CablesAndKits Blog

Happy Tuesday! Summer heat check! It’s National Freezer Pop Day—don’t forget to cool down. What’s your favorite way to beat the heat at work?

In This Issue: 4th of July, Florida Style | Deal of the Day | BNC Male Crimp-on Connector | Autonomous vs Lightweight Access Points | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – 4th of July, Florida Style

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend!

I spent the 4th of July down in Florida, and it was quite the experience! I stayed with friends in the Watercolor area, and they have one of the rare permits that allows them to drive their Jeep onto the beach. These permits are super limited and given out via a lottery system—so naturally, everyone who has one wants to use it on the 4th.

My friends actually took the Jeep out at 3:30 AM to grab a good spot, then came back for a little more sleep before we all headed to the Grayton parade at 8:30 AM. It was the longest parade I’ve ever seen! It actually lasted for well over an hour! It really is such a fun, community-filled event.

After the parade, we made our way to the beach where the Jeep was parked and spent the afternoon soaking up the sun. I have NEVER seen that many people on a beach before! It was absolutely packed! Once we’d had our fill of sun, we headed back to clean up, eat, and then biked to a different beach later in the evening to catch the fireworks.

The rest of the weekend was much more low-key—lots of good food, long walks, pool time, and even catching up with some other friends from home who happened to be vacationing nearby. It turned out to be a wonderful weekend!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Get reliable, secure video and signal connections with this 3-pack of BNC Male Crimp-on Connectors, designed for use with RG59 and RG62 coaxial cable. Ideal for CCTV systems, broadcast equipment, test instruments, and RF applications, these connectors provide a tight, low-loss connection with minimal interference.

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Learning Center Article – Autonomous vs Lightweight Access Points

When you design a wireless network, you need to have all of your options available from the beginning. When you know what choices exist, you can select from them and make the best network possible. In that spirit, it can help to understand the primary difference in types of access points. For the most part, a wireless access point can be autonomous or lightweight.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon Prime Day 2025 runs from July 8–11, featuring “Today’s Big Deals” with daily exclusives across top categories. Score savings on everything from Apple gadgets and beauty finds to Ninja coolers, DeWalt tools, Samsonite luggage, and back-to-school tech.
• For the first time ever, the wildly popular Stanley Quenchers are ‘tumbling’ to their lowest price—just $24.75, a jaw-dropping 45% off!
• Robotics researchers at Stanford University are developing a new way to explore the world’s oceans: a remote-controlled humanoid robot that can transmit the sense of touch to researchers sitting vast distances away.
• Burger King is bringing back Flame-Grilled Fridays all July long! Get a free Whopper Jr., Rodeo Burger, Cheeseburger, or Hamburger with any $1+ purchase every Friday at participating locations.

Happy Monday! We hope your Fourth of July was filled with fun, fireworks, and a little relaxation. How did you spend the holiday break?

In This Issue: Our Fourth of July Weekend | Deal of the Day | Stereo Plug | Best Way to Connect Multiple Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Our Fourth of July Weekend

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a great Fourth of July! We kept things pretty low-key and grilled out with family. Later that evening, we headed over to a nearby park—not for fireworks at the park itself (there weren’t any), but for the great view. We found a nice spot on a hillside and got to watch fireworks going off in all directions. It was like a 180-degree light show. Pretty cool!

Saturday was a bit more routine. We tackled some house cleaning and then my wife and older daughter went to go see the new Jurassic World movie with some of her friends. They came back saying it was great—so I guess I’ll need to check it out soon. Meanwhile, I stayed home with my youngest and we ended up playing a good amount of Roblox together.

Sunday after church, I joined the first big Pokémon tournament of the new season. I didn’t perform as well as I had hoped but still had some fun matches and met a few new folks, which is always a win in my book.

Before I go, I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the floods happening in Texas and especially lift up the families impacted at Camp Mystic. It’s heartbreaking news, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.

I hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Upgrade your audio connections with this high-quality 1/4″ Stereo Plug, designed for reliable performance and long-term durability. Featuring a gold-plated tip for enhanced signal clarity and corrosion resistance, this connector is ideal for custom audio cable builds and repairs in professional or home studio environments.

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Learning Center Article – Best Way to Connect Multiple Switches

What is the purpose of connecting multiple switches? In most cases, the goal is to expand network access. When you connect switches, you get more ports that can be used, and that means more devices can utilize the network. Depending on the configuration, connecting multiple switches can also increase the bandwidth of the network. This is important for any demanding network that is short on total bandwidth.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starting July 15, YouTube will tighten its rules for monetization, targeting mass-produced and repetitive videos in the YouTube Partner Program. The platform says it wants more “original” and “authentic” content and warns that creators using AI to generate generic videos could be removed from the program.
• TikTok is reportedly developing a new version of its app for US users as it faces a potential ban this September. The move comes after lawmakers ordered parent company ByteDance to sell its US operations to an American owner—or risk being blocked nationwide.
• After deadly flash floods claimed at least 82 lives over the holiday weekend, parts of Texas remain on high alert. Forecasters have extended flood warnings through Monday evening as heavy rains continue to threaten already devastated areas. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.
• Krispy Kreme is celebrating World Chocolate Day on July 7 with the return of its fan-favorite Chocolate Glazed Doughnut—now made with Hershey’s chocolate glaze for the first time ever. But hurry! This special treat is available for one day only at participating locations nationwide.

Hello and Happy Thursday! CablesAndKits will be closed tomorrow in observance of the 4th of July holiday. We hope you enjoy a safe, fun-filled celebration with your family and friends. See you next week!

In This Issue: A Week-long Birthday Treat | Deal of the Day | Slanted Ceiling Plate | Media Converters | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Week-long Birthday Treat

Happy Thursday, CK buds!

How’s your week going so far? This week feels a little lighter with the upcoming holiday and long weekend just around the corner. And as your resident weekend girly, you know I’m already looking forward to it! 😄 But this time, I got an early treat—I just spent the past few days celebrating my partner’s week-long birthday!

From my province, I traveled 108.3 miles to spend it with him. It wasn’t exactly planned—his work projects kept shifting, so I had to wait for a final update before putting anything together. Thankfully, the timing worked out, and he ended up in Manila, not the farther site. As soon as I got the go signal, I booked us an Airbnb because we love staycations.

The best gift I could think of? A peaceful escape with a city light view, a refreshing pool, and time to just relax. Because let’s be honest—when you’re a working adult, sometimes that’s all you really need, right?

Anyway, the 4th of July is coming up and the long weekend is waving! Got any fun plans? I’d love to hear how you’re spending it!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Install your ceiling-mounted TV or projector securely and with confidence using the PLB-CE8-02 Slanted Ceiling Plate. Designed to accommodate angled or vaulted ceilings, this heavy-duty mounting plate works with any standard 1.5″ NPT pipe, making it ideal for custom AV installations in homes, offices, churches, or commercial spaces.

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Learning Center Article – All About Media Converters

When you need more than a basic one-router network, you might find yourself investing in major upgrades and technology like fiber optics. When you do, your network will necessarily grow more complicated, and to cope with that, you need hardware that can help very different kinds of technology work well together. One type of technology that fills this role is the media converter. It’s an absolute necessity in many networks, and if you take a few minutes to learn all about media converters, you will have that much more knowledge and flexibility in your own networking endeavors.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google’s Veo 3, its newest AI-powered video generation tool, is now available to Gemini Pro users in 159 countries, including India, Indonesia, and across Europe. Users can generate 8-second videos with audio using text prompts, with three video generations per day. Businesses are already tapping into Veo 3 to create ads, demos, and training content. A photo-to-video feature is also in the works.
• The iconic Blue Screen of Death—the dreaded crash alert on Windows PCs—is being replaced after four decades. Starting later this summer with Windows 11 version 24H2, users will instead see a black screen, minus the sad face. Microsoft calls it a “simplified UI for unexpected restarts”, marking the end of an era that began with Windows 1.0 in 1985.
• Your next Uber Eats order might arrive on four wheels—no driver required. In partnership with Avride, Uber is rolling out autonomous delivery robots in select U.S. cities. These suitcase-sized bots can carry up to 55 lbs, navigate sidewalks using sensors and cameras, and operate 24/7. Orders stay secure until unlocked via the app. More cities could see these futuristic couriers soon!
• The World Health Organization is pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next 10 years through taxation, its strongest backing yet for taxes to help tackle chronic public health problems.

Happy Wednesday! Today is National Wildland Firefighter Day — a reminder to do our part. How are you practicing fire safety this summer?

In This Issue: Gratitude | Deal of the Day | Power Extension Cord | LC Fiber Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Gratitude

Happy Wednesday!

This morning my husband woke up and said, “We officially have a 23-month-old!” and now, it’s all I can think about. I can’t believe we will soon have a TWO-YEAR-OLD! I’m convinced he sometimes looks and acts like he is 5 or maybe even 15, haha but my goodness does the time fly.

This weekend was great! I got to spend some one-on-one time with my little guy and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Lots of snuggles, time for him to play in his new bathtub, and running through lots and lots of bubbles! The plant show was an added bonus! There were TONS of plants and I felt like I was in a dream at some points. Some of the plants were stunning and also very…expensive. I did come home with 3 new plant children and a few other fun goodies, so overall a great success!

I’ll leave you with this…on the radio this morning on my dive the radio host said “Remember, you control the outcome of your day, so make the best of it.” This week has been draining for me, and I’m really not sure why. I know part of it is because I’m 8 months pregnant and just simply exhausted by the end of the day, but I’ve let lots of little things bother me lately that just aren’t simply worth my time. So today, I’m going to be more intentional about what I let get in my head or bother me and I encourage you to do the same. There is SO much in life to be grateful for, so we can’t let the little things get in the way.

Cheers to a great rest of the week, a short holiday week, and the ability to celebrate freedom!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 100-foot, 14/3 gauge SJTW extension cord is built for tough residential and industrial power needs. With a triple-tap adapter that powers up to 3 devices from one source, and a built-in light indicator to confirm connectivity, this extension cord maximizes utility on job sites, around the home, or when using generators and temporary power boxes. Made from 100% pure copper, it is water resistant, flame retardant, and ultra flexible, ensuring dependable outdoor performance in various environments.

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Learning Center Article – Best LC Fiber Connectors to Upgrade Your Network Today!

LC fiber connectors may be compact, but they excel at optimizing data flow and boosting bandwidth, making them a prime choice for upgrading your network today. This article explores some of the top-performing LC fiber connectors currently on the market, guaranteed to revolutionize your network capabilities. Whether you’re a business owner, IT expert, or tech enthusiast, investing in these advanced connectors promises to redefine your connectivity experience.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• American Airlines is showing off new technology that should help customers make tight connecting flights during the busy Fourth of July travel weekend.
• Starlink is officially the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi, nearly doubling the speeds of competitors, according to a new Ookla report. SpaceX’s satellite internet hit median speeds of 152Mbps down and 24Mbps up, with an impressive 44ms latency—perfect for video calls or even gaming mid-flight. Its secret? A network of 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites flying just 342 miles above Earth—far closer than traditional satellite systems.
• Costco and T-Mobile are offering up to $450 per line for customers who switch carriers this summer—a tempting deal at first glance. However, wireless experts caution that while the bonus sounds generous, it could lead to higher monthly bills depending on the plan you choose, so it’s wise to read the fine print before making the switch.
• China’s largest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, has officially launched in the U.S. with two new stores in Manhattan, taking on Starbucks with affordable prices and a tech-savvy approach. Known for cashier-less stores and drinks under $2 in China, Luckin is offering $1.99 drinks for first-time app users in NYC. The menu includes everything from iced lattes to fruity cold brews and trendy refreshers.

Happy Tuesday! It’s National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day — the perfect excuse to try something new. What’s the wildest ice cream flavor you’ve tried?

Join our team as Head of E-commerce! Click here for details.

In This Issue: Making the Most of Summer | Deal of the Day | Fiber Splice Tray | Fiber Optic Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Making the Most of Summer

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Can you believe we have already made it to JULY!? Not sure how that’s possible, but this is one of my favorite months so I’m not complaining!

There’s just something special about the laid-back days of Summer. I’ve really enjoyed the longer days and the ability to get outside and enjoy them. I’ve gotten to see a bit more of my nieces and nephews thanks to them being out of school for the Summer, which has been really sweet!

July is already shaping up to be a fun month! I’m heading down to Florida later this week to visit one of my best friends, Lauren, who moved to the 30A area. We will celebrate the 4th of July on the beach which sounds amazing! I’ll also get to spend some time with another one of my best friends, Emily, who will be vacationing at the beach so it should be a lot of fun!

I’ve got more fun things planned for later in the month, from getting together with old coworkers to getting outside for some Summer hikes! What about you? How are you making the most of what’s left of Summer!?

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Organize and protect your fiber optic splices with this 12/24 Fiber Classic Fusion Splice Tray in Black. Made from durable HIPS material, this tray is designed to securely hold and manage up to 24 fiber connections, offering a flexible and reliable splice and storage system. Ideal for use in fiber optic enclosures, this tray includes a protective cover plate to shield spliced fibers from dust, damage, and environmental stress.

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Learning Center Article – Fiber Optic Connectors: Detailed Guide to Types and Uses

Fiber optic connectors might be small, but they play a big role in ensuring fast and reliable data transfers. They link fiber optic cables, allowing data to move quickly with minimal loss. In this guide, you’ll explore various types of fiber optic cable connectors, each with unique features and best uses. Knowing what each connector does is essential, but it’s also important to match them with the right equipment, fiber type, and performance needs.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple Inc. is considering using artificial intelligence technology from Anthropic PBC or OpenAI to power a new version of Siri, sidelining its own in-house models in a potentially blockbuster move aimed at turning around its flailing AI effort.
• BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang has set a new global record in the EV market with its flagship sedan, the U7, which boasts the lowest drag coefficient (0.195 Cd) of any mass-produced car to date. This milestone surpasses top competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Lucid Air, marking a major aerodynamic achievement for Chinese automakers.
• Google is rolling out major updates to its Classroom suite, including free Gemini AI tools for educators and, for the first time, access to NotebookLM for users under 18. Teachers with Google Workspace accounts will get a Gemini tab in Classroom to help with lesson planning, math problems, and more. Education Plus users will also receive Gemini audio lessons. Other additions include a new Analytics tab to monitor student performance, the ability to create and share custom “Gems” (mini Gemini agents), and student access to interactive study tools through NotebookLM. Teachers will also gain access to AI-powered tools like Google Vids for video creation and the new Class Tools feature for managing student Chromebooks during lessons.
• This July 11, celebrate 7-Eleven’s 98th birthday with a free small Slurpee at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations for National Slurpee Day! Members of the 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards programs can also score limited-edition Slurpee-activated temporary tongue tattoos that reveal fun colors like blue, green, red, or pink after sipping their frozen treat.

Happy Monday! 🌞 It’s National OOTD Day — a fun chance to show off your summer style. What’s your go-to summer outfit?

Join our team as Head of E-commerce! Click here for details.

In This Issue: Island Vibes Activated | Deal of the Day | SC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator | Active Optical Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Island Vibes Activated

Happy Monday!

We just got back from a family trip to Saint Simons Island where we stayed in a condo near the beach with my in-laws—my sister-in-law and her kids, my family, and my mother-in-law. It was a full house, but the kids loved having their cousins around. Most of our time was spent at the pool or out at the beach. We especially enjoyed heading to the beach in the evenings when the sun wasn’t so intense and things were a bit quieter.

In the middle of the week, we took a little detour to Jekyll Island and visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The kids thought the turtles were cool, and it was nice to learn a few things too. We also made a stop at Driftwood Beach, which had some really interesting trees and made for a good walk.

By the weekend, we were back home and feeling wiped out. I know people say this a lot, but it really did feel like we needed a vacation after the vacation. Still, glad we got to go and make some memories.

I hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The SC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator – 5dB is engineered to precisely reduce optical signal strength in high-speed fiber networks. Designed with a durable metal housing and UPC polish, this female-to-male fixed attenuator ensures stable performance and minimal reflection in SC singlemode applications. Ideal for use in test environments or to protect sensitive equipment from excessive signal power.

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Learning Center Article – Transform Your Network with Active Optical Cables: Here is Why They are the Future

In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, the demand for faster, more reliable network connections is higher than ever. One of the best ways to meet these demands is by incorporating active optical cables (AOCs) into your network infrastructure. These high-performance cables offer superior data transmission over long distances, making them a popular choice in industries.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11 25H2, set to roll out later this year with a simpler, more efficient upgrade process. Unlike previous major updates, 25H2 will use a “shared servicing branch,” allowing Windows Update to deliver only the missing code to your PC—cutting the download size by around 40%.
• Xiaomi has officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of its first electric SUV, the YU7, unveiled on June 26 in Beijing. With aggressive pricing starting at around $35,278, the YU7 undercuts Tesla’s Model Y in China and is available in three trims: base, Pro, and Max. The debut sparked major excitement—over 10,000 pre-orders were placed within four minutes, and reservations soared to 289,000 in just one hour.
• A cybercriminal group known as Scattered Spider has breached the computer networks of several major U.S. and Canadian airlines, prompting an FBI warning during the peak of summer travel. While flight safety and operations remain unaffected, the group’s use of social engineering to infiltrate systems has raised serious concerns, especially as they also target contractors and vendors, exposing broader vulnerabilities across the aviation industry.
• Starbucks is celebrating the Fourth of July with a limited-time Firework Frappuccino, available from July 1 to 7. This festive blended drink combines raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors with coconut milk, popping pearls, strawberry purée, and vanilla sweet cream cold foam—perfect for a refreshing summer treat.