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Watertight computer sports dual-core Atom

Jun 19, 2009 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 1 views

Stealth Computer announced an “extreme environment” PC that routes all its I/O through locking, bayonet-style connectors (left). The fanless, Linux-friendly WPC-500F uses a dual-core Atom 330, includes hard disk or solid-state disk storage, and operates on input power ranging from 10 to 30VDC, the company says.

(Click here for a larger view of the Stealth WPC-500F)

Stealth says its WPC-500F, aimed at marine and mobile applications, is completely watertight, meeting IP67/NEMA 6 environmental specifications. According to the company, the fanless device is cooled via advanced heat pipe technology, and by the fact that its aluminum chassis acts as a heat sink.

Rather than the single-core Atom 230 that might have been expected, the WPC-500F benefits from Intel's dual-core Atom 330, combined with the chipmaker's 945GC chipset (the 82945GC northbridge and 82801GB southbridge). The PC comes with a preinstalled maximum of 2GB DDR2 RAM, and an 80GB, 5400rpm hard drive. The latter can be swapped out for a 2.5-inch SSD (solid state disk), offered in sizes ranging from 16Gb to 128GB, according to Stealth.

As the photo at the top of our story shows, the WPC-500F's I/O is channeled through four locking, bayonet-style connectors, which appear to follow the MIL-STD-D38999 standard [PDF link, here]. The four connectors carry USB and serial signals, VGA output, gigabit Ethernet, and DC input power. Stealth supplies 1.5 meter accessory cables, pictured below, and, apparently because the WPC-500F only has one USB port, also throws in an external powered USB hub with four ports.


The accessory cables supplied with Stealth Computer's WPC-500F
(Click to enlarge)

According to the company, the WPC-500F accepts input power ranging from 10 to 30VDC. The system may be configured to switch itself on from 5 seconds to three hours after power was initially applied, while power-off may be delayed by either 45 seconds or two hours, Stealth adds.

Finally, Stealth says the WPC-500F is available with Ubuntu Linux preinstalled, as well as being compatible with QNX and a variety of Windows flavors. For a display, the company recommends its TT-840, a 8.9-inch touchscreen display that offers 800 x 600 resolution and is also said to be watertight.

Features and specifications listed by Stealth for the WPC-500F include the following:

  • Processor — Intel Atom 330 clocked at 1.6GHz
  • Memory — 2GB of DDR2 RAM
  • Storage — 80GB, 2.5-inch hard disk drive or SSD in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB sizes
  • Networking — Gigabit Ethernet
  • Other I/O (all via bayonet connectors):1 x VGA
  • 1 x USB
  • 1 x serial
  • DC power input

  • Operating range — 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
  • Dimensions — 11.37 x 7.51 x 2.97 inches (298 x 191 x 75.5mm)
  • Weight:
    • Without cables or mounting bracket, 8 pounds (3.62kg)
      With cables, 9.75 pounds (4.42kg)
    • With cables and mounting bracket, 10.35 pounds (4.7kg)



    This video demonstrates the WPC-500F's watertight nature
    Source: Stealth Computer
    (click to play)

    Further information

    According to Stealth Computer, the WPC-500F will be available in early July, priced starting at approximately $2,000 with cables, mounting bracket, and the 80GB hard disk drive. More information may be found on the company's website, here.


     
    This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.



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