Benefits of Using Rugged Keyboards

Key Features for Smart Rugged Keyboard Uses

Daisy Data Displays (Daisy) knows that your industrial PC isn’t complete or safe without the right industrial keyboard. That’s why we stock only the best in rugged keyboards, so you see benefits no matter what use. We also stock a full selection of pointing devices and simple input controls so you can match your devices and rugged keyboards with uses that best fit your operations.

Stay Dirt and Debris Free

Daisy offers a variety of industrial steel designed keyboards with recessed keys that prevent dirt and debris from entering into the casing or getting stuck under keys and causing a jam. The sleek, low-profile design prevents any accumulation of debris or elements in the field from attaching to the keyboard and making it harder to use.

The design also enables you to quickly and easily clean off the surface and keys while in use. Simply clean as you go – powered or not. When paired with Daisy’s industrial PCs, you can also clean the keyboard while mounted.

Safety From Spills of Any Kind

Dust, water, chemicals, oils, gases are just a few items that spill in industrial sites every single day – many times on or near equipment. If your keyboard is not industrial designed, then you will see high replacement costs.

Daisy stocks a variety of keyboards designed to meet FM approvals and multiple class and division certifications for use in hazardous environments. These include the 6800 Series, which is designed with a NEMA 4X enclosure suitable for the cleaning and sterilization requirements of the pharmaceutical industry.

Save Your Bottom Line

Perhaps the most important of industrial keyboard benefits is that they can save your company money and provide business success.

Some of the chief cost-saving elements include:

• Reduced lifetime costs by lowering the number of replacements and repairs compared to other keyboards
• Industry-specific designs to resist chemicals, exposure and impacts
• Variety of integrated pointing devices reduce the need to buy mice or other peripherals
• Typically, they can be cleaned with existing cleaners on-site
• Power-reduction modes to help eliminate energy expenses

Working Even When Your Fingers Don’t Want to

Rugged keyboard benefits extend to situations where you wouldn’t want to do a lot of typing, but the job calls for it. For us, that’s in situations as cold as -30°C and when temperatures rise as high as 80°C. Many models feature rubberized surfaces to keep things comfortable, but specialized models may use a different layer to properly support operations in those tougher temperatures.

The good news is that our strong belief in ergonomic design means even the most rugged industrial keyboard we offer benefits from smart design principles that ease use and speed up employee productivity.

Rugged Display Monitors

Engineered for use in the harshest industrial conditions, Daisy Data Displays, Inc.’s rugged display monitors deliver long-term performance and reliability at an affordable price point. You will find our products on oil and gas exploration platforms, in pharmaceutical processing plants and more. With a wide range of options and full customization capabilities, there is no better choice in ruggedized monitors than Daisy.

Industries and Applications

In environments where extreme temperatures, shocks and vibrations, and exposure to the elements or harsh chemicals are common, consumer-grade computing products simply will not suffice. Standing up to these conditions requires purpose-built enclosures and electronics. Daisy’s ruggedized display monitors excel in environments where durability is a necessity, such as:

• Food and pharma, including clean rooms that require regular chemical decontamination. Our rugged rack-mount monitors meet Division 1 hazardous area requirements and are certified to FM, CE and other standards.
• Oil and gas exploration, including pipeline operations, refineries and offshore plants. Our ruggedized display monitors deliver superior performance and reliability in these environments. They feature NEMA 4X enclosures to withstand long-term exposure to rain, sleet and other harsh conditions.
• Military and defense, including aircraft and ship electronics. We can customize and test our rack-mount monitors to almost any specifications, including MIL-STD 901D and FIPS 140. Low power consumption and optional touch-screen features make Daisy products the choice of defense contractors across the country.
• Flight simulation, where the ability to withstand continuous use is critical. Our products feature impact-resistant polycarbonate viewing windows and optional night-vision-goggle compatibility — everything you need to train the next generation of pilots.

Whatever the Application, Make It Daisy

Daisy has built its reputation on more than 30 years of rugged computing excellence. In that time, monitor technology has improved considerably, with flat screen, touch-compatible devices becoming the norm. One factor that has remained consistent, however, is our commitment to bringing our clients the best products at the best prices. We offer exceptional quality control thanks to an ISO 9001-registered management system, free engineering and design services, and more.

Find out what we can do for you by contacting one of our engineers directly.

Features of Industrial Monitors

There are many unique features to industrial computers and monitors that explain why they have helped industries make significant improvements in work efficiency and safety. This introduction focusing on industrial monitor features and addresses the interchangeable terms rugged computer  and industrial computer.

Rugged computer features tend to center on resistance. Here’s a quick look at the protections that Daisy Data Displays’ (Daisy) monitors offer:

• Division 1 environments where ignitable concentrations of hazardous materials are common.
• Division 2 environments where ignitable concentrations of hazardous materials may occur.
• NEMA 1 protections that prevent accidental exposure to hazardous parts and enclosed materials.
• NEMA 4X standard adherence to ensure protection against dust, rain, sleet, snow and other elements.

Industry-Specific Features on Rugged Monitors

Each industry requires a unique set of features for their industrial monitors. Some of the benefits of common applications and industries for rugged monitors are listed below:

Flight

Daisy’s industrial displays have the depth and processing power to create realistic scenarios for any flight situation. We also provide specialized support for military applications using night vision goggles and today’s most advanced systems that combine virtual reality with traditional displays.

Food and Pharmaceutical

Our rugged monitors have the ability to stay sterile and sealed up tight to keep germs at bay. These monitors also can be cleaned repeatedly and stand up to extreme acidic or alkaline exposure.

Manufacturing

Features on rugged monitors often focus on durability. We have screens on some of the top manufacturing lines that are frequently exposed to impacts, shocks, sparks and vibrations.

Military and Defense

Noise, shock, sand, dirt and mud resistance are all hallmarks of the military screens and computers we design and build. At Daisy, we also specializes in low-power units that do not require moving parts to cool the terminal, making it work more effectively in the field.

Oil & Gas

Oilfield workers experience some of the most rugged environments on our list. Daisy’s units operate in oil fields to help keep workers safe working in a range of situations, from high towers to ocean rigs with spray and wind.

Warranty and Repair Features on Industrial Monitors

Industrial monitors feature warranty and repair support when you buy from Daisy. Our products are made to last and withstand common exposures. We stand behind these products and offer a one-year warranty on all products. We also have a team of experts on hand to quickly and expertly repair any rugged PC or industrial touch-screen. Learn more about our warranties and products by telling us what you need.

Rugged LCD Touchscreen Displays & Monitors

Daisy Data Displays, Inc. manufactures industrial LCD flat-panel displays for almost any application. We build our products to offer long-term value and performance, streamlining your processes, safeguarding your important data and helping you meet your regulatory compliance requirements.

Our products feature NEMA-rated enclosures for use in both outdoor and indoor applications, as well as in aseptic environments where regular chemical wash-downs are required. Keep reading to learn more and browse our current products or contact our office directly to request a quote for a custom build.

Product Features

Our industrial LCD monitors incorporate advanced features at an affordable price point. Individual spec sheets are offered on each product page. Though we offer a comprehensive selection of systems and components, common features and available options include:

• Precision engineering for use in harsh environments, with exceptional protection against extreme temperatures, shock and vibration, water and chemicals, and more.
• Unmatched image quality and precision in any lighting.
• Multiple display sizes and optional features such as touch-screen interfacing and KVM extension systems.
• Flexible mounting options including wall bracket, pedestal and articulating swing-arm compatibility.
• Safety glass for increased resistance.
• Night-vision-goggle compliance mode.

No matter what the job requires, you can count one of Daisy’s rugged LCD monitors to deliver purpose-built performance that keeps your team working effectively.

Applications and Certifications

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, oil and gas processing, flight simulators and more use our versatile industrial monitors. Our monitors can be housed in:

• NEMA 1 enclosures for indoor use, with protection against damage from dust and related pollutants.
• NEMA 4X enclosures for indoor and outdoor use, offering protection against wind, rain, water and chemicals.

We offer products for use in Class I, II and III, Divisions 1 and 2 hazardous environments. MIL-STD certified monitors are available for defense applications, as is FDA-approved equipment for use in food and beverage manufacturing.

Daisy manufactures rugged LCD displays for nearly any industrial application. If we do not already make a product that meets your requirements, we can design a custom monitor to fit your specs. Get started by speaking with our sales team today.

Portable Industrial Computers

In an increasingly connected world, we are more reliant on portable computers than ever before. This is as true in the manufacturing industry as it is at home, where workers use portable computing systems to streamline processes, input data and perform important quality-control checks. At the same time, these portable industrial PC systems must be tough enough to stand up to the extra wear and tear these applications cause. Consumer-grade solutions are unlikely to be a smart choice for long-term reliability and value.

That is where Daisy Data Displays, Inc. comes in. We have been an innovator in the field of rugged industrial workstations for more than 30 years. As computing power has grown more compact, we have refined our product line to offer many portable industrial computer solutions for manufacturing, military and other applications.

Our Products

We can customize our portable industrial computers to meet the needs of almost any client. Key features common to many portable industrial PC products include:

• NEMA 4X enclosures designed for all-weather, indoor/outdoor use.
• Lightweight designs that offer true portability – without sacrificing quality construction.
• Certification for use in Class 1, Division 2 and other hazardous areas.
• Superior engineering against shock and vibration damage.
• Multiple panel options, including backlit, active matrix LED displays that you can read in any lighting condition.
• Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity for accessing the Internet and your internal networks on the go.
• Low power draws for extended battery life.
• Multiple mounting options.

We can customize many of our products and upgrade them with additional memory, storage and processing power, AC or DC thermoelectric heaters for use in temperatures as low as -40°C, and other features. For defense applications, we offer industrial portable computers that are compliant with MIL-STD-810F, 461 F, 901D and other standards. Give us a call to discuss your specific working and regulatory requirements so we can suggest the best system for your needs.

For Portable Computing Power, Make It Daisy!

Browse our website for more information about our current line of customizable, portable industrial computing solutions. All products offer excellent value and quality, and we manufacture them in our ISO 9001-registered facility.

Repairing Industrial Computers & Displays

For more than 30 years, Daisy Data Displays, Inc. has been developing a reputation for quality products, exceptional value and long-term support for all of our customers. We stand behind each of our products with individualized service that respects your budget and your timeline.

Our computer and monitor systems come standard with a one-year warranty. One call to our team is all it takes to get immediate attention from one of our engineers or repair experts.

Service Support for as Long as You Own Your Purchase

We custom-build many of our computers and monitors to meet our customers’ specifications. Your custom is our standard. Our repair technicians have extensive training, and the necessary tools, to repair the units that have been out in the field.

While we build our computers to be reliable in any situation, they may need repairs and service. When this happens, you can count on us for timely service. We can 3D-print custom replacement parts or even re-engineer your purchase from the ground up. To determine the best way forward, contact our Tech Support department directly. We will work with you to develop a repair plan that minimizes further downtime and gets your systems back up and running at 100%.

Warranty Information

We stand behind all of our products — with the exception of specifically indicated Value-Added Resale (VAR) components — with a 12-month warranty covering design, materials, workmanship and performance. If your purchase is defective, we will replace it or perform the necessary repairs free of charge, provided there is no evidence of abuse or misuse causing the damage.

Daisy’s products have various listings and certifications. Compliance with any regulatory standards is contingent on proper installation and use by qualified personnel.

Contact Daisy for Any Industrial Computer Repair

Whether or not a warranty covers your purchase, we perform all industrial computer repairs in our sophisticated facility and test thoroughly to ensure proper performance. Contact our team today for more information.

Why Flight Simulation Companies Require Industrial Monitors

Monitors are an extremely important part of flight simulation for the military, as well as private aviators. In fact, test pilots rely on extremely sophisticated machines to mimic the real-life experiences of a pilot in the air. To achieve this, monitors need to provide a lifelike visual that engages the pilot, while withstanding movement.

Daisy works hard to understand how flight simulation works because we know monitors are the primary interface for the trainee. In fact, without rugged monitors, this can be the first place where the breakdown in a testing scenario could occur.

How Flight Simulation Monitors Work

Flight simulators use monitors of all sizes to approximate the different elements of flight. Touch-based control panels are used to mirror traditional control systems and panels in many modern aircraft. Monitors also need a strong PC backing so they can properly adjust to the pilots’ movements. Proper visuals must be paired with haptic feedback.

This is just the beginning. To understand the full role of monitors in flight simulation for military and other applications, just consider the simulator itself. Monitors will include:

• Impact-resistant polycarbonate windows that are designed to mirror aircraft windows and capable of withstanding heavy impacts and use for years.
• NVIS-compatible displays that allow the screen to be read clearly in low-light scenarios or when paired with equipment like night vision goggles.
• Extreme resolution capabilities where movement is fluid and transitioned to the movement of the monitor as well as the movement of the picture itself.
• Support for a pilot’s horizontal angle of view set at 180° and vertical angle of view at 90°.

Monitors also need to generate multiple HUD configurations to mirror real combat use. This often requires pairing monitor feeds with those in headsets. Simulation acceleration and video overlays need a powerful processing back-end so the system isn’t overloaded.

Requirements and Flight Simulation for Military Use

For flight simulators to work in military applications, monitors need to adhere to top standards. Daisy Data Displays (Daisy) is certified to meet NEMA standards so all of our monitors operate in a full range during indoor use. We also offer long-term protection against elements that are common over regular, repeated usage, such as rust, dust, oxidation and other debris.

Simulation monitors can also operate in specialized conditions, such as sealed or pressurized enclosures that give pilots a more significant feel. Learn more about these and other capabilities by contacting Daisy by phone or email today.

Computer Dangers For Rugged Industries

Why Having a Regular Computer for a Rugged Industry Is Dangerous

A Look at Top Computer Risks and Hazards

For your work environment, you need a computer designed to handle chemicals, exposure, temperatures, impacts and other dangers of a rugged industry. Otherwise, you will waste time, resources and money. Daisy Data Displays (Daisy) suggests rugged computers because they are more reliable and affordable in the long term – ensuring safer environments for your workers.

Here are a few reasons why.

One Drop and It’s Replacement Time

Rugged PCs are labeled as “rugged” because they can take the abuse. They are designed from the ground up to survive extreme temperature (hot and cold), hose down and many other extreme conditions.

Non-rugged devices are not engineered to take impacts. With a single drop or small accident, you can crack a screen, bend a casing or crunch internal components, so they are no longer viable. Some of the weakest points are the most necessary, such as touchscreen and ports where barcode scanners and other elements can be attached.

Sometimes, all it takes is a hard yank on a cord to cause serious component and internal damage — computer dangers not associated with most rugged computers.

Moisture Destroys Computers

One of the top computer dangers is moisture. It can cause significant damage to every element of a computer. In fact, the screen, keys, peripherals and internal components all can be destroyed if moisture seeps into the machine.

Moisture can ground some internal components and cause them to fail. It can also do systemic damage because moisture in the air inside of a computer’s case can make that air much harder, creating a greater risk for hardware failures due to overheating.

Most computer parts can work in certain levels of ambient humidity, but industrial applications tend to expose them to levels much higher than acceptable, making them susceptible to failure.

Dangers in the Field

Computer risks in the field can include equipment failures, damage to data sources, loss of information and major risks to the people operating those systems.

Nowhere is this danger more apparent, and more frightening, than in the armed services. Rugged computers were adopted by the U.S. military because equipment that withstands punishment can save lives. Data from the field can be safely relayed; equipment doesn’t fail after long hours without a charge, and people can keep lines of communication open to avoid much more threatening dangers to their persons.

Most industries won’t have that same level of risk during their day-to-day operations. However, when that level of protection is easily affordable, it’s hard to pass up.  Make It Daisy.

Industrial Computer FAQs

Industrial and rugged computers play a significant role in increasing work efficiencies in pharmaceutical and military applications. This primer explains some of the most common facts about rugged computers, including the fact that some brands will use the words “rugged” and “industrial” interchangeably.

What Industries Use Industrial Computers?

Almost every industrial and military situation will use an industrial computer. Here at Daisy Data Displays (Daisy) we sell industrial computers to companies in the automotive, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, mining, transportation, aerospace, military, power and manufacturing sectors.

Do Industrial Computers Have Unique Features?

Industrial computers are unique in that they withstand extreme conditions, making them applicable to a variety of tough work environments.. Rugged PCs are designed to operate under some of the harshest conditions, so we offer options that include:

• Waterproof models that endure significant levels of humidity, dirt, dust, bacteria, spray, cold temperatures and some submersion.
• Fanless models that function in clean environments, as well as operate in extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• Environmentally-protected options that withstand water, cleaning solutions, acidic spray and alkaline exposure.
• Shock-absorbing designs that withstand significant drops and jolts.

These are just a few of the special deployments.

Are Rugged Computers the Same as Industrial Computer Enclosures?

Industrial computer enclosures are standard computers that are placed in metal enclosures to help make the computer resistant to many rugged conditions. On the other hand,  Rugged computers internalize their protection so that every element of the PC is secured.

When a unit is hit while working, an enclosure may fall over in sections or at varying speeds and the internal elements of your PC may shift or move about, possibly resulting in damage. An industrial computer, on the other hand, is designed to absorb the shock and move as a single piece. The lack of moving parts will minimize damage from the impact and the fall.

Do Rugged PCs Have Warranties?

Many think that a rugged or industrial computer does not come with a warranty because it’s designed for use in harmful and harsh environments. Daisy stands behind its work and not only offers a standard warranty, but also has a one-year warranty that extends to installation and use in your field.

To get more answers or learn more rugged computer facts, speak with our sales team today.

Important Uses of Rugged Computers by Military, Navy & Coast Guard

Compact, tough equipment with minimal power generation is the hallmark of a top military-grade computer. In fact, it is so important that military computers are rugged enough to handle the very harsh environments common in military applications that they’ve developed a testing system to describe what the military PC can handle.

These military standards (mil-stds) or ratings are assigned to military computers to label their ruggedability – describing the extent of shock/vibe, extreme temperatures, sand, dust, salt and fog they can tolerate.

It is typical for a military computer to meet one or more military standards. While most rugged computers designed for military applications will have specialty requirements, almost all models offer a similar set of baseline protections that include:

• Drop-shock testing
• Resistance to moisture and dust intrusion
• Reliability in extreme temperatures
• Availability of data and processing quickly with minimal troubleshooting

At Daisy Data Displays (Daisy), we work very closely with our military customers to design military computers that will work best for them – many of which meet a variety of standards such as the MIL-STD-910 Grade A Shock and MIL-STD-461.

Immediate Support Off the Shelf

All of our military-grade computers are designed to work well with military-specific systems. Daisy’s military computers can support both specially designed systems, as well as commercial off-the-shelf designs.

Features, such as active matrix, transflective LED or shatterproof LCD touchscreen facilitate multiple-use cases by supporting the VESA mounting pattern. Mil-Std military PCs offer strong rack mounting technology that keep systems secure and also reduce power consumption, heat generation and space requirements.

Every deployment is unique, so Daisy works with all of our nation’s military partners to understand their needs and create custom offerings are long lasting and efficient in hazardous environments.

Daisy’s Rugged Military Computers Uses

Daisy’s products have been used in a wide range of defense deployments by the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. military and NATO forces. In fact, Daisy’s components have played an integral role in the on-board systems of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Lockheed C-130 aircraft.

Daisy displays were specially selected because they meet the unique onboard digital avionics needed for military-grade computers, including:

• Enhanced light/dark readability
• Support for sophisticated navigation systems in multiple light settings
• Night vision goggle support
• Our exclusive NVIS: night-vision imaging system to improve readability with equipment engaged

Learning More about Military Computers

Daisy’s design engineers and sales team have extensive knowledge and experience with military computers that meet a variety of military standards and feature a commercial off the shelf (COTS) design, yet can still be customized. You can learn more about Daisy’s military solutions by emailing or speaking with a Daisy sales team member who can provide you with a custom, yet affordable military computer quote.