BWA Technology unveils environmentally toughened video cartridge system

The BWA-UDOCK1 is a unique, swappable HDD memory system offering all the advantages, which are expected from a hard disk data medium: ultra-high-speed, high memory capacity and immediate access to data. An extended input voltage range, power supply output and USB screw-locking feature allow for industrial use in many mobile applications. It uses HDD cartridges from Imation Inc., available in capacity from 160 up to 500 (or 640: Q4/2009) GB via Imation partners.

BWA-UDOCK1 is enclosed in fan-less aluminium housing with rugged screwed connectors (USB and power input) and provides following unique features:

• Enhanced, rugged motor-driven load mechanism;
• Extended power supply range from 9 up to 15 V DC;
• Adopted firmware for Linux using with DiREX-Pro DVRs;
• S.M.A.R.T. support.

Even by continuously video recording with DiREX-Pro DVRs, it is possible to exchange the data carrier during operation - easy and without data loss. As soon the eject button have been pressed, the writing processes will be stopped, opened files closed and the data cartridge ejected. This activity is displayed by LED flashing. A new HDD cartridge will be recognised automatically and recording continued.

More about BWA's environmentally toughened DVRs

Imation's Odyssey™-Extreme cartridges are exclusively available via BWA Technology and offer for professional video recording in variable outdoor conditions. Odyssey™-Extreme is a rugged, pocket-sized removable hard drive with extended temperature range and write protection switch.

Advantages compared to common used SSDs:

• Over the years proven and known technology;
• Unbeatable low prices at high capacity;
• Extended temperature range (-30 ... +85 °C);
• Almost unlimited number of write cycles;
• Relatively simple data recovery;
• Standardised S.M.A.R.T. failure prediction.

Thanks to the rubber-like encapsulation of the cartridges, they are resistant against drops of up to one meter and vibration specification is improved by approximately 3-5 times, compared to ordinary 2.5" HDDs.