Portable Reader

Portable Reader

IDRONAUT OCEAN SEVEN PORTABLE READER

Product literature - Brochure

IDRONAUT introduces a portable lightweight and extremely rugged reader based on a high-performance Intel® XScale™ processor and on the Windows Mobile™ software for Pocket PC. Through this device, it is possible to perform the operations usually performed by means of a portable personal computer but without all the limitations that the use of a portable computer in the field and in hostile environments normally implies, like: battery endurance, display reading under sunlight, water and dust tightness, weight, etc.
The “Portable Reader” interfaces the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probes through a built-in RS232-C interface and a dedicated terminal emulation programme, specifically developed for the Windows Pocket PC operating system. This programme interfaces the OCEAN SEVEN probes and allows the operator to dialogue directly with the probes thus performing: sensor calibration, data acquisition, probe configuration, etc. All these operations are possible thanks to the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probe smartness included in the management firmware. Furthermore, the “Portable Reader” not only shows in real time data sent by the OS3xx probe but also stores it. Data is stored in text files using the “Portable Reader” main or extension “Flash” memory which can be later transferred to a desktop personal computer using the Microsoft ActiveSync programme. Data storage capability of the “Portable Reader” is limited only by the size of the installed “Flash” Compact memory card.
 
 

The “Portable Reader” can operate for up to 15 hours continuously. Autonomy of the interfaced OCEAN SEVEN probe depends on the battery installed inside the probe and the kind of OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probe. The following table resumes the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probe autonomy (probe acquiring data continuously) using the standard alkaline battery.
Probe Autonomy
OCEAN SEVEN 305 22 hours
OCEAN SEVEN 304 43 hours
OCEAN SEVEN 316 15 hours
OCEAN SEVEN 320 10 hours

RS232-C probe interface

The picture shows the “Portable Reader” interfaced with an OCEAN SEVEN 304 CTD probe through an RS232-C cable. The RS232C cable can be up to 100 m long and can be installed on a manual portable winch, if needed. This cable allows the operator to communicate with the probe in real time and to mechanically support the probe during the deployment. Through the “Portable Reader”, it is possible to dialogue directly with the OCEAN SEVEN 304 probe visualizing acquired data and storing them in text files.

Telemetry Deck Unit Probe interface

The “Portable Reader” can interface the IDRONAUT telemetry deck unit to overcome the limitation of the RS232-C cables (100 m). In that case, the telemetry deck unit not only interfaces the OCEAN SEVEN probe but also gives the power to the probe, thus greatly increasing the system autonomy. The telemetry armoured coaxial cable not only allows the communications with the probe but also supports the probe mechanically during the deployment.
The “Portable Reader” can be fixed on the cover of the deck unit thus making the field operations easier. Through the “Portable Reader” and the deck unit, it is possible to dialogue with the OCEAN SEVEN 304 probe directly visualizing acquired data and storing them in text files.

The Portable Reader

The “Portable Reader” weighs only 490 g and exceeds military specifications for drop, vibration and both high and low temperature operation.

The “Portable Reader” integrates a 3800 mAh battery pack with RS232C interface and USB ports.
The protection cap o-ring seal protects two CompactFlash® slots from rain, wind and dust, and it supports qualified memory and Bluetooth®, wireless LAN or GPS cards.

The main characteristics of the “Portable Reader” are below indicated.

     
     
Physical: Size:
Weight:
16.5 cm x 9.5 cm x 4.5 cm
490 g including rechargeable battery and I/O module
Environment: Operating temperature: -30 to 60 C
  Humidity: MIL-STD-810F, Method 507.4
  Water: IP67, sealed against accidental immersion (1 m for 30 min.)
MIL-STD-810F, Method 512.4, Procedure I
  Drop: MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.5, Procedure IV
  Sand & dust: IP67, MIL-STD-810F, Method 510.4, Procedures I & II
  Vibration: MIL-STD-810F, Method 514.5, Procedure I
  Altitude: MIL-STD-810F, Method 500.4, Procedures I, II & III
     
Electrical: Processor: Intel XScale CPU 200/400 MHz
  Memory: 64 MB high-speed SDRAM
  Storage: 64/128 MB Onboard nonvolatile NAND Flash
  Expansion: 1xType I and 1xType II Compact Flash slots
  Display: 240x320 pixel (1/4 VGA) color TFT with LED front light. Sunlight-readable
  Batteries: 3800 mAH NiMH rechargeable pack, 15 hours of continuous room-temperature operation
     
I/O:   Standard 9-pin (male) D-shell RS-232 serial and USB ports
     
Software:   Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Inbox, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Notes, Calculator, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Reader, ActiveSync 3.7, Online Help. Idronaut application software dedicated to interface the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probes.