Waterproof CANbus keypads are programmable.

Enabling vehicle manufacturers to provide premium and robust visibility and control.

The PKD, PKI, and PKR series of advanced CANbus keypads, with many user interface options and a compact form factor designed to resist the elements have been announced by APEM. This product family provides a myriad of options for vehicle OEMs to add exceptional and beautiful visualization and control features, enhancing their equipment using standardized components, while avoiding the complexity and expense of fully custom devices.

Modern vehicles incorporate many on-board digital and automation systems, which are typically interconnected using standard communication protocols such as CANOpen and J1939. While touchscreen displays can be developed to access these capabilities, there are many cases where one or more durable keypads provide a superior user interface.

APEM now offers the PKx series of keypad interfaces, which join a well-established line of industrial-grade switches and indicators. Depending on the model, a variety of capabilities are possible:

• Configurable multicolor LED backlight
• High intensity RGB LED status indicators
• Standard or modular pushbuttons and knobs
• A 3-in-1 knob combining a pushbutton, rotary encoder, and joystick
• Laser etched icons, or stock icon inserts
• IP67/69K ingress protection, and 400-hour UVB protection

• Flexible mounting

These keypads feature a silicone rubber front face, a plastic backshell, and connectorized CANbus wires for easy installation where space is at a premium, when functionality cannot be compromised, and/or in adverse conditions. Designers can select from three major product families, each with various standard and optional features, as follows:

• PKD: This series integrates an innovative 3-in-1 pushbutton/knob/joystick with 4 or 6 keypad buttons, each with two LED indicators. The PKD provides precise and diverse input options in one compact design.

• PKI: This series is available in configurations of 1 to 15 key positions, arranged in 1 to 3 rows with 1 to 6 columns. Each position can be provisioned with a keypad button (using a replaceable icon insert), and a 15 key version can incorporate up to two 16-detent rotary knobs. The PKI is available with thousands of stock icon inserts, making it suitable for almost any conceivable application.

• PKR: This series is available in four sizes offering a total of 6 to 14 key positions. Each position includes a keypad button with 0 to 3 LED indicators. The PKR is extremely compact, delivering a high button density, while preserving excellent usability.

All PKx keypads are designed with a wide operating temperature range, thermal/mechanical shock and vibration resistance, and the ability to withstand UV, salt spray, and chemical exposure. Every indicator and keypad button is easily configured to interface with host systems over open CANOpen and J1939 protocols.

With the introduction of the APEM PKD, PKI, and PKR series of keypads, OEM and industrial designers now have access to a premium and highly adaptable user interface to help them differentiate their products, without requiring cost-prohibitive custom and esoteric design work. The PKx series is a first-rate solution for off-road, defense, specialty vehicle, automotive, agricultural, industrial, and nautical markets.

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@APEM_HMI #controlspr #Automotive #CANbus

Heavy duty computer interface devices.

Foremost Electronics has been appointed as a distributor for Storm Interface, manufacturer of heavy duty keypads, keyboards and custom computer interface devices. All Storm products are built to withstand rough use and abuse in unattended public and industrial applications.

Along with Storm’s toughened industrial HMI products, Foremost will also stock its ‘Assistive Technology Products’. These accessible DDA and ADA compliant system navigation devices are used by kiosk manufacturers and self service operators to ensure access to information and services for those with sensory or mobility impairment.

“As accessibility legislation relating to the self-service market continues to evolve, the requirement for this type of tactile, audio enabled device is steadily increasing.” comments Emma Kempster, Key Account Manager of Foremost Electronics Ltd. ‘We represent many of the world's major manufacturers and with Storm’s reputation for quality, we believe their products will be a good fit for us.’

The product range available from Foremost includes 5 and 8 key “Nav Pads”, an X-Y Position Control Navigation Pad, a 6 key Nav Bar with USB interface and audio port options and a High Contrast computer keyboard.

#4mostElec #PAuto

Rugged, waterproof keypads

“The demand for rugged waterproof keypads continues to grow as the need for security and access systems becomes more widespread.” Claims Alan Cook, Managing Director of Foremost Electronics, “These two new additions to our keypad range offer a cost effective, ergonomic, low profile secure access solution while in addition they are vandal resistant and waterproof.” These products are exclusive to Foremost Electronics who can supply them to customers throughout Europe.

The new AK-1604-N-SSB-WP-MM features a 16 button alpha-numeric keypad and the AK-304-N-SSB-WP-MM has a 12 button numeric keypad. Custom legend options are available with a minimum order quantity of 2,000 pcs plus nominal tooling costs.

Both keypads are manufactured from rugged cast metal, are waterproof to IP67 and are rear panel mounted through a single large cut-out with an optional rubber gasket for additional weatherproof sealing. The keypads have contacts rated at 24VDC/20mA and contact resistance of 20mΩ. Life expectancy is greater than 2,000,000 cycles per key and they have an operating temperature range of -20 to +60ºC. Both keypads are available in Illuminated versions.

These new compact, low profile, metal keypads may be used in public and industrial environments for access control, security, data-entry, vending machines and kiosks, environmental control and service access.