Benefits of Sunlight Readable Display

No matter what the goal is, you always need a brighter display to see in the higher bright environment. If you can’t see it, nothing you do will work.

The visibility is important for work efficiency and high brightness is the key to reliable visibility.

When it comes to an outdoor kiosk or digital signage in a gas station, you will need a high brightness display to fight the direct sunlight and still achieve a visible screen to the viewer.

At MACTRON GROUP, we can deliver high brightness solutions for your specific applications.

Check out our WAB2401 Model which is a 24” panel pc with 1400 nits high brightness. Contact us here for more of our PPC (Panel PC) Line products.

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4 Advantages of PCAP Touch Screens

One of the majority of touch screen technology of today – Projected Capacitive (PCAP) technology has significantly changed the way how we interact with computers. PCAP offers several unique benefits, let’s have a look at it.

1. Multi-Touch Support

   PCAP touch screens detect multiple touchpoints at the same time. All of MACTRON GROUP’s Panel PCs support 5/10-point multi-touch. This technology enables users to pinch and zoom directly with the fingers.
   
   
   
   Feature products: WCS/WCA Series

2. Durability

   Touch screens with PCAP are built to last, especially those used for commercial applications. It’s likely a touch screen will encounter a great deal of consistent use every day. Projected Capacitive touch screens are more durable than other screens as dirt and fingerprint won’t affect their functions.
   

3. Much Sensitive & Ease to Use

   Just a slight touch, you can interact with the screen with one single finger. PCAP touch screens can react consistently to the touch of the finger, providing users the essential information.

4. Brighter Display

   PCAP touch screens are generally produced from clear, uncoated glass. Thanks to that, it can offer a brighter display & high-quality pictures than other types of touchscreen devices. It will be a better choice for digital signages application which need high definition.
   

All of MACTRON GROUP’s Panel PCs go with PCAP touch screens, they leverage all the advantages as above, from 7” to 42.5”, you can find the suitable solutions for your applications.

Contact MACTRON GROUP for more information and see our Commercial WCA/WCS Series here.

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Meaning Behind The Letter – MACTRON GROUP’s Product Naming Rule

Feature products: WCS/WCA Series and MAS/MAA Series

You may be familiar with the general naming rule of common embedded systems. It is easy to figure out what the abbreviation stands for based on your industry knowledge. For example, "PPC" is highly reminiscent of panel pc and "BPC" will remind you of Box PC; these are memorable and easy to understand.

Feature products: BCE Series

However, there are more than product lines, numerous product series will come into existence for different industrial usages. MACTRON GROUP is a leading embedded hardware solution provider, we attach great importance to product development and innovation; therefore, to fulfill various needs in industry, we divide our market into 3 segments as Medical healthcare, Industrial automation, and Business commercial and provide the most suitable solutions for our customers.

To make MACTRON GROUP’s every product series memorable and meaningful for customers to catch, we have a naming rule that you will find interesting and easy to find out which product series you are looking for. Let’s figure out how it works!

How does MACTRON GROUP's naming rule look like?

Feature products: WCS/WCA Series

Panel PC is widely applied as HMI in system control and as a building block of the POS system in the commercial segment. The "W" letter stands for "Wall-Mounted" and "A" letter stands for "Industrial automation" in our WAP series as a panel pc often be wall-mounted in the cabinet and the commercial area.

Feature products: MAS/MAA Series

The 2nd letter stands for the corresponding market segment of this product and the 3rd letter can be recognized as a system platform in our PPC (Panel PC) line and MTP (Mobile Tablet PC) line. Let's take WCA/WCS series for example, the "C" is for Business commercial. And the "A" and "S" letter stands for the Android system and Windows system in our MAA/MAS series.

Feature products: MMS Series

There are many of our products in embedded systems and we have a thorough naming rule for all of them.
View MCA/MCP Series or MMS Series or Contact MACTRON GROUP for more of our product information!

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Industrial Computers VS Commercial Computers

Feature products: WAP Series, TAS Series and BAS Series

Industrial PCs are designed for use in environments where commercial-grade PCs are not suitable. Industrial PCs provide numerous benefits including durability, expandability/ flexibility, extended temperatures of operation and a lower overall cost of ownership.

Most Common Enclosure Materials For Industrial PCs

There are several different enclosure materials available for industrial PCs. For metal enclosures, you can find aluminum and stainless steel in there and plastic is also popular to manufactured in. What is the difference between them? Let’s break down a little bit to find out their pros and cons.

Pros & Cons of Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Plastic

Metal enclosures provide many benefits that other materials don't. Let’s focus on aluminum and stainless steel comparison at first.

1. Strength and Weight. Aluminum is typically not as strong as stainless steel, but it is almost one-third of the weight of stainless steel. This is why an aluminum alloy enclosure is usually lighter than the stainless steel one.
   
   
   
   
2. Corrosion. Aluminum has a high oxidation and corrosion resistance mainly due to its passivation layer while stainless steel contains chromium which has corrosion resistance properties. Usually, an aluminum alloy enclosure is more suitable for industry requiring chemistry resistant abilities.
   
   
   
   
3. Thermal Conductivity. Aluminum has a much better thermal conductivity than stainless steel and that gives it a better heat dissipation efficiency.
   
   Feature products: BCE Series
   
   
4. Cost. Aluminum is typically cheaper than stainless steel.
   
   

What about plastic enclosure when it is compared to a metal enclosure?

Pros for plastic enclosures:

Plastic enclosures are less expensive and lighter than metal so it's cost-effective. Plastics have a clean, smooth surface that tends to be easy to clean, look professional and work well where they have high visibility and aesthetics are important.

Cons of plastic enclosures:

Plastics have limited chemical resistance relative to metal so it is less suitable for a chemical-related industry where needs lots of chemistry cleaning.

How Different Industrial PCs Are Applied In Industry

You can find Industrial PCs in different systems such as Panel PC, Embedded Box PC, Rugged Tablet PC, Touch Display Monitors and so on.

A Panel PC is a perfect solution for digital signage as an advertising strategy to attract customer's attention. MTG's WCS Series is featured with its galvanized metal housing and it can protect the system from rusting for being exposed to moisture, it is a great fit for indoor wayfinding signage, POS system and self-service kiosk.

Feature products: WCS/WCA Series

In a healthcare environment, medical personnel is always on the go and it would be helpful for them to have a mobile tablet pc for exchanging the latest patient information in time. MTG's MMS Series is specially built for medical usage. The plastic enclosure has a smooth surface that tends to be easy to clean and assures medical devices to be maintained in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.

Feature products: MMS0700

Some industrial computing applications require that the computer operates in extreme temperatures. MTG's BPC Line is a fanless system with aluminum housing and that enables better heat dissipation efficiency to meet the temperature requirement without failure.

MACTRON GROUP(MTG) has a comprehensive product line of Industrial PCs that are specifically built for your different industry usage, Contact us to find the right products for your workplace.

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What Is IEC 60601-1? Get A Deeper Insight Into It!

At the beginning let’s figure out what this standard is and why it is essential to electronic medical devices. IEC 60601-1 provides general requirements in a series of standards for electronic medical devices that specifically relate to patient safety. In this blog, you will have a better understanding of what IEC 60601-1 means, why it is important, and what is the benefit to get this certification.

Feature products: MMS0700

What Is IEC 60601-1?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world’s leading organization that publishes International Standards for all electrical related technologies. Such as IEC 60601-1, which focuses on the safety of electronic medical devices.

Feature products: MMS1200

The IEC 60601-1 gets stricter today as an improvement against the rising number of wireless devices in healthcare facilities. It is important to protect electronic medical devices and reduce patient risk from electromagnetic interference(EMI) and electrostatic discharge(ESD). Within IEC 60601-1, there are collateral standards; for example, IEC 60601-1-2 is the electromagnetic compatibility(EMC) collateral standard, which requires that basic safety and essential performance of the electronic medical device be maintained in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.

What Is New About The IEC 60601-1 4th Edition?

The latest IEC 60601-1 4th edition mainly focuses on EMC issues covered by the collateral standard IEC 60601-1-2. The IEC 60601-1-2 has been developed in response to the rise of more complex wireless devices within hospitals, which include high-frequency WiFi, Bluetooth and smartphone signals.

The IEC 60601-1-2 4th edition has been revised to make sure that all electronic medical devices comply with new requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and immunity. And the most notable changes in the newest 4th edition are the increased electrostatic discharge level; the air discharge requirement raised from 8KV to 15KV and contact discharge requirement has also been increased from 6KV up to 8KV.

Why It Is Important?

Feature products: MMS1200

We can all agree that when it comes to the benefits we get from medical technology. However, potential risks come out as with all the progress. Today's medical environment is becoming more and more digital and you can see many electronic medical devices be applied in this field. But that also exposes patients to potential risks such as electromagnetic interference generated in various devices.

With an IEC 60601-1-2 4th edition certified electronic medical device, you can make sure a safer medical environment and keep the patient from the life-threatening risks.

Are You Ready For IEC 60601-1-2 4th Edition?

It is mandatory to be compliance with IEC 60601-1-2 4th edition since January 1, 2019 for all electronic medical devices going into the United States, Europe, and Canada. Although this does not cover wireless-enabled IT devices such as computers and tablets, we still recommend that all electronic medical devices should comply with the requirement of IEC 60601-1-2 4th edition to make sure the safety of patients.

How And Where Does A Medical Tablet Be Used?

Feature products: MMS0700

There are so many practical applications of medical tablets in healthcare. And they have been widely adopted due to the increased awareness of hardware security to protect personal privacy and the efficiency it brings to the medical field.

MACTRON GROUP(MTG) Medical Tablet MMS Series with IEC 60601-1-2 4th edition ensures a long life-cycle for healthcare use and it is used in a lot of medical settings such as remote healthcare and patient registration.

Hospital staff can easily record patient medical information in real-time with WiFi or LTE connectivity, cutting down double-entry time and human errors. Besides, it helps you to eliminate all paperwork and its Anti-Bacteria coating can prevent the spread of germs, unlike clipboards that are passed from one sick patient to the next.

For more information about how MTG’s certified Medical Tablet MMS Series can fit into your next project, you can Contact us here.

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IP Ratings: What Are They and Why They Matter To You

You see many electronic devices claim things such as "water-resistant". How do you know if they are what they claim to be? That's where IP ratings come in.

Feature products: MAS0800, MAA0802

What Are IP Ratings

The IP rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. It's a rating that tells you what a device is capable of resisting when it comes to solid objects such as dust, and liquids. The higher the number, the greater the protection against solids and liquids. It aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as "water-resistant".

The first digit in an IP rating reflects the product’s protection against solids. It ranges from a 0, which offers no protection, to a 6, which is completely dust-tight. When it comes to practical operation, the levels can make a big difference. For example, a dust level of 5 means that some dust can get into the unit, but level 6 unit is completely dust-tight.

Feature products: MAS0701, MAA0703

The second digit in an IP rating indicates the product’s level of water resistance which ranges from 0, which offers no protection, to 8, where the product can withstand complete immersion in water for a long period. Note that there is also an IP69K rating which is currently the highest protection available. The IP69K rating provides protection against ingress of dust and high temperature, high pressure water spray downs.

IP68, IP69 and IP69K - The facts

It is important to note that there is no IP69 rating. The IP chart goes from IP68 to IP69K. Besides, if a product passes IP69K, it does not necessarily mean it has passed IP67 or IP68 as the tests are very different. IP68 is rated for a long period immersion in water; however, IP69K indicates the protection against pressure washing at high temperatures.

Products that carry the IP69K rating are ideal for facilities where hygiene and cleanliness are critical, as they are proven to be durable and resistant against water, chemicals, high pressure, and high temperatures associated with demanding cleaning and safety measures. For example, IP69K is widely adopted in food processing industry.

What IP Rating Will You Need

The answer to this question depends on the environment in which your devices will be applied. If you don’t anticipate a harsh environment that is extremely dusty or wet then a lower IP rating is enough. In places that will be potential to be in contact with any solids or liquids, you’ll want to make sure that the IP ratings are high and that you have adequate water-resistant.

Whether which industry you’re working in, to find a product with an adequate IP rating is important. You don’t want to waste your money on a device that isn’t rugged enough for what you need. Be sure to check its IP rating to prove its durability.

MACTRON GROUP(MTG) Got Your Back

All of MTG's Mobile Table PC are rated IP65 or higher. They are ready to be placed and run reliably in many extreme environments. Evaluating your industry conditions and determining how much protection your tablets needs will help ensure the unit will have a long operating life. Contact us for more information on which IP rating is adequate for you.

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The Benefit of Rugged Mobile Tablet

Today's business model is getting more complex than ever before. We may have several complex tasks to deal with at the same time. Data collection, barcode scanning, and RFID communication are some of these. Luckily, all of these tasks can be performed with one single rugged mobile tablet nowadays.

Feature products: MAS0600, MAA0602

Durable Enough and flexible Option

Rugged Tablets have many benefits that you can’t find with consumer-grade tablets. Since they may be handled by many people throughout a shift, they must be able to withstand any accidents that could happen. They have the software and hardware needed to manage various business systems. It is durable enough to be used on the work floor while exposed to various risks. Rugged Tablets have super-strong touchscreen glass so they will not easily crack if they fail. Many of them have IP65 or higher protection rating,meaning they are dust-free and protected from water spray. They are also equipped with GPS and other optional accessories like barcode scanner, fingerprint readers, and more to make your job more easily done.

Feature products: MAS0800, MAS0805, MAS1010, MAS1015, MAA0802, MAA0804, MAA1012, MAA1014

Long Term Cost Benefit

The Initial purchase price might make you seek for a consumer-grade tablet for alternatives, but you often end up costing more money in the long run due to repairs and replacement. Most vendors make sure the component of rugged tablets are available for up to five years just in case you need to fix it. With a rugged tablet, a business faces less downtime, which increases production and company profitability. If your company requires computing equipment with flexibility and durability for optimal usage - rugged tablets are the way to go. You will realize how a good investment can save time and money in the long run.

MTG's solution

MTG has several rugged tablet series available, in various sizes depending on what you need. They can come with accessories like barcode scanner, fingerprint scanners, RFID, NFC, 3G/4G, and more. Contact us for more information on available options.

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