Durability tests! - Quad Cortex Development Update #7

Formerly Quad Cortex Development Update - September 2020

Quad Cortex won’t only be one of the most powerful and versatile audio processing devices ever made; it will also be one of the most reliable. Everything in its construction is designed with precision and durability in mind. To put it through its paces, we took it to a testing facility to see how its components would withstand vibration, temperature, and humidity. Quad Cortex was powered on and had a tone running through it to ensure it continued to produce sound.

Temperature & Humidity Tests

Quad Cortex was placed in a climatic test chamber for 15-minute intervals starting at 0°C (32°F) and 40% humidity. After 15 minutes, the test interval concluded, and the temperature was increased by 10°C. Quad Cortex performed flawlessly at a level expected of military specification components through to 70°C (158°F). At 80°C (176°F), the test was cut short after 10 minutes as the testers had concerns about the internal battery exploding. We also conducted a 15-minute test at 70°C (158°F) and 95% humidity, which Quad Cortex passed with no issues.

Vibration Tests

Quad Cortex was put through three standardized 30-minute vibration tests at random frequencies to match a lorry or van’s vibrations, mild aircraft turbulence, and severe aircraft turbulence. Each of these tests concluded with a 100% pass. We then used a sweeping frequency to find Quad Cortex’s resonant frequency. We put the unit through a series of tests, increasing vibration amplitude up to 20 G. Quad Cortex was operational for the full 40-minute resonant frequency test and passed. Overall, Quad Cortex performed far beyond the level that devices in its category are expected to perform.