Vehicle Docking
A major benefit of rugged computers such as Getac rugged laptops and tablets and Panasonic TOUGHBOOK computers is the ability to mount them in a vehicle. Resistant to shocks, vibrations and temperature fluctuations such as the cold and extreme heat often experienced in vehicles, rugged computers are uniquely situated to provide technology on the go and in place for operators in the field. While vehicle mounting equipment is specific to the vehicle in question, the docking solution that holds the rugged computer safely and attaches to the mount can either be a universal adjustable solution or a unit designed specifically for certain computer models or form factors. The computer specific dock is a critical choice in an equipment overhaul to ensure that the right functionality, security and safety features are present for the operator's needs. Major mounting manufacturers such as Havis and Gamber Johnson have partnered with rugged computer manufacturers such as Getac, Dell, and Panasonic to design docks and cradles specifically for each rugged laptop and rugged tablet model.
Docks vs. Cradles
An important and often misunderstood distinction in a computer mounting solution is the difference between a computer dock and a computer cradle. While both a dock and cradle are designed to securely and safely mount a laptop or cradle, the former offers much more functionality to the user while the latter offers a more budget friendly approach. Typically a dock or cradle are both designed to have a locking latching mechanism that can secure the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK or Getac computer into place and deter theft while ensuring the rugged computer doesn't become a dangerous projectile in case of a vehicle accident. A Gamber Johnson or Havis vehicle dock - while more expensive than its cradle counterpart - goes a step further and helps introduce added functionality to the user. Offering port and power replication, the vehicle dock can power the laptop or tablet when docked as well as allow peripherals to be connected to the computer through the dock interface ports. Frequent insertion and removal of peripheral connections such as USB, HDMI, VGA etc. coupled with vibrations and shocks can quickly wear out port connections on a computer or cause damage; the dock allows users to connect peripherals one time to the dock and then utilizes the docking connection to have port communication to the computer. Another added feature that is optional on docks and some cradles is RF pass through.
Examples of ports on theGamber Johnson Lite Port Replicating Dock, Full Port Replicating Dock and Cradle for the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK CF-54 or FZ-55 Semi Rugged Laptop
RF Pass Through
RF Pass Through or Radio Frequency (signal) pass through is the ability for a dock or cradle pass the radio signal of a laptop or tablet (such as 4G LTE, WiFi or GPS) through the computer into the dock and then into external antennas. Depending on the rugged computer in question, a dock or cradle could offer single, double, triple or even quad RF pass through which allows 1, 2, 3 or 4 signal boosting antennas to be attached. Antennas mounted on the roof of a vehicle help get the computer signal around interference such as the cabin of the vehicle, other electronics such as lights, sirens and radios etc. This feature of vehicle docking is important to help prevent signal lost for mission critical computers especially for rural departments or operators.
Rugged or Die is pleased to offer all Gamber Johnson and Havis vehicle docks and cradles, browse the current selection here.
