Innovative Electronics Company Debuts Line of Powerful Marine-Grade Computers with Space-Saving Design for Convenient and Flexible Installation.
Kessler-Ellis Products (KEP) Marine, the manufacturer of industry-leading marine sunlight readable displays, and high-quality marine hardware and software products, announced today its new line of powerful marine-grade mini-rack computers, the Barracuda series. Built from the ground up to provide high performance computing in a small footprint, the Barracuda systems fit KEP Marine’s new proprietary space-saving 12-inch rack. The robust framework offers easy stowaway of computers on all size vessels and where space is limited. The marinized Barracuda computer series and rack mount system feature the quality, durability and marine-customized performance signature to KEP Marine solutions.
Engineered for impeccable on-the-water operation, low power consumption and secured thermal management, the space-saving KEP Marine Barracuda line offers multiple configurations and power options to suit all mariners’ needs including navigation, communication, camera and security, vessel PC and media storage, vessel monitoring and systems backup needs. Featuring an upgradeable AMD Athlon II Dual Core Central Processing Unit (CPU), the new computers deliver high-quality video processing for complex charting, and VGA, DVI and HDMI outputs for connection to a wide variety of displays. Additional features include 6-channel HD audio, 1000/100/10 Gigabit LAN and 7 USB inputs (1 front and 6 rear accessible). Barracuda computers are customizable and can run Windows 7, Windows XP and Linux OS, and are compatible with multiple switching devices for easy source selection and RS-232 remote control systems.
“KEP Marine’s new Barracuda series is a powerful enhancement to our proven computer line, providing boaters with the most advanced and reliable performance on the market,” said Keith Cariani, sales manager, KEP Marine. “Its rugged, perfected design ensures operation in all sea conditions, and its compact size, easy installation and extensive configuration make it the ideal solution for any size vessel.”
Consisting of three computers with a total of nine model options and several customizable specifications, the Barracuda series offers the power of full size computers in a rugged chassis that is less than 3.5-inches tall. Barracuda 100 series models feature 2 or 4 GB of RAM, a 64 GB solid-state storage drive (SSD), 500 GB hard drive options, and can be upgraded to a quad core CPU. Barracuda 200 series models feature a slot-loading CD-RW/DVD drive, 4 GB of RAM, a 64 GB SSD for optimum system performance and are available with 500 GB or 1 TB hard drive storage options. Complete with the same features as the Barracuda 200, the Barracuda 300 series consists of four models with a wide selection of drive capabilities and types, and features 4 GB of RAM, up to two 64 GB SSDs and, for maximum storage, a choice of two high-capacity 2 TB hard drives. For convenience and security, KEP Marine offers a choice of built-in or removable hard drives.
KEP Marine Barracuda mini-rack computers are housed in ultra-rugged, marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel chassis and come in optional brushed, polished, painted or powder coat finishes. The units measure 10-inches wide and 10.75-inches deep, and have a height of 1.75-inches, 2.5-inches and 3.5-inches for the Barracuda 100, 200 and 300 series computers, respectively. The systems’ compact rack mounts are available in 2U-10U sizes, or larger upon request. The system takes up less than one square foot of space and includes a surface bulkhead mount bracket for non-rack mount installations. Designed and constructed with an airflow gap for optimized cooling, the Barracuda has an operating temperature range of 32° to 122° Fahrenheit (0° to 50° Celsius). The computers operate on AC current and a range of 6-30 VDC power. All KEP Marine Barracuda models are protected by a one-year, worldwide, advanced replacement warranty.
KEP Marine Barracuda series computers have suggested retail prices starting at $2,998.00 US, and can be purchased from authorized KEP Marine dealers and distributors worldwide. For more information on the new Barracuda series or the entire line of KEP marine electronics, contact 800-631-2165 (toll-free) in the USA or visit www.kepmarine.com.