On Monday, July 18, 2011 03:49:40 PM Dave did opine: > 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 > Good idea, but where is the cutting torch? Around a drill rig there is probably one on every other truck. This then becomes a cat & mouse game. OTOH, its probably the best 'retainer' idea yet.
Cheers, gene -- "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." -Ed Howdershelt (Author) It's better to burn out than to fade away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Storage Efficiency Calculator This modeling tool is based on patent-pending intellectual property that has been used successfully in hundreds of IBM storage optimization engage- ments, worldwide. Store less, Store more with what you own, Move data to the right place. Try It Now! http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51427378/ _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
