Evaluation of Two Fully Rugged Laptop Computers for the Forest Service, Page10

Evaluation of Two Fully Rugged Laptop Computers for the Forest Service

Appendix C—Rain/Moisture Tests

Purpose

One of the key features of ruggedized laptops is their ability to resist rain and moisture. This is very important to Forest Service users when they are taking field data in inclement weather. This test was conducted to verify the manufacturers' claims that the laptop is water resistant on all sides. Water should not penetrate the laptop even when it is subjected to simulated rain from all six sides (includes top and bottom).

Tests were conducted under the guidance of MIL-STD-810F, Method 506.4—Procedure II (watertightness), nonoperating. Ten-min rain tests were conducted on all six sides of the laptop, including one test with the laptop open and the screen and keyboard exposed (figure C–1). A nozzle sprayed water at a rate of 4 in/h from 48 cm above the laptop.

Photo of a laptop being sprayed with water.
Figure C–1—The laptops were subjected to simulated rain to test their
resistance to moisture. The laptops were sprayed for 10 minutes on each
axis with a simulated rain of 4 in/h at 40 mi/h. During one test the laptop
was open while the screen and keyboard were sprayed.

This test is not a submersion test. Neither manufacturer claims that its unit will work after being immersed.

Equipment

A spray apparatus was configured to spray water at a rate of 4 in/h at 40 psi. The spray nozzle was 48 cm from the top of the laptop and sprayed it fully.

The following spray equipment was used for the rain/moisture tests:

Pump: Shurflo, 1.25 gal/min, 12 V DC, 6.0 A
Battery: 12 volts DC, 7.5 Ah
Pressure Gauge: Ashcroft, 100 psi, oil-filled
Nozzle: 90°, full cone, 0.25 gal/min at 40 psi

The nozzle was mounted on a pole attached to a metal frame (figure C–2). The pole could be adjusted to the desired height. Water was pumped from a reservoir through plastic tubing to the nozzle. A pressure gauge monitored pressure. The pressure was adjusted using a valve.

Photo of a nozzle suspened on a pole attached to a metal frame. The laptop is under the nozzle spraying water and is on a metal grate.
Figure C–2—The nozzle was suspended on a pole
mounted to a metal frame. The pole could be adjusted
so that the nozzle was 48 cm above the laptop.

Metal grating was placed on two sawhorses for the testing platform. Bookends held the laptop on its ends for the required tests (figure C–3).

Photo of a closed laptop on its side being sprayed by water.
Figure C–3—The laptops were placed on a metal
grate and held upright using bookends.

Procedure

Six rain/moisture tests were performed on each laptop. Before and after each test, PassMark BurnInTest software was run to make sure all internal components of the laptop functioned. Additionally, the touch screen, touchpad, and keyboard were tested for functionality.

After completion of the six rain/moisture tests, the laptop's cover plates were removed and the sealed doors to its ports were opened. A thorough inspection was completed to see if any water had leaked into the laptop's internal components.

Results

Both laptops passed all the tests without any water leaking in. They both passed all BurnInTest tests. Touch screens, touch pads, and keyboards functioned normally.

Some water got through the CF-30 laptop's first gasket on the power plug cover. A second gasket inside the cover prevented water from getting into the laptop.

Conclusions

Both laptops are fully rain/moisture resistant as tested.