The Illinois State Geological Survey’s Success with Stealth Rugged PCs

The Illinois State Geological Survey’s Success with Stealth Rugged PCs

DISCLAIMER:

“Due to our commitment to stringent Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), we are unable to disclose specific company or project names in our customer case studies. However, we are excited to share the valuable insights and success stories from these partnerships while maintaining our clients’ confidentiality.”

Introduction

Title:

The Illinois State Geological Survey's Success with Stealth Rugged PCs

Company:

Illinois State Geological Survey/Prairie Research Institute/University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Segment:

Scientific/Research

Client Brief:

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, operates within the academic scientific and research sector. The ISGS focuses on geological research and provides valuable data and analysis on the Great Lakes and coastal environments. The institution’s work requires reliable, rugged technology to support field research under challenging environmental conditions.

Challenge

The Problem:

  • Rugged Environment:
    • Primary Challenge: Deploying a rugged PC on boats operating in the Great Lakes, which experience varying temperature, humidity, and physical exposure conditions.
    • Specific Pain Points: The equipment needed to withstand rough wave conditions, necessitating robust mounting options, adaptable power inputs, a compact solid-state design, and high reliability to function effectively in a field environment.
  • Data Communication:
    • Primary Challenge: The need for a variety of communication interface protocols to handle streaming data from various scientific instruments, many of which use custom or fabricated communication cables.
    • Specific Pain Points: Consumer PCs did not offer the required adaptability or range of communication interfaces necessary for seamless data transfer from field instruments.
  • Power Source Flexibility:
    • Primary Challenge: The necessity to operate equipment using a DC power source and the ability to function in the absence of an AC power source.
    • Specific Pain Points: The equipment needed to have adaptable power inputs to ensure continuous operation under varying power supply conditions.

The Need:

  • Rugged Design:
    • Capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions such as varying temperatures, humidity, and physical shocks experienced on boats.
  • Adaptable Mounting Options:
    • Flexible mounting solutions to securely install the PC in a dynamic, rough wave environment.
  • Versatile Power Input:
    • Ability to operate using a DC power source.
    • Compatibility with both DC and AC power sources, with adaptable power input options.
    • Quick disconnect plug and dedicated circuit-protected power ON/OFF switch.
  • Multiple Data Input Interfaces:
    • Support for streaming video data from multiple sources simultaneously.
    • Compatibility with various input interfaces including:
      • USB
      • DB-9 (RS232)
      • Other custom or fabricated communication cables
  • Compact Form Factor:
    • Small, solid-state design to fit within space-constrained environments on research vessels.
  • High Reliability:
    • Consistent, fail-safe operation to prevent system breakdowns in critical research missions.
    • Durable components to minimize potential failure points.
  • Efficient Customer Support:
    • Direct communication with knowledgeable representatives.
    • Prompt response to inquiries and quick turnaround for quotes and product delivery.
    • Ongoing excellent customer service for continued support and troubleshooting.
  • Customization Capabilities:
    • Ability to customize the PC configuration to meet specific research requirements.
    • Flexibility to incorporate the PC into unique, research-specific methodologies.

How Stealth Helped

The Solution:

  • Stealth PC Deployment:
    • The Stealth PC was integrated into the research setup to capture videography of the lake bed in coastal nearshore environments.
    • The PC’s rugged design and ability to handle multiple data inputs made it a pivotal component in the custom-built system for underwater videography.
  • Key Features and Benefits Delivered:
    • Multiple Data Inputs: Capability to handle streaming video data from five or more different sources, including HD video capture devices.
    • Versatile Communication Interfaces: Support for various input interfaces such as USB and DB-9 (RS232).
      Power Supply Adaptability: The ability to wire the power supply with a quick disconnect plug and provide power ON/OFF through a dedicated circuit-protected switch.

Results

The Outcome:

  • Enhanced Field Research Capabilities:
    • The rugged and adaptable design of the Stealth PC allowed it to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliable operation in the field.
    • The ability to handle multiple data streams and various communication protocols enabled comprehensive data collection from scientific instruments.
  • Increased Efficiency:
    • The customizable and robust solution reduced potential points of failure in the research system, increasing overall reliability.
    • Quick responses and efficient product delivery from Stealth enhanced the research team’s operational efficiency.
  • Unique Application Development:
    • The Stealth PC was instrumental in transforming a conceptual methodology into a practical, working solution for underwater videography in the Great Lakes.
    • The success of this project highlighted the potential for similar innovative applications in other research endeavors.

“The Stealth PC was a key component to making a concept a reality. The methodology used is my own invention, and the Stealth product made it possible. Each system component has to be as fail-safe as possible and function consistently without failure. Direct communication with Allan Beckstead was key in deciding the configuration. It was very easy to work with Stealth directly. The prompt response to my questions and quick turnaround for quotes and delivery created efficiencies for implementation. That excellent customer service continues with every interaction.”

Conclusion

The Summary:

The Illinois State Geological Survey’s collaboration with Stealth resulted in a robust and adaptable solution for field research in the Great Lakes. The Stealth PC’s rugged design, versatile communication interfaces, and flexible power options addressed the specific challenges faced by the ISGS. The successful deployment of the Stealth PC not only enhanced the efficiency and reliability of their research operations but also underscored the value of tailored technological solutions in scientific research. The ongoing excellent customer service and support from Stealth further cemented a productive and beneficial partnership.

Key Product Used In Solution

Model Used: LPC-955 – Rugged Fanless, Mini PC with Nvidia Video (Wide Range Temperature)

  • Powerful Intel® Celeron®, 6th and 7th Generation Core™, & Xeon® processors
  • ECC Memory Support
  • Dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce® Quadro T1000 graphics card
  • Supports up to 8K resolution, 7 Display support
  • 32 DIO (16 In/16 Out Digital input/output) ports
  • Dual Removable Front Drives
  • Wide Operating Temperature (-25°C – 60°C / -13°F – 140°F)
  • PCIe x4 expansion slot
  • Wide Range 10-36 VDC Input, ideal for mobile/field
  • Wall, VESA / DIN Rail mounting
  • Windows 7, 10, 10 IoT, Server 2022, and Linux
  • RoHS, CE & FCC, EN50121-3-2, EN50155 certified.
  • Rackmount model version also available

Shop Now Or Contact Us for Your Solutions Today

Stay Connected

Unlock a world of rugged innovation; connect with Stealth today!