Had to purchase two new DCs recently.
I have "yellow-eyed" crews (Topcon) and "blue-eyed" crews (TDS...or now Spectra). Just to keep everybody happy I got one of each. The FC2600 hasn't been delivered yet so I can't rag on the new "Magnet", but I got to play with Spectra 5.2.1 today...
And just as I would suspect, each "upgrade" of Spectra functions a little less satisfactorily as the version prior.
I guess it works a lot like the previous versions but one big disappointing change I did noticed was on the "Stakeout" function. When a point number was chosen for stakeout on the older versions I use to get a screen that showed the point no., coords AND description.
Now all you get is the point number displayed...crap..
I don't guess this is a big deal, but I do enjoy knowing what the descriptor is of the point I'm staking. Today I had to keep scrolling back to the "edit points" so I could see what the next point number was of the specific item I was staking.
I guess when you write a check for almost 10k nowadays you can't be too picky.
For optical mode, it used to display the Hz angle and distance too. No more. Not sure if that is a function of "Robotics" or not. You think if we all gripe loud enough, it might make a come-back?????????
Is it loaded with Survey Standard or Survey Pro?
I would make these developers work all day in Corpus Christy in July with R Lee Ermy screaming at them the entire time.
> Had to purchase two new DCs recently.
>
> I have "yellow-eyed" crews (Topcon) and "blue-eyed" crews (TDS...or now Spectra). Just to keep everybody happy I got one of each. The FC2600 hasn't been delivered yet so I can't rag on the new "Magnet", but I got to play with Spectra 5.2.1 today...
>
> And just as I would suspect, each "upgrade" of Spectra functions a little less satisfactorily as the version prior.
>
> I guess it works a lot like the previous versions but one big disappointing change I did noticed was on the "Stakeout" function. When a point number was chosen for stakeout on the older versions I use to get a screen that showed the point no., coords AND description.
>
> Now all you get is the point number displayed...crap..
>
> I don't guess this is a big deal, but I do enjoy knowing what the descriptor is of the point I'm staking. Today I had to keep scrolling back to the "edit points" so I could see what the next point number was of the specific item I was staking.
>
> I guess when you write a check for almost 10k nowadays you can't be too picky.
What was the previous version?
I have 5.1.1
When I go to Stake Points
after setting a Back Site orientation.
I see
Design Point: #
Description: (of staked point)
Angle Right:
Horz Dist:
Vert Dist:
ZE to Rod:
This is when the instrument is set up as "manual mode" however I would think conventional instruments would show the same thing?
One thing I like about the 5.1.1+ software is that it stores more observation data such as time staked/stored. Works good for arguing with contractors that knock out CL grade stakes. I also like the fact that the new 5.+ Survey Pro can handle much longer point descriptions, so now I can store better digital field notes
Before it was limited to 16 characters.
"3/4PIPE 5#0#9MBX
"FD 3/4 PIPE W/CAP 5#0#9 IN MON BOX 3 FT S OF CL M25 2.5 FT W OF CL HARRIS 16TH?"
for example
I'm running Survey Pro.
I just put mine in Manual Mode, solved the backsite and it crapped itself! It's still locked up.
You just think you are cussing Spectra, just wait till you get the FS-2600 with Magnet!
> You just think you are cussing Spectra, just wait till you get the FS-2600 with Magnet!
My thought exactly.
There were a number of things that changed with the new Version 5.XX. When listening to the Spectra programmers their thoughts about things, and their processes really make sense. However, there are somethings like this that I think they came up short on. In fact, I was probably one of the first calls they had about this exact issue. I believe their reasoning was to make it faster to get to the actual staking procedure. I asked that at least the descriptor be added back (the initial direction really wasn't that important, as it will tell you were to go when you are staking) at least to the actual stakeout page just as a reference.
Spectra Precision does like feedback. You can email them at survey pro@spectraprecision.com with all of your advice on changes that you would like to see or things you would like back. THIS IS NOT A SUPPORT EMAIL. It is strictly for improvement advice from users.
If anyone has any questions regarding the new Survey Pro please feel free to email me at sales@transitandlevel.com. I have attended a number of training sessions as well as spent time on it with the Spectra Precision guys.
I appreciate the thoughts. I'm sure we will "overcome, improvise and adapt" just like Gunny Highway. I just hate to see something that worked so well get harder to use...in the name of an upgrade.
As for the FC2600...I may have bought it, but I don't have to use it! My crew chief that uses it has never used anything else. He makes me money, sooooo....he can have what he wants.
I have attempted to make friends with the Topcon software several times and I am not an inexperienced operator. It leaves me frustrated and unimpressed with it's processes. Just my personal observation, I'm sure there are folks out there that use it every day and like it..I don't.
> If anyone has any questions regarding the new Survey Pro please feel free to email me at sales@transitandlevel.com. I have attended a number of training sessions as well as spent time on it with the Spectra Precision guys.
Ok and this is probably the most important request of them all!
MAKE SURVEY PRO CONTROL THE GUN EXACTLY LIKE IT DOES IN ACCESS!!!!!
SURVEY PRO= DUHHHH RETARDED - POOR CONTROL (NIGHT)
ACCESS= GREAT RESPONSE - GREAT CONTROL (DAY)
