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RAM Tough-Hub

Intelligently solving connectivity problems in the mobile office

(RAM Tough-Hub product page)

RAM-Mounts of Seattle, Washington -- undisputedly the leading innovator and manufacturer of rugged, durable mounting systems and docking stations for mobile electronics with their patented ball and socket mounting system that allows you to mount practically anything anywhere -- continues to broaden its line of mobile office products. The latest addition is the RAM Tough-Hub™.

What is the Tough-Hub? It's a small, compact, rugged box that solves computer-related connectivity and power problems in vehicles. It does that by providing USB ports, LAN connectivity, and an ignition trigger all in one place. Specifically, the Tough-Hub provides:

  • 6 USB 2.0 ports — Pretty much anything uses USB these days, and you can never have enough USB ports. Unfortunately, mobile devices rarely have more than two or three, and they may not be in a convenient location. The Tough-Hub provides six additional 5v USB 2.0 ports, and they are all powered, which means they can be used for any USB application.

  • RJ-45 LAN — Even with onboard WiFi, 10/100-baseT wired LAN is often preferable for connection between mobile devices and mobile hubs and servers.

  • Threaded power jack — The Tough-Hub includes a threaded 12-48 VDC input connector for reliable access to vehicle or other external power.

  • Ignition Trigger — The ignition trigger is wired into the vehicle's ignition system and provides a timed power-off to connected peripherals when the vehicles ignition is turned off. Shut-off time can be set to 5, 15 or 45 minutes. This is extremely useful as it maintains connectivity and access to peripherals during brief vehicle stops or when vehicle ignition is turned off.

The RAM Tough-Hub, which measures just 5.1 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches, is designed specifically for use in demanding environments. It's made of self-extinguishing material, has strain-relieved cabling and connection points, and it can be mounted almost anywhere and also fits onto any RAM cradle or dock with the standard VESA 75 x 75mm hole pattern.

The images below show some examples of RAM Tough-Hub mounting solutions. On the left is the Tough-Hub with a double u-bolt rail mount that fits 1/2 to 1-1/4-inch diameter pipes. The kit includes a square plate with VESA standard holes. Next to it is a special solution for the Motion Computing C5 and F5 rugged Tablet PCs. It includes the C5/F5 powered dock and greatly increases connectivity of the tablets in vehicle and other mobile settings. On the right you can see how the small TOugh-Hub easily mounts almost anywhere.

As far as pricing goes, the Tough-Hub itself retails for US$88.71. The RAM Tough-Hub with the double u-bolt rail mount retails for US$142.98, and the Motion C5/F5 powered dock with the Tough-Hub setup lists for US$408.61. You can, of course, create our own Tough-Hub solution with parts from RAM's huge mounting systems catalog. Examining the specs of the RAM Tough-Hub, it becomes clear that none of the competing products comes close to offering the wealth of the Tough-Hub's features and functionality.

See RAM Tough-Hub page at Ram-Mounts.