Just had confirmation from Novatel that their firmware v3.907 for these receivers is the final version. All working fine at the moment- until the next Glonass glitch or change. Probably explains why this kit has started appearing on ebay.
Javad LS has free firmware updates. I don't know for how long, but firmware is how a company that manufacturers GPS equipment can make it go obsolete. Companies that charge for firmware updates, are not all that interested in keeping YOU floating, but, are interested in keeping themselves floating! And we are not talking about float vs fix!
Currently there is a rebate program for the ISX if you wish to upgrade- contact your Sokkia dealer. Firmware updates for this unit got caught between Novatel ( Hexagon) and Topcon. When Topcon purchased Sokkia we committed to supporting this model as long as possible. Parts are becoming an issue and batteries are scarce. An end of life notification was issued quite some time ago- this means we no longer have the ability to make parts (Hexagon) for service. We ordered as many parts as we could before the plug was pulled. Nobody ever paid for a firmware upgrade on an ISX- in fact I'm jumping in my Jeep in the morning to upgrade a customer here in Maine- for free. Firmware updates for Topcon and Sokkia products both optical and GNSS are free. We even have a feature (Topcon Total Shield) in most of our total stations that will notify a surveyor that a new firmware version is available and how to upgrade his/her instrument by themselves if they choose to go the DIY route.
The ISX2700 is a great GNSS receiver. The only con for me is the weight.
I hope Novatel will release new firmware if needed for Glonass leap second etc.
I am having same issues as others and will be updating firmware as suggested. I am also working with sokkia POWERUP manager download and they require a password, anyone know what it is?
can pm if needed.
John
This came up in a thread a few weeks back. I don't know the password, the best alternative is to do a search and download Sokkia Planning v4.21 from one of the software download sites. It has powerup included and other useful stuff. I've done this a few times and had no problems with malware etc.
My kit is working fine so far with the v3.907 firmware.
Thanks Artie. Will do.
I wonder if Novatel would be willing to provide further firmware upgrades if they had evidence of sufficient customers willing to pay for them? I certainly would pay, as pmoran says we've had free upgrades up to now.
I have never paid for an upgrade to my gsr2700isx. I have had them since 2007 and have had two upgrades in that time, including the most recent, I hope! I use them for static collection now, although I am working on a project now that would make it handy to have two rovers going.
Dtp