Wireless, handheld pad has Web access

Mobic, short for Mobile Industrial Communicator, is a wireless, robust, handheld web pad from Siemens Energy & Automation (Alpharetta, GA) that delivers wireless access to the Web or an intranet. Unlike palm-sized devices, Mobic's 8.4-in., SVGA 800 x 600-pixel, daylight-readable display eliminates the need to scroll for data.

By Staff January 1, 2003

A 2002 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS WINNER

HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE

Mobic , short for Mobile Industrial Communicator, is a wireless, robust, handheld web pad from Siemens Energy & Automation (Alpharetta, GA) that delivers wireless access to the Web or an intranet.

Unlike palm-sized devices, Mobic’s 8.4-in., SVGA 800 x 600-pixel, daylight-readable display eliminates the need to scroll for data. Designed to withstand a six-foot drop, Mobic is IP65 rated against splashing and dust. It also tolerates high vibrations, making it suitable for forklift-mounted applications.

The unit communicates on a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11b) to access a central server. It can operate for eight hours per battery charge.

The Microsoft Windows CE-based, mobile web pad can be used as a terminal client and operates and monitors all applications running on a Windows 2000 terminal server, for instance, industrial SCADA applications, such as Simatic WinCC process visualization system, maintenance management, or quality assurance systems.

Bill King, Siemens’ product manager for wireless technologies, says that customers like the screen size best. The product is small enough to carry easily with a screen large enough to display a desktop-like screen.

‘With Windows Terminal Services client built-in, users can run any application permitted on the host Terminal Services server, including our HMI software,’ adds Mr. King. ‘Also, since Mobic is built on Windows CE, customers can add their own applications. One customer needed a way to accomplish lighting control by a person who needed mobility. Mobic’s wireless communications and the customer’s application talking directly to a Simatic S7 PLC was the answer.’

Microsoft’s CE .Net is in the future of this wireless, handheld device. Mr. King states this will give full Internet Explorer capability enabling even more powerful uses.

www.sea.siemens.com

8.4-in., SVGA 800 x 600-pixel, daylight-readable display

IP65-rated against splashing and dust, and also tolerates high vibrations

Communicates on a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11b) to access a central server

Can operate for eight hours per battery charge

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