Does iG8 work with Trimble Access and Spectra Precision Survey Pro?

iG8 won't work with Access or SurveyPro.

While it is possible to configure the iG8 to configure radio, cell and other settings from the front panel and then just send NMEA sentences out the bluetooth port, most data collection software no longer supports a Bluetooth instrument for RTK work. Support is disabled on purpose so you have to purchase equipment to match the data collection software. This is frustrating because with NMEA GGA, GST, GSV and BPQ sentences there are not many functions that would not be directly available. One driver would work for every receiver.?ÿ

That said, if you are stuck in the Access or SurveyPro data collection grove you should check out the Spectra Precision SP80. The SP80 has fantastic GNSS performance and Access now fully supports the SP80 GNSS receiver and Focus 35 robots. Typically the Spectra blue offerings are less than 1/2 the cost of Trimble yellow branded equipment. And you have the same opportunity to extend maintenance so you can fix the annual cost of ownership.

Prices on Focus 35 and SP80's are very street driven because there are no fixed sales areas. That means you can find them available with substantial discounts from all the usual web outfits.

Thanks Mark for the info & suggestions. I haven't stuck with Access or SurveyPro yet. But have worked a bit with SP80 + SurveyPro and R10+Access as network rovers in Melboune area.

Also I have a Carlson Surveyor+ controller running SurveCE Version 5.06 for SOKKIA SRX that I believe upgradable to the latest SurveCE Version. So I think it wouldn't be a problem for now to use a GNSS receiver works with SurvCE.

But have a thought to upgrade the 10 year old Robot. If I jump to Trimble or Spectra Focus 35, again have to think choosing a GNSS receiver. I think the big players trying to tie up the customers around them for all the solutions (Total Stations/GNSS Receivers/3D Scanners/Data Loggers/Field & Office Software). So,?ÿforcibly the customers will have to be loyal to them. How can it be possible to get out it?

Carlson SurvCE and Microsurvey Fieldgenius are the 'get out of the groove' cards. The new GeoMax XPad is also worth looking at. All three do a good job with both GNSS and Robotics. (There are going to be some big announcements in this corner later this month, I can't be the bean spiller but I played around with a beta release last night and OMG...)

You can upgrade 5.06 to 5.08 (and from my experience you definitely should because there were some significant changes in .07 and .08.)?ÿ The next major version of SurvCE is in the wings, but I think it would be wise to get 5.08 now, then wait a few months for the next version to fully cook before jumping on it.

I don't want to discourage you from purchasing iG8's, but I think you might get better support and service from my buddies at Cody Corporation in Adelaide. Is Bryan Robinson still kicking around there?

Thanks again Mark for valuable info. I think Bryan is there. I saw his photo on their website just before. I'd like to have a better advise & contact you little later on your Email. I'm too busy right now with some exam projects in a tight schedule to submit. Will get free in few weeks.

Sure do love me some Mark Silver.