In, out, and about HMI: Durable keyboards, mobile panel

By Control Engineering Staff November 10, 2005

Mobile and durable devices for rugged environments are in the HMI spotlight this month. New to the market are a keyboard from Ikey that accommodates a gloved hand, an indoor/outdoor keyboard from Small PC Computers , and a mobile panel from B&R Industrial Automation that combines operating, monitoring, control in one unit. Details and links to more information follow.

DP-72 rugged keyboard from Ikey includes extra space between oversized keys to accommodate use by gloved hands.

DP-72 rugged keyboard from Ikey is designed to accommodate data entry in harsh conditions and gloved-hand use by including extra space between oversized keys. Constructed using a sealed, industrial silicone keypad and polycarbonate case, it meets NEMA-4X specifications for protection from dust, water, and corrosive liquids, can withstand temperatures from–40 to 194 °F, and is available with USB or PS/2. With a small-footprint design and mounting holes in its case, the keyboard is suited for use in mobile applications from manufacturing to material handling. Other features include a large numeric pad, eight functions keys, and a color-arranged, alphabetic key layout.

SK 135 keyboard from Small PC Computers is a rugged, watertight, and dust-proof device that operates under extreme temperatures.

SK 135 keyboard from Small PC Computers is designed for indoor and outdoor environments. Rugged, watertight, and dustproof, the unit operates under extreme temperatures and is suited for applications from the factory floor to kiosks, especially in areas where dirt, water, and dust are prevalent. Backlighted for readability in low light, the device can be disinfected or washed down right on the plant floor. SK 135 is available with custom key legends and can be tailored to specific software. Keyboard has an 88-key QWERTY layout with 24 function keys, an integrated fingertip mouse, and USB or PS/2 connector. Enclosure is made of ABS plastic and is rated NEMA-4 and IP56. Operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C (-40 to 185 °F). Mobile panel from B&R Industrial Automation combines operating,

Mobile panel from B&R Industrial Automation features a rounded, double-walled housing that absorbs hard impacts.

monitoring, and control in one device. Operating device with an integrated controller or with a Microsoft Windows operating system can be used where flexibility is required. Unit features a rounded, double-walled housing that absorbs hard impacts. Cable, connector, and housing are protected from dust and sprayed water. Soft-touch coating resists acids, alcohol, and cleaning agents. A three-step enabling switch and an E-stop button integrated in the device meet safety category 4. Mobile panel comes with a 5.7-in. QVGA color LCD or an 8.4-in. VGA TFT color display and has function and numeric keys and a touchscreen. Ethernet, CANbus, and RS-232 interfaces are integrated for communication.

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com