Data Collectors - Tablet vs Keypad

The button is a difficult invention to improve upon for certain applications.

We purchased a Panasonic Toughpad (7" screen) that we are starting to use with a robot and GPS. While the unit is a bit cumbersome, and the mounts for it really are not the best, it is really fast and the screen is big enough that it is easy to key in codes and type on.
There are different settings for stylus, stylus and finger, gloves, rain etc... for the touchscreen although I have yet to try the glove setting out yet.

The nice thing is that it runs full Windows 7 so and it has a Verizon Sim in it so we can email files back and forth right to that unit. But you can also do basically anything you could with a computer. I have yet to try loading Land Desktop or Civil 3d.

We have noticed that on large construction sites that it loads and runs our files very quickly whereas we were getting a lot of lag with other controllers.
We are running it with Topcon Magnet software and using the Enterprise portion we can upload and download files to/from the controller.

So far the guys using it seem to really like it but time will tell.
I definitely see more and more collectors going this type of route albeit maybe not running a full version of Windows.

By the way - for a couple years I wouldn't but a phone without a physical keyboard but don't miss it at all now.

Thanks, Gregg. I'm also wondering about durability as well. I get nervous about having basically a huge piece of glass attached to the pole while working on a construction site. Some of the pros you pointed out are the kind of advantages I was thinking a system like that would offer.

You still see anybody from the old NJIT days? I think you and I were in the route surveying course together if I'm not mistaken.

I must admit it makes me nervous as well and I really don't want to test the durability of them. That is why we are starting with this one and we will see what happens. I will let you know as we go along how it is working out.
I will tell you that while it is obviously larger than most data collectors, it does not feel that heavy and it does have a solid feel to it.

Haven't really seen anyone from NJIT lately and while I remember you and I being in class together, I'd be lying if I told you I remember which one! I am going to the conference in Atlantic City so hopefully will get to see some guys from NJIT.

Hope you are doing well and if you are going to the conference well catch up.

I have been using TSC2 data collectors for quite a few years now. I recently purchased a Trimble V10 and the Trimble tablet along with it. I also had the radio added to the tablet so that I can use it with my S6 (and GNSS receivers as well). I have only played around here in the office, not had a chance to use it in the field. It does seem a bit heavy to be carrying around a lot, we will probably still use TSC2's when doing RTK with R8's. However, the TSC2 will not work with the new R10 unless we upgrade to Trimble Access (Surveyor Controller now), and that is no longer a $500 upgrade as it was a few years ago. After I get a chance to use it in the field I will report what I think about it.

A lot of the work we do with the S6 is not using a pole, rather a mini stakeout prism apparatus. In that case, it may not be a big deal to deal with the extra weight, especially if I can rig it up so that it is on a strap attached to my body.

I think the advantage of having a windows 7 computer in the field will be a great benefit.

Greg,

I've been using the ToughPad FZ-M1 for about 8 mounts with Magnet.

I have developed a case that attaches to the pole using 1" ram mount ball. The hard plastic case will work on ToughPad with standard and/or extended battery.

I'm trying find a 3d print service. So far I found an online service in NYC that will print this $120.

That looks great! It would also add another layer of protection.
I see the bumpout on the back - do you have the extended battery in yours?

I'm sure you found the same issue with the spider looking mount; it holds the tablet but at the expense of sitting on the perimeter buttons. Also it doesn't feel 100% safe.

We were just talking yesterday about 3D printers and how it would be great to have one to just build our own holders and other items we need.

From what I understand, Topcon may start selling the Toughpad directly so you would hope they would build a case for it.

Yes, I use extended battery. Can go all day on this battery, it nearly doubles the weight.

The toughpad screen is very sensitive to touch. Rain drops do trigger screen, even with Toughpad in Water Touch Mode. I may add screen protector to my case, to fix this problem. My case is very similar to an otterbox.

Topcon is selling Toughpads now. Dealers may appear to be reluctant to suggest them, since the resell is very low. The base model toughpad is about $750 cheaper the Tesla.

I use Google drive to sync my files to a cloud, and to my PC at office. It's free and much simpler than using Enterprise.

Microstation installed on Tougpad, with no problems.

For some reason, I dropped the Tesla and my Toughpad this pas year :excruciating: . No physical external damage, but they both had internal screen damage. The Telsa screen went entirely black, with lines across it, rendering it useless. The Tough had just 1/2" of black screen, which made it still usable. It cost $500 to repair the Tesla, and $450 to repair the Toughpad. Then I paid another $250 to get Panasonic for Protection Plus plan on the Toughpad for 3 years complete repair coverage. Topcon dealers can not sell the Protection Plan, you can purchase it online from Panasonic.

Lee Green

John,
The Trimble stopped offering the 500.00 upgrade to Access around a year ago, they still have a trade in (1,000.00)for the TSC2's but it expires on January 3rd, so if you are interested you will need to contact your local dealer and get a TSC3 on Friday the 2nd.
With Radio list is 7,395.00 without 5,495.00 then take the 1,000.00 discount off from there.
JSW

Went to a Topcon Tesla about a year ago. It took almost no time to get used to the virtual keyboard. My personal opinion - there is no great benefit to having the built in keyboard. In no time at all, you can be using the virtual keyboard as quickly as you would a built in board.

As far as using it with a gloved hand, my older collector required the same procedure - where gloves with the finger mittens and poke one finger out from under the mitten flap when needed.

My only complaint with it is what seems like too frequent pauses where I get the little swirling wait a minute signal.