MIL-STD-810F Method 510.4
Sand and Dust

This test method is divided into two procedures.

• The small-particle procedure (dust, fine sand) is performed to determine the ability of the equipment to resist the effects of dust particles that may penetrate into cracks, crevices, and joints.
• The blowing sand test determines whether the hardware can be stored and operated under blowing conditions without experiencing degradation of its performance, effectiveness, reliability, and maintainability due to the abrasion (erosion) or clogging of large, sharp-edged particles.

Examples of problems that may occur when exposure to blowing sand and dust include:

1. Abrasion of surfaces
2. Penetration of seals
3. Erosion of surfaces
4. Degradation of electrical circuits
5. Clogging of openings and filters
6. Physical interference with mating parts
7. Fouling of moving parts

The Trimble Recon® tested for six hours at 23 C (73° F) and for six hours at 70 C (158° F) for Procedure I, blowing dust. It was then tested for Procedure II, blowing sand (2.2 g/m³) for 90 minutes per face, six faces total.

Trimble Yuma®, Nomad®, Recon® and Ranger™ all passed the following tests:

• Procedure I: Blowing Dust
• Procedure II: Blowing Sand