Thinking about replacing my CF-18 with a H2, good idea?

Hi, I own a CF-18 MK1. It's a nice computer, but I have bought this to use on my boat. In the sun I can't read anything on my screen.

The newer 1000 nits screens of the CF-19 may be good (anyone experience on a boat with this screen?) but I don't want to spend that much money.

I can buy a H2 now, it has the newest up to 65000 transreflective screen with circular polarizer. But I believe the LED backlight is only 500 nits, so less than a CF-19

Can anyone tell me if this computer will be readable on a boat in the sun? anyone with real-life expereience?

 

Here's the info on the Toughbook H2's screen:

TransflectivePlus Display

The Panasonic Toughbook H2 features a TransflectivePlus display, which in addition to an adjustable LED backlight, harnesses the rays of the sun by using an internal reflecting layer to illuminate the screen and can generate up to 6000 nit of LCD brightness in direct sunlight for superior viewability. The supplementary LED backlight can deliver as little as 1 nit, useful in dimly lit areas or up to a full 500 nit, which is comfortable in normal viewing conditions. This brilliant and exclusive technology comes standard with anti-reflective and anti-glare screen treatments plus a circular polarizing filter for an unparalleled outdoor viewing experience. The Toughbook H2 is also equipped with an ambient light sensor to detect bright lighting conditions and automatically disable the LED backlight to conserve power, thus extending battery life when outdoors.

Blurb:

Toughbook H2
10.1" sunlight-viewable dual touch tablet PC. Up to 6000 nit in direct sunlight. Intel Core i5 processor. MIL-STD-810G & IP65. Optional 4G LTE or 3G Gobi.

 

thanks!

I've now found a 1200 nits external display, the panasonic cf-vdl02. I've bought a brand new one on ebay for only 150 dollars. Now waiting for it to arrive here in the Netherlands. Hopefully this will be readable on the boot. It's a lot cheaper option than the H2!

Do you know if this Display has LED backlight, I haven't foundthat on internet yet.

 

I have a couple of these screens saved up for special projects. It uses the same charger as your CF -18. The 01 model uses the older CF-28 type plug and is limited to 800 x 600 resolution. There is also matching keyboards to go with them to run your toughbook remotely. There are two cables needed to hook everything up with the keyboard. to get the touchscreen on the monitor working it takes a serial cable and the right drivers for the external monitor. I have this basic setup on a CF-07 in a aftermarket dock.

 

It has conventional CCFL lighting, has seven (yes 7) tubes and inverters to get that bright. You will want to enclose it in some kind of waterproof case for use on a boat because it is designed to work inside a police car and is definitely not waterproof. The front panel and bezel might be sealed, so maybe it can be mounted in a bulkhead opening sealed at the edges.

 

There is a thread on here where a CF-29 was converted to led light strip. If you are wanting just something brighter that may be the ticket. I would try and link it but I am at the airport on my phone.

 

Agreed.

@stobbie: For marine usage you may want to consider the MDWD CF-VDW07 Wireless Display, as it is considered "moisture-resistant" (just like the fully-rugged Toughbooks).

 

@stobbie, I have a lot of experience installing CF-VDL01 and 02s in boats. If you are planning to install one anywhere but in an enclosed wheel house, don't. They are not as splash proof as your average flat screen monitor and with all those high voltage inverters exposed on the back you will have some interesting fireworks if any water gets on the back of the display.
CAP

 

I was planning on mounting it behind/under the windscreen.
Where you can see my CF-18 in the picture:



Ofcourse removable, so I can yake it inside when it starts to rain or something.
In that location there is hardly any spray. But it is on a boat, so there's always more moisture than in a police car.

Do you think it will survive overthere?

Will the CF-VDW07 be bright enough in direct full sunlight?

 

You might get away with that. I can see why you need a really bright screen in that location. Take a look at the display when you get it, you'll see what I'm talking about.
CAP

 

I've now tested the CF-VDL02 on my boat on a VERY sunny day and it is great! No problem even in direct sunlight. Now I just have to find a way to make a removable mount for it..