Teguar TSD-45 Series of Waterproof Industrial Displays

A series of industrial touch screen monitors for the most demanding applications
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

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In this article we're taking a look at Teguar's line of waterproof industrial-grade monitors, including hands-on with one of them, the TSD-45-10. While industrial monitors often look almost identical to industrial panel PCs, monitors are just that, separate displays that hook up to a computer. When personal computers first became available over 40 years ago, virtually all computers had to connect to a monitor. Today, most are all-in-ones, combining electronics and display in a single package. Yet, separate monitors are not extinct. They remain popular in many commercial and industrial applications.

Why are separate monitors still chosen over all-in-one systems for many applications? Because in many commercial and industrial settings, computers are rarely used on desks or other traditional office locations. Computing power may be needed in vehicles, on boats, outdoors or along assembly lines. One computer may need multiple monitors, or computers must be installed in protected spaces out of harm's way. It's simply not always practical or feasible to have the computer and the monitor in one box.

There are also other reasons why it's often advantageous to keep monitors and computing electronics separate. Computers become obsolete much faster than displays; it may make sense to invest in good monitors and then simply replace the computers when more power, storage or functionality is needed. Often, a single computer can support multiple displays. Why get multiple computers each with a built-in screen when a single computer and multiple monitors will do? Or monitors may be needed in exposed or remote areas and it's better to mount electronics in a safe, central place.

Teguar also points out that while industrial computers are by definition reliable, failures can still happen. In that case, it's often easier and less costly to repair or replace just what broke down instead of the entire system. Finally, separation of PC and display allows for a much wider range of matching computing power and screen size to an application.

Teguar's TSD-45 line of waterproof industrial touch screen monitors: concept and models

All industrial panel PCs and monitors are designed to be able to handle the kind of harsh environmental conditions they may be subjected to. Often it's enough to sufficiently seal the front panel of a PPC or screen, because that is all that's exposed. But for marine and many other applications, that's not enough. The entire system must be sealed. Hence waterproof panels and monitors.

Waterproof industrial monitors require special construction. They are designed and built not just to keep liquids out, but also to be immune to salt water, salt spray and withstand close-range, high temperature, high pressure water spray. They have to be able to handle 24/7 high seas as well as the daily washdowns common in food and beverage manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical production floors, clean room environments, or just mounting outdoors in rain or humidity. That requires totally different design principles. Here are the primary features of Teguar's waterproof industrial monitors:

• All are 100%-enclosed fanless designs that are fully protected from dust and can handle strong jets of water.

• Each monitor carries IP66/IP69K and NEMA 4X waterproof ratings.

• All models come with waterproof M12 screw-on I/O connectors that, unlike standard ports, are fully sealed.

• All models have extra tough touchscreen glass that is specifically designed for maximum endurance in the midst of salt water/spray, harsh chemicals, vibrations and airborne particles.

• All models are available with projected capacitive or optional resistive capacitive touch screens.

• All have rugged, heavy-duty SUS304 stainless steel enclosures that are nearly indestructible. All can be ordered SUS16 stainless steel for an a higher level of corrosion resistance, including when exposed to salt water.

• All models offer optional high-bright sunlight-readable 1,000 Nits LCDs.

• All have a wide 9~36 Volt DC power input range.

• They come with displays as small as 10-inches diagonal and as large as 24-inches diagonal.

• Display resolutions and pixel density vary between models, and different luminance options are available for all models.

The table below shows Teguar's entire range of TSD-45 Series of waterproof industrial monitors:

Teguar TSD-45 Series Waterproof Industrial Monitor lineup

Company	Teguar	Teguar	Teguar	Teguar	Teguar	Teguar	Teguar	Teguar
Model	TSD-45-10	TSD-45-12	TSD-45-15	TSD-45-16	TSD-45-17	TSD-45-19	TSD-45-22	TSD-45-24
Actual size	10.1-inch	12.1-inch	15.0-inch	15.6-inch	17.0-inch	19.0-inch	21.5-inch	23.8-inch
Resolution	1280x800	800x600	1024x768	1366x768	1280x1024	1280x1024	1920x1080	1920x1080
Opt. res.	NA	1024x768	NA	1920x1080	NA	NA	NA	NA
PPI	149	83/106	85	100/141	96	86	102	93
Aspect ratio	16:10	4:3	4:3	16:9	4:3	4:3	16:9	16:9
Colors	16.7m	16.7m	16.7m	16.7m	16.2m	16.7m	16.7m	16.7m
Luminance	350/1000	450/1000	450/1000	350/1000	350/1000	350/1000	250/1000	250/1000
P-Cap	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard
Resistive	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional
Power	DC 9~36	DC 9~36	DC 9~36	DC 9~36	DC 9~36	DC 9~36	DC 9~36	DC 9~36
Weight (lb)	7.9	10.1	14.3	14.1	16.5	19.4	19.8	27.81
Size (mm)	300x220x53	335x265x53	339x324x53	440x290x55	432x358x55	470x388x60	571x362x55	656x423x53
Material	SUS304	SUS304	SUS304	SUS304	SUS304	SUS304	SUS304	SUS304
Material opt.	SUS316	SUS316	SUS316	SUS316	SUS316	SUS316	SUS316	SUS316
VGA	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12
DVI-D	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no
HDMI	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12
DP	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no
USB	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12	1 M12
RS232	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no
Speaker	Opt.	Opt.	Opt.	Opt.	Opt.	Opt.	Opt.	Opt.
Op. temp	-4 to 140F	-4 to 140F	-4 to 140F	-4 to 140F	-4 to 140F	-4 to 140F	32 to 140F	32 to 122F

The table above highlights the similarity and cohesiveness between the eight models of the Teguar TSD-45 waterproof industrial monitor series listed as of September 2022. They all share the same basic design, but vary in display size from 10.1 inches diagonal all the way to 23.8 inches diagonal.

Note the variety in display aspect ratios between the various models, ranging from a traditional 4:3, the wide-format 16:9, as well as the 16:10 aspect ration in the 10-inch version we tested. Each aspect ratio has its uses, software specifically coded and configured for it, or applications that work best with it.

As is to be expected from the large range of screen sizes, display resolution varies — from 800 x 600 pixel in the 12-inch model, up to full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel in the two largest models. Pixel density varies widely also, from 83 ppi (pixels per inch) on the 12-inch monitor, all the way up to 149 ppi in the 10-inch version we tested. Note that pixel density is not an absolute. Higher density is always better. Pixel density must be matched to display size and application. There are smartphones with extremely high pixel densities in the 850 ppi range, but an "ultra-high definition" 70-inch 4k TV only has 63 pixels per inch. It all depends on the application and the viewing distance.

Note that the 4:3 aspect ratio/1024 x 768 pixel format long was a standard for many industry-specific software applications and solutions, whereas the wider 16:9 ratio with full-HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution is generally favored for multi-media and video applications. Another difference between the displays is their default luminance — brightness — that ranges from 250 (22 and 24 inch models) to 450 (12 and 15 inch inch models) nits in this lineup. All eight screen sizes, however, are also available with a very bright 1,000 nits option for outdoor applications.

Now let's take a closer look at the TSD-45-10 sample unit Teguar sent RuggedPCReview.com for evaluation and testing.

Teguar TSD-45-10 10-inch monitor

The TSD-45-10 is the smallest model in Teguar's lineup of waterproof industrial displays. Its screen measures 10.1 inches diagonally in a slightly wide-format 16:10 aspect ratio, so the screen area is much like that of a 10-inch class iPad or Android tablet. That's, of course, where the physical similarities end. The waterproof Teguar industrial-grade monitor is a very strong, tough piece of commercial equipment and weighs almost eight pounds.

As has been the case with other Teguar panel computers we've tested in our tab, the first impression when unpacking the Teguar TSD-45-10 is how very solid and invulnerable it feels. The housing literally looks like it's milled from a solid block of steel. It, of course, isn't, but this Teguar monitor (and the other seven models in the line) is indeed all stainless steel.

Below is what the Teguar TSD-45-10 looks like from the front and all four sides. Yes, steel. All steel.

The design and construction of the TSD-45-10 is simple. It's a steel box with sealed ports and a circuit board inside. Since it's just a monitor and not a full computer, the board simply handles all the different I/O for the monitor.

To the right you can see what the TSD-45-10 looks like from the rear. It's a steel plate with a small control panel, a VESA 75 screw-mount pattern so it can easily be mounted virtually anywhere, and a bank of I/O connectors. These are not of the conventional industry-standard type, but M12 ports that are waterproof whether a cable is plugged in or not.

Circular M12 screw-on connectors are also very sturdy and provide reliable connections, and they can handle shocks and vibration. M12 ports like these provide waterproof sealing via O-rings or grommets and they may combine different interfaces into one connector. They require special cables and special ports and wiring on the PC side.

Our review TSD-45-10 came, from left to right, with an HDMI port with a waterproof screw-on cap, M12-type VGA, USB and power ports, and a sealed spare that can, we guess, accommodate the optional speaker or an additional custom port.

In the center top of the monitor's backside is the OSD (On Screen Display) membrane control panel that allows access to the usual variety of display settings. There's the on/off power button, up/left and down/right arrows, a menu/entry button, and one for on-touch auto adjustment. The panel isn't terribly accessible, but that's by design: on a kiosk or industrial display you don't want people messing with the controls.

Note that all of these waterproof Teguar industrial monitors are listed as "IP66/IP69K Fully Enclosed Fanless Design." IP66 means totally dust-proof, and also able to withstand a strong jet of water. Why not IP67 or IP68 &mdash fully submersible — like many rugged tablets or handhelds are? They probably are, or else they couldn't also provide IP69K protection. IP69K is a less common designation that means a device can be spray-cleaned with high pressure (up to 99.97 bar/1450 psi) and high temperature (up to 80°C/176°F) water jets.

The design and construction of the TSD-45-10 is simple. It's a stainless steel box with a circuit board inside. Since it's a monitor and not a full computer, the board simply handles all the different I/O for the monitor. There's a good number of wires and sleeved wire strands going from the onboard and edge-mounted connectors to the waterproof M12 connectors mounted on the back of the unit. The backplate is secured by a dozen small 2mm hex screws; a larger 3mm hex screw is marked with a "Tighten the screw before installation, recommended torque 8 to 10 kgf-com." Each of the screws has a clear nylon washer. Do not lose those!

Above you can see what it looks like inside. The stainless steel housing itself is an example of first class craftsmanship, meticulously made and finished, down to the last weld. An 3/8-inch dense foam rubber strip that goes around the entire perimeter of the steel backplate keeps liquids out. Anything that might come loose from impact or ongoing vibration is secured with a dollop of white silicone glue.

Simple, effective mounting system

Just like not all panel computers will be mounted in panels, the same applies to monitors. All TSD-45 models have the standard VESA mount pattern on the back for all sorts of fixed, tiltable, turnable or swiveling wall, table, or arm mounting options.

However, given these monitors' weight, freestanding mounting isn't limited to VESA. Another solution offered by Teguar is brilliantly simple: just a stainless steel yoke-style mounting stand. These can be used to mount Teguar TSD-45 panels securely in place, and the yoke design makes them easily adjustable to any viewing angle. To keep it into at given angle, simply tighten the two screws.

Unlike the universal VESA mounting options, due to their different size, each TSD-45 model needs the yoke mount specifically made for it.

Luminance: Standard or high-bright

Since industrial panels may be used indoors as well as outdoors, it makes sense to offers two brightness options. For indoors, 250 to 450 is plenty bright enough (a good laptop is around 250 nits and a modern tablet in the 400-550 nits range), for outdoor use it wouldn't be enough. As a result, Teguar offers all of their waterproof industrial monitors with a high-bright 1000 nits option.

What makes for a "high bright" backlight? That's where luminance, the intensity of light emitted, comes in. Luminance is measured in candela per square meter, where candela refers to luminous intensity, the power emitted by a light source.

Since "candela per square meter" isn't easy to envision, the industry uses the term "nits" which really is just short for "units".

We measured screen luminance of the TSD-45-10 at five different levels of HSB brightness (see table to the right) and found a maximum luminance of 278 nits.

Note that the choice of the standard display or the high-bright option matters quite a bit. The standard display is plenty bright enough for use in enclosed spaces. But for open-air applications the high-bright option is highly recommended.

Application example: commercial diving

For an interesting example of using TSD-45 Series waterproof monitors, Teguar mentions professional diving equipment specialists Safe Air, a company that has over a quarter of a century's worth of experience in working with commercial dive operations using air and Nitrox enriched air for surface-supplied diving. Surface-supplied means that unlike with SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus), the diver gets air through a hose from the surface, and that hose or cabling can also supply an audio and video connection or power for other instrumentation, tools or sensors.

Any electronic equipment installed on a boat, large or small, must be waterproof, and especially so if it's in salt water. Anyone who has seen how quickly gear ages or gets corroded in such environments will appreciate the use of specially formulated stainless steel.

Safe Air teamed with Hukkelberg Boats — a Norwegian company specializing in the design and building of high-speed search & rescue, dive support, patrol and other offshore boats — to install its state-of-the-art commercial dive systems that has Teguar TSD-45-16 waterproof monitors connected to the helmet cameras of hard-hat divers. This gives the dive support crew a real-time view of what the commercial diver is seeing, increasing safety and productivity, providing support, and determining equipment supply needs.

Teguar TSD-45 Series — Summary

With their TSD-45 Series, Teguar Computers offers a line of waterproof industrial-grade monitors specially designed for use in maritime or any other environments that require full sealing and maximum resistance to water, salt water, abrasive chemicals as well as high-pressure hose-downs. All monitors in the series can be yoke-mounted, panel-mounted, or installed using VESA screw-mount patterns.

Available in eight screen sizes from 10 to 24 inches, these water-proof touchscreen monitors offer a graphical user interface for machine operation, data viewing, self service activities, or interaction with ERP software. The monitors can be connected to an embedded box PC via HDMI or VGA. Or they can be connected to an All-In-One panel computer and act as cloned displays or dual screen monitors.

Employing SUS304 or optional SUS316 stainless steel construction, Teguar's TSD-45 waterproof industrial monitors are rock-solid and meticulously made. Capacitive touch is standard, but all versions are configurable with resistive touch as well. The former offers the effortless touch operation users have on their phones and tablets, the latter works better in potentially wet and damp environments.

Teguar offers all of their TSD-45 waterproof industrial monitors with optional high-bright (1,000 nits) display versions for daylight readable deployments.

After examining, using, and taking apart the Teguar TSD-45-10 waterproof industrial monitor, as well as studying the specs and features of the company's entire lineup of TSD-45 monitors, we came away impressed with the design, extremely solid build, functionality, and overall exceptionally high quality of the line. — Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, September 2022

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Teguar Computers
1-800-870-7715
www.teguar.com