Computer Dynamics introduces the Ruffneck "explosion-proof" computer

There's rugged computing, and then there's rugged computing -- and the new Ruffneck PC from GE Fanuc's Computer Dynamics subsidiary is ready to handle just about anything you can throw at it. The unit sports a 15-inch touchscreen LCD that can be used with gloves on, a 1.6GHz Pentium M, 2GB of RAM and a 40GB disk (with a CompactFlash-based SSD option for even more toughness), all wrapped up in a thermally-managed enclosure that allows operation in temperatures as low as -40 and as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. All that resiliency means the Ruffneck clocks in just a little larger than your average Toughbook, however -- you're looking 45 pounds of wall-mounted Windows XP action. No word on price, but if you're in an environment where you might actually need one of these things, we're guessing you've got the budget for it.

[Via Military Embedded Systems]

[thekaptn @ Sep 21st 2007 8:45AM]

I've been using screens like this for quite a while, but this one looks pretty freaking schweet. These screens have been a great help over years opposed to the old style of writing all the crap down and reading old beat up gauges. And yeah, when it comes to price, it really doesn't matter. Considering we have old pressure gauges that still cost $4,000. So that price for a piece of equipment like this is a steal.

[awam @ Sep 21st 2007 4:04AM]

im sure a 4 year old could break it

[Jeff P. @ Sep 21st 2007 9:41AM]

"im sure a 4 year old could break it"

Best comment ever! (and probably correct also)

[waiownsyou @ Sep 21st 2007 4:10AM]

I'm afraid to ask how you put a CD in it

[thekaptn @ Sep 21st 2007 5:31AM]

Most of these do not have CD drives. They are used merely to display information about the rig and operating conditions. And for breaking it, i've seen one fall from it's mount 8' down and keep on tickin.

[Rajiv @ Sep 21st 2007 6:29AM]

if these are merely display units then why bother putting in all of the crunching power..just a bullet proof display would've done the job..

[thekaptn @ Sep 21st 2007 7:03AM]

The crunching power is nice because we usually have 4-5 different programs running at the same time that are very resource hungry. They are constantly obtaining and calculating data from sensors all around the rig. Hell some have inputs from cameras that you get a little joystick to move around so you can see what is happening at the top of the derrick.

[Harkonian @ Sep 21st 2007 11:54AM]

Why would you have computers scattered throughout the rig doing calculations rather than just having centralized powerful servers doing the same thing and serving up the data to a bunch of dumb terminals? Seems like this would allow you to put the server in a somewhat safe environment, get something that is as powerful as you need, is easily scalable, and save money on the dumb-terminals.

[thekaptn @ Sep 22nd 2007 2:18AM]

The reason we don't have one big powerhouse is because these rigs are constantly moving and were strapped for room as it is. In fact the well I am on as we speak is reaching its total depth of 19,800' in about 2 hours. Then we are going to break every thing down to move it to another location. The sensors are usually in tight spots and made so if they are broken you can just rig up another in 10-15 minutes and be good to go. The sensors are usually tied into a central hub on the rig floor. Generally got about 20-30 sensors. From there its tied into the screen that does all of the calculations and displays all the goodies. As far as safe spots on the rig, there aren't really any to put it other than on the rig floor in the dog house (a 10'X20' steel room) on the rig floor. Even then things are constantly exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. Where I am at, North Dakota, it can get to -60 in the winter. So these things need to be explosion proof. As far as gasses go, I have never heard of the screens causing a blow out, not to say it cannot happen.

[shaun @ Sep 21st 2007 4:29AM]

Before you ask, No, that will not blend

[Dankoozy @ Sep 21st 2007 4:39AM]

Yay, a gadget that uses CompactFlash! *jumps up and down with delight* my favourite type of memory card format. everything else these days uses those puny MicroSD cards :(

[Mike @ Sep 21st 2007 7:33AM]

Oh so its made to use a sony battery, cool.

[strider_mt2k @ Sep 21st 2007 8:29AM]

Indeed.

They designed it to withstand the explosion of it's own power source.

[Brad @ Sep 21st 2007 1:15PM]

"Explosion proof" does NOT mean it will survive an explosion. It means it will not cause one. Devices in Oil Rigs, fuel processing plants, etc that are in environments where they could spark and light fumes in the air are required to go through testing to show they won't have even a tiny surface spark on the interior of the unit, or are sealed from the outside fumes.

[Wwhat @ Sep 21st 2007 8:32PM]

I think you are wrong in this case, 'proof' means resistant, and it's clear that the purpose here is ruggedness.

[Firley @ Sep 21st 2007 9:09AM]

I've spent some time working in the field as well. My understanding was always that 'explosion proof' didn't mean it would be impervious to being damaged in an explosion - rather it means that the device is sealed so gases etc. can't get in and it won't CAUSE an explosion.

[joshua.matson @ Sep 21st 2007 9:14AM]

Firley- I work for another company building a touch screen similar to this one. We are a rather large industrial automation company who builds touch screens and we are working to qualify our touch screens to be 'explosion proof'. There are different levels of this, however, some begin at what you are saying where they just prevent gases from entering. While others, like this one, and a new model of ours actually will withstand extreme heat, shock, and the other residual effects that come with blowin' up.

[Natedog @ Sep 21st 2007 10:30AM]

Is there a reason it has a Pentium M and 2GB of RAM? Anyone else think those specs seem a little mismatched?

Yeah, someone above mentioned that it runs "resource-hungry" numbers from gauges. Alright, that gives a reason for the RAM, but wouldn't that mean that a dual-core would be a good choice too?

Also, is the case itself the heatsink? If it operates at 140 F, how is it cooled effectively? It can't be cooled below ambient...

Fireproof - check
Roommateproof - optional
Spywareproof - uh...

Oil derrick pr0n will soon become popular, I guess.

[Fred @ Sep 21st 2007 11:17AM]

A well placed Claymore should hurt it.....bad.

[Ken @ Sep 21st 2007 2:02PM]

Yes, but is the screen made with transparent aluminum to survive the blast?

[Michael @ Sep 21st 2007 3:09PM]

All you IT peoplz - don't mix real-time continuous process control networks/HMI computers into the transactional world of the office. There are lots of reasons why you would want computing horsepower scattered around. Redundancy/failover/data collection/ease of use.

Just remember - don't let the blinker fluid get too low and everything else will be OK.

[Goob @ Sep 26th 2007 11:40PM]

Interesting comments. I think the explosion proof means it will withstand and internal explosion, like a power supply or other spark generated occurance and not ignite the surrounding air, which what some else mentioned. I also agree that the 1.6Ghz and 2GB memory are mismatched, but you have to consider the price, 2 and 3GHz are expensive and really do not provide that much more performance for the price difference so using a 1.6 probably is a good starting point. Besides I am sure if you have the money you can have them use a more powerful CPU.