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Getting Physical with COM Ports – Overview

October 9, 2018 by Sean Conant Leave a Comment

Feeling nostalgic about COM ports? So are we and our motherboards. This article will be a brief overview of what to expect when adding COM ports to a modern computer. First, we need to define “COM port” because even Google thinks COM ports are irrelevant. Communication port or COM port is the asynchronous serial data transfer between devices.

USB is the standard serial communication protocol, forsaking all others. So why add COM ports to your system? There is an existing population of legacy systems that still require COM ports. Sensors, PLCs, and other controllers.

*Links to vendors and pricing is for information purposes only and not an endorsement of the product. Do your research to find the best product and price for you.

TTL (Transistor-transistor Logic) – typically a single transmission line accompanied by a ground wire. 0V to 0.8V is low/ “0”, 2V to 5V is high/ “1”.

UART (Universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter) $ – TX and RX usually TTL voltage levels

RS232 $ – Similar to UART but with voltage levels between -25V and +25V. Extra signal flag wires. Only 1 commanding and 1 listening device.

RS422 $$ – Similar to RS232 but with differential TX and RX lines. Extra single flags. Only 1 commanding device and multiple listening devices.

RS485 $$ – Similar to RS422 but with multiple commanding and multiple listening devices.

MIL-STD-1553 $$$$ – Multiple channels and redundancy

USB $ – Gold standard in serial communication

Quantum Entanglement $$$$$

Waveless Communication $$$$$

 

 

The most common and inexpensive ways to add COM ports is use PCI-E or USB components.

RS232 COM

RS232 COM $5 to $15

Most motherboards do NOT have a native COM port and straight connection bracket will not work. If the motherboard DOES have a native COM port, 99% of the time it is only UART/RS232. The COM port does not have differential pins to support RS422/RS485 so don’t expect native RS422 on a motherboard.

 

RS232 PCIE

RS232 PCIE $35 to $55, RS422/485 PCIE $80 to $200

StarTech 2 Port RS232 PCIE – $53

SIIG 2 Port RS232 PCIE – $60

A PCIE card is your best bet for building in COM ports to a system. The card can work in any PCIE slot as it only takes 1 lane for a dual COM port card.

 

USB to Serial cables

RS232 USB

RS232 USB $15, RS422/Rs485 USB $25 to $50

StarTech USB to RS232 -$19

SIIG USB to RS232 – $35

A USB to Serial cable is a great solution if the device needs to move between systems. The downside is having to install a driver everyone time on new systems.

 

1553 PCIE

1553 PCIE $5000+

DDC

ABACO

1553 PCI and PCIE cards are typically used for military and avionic vehicles. The cards have various options and not something you will find on Amazon or an electronics store. USB versions are also available for a similar price.

 

The AGS-MRPC is quickest rugged, portable computer solution if you need COM ports. Or if you need more space and more screens, the AGS-MILPAC has capacity and power to control a whole warehouse.

Filed Under: Rugged laptop, Rugged Workstation, Uncategorized Tagged With: com ports, communication ports, computers, deployable computers, rs232, rs422, rs485, rugged computers, serial ports

MILSPEC Laptop Adapter – 150-Watt

February 27, 2017 by admin 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.

PCG-150-MIL 24 & 28 VDC DC-DC laptop power adapter with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III input and output receptacles

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.

Filed Under: Rugged laptop

Mil Std 901D test of rugged laptop

December 13, 2016 by admin 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:

X500 Clamp for Mil S 901D

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.

www.procustomgroup.com

Filed Under: Rugged laptop

Mil-Spec DVD Drive or Blu-ray drive

August 10, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

Mil-Spec DVD Drive or Blu-ray Drive

Military customers that need a transportable DVD player / writer that can survive deployment conditions (MIL-SPEC DVD) now have an off-the-shelf solution.  By mounting a high-quality transport mechanism, with a multi-format DVD-R/W or Blu Ray drive in a machined case, and protecting from shock and vibration using sorbothane mounts, ProCustom Group was able to significantly ruggedize a portable DVD.  The system is significantly more robust than any other commercially available system.  Military users still need access to read-only media such as DVDs due to concerns about viruses and trojans.

Substantial mounting tabs are provided to allow mounting to military vehicles, deployed C4ISR racks or other rugged environments.  A choice of cabling is offered depending on the environmental conditions anticipated.

When closed, the PCG-X-DVD-EXT is sealed from dust and driving rain.  Designed to meet Mil-STD 810G.

Pricing from $399

 

Rugged Mil-Spec DVD player / writer

Extruded aluminum chassis with shock absorbing DVD mount

Mil Spec DVD or Mil-Spec Bluray

Removable USB cabling also available with 38999 connectors at additional cost.

Mil-Spec Bluray or DVD Player with optional 38999 connectors and cabling

Substantial tabs for secure mounting.  Rotating clamp ensures tight seal.

 

Mil-Bluray or Mil-Spec DVD unit after test

For more information, please contact ProCustom Group

 

Filed Under: Rugged laptop, Rugged resources

Rugged Laptop Linux

January 8, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Linux (Ubuntu) installed on Rugged Notebook

rugged laptop linux - Dual Boot Linux and Win 7 Pro on rugged laptop

Rugged laptop Linux installation

ProCustom Group now offers Linux installation on the Getac V110 rugged notebook / convertible.

Dual Boot Windows 7 Pro and Linux Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty Tahr)

Almost all features supported and tested:

Audio Control

Battery Monitoring

Bluetooth

File System with access to:

  • Local Drives
  • Windows Partition
  • USB Flash
  • Network Share Drives
  • Etc.

Keyboard

Multi language

Touch Screen

Wireless Connectivity – WiFi & 4G LTE

A short powerpoint of screenshots showing the V110 running Ubuntu is here: Rugged Laptop with Linux

Getac V110

The Getac V110 is a very compact, robust and lightweight convertible notebook computer.  Weighing in at under 2Kg or 68oz, and combining composite and die-cast magnesium construction it is a pleasure to use.  Intel i5 or i7 processors and HD5500 graphics mean plenty of performance – and with all the storage being solid state the V110 is snappy and responsive.  This rugged laptop linux installation is available now from The ProCustom group as both part of a comprehensive suite of customization options or as an add on service.

NVIS option

In addition to Linux, ProCustom Group is also offering a Night Vision system option for the V110- see NVIS LAPTOP

Tech Specs:

Mobile Computing Platform Intel® CoreTM i7-5600U vProTM 2.6GHz processor
with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.2GHz
4MB Intel Smart CacheIntel Core i7-5500U 2.4GHz processor
with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3GHz
4MB Intel Smart CacheIntel Core i5-5300U vPro 2.3GHz processor
with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.9GHz
3MB Intel Smart CacheIntel Core i5-5200U 2.2GHz processor
with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.7GHz
3MB Intel Smart Cache
VGA Controller Intel HD Graphics 5500
Display 11.6” TFT LCD (1366×768) 800 NITs
LumiBond® 2.0 sunlight readable LED
display with multi-touch technology
Optional digitizer
Storage & Memory 4GB DDR3 expandable to 16GB3
Solid State 128GB / 256GB / 512GB †
Keyboard Waterproof backlit mechanical
membrane keyboard
Optional waterproof rubber keyboard
Webcam Optional HD webcam x 1
Optional 8MP rear camera x 1
Pointing Device Touchscreen:
Capacitive multi-touch screen
Optional pressure sensitive touchscreenTouchpad:
Glide touchpad with scroll bar
Expansion Slots Smart card reader x 1
Express Card 54 x 1
IO Interface DC in x 1
USB 3.0 x 2
USB 2.0 x 1
Network (RJ-45) x 1
Headphone out/Mic-in Combo x 1
HDMI x 1
Serial port (RS-232) x 1
Docking connector (24-pin) x 1
Optional RF antenna pass-through for
GPS, WLAN and WWAN
Communication Interface Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (802.11ac)
10/100/1000 base-T Ethernet
Bluetooth (v4.0 class 1)
Optional discrete GPS
Optional 4G LTE mobile broadband; XLTE Ready1
Software Getac Utility
Adobe® Reader®
Security Features Intel vProTM Technology (per CPU options
above)
TPM 1.2
Cable lock slot
NIST BIOS compliant
Optional fingerprint reader
Optional contactless smart card reader
Optional 13.56MHz RFID
Power AC Adapter (65W, 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz)
Hot swappable Dual Li-Ion battery (2100mAh) x 2
(up to 13.6 hours of battery life) 4
Dimensions & Weight 11.7” x 8.78” x 1.34” (299 x 223 x 34mm)
4.36 lbs (1.98Kg) ††
Rugged Features MIL-STD 810G and IP65 certified
MIL-STD 461F ready 2
Optional ANSI/ISA 12.12.01
Vibration, drop, temperature &
humidity resistant
Optional Salt Fog feature
Environmental Specifications Operating Temp:
-5.8°F to 140°F / -21°C to 60°C
Storage Temp:
-40°F to 160°F / -40°C to 71°C
Humidity: 95% RH, non-condensing

For a quote, or more detailed information, please contact ProCustom Group

Rugged Table Linux Install

The internal hardware of the Getac V110 convertible notebook and F110 rugged tablet are quite similar, and although untested, it seems likely that Ubuntu would work just as well on the F110 ruggedized tablet.

Filed Under: Rugged laptop

Night Vision Imaging System Laptop (NVIS)

July 22, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

NVIS Laptop / Convertible display

Mil-Std-3009 Laptop convertible with NVIS compatibility

Convertible tablet with Night Vision Option

Rugged laptop converts to tablet, has NVIS compatible screen

Pro Custom Group has developed an NVIS system for the Getac V110 rugged convertible tablet.  Complying with dod-std-3009 the add-on filter makes the V110 usable when wearing night vision goggles.

Night vision display filter

Add on display filter

Night Vision Imaging Systems

Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) and Night Vision Goggles (NVG) allow their users to see in the dark.  (Almost – there has to be some light to amplify) Military requirements for search and rescue, night combat, surveillance operations and sniper sights drove the development of these systems, but they are now available to the civilian population for hunting etc.  I met a guy in London in about 1996 who was making a fortune selling them to voyeurs who lived near Hyde Park, and wanted to watch what was going on after dark… The first systems were installed in tanks in WWII.  Since then they have improved dramatically and have been miniaturized to the extent that they can now be head mounted – night vision goggles (NVG). They work by amplifying a relatively narrow band of the near infra-red and optical spectrum.  Indeed the first systems includes powerful infra-red lamps to illuminate the viewing scene.  Later generations became more and more sensitive, so much so that the latest systems work fine in starlight.

Why Does the Laptop need to be NVIS compatible?

The backlights for the laptop display, and indeed indicator lamps on the main housing (LEDs!) are blindingly bright when viewed through night vision goggles.

NVIS Mod for indicator LEDs

Indicator lights filtered for Night Vision System

This is not just distracting, it can be deadly.  An NVIS compatible computer has narrow bandwidth filter that attenuates the frequencies amplified by the night vision system.  So the filter blocks infrared and near infrared light, which means it no longer looks like a searchlight when wearing the NVS goggles. So what does it look like without the goggles on?  It looks like a laptop with a very slightly dimmer display than standard.

RUgged laptop with NVIS filter showing bright display

Display still operates normally without NVG

night vision goggle filter for laptop - side view

Unobtrusive slim design

Simple clip on NVIS filter

Finish closely matches Getac V110

Night Vision System filter in front of Getac V110 notebook

Getac V110 & Night Vision Filter

NVIS clipped to display housing

Storage position

Conclusion

A modern, Haswell based (Intel® Core™ i7-4600U 2.1GHz processor ) portable computer is now available with Night Vision compatibility.  Contact ProCustom Group for details.

Filed Under: Rugged Display, Rugged laptop

Tiger Direct April Fool

April 2, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

April fool from Tiger Direct

6-screen laptop Tiger Direct April Fool

Tiger Direct April Fool

So you have to hand it to Tiger Direct.  Nice April Fool, and well executed.  When you went to their site on April 1st 2014, this is the newsworthy product!  When you click for more information, or actually try and buy it, Tiger Direct popped up a box proclaiming “April Fool!” – and offered a $10 off voucher.

But it made me smile, because ACME Government Systems actually makes such a product…  Albeit slightly bigger and heavier! (and a tad more expensive)

MCCD Six-pack display

Six screen portable computer system

Now, I’d be the first to admit that you need a pretty big briefcase to put one in.  The specs though are not all that different from the April Fool unit…

Very high specification portable computer system

Spoof Specifications for ‘Origami’ portable

ACME Government Systems recently shipped some systems to the US Navy with the following specifications:

2 x Intel Xeon E5’s, 512GB RAM,  500GB SSD RAID boot drives, 12TB HDD RAID storage, 3 x 17″ HD displays (option for 6, or 9) and high-end video cards and video capture system.  Four Gigabit LAN ports, security card reader etc.  Intel Xeon’s are better than Ontel chips.

Which is higher spec than the mythical Origami machine! (Just weighs 67lb…)  I’m guessing that the Origami doesn’t pass Mil-Spec 810F, Mid Std 461 or Mil Spec 901D or for that matter Mil Spec 167…

Tiger Direct April Fool Unit

Six Screen portable workstation

Six Screen ‘Origami’ portable

Nine-screen rugged portable workstation

Rugged workstation with nine displays

AGS Rugged portable workstation

Rugged Workstation for C4ISR

Six Screen Portable Computer

Tiger Direct April Fool Laptop “Origami”

Nine 17" displays in 3x3 array portable

Nine display rugged workstation – origami – pah!

The 4K displays mentioned in the prank origami unit are not available in 15″ or 17″ just yet, but there will be some 24″ portable computers with 4K displays available soon.  If interested, please use the contact form, or visit ACME portable at the NAB show. 

Filed Under: Rugged laptop, Rugged resources

Multi LAN Rugged Laptop Server

March 22, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

Rugged Laptop Server has four independent LANs plus RAID

The “Big Dog” of portable laptop servers is now available with a customized Quad-LANs, the first in portable server from Getac. The new generation laptop multi-LAN server has a state-of-the-art 1.73 GHz Intel Core i7 quad core processor outfitted with 16GB of RAM and 8MB Intel® level 3 Smart Cache.  The X500 Rugged Server was built to handle the most complex processing tasks, and yet still features a sunlight readable display and water resistant contruction.

Customized rugged portable server by ProCustom Group - X500

Customized Getac X500 Portable Server

At 16.1 x 11.4 x 4.7 inches in size, the briefcase-size X500 Rugged Customized Server can be easily carried and deployed, maximizing uptime and efficiency. Self-contained, the X500 Server was designed to be brought to the front line and started up with the same simplicity of a standard notebook.

Four independent LANs give the X500 server connection versatility for complex tactical situations

Two of Four independent LAN Ports - rear

Dual rear LAN Ports (two of four)

Two additional LAN ports are mounted on the side of the X500

Dual Side LAN ports (two of four)

Rugged Server Laptop with front mount Removable Drives

Removable Drives for Rugged Server Laptop

The X500 Rugged Server has up to 5TB of Storage and can be configured as RAID 0, 1, 5. The X500 Multi-LAN Server has a hardware RAID  (redundant array of independent disks) controller that improves performance and protects your data. With up to 5 terabytes of storage, the  X500 Server can be configured for RAID level 0, 1, 5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_RAID_levels courtesy of Wikipedia

Five removable drives in shock mount canisters

Rugged removable disk canisters

The rugged multi-LAN server’s drives are housed in removable shock & vibration protected carriers allowing easy removal for secure storage. The X500 Rugged Server is pre-loaded with Windows Server 2012 providing powerful and flexible server application management.

Removable HDD in a portable server

Rugged Server removable drives

Multi-LAN Portable Server has protected ports

Protected Interface Ports on Multi-LAN Portable Server

X500 Multi-LAN Portable Server

Technical Specifications

Operating System: Genuine Windows® Server 2012

Mobile Computing Platform: Intel® Core i7-820 QM 1.73GHz Processor with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.06GHz, 8MB L3 Intel® Smart Cache, Intel vPro Technology™

VGA Controller: NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 1GB VRAM

Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) 800 NITs Sunlight-Readable LED Display

Storage & Memory:  8GB DDR3 1333MHz Expandable to 16GB, SATA 500GB HDD, Three SATA 1TB Hard Drives – RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 Disc Management (Expandable to five SATA 1TB hard drives).

Keyboard: Waterproof Backlit Mechanical Membrane Keyboard

Pointing Device:  Glide Touchpad with Scroll Bar

Expansion Slots: PCMCIA (2) Type II, Express Card, Smart Card

Multimedia Bay: 2nd Battery

IO Interface   DC in x 1, USB 2.0 (4-pin) x 3, USB 2.0/eSATA Combo x 1, Serial Port (RS-232) x 2, LAN (RJ45) x 2, Optional LAN 3 & 4 (RJ45), External VGA (15-pin; D-sub) x 1, Audio Output (Mini-jack) x 1, Microphone (Mini-jack) x 1

Communication Interface 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n (Intel® Centrino Advanced-N 6200), Bluetooth® (v2.1+EDR Class 2), Optional GPS (with Internal Antenna)

Software: Getac Utility, Adobe® Reader®, Adaptec Storage Manager™

Security Features: Intel® vPro™ Technology, TPM 1.2, Fingerprint Scanner, Smart Card Reader, Kensington Lock

Power            AC Adapter (150W, 100-240V, 50/60Hz), Li-Ion Smart Battery (8700mAh), Media Bay-2nd Li-Ion Smart Battery

Dimensions & Weight: 16.1″ x 11.4″ x 4.7″ (410 x 290 x 119 mm), 18.9 lbs (8.6 kg)

Rugged Features      Full Magnesium Alloy Case, Shock-Protected Removable HDDs, Vibration & Drop Resistant, Optional Night Vision

Ultra Rugged

MIL-STD 810G and IP65 Compliant

Environmental Specifications      Operating Temperature: -4°F to 113°F / -20°C to 45°C (System boot-up below 40°C), Storage Temperature: 40°F to 160°F / -40°C to 71°C), Humidity: 5% to 95% RH, Non-Condensing

Additional LAN Port modification performed by ProCustom Group

Filed Under: Rugged laptop

NVG (Night Vision Goggle) Screen Mil-Spec Laptop

March 10, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Mil Std 3009 NVG compatible laptop screen

Night vision systems (often abbreviated NVG for night vision goggles) are becoming a common accessory for military personnel.  Care needs to be taken when combining image intensifiers with laptop displays though…  especially sunlight-readable, high brightness displays!  Standard monitors (CCFL-backlit LCDs and CRTs) emit high levels of IR radiation, specifically the kind that’s amplified by night vision goggles. This causes blooming (washed out view) and over-saturation, which renders the user effectively blind. This is true even if the monitor is in the proximity of the user but not in their direct field of view.

Getab B300 with night vision display

Night Vision Goggle compatible laptop

Getac has added a night vision mode to it’s popular and robust (“fully rugged”) B300 system:

  • MIL-STD-3009 Night Vision Equipment Ready
  • Intel Core™ i7-3520M 2.9GHz or Intel Core™ i5-3320M 2.6GHz
  • 13.3-inch Getac QuadraClear Sunlight Readable Display up to1400 Nits
  • Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life with Dual Battery System
  • USB 3.0, eSATA and HDMI Connectivity
  • Wireless LAN 802.11 a/b/g/n, Gobi™
  • Bluetooth 2.1 Class 2
  • SiRFstarIV™ high sensitivity GPS for enhanced positioning accuracy
  • IP65 certified protected against water and dust ingress
  • MIL-STD-810G protected against drops, shocks and vibration
  • MIL-STD-461F protected against electromagnetic interference
  • Operates in extreme wide temperature ranges (-29°C to 60°C)

NVG Systems – how do they work?

Night Vision Goggles work by using a photo-multiplier to take the very low level of light that is available (starlight, moonlight, infra-red light) and amplifying it.  First the photons are converted into electrons by a photocathode, then the electrons are ‘multiplied’ by a high voltage gain stage before striking a phosphor screen.  The phosphor screens glow green (like my old TRS-80 CRT!) giving the image the typical green hue of most night vision systems.

The B300 is MIL-STD 3009 certified, meaning its screen can be seen with night vision goggles – but without the need for filters. By using a quick key, the B300 transforms into a night vision imaging system (NVIS). In daylight, the device offers a 1400nits sunlight-readable QuadraClear touchscreen display, granting users complete visibility under bright sunshine.

Backlit keyboard for use in reduced light conditions, including use with NVG systems

Getac B300 Backlit keyboard

NEW: Getac X500 now with Night Vision Display Option

Getac X500 now available with Night Vision Mode (nvg compatible laptop)

X500 now with NGV mode

Getac X500 Rear Connectivity

Rear connectivity of X500 - USB 2.0, USB 2.0/eSATA, HDMI, Serial port x2, External VGA, microphone, audio output, Dual Gigabit LAN RJ45's

Rear connectivity – includes Serial Ports

For customized versions of the B300 and X500 (mil-spec connectors, vehicle mounts etc) please contact pro custom group.

Filed Under: Rugged laptop

Salt Fog Mil Spec Laptop

February 19, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

DOD Mil-Std-810 509.4 Salt Fog

Cheesy Salt Fog Graphic for Getac Laptop

Salt Fog Test Getac

(Sorry about the salt fog GIF, but it’s soooo cheesy I had to use it.)

The Getac B300 the ideal choice for marine environments such as the Coast Guard, or on the deck of a ship, where salt air can affect equipment performance drastically.  Salt is one of the most corrosive chemicals commonly found, and can cause damage to the metal housings and electrical connection on all laptops – even ruggedized or Mil-Spec ones.

Salt Fog Test Procedure

Salt fog testing for military products generally follows procedures described in MIL-STD-810G 509.4 Salt Fog, with a vapor spray salt solution of 5% salt water introduced in a test chamber to create a salt fog environment. Testing usually includes 48 hours of exposure followed by another 48 hours of drying time. However, two successive cycles of 24-hour exposure / 24-hour drying is an even more challenging scenario for this particular test. Getac used the 24/24/24/24 test for the Getac B300.

To pass this test, the laptop needs to have excellent mechanical design, but also a high quality surface treatment for the magnesium alloy case parts.  Magnesium surface treatments include chemical conversion and painting. Getac’s magnesium factory created a chemical conversion treatment system that includes a special pre-treatment to clean and prep die-cast magnesium surfaces before the chemical conversion process is applied. Their chemical conversion treatment is not limited to plain phosphate, it also contains calcium phosphate, vanadate and other salts.

Salt Fog surface treatment process diagram

Surface treatment process

Mil-Std Paint Applied

After the Mg alloy is chemically converted, it is capable of passing the salt fog test unpainted.  For increased durability, and to make the unit look nice, a special mil-std paint is applied.

Mg Alloy Rugged portable laptop chassis before painting the mil-std paint

Mg chassis before painting

Painted Mil-Std Mg Alloy paint
Painted Mg Alloy Chassis 

Mechanical Design

The standard Getac B300 passes IP65 waterproofing tests. This is a pretty severe test – but is not enough to pass salt fog tests.  Any salt water entering the unit is likely to cause corrosion; especially to the electrical circuitry.  Keyboard drainage, cable in/out structures and microstructures throughout the entire machine are required to prevent salt deposits caused by standing salt water. This effectively prevents structural damage from clogging or binding within the mechanical structure, and also helps avoid electrical malfunction due to corrosion.

Of course, if you have to use the laptop and connect it to power, or any other electrical connection – eg drone data port, 1553 bus, physical network connection, – you will need corrosion resistant connectors.  Pro Custom Group is Getac’s customization partner, and has produced multiple systems with mil-spec connectors.

Mil-Spec Connector on Getac B300

Mil-Spec Connector on B300

Another view of the Mil-Spec modification to the Getac Rugged Laptop

Another view of the Mil-Spec modification

 

 

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