TouchStar Technologies have announced the launch of an ATEX-approved version of its Raven device, which provides industries such as chemical, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals, with a powerful, intrinsically safe and extremely rugged mobile computer.
Definition of ATEX
The acronym ATEX comes from the French atmosphres explosible (explosive
environments). To qualify as a potentially explosive atmosphere, the area must contain the flammable substance(s) and air and be under atmospheric conditions.
An explosive environment would at first appear to include anywhere liquid fuels, flammable gases and explosives are stored or used, but explosions can occur in less obvious places such as where there are large amounts of dust or even flour suspended in the air.
The Raven mobile computer has been ATEX-certified for use in Zone 2 conditions ( Full approval designation - CE Ex II3G EEx nL IIC T4X ). In addition, the product's accessories meet the latest associated apparatus certifications to provide the highest level of safety.
TouchStar designed the Raven with the elimination of arcing and static electricity as key design principles. TouchStar handheld computers are already in regular use around re-fuelling stations, airport aprons, in factories and often in enclosed spaces, each of which represents a specific explosive risk. This vast experience was utilised in the design of the Raven. All internal circuitry and mechanical parts are rigorously tested and are not put into production until any possible source of sparking is eliminated. External sockets and plugs, also potential arcing weak spots, have undergone specific design and manufacture techniques to avert sparking. Finally, the polycarbonate shell that is essential to the Ravens durability is treated seriously as a source of static electricity. TouchStar have gone to great lengths to ensure that static accumulation is not a danger.
Key Features of the TouchPC Raven
The TouchPC Raven offers high-end mobile computing performance within a lightweight, sleek design. The large format touch screen computer is designed to the same exacting standards as all Touchstar products. The TouchPC Raven whilst designed to be predominantly vehicle-mounted, utilises an innovative quick-release mechanism allowing the user to detach it from the vehicle and switch smoothly and easily to a portable mode of operation.
Key features include:
multiple connectivity options (SD & CF cards, Serial etc.)
on-board GPS for vehicle & personnel tracking
on-board GPRS for optimum communication
rugged build, environmentally sealed polycarbonate case
vehicle mounted or portable, with quick-release bracket
easy to program Windows CE.NET platform
large high-resolution touch screen
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