Rugged Mobile Computers for Cold Environments - 6 Important Features

Extreme cold creates a challenging and difficult environment for electronic equipment. Mobile information-collection computers are no exception. They should be engineered to carry out under these harsh conditions. If your mobile computers (including barcode scanners and wireless networking equipment) haven't been designed particularly for use in cold environments, their efficiency and reliability will suffer.

The bottom-line is that your workers' productivity will drop and expensive equipment failures will boost.

This article identifies 6 vital style characteristics to look for just before you pick your equipment.

How Does Extreme Cold Effect Mobile Computers?

When utilised for extended periods in a cold environment, mobile devices are impacted by cold air, frost, and condensation. These elements can wreak havoc on equipment (even standard, ruggedized devices) that is not built to operate optimally in cold. For example:

• Screens turn out to be sluggish as their LCD displays start out to freeze
  
• Condensation on scanners make it hard to read bar codes.
  
• Keys might stick causing data entry complications
  
• Internal parts corrode, short out, and ultimately fail
  
• Batteries fail to perform acceptably

These problems lead to lower productivity, elevated error rates, and shorter equipment lifespan.

Picking Devices to Be Used in Cold Environments

To carry out optimally in the cold, mobile computers should be engineered and manufactured using special parts and materials. Each and every component should be designed to excel below harsh conditions.

Six key attributes to look for when evaluating cold-temperature computers

1) Internal Heaters- Integrated heaters stop damaging condensation. Laptop or computer displays and barcode scan windows stay fog-absolutely free and useable, allowing users to scan data and enter information and facts accurately. Internal components stay dry so that uptime remains high.

two) Special Batteries- High grade lithium or lead acid batteries are specially formulated to carry out in the cold. Regular lithium-ion batteries typically fail or become unreliable in these conditions.

three) Rugged Housings- Durable, industrial-grade materials must be applied for mobile devices. Furthermore, the equipment must be specially sealed to prevent condensation and moisture from damaging internal components.

4) Internal Components- Unique protective coatings must be utilized on internal components as extra protection against moisture and condensation.

5) Screw-In Connectors- For devices designed to connect to external power sources or peripherals, unique screw-in connectors ought to be used. These are superior in that they produce a far more dependable connections and generate a far better moisture seal.

6) Device Design- The device itself should really be developed with the user in mind. Big keys allow for ease of operation when wearing gloves. Also, overall size and weight should be evaluated as these elements impact user operation more than the lengthy-term.

Conclusion

You need to pick mobile computers that are correctly created for use in cold-environments. Working with regular mobile devices increases the risk of equipment failure, lost productivity, and unnecessary repair and replacement costs.

Use the criteria above to assist you evaluate and select the preferred equipment for your operation.