoD) because of the focussed approach it adopts towards the problem of new types of rotorcraft for US Army beyond 2030. In October 2011, DoD issued the FVL Strategic Plan to outline a joint approach for the next generation vertical lift aircraft for all military services.
The FVL concept is to create new rotorcraft using new technology, materials and designs that are quicker, have further range, better payload, are more reliable, easier to maintain and operate, have lower operating costs and can reduce logistical footprints. FVL is to create a family of systems to replace most Army helicopters. A precursor for FVL is the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) helicopter programme, which will provide technology demonstrations planned for 2017. JMR Phase I will develop the air vehicle while JMR Phase II will develop mission systems.
The FVL concept is to create new rotorcraft using new technology, materials and designs…
The US Army plans to acquire as many as 4,000 aircraft from the FVL programme as a replacement for its UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. The main contenders are Bell Helicopter, Boeing/ Sikorsky (jointly), AVX Aircraft, EADS North America, Piasecki and Karem Aircraft. In tandem, the US Army's Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) is aimed at a 2023 production goal. Advanced Turbine Engine Company (ATEC), a 50-50 joint venture of Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell, is competing with GE Aviation to develop a drop-in replacement for the legacy GE T700 engines that power the Boeing AH64 Apache and Sikorsky UH60 Black Hawk fleets. The engine is also expected to power light rotary-winged aircraft expected to emerge from the FVL programme.
Upgrades cost a fraction of the cost of a newer helicopter although the upgraded version may not turn into a new helicopter in terms of performance…
For the helicopter operator, technological progression holds out two different but related promises. The first concerns new and innovative changes to rotorcraft design and is predicated to new projects and enterprises. We have seen glimpses of such novel inventions in the foregoing narrative.
However, there is another way in which technological advances are becoming expedient for the helicopter industry and that is the increasing capability to upgrade existing models so as to increase their performance, role capability and utilisation for new missions. Not only that, upgrades can also prolong the life of a particular model and render it safer for example, by reduction in vibration levels.
Needless to say, upgrades cost a fraction of the cost of a newer helicopter although the upgraded version may not turn into a new helicopter in terms of performance. It would appear that, at least for a decade more, upgrades of existing, tried-and-tested models are likely to be at least as prominent as the emergence of new machines.
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The views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the Indian Defence Review.
Gp Capt AK Sachdev
Director - Operations, EIH Ltd.
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What is the maximum duration of the employment contract that I can sign with a club?
The maximum duration of a basketball player's contract is 5 years.
The termination must be set for 30 June of the sports season during which the contract ends.
When does my contract become effective?
My employment contract starts as of the date recorded on it.
Once the execution of the contract starts, regardless of the manner (training, matches, availability of advantages in kind, etc.), nothing can then stop it from becoming effective.
Otherwise, it becomes effective once the conditions stipulated in the contract are carried out (in general, a medical visit, etc.).
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All contracts must be approved by the LNB.
If you sign before the 1st day of championship, the club must request approval a minimum of 4 days (96 hours) before your 1st match.
If you sign during the season, the club must request approval a minimum of 3 days (72 hours) before your 1st match.
If your contract is not approved, you are notified by the LNB and you can contest this decision before the Legal and Disciplinary Commission within 5 days following notification of the refusal of the approval.
If your contract is not approved by the Commission, this does not mean it is null and void and that the club can fire you for this reason. However, without approval you cannot participate in matches but you can train with the professional group.
The withdrawal letter or the letter of resignation in the event of a termination of contract with your previous club.
Transfer of the contract in the event of a transfer.
How are my working hours calculated?
A professional basketball player is in principle a full-time worker. That means 35 hours/week.
Can I sign a part-time contract?
You can sign a part-time contract, but only under certain conditions.
The joint commission validates part-time contracts. Players must provide proof that they are enrolled in educational courses in addition to their basketball activity. Monitoring of this educational course is ensured in coordination with the players' Union.
Can I make up my salary with a Pôle Emploi allowance?
Since 1 July, 2014 you can benefit from the ARE (Return to Employment Allowance). When your contract ends after 30 June 2014, if you have not used all the unemployment insurance to which you are entitled, you have the benefit of your remaining entitlements. The ARE is then added to your salary. However, you can never earn more than your former salary. If your current salary is more than your former salary you cannot benefit from the ARE.
There is also the reduced working hours system, which enables unemployed persons who find part-time work or a very short fixed term contract to accrue their salary and unemployment benefits until their entitlements run out.
The period of benefit deferment applied to employees who leave the company with significant indemnities is extended to 180.
The minimum amount of the ARE corresponds to 57% of the basic daily wage.
Can the club terminate my contract before the end of the season?
Yes, it is possible, but if the employer is the one who terminates, they must pay you all your salaries until the end of the contract, except in the event of a serious offence, force majeure, unfitness or with your agreement.
If the player is the one who terminates, they must indemnify the club.
If you have committed a serious offence, the employer can decide to terminate your contract without having to pay your salaries or any other termination indemnity. You are free to contest this decision before the Industrial tribunal.
The club can also decide to terminate your contract due to force majeure, without indemnities. Force majeure is subject to very strict conditions. It is rarely allowed by judges.
If you come to an agreement with your employer to terminate the contract, it is possible to do so with or without payment of a sum of money.
Finally, if you are not capable of exercising your job as a basketball player, the club can terminate the contract. It is not the club physician who makes the decision concerning you unfitness but the medical officer who is independent of the club.
Reference to the unfitness procedure here.
You can terminate your contract without risk of owing club indemnities if you have proof of hire on a permanent contract.
Am I eligible for Pôle Emploi (employment) benefits at the end of my contract?
You are a French or European Community player therefore you are eligible to receive employment benefits.
Currently and continuously looking for work.
You can benefit from the ARE for a maximum of 24 months. The payment period depends on your length of membership for the past 28 months. The indemnification period is equal to the duration of employment.
Since 1 October 2014, you benefit from "consolidation of benefits".
Each time you start to work again while you are receiving indemnity, you extend your Pôle Emploi benefits period by as much time.
Your remaining unemployment benefits, that is to say, that are not used, are not lost but saved. Your unemployment benefits are therefore in a way "suspended" during the time you work. These unused unemployment benefits will be paid to you as soon as you are out of work.
At the end of the indemnity period, you are entitled to a "consolidation" of your benefits. You are paid a new unemployment benefit calculated on the basis of the work done during the indemnity period.
But this new unemployment benefit is only paid once the old benefit is used up.
Your ARE amount is calculated on the basis of the amount of your former salary. The amount can vary from 57% to 75% of your former gross salary.
Is there a break during the Christmas Holidays?
Yes, the collective agreement stipulates 7 complete consecutive days off at the end of the year. Holidays must include either Christmas Day or New Year's Day.
Please note that for players playing in the European Cup, your dates might be different. The SNB negotiates holidays, club by club.
Holidays, leave, paternal leave, etc.
Like all workers, you have the right to 2.6 days off per month during which you have worked for the club.
- 1 day for the trainers' training day if you participate in an event with the players' union.
- 7 days during the end-of-year holidays.
If all the holidays were not used before the end of your contract, you benefit from a paid holiday indemnity which will delay the start of your indemnity by Pôle Emploi.
The date that training starts again should be transmitted by the club by mail.
For paternal leave, Article L 1225-35 of the Labour Code states that the father benefits from a leave of 11 consecutive days, or 18 days in case of multiple births. This leave suspends the employment contract and therefore you will not be paid during this period. In addition, to benefit from this leave, you must inform your employer at least one month prior to the date when you would like to take your leave.
You also benefit from paternity leave of three days. This cannot be taken at any time; it must be close to the birth of the child (15 days prior to or following the birth). The date is set in agreement with the employer therefore there is no need to notify them one month in advance. However, the deadline of one month must be respected if you would like to accumulate the two aforementioned leaves. Finally, during your paternity leave you are paid normally.
I am selected to play with my national team. What happens?
This has no effect on your contract. You benefit from the same cover as when you work for your club.
In addition, your club must release you so that you can join your selection.
Is there a minimum Jeep ELITE and Pro B wage?
Is there a minimum wage for players who sign their 1st professional contract?
If the club doesn't pay my wage what happens?
You must notify them by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. If, within the next 30 days the club has not paid, you are free to terminate your contract and sign with another club.
Please note that you must pay close attention to the rules to ensure that you can sign elsewhere.
How long after I become a member of the club should I have a medical check-up?
You must have a medical check-up within 4 days after joining the club. If complementary exams are required, they must be done within the next 4 days.
In a maximum of 8 days you must complete all exams.
What happens in case of an injury?
In case of sick leave due to an injury, you keep your entire wage for the first 90 days.
After 90 days, you are only paid social security benefits. This wage is limited to the social security limits, which is equal to €3,269 per month in 2017.
Please note that your salary might be higher than the social security maximum. If you do not have a guarantee agreement or specific insurance (daily allowance) you lose money.
If the physician decides not to authorise me to play for health reasons, can I contest this decision?
Yes, in a maximum of 48 hours after the decision by the physician you can request a second medical evaluation by an independent physician named by the LNB.
If you are declared unfit by the second evaluation, you must pay for this second evaluation yourself.
If you are declared competent by the second expertise, the club must pay.
Q:What is the procedure to request a second evaluation?
Once the physician informs you that you are unfit to play basketball, you have 48 hours to send the following form by registered letter, e-mail or any other means that enables proof of good receipt.
The LNB has 10 days to give you a date to meet with a specialist. You must send your entire medical record to the physician for the second evaluation.
I hereby notify the LNB Medical Commission concerning having a second medical evaluation according to the procedure in Article 9.1, Section 6 of the Professional Branch's Collective Agreement.
For referral, I know that this letter must be addressed to the Medical Commission (and to inform the club) within 48 working hours as of notification of my medical contraindication to play basketball in professional competitions.
I know that my medical record must be transmitted to a specialist physician appointed by the Medical Commission within a deadline of ten (10) working days as of its referral, and expressly indicate my agreement for the information related to the second evaluation to be sent at any time to the said Commission.
Finally, I declare my express agreement for the result of the second evaluation, conclusive or not, concerning the medical contraindication to play basketball in professional competitions, to be sent to the club.
I seriously injure myself during the season and cannot continue to play basketball. What happens? Will I be paid?
Yes, the collective agreement stipulates a specific insurance if you can no longer work as a professional basketball player.
You will receive a benefit according to your age, based on the gross value of your last contract. This benefit also takes into account the advantages in kind that you can gain (apartment, car, etc.).
This amount is increased by 25% per dependent child.
All players over 36 years of age do not benefit from loss of licence insurance.
In the event of my death, will my family get a sum of money?
Yes, the collective agreement provides for a death-in-service benefit for the members of your family, regardless of the cause. This benefit corresponds to 1 year's gross salary. A single payment is made.
This gross amount is increased by 25% per dependent child.
What happens if I do not abide by the LNB rules?
15 days before the hearing, you will receive a summons by registered letter.
Up to 4 days before the date of the commission, you can request a delay. You only have a right to a single delay.
You can be assisted by anyone of your choice during the disciplinary commission. We are available to help you. Please contact us.
If disciplinary action is taken against you, you have 10 days to appeal.
Disciplinary action varies from a reprimand to expulsion.
If disciplinary action is taken against you for an offence that is "disqualifying with a report", you are automatically suspended until the disciplinary commission makes a decision. In other words, you cannot play.
What is a precautionary suspension?
A precautionary suspension is not a disciplinary action against you but as long as it is applicable it prevents the player from playing. Once you are put on precautionary suspension, you do not participate in training or play in matches with your team.
At the same time, the club must implement a dismissal procedure for a serious offence.
It also gives the employer the chance to stop paying their player but this is not a requirement. The club decides whether or not you continue to receive your wages.
In the framework of this procedure, the player is heard by their managers at a meeting.
do nothing, and in that case your precautionary suspension is lifted and the club must pay your wages if they had decided to stop paying you.
apply a disciplinary suspension that covers the period of the precautionary suspension.
The club no longer wants me to participate in training or to be a part of the team. Can they ask me to train by myself or to stop coming to training?
No, the club cannot ask you to stop training with your team. You cannot be excluded from the common programme of preparation and training.
How many players can be recruited by a Pro A or Pro B team during the season?
Clubs have the right to recruit a maximum of 16 players under contract until 28 February. After that date, clubs can only recruit one more person.
Candidates or trainee players can sign a professional contract after 28 February.
If the club recruits a player during the season, the contract must last at least until the end of the sports season (30 June).
Can I change professional clubs (LNB) in the same season?
Yes, you can change clubs up until 28 February.
On the other hand, if your club does not pay your wages, after 30 days and after giving the club notice to pay, you can terminate your employment contract and join another club in the same division.
You can change clubs between the Jeep ELITE and PRO B divisions up until 28 February.
Can I sign a contract with an NM1 team after playing in Jeep ELITE or Pro B and vice-versa?
Yes, you can. You can join an NM1 club after playing in LNB. However, you must make a commitment before the 12th day of home matches.
After having an NM1 contract, you can sign in an LNB club up until 28 February.
Can my team decide to loan me?
You cannot be loaned without your agreement.
The duration of the loan cannot exceed 2 consecutive seasons in the same club. However, you can be loaned to different clubs.
You can be loaned up until the last day of road matches in the championship in which you participate or until the date set by the federal regulations if the loan is to a federal club.
You can return to you original club during the season if you so desire.
If you signed your first professional contract after having a trainee contract, you can be loaned to a federal club.
If the club to which you were loaned is wound up by court decision during the season, you have the right to return to your original club and you can participate in competitions in which they play.
If you return to your original club, the club must allow you to train with the professional group.
I heard that I have the right to pairs of shoes from the club. Is that true?
or 3 checks of €150 on presentation of invoices if the club has no sponsor.
Can I use my image as I wish?
Yes, your individual image belongs to you. You can freely use it for commercial, advertising or promotional actions on condition that you do not refer to the club for which you play.
However, you must notify the club each time you wish to be involved in a promotion.
Can the club use my image for their profit?
If the club wants me to participate in promotions with sponsors or schools, do I have to?
Yes, as a professional player you must be available for your club to participate and attend promotions. However, the club must inform you at least 5 days in advance. This deadline of 5 days is not required when it concerns Basketball promotion in school or university centres.
Is it true that the club can finance my educational courses?
All clubs must establish an educational plan notably to help players prepare their retraining. 2/3 of the club's available budget must go to the players.
I am in a financially and socially unstable situation after my career. Can I ask for financial aid?
Yes, if you played for more than 3 seasons in the LNB, you are eligible for aid from social funds.
Social funds provide financing for education or for financial aid if your social situation is problematic.
The only condition is to have played for at least 3 seasons in the LNB (Jeep ELITE or Pro B) and to set up a dossier.
A candidate player is a basketball player who is preparing his career as a professional basketball player. They have a training agreement with the club.
The club must in return provide player training. The modalities are defined in the training agreement.
They are placed under the guidance of the training centre managers and must continue their studies normally.
The candidate's contract does not give automatic right to participate in LNB competitions.
The contract can be terminated at the end of each season on condition that the other party is informed at the latest on 31 May by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
They cannot sign any contract with another professional club for 3 seasons, unless a training compensation is paid or by agreement with the club they leave.
The player is free to sign wherever they please.
In the event of the departure of a player to a foreign country, only the club they leave can have them sign a candidate's contract on their return.
If the club wishes to sign a professional contract with the player, the club must make an offer to them within a deadline of 30 days following notification by the player of their return to France.
If the player refuses, they cannot sign with another club for 3 seasons unless they pay training compensation or by agreement with the club they leave.
For training compensations, their amount corresponds to the real cost of the player's training.
Tous les contrats autres que ceux homologués par la LNB sont nuls. Si un litige existe le club peut être sanctionné par la commission de discipline.
Toutefois, si votre contrat a commencé à être exécuté, ou si le club n'a pas procéder à son homologation, des moyens existent pour exiger que ce contrat soit respecté.
Any contract, besides those approved by the LNB, is null and void. If there is a dispute, a sanction can be applied by the disciplinary commission. Nonetheless, if the execution of your contract has started, or if the club has not approved it, there are ways of ensuring that the contract is complied with.
It is illegal to pay an agent's fee to sign a player's contract for a minor.
up until 31 March, all clubs can sign an additional candidate or trainee's contract. If the player was enrolled in another LNB club, they can only play in a different division.
All contracts end on 30 June and according to the regulations, cannot be extended beyond this date.
At the end of the candidate's contract the club can demand that the player sign a trainee's contract. The club should send their contract proposal at the latest on 31 May of the last season by registered letter.
If the player refuses to sign the trainee's contract, they cannot sign with another club for 3 seasons unless they pay training compensations or by agreement with the club they leave.
If the club does not propose a contract by 31 May, the player is free to sign wherever they wish.
The trainee player is a young player who would like to prepare a career as a professional player and who has signed a training agreement with their club.
The club has an obligation to provide the player with professional training.
The trainee's contract does not give automatic right to participate in LNB competitions.
They cannot sign any contract with another club for 3 seasons, unless training compensations are paid or by agreement with the club they leave.
If the candidate refuses to sign a trainee's contract with their club, they cannot sign with another club for 3 seasons unless they pay training compensations or by agreement with the club they leave.
If the player refuses to sign the contract with their training club, they cannot sign with another club for 3 seasons unless they pay training compensations or by agreement with the club they leave.
At the end of the trainee's contract, the club can demand that the player sign their 1st professional contract. The club should send their contract proposal at the latest on 31 May of the last season by registered letter.
A contract for 2 seasons with the possibility to sign for an additional 3rd year.
A contract for 1 season with the possibility to sign for 2 additional years.
If the player refuses to sign their 1st professional contract, they cannot sign with another club for 3 seasons unless they pay training compensations or by agreement with the club they leave.
If the club does not propose a contract by 31 May, the player is free to sign wherever they wish, but they cannot make contact with any other team prior to this date.
I am a candidate or trainee player, is there a minimum wage?
The gross wage for training players corresponds to the weekly minimum of 9 hours of work, indexed on the standard pay set by section 12 of the CCNS (National Collective Sports Agreement), which was €374.32 € on the 1st July, 2014.
I am a trainee or candidate player and I am an international player, do I have the right to additional pay if I am selected for the national team?
Basically, it is important to specify that the title of a 'selected' player for the French Team is only for players who have played one or more matches in the framework of a final phase of an international, European or World Championship competition.
The candidate or trainee's contract can be terminated if the player signs a professional contract with their training club.
The contract can be terminated if it is not executed, or in cases specified in the labour code (force majeure, serious offence, unfitness, agreement by the parties).
If the club is not involved in French championship the player can freely sign with another club, on condition that the new signing occurs before the 3rd day of championship.
The contract can also be terminated, on condition that compensatory damages for termination are paid.
The club can demand compensation for training. These compensations are calculated on the basis of the real cost of training the player.
A candidate or trainee player can be loaned to other clubs in the LNB or the federal championship. The loan cannot be for more than 2 consecutive seasons. At the end of the first loan season, the player can be loaned to another club.
When a player returns to the federation centre when he is on contract with a club, the player only continues to be paid if there is an agreement between the parties. The contract is neutralised.
All candidate or trainee players also go before the LNB disciplinary commission.
The training agreement can be terminated at any time if the club and the player are in agreement. Despite everything, this should not affect the player's schooling.
If the player signs a professional contract with their club, this results in termination of the training contract.
The club can terminate the training agreement, on condition that it is done at the latest on 31 May. On the other hand, the club is responsible for training the player and taking responsibility for the resulting expenses until the initially scheduled end of the agreement.
The club or the player can terminate the training agreement in the event of non-compliance with the requirements. For this, a notice by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt must be sent beforehand to the other party to comply with the requirements, and this must have been sent without answer in 30 days.
If the other party's offence prevents any pursuit of contractual relations, according to the severity, termination is effective as of receipt of the registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
In any event, the club must allow the player to continue normal training until the end of the season.
If the player can no longer play basketball for medical reasons, the agreement can be terminated but the club must ensure the player's education until the end of the season.
the club is refused approval.
If this is the case, the club must ensure that the player receives schooling until the scheduled end of the agreement.
As an LNB player (professional, candidate or trainee) you do not have the right to place bets on FFBB and LNB competitions.
you must know the rules concerning betting on sporting events; your career depends on it!
if anyone approaches you regarding this, you shall speak to your players' union.


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Welcome to the world of electronic product development in Altium's world-class electronic design software. This tutorial will help you get started by taking you through the entire process of designing a simple PCB - from idea to outputs files. If you are new to Altium software then it is worth reading the article Exploring PCBWorks to learn more about the interface, information on how to use panels, and an overview of managing design documents.
The real-world component that gets mounted on the board is represented as a schematic symbol during design capture, and as a PCB footprint for board design. PCBWorks components can be stored in local libraries, or they can be placed directly from the Altium Content Vault, a globally accessible component storage system that contains thousands of components, each with a symbol, footprint, component parameters and links to suppliers.
Altium Content Vault The Content Vault is much more than a library. Components stored in the cloud, accessible from anywhere that has internet access. Content Vault components include: symbol, footprint(s), component parameters, and links to suppliers. They are organized into folders - by manufacturer, or by package type for generics.
the Vaults panel (File » Vault Explorer) for Content Vault components.
Access components through either: the Libraries panel, or the Vaults panel.
Installed libraries - these are libraries that have been installed in PCBWorks, their components are available for use in any open project.
To help you find the component you need, PCBWorks includes powerful library searching capabilities. Although there are components that are suitable for the multivibrator design available in the pre-installed libraries, it is useful to know how to use the search feature to find components.
The Path is set to point to the installed Altium libraries, which will be something like C:\Users\Public\Documents\Altium\PCBWorks\Library.
Libraries that are already installed are listed in the drop down at the top of the panel, click to select a library and display the components stored in it. Select the Miscellaneous Devices library from the list, then use the component Filter in the panel to locate the required 2N3904 component within the library (as shown in the image below). Since the Miscellaneous Devices library is already installed, this component is ready to place. Do not place it though, instead you will use a transistor from the Altium Content Vault.
The Altium Content Vault is completely separate from the installed PCBWorks software. To access the components in the Content Vault, you must first connect to it. This is done by clicking the Add Altium Content Vault button in the Data Management - Vaults page of the Preferences dialog.
Once you have connected to the Altium Content Vault, you can place components from the Vault into your design.
Once you have connected to the Altium Content Vault, you can explore or search for a component. This is done in the Vaults panel, select File » Vault Explorer to display the panel. The panel includes a powerful search feature, enter the search string into the search field at the top-right of the panel, as shown in the image below.
Searching for the general-purpose transistor BC547 in the Altium Content Vault. Each result is a hyperlink, hover for more information, click to examine.
The Vaults panel includes a number of sections, which can be resized as required. Take some time to explore the features and behavior of the panel, right-click for context-specific commands.
Use the Preview mode to examine the models and parameters included with the selected component.
Components are organized in folders, use the Vaults Folders section down the left of the panel to browse.
There is a large number of components stored in the Altium Content Vault, it can be more efficient to search, as just described.
Search results are presented as a series of links, click on a link to examine a component in detail, use the Back button at the top-right of the panel to return to the search results.
Clicking on a specific component in the search results displays just that component in the folder it is stored in, select Refresh All from the menu at the top left of the panel to display all components in that folder.
The lower region of the panel has a number of display modes, including: Summary, Supply Chain, Where-used, and Preview. Use the down-arrow icon to select the required mode, as shown in the image above.
Right-click on the component and select Place, the component appears floating on the cursor, position it and click to place. Note that if the Vaults panel is floating over the workspace, it will fade to allow you to see the schematic and place the component.
Click and drag - click and drag the component from the Vaults panel and drop it onto the schematic. This mode requires that the cursor is held down, the component is placed when the cursor is released.
Using the search techniques just described, locate the transistor, BC547, in the Vaults panel.
When you search the Vault, it will first cluster the results to show the folders that contains possible components. For the transistor search, all results are in the same folder, named General Purpose Transistors. Click the hyperlink to open the search results for that folder, then click the first Item, CMP-1048-01437-1.
That component will be presented in the Vaults panel, where you can display the Preview down the bottom and examine the symbol, footprint and component parameters (you might need to resize the lower section to display all of the Preview content).
Before placing the part on the schematic you can edit its properties - which can be done for any object floating on the cursor. While the transistor is still floating on the cursor, press the Tab key to open the Component Properties dialog. You can now set up the dialog options to appear as below.
Set the Designator to Q1, and the Comment to be Visible.
Using the search techniques just described, search for a suitable 100K 5% 0805 resistor in the Vaults panel. The search should return the Item-Revision CMP-1013-00122-1.
Right-click on the resistor's Item-Revision number to display the context menu, then select Place CMP-1013-00122-1 from the menu.
Ensure that the footprint Model is set to RESC0805(2012)_N. Using the dropdown next to the Model name you will see that there are 3 footprint models attached to this component, IPC Low Density (_M), IPC Medium Density (_N) & IPC High Density (_L). The footprint selected here will be transferred to the PCB during design synchronization.
The remaining two resistors, R3 and R4, have a value of 1K, search for a suitable 1K 5% 0805 resistor in the Vaults panel.
This search will return all resistors whose values start with 1K, including 1K1, 1K2, 1K3, and so on. Using the Description field, click in the search results to open the 1K 5% 0805 resistor, then right-click and Place it.
Using the steps just given, set the Designator to R3, enable the display of the Comment, and set the footprint Model to RESC0805(2012)_N.
Return to the Vaults panel, and search for a suitable 22nF 16V 0805 capacitor. The search will return a number of potential capacitors, click on Item CMP-1036-04042-1 to use in this design.
Right-click on the capacitor's Item-Revision number and select Place CMP-1036-04042-1 from the menu.
Leave all other fields at their default values and click OK to close the dialog, the capacitor will be floating on the cursor.
After you complete the schematic in PCBWorks, you compile it. This generates an internal connectivity map of the design, detailing all of the components and nets. When the project is compiled, comprehensive design and electrical rules are also applied to verify the design. The design and rule checks are configured in the Options for PCB Project dialog.
List all components used in the design, and the footprint required for each. When the ECOs are executed the software will attempt to locate each footprint in the currently available libraries or available Content Vault, and place each into the PCB workspace. If the footprint is not available, an error will occur.
Before transferring the schematic information to the new blank PCB, you should always make sure all the related libraries for both schematic and PCB are available. Since only the Altium Content Vault and the default installed integrated libraries are used in this tutorial the required Vault/libraries are already available. As both the Vault and the integrated libraries include the symbol and the footprint, then the footprints required for the tutorial are also available.
Have the schematic document, Multivibrator.SchDoc as the active document in PCBWorks.
Once all of the ECOs have been executed the components and nets will appear in the PCB workspace, just to the right of the board outline, as shown in the PCBWorks image above.
PCBWorks allows multiple snap grids to be defined. There are 2 types of grids supported, Cartesian (traditional vertical/horizontal grid) and Polar (circular grid).
While PCBWorks supports multiple grids, only the default grid is used in this tutorial.
PCBWorks's internal defaults for a new board are Imperial. That means when you switch to Metric, settings such as the Soldermask expansion will change from rounded values like 4mil, to values like 0.102mm. While that 0.002mm is insignificant when it comes to output generation, you can edit these settings in the design rules if it bothers you. Select Design Rules in the tree on the left of the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor to examine the Attributes of all the rules and quickly locate any that need their values adjusted.
PCBWorks also includes a topological autorouter. A topological autorouter uses a different method of mapping the routing space - one that is not geometrically constrained. Rather than using workspace coordinate information as a frame of reference (dividing it into a grid), a topological autorouter builds a map using only the relative positions of the obstacles in the space, without reference to their coordinates.
A powerful feature of PCBWorks is the ability to view your board as a 3 dimensional object. To switch to 3D, click the Switch to 3D button (View | View group), or press the 3 shortcut. The board will display as a 3 dimensional object - the tutorial board is shown below.
PCBWorks includes a highly configurable BoM generation feature which can generate output in a variety of formats, including: text, CSV, PDF, HTML and Excel. Excel-format BoM's can also have a template applied using one of the pre-defined templates, or one of your own.
Design data can be passed from PCBWorks into an Excel Bill Of Materials, by including special statements in the Excel template used to create the BOM.
Explore the sample Excel templates in the \PCBWorks\Templates folder. Note that Fields need to be defined above or below the Column region of the template.


When she picked a date for dinner the week before the move, I of course said yes! This is the first meal out since I've agreed to Mint.com's Challenge. We chose pizza.
We originally planned to order 2 separate slices each. However, my brilliant and thrifty friend, Courtney, suggested we split a large pizza three ways to save money.
We all wanted cheese for half, and I sacrificed spinach for mushrooms on the other half.
Cha-ching: $7 in my savings account.


Almost all Harmony remotes have a 'Help' button. Ever wondered what is for? It's there to guide you through fixing issues that you might encounter powering your AV devices on or off, or changing the inputs during an activity on your Harmony Remote Control. This can be especially helpful when you are not at home and something doesn't power on or switch inputs for a family member using the entertainment system. The 'Help' button will guide anyone through fixing the issue in your absence; no cheat sheet required.
By the time you're done answering the questions, all of your AV equipment will be synchronized with what your Harmony remote needs to operate your system successfully.
If you find that you need to use the 'Help' button frequently, you might want to look into adjusting some of the settings for the device in the Harmony Remote Control Software. The most common reasons for frequent 'Help' button use are related to device delays.
InterDevice Delay – If your issue is related to a device that doesn't power on without using 'Help', try increasing the InterDevice Delay.
Input Delay or Power On Delay – If your issue is related to a device that doesn't change inputs properly without using 'Help', try increasing the Input Delay or the Power On Delay. Depending on the specific issue; check both FAQs if you're unsure.
Remember to update your Harmony Remote Control after you make any adjustments to your account, including adjusting device delay settings. Be sure to check back every week for more Harmony tips and tricks and feel free to send us your comments.
I need to control 3 of the same model TVs mounted on the same wall close together, two hd direct tv receivers,one comcast hd settop box, a dvd player and a surround sound receiver, and a hdmi matrix switcher. If I need to have assignable control for the three tvs and the two hd direct tv receivers how many blasters and target specific flashers will I need. the only function for the tvs will be power on and off. They will remain on the same input. What I am wondering is; can I utilize ir and rf at the same time? Is it possible to have one blaster with one port for one of the tvs and one of the direct tv receivers and the other port for the second tv / direct tv combo, while using the ir signal for comcast and the third tv, dvd player, matrix switcher and surround receiver?
It is possible to control multiple versions of the same TV & set top box with a single remote, but only with the Harmony RF capable versions. The Harmony 900 comes with 1 RF Blaster, but you would need to purchase a 2nd one and IR Precision cables to control your set up.
With the Harmony 900 & 2 RF Blasters and IR Precision cables you are able to assign each TV to a single RF Blaster & Single IR port on that Blaster (There are two labeled A & B). First TV would be Blaster 1 on Port A, second TV would be Blaster 1 on Port B, and third TV would be Blaster 2 on Port A. This will allow you to isolate the IR signal to a specific IR emitter and gain independent control.
As for IR & RF, the Harmony remotes always send our IR signal to your devices, you just choose if the Harmony Remote or one of the RF Blasters will be sending out the signal. Therefore you can have one Blaster with one port for one of the TVs and use the Harmony remote to send IR for the Comcast.


As a member of Tabby Time Cats & Their Feline Friends, you automatically authorize the host(s) to use any image you submit to this group as a group avatar. Some challenge rewards may require the winning image to become the face of the completed challenge avatar. However, please know that your images will never be used as a challenge avatar for an active challenge….besides, you may want to submit your own awesome image to the challenge! Right?
Quality images, paintings, t-shirt designs, and drawings of domestic felines will be accepted in this group. (Large breed cat submissions such as leopards, tigers, lions, bobcats, etc. will be deleted.) This group is all about the appreciation of our feline friends.
2) Please do not add frames or borders to your submitted work….let your work speak for itself!!
3) Please refrain from sending in multiple versions of the same image – (ie. same image in color, b&w, sepia) choose your favorite and submit one.
4) Details about your submission are strongly encouraged.


Alderman, N (2016) Paul Ehrlich's 'magic bullet' and the cure for syphilis.
Naomi Alderman tells the story of Paul Ehrlich's 'magic bullet' cure for syphilis. If you take a drug today to cure an illness, you have this man to thank for inventing the concept of targeted treatments that aim to hit the disease and not the patient. This revolutionary idea opened the door to modern pharmaceutical therapies and initiated debates about the role of medical research that echo through the 20th Century.
Part of BBC Radio 4's 'Science Stories', series 3.