Almost any computer you could buy would be able to run the software.
I have put together a sample configuration for a built to order computer system - cost aproximately £270. It would be neccessary to add a monitor - cost approximately £120. Say £500 in total.
However, I feel that there is little point.
This week Tesco's have a more than adequate complete system for about £425, Staples a similar system for about £410, Comet have a system for about £365 on their website.
I wouldn't suggest buying a refurbished or second hand monitor, but it would be possible to buy a factory refurbished Dell computer for about £130. About £250 in total.
All the computer components are fairly standard and other equivalent components could reasonably be substituted. Those chosen as examples are often not the cheapest available, but could be expected to have a reasonable life and be easily replaced in case of failure.
The choice of CCL as supplier does not imply a decision to use CCL as the supplier. CCL's prices are typical of those currently available.
| Item |
Price
(ex vat) |
Supplier Link | Manufacturer Link | Notes |
| Barebones Chassis - Biostar IDEQ 210V | £87.28 | ccl | Biostar | A small box single board computer, which includes graphics and sound. You just add a processor, memory and disks. |
| CPU - AMD Sempron 2600+ 64-bit | £40.37 | ccl | AMD | Retail version includes CPU fan. |
| Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (OEM) | £51.92 | ccl |
It may be that the railway would qualify for a Educational
Licence. See
Microsoft.
Microsoft also sell multiple licences which might be cheaper. |
|
| Microsoft Internet Keyboard & Intellimouse | £8.54 | ccl | As the keyboard and mouse will only be used occasionally, there seems little point in buying more expensive items. | |
| Memory - 256MB CCL Choice DDR400 | £13.46 | ccl | Microsoft claims that Windows XP requires a minimum of 128MB of memory. Few suppliers now stock these - 256MB is the smallest commonly available. | |
| Hard Disk - 80Gb Hitachi Deskstar 7K80 | £30.84 | ccl | Hitachi | This should be more than adequate. 40Gb drives are available but these only cost a few pounds less. |
| CD Drive - LiteOn LTR-48246S 48x CDRW | £9.99 | ccl | Lite-On | A CD drive is required to install software on the system and transfer files. |
| Bronze-Level System Assembly | £25.00 | ccl | Hardware assembly only. No Software installation. |
Total cost £267.40.
Note that CCL offer a "Super Budget Tower PC" for £271.49 which has a slightly higher specification and just requires the addition of a keyboard and mouse.
The system would require a LCD screen. Current thinking is for a 17" screen. These are widely available for £120 or less.
So called "Open frame LCD" panels are available and these would be simpler to mount. However, it is difficult to find pricing for these - firms wish to quote rather than publish a price list. One firm gave a ball park figure of £450 for a 17" touch screen panel.
Another expensive option is a "panel PC". This combines an LCD touch screen and a computer in a single box and is designed for industrial use. Ball park figure £1450.
Current thinking is that the visitor would interact with the screen through 8 physical buttons mounted at the left hand side of the screen. An alternative would be to use a touch screen, but this would probably be more expensive and carry the risk of damage to the screen.
There appear to be a number of ways to interface the switches to the computer. At present, the preferred method is to use products meant for use in arcade games. For instance, Ultimarc make a range of components to interface switches to a PC. Their minipac interface costs between £20 and £30 and allows up to 28 switches to be connected. They can also supply reasonable quality swiches at £1.23 each. Alternatively, vandal proof switches are available from Maplin for about £4.25 each.
Initial thoughts were for a lectern style box, with the screen mounted in the sloping top. However, this would not be easily accessible for children and wheel chair users.
If the screen were mounted vertically, it would necessary to have at least two forms - a tall one for adults and another shorter one for children and wheel chair users. A tall box might have stability problems. It might be possible to mount two screens at different heights in one box, driven independently by a single computer.
Alternatively, the screen could be mounted in a desktop or counter.
I am not able to accurately estimate the cost of this item. I would guess that the materials required to construct a painted wooden cabinet might cost no more than £100.
I have assumed that sound is not required. If it is, it would be necessary to purchase speakers and maybe an amplifier.
The whole system needs a main supply, but it is not intended to connect the system to a network.
Last updated: 05/11/05