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RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal
For teams working across industrial vehicle applications, the RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal offers a rugged solution tailored to withstand harsh environments and demanding power conditions. It features a wide voltage input range from 9 to 32 VDC, extendable to 18 to 60 VDC with an optional module, complemented by an integrated UPS backup battery to maintain operation during power fluctuations. The device is equipped with a high-visibility 10.4-inch XGA TFT LCD that delivers 1000 nits brightness, ensuring clear readability even under direct sunlight. Built to meet MIL-STD-810G for vibration, shock resistance up to 40 G, and salt fog endurance, alongside an IP66 rating for dust and water protection, the VM-521 assures reliability in challenging ambient conditions ranging from -30DAC to +55DAC.
Connectivity options include dual Gigabit Ethernet, multiple RS-232 ports, USB 2.0, CAN bus compliant with SAE J1939/OBD II, and wireless modules supporting Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0, catering to extensive communication needs. These features support dependable field deployment in sectors such as logistics, heavy-duty industry, and public services.
RuggVMC VM-521 Features
- Wide power input range 9-32 VDC with optional 18-60 VDC module
- Built-in UPS backup battery for power stability
- 1000 nits high-brightness sunlight-readable display
- Comprehensive industrial I/O including CAN bus and multiple serial ports
- Certified MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration resistant, IP66 sealed enclosure
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Certifications & Standards
CE, FCC, IP66, MIL-STD-810G
Ruggedness
IP Rating
Mounting Format
Screen Size
Processor
Country Of Manufacture
Taiwan
Certifications
CE, FCC, CB
Custom Options Products
Custom Logo,Processor,Memory,Storage,Operating System
Dimensions
(W x H x D) : 276 x 252 x 67.3 (mm)
Humidity
95%, non-condensing
Operating Temperature
-30°C to +55°C
Ordering Info
VM-521-HR (P/N : 71-8I13200-A7012)
VM-521l with Intel Atom E3845 1.91GHz, 4GB DDR3L, 64GB SSD, and Wi-Fi / BT]
VM-521-HRD (P/N : 71-8I13200-A7010)
VM-521 with Intel Atom E3845 1.91GHz, 4GB DDR3L, 64GB SSD, Wi-Fi / BT and defrost function
VM-521-LR (P/N : 71-8I13200-A7007)
VM-521 with Intel Atom E3827 1.75GHz, 4GB DDR3L, 64GB SSD, and Wi-Fi / BT
VM-521-LRD (P/N : 71-8I13200-A7011)
VM-521 with Intel Atom E3827 1.75GHz, 4GB DDR3L, 64GB SSD, Wi-Fi / BT and defrost function
Processor
Intel
Shock
MIL-STD-810G, 40G at 11ms Terminal / Sawtooth
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +70°C
Accessories and Docking
Mounting Kit
WWAN Antenna
WIFI / BT Antenna
Box Contents
DB9 series to dual USB cable
External power cable
Buttons
Programmable button x 1, brightness adjustment x 1_x005F_x005F_x005F_x000D_ Optional defrost / defog button x 1
Display
10.4†XGA TFT LCD with LED backlight (1024 x 768)
1000 nits brightness
5-wire resistive touch supports defroster function
Integrated Communications
Dual Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth V4.0 Class 2
Optional 4G LTE / GPRS / HSPA+Â Â Â Â
Optional GNSS (GPS / QZSS or GLONASS)
I/O Interfaces
R S-232 x 3 (COM1 with power supported)
USB 2.0 x 2
CAN bus (SAE J1939 / OBD II supported) x 1
DI x 4, DO x 4
Audio headset jack x 1
Optional video input x 4
DC-in x 1
Memory
4GB DDR3L SODIMM, expandable to 8GB
MEMORY (Installed)
4GB DDR3L SODIMM
Power Management
9~32 VDC input, optional 18~60 VDC
Optional ignition sense
Wake on RTC
UPS backup battery
Processor, Chipset
Intel® Atom® E3845 processor 1.91GHz, optional Intel® Atom® E3827 processor 1.75GHz
Ruggedness/Durability
IEC 60529 IP66
Vibration (operating) : MIL-STD-810G, Method 514.7 c2/c3/c4
Shock (operating) : MIL-STD-810G, 40G at 11ms Terminal / Sawtooth
Salt fog : MIL-STD-810G, Change1, Method 509.6
Software
DashON
Sound/Audio
Built in Dual Audio Speaker
Storage
2.5†SSD (64GB default), SD Slot
Touchscreen
5-wire resistive touch supports defroster function
Vibration
MIL-STD-810G, Method 514.7 c2/c3/c4
The RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The RuggVMC VM-521 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Agriculture, Construction, Defence And Military, Emergency Services, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Public Sector, Rail And Transport.
Across these sectors, the RuggVMC VM-521 is typically used in applications such as Driver Workflows And Tachograph Integration, Field Data Capture And Reporting, Fleet Management And Telematics, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Mobile Workforce Operations, Proof Of Delivery And Last-Mile Logistics, Route Planning And Navigation, Vehicle-Mounted Computing (MDTs / VMCs).
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the RuggVMC VM-521 across both industry sectors and real-world operational use cases. Its suitability extends well beyond the scenarios listed above, making it a flexible solution for a broad range of requirements.
For further information, or to assess whether the RuggVMC VM-521 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal comes with a Standard Manufacturers Limited Warranty + Option To Extend against defects in workmanship and materials, effective from the date of shipment (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
To receive service under this warranty, the eligible product, RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal or to arrange repairs and services not covered by the warranty, please visit the warranty section on our website.
Do you need further details about the RuggOn RuggVMC VM-521 Data Terminal, or would you like to discuss a customised solution or demonstration?
At RUGGED, we recognise that every project has its own unique demands. If you have any questions about the RuggON RuggVMC VM-521 or need a custom Vehicle Mount Computer solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
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Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Selecting the correct solution for your specific application and operating environment requires careful consideration.
At Rugged, our engineering and product specialists can advise on specifications, environmental suitability, mounting requirements, connectivity, and lifecycle planning to ensure the right fit for your deployment.
With extensive industry experience and a focus on reliability and performance, we help you select a solution aligned with your operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
RUGGED offers free technical support for the lifetime of products you purchase. This includes help with setup, troubleshooting, and integration. Support is available online or directly from the technical team
Rugged tablets are specifically engineered to withstand harsh environments, making them a viable and often superior alternative to traditional laptops in various demanding sectors. Their robust construction provides protection against drops, shocks, vibrations, dust, and water, which are common hazards in field service, logistics, emergency services, and manufacturing.
Unlike standard laptops, a rugged tablet is designed for portability and ease of use in conditions where a laptop would quickly fail. They offer features such as sunlight-readable displays, extended battery life, and integration with specialised peripherals like barcode scanners and RFID readers, which are crucial for efficient operation in the field. These characteristics make them ideal for mobile workers who require reliable computing power and data capture capabilities in challenging outdoor or industrial settings.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged tablets that are built to meet these rigorous demands, ensuring consistent performance and data integrity where conventional devices cannot. Their design prioritises resilience and functionality, allowing users to maintain productivity without worrying about device failure due to environmental stress.
While it’s true that a rugged tablet excels in industrial environments due to its durability and resilience, its utility extends far beyond factories and construction sites. Rugged Limited designs these devices to withstand harsh conditions across various sectors, including logistics, public safety, field service, healthcare, and retail. Their robust construction protects against drops, extreme temperatures, dust, and water ingress, making them suitable for any demanding work environment where standard commercial tablets would fail.
The versatility of a rugged tablet allows for reliable performance in diverse scenarios, from tracking inventory in a dusty warehouse to managing patient data in a busy hospital, or navigating complex routes in the field. Rugged Limited ensures these devices can handle the rigors of these varied applications, providing essential tools for professionals who require dependable technology in challenging conditions. Thus, while industrial use is prominent, it represents only a part of the broad spectrum of environments where a rugged tablet proves invaluable.
Rugged Limited offers a range of rugged tablets, and many of these devices are equipped with advanced features such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities. These technologies are crucial for businesses that require efficient data capture, asset tracking, and secure authentication in demanding environments. For instance, integrated RFID readers can streamline inventory management and logistics by allowing quick and accurate scanning of tagged items.
NFC functionality further enhances the versatility of a rugged tablet, enabling seamless data exchange with other NFC-enabled devices and facilitating secure payments or access control. These integrated features mean that a single rugged tablet can perform multiple critical tasks, reducing the need for separate devices and improving operational efficiency. When considering a rugged tablet from Rugged Limited, it’s important to check the specific model’s specifications to confirm the inclusion of RFID or NFC technology, as these capabilities can vary across the product line to meet diverse industry needs.
The lifespan of a rugged tablet is a key advantage over standard consumer tablets, which often fail prematurely in challenging work environments. Rugged tablets from Rugged Limited are engineered with durability as a core principle, designed to withstand drops, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and ingress from dust and water thanks to features like MIL-STD-810G ratings and IP certifications. This robust construction means that a rugged tablet is not just a temporary tool but a long-term investment, significantly reducing total cost of ownership through fewer replacements and less downtime.
While specific lifespans can vary based on usage intensity and environmental factors, these devices are generally built to perform reliably for a minimum of 3-5 years. Many users experience even longer operational periods, making them an economical choice for industries requiring dependable technology. For those interested in exploring these durable devices further, you can find a comprehensive selection of rugged tablets at Rugged Limited.
When considering a
rugged tablet
for challenging work environments, vibration resistance is a key design feature. Many of the rugged tablets available from Rugged Limited are engineered to withstand significant vibrations, which is crucial for applications in vehicles, industrial settings, or field operations where equipment is regularly subjected to movement and shock. This robust construction ensures that sensitive internal components remain protected, preventing operational disruptions and data loss due to constant shaking or impact.
The enhanced durability against vibration contributes to the overall reliability and longevity of a
rugged tablet
, allowing users to maintain productivity without concerns about equipment failure in high-vibration scenarios.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged tablets specifically designed to withstand the harsh and demanding environments often encountered in military operations. These devices are built to be highly durable, making them ideal for frontline deployment and logistic applications where standard consumer devices would fail.
Our rugged tablets incorporate features essential for military use, such as resistance to drops, impacts, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. They also offer enhanced readability in direct sunlight, extended battery life, and secure connectivity options, all critical for effective communication and data management in the field. For more information on the types of devices available, please visit our rugged tablets section.
Rugged tablets are engineered for demanding conditions and universally feature touch input capabilities. This ensures ease of use and adaptability across various industries, from manufacturing to field services. These devices often incorporate advanced touch technologies that allow for operation even when users are wearing gloves or when the screen is exposed to moisture.
The touchscreens on these rugged devices are built to be highly durable and responsive, providing seamless interaction for critical tasks. This makes the rugged tablet an indispensable tool in environments where traditional devices would fail due to impacts, vibrations, or exposure to dust and water. Rugged Limited ensures that our rugged tablets offer reliable and precise touch functionality, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency for professionals in the toughest conditions.









