About Techsol

Message from the CEO

2012‑10‑05 Well, our pace of new product development continues to exceed our pace of posting items on our Web site. We have published a press release about our “Small TSC” (2.x″ to 5″ Touch‑Screen Computers), which are described on the Small TSC product page. And we’ll follow with information about our “Medium TSC” products, with screens from 5″ WVGA to 10.x″, as well as “Large TSC” products, which have 8″ and larger displays. The main distinction between Medium and Large (besides size) is that the Medium line have a parallel RGB interface to the display, whereas the Large series use LVDS. That sounds like we’d only need a single display adapter board for LVDS displays but, unfortunately, variations in the touch‑screen connectors and backlight requirements of different models of displays force us to use unique solutions for different models of display panels.

In addition to new Hardware, there are lots of new Software developments too, including Java SE support on the Touch‑Screen Computer Modules.

So stay tuned. There’s lots more to come!
2012‑01‑30 It’s already 2012? To where did 2011 go? Well, we continue to spin new products at a frantic rate, but haven’t yet put them on the Web. If you need something that you don’t see, please call and ask. And we’re busier than ever. We thought 2011 was a big improvement over 2010, but 2012 is similarly busier than 2011.

Medallion Systems has tweaked the TSCM‑283 computer module (rev. A2) as well as the 3.5″, 4.3″, and 7″ display interface boards. Most of the new products are powered by our Touch Screen Computer Modules (TSCM), offering 3× the performance of our existing “Medallion Classic” modules. The TSCMs enable lower‑cost touch screens for building automation and other HMI applications.
2011‑07‑15 Well, 2011 continues its relentless pace! zPoint Products is working with large players in both the building controls and smart grid space. And was included in Rocket Builders’s 2011 Cleantech Emerging Rockets List! zPoint Products’s Web site has been updated to a modern look to better communicate the solutions and benefits. Meanwhile, Medallion Systems booked more business in the first 2 months of 2011 than in all of 2010. Most of the new products are powered by our Touch Screen Computer Modules (TSCM), offering 3× the performance of our existing “Medallion Classic” modules. The TSCMs enable lower-cost touch screens for those same building automation and smart grid apps, as well as other HMI applications.
2011‑02‑24 Well, 2011 is starting with a bang! zPoint Products is working with large players in both the building controls and smart grid space. And was included in Rocket Builders’s 2011 Cleantech Emerging Rockets List! zPoint Products’s Web site is being updated to a modern look to better communicate the solutions and benefits. Meanwhile, Medallion Systems has booked more business in the first 2 months of 2011 than all of 2010. Many of the new products will be powered by our “top-secret” Touch Screen Computer Modules (TSCM), offering 3× the performance of our existing modules. These will enable lower-cost touch screens for those same building automation and smart grid apps, as well as other HMI applications. Watch for PR on a slew of new products shortly.
2010‑12‑11

As Christmas nears and 2010 closes out, we're happy to report that business has taken off like crazy, and many of our suppliers are seeing similar trends. In Q4 alone we've started new projects in the commercial/office market, energy-efficiency for building automation, and HMIs for defense. Things are going to explode in January as folks get new budgets. Hang on as we ride the rocket in 2011!
--Brian
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Brian Empey, P.Eng., | Technical Solutions Inc. Delta, BC Canada
t: +1 888 832 4765 | skype: brian.empey.techsol | w: www.Techsol.ca www.zPointProducts.com
f: 604 946 6445 | http://twitter.com/BrianEmpey | http://www.linkedin.com/in/BrianEmpey

2010‑10‑13

I'm not sure why the economy is booming here in BC. Coming back from meetings in Vancouver, I counted 4 cranes on the skyline south of False Creek, just between the Cambie and Granville Street bridges. That's 4 more condos going up. And likely more than ½ the units are already pre-sold!

In Vancouver, a small 50-year-old house on a 33' lot sells for over $¾ million. Where we are (in the 'burbs) you can still get a new house for $700,000 but probably not for long. Sales (and prices) keep rising every month. Given the situation in most of the US, and the rest of Canada, it's a bit of a mystery.

Back to the world of embedded computers. We put our GWX2 on the Web site. Soon we'll add a device with a rich mix of I/O (digital, analog, and serial) suitable for process control. But it also has an optional TFT LCD in 5.7" or 7" sizes. Watch for that one soon.

Techsol doesn't put out press releases on our software development. If we did, there'd be 100 releases a year. We support so many protocols, languages, GUIs, and applications that we gave up trying to keep the Web site list current. Our new products (in development) feature Hi-speed USB 2. We've been running UBIFS for a long time. Our Medallion Linux has incorporated real-time extensions for many years. But we don't slow down.

The software advantages of working with Techsol might be what pushes our value equation well beyond industry norms.

So, please call or e-mail if you have any questions about any software features you're seeking. And call if you have any unique hardware needs. We might have what you need sitting on the shelf, waiting for time to put it on the Web!

And if not, please remember that cost-effective, custom-designed products are our core business.

--Brian
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Brian Empey, P.Eng., President
Technical Solutions Inc.
http://twitter.com/BrianEmpey
http://www.linkedin.com/in/BrianEmpey
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2009‑04‑14

As our business continues to rapidly expand, we are revamping both the Medallion System and zPoint Products Web sites. Both will feature products that have not been previously publicized. In addition, we are launching new divisions this year to better address specific types of products. Some of these divisions will have their own Web sites as well. Check back for news and updates!

Thank you,
Brian Empey, P.Eng.
CEO

Company Background

Founded in 1996, Technical Solutions grew from the realization that despite dramatic hardware and software advancements over the years, embedded technology had remained essentially (and disappointingly) unchanged. In fact, increasing complexity in both the hardware and software domains resulted in a “technology divide” between the large corporations and the smaller companies who could also benefit from powerful operating systems on 32-bit RISC CPUs.

In response, we offer a proprietary enabling technology that puts smaller companies on par with the big ones — at least in terms of access to technology. This technology is ideally suited to applications where low power and/or small physical size are vital.

The first application of Techsol's breakthrough technology is “Medallion”, a brand of high-performance computer modules, that have been specifically designed to improve and shorten the new product design process. Eclipsing the competition, the “Medallion” possesses interchangeability, allowing ease of multiple configurations and simple upgrades. However, a Medallion CPU Module is not just a small computer. The Medallion System encompasses the operating system, drivers for peripherals, hardware and software designs for additional peripherals including LCDs, Wireless, GPS, keyboards, USB storage, and so on. We offer CPU modules, development kits, plus reference designs that can be used as off-the-shelf products too! The first “ready-to-run” product line is a range of Medallion-powered Internet and network appliances, called Gateways. Future products may include tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDA), point of sale devices (POS), and industrial terminals, to name a few.

To establish ourselves as a portable technology leader, we know we have to refine and sustain innovative technologies, along with our flagship products and services. Consequently, we've invested heavily in research, design, and engineering. In doing so, the company hopes to fulfill the unmet needs and desires of highly-targeted market segments in various industries.

Archived News

The home page contains recent news under “What's New?”.

top side of a TSCM-233 Medallion Touch Screen Computer Moduletop side of a TSCM-283 Medallion Touch Screen Computer Module
2011‑06‑20 - Techsol New Product Announcement: TSCM Medallion CPU Module

Touch-Panel Computer with 4.3-inch, color TFT LCD and POE
2011‑06‑02 - Techsol’s TPC-43C Medallion Touch-Panel Computer now available with Qt.

Vancouver Enterprise Forum logo
2011-02-21 - zPoint Products will be presenting at the Vancouver Enterprise Forum (VEF) Cleantech Panel on Tuesday, 2011-02-22. Following an opening speech by Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson, the sold-out panel discussion will focus on how to capitalize on today’s Cleantech opportunities. zPoint Products will join three other companies in presenting 100-second “lighting pitches” to an audience of investors, industry experts, and other interested parties.

Linux + ARM + LCD + IEEE 802.x
2010-12-22 - Techsol Celebrates a Decade of Linux on ARM Designs with a Special Offer.

AHR expo 2011 button
2010-12-20 - We are attending the 63rd International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA at the end of January. Our products will be included in demonstrations in at least 2 booths, including the Lumalier booth C2362. If you'd like to meet, please contact Brian Empey or Bruce Nickson (e-mail or voice: 778 869 9974) to coordinate. See you there!

Gateway Express 2 Communications Computer with optional POE in All-Metal Enclosure
2010-09-29 - Techsol's Gateway Express 2 Communications Computer.

Autovation 2010: The Smart Utility Conference and Exposition
2010-09-11 - We're off to Autovation in Austin, Texas, the annual Smart-grid conference. This year should be bigger than ever!

AHR expo 2010 button
2010-01-25 - zPoint Products is exhibiting in booth 1157 at the 62nd International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) in Orlando, Florida, USA. zPoint Products is demonstrating its Smart Room controls, featuring dimmable fluorescent lights controlled by Touch Panel Computers (TPCs) from Techsol's Medallion System, which is zPoint Products's sister company. If you'd like to meet, please contact zPoint Products to coordinate. See you there!

2009-12-03 - Techsol’s TPC-43C Medallion Touch-Panel Computer.

2009-11-03 - Medallion Touch Screen Computers available with Python-GTK support.

2009-09-30 - Techsol Celebrates a Decade of ARM Designs.

2009-09-30 - zPoint Products is at WestCoastGreen in San Francisco to meet with current and future customers. If you'd like to meet, please contact zPoint Products to coordinate. See you there!

2009-07-08 - Techsol's TPC-43B Medallion Touch-Panel Computer.

2009-01-27 - Techsol's TPC-35B Medallion Touch-Panel Computer.

2008-02-13 - Techsol's TPC-43A Medallion Touch-Panel Computer.

2007-09-26 - Techsol's TPC-35A Medallion Touch-Panel Computer.

2007-07-02 - zPoint Products is pleased to announce that we are taking orders for a Wireless Control experimenter's kit containing everything needed to set up a ZigBee mesh network connected to your PC.

2007-06-12 - Techsol and Fluffy Spider Technologies (FST) partner to offer Embedded Multimedia Platform.

Gateway Express Communications Computer with Java in All-Metal Enclosure
2007-01-30 - Techsol's Gateway Express Low-power Java Computer.

2006-11-15 - zPoint Products demonstrates cost-saving wireless control devices (zPoints) in the ZigBee Alliance booth at the Electronic Home Expo (EHX) in Long Beach, California.

2006-10-05 - ZigBee Evaluation Kit from zPoint Products offers Simple, Low-Cost means to evaluate Wireless Signal Strength.

2006-05-30 - zPoint Products demonstrates Wireless Lighting Controls at Light Fair 2006.

2006-03-25 - Techsol Announces New Division to concentrate on Building Automation Solutions.

2006-03-07 - Techsol's TPC-57A Medallion Touch-Panel Computer.

2006-02-01 - Techsol's SA2410 Medallion CPU Module.

2005-xx-xx - Techsol develops a Tiny, Wearable “Net Audio” Interface Board.

2004-11-08 - Techsol is proud to announce an Ultra-low-power Industrial Computer.

2003-12-09 - Techsol ports KADAK's AMX RTOS onto ARM-based processors from Aeroflex.

2003-10-08 - Techsol Design Win: Medallion CPU Module powers Automatic Vehicle Location system.

2003-05-06 - Techsol Design Win: Medallion CPU Module powers Autonomous Mobile Robot.

2003-01-28 - Techsol demonstrates wireless terminals to select OEMs.

2002-08-06 - Techsol is proud to announce a number of pioneering “firsts” for the embedded Linux world.

2002-08-01 - Techsol is proud to announce our secure, multi-currency e-commerce site is online.

2002-03-21 - Techsol's New ARM-based Medallion Computer Module named Product of the Month

2002-03-13 - Techsol's New ARM-based Medallion Computer Module Utilizes DiskOnChip for Bulk Storage

2002-03-06 - Techsol Announces Linux-based Thin Client Development Kit for Embedded Applications.

2002-02-20 - Techsol Is Founding Member of Wearable Technology Association.

2002-02-13 - Techsol Joins Canada Trade Mission to Mexico.

2002-02-06 - Techsol Announces Private Funding.

2002-01-21 - Techsol Announces New ARM-Based “Medallion” Computer Modules.

2000‑10 - Techsol designs Commercial Digital Audio Player devices for PlayNetwork Inc. of Redmond, Washington.

2000‑09 - Techsol assists QBeo Inc. of North Bend, Washington to port their image enhancement applications to Digital Cable Set-top Boxes.

2000‑06 - Techsol contracts to “productize” the Voice Recorder Device for Physio Control Corporation of Redmond, Washington.

2000‑05 - Techsol contracts to manufacture Digital Launchpad Controllers for Impulse Aerospace of Everett, Washington.

2000‑03 - Techsol assists Picture IQ Corporation of Seattle, Washington with the development of a Photograph editing Set-top Box for Iomega Corporation of Salt Lake City, Utah.

1999‑08 - Techsol develops hardware and software for a digital launchpad controller for amateur rocketry utilizing a custom, software-based Networking Protocol for Impulse Aerospace of Everett, Washington.

1998‑12 - Techsol assists Apex Inc. of Redmond, Washington with the development of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for their Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) Switches.

1998‑11 - Techsol has signed a development contract with Physio Control Corporation (Physio) of Redmond, Washington to develop a digital voice recorder add-on to the LifePak 12 defibrillator/monitor/pacer. This new product add-on features state-of-the-art Audio Compression, CompactFlash Data Storage, and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection for uploading sound files to a PC for auditing and storage.

1998‑08 - Techsol assists with the development of the Biphasic Treatment option for the the LifePak 12 defibrillator/monitor/pacer for Physio Control Corporation of Redmond, Washington.

1998‑01 - Techsol designs interface board and firmware to adapt smartcard payment board set to Pay Telephones for Protel Inc. of Lakeland, Florida.

1996‑06 - Technical Solutions (Techsol) is incorporated.

1996‑03 - Technical Solutions designs hardware and software platform for Smartcard Payment Terminals for QI Systems Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Contact Techsol for more information about the company.