For centuries, mariners have relied on paper maps to navigate the world’s oceans and waterways-and often reach their destinations. But even before Christopher Columbus found America in search of India, we knew that the rule-of-thumb navigation of the late Middle Ages wasn’t very accurate.
That’s why sophisticated technology is now taking over the task of navigation on nautical bridges. Sounds like ideal conditions for our KVM devices. Until now, our KVM devices have been known as powerful landlubbers when used in studios or control rooms.
To train them for their life as strong sailors, we had them certified to the IEC 60945 standard. The specification certifies navigation and radio communication equipment and systems for use in maritime applications. To meet the standard, our devices had to pass several rigorous tests.
Shaken, not stirred
Getting certified according to standard IEC 60945 required a lot from our devices:
- Corrosion resistant chassis material
- Protection against electromagnetic radiation
- Components with long lifecycle status
- Power filters to limit electrical noise from entering or leaving the enclosure
Once these requirements are met, the hard part begins.
Testing requirements for the IEC 60945 specification include environmental (e.g. heat, cold, vibration), safety and EMC parameters. The test itself is conducted by an independent test laboratory. Here, our devices were placed in a climate chamber to prove their resistance to temperatures between -15 °C and 55 °C. But if you want to be a tough sailor, you don’t mind cold or heat. That’s why our equipment continued to perform as designed. And as if extreme temperatures weren’t enough, the future mariners had to face a vibration plate that shook them to their core. But once again, our testers passed with flying colors.
Electromagnetic compatibility
During the electromagnetic compatibility tests, our devices had to prove themselves one last time. They had to show that they would not interfere with other nearby devices. Passing this test without any complaints finally confirmed their suitability for certification according to the IEC 60945 specification.
Now our devices can even be used on nautical bridges – another proof of their high safety and quality. As a special offer to the shipbuilding industry, our KVM devices are available with 12 or 24 volt power supplies.
If you’d like to know more about our certified devices, visit the industry page for maritime applications on our website. Or feel free to contact our sales team under sales@gdsys.com.
The only thing left to say is: “Ship ahoy” and safe travels!
Editor, translator and blogger at Guntermann & Drunck.
You can find me on LinkedIn.
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