Each of these featured displays is available with various options.

Rugged Military Rackslide Pull-Out & KVM Monitors

Rackslide Pull-Out KVMs with CAT5 Switch

KVM Switches

DESIGN HISTORY

The original NLS Rackslide Pull-Out KVM, NLS Model RFT-17, was designed in 2000 for Sun Microsystems for installation in equipment bays in large computer server farms. The RFT-17 was the first KVM unit to receive Sun Solaris Certification. At the time Sun manufactured many of the fastest and most powerful computers available and the US military was rapidly incorporating Sun computers for tech refresh and new programs. To meet the demand for a Sun compatible military KVM, NLS strengthened the RFT-17 mechanical design and incorporated a more robust sealed keyboard and other electronic components to satisfy the more demanding environmental standards required for military deployment. All current NLS RFT and CSC units trace their origins back to the original Sun RFT-17.

DESIGN SOLUTION

Customer Need:
A customer was developing a new airborne battle command system based on the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. The system required a pull-out KVM with a number of difficult design specifications: it had to meet very tight minimal outline dimensions, including 1U maximum height. The KVM unit had to be field removable/replaceable from the equipment enclosure using front access only. When the KVM was pulled-out and deployed, the LCD display head had to be rigidly stabilized and there had to be less than 1mm backlash at the edge of the keyboard during the shock and vibration that could be experienced during combat flight operations. In addition, the LCD display had to be sunlight readable, the keyboard had to be IP65 sealed and backlit, and the unit needed to include a 4-port CAT5 switch with dedicated front panel channel selector buttons. The finished KVM also needed to meet a number of MIL-STD-810G shock, vibration, temperature, impact and other requirements.

Rugged Military Display: NLS Display CSC-17-CAT5A-810-SK

Starting with one of our standard CSC-17 COTS units, we shortened and strengthened the tray and LCD head and we engineered a new mechanical stop system to keep the head rigidly fixed when in the open/upright position. Working with the rackslide manufacturer we developed new machined aluminum rackslides and a mounting assembly that together reduced the keyboard vibration backlash to within the required 1mm displacement. A new rear mounting bracket and cable management system were engineered to permit rapid removal/replacement of the KVM unit using front access only.

These design improvements, together with the 1200 nit cd/m² LCD panel and IP65 backlit keyboard combine to make the CSC-17-CAT5A-810-SK one of the most rugged, military qualified KVM units of its kind. Recently, the CSC-17-CAT5A-810-SK was tested and qualified to MIL-STD-901D shock and is scheduled for deployment on US Navy ships.