Over the coming months, DeWalt will launch a fully connected system, including a WiFi mesh network and, later, an Internet of Things (IoT) platform, to enhance productivity, profitability, and safety on the job site. After extensive research, DeWalt identified that, due to the increase in digital dependency in the construction field, there is an unmet need for reliable connectivity and asset management across the job site. Sharing data has become more necessary for contractors, yet limited connectivity options exist. The DeWalt DCT100 is here to bridge the gap.
DeWalt’s patented WiFi mesh technology provides an essential solution with its ruggedized access points built to withstand a construction job site’s harsh and variable conditions. DeWalt WiFi enables general and trade contractors to collaborate in real-time across large-scale job sites and to easily access critical site information such as prints, schedules, budgets, and RFIs.
DeWalt and Mortenson Construction: A Case Study of Efficiency
Suppose you are trying to understand why you need DeWalt’s new Wifi capabilities. In that case, we have a case study from Mortenson Construction to help you understand the benefits of DeWalt’s Jobsite WiFi.
“DeWalt understands how vital the building and construction industries are to local and global economies,” said Tony Nicolaidis, Vice President of Marketing for Connected Systems. “Leveraging technology, our goal is to provide solutions for gathering in-depth jobsite data for better decision-making by general contractors and trade contractors, thus enhancing productivity and safety.”
“Entering the connectivity space is a great move for DeWalt and a promising opportunity for industry. They bring a wealth of expertise to the industry as the first company to truly focus on creating a platform to support the Internet of Things. In tackling connectivity, we see enormous potential and opportunity for DeWalt and the wider construction community,” said Taylor Cupp, Technologist for Mortenson Construction. He adds, “The real savings were reducing worker movement around the project site.
That is important because when you look at the labor costs of a project, which can be upwards of 40% or 50% of the total project cost, it can have an enormous impact quickly.” During one $22.5M project, 5 DeWalt DCT100 Jobsite WiFi Access Points were used to cover 64,000 Square Feet for 13 months. The impact revealed to all was that workers were saved 10 minutes daily by not having to walk to the job site trailer. This is broken down to a 2% savings in labor costs or $175,000. They noticed an increase in digital collaboration and a reduction of risk in rework by synchronizing critical apps.
Specifications of the DeWalt DCT100 Jobsite WiFi Access Point
RADIOS
- Two internal 802.11a/b/g/n radios
- Max data rate: 300 Mbit/s
- Combined max data rate: 570 Mbit/s. 270 Mbit/s for the 2.4 GHz, 300 Mbit/s for the 5 GHz.
- 2.4 GHz 23 dBm max average transmit power.
- 5 GHz 20 dBm max average transmit power.
- Max transmits power is decreased for specific geographies to comply with local regulations.
SECURITY
- WPA2 encryption with SSL interfaces
- Device offline notifications
- The frame allows cable lock security (sold separately)
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
- FCC (US)
- IC (Canada)
- SGS (US), RoHS compliant
INTERFACES
- Two Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) Ports
- One 12-24VDC In Jack, 2.1mm Center Pin Barrel Jack
- One 12-24VDC Out Jack, 2.5mm Center Pin Barrel Jack
ENVIRONMENT
- IP67 is rated to protect against dust and water submersion.
- Operating temperature: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to fifty)
POWER
- AC Power: 120V AC
- Power consumption: AC Current: 0.6A / 120V AC
- 12-24V Output power port: 0.4A Max, 2.5mm Center Pin Barrel Jack
- 12-24V Input power port: 1.2A Min, 2.1mm Center Pin Barrel Jack
- 8′ AC cord included.
LED INDICATORS
- Connectivity
- Power/Booting/Firmware Upgrade Status
- Error Codes
MOUNTING
- Mount ten’ away from obstructions by a carabiner or anchor for optimal performance.
- One-fourth”-20, 5/8″-11 Tripod or bolt anchor points.
- Swivel wire anchor point.
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
- 10.5″ x 10.5″ x 6″ (267 mm x 267 mm x 152 mm)
- Weight: 5.75 lbs (2.61 Kg)
Together, these solutions from DEWALT will connect the job site in a revolutionary way, allowing contractors to improve efficiency, profitability, and safety through unparalleled connectivity, insights, and asset optimization. For more information, check out AcmeTools.com.
