Itronix Equips America True With Ruggedized Wireless Computing Solution for
America's Cup 2000; New Itronix X-C 6250 Pro Offers Unparalleled Technology for
America True Crew
SPOKANE, Wash., Aug 4, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE via COMTEX) --
ItronixCorporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of
ruggedized, wireless mobile computing solutions for field automation,
today announced that it will provide X-C 6250 Pro(TM) mobile
workstations to the crew of America True, The San Francisco Yacht Club
challenger for America's Cup 2000.
The ruggedized, wireless workstations will support the crew
communications system, giving America True an innovative technological
advantage over other competing yachts.
"Part of our mission is to capitalize on superior technology, and we
feel strongly that the Itronix solution is a key element to this
mission," said Dawn Riley, CEO and Captain of America True. "By having
completely ruggedized and weatherized units on-board, we are using
technology on our boats that no longer has environmental limitations.
We won't have to worry about our computers not surviving the
punishment, so we will be able to concentrate fully on winning the
America's Cup."
As an official America True sponsor, Itronix will help to develop
ground-breaking solutions for the boat's technology design by providing
several waterproof X-C 6250 Pro units. The units will be located in
critical locations to assemble and transmit relevant data to crew
members quickly and efficiently. One workstation will be located below
the yacht's deck and will be connected to the electronic
instrumentation system, the telemetry system and a GPS system to
receive and transmit all of the race's pertinent data. The X-C 6250 Pro
will transmit information regarding current wind speed and direction,
compass heading, positioning and speed of the yacht as well as the
yacht's current pitch and roll rates. Kiwitech software from Raytheon
Marine will provide an analysis of the data to the crew, enabling them
to make appropriate adjustments.
"The construction and durability of the Itronix X-C 6250 Pro affords us
with the flexibility to use the units in various critical locations
during the race," said Eric Steinberg, electronics specialist for
America True. "Throughout the history of the America's Cup, we have
never been afforded a compatible solution, and we are confident that
the Itronix X-C 6250 Pro will provide our crew with significant
technical advantages."
Another workstation will be mounted inside the forty-foot chase boat,
allowing the crew to communicate next steps effectively with the
yacht's team members. Due to the severe pounding of the high-speed
tender, the X-C 6250 Pro's shock-mounted display will maintain a
constant connection with the yacht. This year, crew members will be
able to use an external screen on the yacht's deck to communicate
wirelessly with team members on the tender and on land. The screen will
be connected to the X-C 6250 Pro through a combination ofradio and
modem technologies.
Built upon Itronix' field-proven durability, the X-C 6250 Pro is
designed to excel in the harshest environmental conditions, like those
experienced in America's Cup 2000. The device features a standard
magnesium alloy casing and fully ruggedized internal components to
protect the unit from exposure to rain, dust, shock, vibration and
extreme temperature fluctuations. The X-C 6250 Pro features a
Colorvue(TM) screen, which enables the use of color applications in
outdoor environments with a high level of readability. The workstation
also features a Nitevue(TM) low-light keyboard to enhance the viewing
capacity of the keyboard in dark environments. Additionally, Itronix
has achieved significant gains in battery life through enhanced power
management techniques and a 33 percent larger battery pack capacity --
without an increase in size -- to allow the unit to run efficiently
during the entire race.
"We are proud to provide a mission-critical solution for the crew of
America True," said Matt Gerber, vice president of Marketing for
Itronix. "We believe the X-C 6250 Pro's ruggedized features will allow
America True to maintain communication through the race's severe
environmental conditions, giving them a winning technological
advantage."
About America's Cup The next America's Cup will be held in Auckland,
New Zealand, February-March 2000. Challengers will race in the Louis
Vuitton Cup challenger races from October 1999 through February 2000 to
select one challenger for the America's Cup match against Team New
Zealand. Thirteen challengers from eight nations have met the
requirements to race in the challenger selection series. The racing
will draw extensive worldwide television coverage during the 16 weeks
of competition.
About Itronix Itronix Corporation designs, manufactures and deploys
mission-critical wireless field automation solutions for mobile service
workforces. Itronix' ultra-rugged computing devices feature embedded
high-performance wireless technologies that maximize the productivity
of mobile applications in markets such as utilities, telecommunications
service, home and business services, public safety and insurance
estimation.
Itronix is based in Spokane, Wash. and is a subsidiary of Dynatech
Corporation, a Burlington, Mass.-based, global communications equipment
provider focused on leading-edge communications technology solutions.
Additional information about Itronix Corporation can be found on
Itronix' Web site at itronix.com.
About America True America True is The San Francisco Yacht Club
challenge for America's Cup 2000. America True is led by Dawn Riley,
the first woman to manage an America's Cup team.
America True is capitalizing on superior technology by designing and
building the fastest sailing yacht on the water. It is also recruiting
the finest, most experience coed team to realize its mission of winning
the America's Cup in 2000. Along the way, every team member is working
to give back to the community and expand the sport of sailing by making
it more accessible through True Youth outreach and other innovative
programs. For more information, please visit www.americatrue.org or
call 415/433-4287.
Copyright (C) 1999 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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