RuggON Corporation, a leading-edge mobile computing solution provider, announces the VULCAN X rugged vehicle-mount computer.

Based around a high-visibility 10.4-inch display, this versatile device upgrades any vehicle, and its crew, into a productive asset in the corporate IoT (Internet of Things) – reporting and responding to real-time events, reliably and rapidly. VULCAN X is ideal for cold chain, logistics, warehousing, and heavy-duty vehicles in agriculture, recycling, waste management, and mining. It is perfect for port and cargo cranes.

At the heart of the VULCAN X is a powerful computing platform designed on industry standards. Based on the 8th gen Intel® Core™ i5-8365UE 1.6GHz, this device is compatible with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

VULCAN X, AN APPLICATION-ORIENTED RUGGED COMPUTER FOR ANY RUSHED ENVIRONMENT

The fully rugged design makes the most of the IP66, MIL-STD 810H, and IEC-60721-3-5 5M3 certifications, ensuring the VULCAN X keeps working in the harshest environments, in a vast temperature range going from -30⁰ C to +55⁰ C. The VULCAN X is built to operate 24/7 and withstand salt spray and fog/frost. The vehicle mount has robust metal connectors to protect the I/O interfaces and ensure reliable and secure operation even under the most severe conditions. Smart power management with a broad power input range from 9 to 60 VDC helps the VULCAN X to fulfill diversified applications in almost any vehicle type.

 

As digitization and automation are an integral part of the industrial evolution, 5G ready is no longer a buzzword for the RuggON VULCAN X. The modular design allows changing the I/O ports' location for easy installation and preventing damage to cables from bending and wear. The rich I/O options ensure maximum utilization under various usage scenarios.

The device features CAN bus 2.0B or SAE J1939 for seamless vehicle systems integration. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac) with fast Wi-Fi roaming to prevent lengthy network dropouts in the field. Precise location positioning without any downtime is possible on cranes and forklifts. Materials handling can be managed easily with the VULCAN X through auxiliary RFID or barcode scanners that can be easily plugged into RS-232 ports for usage and recharging.

The trend towards automation and always-connected vehicles is making the human factor more critical – not less – and VULCAN X helps your valuable employees work smarter, safer, and more efficiently. The VULCAN X's high brightness auto-dimming touchscreen automatically optimizes visibility for day or night, indoors and out. The PCT touchscreen display keeps your staff in control in the most challenging conditions with its rugged design. The included RuggON DashON utility software and RuggonOTA service will keep your device in the best condition out in the field.

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Further Reading:

• Learn more about RuggON Vulcan X @ www.ruggon.com//VULCANX
• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about RuggON on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/RuggON
• Learn more about RuggON @ www.ruggon.com
• Follow RuggON on Twitter @ twitter.com/RuggON_RuggedPC

 

Taipei, Taiwan – June 8, 2020 –RuggON Corporation, a leading provider of rugged mobile computing solutions, has rolled out the compact rugged touch monitor CHASER to serve the needs of increased mobile productivity and efficiency.

Designed to function in a road vehicle, CHASER comes with MIL-STD-810H certification to withstand shock and vibration, while offering a wide 9-36 VDC power input compliant with ISO7637-2.

 

The Efficient Solution for Utmost Convenience

With user-friendly I/O design, CHASER is no doubt the perfect mobile and multifunctional workstation for industrial vehicles. Keeping workplace ergonomics in mind, the monitor is specifically designed with a USB port at top, making it convenient for plug in/out and system service and maintenance. In line with the proactive mindset, the 1000 nits sunlight readable display with optional anti-reflective coating delivers an optimal viewing experience and reduce eye strain for a more comfortable and productive workflow.

 

Creating Desktop Experience with Ease

Connecting to smartphones through USB Type C, CHASER gives on-duty mobile workers indescribable desktop experience on DeX with a large screen and extended keyboard. Outfitted with rich USB ports, it allows easy connection to multiple peripheral devices without using a hub, while providing a physical button for switch between two different input sources. CHASER makes everything you need at fingertips as if in an office environment.

 

Space and Safety

Designed with downward USB ports and smart lock brackets, CHASER minimizes the plug in/out difficulty and possibility of cable entanglement for uncompromising safety and a neat cabin space. The black-out button for turning on/off screen backlights intends to avoid driver distraction and conceal information at critical moments.      

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Further Reading

• For More Information: RuggON CHASER @: www.ruggon.com/en/product_list/rugged-monitors )
• Read more about RuggON @ www.fieldservicenews.com/blog/all-about-ruggon
• Read more about mobile computing solutions for field service engineer @ www.fieldservicenews.com/blog/tag/hardware
• Read detailed reviews of rugged computers, smartphones and tablets @ www.fieldservicenews.com/hs-search-results?term=hardware+review

RuggON Contact information: 

Key Contact: Yating Chan
Phone: 886-2-8797-1778
Web: https://www.ruggon.com
Email:  info@ruggon.com

JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, sees an increasing demand for Android within many of its core segments, including warehouse logistics, transportation, ports, mining and agriculture markets.

Responding to this trend, in March 2018 JLT launched its latest generation JLT6012™ vehicle-mount computer with Android support and is now expanding its Android operating system product suite with three new fully rugged portable computers.

Being by far the most common mobile operating system for smartphones and other consumer devices, Android, with its familiarity, ease-of-use and flexibility is now growing in popularity also in the enterprise and vertical market space.

“No doubt, there is a lot of interest in Android on mobile devices for professional use within our core markets,” observes Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers. “By providing Android alternatives for our vehicle-mount computers and now also our portable computers, we help customers save on cost and training, and simplify maintenance by running the same OS on all devices deployed in their operation.”

The three new products are the 5-inch MH1005A™ rugged handheld, the 7-inch MT1007A™ rugged tablet, and the 10.1-inch MT2010A™ rugged tablet. All are IP65 dustproof and water resistant, capable of operating in temperatures of -10 to +50°C (14 to +122°F), built to withstand even the most challenging working environments, and tested to applicable MIL-STD-810G requirements.

Powered by ARM® Cortex™-A53 octa-core 1.3 GHz processors, all come with bright sunlight viewable displays, capacitive multi-touch screen, front and rear integrated cameras, as well as data capturing functions including NFC reader and optional 1D/2D-barcode reader. For maximum productivity, all include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and mobile broadband and provide full-shift battery life or more.

The new rugged tablet and handheld units, which are available for immediate order, are offered with the same high level of support and services that JLT is renowned for. A wide range of accessories is available, including vehicle and desktop docks, high-capacity batteries, battery chargers, and hand and shoulder straps.

Contact JLT Mobile Computers today for more information about the new Android-based rugged handheld and tablets, or visit www.jltmobile.com to learn more about JLT, its products and solutions.

 

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Captec, designer and supplier of specialist computer platforms, has announced the launch of a brand new fully rugged tablet, built specifically for mobile workforces.

The lightweight, 8-inch VT 681 provides smaller fleets with an affordable Windows-based tablet and has been developed by Captec to disrupt the market currently dominated by more expensive rugged hardware.

Ruggedisation features include IP-67 protection and drop-testing to 1.2 metres, enabling the tablet to comfortably withstand the stresses of challenging environments including rough treatment, dust and water ingress and shocks.

With built-in GPS and an optional barcode scanner, the VT-681 supports the application needs of today’s mobile workforce across sectors including construction, field services, utility fleets and emergency services.

The addition of an integrated hand strap delivers maximum comfort on-the-go, while the active stylus pen increases the functionality available to field service professionals, even in wet conditions.

 

"With built-in GPS and an optional barcode scanner, the VT-681 supports the application needs of today’s mobile workforce across sectors including construction, field services, utility fleets and emergency services..."

 

For mobile workforces requiring use in and out of vehicles, Captec has also developed the IVM-681 vehicle dock, designed to accommodate the VT-681 tablet.

The new Captec dock is robust, compact and quick and easy to use. It features USB and power pass through and has been constructed to offer hassle-free, one-handed cost-effective docking.

To meet the critical safety requirements of in-vehicle applications, the dock has been tested for its ability to endure shock and vibration – enabling tablets to stay securely mounted, even in the event of a collision.

Gerard Marlow, Sales Director, Captec, said:

“We’re excited to be able to introduce this new rugged tablet into our range. Our aim is to provide mobile workforces with flexible, powerful and cost-effective mobile computing solutions that make their jobs easier and provide peace of mind that they’re equipped to withstand all the rigours associated with fieldwork.”

As well as developing the new tablet and dock, Captec offers a complete installation service. By fully managing everything from vehicle audits and custom cable looms to installation and through-life support, Captec optimise in-vehicle applications for reliability, safety and longevity.

Find out more about the Captec VT-681 rugged tablet here - https://www.captec-group.com/product/captec-vt-681-fully-rugged-tablet/

 

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We recently gave Janam’s XT100 handheld computer a full Hands-On review and now we turn our attention to its sibling the XM75 which shares mostly the same specifications but comes in a different form factor...

In March earlier this year, Janam announced two new handheld computers to their range - the XT100 and the XM75. Inside the guts of both devices are almost identical but there are some slight differences and of course, the XM75 occupies a different form factor, more geared towards data input with a 24 key numeric keypad and also a purpose-built trigger handle available as well.

Having given the XT100 a rigorous hands-on review when it launched we thought we should also get it’s sibling into our offices to compare the two and to see which workflows each device would be more suited to.

 

What the manufacturers say:

Pocketable, Powerful Tough.

Janam’s XM75 rugged mobile computer makes it easy to capture business-critical information accurately and efficiently. As one of the only devices specially designed for input-intensive applications, the XM75’s compact form factor combined with larger keypad design delivers the ideal solution for organizations that want an easy-to-use keypad and large touchscreen in the same device.

 

The XM75 is sealed to IP67 standard against dust and immersion in up to 3 feet of water. It can withstand multiple 5’/1.5m drops to concrete per MIL-STD 810G across a wide temperature range...

 

Pocketable and powerful, the XM75 supports the enterprise-ready Android operating system with Google Mobile Services and meets all the requirements of the most demanding environments, including transportation, logistics, route accounting, direct store delivery and field service.

Weighing only 10.5 ounces, the XM75 is one of the lightest yet most rugged devices in its class and is packed with advanced features to boost productivity, streamline operations and improve the customer experience. Offering 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth, the XM75 provides lightning fast and reliable access to voice and data applications inside the enterprise and out in the field.

The XM75 is sealed to IP67 standard against dust and immersion in up to 3 feet of water. It can withstand multiple 5’/1.5m drops to concrete per MIL-STD 810G across a wide temperature range. A standard 2-year warranty provides customers with both peace of mind and the level of service they require, at no additional cost, with optional Comprehensive Service plans available to those that want to further extend their mobile computing investment.

 

First impressions:

The XM75 does pretty much what you would expect of it - for those that read our previous review of the XT100 for all intents and purposes, it is an XT100 with a keyboard instead of just the capacitive screen.

This does, of course, make the device’s footprint slightly larger (76.83mm x 166.01mm x 29.27mm for the XM75 vs 70mm x 136mm x 17.4mm) which subsequently, of course, adds additional weight to the device as well and it comes in at a full 3oz heavier than the XT100 making it about 30% heavier.

 

"The device is far from in heavy even when strapped into the trigger handle (which is itself surprisingly light) and both in and out of the trigger we found the device to be ergonomic and comfortable..."

 

That said the device is far from in heavy even when strapped into the trigger handle (which is itself surprisingly light) and both in and out of the trigger we found the device to be ergonomic and comfortable.

All in all the XM75 feels very much as it is intended to, a robust yet relatively lightweight handheld designed with the factory, warehouse or field worker in mind.

But ist there more to the differences between the XM75 and XT100 other than form factor?

 

Processing power:

In terms of processing power, the two devices are identical with bot the XM75 and the XT100 having a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 410 quad-core. In terms of the market for similar devices as to the Janam offerings, these offer a fairly standard amount of processing power.

They both also come with 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM as standard. Again this sits pretty much in the middle of the pack in terms of similar devices and is definitely suitable for a number of field service applications.

Also, the memory in both devices is expandable via a user accessible Micro SD slot with SD and SDHC support – which can become a very useful option for engineers who need to record a lot of data, or even for those who work in offline environments regularly where locally storing asset maintenance information to aid a first time fix could be of benefit.

 

Operating system:

The XM75 is currently running Android 6 (Marshmallow) - which is a perfect option for industry, focused devices and as such is also on the XT100.

 

"The XM75 is currently running Android 6 (Marshmallow) - which is a perfect option for industry, focused devices and as such is also on the XT100..."

 

Whilst the latest consumer devices are now running Android 8 (Oreo) and some even beginning to see Android 9 (Pie) - in a world of enterprise the need for a robustly road-tested OS is hugely important. Marshmallow is currently the most advanced iteration of the OS that also has the stability required for enterprise-grade computing so a sensible option for both devices.

 

The Ins & Outs:

As with another of Janam’s handheld computers former flagship device the XT2, Neither the XM75 nor XT100 have a huge array of physical input options – but this can’t really be avoided in a device of such a size.

However, both devices benefit from good ergonomic design of in terms of the placement of hard keys are configurable but whose primary role would be most certainly be engaging the dedicated barcode scan engine (Honeywell N6603 2D Imager) which incidentally was both fast and effective in our tests of the XM75.

Of course, one of the major differences between the two is that the XM75 also has the optional trigger handle which offers yet another hard key and makes the device super easy for any role that requires a high volume of scanning.

The other significant difference between the devices then is also the 24 key numeric keypad which certainly appears to be well made, with the keypad having both a reassuring feel of durability to it as well as offering that important tactile feel that simply cannot be overlooked when a workflow involves inputting short text and numbers frequently within a workflow.

Another nice touch with regards to the keypad is that it is backlit. It is these little details that can make a huge difference if, for example, your field staff are working in a dark location - and it is the mark of a good manufacturer that doesn’t skip these small but important details.

 

Ruggedity:

When we reviewed the XT100 we pointed out that whilst the XT100 holds its head high with good rugged credentials albeit slightly less so than its sibling the XT2. The XM75 however, has the higher rugged credentials of its elder cousin.

 

"The XM75 also boasts of a higher IP rating than the XT100 with a rating of IP67 meaning that it is even less susceptible to water ingress than the IP65 rated XT100..."

 

Whilst the  XT100 is capable of withstanding multiple drops at a respectable 1.2m the XM75 has been tested at the higher drop height of 1.5m and in our testing, it survived such drops without a scratch. In fact, we even tested it in and out of the trigger handle and throughout our entire series of tests it only ever came out of the handle once - a good sign is given that the XM75 will almost invariably be used primarily within the handle.

The XM75 also boasts of a higher IP rating than the XT100 with a rating of IP67 meaning that it is even less susceptible to water ingress than the IP65 rated XT100.

When it comes to operating temperature ranges both the XM75 and the XT100 operate within a range of -20 to 60 degrees centigrade – which means that even in the most inhospitable environments the device should function effectively, and in terms of humidity they are both is non-condensing up to 95%. Finally, the capacitive touchscreen boasts toughened Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to further add to the devices robust credentials.

 

Battery Life:

In terms of battery life the SM75 again just edges out the XT100 with its 4100mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery compared to the XT100’s 3000mAh 3.8v rechargeable Li-ion battery.

 

"Both devices should be capable of seeing out most field service engineers working days, especially if the device is placed in an in-vehicle charging cradle in between jobs..."

 

This is of course, likely to be the result of Janam taking advantage of the slightly larger form factor, but it certainly does make a difference. We found that the XM75 held battery life across an 8 hour day of reasonable to heavy usage considerably better than the XT100. When we reviewed the XT100 and ran it through our tests the battery was finished the day on 14%. The same tests for the XM75 saw the battery level at the end of the day at 27% so this is certainly a factor to be considered if your field workers tend to work longer hours on occasion.

That said, both devices should be capable of seeing out most field service engineers working days, especially if the device is placed in an in-vehicle charging cradle in between jobs.  However, for those engineers who are required to spend long days in one location, a four-slot battery charger is an optional accessory.

 

Conclusion:

When we reviewed the XT100 a few months back we praised it as a solid mid,-market handheld computer that was particularly elegant and comfortable in hand and was remarkably light for a rugged device.

Similar things could be said for the XM75 although when it comes to roles where there is a large amount of scanning or field completion then the XM75 becomes the choice between the two. Similarly, if your field staff are in slightly more rugged environments, the XM75 just edges its close sibling with slightly better-rugged credentials.

However, both are a solid choice for field service organisations looking to empower their field workers with handheld mobile computers powerful enough for the job, rugged to survive yet with a light footprint.

 

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