ISA 2002: Dolch shows wireless display and fully sealed PC

Chicago, IL—Dolch (Fremont, CA) exhibited a wireless display interface for its rugged computers and its latest fully sealed, metal, portable computer, MilPAC, at ISA 2002, Oct. 21-24, at McCormick Place.

By Control Engineering Staff October 24, 2002

Chicago, IL— Dolch (Fremont, CA) exhibited a wireless display interface for its rugged computers and its latest fully sealed, metal, portable computer, MilPAC, at ISA 2002, Oct. 21-24, at McCormick Place.

MilPAC consists of a full metal enclosure that protects it from the harsh effects of everyday indoor/outdoor mobile computing. Its aluminum frame shields its internal parts from shocks up to 40 G in non-operating mode, while its dust-proof door shields are rated at up to IP65 protection from dust, wind and moisture.

In addition, its fold-up keyboard protects MilPAC’s 14.1-in., hi-bright, XGA TFT display. The 150-nit, active matrix screen provides readability even in bright ambient light conditions. Add-in expansion is via three open PCI slots or optional PCMCIA slots. Worldwide functionality is assured by 110/220 V ac, which is augmented by an external 12 V dc adapter.

MilPAC is designed to serve and survive in applications in remote field service, on-site maintenance, flight line systems analysis, geophysical exploration, shipboard exposure, factory floor environments and in military deployment.

Also, the company’s wireless display interface eases network monitoring and data acquisition by communicating through a peer-to-peer wireless LAN and 802.11b protocol. Dolch says its new display fits in a person’s hand, and eliminates the need for heavy, tablet-sized PCs with limited computing power. The display also includes an 8.4-in, transflective, daylight-readable touch screen.

Meanwhile, during an Oct. 22 press conference, Tom Brassil, Dolch’s sales and marketing vp, previewed the firm’s upcoming Touch Thru Metal technology. “Touch Thru Metal will allow us in 1Q03 to offer a zero-travel, stainless steel industrial keyboard,” says Mr. Brassil. “This technology is presently available in our custom products, such as 10-key keypads. Touch Thru Metal will be especially useful in a variety of pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and food processing applications.”

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com