Computer Dynamics systems packaged with Cognex VisionView available from CIMTEC

CIMTEC Automation is now providing Computer Dynamics Industrial Flat Panel systems with Cognex VisionView software.  VisionView is ideal for monitoring and controlling vision systems and industrial ID readers on the factory floor, and allows operator controls specific to the application. The VisionView application software offers the following features:

• Automatic detection. VisionView will automatically detect any Cognex vision system on your network.
• Mix and match Cognex In-Sight systems. VisionView allows you to view up to twelve In-Sight vision systems in a tiled view.
• Graphical interface. VisionView displays full color images, with graphic overlays and operator controls.
• Fast image updates. VisionView provides the most recent inspection images so you can view your process in real-time.
• Access to CustomViews. The operator controls created in the spreadsheet automatically appear in VisionView.
• EasyView display. Items selected from In-Sight EasyBuilder interface software will appear on the VisionView screen, with impressive ease of use.
• Run-time ability to train fonts, without a PC.  No downtime is required during changeovers. Ideal for OCR/OCV applications.

PAC-OPR Products + VisionView PC

PAC-OPR running
VisionView PC

The PAC-OPR products are industrial NEMA 12 panel-mount flat panel computers with 2 PCI slots.  This product is available in three different panel sizes: 15” 1024x768, 17” 1280x1024, and 19” 1280x1024.  In addition to the display choice, this system includes: a Resistive touchscreen, 1.83GHz (667 MHz FSB) T5600 C2D Processor with 2GB of DDR-2 RAM, Windows XP Pro installed (no CD media included). A 250GB (or greater) Hard Drive, 5-in-1 card reader, and DVD-ROM are also included as standard.  Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface.

Size	Part Number	Description	List
15”	OPR211000S043	PAC-OPR15-C2D-2GB-WXP-SP043	$3510
17”	OPR311000S04Q	PAC-OPR17-C2D-2GB-WXP-SP04Q	$3660
19”	OPR411000S04R	PAC-OPR19-C2D-2GB-WXP-SP04R	$3770

VAMP-WN Products + VisionView VGA

VAMP-WN running
VisionView VGA

The VAMP-WN is a highly configurable industrial flat panel display with a wide variety of packaging options.  The stocked configurations are 15” 1024x768, 17” 1280x1024, and 19” 1280x1024 panels with a NEMA4 panel-mount front bezel and resistive touchscreen.  Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface via VGA and serial connections. This provides the flexibility to connect smaller- or larger-size monitors for “control room” viewing of images, results, CustomViews, and EasyViews.

Size	Part Number	Description	List
15”	WNV502120S04N	VAMP-WN15-R-RS232-TPM-SP04N	$2076
17”	WNV602120S04O	VAMP-WN17-R-RS232-TPM-SP04O	$2116
19”	WNV702120S04P	VAMP-WN19-R-RS232-TPM-SP04P	$2236

PAC-SSX + VisionView PC

PAC-SSX running
VisionView PC

The PAC-SSX is an industrial flat panel computer in a rugged, fully-sealed IP65 stainless steel chassis.  This system includes:  a 15" 1024x768 TFT, resistive touchscreen, fanless 1.86GHz ATOM D2550 Processor with 2GB of DDR RAM, 32G solid state flash drive, and Windows XP Pro installed.  There are no moving parts in this system which results in a very robust, long lasting product! Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface.

Size	Part Number	Description	List
15”	SSX132100S042	PAC-SSX15-D2550-2G-32GSSD-WXP-SP042	$3086

Computer Dynamics Releases New Product - DisplayPAC-N2800-IP65-XT

Computer Dynamics is known for providing systems designed to operate in industrial, military, transportation, and other markets requiring robust, long-life product.  We base our solutions on processors and chipsets that have long availability in the marketplace giving our customers the latest in technology with a roadmap for 5 to 7 years of availability.  Computer Dynamics is proud to announce the addition of the DisplayPac-N2800-IP65-XT to our industrial product line.  The physical design of the DisplayPac series are all identical allowing customers to use either a higher end processor solution or a lower end, lower cost solution all in the same footprint.  The DisplayPac-N2800-IP65-XT products are based on the Dual Core ATOM N2800 processor (1.86GHz) and include an IP65 front bezel along with the ability to operate in a wide temperature range of -20° to 60° C (-4° to 140° F).

The DisplayPac-N2800-IP65-XT products can be configured with screen sizes from 10.4” to 19” and a resistive touchscreen is also available as an option.  In order to achieve the wide temperature range, we use Solid State Drives which are available in a wide variety of capacities (32GB is the standard size). 

For more information on this and our other products, please visit us at www.cdynamics.com or contact us.

Computer Dynamics Releases New Product - DisplayPAC-PCAP15 Release

The new DisplayPAC-PCAP15 uses our well proven Dual Core ATOM motherboard along with a projected capacitive touchscreen mounted inside a sleek looking IP65 stand-alone enclosure.  We are really excited about the use of Projected Capacitive touch technology in the industrial space.  This technology gives our customers multi-touch support in a great looking package that will provide a modern look and feel for any industrial machine.  Because it is completely sealed to an IP65 standard, this unit can be mounted on a swing arm and is able to stand up to the abuse that computer systems are exposed to in industrial environments.  The fact that the enclosure is stainless steel is also an attractive feature to customers in the Food and Beverage as well as Pharmaceutical industries.

The PCAP15 has a nearly flat front face to the display and bezel which means that there is really no place for particulates to gather.  All data and power connections are sealed with this unit. Also, cables with standard connections on the other end come standard, as does an external power supply.  This means the PCAP15 can be sprayed down and easily cleaned.  We find the Intel ATOM dual-core processors provide an excellent performance to power usage ratio making them ideal for most industrial applications.  Additionally, the performance and reliability of solid state drives means that we offer a 32GB SSD as standard.  The best part is that the standard configuration has no moving parts – no fans or rotating hard drives.  Of course, Computer Dynamics can configure the system to order and include a hard drive if a lot of storage space is needed.

To find out more information on this and other flat panel products, please visit us at www.cdynamics.com or contact us.

What Are IP Ratings? Defining Ingress Protection Ratings for Industrial PCs

In the ruggedized computer industry, Ingress Protection ratings are the standards used to classify degrees of protection for both the user (from potentially harmful elements within the computer’s structure) and the computer itself from external solids and liquids such as dust and moisture. Ingress Protection ratings, or IP ratings, are normally verified by laboratories that certify equipment, such as UL or CENELEC.

IP ratings appear as two-digit numbers with each number ranging from 0 to 8. The higher the number, the better the protection. The first number signifies protection from solids. The second number signifies protection from liquids. When choosing a ruggedized computer for use in industrial environments, the product should have an IP rating of at least 65 for the best possible protection from dust and moisture.

In the IP Ratings Table provided below, the number 6 in the solids column shows that the computer is totally protected from dust regardless of the particle size. The number 5 in the liquids column shows that the computer is protected from jets of water striking it at 12.5 liters per minute for at least three minutes. The numeric designation for liquids goes as high as 8, meaning the computer is certified to work longer than 30 minutes at a depth of one meter of water without penetrating the computer.

	IP Rating Table
	Solids (First Number)		Liquids (Second Number)
0	No protection from solids (such as hands, fingers, screwdrivers, wires, etc.)	0	No protection from liquids or moisture. In this instance, the IP rating probably isn’t provided.
1	Protected from solids 50 mm or larger	1	Very limited protection; water can penetrate.
2	Protected from solids 12 mm or larger	2	Protected from vertically falling water at an angle up to 15 degrees; limited penetration.
3	Protected from solids 2.5mm or larger	3	Protected from water falling at an angle up to 60 degrees; limited penetration.
4	Protected from solids 1 mm or larger	4	Can withstand splashing water from all directions; limited penetration.
5	Some dust can penetrate the housing.	5	Can withstand water falling at 12.5 liters per minute for at least 3 minutes.
6	No dust can penetrate the housing.	6	Can withstand water falling up to 100 liters per minute with limited penetration (hurricane force).
7	Na	7	No penetration when submerged at least one meter for 30 minutes.
8	na	8	No penetration when submerged one meter or more for 30 minutes or longer.

Computer Dynamics provides customized industrial computing technology and durable computers that can meet any IP rating specifications. To learn more or to request a quote, please contact us today.

5 Signs That Your Industrial Computer System Needs an Upgrade

After a few years of using your current system, you may begin to notice that your computer runs much differently than it did when it was brand new. Do you need a whole new system or could you get by a few more years with a less expensive upgrade? Here are 5 indicators that can help you determine the answer.

1.    Processing power is slower. If the system is the life-line of your operation you may get by with simply upgrading the processor. However, the type of processor is dependent upon other components (motherboard) and vice-versa (heat sink) creating compatibility issues. Count the cost of the processor and those components, if needed, as well as the labor that will be charged. It is possible that upgrading the entire system will be comparable in price and the better choice.

2.    Quickly runs out of memory. Memory issues can often be resolved by adding extra RAM if the current system provides the extra slots or will allow you to switch the current memory sticks to ones with higher RAM capabilities.

3.       Newer applications crash or freeze the system. This is likely due to the system not having the minimum requirements recommended by the software manufacturer. This can often be resolved by determining which of required criteria is lacking – drivers, CPU, operating system - and upgrading those components. If there are many, upgrading the entire system may be the feasible choice.

4.    Your current system won’t let you install drivers for new hardware. This is likely due to compatibility issues between the driver and your current operating system. Any upgrade to your operating system may be necessary.

5.    Support is discontinued. You received notice that your current system has reached its End of Life and will no longer be supported after a future date. This will definitely require an upgrade.

If an upgrade is needed, contact Computer Dynamics. Choose from flat panel computers, heavy duty PC’s, industrial touchscreen computers, or durable computers ruggedly built for a variety of harsh environments.

Flat Panel and Touchscreen Technologies

Flat panel and touchscreen technologies have made huge advances in the past 10-15 years resulting in better quality products with lower costs and more efficient technologies. Initially used primarily on laptops and in medical and industrial devices, flat panels and touchscreens now permeate our everyday lives. People are much more comfortable with this technology and usage in both the commercial and industrial space has increased exponentially. 

Based on your immediate elements [amount of light, water, debris, insects] along with temperature extremes that might be problematic for some solutions, you can easily select one or more of these technologies to meet your specifications and requirements no matter your industrial environment.

• Resistive – The most commonly used touchscreen technology in the industrial space.
• Capacitive – The advantage of great clarity over resistive touchscreens.
• Infrared – A good technology for environments that can be tightly controlled.
• Projected Capacitive – The advantage of a multi-touch interface.
• Surface Acoustic Wave – Great screen clarity for dry, clean environments.

For more information about these technologies, download our free guide “Five Display and Touchscreen Technologies to Consider for Industrial Application”.

Beyond Windows XP Part 2 – Windows Embedded

Users of Industrial PCs have some decisions to make due to the End of Life announcements for Windows XP. Read more in our previous post  “Windows XP – Prevalent and Problematic”.

There are two valid paths for an Industrial PC user beyond Windows XP and both would require testing and validation to make sure they are going to work with no additional headaches. In this post we will explore the option to switch to Windows Embedded.

While a full-blown Windows 7 or Windows 8 installation is a great catch-all solution, Windows Embedded Operating Systems have several benefits for the industrial space. Windows Embedded is “built” (usually by the Industrial PC provider) specific to the machine it is on taking into account its hardware and software. The benefit of this is that your Operating System footprint is much smaller than a full-blown Windows installation. For example, if you don’t need audio support then you would not install that component of Windows. Instantly, that space is saved and an unnecessary (to your application) part of Windows is not there to cause problems. This also leads to better stability and control of how the system is used. The Embedded Operating Systems can also set the drive where the OS resides to be effectively read-only to protect the original configuration. Writeable volumes can be set up if data needs to be stored. In an Industrial Application where equipment owners typically want to maintain the system as they intended it without a user accidentally (or maliciously) changing things, there is a huge benefit that results in more up-time and less variance in the configuration of deployed systems.

There are three choices for Windows Embedded Operating Systems: 

• Windows Embedded Standard 2009
• Windows Embedded Standard 7 
• Windows Embedded 8 Standard

Windows Embedded 8 Standard should only be considered if there is some aspect of Windows 8 that is necessary for your application.  Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is based on Windows XP and has its extended support end on January 8, 2019.  Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is an excellent choice if you have a mature Windows XP deployment and long-term availability of hardware from your Industrial PC provider. Computer Dynamics can help you determine if you can make a Windows Embedded Standard 2009 build from your current Windows XP system.  If so, this will help you lock down your installation and offer longer-term availability over Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems. Again, consider this only if your hardware and applications are mature and you do not plan on making any major changes. In the same vein, Windows Embedded 7 Standard should be considered if you are either currently running Windows 7 or want to move to Windows 7.  Extended support for Windows Embedded Standard 7 continues until October 13, 2020.