Tag: rugged tablet

DT Research’s newest tablet provides scientific-grade GNSS
Photo: DT Research

DT Research has launched the DT372AP-TR rugged real-time kinematic (RTK) tablet, a lightweight military-grade tablet that offers RTK to enhance the precision of position data derived from satellite-based positioning systems.

The tablet enables 3D point cloud creation with centimeter-level accuracy to meet the high standards required for scientific-grade evidence in court, the company said.

The DT372AP-TR RTK tablet is military-grade with an IP65 rating, yet lightweight — offering the versatility to be used in the field, office and vehicles.

A dual-frequency GNSS module is built into the tablet, which uses real-time reference points within 1- to 2-centimeter accuracy to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry, using GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellites. Users can measure with the RTK GNSS positioning directly using an external antenna for better survey-grade precision.

“We designed a more compact tablet that still offers all the functionality of a rugged RTK tablet, to give ultra-mobility to law enforcement and first responders who are already weighed down with heavy equipment,” said Daw Tsai Sc.D., president of DT Research. “With programmable side buttons and directional pad, this tablet combines ease of use with a small form factor and centimeter level accuracy, there is nothing in the market now in the same category that can offer this combination.”

The DT372AP-TR RTK tablet is compatible with existing survey and GIS software for mapping applications and brings together an advanced workflow for data capture, accurate positioning and data transmitting.

The tablet can be used in a variety of scenarios, including:

Forensic mapping. Public safety teams, investigators and crash reconstructionists can use the DT372AP-TR to accurately collect measurements that are scientifically and legally defensible by using the real-time centimeter reference points to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry or take stand-alone measurements. By using the tablet with a drone for crime and crash scene investigation, cost goes down while accuracy and speed improve, helping to clear areas faster, thereby improving overall public safety.

Land surveying. Surveyors can use the DT372AP-TR RTK tablet to measure the altitudes, angles and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map to determine property boundaries, construction layout and mapmaking.

E-construction. Construction workers can manage the collection, review, approval and distribution of highway construction contract documents in a paperless environment using the DT372AP-TR RTK tablet.

The tablet has been purpose-built for precision mapping in a variety of environments and includes the following features and capabilities:
- Dual-frequency GNSS module. GNSS L1 and L2 RTK that receives GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS signals up to 372 channels
- High-performance CPU and Windows OS. Intel Pentium processor with Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise with 8 GB of RAM.
- Brilliant sunlight-readable display. A 7-inch LED-backlight, high-brightness (800 nits) sunlight-readable screen with capacitive touch and 1280 x 800 resolution.
- Superior wireless connectivity. Long-range Class 1 Bluetooth option powers connectivity up to 1,000 feet.
- Mobile broadband option. For best field connectivity, there is an option for 4G mobile broadband for LTE, HESPA+, GMS/GPRS/EDGE, EV-DO, Rev A and 1xRTT.
- Military standards. For use in harsh environments, the tablet is fully ruggedized to meet the highest durability standards with an IP65 rating, MIL-STD-810G for vibration and shock resistance and MIL-STD-461F for EMI and EMC tolerance.
- High-capacity hot-swappable battery pack. Delivers 60 or 90 watts for up to 15 hours of continuous mobile communications.
- Camera option. The optional back camera offers 5 megapixels, CMOS sensor and auto focus to capture project progress or record crash and crime scene details.
- Accessories. External antennas, pole mount cradles, battery charging kits and digital pens.
September 17, 2018
Getac tablet selected for Leica’s new survey package

Leica Geosystems has selected Getac’s fully rugged ZX70 Android tablet for the new Leica Zeno GG04 Plus Tablet package, designed for utilities, public services, transportation and construction.

The new partnership will allow Leica Geosystems to bring comprehensive geospatial data-collection capabilities to its customers in all terrains and weather conditions, according to a Getac news release.

Leica Geosystems selects Getac’s ZX70 tablet To power its new Zeno GG04 Plus Tablet solution. (PRNewsfoto/Getac)

The Zeno Mobile data collection app and Zeno GG04 plus smart antenna are designed to help customers capture highly accurate geospatial data quickly and effectively in the field.

By combining these products with Getac’s ZX70 Android tablet, Leica Geosystems has created a solution that offers measurement accuracy, connectivity and durability in a single, comprehensive package, Getac said.

Compact and powerful, the Getac ZX70 is comfortable to use with one hand, making it suitable for demanding field surveying work.

Its Android operating system supports Leica’s Zeno Mobile software, allowing for high-accuracy GNSS positions to be utilized and rich attribute data to be collected easily in the field.

Any authorized Android app can also be installed on the device, depending on the required workflow or back office systems used, bringing a high level of usability and familiarity out of the box, Getac said.

Additional key features include the 7-inch IPS display, which is easy to read in all environments, including direct sunlight. The LumiBond 2.0 touchscreen allows for full operation of the tablet in the rain and with gloves on, essential for outdoor surveying work.

The Getac ZX70’s integrated 4G modem can transmit large data files quickly and easily, even from remote locations.

The fast, stable and reliable data connection allows users to effectively utilize Hexagon Geosystems’ HxGN SmartNet correction service, enabling accurate GNSS measurement to within one centimeter.

The ZX70 offers durability, connectivity and usability, and has been designed to withstand shocks, drops, rain and vibration, the company added.

September 6, 2018
DT Research’s new military-grade tablet has RTK GNSS
DT Research has released the DT301T rugged RTK tablet (DT301T-RTK), a lightweight military-grade tablet purpose-built for GIS mapping applications. It features real-time kinematic (RTK) satellite navigation to enhance the precision of GNSS position data.

The tablet enables 3D point cloud creation with centimeter-level accuracy, meeting the high standards required for scientific-grade evidence in court.

The DT301T-RTK is a rugged tablet with scientific-grade GNSS. (Photo: DT Research)

The DT301T Rugged RTK tablet is military-grade with an IP65 rating. Because it’s lightweight, the DT301T can be used in the field, office and vehicles, the company said.

A dual-frequency GNSS module is built into the tablet, which uses real-time reference points within 1–2-centimeter accuracy to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry, using GPS, GLONASS and Galileo receivers. Users can measure with the RTK GNSS positioning directly using a foldable antenna or connect to an external antenna for more robust receiving and survey-grade precision.

“We’ve seen a dramatic uptick in the need for rugged tablets to be purpose-built for a range of mapping uses across industries,” said Daw Tsai Sc.D., president of DT Research. “In designing the DT301T with RTK satellite navigation, we also took into consideration the other features and capabilities necessary within a rugged tablet to quickly and easily conduct forensic mapping, land surveying, e-construction, building information modeling (BIM) and other mapping scenarios.”

The DT301T is compatible with existing GIS software for mapping applications and brings together the advanced workflow for GIS data capture, accurate positioning and data transmitting.

Uses

According to DT Research, the tablet can be used in a variety of scenarios.

Forensic mapping. Public safety teams, investigators and crash reconstructionists can use the DT301T Rugged RTK tablet to accurately collect measurements that are scientifically defensible by using the real-time centimeter reference points to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry or take stand-alone measurements.

DT301T-RTK tablet during forensic mapping training. (Photo: DT Research)

The results will have the precision necessary to stand up as evidence in court, said Andrew S. Klane, a former Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant who teaches Forensic Mapping and is now the chief operating officer at Forensic Mapping Solutions Inc.

“As more drones are being used for mapping, there is a growing need for ground-control positioning devices,” Klane said. “By using a DT301T Rugged RTK Tablet in combination with a drone, users can more quickly and cost-effectively create a 3D model to deliver an accurate representation of the scene with scientific-grade tolerance that will hold up in a court of law.”

It could also help clear crash scenes faster, restoring the normal flow of traffic on congested roadways, reducing secondary crashes and lowering the chance of first responders and other workers getting hurt while clearing the scene.

Land surveying. Surveyors can use the DT301T tablet to measure the altitudes, angles and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map to determine property boundaries, construction layout and mapmaking.

E-construction. Construction workers can manage the collection, review, approval and distribution of highway construction contract documents in a paperless environment using the DT301 tablet.

Building information modeling (BIM). Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals can use the tablet to create 3D models to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

FEATURES

The DT301T Rugged RTK tablet has been purpose-built for precision mapping in a variety of environments and includes the following features and capabilities:
- Dual-frequency GNSS module: GNSS L1 and L2 RTK that receives GPS, GLONASS and Galileo signals up to 372 channels with RMS 10 mm + 1 ppm accuracy.
- High-performance CPU and Windows OS: Intel 6th-generation core i5 or i7 processor with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Units come with either 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM.
- Sunlight-readable display: A 10.1 inch LED-backlight, sunlight-readable screen with capacitive touch and 1920 x 1200 resolution.
- Wireless connectivity: Long-range Class 1 Bluetooth powers connectivity up to 1,000 feet and 4G mobile broadband for LTE, HESPA+, GMS/GPRS/EDGE, EV-DO, Rev A and 1xRTT.
- Storage: For field data collecting, the tablet can store up to 1 terabyte of data.
- Military standards: The tablet is fully ruggedized to meet the highest durability standards with an IP65 rating, MIL-STD-810G for vibration and shock resistance, and MIL-STD-461F for EMI and EMC tolerance.
- Battery pack: High-capacity hot-swappable battery pack delivers 60 or 90 watts for up to 15 hours of continuous mobile communications.
- Accessories: Those available include external antennas, pole mount cradles, detachable keyboards, battery charging kits and digital pens.
April 10, 2018
A first look at the FleetUp Trace device for truckers
FleetUp Trace is a ruggedized tablet designed for fleet drivers required to display Records of Duty Status (RODS) upon request instead of printing out hard copies with the new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. Tim provides thoughts on the product hardware, ease-of-use and various app features.

Photo: FleetUp-Trace

By Tim Spence

Sometimes, there is great anticipation when buying a new electronic gadget. The look, the feel and the flashy presentation is what many products on the market rely on to make their product the best. With ELDs though, drivers and fleets managers are thinking about these products a bit differently. Thoughts like:
- Will this satisfy our need for compliance?
- How much training will this take?
- How many drivers am I going to lose?
- Is this even going to work?
When powering up the FleetUp Trace tablet for the first time and opening the Hours of Service (HOS) app, it was evident that a lot of thought went into fulfilling these needs. Here is a first look at FleetUp Trace, a ruggedized tablet designed for fleet drivers required to display Records of Duty Status (RODS), as part of the FMCSA ELD mandate.

Unboxing

When removing the FleetUp Trace case from the box, you will notice that it is quite unique and will not easily be lost among other items because of that. The case was durable and tough but soft as well. When unzipped it revealed the Android tablet, a couple of short manuals and various accessories for charging and memory.

The Tablet

Safety orange is the key color with this tablet and since it is a popular color in our industry, it definitely catches the eye. In addition, the protective case fits the tablet so well, it looks to be a part of the product (if you have ever purchased a tablet and tried to find a durable hard case that fits well, you know).
Booting the tablet, a brilliant orange screen for FleetUp appears and then four preloaded apps on the home screen: FleetUp’s HOS app, FleetUp’s CamVue app, Camscanner (a very reliable document scanner) and a preset version of Teamviewer QuickSupport, which provides an ID and easy instructions to show the FleetUp screen to another device.

HOS app tutorial

Starting the app and logging in, the Voice Over HOS greets you by name, gives you the current date, tells your current duty status, how many hours you have left in the 70-hour cycle, and how many on-duty hours you have before you are required to take a break. It then tells you to select a vehicle. After selecting a vehicle and confirming, you are told to tap the HOS button.

The app automatically uses a tutorial showing each feature. One button at a time, the app guides you to the next feature prompted by your action of pressing the “GOT IT” button. This tutorial is available on each section of the device and can be turned off on the main menu that slides over from the left. That is a great feature not only because you wouldn’t want to go through the tutorial EVERY SINGLE TIME but just in case you forget how to use a certain section, like driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR), you can manually slide open the main menu and turn it back on to REINFORCE YOUR LEARNING. After going through the tutorial for each section, you will find a lot of reasons (mainly regulatory) why this is valuable.

Using the HOS app

After going through the tutorial once, even if you have years of experience on paper logs, you will find that many of the basics of logging are easy to find or figure out. It is very comfortable operating without the Voice Over HOS or Tutorial features. On the “Status” tab, you can see your current status and log graph, as well as change your status and check your available hours. On the “LOGS” tab, you can fill out a pre-trip or post-trip inspection and edit your time (except for driving time, of course). This section also allows you to enter shipping document information, edit any equipment information and certify your logs by signing with your finger (no special pen needed).

Features that make the difference

Tutorial mode. While this feature may sound simplistic, it has the capability to answer a driver’s question with the flip of a switch. Just the fact that you can turn it on whenever you need to be reminded is so valuable. It is beneficial to know that this feature does work best in the portrait or vertical mode.

Voice over HOS. This feature reminds you of the actions that many drivers forget. If you have ever used ELDs in the past as a driver or fleet manager, you understand. Along with the text prompts, it reminds the driver to do things such as certifying the log at the end of the day, sign the DVIR, release the vehicle, etc. All the voice and text prompts work hard to keep the driver in compliance. Even when you want to LOG OUT, the app asks you if you still need to complete unfinished actions.

Easy-to-read availability. Many electronic logging devices make it very challenging to understand what hours are left for a driver. With FleetUp, there is no confusion at all because it is stated in text and graph.

Big buttons to change status. No more calibrating screens or needing a stylus just to change your status. Just touch a big button with your finger, enter the note under the GPS-enabled address entry, and tap “Yes.” It is that easy.

On top of everything else, FleetUp Trace and the HOS app are extremely user-friendly. This should be the key to it all because if the device and app are not user-friendly and easy to operate, there is no reason for it to exist.

FleetUp has accomplished a great feat by making the transition to E-Logs painless and smooth while complying with a multitude of regulations. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to track internal records of duty status (RODS) or to ensure HOS compliance and DVIR with a simple, hands-free gadget, FleetUp is one provider that clearly committed a lot of thought into what drivers are going to go through on the road, and offers plenty of features for an all-encompassing solution to the ELD mandate.

Tim Spence, creator of Apps4truckers, is an app consultant, writer and safety manager in Birmingham, Alabama.
February 12, 2018
Kansas utility finds new workflow solutions
Water, Water, Where?

WaterOne found itself stuck in the past. The independent public utility knew that its workflow for collecting geospatial data was broken.

WaterOne serves a 272-square-mile area on the Kansas side of the Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan area, which has a population of 420,000, 145,000 metered accounts and 2,685 miles of water pipes. The survey/geospatial staff consisted of three analysts, two editors, one programmer and one GPS collector. By 2016, less than 40 percent of the water features had been captured with GPS.

The staff was using legacy GNSS handhelds — operators had to return to the office every night and physically download their data.

Besides being time-consuming, the operators would become frustrated by the antiquated system. Sometimes the handhelds wouldn’t sync to the computer, or files for download would be hard to find. Also, the GNSS handhelds had a tiny screen, making it difficult for operators to see background data in the field. The handhelds’ limited computing power meant the entire water system couldn’t be loaded onto it.

WaterOne turned to a new workflow using Panasonic ToughPad tablet computers and Eos Positioning Systems’ Arrow 200 RTK GNSS receivers mounted on a range pole (see photo).

The Arrow 200 receiver connects to the Panasonic ToughPad via wireless Bluetooth link. The ToughPad has a Verizon SIM card for internet connectivity, used for two purposes:
- Connecting to the Missouri Department of Transportation RTK network to receive RTK corrections for centimeter accuracy;
- Connecting to the WaterOne ArcGIS server in real time from the field.
Whenever the field tech collects data, the data syncs up with ArcGIS server. This eliminates the task of having to physically download the data at the end of the day.

The new workflow also provides near real-time updates to WaterOne’s geospatial information system. This means that if five techs are in the field collecting data, they can each see the map updated in near real time.

The ToughPad tablets have a large, sunlight-readable 10-inch display. The large displays combined with the new data-collection software allows the field techs to view the entire GIS water system on the tablets. The field tech can now “see” all of the water system assets — pipes, valves, fittings, hydrants — around them. This significantly improves productivity over the legacy GNSS handhelds.

Street maps and aerial photos were loaded on the ToughPad to give the field techs a choice of background data to view.

The result? Compared to the 1,767 GPS points collected in 2016, the WaterOne team has collected 5,770 just in the first four months of 2017.
August 11, 2017
DT Research provides rugged tablets to US Army

The U.S. Army continues to expand the use of DT Research’s DT311 series of ultra-rugged tablets into additional army facilities to support training missions and other logistics. In 2016, the U.S. Army awarded DT Research three rugged tablet contracts.

DT Research is a designer and manufacturer of purpose-built computing solutions for vertical markets. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with offices in China and Taiwan.

“We are honored to have the U.S. Army choose our rugged tablets again,” said Daw Tsai, president of DT Research. “The U.S. Army has strict requirements for advanced durability, powerful computing, robust connectivity, and fully integrated data capture options for the rugged tablets they use. We are proud to meet these high standards and deliver a specialized tool that will serve the U.S. Army well in their diverse environments.”

January 10, 2017
New DT Research tablets aimed at field professionals
DT Research has released the DT395CR and DT395GS rugged tablets. While designed for field professionals, the tablets cost less than consumer-grade tablets over the lifetime of the product, DT Research said.

The DT395GS rugged tablet by DT Research.

Both DT395 tablets are highly durable to withstand extreme environments, designed with fully integrated options to eliminate easily broken attachments in mission-critical scenarios, and include security, privacy and productivity settings.

The DT395GS tablet is designed for field applications with a high-accuracy GNSS module that is compatible with existing GIS software for mapping applications and brings together the advanced workflow for GIS data capture, accurate positioning and data transmission. The u-blox M8 GNSS module is capable of concurrent reception of GPS and GLONASS for up to 2-meter accuracy.

“Many businesses have adopted mobile tablets with the goal of increasing productivity by leveraging the versatile tablet form-factor,” said Daw Tsai, president of DT Research. “But companies within construction, field service, logistics, manufacturing and warehousing have found that consumer-grade tablets are too fragile for their environment — requiring costly repairs and replacements that introduce expensive downtime. Our new DT395 rugged tablets give vertical industries exactly what they need with high reliability and lower TCO (total cost of ownership) over the lifetime of the product.”

According to a VDC Research study, the average annual TCO of a ruggedized tablet is 22 percent lower than the average annual TCO of a non-rugged tablet. The study found average failure rates for non-rugged tablets is 15.2 percent compared to 6.9 percent for rugged tablets. Lost productivity, as a result of mobile device failure, was a leading contributor to higher TCO for non-rugged tablets. Mobile workers lost an average of 52-80 minutes of productivity when their mobile device failed. (Source: VDC Research, “Total Cost of Ownership Models for Mobile Computing and Wireless Platforms,” Third Edition.)

Unlike consumer-grade tablets, the DT395CR and DT395GS ruggedized tablets are designed to be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments with full HD anti-reflection outdoor viewable displays. The tablets are IP65 and MIL-STD-810G rated to withstand 4-foot drops and extreme temperatures (-4° F to 140° F), and resist water, dust and humidity.

“We tried iPads, but they were not suited for our environment,” said Marty Phillips, director of engineering at Murray Equipment, Inc. “Our customers do millions of dollars of fertilizer loading within an eight-week window in a broad range of weather conditions. If a remote control tablet is down for even an hour, it’s a significant revenue loss. We have used DT Research rugged tablets in our automated liquid-handling facilities across the U.S. for more than three years with no downtime or repair/replacement costs. The reliability of DT Research’s rugged tablets is unmatched.”

Both the DT395CR and DT395GS have an 8.9-inch display with 1920 x 1200 resolution and capacitive touch, and weigh 2.87 pounds. The tablets run on an Intel Atom Quad Core CPU with 4GB RAM running Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS.

Security, privacy and productivity settings

“Security, privacy and productivity are a growing concern in many organizations,” Helen Fanucci, GM of Americas Device IoT Experience, Microsoft. “We are pleased to see DT Research utilize the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise-grade security to support mission-critical rugged tablets for customers and deliver a safer device experience, which enhances productivity for a variety of mobile scenarios in manufacturing, field service, logistics and other industries.”

The DT395 tablets leverage advanced Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS security including Device Guard, combining hardware and software security to lock down a device so that it can only run trusted applications. The DT395 also includes lock-down features to protect against malicious users while providing a custom-defined user experience.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID can pose a security issue when using consumer-grade tablets within a business environment. DT Research DT395 rugged tablets can be purpose-built with a camera privacy mode and

preconfigured with Bluetooth, RFID and Wi-Fi disable functions. The DT395 rugged tablets can also eliminate access to internet or social media applications to address productivity challenges.

Customizable options

DT Research offers customizable options for the DT395CR and DT395GS including an optimized OS and BIOS. Customers can choose to have the options below fully-integrated.
- 3G WWAN or 4G LTE
- 2D Barcode Scanner
- Class 1 Bluetooth (1000 feet)
- Camera (5 Megapixel back camera)
- GNSS Module (u-blox M8)
- HF/RFID 13.56MHz reader
- HDMI-in and Ethernet port
- Six-pin push/pull connector for EIA/RS-232/485/422, USB port and Ethernet port
September 19, 2016
DT Research delivers rugged tablets purpose-built for industry
DT Research has released the DT395CR and DT395GS rugged tablets. While designed for field professionals, the tablets cost less than consumer-grade tablets over the lifetime of the product, DT Research said.

The DT395GS rugged tablet by DT Research.

Both DT395 tablets are highly durable to withstand extreme environments, designed with fully integrated options to eliminate easily broken attachments in mission-critical scenarios, and include security, privacy and productivity settings.

The DT395GS tablet is designed for field applications with a high-accuracy GNSS module that is compatible with existing GIS software for mapping applications and brings together the advanced workflow for GIS data capture, accurate positioning and data transmission. The u-blox M8 GNSS module is capable of concurrent reception of GPS and GLONASS for up to 2-meter accuracy.

“Many businesses have adopted mobile tablets with the goal of increasing productivity by leveraging the versatile tablet form-factor,” said Daw Tsai, president of DT Research. “But companies within construction, field service, logistics, manufacturing and warehousing have found that consumer-grade tablets are too fragile for their environment — requiring costly repairs and replacements that introduce expensive downtime. Our new DT395 rugged tablets give vertical industries exactly what they need with high reliability and lower TCO (total cost of ownership) over the lifetime of the product.”

According to a VDC Research study, the average annual TCO of a ruggedized tablet is 22 percent lower than the average annual TCO of a non-rugged tablet. The study found average failure rates for non-rugged tablets is 15.2 percent compared to 6.9 percent for rugged tablets. Lost productivity, as a result of mobile device failure, was a leading contributor to higher TCO for non-rugged tablets. Mobile workers lost an average of 52-80 minutes of productivity when their mobile device failed. (Source: VDC Research, “Total Cost of Ownership Models for Mobile Computing and Wireless Platforms,” Third Edition.)

Unlike consumer-grade tablets, the DT395CR and DT395GS ruggedized tablets are designed to be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments with full HD anti-reflection outdoor viewable displays. The tablets are IP65 and MIL-STD-810G rated to withstand 4-foot drops and extreme temperatures (-4° F to 140° F), and resist water, dust and humidity.

“We tried iPads, but they were not suited for our environment,” said Marty Phillips, director of engineering at Murray Equipment, Inc. “Our customers do millions of dollars of fertilizer loading within an eight-week window in a broad range of weather conditions. If a remote control tablet is down for even an hour, it’s a significant revenue loss. We have used DT Research rugged tablets in our automated liquid-handling facilities across the U.S. for more than three years with no downtime or repair/replacement costs. The reliability of DT Research’s rugged tablets is unmatched.”

Both the DT395CR and DT395GS have an 8.9-inch display with 1920 x 1200 resolution and capacitive touch, and weigh 2.87 pounds. The tablets run on an Intel Atom Quad Core CPU with 4GB RAM running Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS.

Security, privacy and productivity settings

“Security, privacy and productivity are a growing concern in many organizations,” Helen Fanucci, GM of Americas Device IoT Experience, Microsoft. “We are pleased to see DT Research utilize the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise-grade security to support mission-critical rugged tablets for customers and deliver a safer device experience, which enhances productivity for a variety of mobile scenarios in manufacturing, field service, logistics and other industries.”

The DT395 tablets leverage advanced Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS security including Device Guard, combining hardware and software security to lock down a device so that it can only run trusted applications. The DT395 also includes lock-down features to protect against malicious users while providing a custom-defined user experience.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID can pose a security issue when using consumer-grade tablets within a business environment. DT Research DT395 rugged tablets can be purpose-built with a camera privacy mode and

preconfigured with Bluetooth, RFID and Wi-Fi disable functions. The DT395 rugged tablets can also eliminate access to internet or social media applications to address productivity challenges.

Customizable options

DT Research offers customizable options for the DT395CR and DT395GS including an optimized OS and BIOS. Customers can choose to have the options below fully-integrated.
- 3G WWAN or 4G LTE
- 2D Barcode Scanner
- Class 1 Bluetooth (1000 feet)
- Camera (5 Megapixel back camera)
- GNSS Module (u-blox M8)
- HF/RFID 13.56MHz reader
- HDMI-in and Ethernet port
- Six-pin push/pull connector for EIA/RS-232/485/422, USB port and Ethernet port
September 19, 2016
Louisiana DOT goes mobile for levee inspections

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has deployed TerraGo Edge for the inspection of flood protection infrastructure including levees, dams and reservoirs.

The DOTD’s Public Works and Water Resources Division inspects more than 1,100 miles of levees, four times every year.

The legacy inspection system was a custom-built application developed by an engineering services firm, which used Trimble Yuma ruggedized tablets. Over time, the system became less reliable and database updates were cumbersome and problematic. To truly fix the system would have meant more custom development services and other expenses.

Each of the six Yuma tablets, fully configured, ran around $6,000. The annual software maintenance was also expensive at around $18,000, which did nothing to improve the reliability of the system.

“We really wanted a cloud-based system, so we wouldn’t need to maintain a database server on-site. And if we could deploy an Android solution, those tablets would only cost us about $200, so the hardware would be pennies on the dollar. We could break and replace a lot of Android tablets compared to a traditional, ruggedized GPS tablet at $6,000,” said Doug Taylor, Director of Levees, Dams and Reservoirs at the DOTD.

After a series of successful field trials, DOTD knew it had found a mobile solution that met their requirements across the board for reliability, ease of use and customizability, all with a cloud-based database solution at a fraction of the cost.

TerraGo Edge’s customizable forms mean the DOTD never has to pay a software services fee for modifying a hard-coded solution again. They can design their own forms, maps and workflows, flexibly changing them whenever needed to improve the speed and quality of inspections and maintenance.

“Honestly, my favorite part about TerraGo Edge is that it’s just easy to use,” said Taylor. “It’s easy to use in the field and it’s easy to get information and reports out whenever we need them. The challenge is always how to figure out the right forms and inspection workflow. We have hundreds of codes and things change over time. With Edge, we can customize our forms and process today, and know we can adjust things in the future. ”

To learn more about the Louisiana DOTD customer success story, download the case study.

March 2, 2016
Juniper Systems launches Windows 10 rugged tablet

Windows 10 and a new large display are key features of Juniper Systems’ latest tablet, Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet, released today.

Juniper Systems is a provider of ultra-rugged field data collection solutions.

Featuring the largest display produced by Juniper Systems to date, the Mesa 2 is also Juniper Systems’ first handheld to run on the new Windows 10, which the company said allows for improved decision-making in the field, as well as smooth transitioning from field data collection to office work and back.

With a full Windows 10 operating system, the Mesa 2 provides users with access to a broader range of software options to meet their data collection needs and is powerful enough to use in place of a desktop computer when in the office. The Mesa 2’s 7-inch display strikes a perfect balance between providing ample viewing area for collected data and reducing overall weight for minimal fatigue and superior, all-day comfort, the company said.

The Mesa 2 is designed to perform reliably in harsh environments, and is the only IP68-rated rugged Windows tablet available, providing complete protection against water and dust. It maintains a seal while its ports are in use, while most other tablets on the market are exposed to damage from water and dust if the port cover is not securely in place.

The Mesa 2 also features an extraordinary IllumiView display, providing best-in-class visibility in any lighting conditions, and its chemically-strengthened Dragontrail glass touch screen provides superior durability, reducing haze from surface scratches and cracks normally caused by accidental impact.

The Mesa 2 battery provides users with a full 8-10 hours of runtime, allowing for maximum productivity throughout the workday. Users may also purchase an optional expansion battery from Juniper Systems that provides an additional 4-5 hours of runtime plus hot swap capabilities for those extra-long days where overtime is required.

“The Mesa 2 is in a new sphere relative to our other ultra-rugged devices,” said Nate Holman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Juniper Systems. “While it features the same degree of outstanding quality and ruggedness as other Juniper products, the Mesa 2 provides users with more software options and greater processing capabilities, due to its full Windows 10 operating system and Intel quad-core processor. The Mesa 2 is designed to improve productivity along every point of the data collection process, from the initial planning and gathering of data, to the later data analysis, and finally through the decision-making process. It’s a tablet optimized for efficiency, designed to be ‘your office, anywhere’.”

The Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2016.

January 14, 2016
Handheld launches its first ultra-rugged Android tablet

Handheld Group’s new Algiz RT7 tablet is designed for rugged use by mobile workers.

Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced the launch of its new Android tablet, the Algiz RT7. The Algiz RT7 is a powerful, lightweight and ergonomic 7-inch tablet designed for reliable performance in demanding environments.

The Algiz RT7, which runs Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), provides a range of features for mobile workforces, Handheld said. It’s fully rugged, meeting stringent MIL-STD-810G U.S. military standards for protection against drops, vibrations and extreme temperatures, and its IP65 rating means that it’s waterproof as well as fully sealed against sand and dust. Weighing just 650 grams, the Algiz RT7 is designed for mobility.

The Algiz RT7 comes with a built-in accelerometer, gyroscope and e-compass and a stand-alone u-blox EA-7M GPS receiver for navigation, along with built-in Qualcomm IZat location services.

A Qualcomm MSM8916 (Snapdragon) chipset and 1.2 GHz quad-core processor power the tablet, giving it processing speed, ultra-fast connectivity and long battery life. It comes standard with LTE data and voice capabilities as well as 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, BT Class 1 and Class 2, and NFC functionality. It also has dual cameras (8-megapixel rear-facing and 2-megapixel front-facing), as well as dual SIM-card slots.

Designed for the mobile worker, the Algiz RT7 sports a high-brightness 7-inch outdoor-viewable capacitive display that can handle true outdoor challenges. Battery performance is key for any mobile application, and the Algiz RT7 comes with a long-life 3.7V 6000mAh lithium-ion battery. Four programmable buttons allow users to launch and use applications in the field. To enhance data capture, users can choose an optional 2D imager or RFID plus 2D imager.

“Our new Algiz RT7 offers enterprises an exceptional value and is a highly requested product from both our end users and our extensive partner network,” said Jerker Hellström, Handheld Group CEO. “This ultra-rugged tablet delivers best-in-class performance to assist fieldworkers in their daily tasks. The Algiz RT7 is built for tough environments and delivers a streamlined Android experience with power and features appropriate for market demands.”

The Algiz RT7 can be ordered immediately. Shipping will start in December, with volume deliveries starting January 2016.

November 18, 2015
TAG’s Military Survey System on Display at ION GNSS+

Photo: Technology Advancement Group

Technology Advancement Group (TAG) will be showcasing precision, navigation and timing technology integration solutions at the ION GNSS+ conference, which will be held Sept. 14-15 in Tampa, Fla.

In particular, TAG will display a custom-designed military GNSS survey system that is the U.S. Army program of record for geodetic, construction and airfield surveying.

TAG’s Precise Positioning Service Global Positioning System Survey (PPS GPS-S) system was designed specifically for use by survey teams to have access to centimeter-level GPS survey accuracy with the added benefits of a fully-certified military GPS receiver that is supplemented with a GNSS receiver for real-time kinematic surveying with multi-constellation operations.

The PPS GPS-S system has been specifically designed to address the stringent requirements of military survey missions including geodetic, construction, airfield, and field artillery survey. It gives the military surveyor the tools they need to complete their missions with minimum time-on-station even in the face of GPS signal interference, attempted spoofing, or electronic warfare, the company said.

TAG was recently awarded a $24 million contract by the U.S. Army Geospatial Center for its AN/GSN-16 military survey system.

Core components of the PPS GPS-S system include a base station and two rovers, each integrated with a GNSS antenna with protection against jamming or spoofing, a custom-designed rugged tablet with an internal RF radio that has a 20-km range, and GPS-S accessories for additional functionality. Designed for continuous operation, the PPS GPS-S system includes multiple power options such as dual hot-swappable Li-Ion batteries, 12V battery, DC/DC converter, NATO adapter, and 4-slot Li-Ion charging station.

Powered by Carlson Surv-PC, TAG’s PPS GPS-S system is tailored for military environments that require tactical computer-aided design (CAD) operations. With an intuitive graphical user interface, surveying operations can be conducted in the field allowing for work to be completed in real-time. Accurate geospatial information system (GIS) data capture and a full suite of CAD functions allows survey teams to remain in the field to complete the drawings without the need to return to base.

For ION GNSS+, TAG will be in booth #102 of the exhibit hall in the Tampa Convention Center.

September 2, 2015