Getting SOS Explorer®

The process for acquiring SOS Explorer® is straightforward and begins by emailing [email protected]. From first contact with NOAA to final installation, the process takes several months, so be sure to plan ahead. SOSx Mobile is available for download now on your personal device and provides a perfect preview of what’s available in SOSx!

There are several parts and pieces that make up SOS Explorer®. It is the responsibility of each site to procure their own hardware based on the recommendations from the SOS Explorer® team. We have tested out a variety of system components to determine the specs required for a functioning SOS Explorer® system. Requirements vary based on the desired use and set-up.

SOS Explorer® can be set up and configured in several different ways depending on a site’s needs and intended use. To better understand your options, please review this SOSx Computer and Configuration Options Guide.

A variety of Windows desktops and laptops will successfully run SOS Explorer®. You can review the minimum recommended specs in the SOSx Computer and Configuration Options Guide. Please contact the SOS Explorer® Team at [email protected] to discuss your set-up and what will work best for your purposes before ordering anything.

The type and size of the large display is up to you! Either a large television or a projector can be used. 4K Ultra HD resolution is recommended, but not required. In the single screen set-up, the mouse and keyboard are used to control the software, so an additional touchscreen is not required.

You will need a cable to connect the computer to your large display. In most cases this will be an HMDI or DVI cable.

For the dual screen set-up, you will need everything you need for a single screen set-up, plus an additional touchscreen and the cabling required to connect everything.

A variety of Windows desktops and laptops will successfully run SOS Explorer® in a dual screen mode. The graphics requirements for dual screen mode are higher, so a more powerful computer and graphics card are needed compared to the single screen mode. Contact the SOS Explorer® Team at [email protected] to discuss your set-up and what will work best for your purposes.

The type and size of the large display is up to you! Either a large television or a projector can be used. 4K Ultra HD resolution is recommended, but not required.

The type and size of the touchscreen is up to you! It can be part of a kiosk that houses the computer as well, or simply mounted on a table or to the floor. A touchscreen rated for public use is recommended for high traffic settings such as museums. For mounting to a table or the floor, we recommend this one: ELO 22” Touchscreen (model 2201L version E497002) and for use in a kiosk, we recommend this one: ELO 22” Open Frame Touchscreen.

A collection of cables will need to be ordered for the set-up the SOSx exhibit. Check the simple wiring diagram for the dual screen set-up to see how the above parts connect and the cables that are required. Make sure to order the appropriate length based on the layout of your space. If the DVI cable becomes too long, a DVI extender will also be needed. Consult with the SOSx team on any questions you have.

• VR Goggles Oculus Rift
• Leap Motion & Mount Leap Motion