Scottish Elises

Once again relying on the massive knowledge base that is SE

Need to sort out a computer which has to be housed inside a transit style suitcase for work and wondered if anyone on here could point me in the right direction?

Essentially Im looking to combine some electronics inside a case which also houses a PC but the thing is I need it at least IP54.

Ideally a case which opens and has a panel style PC/monitor in the lid with a keyboard mouse setup on the flat. Underneath the Keyboard I need around 100 mm of depth 500 length and 400 width.

Internal electronics will be using around 80 watts which along with power supplies will generate quite a lot of heat. A company that could mould a case around a heat sink would be ideal as this deals with mounting also. We wont be talking big numbers so understand costs will be high but would be nice to have a few options.

Found a company that can make something for me but are looking for nearly 5 figures! Any suggestions of alternative companies who already do this kind of thing or even someone I could start talking to?

Not sure if it's quite what you're after Craig, but how about a rugged laptop?

My lovely employer supplied me with a Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 which is IP65

Don't ever intend on using its splashproofosity or 36" droppability, but it certainly can deal with being thrown in and out of helicopters

ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/panasonic/t ... -53_ss.pdf

Hi ross, we use tough books already and can really take a beating. The problems is the amount of connections to other hardware hence building an integrated case. Ideally we need ip67 with the case closed ad 54 with the lid open.
Craig.

Ah ok - I perhaps got you wrong - but to be fair doesn't sound like a crazy request - perhaps some of the IT sorts on here would know of such a product.

Good luck

Hi Craig,

Does the system need to be running when the lid is shut (i.e. when it's in IP67 mode)? Or is it just storage at IP67?

IP67 is essentially vacuum tight, so if you need to dissipate 80W you will need a metal panel in the IP67 casing to allow heat to transfer from inside to outside (rather than a grille like most systems use to allow hot air out, cold air in).

When running you only need IP54. I haven't been able to work out whether the ToughBook has IP54 USB connectors, but assuming it does, could you put all the non-PC electronics in a box, then run power&usb through a IP54-or-better cable gland? You might need a custom cable to achieve IP54, but it would be little more than a rubber boot over the end of the cable to improve the mating between the USB cable and the ToughBook.

You can multiplex anything over USB so a single USB channel into the box should be enough, provided you can also feed power into the box (or there's a battery pack inside the box already).

See peliproducts.co.uk for suitable enclosures.

As always, happy to help further if you can provide some more details.

Cheers,
Robin

Hi Robin,

Yes the plan is to be able to operate the machine with the lid open or closed. When closed it will be controlled through VNC via IP67 RJ45 and may look into wireless.

Regards cabling we will be moulding everything to suit so no issues there and mostly subsea conenctors.

I though exactly as you, use a large heatsink moulded into the base which can also be tapped for mounting equipment.

Sanjoy has mentioned a friend of his so will see what he comes up with or I masy come back to you...

Heres one we build already,

http://www.km.kongsberg.com/ks/web/nokb ... enDocument

Uses a panel PC and has space for equipment underneath but doesnt have enough power in the PC, the case has no heat sink and we dont like the design.

Gives the idea? I suspect I may have to start with one of these and just change out the PC.

A tut sized condom?

tut