In the case of Cold Storage equipment – options are limited. High Flat rates, rare and expensive heating components and limited knowledge in the market cause problems. So Ivanhoe has specialized in service of Cold Storage hardware to fill the need.
Failed Vehicle-Mount computers and handheld terminals, bar code scanners and printers – anything having to do with barcoding in the Cold Storage Chain.
Zebra (which now includes Psion/Teklogix, Motorola and Symbol* ) and Honeywell (LXE).
The models suitable for Freezer, Cooler or High Condensation from the last 15-20 years can be found on the accompanying chart.
Water is the real villain. And condensation is how it gets to work. Temperature variations cause condensation which equals shorts and when refrozen-nonresponsive touchscreens and slow or no barcode scans. Think of that cold glass of tea on the hot humid day – cold glass and warm air meet and water trickles down. Increase the extremes of temperature and humidity and the process picks up speed whether it’s your backyard or your fork truck.
Getting cold isn’t the bad part – it’s bringing the cold device back into room temperature (or dock temperatures) that creates the trouble. When you introduce the cold surface to the warmer moisture laden air – the water trickles down.
Take it a step further; now there is liquid inside the unit and the unit returns to the freezer or anywhere that cools the interior of the device to below 34F. Ice crystals form to deaden touchscreen responsiveness and reduce the effectiveness of electrical connections.
Beyond condensation, extreme temperatures affect the unction of other components in your hardware.
The battle is to minimize temperature swings, limit the invasion of water vapor and remove liquid if it condenses. In many ways,just think like a homeowner and your equipment will see you through!
What to do: Limit low temperatures – keep the interior surfaces of your Handheld Terminal or Vehicle Mount Computer above 50F. There are a variety of options designed for the harshest environments: heat pads, lens defrosters and vapor seals and barriers. You can “Kit’’ your Psion, LXE, Motorola or now Zebra and Honeywell units to minimize thermal shock.
Talk with your Ivanhoe rep about how we get it done with many of the common AI DC handheld terminals and Vehicle mount computers.
Ivanhoe Group 825 HWY 74 S Ste 110 Peachtree, City GA 30269 (770) 631-1184