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 USB
- 1 x serial
- DC power input
- 1 x USB
- 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.
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