Many enterprise mobility manufacturers use military standards as a guide to ensure their devices can withstand the challenges of a varying work place. Military standards include numerous tests with strict parameters used to simulate how a mobile device will operate under environmental stress.

1. MIL-STD
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Mobile Computing & EPoS Distribution
Telephone: 01904 717180 Website: www.varlink.co.uk Social: @VarlinkLtd
Altitude Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 500.5 Procedure II
Vibration Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 514.6 Procedure I
Transit Drop Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV
Blowing Rain Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 506.5 Procedure I
Many enterprise mobility manufacturers use military
standards as a guide to ensure their devices can
withstand the challenges of a varying work place.
Military standards include numerous tests with
strict parameters used to simulate how a mobile
device will operate under environmental stress.
Once a device passes MIL-STD-810G specifications,
they are approved for use by all departments and
agencies of the United States DoD.
But what does MIL-STD cover? Below are the tests
behind MIL-STD ratings.
The test: Devices are dropped from various
heights at 26 different angles (every edge, corner
and side) onto 2-inch thick plywood over steel
plate on concrete.The height at which the unit will
still turn on and operate, generally between 12
and 72 inches, is the rated drop specification.
Why it matters: Drops are one of the most
common causes of damage to mobile devices
and given their often non-traditional working
environments, mobile workers are more likely to
drop their computers during the course of their
day than an office worker.
The test: A device is blasted with 5.8 inch-per-
hour rain and 70 mph winds, for thirty minutes
per surface while operational.This determines the
effectiveness of the device casing and seals in
preventing the penetration of water.
Why it matters: Mission-critical workers
can’t put their work on hold due to a
rainstorm.This test simulates using the device
in severe weather conditions or on a job site
around water.
The test: Vibration testing simulates the typical
vibrations devices experience in an off road
vehicle, helicopter mounted environment or carried
by a person.
Why it matters: Workers who use devices in
vehicles or conduct business on the road, need
a reliable mobile device to complete their every
day tasks. Mobile devices experience heavy
vibration when mounted in vehicles such as trucks,
emergency services and even helicopters.
The test: A performance test is conducted on a
device in an altitude chamber simulating 15,000
feet above sea level, while operational.
Why it matters: Workers collecting valuable
data or leveraging data to make mission-critical
decisions in high-altitude locations can’t easily
replace a failed device.The test simulates use in
an unpressurised cargo aircraft or mountainous
locations.
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2. Mobile Computing & EPoS Distribution
Telephone: 01904 717180 Website: www.varlink.co.uk Social: @VarlinkLtd
4.
Sand and Dust Resistance Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 510.5 Procedure I
Humidity Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 507.5 Procedure II
Temperature Shock Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 503.5 Procedure I
Extended Battery Life
Low Temperature Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 502.5 Procedure II
High Temperature Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 501.5 Procedure II
The test: Dust then sand is blown at a device
over several hours in an environment of 60°C
(140°F) while operational. During this procedure
the device is rotated to eventually expose all
sides to test the effects of dust that may obstruct
openings and penetrate into cracks.
Why it matters: This test simulates situations
like desert sandstorms or environments where
unsealed devices, and those with fans, can have
internal components exposed and damaged due
to contaminants.
The test: This test determines how a device
copes with heat while being fully operational.
The test is performed at 60°C (140°F) for thirty
minutes.
Why it matters: Most processors run well at
room temperature but when exposed to extreme
hot or cold can experience catastrophic failure.
This test simulates the ability of the unit to survive
and operate at extremely high temperatures.
The test: A device is placed in a -29°C (-20°F)
environment for thirty minutes and powered on in
the extreme cold to ensure it still functions.
Why it matters: This test simulates the ability
to start and operate at extreme winter conditions,
without damaging the hard drive or experiencing
data migration in an SSD. In many cases, a device
won’t start when the hard drive is frozen.
The test: A device goes through three cycles
of testing where it is placed in an environment
of 93°C to -51°C (200°F then -60°F) to test
reliability when moving between extreme
temperatures.
Why it matters: Typical, commercial-grade
devices can experience severe usability issues at
temperature extremes.Thermal shock can cause
fogging/ condensation inside device which can
impact the screen readability and the internal
electronics.
The test: Humidity testing involves testing
mobile devices in temperature cycles of 30°C to
60°C (86°F to 140°F) at 95% relative humidity.
This determines the resistance of material to the
effects of a warm, humid atmosphere.
Why it matters: The main issue in humid
environments is the ability to transfer heat
(reduced by the level of moisture in the air). If the
device becomes overheated, units can become
inoperable, temporarily or permanently.
If your customers need reliable, fully rugged devices then call us
on 01904 717180 and we’ll work with you to find the right device