Big Apple Transit Apps: Q&A with Chassis Plans

Michael (Mike) McCormack, president of Chassis Plans, used to see monsters. And not the imaginary kind. During his recent conversation with EECatalog about the factors that led the New York Transit Authority to select his company for a number of its applications, McCormack recalled that as a U.S. Air Force Airborne Communications Engineer, “I saw computers that were huge monsters and now I see that my phone has more processing capability than those computers did.” McCormack made the recollection to support his argument that technology will continue to evolve. That won’t necessarily mean a situation where as it evolves every company has the same technology, he said.  But should that happen, according to McCormack, the differentiators will be “service and support and reliability.” Excerpts from the interview follow.

EECatalog: Let’s start with a quick thumbnail of Chassis Plans.

Mike McCormack, Chassis Plans: We are a manufacturer of computer hardware and everything related within that space, so it could be a computer, it could be a single board computer, it could be an LCD display, it could be storage arrays, rugged switches, pretty much anything that you could imagine [as being part of] a computer hardware environment that could be used in a noncommercial environment.

Chassis Plans has a military background and then moved as well into industrial  applications such as mass transit, robotics, factory applications, offshore oil and gas, mining—where you are not in a controlled environment.

EECatalog: How are you defining “commercial”?

McCormack, Chassis Plans: Commerical is someplace where the HPs, the IBMs the Dells play. They don’t require a long road map. They don’t require revision control; they don’t require some sort of physical or environmental ruggedness.

EECatalog: Unlike, for example, the systems that the New York Transit Authority contracted with Chassis Plans to provide.

McCormack, Chassis Plans: Yes, the [transit] environment is a lot more challenging. If you are sitting there in a kiosk in New York City, and you’re a single board computer embedded in a ticket kiosk, you might have trouble with that system surviving once it gets up into high summertime temperatures or winter temperatures that are below freezing.

We design systems specifically manufactured to meet that kind of environment [temp extremes] [Chassis Plans systems] have thermal dynamic properties that allow them to survive in a very hot or cold environment, and where you might have dust and dirt at the same time.

Click here for the full interview!

Big Apple Transit Apps: Q&A with Chassis Plans

Chassis Plans is Moving!

Chassis Plans is Moving!

Chassis Plans Supports F35 Joint Strike Fighter

Chassis Plans has a long history of supporting complex military programs by providing custom rugged computer and display systems.  We’re proud to include the F35 Joint Strike Fighter in that list.  The attached photo shows an F35 on the flight line at Elgin AFB with the engine running while a technician monitors the aircraft systems with a Chassis Plans’ custom portable computer.

Every F35 that has or is flying is connected to one of these custom 3-screen portable computers prior to flight.  The F35 is fly-by-wire and every system can be accessed, manipulated and tested via a bus which is brought out to the right side of the aircraft.  The Chassis Plans’ systems were there for initial manufacturing test in the factory, tests of the initial prototypes at Edwards AFB in the Mojave Desert, CA, and test and configuration of all the deployed aircraft world-wide.  This includes the STOL version deployed on Navy carriers.

The Chassis Plans’ portable system is used for aircraft configuration, firmware upload, flight data download, etc.

These are highly customized systems designed and built specifically for this program.  Custom communications boards are installed to communicate with the aircraft via three connectors on the side of the aircraft.  At one time, during initial flight testing, Chassis Plans provided an additional 3 LCDs which mounted to the top of the portable computer to provide a total of 6 17″ 1280×1024 displays.

These systems are used in a wide variety of harsh environments.  Flight lines and carrier decks are not known for being climate controlled.  While the prototypes were at Edwards AFB, they were connected to one of these portable computers for engine start inside the shelters, the computer was disconnected and tossed into the back of a pickup truck which was driven to the end of the runway, then reconnected to the aircraft for final preflight testing.  Not a smooth ride.

There is an Australian 60 Minutes segment about the F35’s for Australia which can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zn0FHDhEK4 .  At 6:18 into the story, there is a shot of the Chassis Plans portable computer with people clustered around debugging an aircraft issue.

Contact Chassis Plans to inquire how we can work with you to solve your application problems with our custom solutions.

Photo courtesy of Northwest Florida Daily News.

Chassis Plans Supports F35 Joint Strike Fighter

Chassis Plans" COTS Journal Article on Gorgon Stare & ARGUS-IS

COTS Journal has published an article written by Chassis Plans on the Gorgon Stare and ARGUS-IS imaging systems mounted on the General Atomics’ Reaper UAV aircraft.  Featured is a Chassis Plans’ custom integrated transit case data transportation system.  See UAV Data Imaging Solutions Push Limits of Embedded Technologies, David Lippincott, COTS Journal, April 2016.  

The Predator, the first large UAV from GA, has a single camera ball on the nose providing a limited field of view.  It has been likened to looking at the battle space through a straw.  Gorgon Stare provided a much wider coverage area with tracking of up to 10 targets.  ARGUS-IS provided a 50 sq KM coverage area with up to 65 tracked targets.  This much improved battle space awareness provides huge benefits in the global war on terror.

 

Chassis Plans" COTS Journal Article on Gorgon Stare & ARGUS-IS

Chassis Plans at OilComm 2016

Chassis Plans Exhibiting Military Computer Systems at OilComm 2016

Chassis Plans will be exhibiting at OilComm in Houston, TX. The show will take place October 11 – 13, 2016, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Stop by our booth #725 to see what we have on display.

 

Rugged Zero Client

The CPZ-156 is a high performance VMware optimized Zero Client utilizing the PCoIP Protocol for the ultimate in Security with no operating system or user accessible Non-volatile Memory. As a true Zero Client, this device requires zero configuration and management, and offer zero attack surfaces for viruses and malware. This provides the optimal user end-point for Virtual Desktop environments based on VMware Horizon with View.

CPX 24” Rackmount LCD Display

Chassis Plans LCD model CPX1-241 provides the best features in rugged monitor technology: 24 inch high-definition display with 1920×1200 resolution, rugged 5052-H32 aluminum construction, IR touch screen option with multi touch gesture recognition, bonded anti-reflective glass overlay, and an optional EMI filter overlay to support specific operational requirements.

Integrating Racks and Transit Cases

Chassis Plans can assist customers in selecting the right transit case for their project depending on their application and installed environment by selecting the right form factor of computers, displays and power supplies to adhere to the client’s requirements, including partitioning into multiple transit cases to satisfy maximum weight requirements per man-pack limitations.Rugged 1U Rackmount Computer.

Rugged 1U Rackmount Computer

Our M1U-20 computing platform is a high-powered system in a small form factor, appropriate for computationally-intense military applications. It has exceptional strength and built-in redundancy, is low weight, and contains our proprietary SysCool thermal management system to extend the life of the computing system, reduces power consumption, and lowers overall system noise levels.

Rugged 2U Rackmount Computer

Our M2U-20 computing platform can be used for many rugged, computationally-intense military applications, while taking limited rack space. It has exceptional strength, is low weight, and contains our proprietary SysCool thermal management system.

TFX Tri-Fold LCD Monitor

Within its 2U form factor the TFX fits three displays when folded. It features an extended temperature (-20 to +70C) option, a rugged 5052-H32 aluminum construction and so makes it an ideal product for military and industrial applications.

 

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Stop by our booth (# 725) if you would like to meet our team and talk about these or other Chassis Plans products. Save time and contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our Area Sales Managers at the trade show:

858.444.4392 or annaw [at] chassisplans.com

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For more information visit: http://www.oilcomm.com

Chassis Plans at OilComm 2016

Chassis Plans Launches Rugged Zero Client

SAN DIEGO, CA, July 22, 2015 — Chassis Plans (www.chassis-plans.com) has launched a Rugged Zero Client, which is a purpose built system for the Department of Defense. The thin client delivers the latest access technology in a rugged portable clamshell and is designed to meet increasingly stringent security mandates for desktop computing devices and complements Chassis Plans rugged virtualization solutions. The system is ideal for remoting users into mixed HSD, VDI or web-hosting environments and compliments Chassis Plans Rugged “Cloud in a box”.

Using PCoIP (PC-over-IP Technology) with the single purpose image decompression and decoding, Chassis Plans zero clients eliminates hard drives, graphics processors, operating systems, and applications/security software. Our zero clients offer the highest quality user experience and compared with the price of a loaded desktop or laptop. Chassis Plans Zero Clients is a simple small footprint will also last years longer than any OS-driven device because there is nothing to upgrade.

Chassis Plans Zero Clients do not require applications, patches, service updates, operating systems or antivirus software. All application data remains locked down in the rugged Chassis Plan server. Chassis Plans Rugged Zero Clients simply receive and decode encrypted image information, and are immune to viral attack. No sensitive application data ever reaches the endpoint; our zero clients do not store any application data. The encryption module uses AES 256 and NSA Suite B cyphers.

You can pair Chassis Plans Zero Clients with USB security authorization, a smart card or proximity card system or other single sign-on devices to comply with the highest security requirements including 802.1x network authentication.

About Chassis Plans

Chassis Plans is a design and manufacturer of servers, LCD displays, storage arrays designed and assembled in the USA for Military and Industrial applications.

For further information, call +1 800.787.4913 or email sales@chassisplans.com.

 

 

Download as PDF

Chassis Plans Launches Rugged Zero Client

Chassis Plans at the Port Hueneme Industry Expo 2016

Chassis Plans will be exhibiting at the 2016 Industry Expo in Port Hueneme, CA. The show will take place March 24, 2016 from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division. Stop by our booth to see what we have on display.

For more information and to register visit: http://industryexpo.cikeys.com/

Chassis Plans at the Port Hueneme Industry Expo 2016

Chassis Plans at the Hill AFB Technology Expo 2016

Chassis Plans will be exhibiting at the 2016 Hill Air Force Base Technology Expo in Salt Lake City UT . The show will take place March 30, 2016  from 9:30am to 1:30pm at the Hill Air Force Base. Stop by our booth to see what we have on display.

The 2016 Hill AFB Technology Expo hosted by the AFCEA Wasatch Chapter is an excellent opportunity to interact with key personnel from this important air force base. 300 personnel attended the 2015 event and we expect the 2016 expo to grow even larger. Hill Air Force Base is an Air Force Materiel Command base located in northern Utah. Hill is home to many operational and support missions, with the Ogden Air Logistics Center (OO-ALC) serving as the main organization and the 75th Air Base Wing providing the support. The center provides worldwide engineering and logistics management for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. The 75th ABW provides base operating support for the Ogden Air Logistics Center, the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, 309th Maintenance Wing, 508th Aerospace Sustainment Wing and 25 associate units. Promotional efforts for Hill will be far reaching but the focus will be on the Air Logistics Center’s Directorates and the 75th ABW’s tenant commands and units. Technology Vendors who participate in this program highly regard this event as the most effective way to reach key personnel at Hill AFB.

Open and free to all DoD, Government and Contractor Personnel (must have with Gate Access to attend).

For more information visit: http://fdaexpo.com

Chassis Plans at the Hill AFB Technology Expo 2016

Chassis Plans at Shadow Warrior Week 2016

Chassis Plans will be exhibiting at the Shadow Warrior Week 2016 in Fort Bragg, NC . The show will take place April 12 – 14, 2016  at the Bragg Club. Stop by our booth #12 to see what we have on display.

For more information visit: www.112swa.org/shadow-2016

Chassis Plans at Shadow Warrior Week 2016

MIL-STD-810G White Paper Released

Chassis Plans CCX-19 LCD After Blowing Sand and Dust Test – Method 510.5

We’ve found there is a lot of confusion regarding MIL-STD-810G and this Chassis Plans White Paper should help clarify the situation a bit.  See ‘MIL-STD-810G – What it is‘ for the white paper.

MIL-STD-810G White Paper Released

CPZ-156T Zero Client Released at AFCEA West

Chassis Plans is proud to release their new CPZ-156T Rugged Zero Client at AFCEA West in San Diego, CA., February 17, 2016.  The CPZ-156T is a unique patent pending Zero Client which includes a 15.6″ LCD and 10-point multi-touch touch screen. The unit conforms to PCoIP using the Teradici TERA2321 processor.  Power is uniquely provided by Power over Ethernet (PoE) for single-cable operation.

Designed be a state-of-the-art secure information device, the CPZ-156T is designed from the beginning for security, first and foremost. Utilizing the industry standard PCoIP Protocol (Teradici Chipset), Chassis Plans’ Zero Clients are designed to be compliant with currently available Desktop Zero Clients but in a rugged form factor for deployment abroad. To further ensure security, the Chassis Plans’ CPZ-156T is powered through the IEEE-802.3at Power over Ethernet connection. This means a single push-pull connector is all that is required to lose all display information on the Ruggedized Client. As in all true Zero Client Architectures, no information is ever contained on the Client, it is just an encrypted rendering of the actual Virtualized Desktop (VDI) on the server.

In order to address a need for a Secure Ruggedized Data Terminal for the DOD, a system architecture was devised to provide a single connection to a PCoIP™ based Zero Client. This was made possible by selecting ultra-low power components (Laptop display and Touch Panel as well as a Low Power Zero Client). This enabled implementing the IEEE-802.3at Standard which provides for Ethernet connectivity, Power and Human Interface with a 25.5 Watt Power Envelope. The unit is designed to be the State of Art in security, as there is only one connection to the device and the unit is tethered. The moment that link is broken, there stops Ethernet activity as well as removing power from the device which requires re-authentication once the connection is re-established. This follows the Army “Approved Thin Client/Zero Client Computing Reference Architecture v1.)” dated 1 May 2013 which is to be used for SIPRNet and NiPRNet implementations.

Information is available at CPZ-156T Zero Client .

CPZ-156T Zero Client Released at AFCEA West

EPI Technologies Now Repping Chassis Plans

Finishing our efforts to provide local expertise to our customer base, Chassis Plans has engaged EPI Technologies as our sales representative for Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

EPI Technologies is a best-in-class sales and marketing organization that represents industry leaders in wireless, wireline, public safety, military, security and test equipment solutions.

EPI Technologies utilizes the seasoned experience of four outside sales personnel, as well as an exceptional inside sales team, to represent Chassis Plans.

See www.epitechnologies.com website for more information.

EPI Technologies Now Repping Chassis Plans

Chassis Plans Supports VIPER/T

Chassis Plans is providing rugged custom portable computer systems in support of the US Marine Corps VIPER/T program.  The Virtual Instrument Portable Equipment Repair/Tester (VIPER/T) is a rugged, man-portable automated test system.  This is the USMC’s primary functional test gear used to test and diagnose electronic, electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems in communication and weapons systems. It is currently used to test components of weapons systems (e.g. Avenger, TOW2 Missile, LAV-25, and LAV-AD, M1A1), radar systems (TPS-59, TPS-63, and TPQ-46A), and communications gear (TRC-170 and Unit Level Circuit Switch).

VIPER/T is a long-duration program with the USMC and is using the Chassis Plans’ custom portable computer to upgrade the system’s capabilities.  The VIPER/T system consists of VXI analog, digital and RF instrumentation controlled by the Chassis Plans’ rugged portable computer.

Chassis Plans’ portable computer provides a 17” TFT LCD with 1280×1024 resolution, shock mounted drive bay, and slim-line DVDRW drive. The LCD is provided with a dimming feature for 0-100% brightness adjustment. The LCD is modified with a bonded anti-reflective overlay glass for enhanced high-bright viewability and to protect the LCD.

The system includes a plug-in SBC with an Intel i7 processor, Q87 chip set and 8GB of RAM, expandable to 32GB. The SBC is plugged into a 14-slot passive backplane providing one x16 and five x4 PCIe slots and seven 32-bit PCI slots. The customer required all connections to the system be mil-compliant so mil-circular connectors were provided where appropriate for interfacing to the legacy VXI test equipment and military weapons systems under test.

Power to the system is provided by a custom wide-range 18VDC to 36VDC 760W DC/DC power supply. An AC supply is optionally available.

A full-feature, full-travel fold-down keyboard protects the LCD while the unit is being transported. An included touch pad is used for cursor control.

The computer system is designed specifically for rugged military environments and transportation and is designed to be MIL-STD-810G compliant for assured reliability. One of the selling points is the multi-year program support offered by Chassis Plans to assure future hardware availability for long life-cycle programs such as the VIPER/T.

The Marine Corps has 200 VIPER/T systems in the field scheduled for upgrade with an additional 200 on contract for delivery. Additional acquisitions are on-going.

Chassis Plans is known for custom system design and integration. Variants of the VIPER/T portable computer system are available for other projects.

Chassis Plans Supports VIPER/T

Chassis Plans Supports Iraqi Operation Peace Dragon

Chassis Plans has provided a quantity of fully integrated transit case systems for Operation Peace Dragon. These are rugged field deployed systems initially for deployment in harsh military environments. Operation Peace Dragon is a US Air Force program in support of the IqAF for Iraqi border patrol utilizing King Air 350 ER intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.   These aircraft are equipped with the Lynx-2 synthetic aperture radar units built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, Calif.

Included in the system is a semi-custom M3U rackmount computer providing 10 front mounted hot-swap raid drives and 2 rear mounted system drives, also hot swap, all in a rugged aluminum 3U enclosure.  A server-class ATX motherboard supports 2 XEON processors and 512GB of RAM. The M3U is manufactured using aircraft grade 5052-H32 aluminum with a milled front panel for exceptional strength.  A front door provides both an air filter and a honeycomb EMI filter.  Included is a Syscool adaptive fan controller to modulate the speed of the long-life aluminum body fans for quiet reliable operation.

An included TFX1-19 rackmount display provides three 19-inch 1280×1024 LCD displays.  This is a rugged rackmount LCD display system specifically designed for transit case installation and provides exceptional display real-estate in a compact portable package.

Also included is a CKX 1U waterproof rackmount keyboard.  This unit provides a sealed full-travel keyboard and a 38mm sealed trackball.  The display and keyboard are specifically mounted with friction slides to prevent motion while in use which is especially critical in airborne installations.

Each of the components in this system has been designed to meet or tested to MIL-STD-810G for assured reliability in the harshest conditions.

Chassis Plans provided a fully integrated and tested transit case system for rapid deployment by the customer.

Chassis Plans Supports Iraqi Operation Peace Dragon