I was looking at Survey Pro and a T41 from Spectra Precision to update a 5603 robot, in large part because they have the GPS search function they call GeoLock.
Problem was I kept finding things I didn't like.
They sell the software($2000) as a unit with the data collector ($2000) and if the excavator runs over the collector they not only want me to buy a new collector, they also expect me to buy new software. You are not allowed to transfer the software to a new data collector.
I wanted to learn about SurveyPro Office so I loaded it in trial mode. Before I try doing anything, the CPU usage on both processors jumps from below 5% to a 3 second oscillation between 10% and 100%. I have no idea what their software is doing but I don't like it. This persisted through many restarts and a complete uninstall/reinstall.
So I ignore the processor load and start going through the tutorial. They aren't satisfied with limiting time or points in a file, they have disabled so many commands that the tutorial is near useless.
I am not looking for solutions to problems. Just wondering if my concerns are valid.
Turns out Carlson SurvCE V.3 has a GPS feature they call Quick Search, the software can be transfered to new or repaired data collectors and their trial strategy is high function for a month. I will move to learning more about the Carlson offerings.
Has anyone reading this worked with the GPS search function on a Spectra Precision (Geolock), Carlson (Quick Search), Trimble? or any other system? I expect it would be great for a crowded construction site where lock is frequently lost. Any comments?
Cheers. Mike
I did a review of the Carlson SurvPC 3.x which is functionally the same as SurvCE 3.0 and did use the GPS Search utility. I mention it in the article:
Shameless plug of my own SurvPC 3.x article at Amerisurv.com
Shawn, you seem to have used the wrong URL. I found your article here.
http://www.amerisurv.com/content/view/11299/
Thanks, Mike
DOH
a poorly executed shameless plug at that.
> Has anyone reading this worked with the GPS search function on a Spectra Precision (Geolock), Carlson (Quick Search), Trimble? or any other system? I expect it would be great for a crowded construction site where lock is frequently lost. Any comments?
>
> Cheers. Mike
I messed around with Geo-Lock in Survey Pro 5.1 or something close to that. I was using a consumer grade GPS plugged into one of the CF slots on my TSC2, running a Trimble 5603. It wasn't as slick as it purports itself to be. Using it for topo; the more shots you take the more refined it's solution is and the better it works. I had issues with getting the DC to recognize the GPS every time I tried to use it so I put it in the drawer. You still have to perform a search routine. The only thing is that if you are 180° from the face of the gun, it kind of knows where to turn to find you. I'm sure other setups are better functioning than mine was.
I've used the geolock feature back before Spectra Precision was in charge and tds and tds help still existed, that geolock feature worked as advertised even with a third party cheap gps receiver. I gave up on them after Spectra Precision started branding tds products. I've been fed up with Trimble/Spectra Precision marketing strategies since 2000 when I first started using them. My last purchase of a major trimble products was in 2008 (tds data collector/ software) and we are happy with those products but I would have to do some real shopping before making another major purchase. I think surveyors have been really handicapped by the big boys controlling the hardware and software markets. I hope that companies like Carlson can hold on and keep competing against the giants, and I think they will if they keep doing things like monitoring this board and answering questions about their products. My 2 cents Jp
Using an S6 I find can re establish a lock fairly quick with the tracklight and joystick option, especially if the ambient light isn't too bright.
on the construction site i usually have a background map on the controller so i can have it turn to my rough location, then fine tune it quickly.
seen the GPS search on a trimble, it looked great but maybe just one more thing to go wrong?
GPS search is not quite the same on Access/Survey Controller.
It only works (AFAIK) if you are in co-ord system that is related to lat/long. ie in UK that would be OS grid with the correct files loaded in the "properties of job".
If you are on a local system it will not work (well it will try but it will turn to a point 400 km away).
Sounds like the Survey Pro version "learns" as shots are taken and calibrates itself to the co-ordinate system in use.
PS totally agree about the monopolistic strategies of Trimble, Leica etc; - Microsoft and Google get punished for less severe anti-competitive practices.
Locking the software and hardware together may seem to make sense to them to protect their investment but they will end up strangling innovation ultimately reducing the overall quality.
If there was a decent instrument that could run "open-source" software I wouldn't think twice about selling up and joining in.