Transportable workstation now with multi-touch displays

June 19, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Touch screen workstation

Workstation users are getting younger! The callow youth that operate our C4ISR systems were brought up with a touch screen tablet in their cradles. To make the best transportable workstation even more appealing to the actual users, AGS has added multi-touch controllers and three touch screens to the MilPAC-III.

C4ISR workstation with desert cooling system

Now with three multi-touch screens

Natural ergonomic interaction

Rotating, panning and zooming are now much more natural movements, and navigating across the entire 5760 x 1080 image space no longer requires multiple trackpad slides, or repetitive mouse movements. Multi-touch controllers can respond to up to ten inputs per display.

The robust friction hinges of the MilPAC-III work perfectly with touch operation, and may be angled to give the operator the ideal viewing angle and touch experience.

Powerhouse portable

The MilPAC-III has dual 22-core Xeon processors and can be fitted with up to 40TB of SSD storage for extremely fast and highly reliable storage. Operating with large datasets and GEOINT overlays is smooth and responsive. Each display can be mirrored to an external TV or other monitor when sharing data with senior staff is appropriate.

Mil Spec portable

The MilPAC-III passes multiple mil-specs including Mil Std 901D Lightweight shock, Class B and MIL-STD-810F. It is deployed and proven in theater Worldwide and is available from AGS in Azusa CA.

Mil-spec display-less computer MilBOX

April 19, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Display-less Mil-Spec Computer

Mil Box Computer - mobile server

Brick Computer – MilBOX (prototype shown in CAD)

The MilBOX is intended for users who need a fully rugged mobile server that can withstand shock, vibration, humidity and temperature to Mil-STD 810F requirements. Sometimes, you just need a computer that will survive being mounted almost anywhere, but still needs to be connected to whatever your are controlling/monitoring/logging. Such computers are sometime known as brick computers, shoe-box computers or if you are being polite, “small form-factor computers” because they are not very imaginatively designed! Most of the engineering issues are of heat management and making the I/O fully waterproof. Brick computers are usually fully sealed enclosures, so forced air cooling can’t be used. In fact in the MilBOX there are no fans of any kind. Cooling is through conduction and convection, with the casework operating as a heatsink.

Production MilBOX

Military Screenless Computer

The MilBOX is a COTS display-less computer in a metal enclosure with multiple mil-spec connectors mounted to the front panel. Interfaces include options got GPS and Wireless cellular access, as well as the usual USB (4 x 3.0), dual Gigabit LAN, 2x SATA3 (6Gbps) ports + 2x SATA2 (3Gbps) ports and dedicated Isolated DIO, 8in/8out.

These sorts of computers are often underpowered when it comes to processor performance – but the MilBOX has an Intel® Core™ i7-3610QE which is a Quad Core CPU (with Hyperthreading to 8 virtual cores) with 6 MB SmartCache and Intel® HD Graphics 4000 on chip. It operates at 2.3GHz (3.3 GHz Turbo) and dissipates only 45W (TDP).

For the kinds of environments you might encounter, the operating temperature range is -25°C ~ +70°C (Start up can be a low as -40°C) A special wide temperature-range SSD is integrated.

Weighing 10.5lb with the Mil-Connectors, the MilBOX is IP65 rated and has AC & DC (10-36V) inputs.

Outdoor lightweight computer with mil-spec connector

March 21, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Getac V110 Convertible Notebook Computer

Getac V110 convertible laptop

Rugged laptop notebook tablet

The Getac V110 is a modern, well executed rugged notebook which can be converted to tablet format. Like almost all commercial rugged computers, the V110 is pretty robust and well sealed – until you want to connect it to something. In the commercial world wireless and battery power may be acceptable, but military applications often require radio silence, and extended operation.

Mil Spec Connectors

Replacing one or more of the commercial connectors with a small format Mil-Spec connector can solve this issue.

Side mil-box for rugged notebook

Side milbox

Small and light, the side V110 MILBOX is a CNC machined housing that installs on the side of the notebook in place of the USB3 port and audio ports. The side MILBOX allows the user to interface to Power and USB or Ethernet signals via a single rugged MILSPEC connector. Other connectivity is possible – USB3 can be converted into many useful protocols / interfaces. The challenge is to find space inside the V110 to perform the conversion.

Standard connections

As standard this modification includes power (DC in) and USB or Ethernet.

mil-spec connector laptop

Dependability

This modification is available from PCG and comes with the blessing of Getac themselves. The ProCustom Group is an authorized reseller and the customization partner for Getac. http://www.procustomgroup.com/

Data Diode Rackmount Dual Computer

February 28, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Data Diode Dual Server

The AGS-DataDiode is a 2U rack-mount computer with two completely independent servers flanking a BAE data diode. Designed to match perfectly with the BAE data diode it enables a point-to-point one-way transfer solution that supports file transfer, email and video streaming in one direction only.

Dual Computer for Rack Mount Data Diode

A data diode (also referred to as a unidirectional security gateway or unidirectional network) is a network appliance or device allowing data to travel only in one direction, used in guaranteeing information security. They are most commonly found in high security environments such as defense, where they serve as connections between two or more networks of differing security classifications. This technology can now be found both in the military and at the industrial control level for such facilities as nuclear power plants, and electric power generation.

Theory of Operation

The Data Diode Solution is a controlled interface, strictly enforcing a unidirectional flow of data at the physical level. The absence of a return path ensures no possible data leakage and mitigates risks of malware, such as Advanced Persistent Threats, designed to covertly exfiltrate sensitive data. The Diode functions in conjunction with BAE Systems’ Data Pump Applications and content filtering software. The device typically sits between two servers attached to their respective security domains. The solution prohibits the separate enclaves from detecting each other. It supports unidirectional transfer of SMTP email, including attachments, and file-based and streaming data. By converting data into sequenced UDP packets, the data can then be transmitted across the Data Diode Device. Once received, the UDP packages are reconverted back to the original format. The solution includes automated acknowledgement for one way TCP support as well

For further information see Protecting Confidential Information using Data Diodes by Nexor.

Rear view of dual server data diode

Each computer in the AGS-DataDiode has it’s own power supply and is completely independent.

DataDiode information flow

Connections to the networks are via Gigabit Ethernet connections, while the data that goes to the Data Diode travels through fiber connections. All the connectivity is visible from the front panel, and a friendly arrow indicates the direction that the information may flow.

Each computer:

CPU: Intel i5-3550S, 3.7GHz, 4-core, 65W

RAM: 4GB

SSD: Innodisk SATADOM Industrial 128GB

LAN: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports

PSU: 450W independent power supplies

80+ Gold Certified

Data Diode PSU mounting bracket

Center position:

Data diode mount for Enterprise & Tactical physical variants

Data-Direction Indicator

Physical Data:

Depth – 456mm or 18”

Width – 19” rack mount

Height – 2U – 3.5”

Weight – 20lb without data diode, 25lb with data diode

Three power cords required

Fiber connection from PC1 to Data-Diode to PC2

2U completely integrated form factor

Dimension drawings of Dual Server for Data Diode

T800 Aircraft Mount

February 28, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Getac T-800 Port Replicating Dock

Rugged T800 tablet shown installed in port replicating vehicle dock viewed from the front right

This mount for the Getac T800 rugged tablet computer has been designed to securely retain the tablet in flight. It also provides power and USB connectivity via a custom pogo-pin arrangement. Rugged T800 tablet installed in port replicating vehicle dock showing IO connectors viewed from the left rear

For use in applications with low to moderate shock and vibration, like wheeled or composite vehicles and light aircraft, the aluminum T800 Tablet mount holds the tablet using features provided in the case of the T800 chassis. The mount can be attached to the vehicle with through bolts or with studs attached to the vehicle interior or via the RAM mount system. The dock can have interfaces for Power, USB, Ethernet, GPS, RS-232 or RS-422

Rugged T800 tablet port replicating vehicle dock viewed from the front left

Tech Specs

Environmental Certifications (Mil Std 810G Methods: 500.5, 501.5, 502.5, 503.5, 507.5, 510.5, 514.6, 516.6, 524)
Operating Temp: -5.8° F to 122° F / -21°C to 50°C
Storage Temp: -40°F to 160°F / -40°C to 71°C
Humidity: 95% RH, non-condensing
Wheeled and Composite Vehicle Test Specifications (MIL-STD-810G)

Figure 514.6C-1 – Category 4 – Common carrier (US highway truck vibration exposure).

Figure 514.6C-2 – Category 4 – Composite two-wheeled trailer vibration exposure.

Figure 514.6C-3 – Category 4 – Composite wheeled vehicle vibration exposure.
50562-H32 Aluminum

5052-H32 is optimal for sheet metal work because of its ability to allow for a tight radius while bending. 5052-H32 contains 2.5% magnesium. It is one of the highest strength alloys of the non-heat treatable grades. Common uses for this alloy include the manufacturing of electrical enclosures, marine parts, fuel tanks, & aircraft tube.

Properties include:
- High corrosion resistance
- Easiest alloy to weld
- Lightweight
- Highest strength non-heat treatable alloy
- Smooth surface
- Easily forms due to high modulus of elasticity
5052-H32 aluminum can undergo the anodizing process to increase corrosion resistance and enable dying (coloring). The anodic layer is non-conductive.

MILSPEC Laptop Adapter – 150-Watt

February 27, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Mil-Spec Laptop Power Adaptor

PCG-150-MIL 150 watt 24 & 28 VDC input DC to DC laptop adapter for Getac X500 server and other gaming laptops

Mil-Spec Laptop Power Supply

Military and aerospace users of the Getac X500 server can now power their systems from a vehicle or aircraft power system using PCG’s 150W DC/DC power adapter. The adapter can also support high performance laptops like the Alienware 17 and the Asus ROG and other high performance gaming laptops.

The PCG-150-MIL 150-watt adapter accepts DC inputs from 20-30VDC and is optimized for 24VDC and 28VDC military vehicle and aircraft power systems. It has a nominal output of 19VDC +/- 5% for the Getac X500 server but can be delivered with a 16V, 18V or 24V output on special order.

Key features:

High Input Voltage Disconnect
Output Short Circuit Protection
Output Overcurrent Protection
Internal Over Temperature Protection
Potted for environmental protection
Metal end plates with mounting feet
MTBF greater than 25,000 hours

Certifications:

MIL-STD-810G
MIL-STD-461F
MIL-STD-1275D
MIL-STD-1686C

150 watt PCG-150-MIL all-metal environmentally hardened DC-DC server adapter for gaming laptops and other high-power portable computing applications

Power Quality

The adapter is compliant with the requirements of MIL-STD-1275D with the exception of operating through the starting disturbances described in section 3.1.6 of MIL-STD-1275D however, the adapter withstands exposure to these starting disturbances without damage.

150-Watt DC-DC Adapter Environmental Specifications

Operating Temperature

The 150-watt DC/DC adapter will operate to full performance within the temperature range of -40°C to +55°C., including internally generated sources of heat as well as the ambient temperature. The operating temperature requirements have been verified in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 501.5, Procedure II (high-temperature), and Method 502.5, Procedure II (low-temperature).

Storage Temperature

The server adapter will operable within performance specifications after exposure to ambient temperatures of -40°C to +63°C. These requirements have been verified in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 501.5, Procedure I (high-temperature), and Method 502.5, Procedure I (low-temperature).

Temperature Shock

The MILSPEC 150-watt DC/DC laptop power adapter was operable without performance compromise after exposure to rapid changes in ambient temperatures over the operating range of -40°C to +49°C in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 503.5, Procedure I; Figures 503.5-1, 503.5-2, and 503.5-3 (a total of 4.5 cycles). The transfer time between temperature extremes did not exceed 1 minute.

Operating Vibration

The adapter was fully functional to its performance specifications after being subjected to functional vibration profiles found in military vehicles for eight (8) hours in each axis, in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 514.6, Category 20, Ground Mobile equipment.

Vibration, Logistical

The laptop DC/DC server adapter was fully functional after being subjected to secured cargo vibration induced by air transportation both packaged and unpackaged after being subjected to fixed wing turboprop and turbine aircraft vibration.

Functional Shock

The Equipment met all performance requirements during and after exposure to the functional shock for ground equipment requirements of MIL-STD-810G, Method 516.6, Procedure I, Table 516.6-II, Terminal Peak Sawtooth.

Crash Hazard Shock

The Getac server adapter mounting provisions and structure successfully withstood the transient shock test loads imparted by the crash hazard shock for ground equipment in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 516.6, Procedure V, Table 516.6-I.

Humidity

The 150-watt DC-DC laptop power adapter satisfactorily tolerated the effects of elevated humidity levels without performance degradation during and after exposure to constant 95% humidity with cyclic temperatures over a range of +30°C to +60°C. The exposure was 10x – 24-hour cycles in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 507.5, Procedure II (Aggravated)

Blowing Dust

The DC-DC adapter successfully withstood exposure to dust particle size <150 µm in diameter, density of 10.6 ± 7 gm/m³, with particle velocities of 1.5 to 8.9 m/s from all direction in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 510.5, Procedure I; 90 minutes per side, four sides total.

Exposure to Fluids

The adapter withstands the effects and degradation associated with contamination from exposure to fluids that may be encountered over the service life in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 504.1, Procedure II (Small Systems).

Storage & Air-Transport Altitude

The high power 150-watt Getac X500 laptop adapter meets all of its performance requirements after exposure to un-pressurized transportation altitudes of up to 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) above sea level in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 500.5, Procedure I.

Operation & Air-Carriage Altitude

The MILSPEC DC/DC adapter will operate during exposure to low pressure altitudes up to 4572 meters (15,000 ft) above sea level in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 500.5, Procedure II.

Rapid Decompression

The adapter (non-operating) will withstand altitude changes of 10m/sec. (1969 ft/min.) from 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) above sea level in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Method 500.5, Procedure III.

Steam and Water Jet Cleaning

When connected as installed in a complete system, the adapter can tolerate cleaning without damage using hot or cold water and steam from a high pressure low-volume cleaning system and commercially available detergents by fine spray, spray-applying a mixture of detergents and water, and rinsing with clean water.

150-Watt DC-DC Adapter Electromagnetic Specifications

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

The adapter has been tested to meet MIL-STD-461F requirements as follows:

CE102 (Conducted Emissions, Power Leads; 10 kHz to 10 MHz)
RE102 (Radiated Emissions, Electric Field; 2 MHz to 19 GHz)
CS101 (Conducted Susceptibility, Power Leads; 30 Hz to 150 kHz)
CS114 (Conducted Susceptibility, Bulk Cable Injections; 10 kHz to 200 MHz)
CS115 (Conducted Susceptibility, Bulk Cable Injections; Impulse Excitation)
CS116 (Damped Sinusoidal Transients, Cables and Power Leads; 10 kHz to 100 MHz)
RS103 (Radiated Susceptibility, Electric Field; 30 MHz to 18 GHz, 50 Volts/meter)

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

The server adapter will withstand and continue to operate after exposure to electrostatic discharge events in accordance with MIL-STD-1686C, ESD Class 2 voltage levels applied to the Human Body Model (HBM) test locations.

Deployable Workstation with High Capacity Filtered Cooling System

February 3, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

MilPAC-III Cooling Option

The MilPAC-III deployable workstation is now available with an optional high capacity filtered cooling system. Utilizing a washable electrostatic filter and four high performance fans, the new “Desert Filter Back” allows extended operation in hot, dusty and unpleasant environments. The positive pressure system ensures that contaminants can only enter the system through the filter.

The four fans were selected and tested to perform well as a high pressure input to the cooling flow. All air entering the MilPAC-III is filtered through the filter-back, and all the other fans exhaust, keeping the interior clean and cool.

Deployable Workstation high capacity air filter

Electrostatic Filter

The MilPAC-III filter is constructed of multiple layers of custom woven electrostatic polypropylene media, plus non-woven polyester. The triple action filters promote free air flow, and have superior dust holding capacity. Particulates are captured and attracted together electrostatically to form larger clumps. These settled particles are washed out through drain holes during periodic cleaning.

MilPAC-III

The MilPAC-III is a Dual-Xeon portable computer with three HD displays which is currently deployed by the US military in multiple roles. It is currently shipping with 26TB storage, and dual E5-2699V4 22 core Xeon CPU’s, making it one of the most powerful portable computers available. Useful features include HDMI mirroring of the three displays to HD Monitors or TV’s, and a CAC Card reader built into the keyboard.

Shock Mounted 19″ Display

January 25, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

Vehicle mount display – 19″

The AGS-RVMD19 display is a very robust 19″ class display with vehicle mount designed for use in larger military vehicles and mobile command and control centers. Featuring a full mil-spec helical wire-rope isolator system to allow use in the harshest environments, the full HD display features LED backlighting and an anti-glare filter.

Side view of shock mount vehicle display

The shock-mount also features adjustable angle fixtures to orient the display appropriately. Connections are via Mil-Std 38999 connectors or GlenAir Mighty Mouse.

Specifications

Viewable Screen Size: 18.5″ FHD TFT LCD -1920×1080

Brightness: 350 nits (Typ)

View Angle: 170(H)/60(V)

Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Typ)

Color: 16.7 M colors

Input Interface: HDMI. Other inputs can be specified.

Power Input: 60W, +24VDC nominal

Tempered glass to protect screen or Touch panel optional

Certified to:

Temperature, MIL-STD-810G, Method 501.5, Procedure II (0 ~ +60C)

Temperature, MIL-STD-810G, Method 501.5, Procedure I (-20 ~+80C)

Vibration, MIL-STD-810G, Method 514.6, Procedure I, Random General vibration, Functional

Shock, MIL-STD-810G, Method 516.6, Procedure I, saw tooth wave, 20G/11ms, Functional

Massive removable hard drive (HDD or SSD)

January 5, 2017 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

16 Drive removable hard drive array

The AGS-NetPAC was developed for network and telecom companies as a portable test system. This computer has the power and hard disk performance to continuously copy a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE, 10GbE, or 10 GigE) network to disk. The drives are relatively expensive and desirable, so they are contained conventionally within the chassis using screws and guides to make stealing them more difficult. Network test equipment is often left for extended periods in un-monitored environments. The original AGS-NetPAC is still available and continues to be used extensively in the telecommunications and network test worlds.

Ruggedized portable with 18 internal or 16 removable drive bays

Removable storage for military applications

This blend of portable performance and storage ability turned out to be of interest to three letter agencies and other government entities. In these applications however, the drives need to be removable as soon as they contain classified information. The new AGS-NetPAC-R is the solution. With a 16 drive removable hard drive array, the NetPAC can be configured with up to 64TB of removable storage (either HDD or SSD’s may be specified).

16 Removable HDD array - 32TB Removable drive system

AGS-NetPAC-R rugged portable computer with massive removable hard drive array

Other computer specifications

Other specifications are a high-end processor, and usually, but not always, a high speed RAID controller. Graphics can range from on-chip to a high end nVidia or Quadro graphics card, and drive a 17″ HD LED display.

Dimension: 17.15″W x 14.68″H x 7.00″D / 24.0 Lbs (without HDD/SSDs)

CPU: Intel i7 or Dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 V4’s

RAM: Up to 512GB DDR4

PSU: AC or DC Power supplies (we have 24V and 48V systems available)

Availability:

The AGS-NetPAC-R is undergoing initial field trials and will be available for purchase early in Q2 2017

If you have any questions, please use the contact form below.

Mil Std 901D test of rugged laptop

December 13, 2016 by Myles Kelvin Leave a Comment

MIL STD 901D is intended to simulate the conditions that occur on board a ship when it is struck by a torpedo. The equipment must survive without throwing off pieces that might injure crew-members.

In this test, an X500 that has been modified by ProCustom Group for ship-board use was subjected to multiple shocks. The modifications included significant additional i/o through mil-spec connectors via an expansion slice and custom interface boards, secured in an adjustable custom mount.

If you listen carefully there is one test where there is a loud clanging sound, followed by the utterence of “uh oh!” If you look carefully it was just a wrench that had been left on the test fixture by mistake, and turned into a projectile. No wrenches or personel were seriously injured in the making of this video.

In the slowed-down version below, you can see the significant shock propagation through the mounts, test rig, chassis and computer in slow motion:

Clamp Mechanism to retain X500

ProCustom Group specializes in the modification of Getac rugged laptops for use in real world, hostile environments. These include ship-borne, aircraft, tracked vehicle, flightline and oilfield applications.