The Rugged Rating Organizations and Standards
A rugged tablet pcs' ratings are set by various government agencies, industry groups and/or independent laboratories and are cited by manufacturers in order to establish a more exact degree of environmental protection and reliability.
Some of the more common standards include:
IP Ratings (Ingress Protection) Rating for Equipment and Enclosures
A three-digit number established by the International Electrotechnical Commission, is used to provide an IP Rating to a electronic equipment (rugged tablet pc) or to an enclosure for electronic equipment. The IP code indicates the level, or amount of the protection.
The three digits represent three different forms of environmental influence:
The first digit represents protection against ingress of solid objects.The second digit represents protection against ingress of liquids.The third digit represents protection against mechanical impact damage.
(*The third digit is often omitted, resulting in a 2-digit IP Rating covering ingress against solid objects and liquids only).
The larger the value of each digit, the greater the protection from that influence. As an example, a product rated as IP573 would be better protected against environmental factors than another similar product that was only rated as IP432.
This Rating also includes an IP TABLE (not shown)
NEMA
NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. They provide a forum for the standardization of electrical equipment (rugged tablet pc), enabling consumers to select from a range of safe, effective, and compatible electrical products. The organization has also made numerous contributions to the electrical industry by shaping public policy development and operating as a central confidential agency for gathering, compiling, and analyzing market statistics and economics data.
MIL-STD (Military Standard) or MIL SPEC (Military Specification)
Is a series of performance and manufacturing guidelines set by the US Department of Defense for military and commercial equipment and applications. These guidelines specify allowable parts and environmental condition ranges that a tool or other device must be able to operate in to meet compliance.
MIL-STD 810 E and F are generally accepted as the highest standard for ruggedized testing by mobile computer manufacturers.
MIL-STD 810 test method is used to generate confidence in the environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design. The testing process follows guidelines which include program documentation, program roles, test standards and laboratory test method guidelines for all categories. The laboratory test methods are broken down into 24 categories. The required compliance test categories include:
Environment MIL-STD 810F
Low Pressure (Altitude) Method 500.4
High Temperature Method 501.4
Low Temperature Method 502.4
Temperature Shock Method 503.4
Contamination by Fluids Method 504
Solar Radiation (Sunshine) Method 505.4
Rain Method 506.4
Humidity Method 507.4
Fungus Method 508.5
Salt Fog Method 509.4
Sand and Dust Method 510.4
Explosive Atmosphere Method 511.4
Immersion Method 512.4
Acceleration Method 513.5
Vibration Method 514.5
Acoustic Noise Method 515.5
Shock Method 516.5
Pyroshock Method 517
Acidic Atmosphere Method 518
Gunfire Vibration Method 519.5
Temperature, Humidity, Vibration, and Altitude Method 520.2
Icing/Freezing Rain Method 521.2
Ballistic Shock Method 522
Vibro-Acoustic/Temperature Method 523.2
Before testing can begin, the rugged tablet pc has to have environmental exposure, which means that the test item is run under standard ambient conditions to ensure the item is operating properly and to ensure pretest baseline performance data is collected.
The actual tests are carried out according to pre-defined test plans and criteria. The tests can be laboratory or natural environment field tests, or a combination, which ever applies. The test procedure is dependent on the environment tested. The procedure(s) and its execution provide the basis for collecting the necessary information.
After completion of each environmental test on the rugged tablet pc, the post-test data is examined and recorded in accordance with material specifications and program guidelines. The results are compared with the pre-test data. The post test record includes: test sequence used, deviations from planned test program, performance data, test conditions and a signature of the test team, to name a few. A final test report will be created for each test which includes an analysis of the test results.
You may notice some rugged tablet pc products will carry a MIL-STD 810E rating and some may state they are MIL-STD 810F compliant. MIL-STD 810F is a revision of MIL-STD 810E. The tests and methods are basically the same but much of the standard has been rewritten to provide clearer direction. Many of the changes that can be found with the MIL-STD 810F are minor or administrative in nature, but technical changes and improvements can be found throughout (i.e. additional technical testing guidelines).
IS (Intrinsic Safety)
IS is a term representing the Hazardous Location classifications as described in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) National Electrical Code (Article 500). The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines Hazardous Locations as those areas “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.”
An intrinsic safety rating details the specific Hazardous Location in which an electrical device can be used without fear of electrostatic discharge that may cause an explosion. There are three classes of locations that rugged tablet pcs can be tested against - I, II, III Hazardous Locations.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Five Dirty Secrets about Tablet PC's that No-One Bothers to Tell You About That Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars
Dirty Secret # 1
Most companies are told that they should purchase their Tablet PCs with XP Pro, Tablet PC, or Vista as the operating system. They are never told that there are alternatives to these operating systems that may save them significant money. The operating systems that can also be used on Tablet PCs are CE.NET, Linux, or embedded XP.
Dirty Secret #2
Many thin client manufacturers will include their remote management software at
no-charge the first year. However, if you want updates and any type of software
support after the first year, you will typically have to pay them for a per-seat support license each year. For example, an insurance company we talked to had 1,300 seats, was told by the manufacturer (who, by the way, is one of the largest manufacturers of thin devices) that the current version of the remote management software they were using would not be supported any more and that they would have to pay approximately $40,000.00 for the new version of the software.
Dirty Secret #3
Some Tablet PC manufacturers, after the first year, will charge for their phone
support on any technical questions that you ask them. Over the years, this can add
significant dollars to your support costs. Additionally, various manufacturers’ technical support operations will actually be located in India or other countries where you may have communication issues.
Dirty Secret #4
We often get phone calls from users of Tablet PCs that the company that they purchased their product from, forgot to ask them the following questions:
a. Are you going to be using this outside? Perhaps you need an outdoor rated screen. Most models are equipped with an indoor readable screen.
b. Are you going to be using your Tablet PC near water, snow, or in dirty conditions? This is a critical question as many Tablet PCs are not rated for these types of elements and are ruined very quickly. MIDCOM has solutions for these types of environmental conditions.
c. Are you going to be using your Tablet PC in hostile environments where they are subject to being dropped, subject to extra vibration, or can be jostled or banged against other equipment? Again, talk to us. We have some ideas for you.
d. Are you aware that road vibration, in vehicle installed Tablet PCs, can often cause a serious issue if cables are attached to the tablet’s USB ports? What are the issues? Are they real? Absolutely. Talk to MIDCOM if you are considering installing Tablet PC’s in any vehicle. We can help prevent a very frustrating situation from arising.
Dirty Secret #5
Tablet PCs, with operating systems other than CE.Net, can be subject to viruses. Of course, you can load anti-virus software on them, just as you load this type of software on your desktop PCs and/or Servers. But the fact that you will need virus protection is typically never brought up unless you ask or find out the hard way after you have installed your software. Even if you use Microsoft XP embedded, this should be protected against viruses.
Actually there are a lot more Dirty Secrets when it comes to Tablet PCs. Give us a call at (800) 643-2664 and talk to us. We will steer you right as we are looking for long term relationships with our customers…not just a one time sale.
About MIDCOM Data Technologies, Inc.
• Founded in 1982 by Ron Klein, a past Executive with a subsidiary of NCR Corporation. He was involved in the design, manufacture, and distribution of new computer terminal technology throughout North America
• MIDCOM has been involved in the shipment of over 300,000 terminal devices representing various types of alternatives to PC desktop technology
• MIDCOM has been a consultant to IBM, NCR, & DEC on terminal technology
• MIDCOM has over 250 different thin client and Tablet PC alternatives in their product lines from various quality manufacturers
• MIDCOM’s specialty is to assist organizations with the selection of thin technology (which includes Tablet PCs) based upon their applications, user and environmental requirements
• MIDCOM insists that all new users, before they purchase a new technology product, first evaluate the product in their own work environment. This is part of MIDCOM’s free, no-risk trial program.
MIDCOM Data Technologies, Inc.
Terminal Specialists since 1982
(800) 643-2664
www.midcomdata.com
Call MIDCOM and learn about our wide selection of Tablet PC’s… each designed for particular work environments. Also, ask us about our new risk-free trial programs.
Most companies are told that they should purchase their Tablet PCs with XP Pro, Tablet PC, or Vista as the operating system. They are never told that there are alternatives to these operating systems that may save them significant money. The operating systems that can also be used on Tablet PCs are CE.NET, Linux, or embedded XP.
Dirty Secret #2
Many thin client manufacturers will include their remote management software at
no-charge the first year. However, if you want updates and any type of software
support after the first year, you will typically have to pay them for a per-seat support license each year. For example, an insurance company we talked to had 1,300 seats, was told by the manufacturer (who, by the way, is one of the largest manufacturers of thin devices) that the current version of the remote management software they were using would not be supported any more and that they would have to pay approximately $40,000.00 for the new version of the software.
Dirty Secret #3
Some Tablet PC manufacturers, after the first year, will charge for their phone
support on any technical questions that you ask them. Over the years, this can add
significant dollars to your support costs. Additionally, various manufacturers’ technical support operations will actually be located in India or other countries where you may have communication issues.
Dirty Secret #4
We often get phone calls from users of Tablet PCs that the company that they purchased their product from, forgot to ask them the following questions:
a. Are you going to be using this outside? Perhaps you need an outdoor rated screen. Most models are equipped with an indoor readable screen.
b. Are you going to be using your Tablet PC near water, snow, or in dirty conditions? This is a critical question as many Tablet PCs are not rated for these types of elements and are ruined very quickly. MIDCOM has solutions for these types of environmental conditions.
c. Are you going to be using your Tablet PC in hostile environments where they are subject to being dropped, subject to extra vibration, or can be jostled or banged against other equipment? Again, talk to us. We have some ideas for you.
d. Are you aware that road vibration, in vehicle installed Tablet PCs, can often cause a serious issue if cables are attached to the tablet’s USB ports? What are the issues? Are they real? Absolutely. Talk to MIDCOM if you are considering installing Tablet PC’s in any vehicle. We can help prevent a very frustrating situation from arising.
Dirty Secret #5
Tablet PCs, with operating systems other than CE.Net, can be subject to viruses. Of course, you can load anti-virus software on them, just as you load this type of software on your desktop PCs and/or Servers. But the fact that you will need virus protection is typically never brought up unless you ask or find out the hard way after you have installed your software. Even if you use Microsoft XP embedded, this should be protected against viruses.
Actually there are a lot more Dirty Secrets when it comes to Tablet PCs. Give us a call at (800) 643-2664 and talk to us. We will steer you right as we are looking for long term relationships with our customers…not just a one time sale.
About MIDCOM Data Technologies, Inc.
• Founded in 1982 by Ron Klein, a past Executive with a subsidiary of NCR Corporation. He was involved in the design, manufacture, and distribution of new computer terminal technology throughout North America
• MIDCOM has been involved in the shipment of over 300,000 terminal devices representing various types of alternatives to PC desktop technology
• MIDCOM has been a consultant to IBM, NCR, & DEC on terminal technology
• MIDCOM has over 250 different thin client and Tablet PC alternatives in their product lines from various quality manufacturers
• MIDCOM’s specialty is to assist organizations with the selection of thin technology (which includes Tablet PCs) based upon their applications, user and environmental requirements
• MIDCOM insists that all new users, before they purchase a new technology product, first evaluate the product in their own work environment. This is part of MIDCOM’s free, no-risk trial program.
MIDCOM Data Technologies, Inc.
Terminal Specialists since 1982
(800) 643-2664
www.midcomdata.com
Call MIDCOM and learn about our wide selection of Tablet PC’s… each designed for particular work environments. Also, ask us about our new risk-free trial programs.
Monday, April 5, 2010
What are some of the differences between the Apple IPad® and Ruggedized Tablet PC's?
While the iPad is truly a technology advancement in personalized tablets, does that, in reality, make it a true business tool that can stand the rigors of the work environment?
The answer is a resounding NO!
Of course, the iPad has a nice sized screen and it has Internet access through Wi-Fi. But that is only a fraction of the capabilities required in most work environments.
From our experience, the following is vital when utilizing tablet PCs in applications for First Responders (rescue, police, fire, and ambulance workers), for mobile workers using tablets in sales force automation, in field service repair, for utility workers, in manufacturing and distribution centers, in delivery trucks, and any other areas in which the Tablet is being used in business environments.
• Ruggedness: Most tablet PCs are rated for at least multiple four-foot drops to concrete. Additionally, Rugged Tablet PC manufacturers have designed their products from the inside out with special components and manufacturing processes that insure that circuit cards, connections, and chips will not become dislodged from extreme vibration or from being dropped. The iPad is not made for this type of “abuse”.
• Protection against water, snow, and dust: Ruggedized Tablet PCs are typically rated from an industry rating of IP54 to an IP67 rating. This means that they can take water spray and in some cases can be fully submerged in water. These environmental factors are found whenever a worker leaves their office. The iPad is not designed for these types of environments.
• A full operating system that allows sophisticated business applications to be loaded in the Tablet PC. Typically, the OS found on a Rugged Tablet PCs are Windows 7, XP Embedded, or Linux. The OS found on the Apple iPad is a proprietary operating system and not open to business applications that are Windows based.
• Access to fast and responsive support by computer technicians located in the U.S. is almost guaranteed by the manufactures of Rugged Tablet PC. They realize that when support is needed, they must be responsive as it is costing their customers money when they have an issue that takes them off-line.
• Fast Processor speeds: Due to the fact that most Rugged Tablet PCs are running Windows® programs, most every manufacturer of these Tablet PCs now offer higher speed processors. It is not uncommon to see 1.6GHz or faster processors. The iPad is also designed to run numerous applications, but it has not been designed to run Microsoft® Windows® business applications.
• Rugged Tablet PCs today have the ability to add more memory, solid state storage and hard disk drives as well as peripheral devices such as barcode scanners, magnetic stripe readers, cameras, digital video, smart cards, etc. The Apple’s iPad does not have any of these capabilities.
• Rugged Tablet PCs offer long-life batteries with the capability to “hot-swap” batteries on the spot without any loss of data.
• Mounting any type of tablet in a vehicle is often a challenge due to the many different types of vehicles on the road. Today, the major manufacturers of Rugged Tablet PCs have designed special mounts for most all vehicles. Additionally, these mounts allow for their Rugged Tablet PCs to be secured safely within the vehicles. In case of an accident, the worst thing that could happen is for someone to be injured because the tablet broke loose from its mounting and became a flying missile.
Here is an example of iPads ruggedness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAl28d6tbko
The answer is a resounding NO!
Of course, the iPad has a nice sized screen and it has Internet access through Wi-Fi. But that is only a fraction of the capabilities required in most work environments.
From our experience, the following is vital when utilizing tablet PCs in applications for First Responders (rescue, police, fire, and ambulance workers), for mobile workers using tablets in sales force automation, in field service repair, for utility workers, in manufacturing and distribution centers, in delivery trucks, and any other areas in which the Tablet is being used in business environments.
• Ruggedness: Most tablet PCs are rated for at least multiple four-foot drops to concrete. Additionally, Rugged Tablet PC manufacturers have designed their products from the inside out with special components and manufacturing processes that insure that circuit cards, connections, and chips will not become dislodged from extreme vibration or from being dropped. The iPad is not made for this type of “abuse”.
• Protection against water, snow, and dust: Ruggedized Tablet PCs are typically rated from an industry rating of IP54 to an IP67 rating. This means that they can take water spray and in some cases can be fully submerged in water. These environmental factors are found whenever a worker leaves their office. The iPad is not designed for these types of environments.
• A full operating system that allows sophisticated business applications to be loaded in the Tablet PC. Typically, the OS found on a Rugged Tablet PCs are Windows 7, XP Embedded, or Linux. The OS found on the Apple iPad is a proprietary operating system and not open to business applications that are Windows based.
• Access to fast and responsive support by computer technicians located in the U.S. is almost guaranteed by the manufactures of Rugged Tablet PC. They realize that when support is needed, they must be responsive as it is costing their customers money when they have an issue that takes them off-line.
• Fast Processor speeds: Due to the fact that most Rugged Tablet PCs are running Windows® programs, most every manufacturer of these Tablet PCs now offer higher speed processors. It is not uncommon to see 1.6GHz or faster processors. The iPad is also designed to run numerous applications, but it has not been designed to run Microsoft® Windows® business applications.
• Rugged Tablet PCs today have the ability to add more memory, solid state storage and hard disk drives as well as peripheral devices such as barcode scanners, magnetic stripe readers, cameras, digital video, smart cards, etc. The Apple’s iPad does not have any of these capabilities.
• Rugged Tablet PCs offer long-life batteries with the capability to “hot-swap” batteries on the spot without any loss of data.
• Mounting any type of tablet in a vehicle is often a challenge due to the many different types of vehicles on the road. Today, the major manufacturers of Rugged Tablet PCs have designed special mounts for most all vehicles. Additionally, these mounts allow for their Rugged Tablet PCs to be secured safely within the vehicles. In case of an accident, the worst thing that could happen is for someone to be injured because the tablet broke loose from its mounting and became a flying missile.
Here is an example of iPads ruggedness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAl28d6tbko
Friday, March 5, 2010
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