July/Aug 2004

A new compact vehicle-mounted PC has been developed by industrial touch-screen computer specialist DLoG (UK). The MPC5 measures 229mm by 280mm by 83mm. It has an aluminium casing and a ruggedised rating of IP65. An optional heater allows the unit to operate at minus 30ºC.

There are two touch-screen options - a compact 10.4in colour TFT VGA/SVGA screen and a 12.1in colour SVGA . Both are high-contrast screens, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Data entry can also be handled by keyboard or mouse via a standard PS/2 socket, and an optional membrane keyboard can be mounted in the screen surround. DLog says this gives access to 25 of the most commonly used keys at less than 30 per cent of the price of a full industrial keyboard.

There is a choice of 400MHz or 733MHz Intel Pentium 3 processor, with support for Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, embedded XP and NT and Linux operating systems. Standard RAM memory is 512Mb.

The MPC5 supports barcode scanners and pen. There is a Cardbus slot at the top for wireless cards, there are two USB and two RS232 ports. All external ports are located at the base of the unit for easy access and maximum protection. In addition, a standard Ethernet interface is available for non-wireless connectivity applications.

The power pack accepts DC inputs from 12, 24 or 48 volt supplies. It will bridge a power drop of up to 5 volts for at least 20 seconds as standard.

There is also a panel-mounted version of the MPC5, which can be integrated into control cabinets and operating consoles in arduous operating environments.