(866) 599-6512

Monday, July 28, 2014

Have it your way, NOW!

Computer Dynamics has been in business for over 30 years and was founded on the principal of providing technology exactly the way our customers want it.  In 1981, this meant custom digital I/O on Z80-based CPUs cards.  Today, this means anything from configuring a system from a wide range of existing choices to building an entire flat panel system including customized single board computers running the latest Intel hardware packaged into specially designed metal work and tested to meet necessary standards.

Customized solutions sometimes bring a negative connotation.  In many cases, customized solutions mean exorbitant development costs, long lead times for development, and proprietary solutions that become painful down the road.  At Computer Dynamics, we understand those concerns and will work with you to minimize the pain caused by each.

With regard to development costs, Computer Dynamics looks at each custom opportunity individually to arrive at the most cost effective way to handle the custom.  Custom work is typically paid for with a Non-recurring Engineering (NRE) Fee that is calculated based on the amount of work required and the total quantity of units needed.  We look to be a long term provider and instead of requiring a large up-front NRE, we would rather like to see your products become successful so you need more product from us. 

Our development times are typically quoted in weeks as opposed to months.  We are able to offer fast lead times because we have such a wide variety of standard products from which to choose to base our initial designs.  No matter what you need, we can usually find something close to a previous design we have done.  In cases where a complete design must be done to accomplish what you need, we are usually still able to provide you with a fast time to prototype and to production due to the amount of design experience we have.

Finally, all of our designs are based on generally available processors and run operating systems like Linux and Microsoft Windows.  There are no unique platforms that lock you in to our designs and products.  Obviously, we hope you like doing business with us and we think you will want to continue to use our products; but, if you want to make a change down the road, you will not have a major issue trying to switch to another vendor’s products.  We hope this makes your decision to use our products an easy one.


Given the long history of Computer Dynamics with designing and providing Industrial PCs along with the Industrial Control knowledge of Cimtec Automation, we are in a unique position to be a long term provider for both your most basic and your most challenging project requirements.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Durable Computer Platform Solution From CDI

A rail company needed a cost effective, durable computer solution that could be mounted and used in their rail cars. We were tasked with creating this custom system and delivered results on time and on budget. Click to read the challenges, our solution and results here.

Out With The Old and In With The New

That old Panel PC is staring you in the face.  It’s dim, covered in scratches, and one of these days it will not even turn on anymore.  You called the OEM for service, but they don’t repair that model any more.  They will be happy to sell you a new one, but the cost of replacement is too high.  Not to mention, it will also require a different cutout size in your panel.  So, there it sits, laughing at you.  Cimtec Automation is in a unique position to help you with this in three different ways: new product, repair of your current product, or a drop-in replacement for your current product.

Computer Dynamics, A Division of Cimtec Automation, provides a wide range of flat panel displays, Panel PCs, and industrial computers.  With panel sizes ranging from 5” up to 42” diagonal, various options for touchscreens, and configurations that include a rugged computer or not, we have many solutions available from our extensive line of products.  One of our Application Engineers is a phone call away and can quickly assess your needs and configure the best solution possible.  Several configurations are available from stock and everything else can be built to order in less than six weeks.  Go to www.cdynamics.com to start and please contact us if you need assistance.

The Qualitrol division of Cimtec can repair many different Panel PC products at our facility in Charlotte, NC.  Our technicians have many years of experience repairing board level and system level issues in systems provided by a wide range of manufacturers.  Repairs can be completed in a matter of days meaning you are back up and running with little loss of downtime.  Qualitrol provides fast turnaround on world class repair services for virtually any Industrial Monitor, HMI, LCD Flat Panel Displays or Panel PC. Our IPC-7711/7721 trained technicians have extensive experience in the repair and replacement of PCBs, flat panel displays, power supplies, and touchscreens. All evaluations are done up-front and at no-charge – we only proceed with the repair when you have authorized us to do so.  Go to http://www.qualitrol.com/html/industrial_computer_repair_services.html to learn more.

One of the unique services that Computer Dynamics, A Cimtec Automation Company, can offer is the ability to perform an over the phone or on-site assessment of your Panel PC needs.  If we cannot provide a drop-in solution from our broad range of standard product, we can design and provide mounting plates to allow one of our new systems to fit into your existing application.  We have experts in the field of industrial computers that can determine the best way to replace an old Panel PC with a new one with little to no operational difference from the existing solution.  We carry the widest range of flat panel sizes and touchscreen technologies to provide a close match to any fielded solution.  We also offer a wide range of system solutions from the latest high-performance processors to low-power processors.  Additionally, we can provide systems that contain both ISA and PCI slots.  Call one of our Application Engineers at (866)-599-6512 to get started.

By offering you strategies for new product, repair of existing product, and drop-in replacement product, we can help you make the best choice for the controls on your older equipment.   All of our production and repair services are based in our home office in Charlotte, NC.  We are in a unique position to help you with older Panel PC equipment – we are on your side and we’ll help you wipe that sneer off of your old equipment’s face.

Monday, June 16, 2014

The Latest Testing Standards for Rugged Computers

The latest testing standards for rugged computers ensure that your computer is properly protected from the detrimental elements and harsh environment in which it will be operated. If you're considering the purchase of a durable computer, here are several ratings and testing standards or certifications for which you should look.

Ratings

1.) IP Ratings
  • IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are frequently used to signify protection from:
    • Liquids (such as rain, fog, and humidity)
    • Solids (such as dust, sand, smoke, detritus, and other small particulate matter)
  • IP ratings are two digit numbers- the first number specifying protection from solids, the second number specifying protection from liquids
  • IP ratings are typically used in Europe, but have also gained wide acceptance in the US.
  • Details about IP ratings are discussed in the blog post, "What are IP Ratings?"
  • View CDI's IP rated products:
2.) NEMA
  • National Electrical Manufacturer Association standards are applied mainly to fixed enclosures and are seldom applied to mobile devices
  • NEMA ratings are used to verify protection of an electrical enclosure from external ice, corrosive materials, oil, dust, and water, etc.
  • NEMA ratings may seem similar to IP Ratings, however, NEMA testing standards reveal to the consumer the types of corrosive atmospheres against which the enclosure is protected
  • NEMA ratings are typically used in the US
  • NEMA standards include ratings for protection in a variety of environments, namely deep mines, steel mills, chemical processing plants, quarries, dairies and shipping docks
  • View CDI's NEMA rated products:
Standards

1.) MIL-STD
  • The MIL-STD 810 standard was established by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1962 (with the most recent update released in January 2008)
  • It is a set of testing procedures that cover a wide range of environmental conditions such as shock, vibration and temperature
  • This standard makes the computer more desirable to government agencies at the federal, state and local levels as well as for industrial customers that want some degree of protection against shock and vibration
  • In order to be certain that a computer is also protected from salt fog, rain, and humidity, it is recommended to verify that the computer also has an IP rating
  • View CDI's MIL-STD products:
2.) IEC60068-2-27
  • This is a method of test typically used to determine a computer's ability to withstand shocks of different severities
  • The test will reveal mechanical weaknesses as well as degradation to specific performances or accumulated damage or degradation caused by the shocks
3.) IEC60068-2-6
  • This is a method of test typically used to determine whether a computer still functions during or still works after being subjected to vibration of a harmonic pattern for a period of time
  • The vibrations mimic those that commonly occur in aircraft, vehicles, and ships generated by rotating, pulsating, or oscillating forces
All Computer Dynamics' products are verified to comply with the FCC Class B rules and regulations regarding unlicensed transmissions and/or spurious or unintentional emissions - radio frequencies that are not deliberately created or transmitted - such as harmonic emissions. Class B limits are more stringent therefore the Class B certification process is much more rigorous than Class A. (Title 47 CFR Part 15).

For more safety information about any of our industrial computers or industrial monitors, visit our site or contact us today.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Monitor Capabilities in Harsh Environments - CDI

Industrial monitors have come a long way in terms of technology and ruggedness. There are several improvements in technology that result in more rugged Panel PCs.  Here are a few advancements in technology that result in less downtime for Panel PC systems in harsh environments:

  • Several models are corrosion resistant provided by aluminum-alloy housing.
    • This allows for outdoor and indoor use. For outdoor use, we can include a sunlight readable LCD color display with resistive-touch technology. (Related: View our product the DisplayPAC-RPP).
      • Resistive-touch technology means the touchscreen will work for users wearing gloves.
      • It also means that the front surface of the screen is made of a Mylar layer that won’t shatter or chip like glass.
    • Note: If you have a "no glass exposed" policy, a resistive touchscreen computer may be the ideal solution for your industry.
  • Many industrial computers are tested IP65-compliant. (Related: View our product the DisplayPAC-PCAP).
    • This means no dust, regardless of the size of the particle, can penetrate the housing and there is limited penetration against ingress of sprayed water. Learn more about IP Ratings on our blog.
  • Solid State Drive (SSD) options in which SSD devices are used in place of rotating hard drives.  SSDs work just like standard hard drives, but have no moving parts.  These solutions provide excellent durability and longevity, helping to protect against vibration and shock that’s commonly unavoidable in a number of industrial, military and marine industries.

Learn more about how you can obtain rugged, long-lasting multi-touch and resistive touchscreen computers that will last in the harsh environment you work in by viewing our complete list of industrial computers that can withstand the harshest environments.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

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



Thursday, March 6, 2014

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.