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M5 Sunview - Mobile Data Computer

Product Overview

Our fifth generation mobile data computer consists of four separate components: display, processor, keyboard, and power supply, in addition to optional components. Separation of the system into these modules provides more-flexible mounting, as well as the accommodation of published air bag restrictions. As a unit, the M5 Sunview Computer can provide:

  • Intel Pentium III 500 MHz processor, with uplift to 700 MHz
  • RAM up to 256 MB
  • 20 GB internal hard drive, with uplifts to 30 GB and 40 GB
  • Touchscreen Display
  • 8.4-inch or 12.1-inch Colour LCD display
  • Windows '98, 2000, NT or XP operating system
  • PCMCIA expansion slots
  • Dual display speakers built into display
  • Video mug shot display, capture, and transmission
  • 12-volt automotive power supply

The following sections describe the components in more detail.


Display

The display unit thickness is 3.8cm, meeting published space requirements for dash-mounting. This allows mounting on the dashboard out of the passenger air bag deployment zone. This is a unique and extremely important feature of the M5 Sunview Computer.

The display case is composed of a drawn aluminium shell and a machined aluminium faceplate, providing a rugged, yet lightweight, housing which will withstand the shock, vibration, and high-temperature environment of the vehicle.

When mounted directly on the dashboard, the ability to read the display from wide angles becomes paramount, and in this, the M5 Sunview Computer excels. Although the driver and passenger are generally at a 30 to 45 degree angle, the M5 Sunview Computer display is legible when viewed from angles as large as 60 to 80 degrees. This is as far or further than that of a CRT display.

The M5 Sunview Computer colour display is super-VGA compatible with an enhanced lighting system allowing sunlight visibility even in high temperature situations. The M5 Sunview has unparalleled accuracy, providing vivid and lifelike display of still or full-motion video. Full motion video is available with the Multimedia option, which will be described in a later section.

This LCD is a breakthrough for vehicular use due to its exceptional temperature range. Most LCD's lose their contrast at high temperature, which the interior of a vehicle reaches after sitting in sunlight for extended periods of time. Also, at low temperatures the speed of most screens slows down, eventually stopping completely. The M5 Sunview Computer LCD has been tested at temperatures from -30 to over 70 degrees Celsius. Throughout this range the display exhibits no noticeable degradation of contrast or speed. This is a first for vehicular computing.

The display unit houses a touch-sensitive screen which emulates a mouse. This screen is not pen-driven, so there is no stylus to find (and lose). The accuracy of the screen is very high, so that it can be drawn on with a stylus if desired.

The touch screen is 1/8" soda-lime glass, ensuring high strength and durability.

Mounting options are available for Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore, different types of Fire apparatus and a variety of other cars, mini-vans, four-wheel drive vehicles, and trucks. Technisyst is happy to provide further information for your particular vehicle.

Processor Unit

The processor is housed, like the display unit, in an aluminium case for the best combination of ruggedness and weight. The dimensions of the case have been selected to fit just about anywhere within most model vehicles.

Power Supply

The M5 Sunview Computer power supply has been designed specifically for vehicle applications. The switching power supply has been designed to provide constant regulated power at +5V, +12V, and -12V over an input voltage range of 6V to 18V. The M5 Sunview Computer continues to function even while the starter motor is in operation, eliminating undesired restarts of the computer along with loss of data.

The Keyboard

Our new water resistant keyboard features the heavy-duty construction needed to withstand continuous in-car use. The keyboard is completely separate from the display allowing for easy use by either occupant. Extra large letters on the keys provides for superior day or night visibility as does our unique, "eight levels of illumination" system. A new, integrated glide pad is included.

Sunview M5 Menu