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Radix FW960

Ultra-rugged, highly customizable handheld computer for front-line field workers
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

On June 29, 2011, Elecsys Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of Machine-To-Machine (M2M) data acquisition, telemetry, analysis systems, and custom electronic assemblies for critical industries, announced the release of the Radix FW960 handheld computer platform, the most recent addition to the company's ultra rugged mobile computing products (note that ultra-rugged mobile computing and printing device maker Radix was acquired by Elecsys in 2007 and is now an Elecsys brand).

The new Radix FW960 platform runs Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 on a 520 MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, has 128MB of RAM, 2GB of flash memory, and incorporates efficient power management for extended battery life.

The FW960 is a full-size handheld measuring 3.4 x 8.7 x 2.0 inches and weighing 1.5 pounds. Its 3.5-inch industrial-grade transflective display has QVGA 240 x 320 pixel resolution and an LED backlight. Elecsys offers a choice of three alphanumeric programmable keypads (24, 40 or 48 keys) with flat membrane or raised keys and LED backlight.

The device comes with Bluetooth version 2.1 and 802.11b/g WiFi. Available wireless options include 3G WWAN (GSM/GPRS/HSDPA), GPS, RFID and even an AMR (automatic meter reading) radio receiver that can collect data from meter transmitters.

Like all Radix handheld computers, the FW960 is ultra-rugged and designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions. The FW960's housing is made of Xenoy, a resin that combines superb impact and chemical resistance. The Radix FW960 operates throughout a wide temperature range (-4 to 140F), can handle 5-foot drops, and with IP67 sealing is completely dustproof, waterproof and submersible, and is also resistant to oil and solvents.

The FW960 offers good onboard connectivity (LAN, USB host and client) as well as a variety of optional I/O. There are also expansion modules that provide a PC Card Type II slot or internal USB and TTL for custom projects. Functionality can further be taylored to the job with availability of an integrated (or rather screw-on) 3-inch thermal printer (model FWP-30), laser scanner (FWL-20), and 1D/2D color imager (FWC-20). To see these accessories, check here.

Newly available is the FWM-90 multifunction color imager and scanner that combines a 1.3 megapixel color camera and video capture device with an integrated 1D and 2D barcode scanner in a single rugged package.

While the Radix FW960 has general purpose appeal for numerous field applications, Radix designed it with the needs of today's front-line field worker in mind. Ideal applications include meter reading, parking enforcement, route accounting, inspection, maintenance, transportation and logistics.

Specifications
Added/changed Added 6/2011
Form-factor Ultra-rugged handheld computer
CPU Speed 520MHz Marvell PXA270
OS Microsoft Windows CE 6.0
RAM/ROM 128MB/2GB FLASH
Card slots 1 microSD
Display type Transflective industrial-grade TFT with LED backlight
Display size/res 3.5"/240 x 320 pixel QVGA
Digitizer/pens resistive touch
Keyboard/keys Customizable flat membrane or raised, with alphanumeric 24, 40 and 48 key options and LED backlight
Navigation directional control, touch, stylus
Housing Xenoy
Operating Temp -4 to 140F
Sealing IP67
Shock 26 5-foot drops to concrete
ESD unknown
Certifications FCC Class B, CSA, UL, CE
Size (WxHxD) 3.4 x 8.7 x 2.0 inches
Weight 24 ounces with battery
Power 2,400mAH Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack; Dual lithium-ion power option (4,800mAh)
Sensors unknown
Interface LAN, USB host, USB client; optional: external RS232 serial, IPP port (parallel and TTL), expansion module with 1 PC Card Type II (or 2 Type I), expansion module with internal USB and TTL port for customized expansion
Wireless 802.11b/g (WEP, WPA and WPA2 security protocols), Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR; optional: GPRS/3G/GSM/HSDPA, GPS, RFID, AMR radio receiver, thermal printer (FWP-30), 1D laser scanner (FWL-20), 2D imager (FWC-20), 2D color imager
List price Inquire
Contact Radix
Product brochure FW960 brochure (PDF)
Windows CE/Mobile Info
  • Windows Embedded Compact 7
  • Windows Embedded Handheld
  • Windows Phone 7
  • Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3
  • Windows Mobile 6.5
  • Windows Mobile 6
  • Windows CE 6.0
  • Windows Mobile 5
  • Windows CE 5.0
  • Windows Mobile Smartphone
  • Windows Mobile 2003
  • Windows CE .Net
  • Windows for Pocket PC 2002
  • Pocket PC intro 2000
  • Windows CE H/PC Pro 1998
  • Windows CE 2.0 1997