ESIS Newsletter - June 2011
In this issue:
- End of Financial Year - Get in Quick!
- Getac's "bruise-proof" S400 notebook - cost effective and semi-rugged
- RAIDON Delivers USB3.0 External Storage with Safety, Speed and Capacity!
- R-PIPE - Remote Virtual COM port solution via GPRS
- New MicroLite and MicroLog data loggers from Fourtec
- Temperature Loggers – Part 4: Sample Rate and Memory
- Atdec Warranty Enhancement for LCD Monitor Mounts
- Two New Rugged Embedded Box Computers with Intel® Atom™ Processors
Quotes of the Month:
Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
- Albert Einstein
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
- John Wooden
End of Financial Year - Get in Quick!
The EOFY is getting very close and things are busy at Esis! If you need to purchase goods before the end of June then please get in touch with us ASAP, to avoid getting caught in a last minute rush.
We still have stock of many popular products, so give us a call to secure yours before they disappear!
If you find this newsletter useful, please consider forwarding it to your colleagues. It's easy for them to subscribe as well, just by clicking the link to the right.
Note: Prices shown are subject to change without notice.
If you have any questions, please email us, or phone us on 02 9481 7420.
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Getac's "Bruise-Proof" S400 Notebook - Cost Effective and Semi-Rugged
A unit that combines processing power with a robust build ideal for field service and light military applications.
The S400 boasts IP5X and MIL-STD-810G ratings, meaning it can withstand dusty and moist environments as well as vibration, shock and drop to military standards.
“This semi-rugged notebook is the ideal choice for operators needing a unit that can easily withstand bruises and bumps but who don’t require a fully-rugged, sealed unit solution,” says Peter Molyneux, Sales & Marketing Director of Getac in the UK.
The S400 is built with flexibility in mind: operators can specify an Intel® Core™ i3-350M 2.26GHz or an Intel® Core™ i5-520M 2.4GHz processor, as well as Getac’s resistive-type multi touch screen, which allows for gloved operation and ‘no look’ gesture control.
“We recognise that not all user environments will be the same – field service and maintenance workers are unlikely to need the optional blackout stealth mode; but this, together with fully customisable quick keys allow the unit to be tailored,” Mr Molyneux adds.
The durable unit is built with Getac’s Kryptoshell™ chassis, a material technology that is built tough and strong enough to withstand a 2.5 feet drop and meets MIL-STD-810G for shock, vibration and temperature protection, while offering an operating temperature range of -0°C to 45°C, with the option of extending this down to -15°C. But with an integrated handle and weighing in at under 3kg, the S400 remains easily portable.
The SATA hard disk drive (including shock mounted HDD protection with aluminium casing) has 320GB of storage, and an optional 80GB solid state drive is also offered.
The 14” 1366x768 anti-reflection screen can also be configured to offer readability in bright sunlight thanks to the option of including a 700nit display. Connectivity is also high with fast wireless network (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth, optional integrated modem, GPS and Gobi 2000 3G module.
“Indoors, the notebook can easily be office-docked with seamless communication links passed through I/O connectors,” Molyneux says. “The S400 14” rugged notebook fulfils a gap in the market for a powerful, robust notebook that can be used on the go by the emergency services, light military, utility services and project managers in the field.”
Please check out the Getac page on our website for more information on the full range of Getac rugged notebook PCs.
Esis is an Authorised Partner for Getac products and offers very compeitive pricing, backed up with full pre- and post-sales technical support. Please contact us to discuss your needs and obtain a quote.
RAIDON Delivers USB3.0 External Storage with Safety, Speed and Capacity
RAIDON GR5630 series, the all new Super Speed USB3.0 external storage solutions performs at a theoretical speed of 10 times faster than USB2.0, and supports 4 SATA hard drives for a large capacity to relieve the space concerns of daily increased data from user.
GR5630 series comes in two models, GR5630-SB3 and GR5630-WSB3. These models accommodate 3.5” hard drives over 2TB each and deliver excitement to users from experiencing a conspicuous increment in performance, GR5630 series also designed with removable trays to bring convenience to data mobility and it is even easier for users proceeding with data classification and management.
In addition, GR5630 series embedded both USB3.0 and eSATA interfaces for data transfer options to eliminate possible USB upgrade hassles for users, it also offers multiple RAID levels from selection, when operate at a higher level data protection as RAID 5 may assure the store data existence from a hard drive failure and remain with the same storage capacity available. For model GR5630-WSB3 offers in RAID 5 function and has embedded 2 of additional Firewire800 interface which is a familiar connection to Mac users and to the desired demands of chain connection.
GR5630 series are equipped with 8cm ball bearing fan along with aluminum casing design, giving excellent heat dissipation to maintain a lower operating temperature during operation, it is perfectly suitable for a long period of workflow station.
Furthermore, RAIDON has also released two types of USB3.0 PCI Express Cards to both desktop and notebook users for desiring external storage expansions.
Esis carries the full range of RAIDON storage solutions - for more information please see the relevant pages on our website:
To discuss how we can help your business please contact us.
R-PIPE - Remote Virtual COM port solution via GPRS
In past years, the simplest way to connect to a remote serial device via a GSM terminal was using Circuit Switched Data (CSD), otherwise known as a dial-up connection via the GSM network. However at present,
most telcos have either already dicontinued CSD support over GSM, or are planning to discontinue it in the next year or two.
The R-Pipe solves this issue in a simple and elegant manner. The R-Pipe device itself communicates via GPRS (Packet Switched, i.e. an internet connection over GSM). Traditionally it has been complex to connect to remote devices via GPRS, due to the private, dynamic IP addresses allocated by the telcos. The R-Pipe gets around this by connecting via Remmon's server which provides a static point of reference on the internet. A software driver is also provided for the user's PC, which completes the connection and provides a virtual COM port on the PC. This provides a complete end-to-end solution whereby the user software on the PC sees the remote device as if it was connected directly to a local serial port of the PC.
REMMON's R-PIPE/Cell-PIPE solution supports remote connectivity to devices/PLCs, creating a virtual communication bridge over the Internet network. Also known as Serial-over-IP, these solutions only require basic Internet connections (no static IP) to easily transfer data from one point to another, without any distance limitations.
REMMON's server-based Serial-over-IP technology consists of:
- R-PIPE RTU installed and connected via RS232 to the PLC/device
- Web server with REMMON's application software
- PC with Internet communication running REMMON's Cell-PIPE application software.
REMMON Serial-over-IP technology operation mode:
The R-PIPE RTU contacts the local device to receive and transfer data using RS232/485 connections. At the same time, the R-PIPE creates a TCP/IP connection (with the GSM/GPRS/3G cellular network) with the REMMON server to enable data transformation.
The Cell-PIPE software application is installed on the client’s computer and creates a virtual com (e.g. com 37), creating a wireless link between the end unit and the COM for serial communication. The client’s software can use virtual com as a standard management system. On the other side, Cell-PIPE establishes TCP/IP communication (over the Internet) with REMMON's server for full data transmission.
REMMON’s server connects between the Cell-PIPE software and the R-PIPE in the field for data transmission. The server can be easily managed via easy-to-use Web-based management software. Using a Web browser, you can log in to the server and monitor, configure, and manage all connections.
The R-PIPE is an easy-to-use, lightweight and compact GSM/GPRS terminal that is both versatile and easy to operate.
The R-Pipe is currently available from Esis and is priced at $760+GST. A small annual fee also applies for the use of the Remmon server. Please contact us and we will gladly discuss how the R-PIPE fits with your application.
New MicroLite and MicroLog data loggers from Fourtec
Fourtec (formerly Fourier Systems)
have released several small data loggers in the MicroLog and MicroLite ranges.
The new MicroLog II offers the following new features:
- an enhanced mechanical design featuring the sensors in the front of the logger
- standard USB connection
- improved temperature and humidity accuracy and resolution
- 2-colour alarm LED
- Expanded data memory of 52,000 samples
- Increased battery life
- IP65 (temp only) or IP54 (temp + humidity) protection rating
New MicroLog II brochure (pdf)
There are several new models in the MicroLite logger range:
- An enhanced Temperature logger, with LED alarm indicator, enhanced sampling rate settings, and longer battery life;
- A Temperature and Humidity logger, with Dew Point calculation and alarm LED;
- A 4-20mA Current logger, for connecting any sensor with 4-20mA current output;
- A 0-10V Voltage logger, for connecting any sensor with voltage output;
- An external NTC logger, for connecting an external NTC temperature sensor.
All the MicroLite loggers come with a direct-pluggable USB 2.0 connector, and are compatible with the sophisticated new DataSuite PC software.
New MicroLite brochure (pdf)
Please contact us for more information.
Temperature Loggers – Part 4: Sample Rate and Memory
(The previous parts are available in the earlier editions of the Esis newsletter)
This part continues exploring the jargon involved with temperature loggers and focuses on the sample rate and memory size. These are critical because they determine how long a logger can be used for before information is lost.
Sample rate
This is how often the logger will record the temperature. Most loggers offer a programmable sample rate meaning you can set how often it will make a recording.
If the sample rate is set too slow then it could possibly miss an event. For example, if it is set to 30 minutes then it could miss a 15-minute rise in temperature. If it is too fast then it will consume more memory and the results will take longer to check.
For transport and storage applications a sample rate of between 1 and 30 minutes is typically required. A good recommendation is 10 to 20 minutes because this doesn’t consume a large amount of memory but is fast enough to see significant changes in temperature.
When processing items (e.g. cooking or cleaning) sample rates down to 1 per second could be required.
NOTE: Some people change from a min/max thermometer to a temperature logger and think that one reading every 12 hours gives them the information they need (i.e. two readings). This is not the case. You must sample often enough to actually record an event.
Memory
The total number of samples the logger can record is critical. It determines the fastest sample rate that is possible for an application. Once the memory is full the logger will either stop or write over the oldest readings. Either way information is being lost. The larger the memory, the better the device.
NOTE: Transferring the information to the PC means that you can re-use the memory again. You are not losing information because it is permanently stored on the PC.
The maximum time the logger will record is the sample period times the memory size. The following graph shows the duration of a logger with the sample rate set between once a minute to once every 30 minutes. Four different memory sizes are displayed.
For example, an item is to be transported for 30 days. A unit with 2048 readings memory could sample with a period of 22 minutes. It is decided that a sample period of 15 minutes is required. A unit with at least 4096 readings is required.
Help!
Don’t panic if this is confusing or if you hate maths. Just contact us and let us know what your application is. We will recommend the best unit for your needs.
Atdec Warranty Enhancement for LCD Monitor Mounts
Esis is pleased to announce a new warranty enhancement program from Atdec that will ensure a rock solid protection plan for consumer and commercial customers. With the exception of monitor mounts that utilize a gas strut, Atdec's new warranty program doubles existing five year warranties for all Telehook, Visidec and Spacedec* mounts to
TEN (10) years.
“We’re very excited to announce our new warranty enhancement program,” said Jerome Green, CEO of Atdec. “At Atdec, we’re constantly working with our customer base to make sure that they have the highest level of satisfaction with our products. We believe that the new warranty enhancement will allow our customers to feel completely confident and protected with their purchases.”
Mounts included in the program are: (click for details)
- Telehook Wall, Ceiling and Projector ranges
- Visidec Focus, Freestanding and Traveller ranges
- Spacedec Display range
The new warranty program operates worldwide. It effective as of March 1st and covers product purchased after January 1, 2011.
Please contact us for more information on these products.
Two New Rugged Embedded Box Computers with Intel® Atom™ Processors
Esis introduces two new Intel Atom-based Embedded Automation Computers, UNO-2174A and UNO-2178A. Both models feature low power consumption dual core 1.67GHz Atom CPUs and 2GB DDR2 RAM, for better performance as well as making it compatible with Windows 7. They are also Energy Star certified, IP40 anti-dust ingress rated and assessed to work in temperatures ranging from -10 ~ 70°C (14 to 158°F) making them ideal for operating in a wide range of environments.
For increased versatility, both the UNO-2174A & 2178A come with 5.1 HD channel Audio, 4 x serial ports (2 x RS-232/485 ports and 2 x RS-232/422/485), which support any required baud rate. Additionally, 2 x GbE ports support teaming function for networking backup while 6 x USB 2.0 ports and have been integrated to support an increased variety of peripherals. The UNO-2174A is also equipped with1 x printer port while the UNO-2178A supports an additional 4 x RS-232/485 serial ports via an additional cable.
In addition, the UNO-2174A /2178A are designed with 2 x full sized Mini PCIe and 1 x SIM card slots. Optional plug-in PC/104+ and PCI-104 daughterboards are also available for purchase. With their versatile expansion capability, the UNO-2174A /2178A provide the optimal choices for multi-function applications which require the flexibility of a wide range of options for increasing their versatility such as Wi-Fi, 3G modules, additional I/O and fieldbus cards.
Furthermore, the UNO-2174A/2178A also support a number of embedded OS’s. DiagAnywhere Agent is also available, allowing users to perform remote management.
For more information please contact us.