On 7/17/2011 7:29 PM, gene heskett wrote: > On Sunday, July 17, 2011 07:25:15 PM dave did opine: > > >> On Sat, 2011-07-16 at 23:10 -0700, Karl Cunningham wrote: >> >>> Dave wrote: >>> >>>> I'd like to use as many off the shelf devices as possible - PC >>>> boards etc... if possible. >>>> >>>> Being a typical customer, they want to keep the costs down but they >>>> also want it to work and operate reliably. >>>> >>>> I've had good luck using conventional industrial controls on >>>> machines that operate outside, but I have always been able to >>>> include a panel heater to minimize condensation issues. >>>> >>>> Do you guys have any suggestions? >>>> >>> My son worked in Antarctica for several years, designing and >>> installing power equipment at field camps. Here's what I remember >>> from that: >>> >>> 1. Use gel-type lead-acid batteries for generator staring. Keep them >>> topped up with a solar panel when sitting. >>> 2. If there is a block heater on the generator engine, connect a >>> battery charger to the same power source, so the batteries are fully >>> charged when it's time to start it. >>> 3. If it's really cold, -20F or below, put the batteries in an >>> insulated box and use a little of the battery/solar panel juice to >>> heat the batteries slightly. >>> 4. Use solid-state hard drives. Much better for vibration and cold. >>> 5. Computer fans probably won't start cold, but they'll warm up and >>> run in time to keep things from overheating. >>> 6. Stick with name-brand computer mother board and RAM. They may have >>> more conservative timing margins which will be more reliable over a >>> wider temperature range. >>> >>> Karl >>> >> I'm impressed by the advice that comes from this group. Good thoughts. >> >> On overnight reflection on the problem I think it might be easier to put >> the computer and monitor in a portable case which get stored in a >> decent environment and taken to the job and mounted on the rig. Open the >> lid and that exposes the keyboard. Monitor is external and clips on. >> Once the rig is up and running then power can be supplied to keep things >> warm/cool. >> >> Take a look a some of the packaging for mil field computers/equipment. >> >> HTH >> >> Dave >> >> > While I generally agree, the computers off-rig storage raises the thought > that they may not keep it when off-rig, in a well secured place, inviting > pilferage& then you start re-inventing that wheel again, and BTW, their > first question is going to be "can you make another one for delivery > yesterday?" > >
I agree... I don't think the customer is going to want the added burden of transporting the controls back and forth to the machine. They have various crews also.. What if they forget to bring the case and then drive 50 miles through the back country... I can see them losing it also - especially after a long winter - some personnel changes etc... I want to make the controls removable, but require that several bolts be removed along with perhaps a high strength padlock. Dave ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AppSumo Presents a FREE Video for the SourceForge Community by Eric Ries, the creator of the Lean Startup Methodology on "Lean Startup Secrets Revealed." This video shows you how to validate your ideas, optimize your ideas and identify your business strategy. http://p.sf.net/sfu/appsumosfdev2dev _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
