I'm hoping I can get some help on a problem that I'm having. I'm using Topcon magnet field 6.0 (build 1910111301) on a Panasonic FZ-G1 toughpad data collector (model FZ-G1J2182CM).
The gist of the problem is that when using the pen for entry into the "Topcon magnet keyboard", the keyboard is not responding accurately to the use of the pen.?ÿ The problem does not occur when using the windows keyboard, only with the topcon supplied keyboard within the magnet software. For this reason I'm thinking it is a problem with the software, and not with the pen or the display. I've made a 5 minute video documenting the problem that I'm having (I'm sorry it could be more succinct), and would appreciate any suggestions that may be offered.
I have not used the FZ-G1, but a few suggestions for you.
There is a method to disable the Topcon keyboard in Magnet and use the Windows keyboard.
Also may try an upgrade to Magnet Field v6.1 now available. I dont like usng x.0 version as there are often bugs.
May alao try going to Magnet v5.2.1.
?ÿ
Lee,
Thanks for your response.?ÿ I'm upgrading to Magnet v6.1 now - hopefully, that'll help.?ÿ I'll post my results.
When you have a problem like this that you're stuck on, how do you get help??ÿ Topcon doesn't seem to want to help the end user directly - rather, direct the end user to the dealer network.?ÿ Fair enough.?ÿ But, the dealer I bought Magnet Field from (Geoshack) says they can't help me except with a (very expensive) maintenance contract.?ÿ Topcon Solutions Store has been very helpful lately (and at no cost), but I don't quite understand whether they are part of Topcon or a dealer, nor do I know how long their helpfulness will last, as I haven't bought anything (yet) from them.
I'm coming at this from having been a Carlson SurvCE user for many years.?ÿ The switch to Magnet Field is a big step, one that I hope I don't regret making.
Al
I upgraded to Magnet Field v6.1 (build 1912171452), but the problem with pen/stylus entry persists.
I noticed something else though.?ÿ The pen that Panasonic provides is pictured below, and it has a darker grey button on the side.?ÿ If I hold that button down as I press the screen, it seems to prevent the entry error that I've described.?ÿ I don't know why.?ÿ Trouble is, however, that the button is very small and hard to find and especially so with gloves on.?ÿ As an experiment, I'm going to try using a different (non-Panasonic) stylus, one with a capacitive tip.?ÿ It might be a good workaround until a solution to this problem can be found.
Both an independent Toughpad dealer (The Rugged Store) and Panasonic themselves suggested that the issue is likely software (Magnet Field) related, and that it is not likely related to the digitizer, pen or Windows operating system.
One more note - this issue is only an issue in the winter months.?ÿ In the summer months, I would put the tablet in touch mode, and use my fingers.?ÿ That said, it is significant to me nonetheless.?ÿ Are users of Magnet Field supposed to work in the winter months without gloves on?
Alex: Maybe try using the fat end of the pen, more the size of a finger.
?ÿ
T.W.
Thanks, Tom.?ÿ Panasonic's pen for this tablet doesn't have the rubberized end, but I agree I might get such a pen and put the screen in touch mode to avoid the problems with Panasonic's supplied pen.?ÿ Two problems with that solution - 1) I still have to get the pen into my hand each time I want to use it, and 2) any pen other than Panasonic's supplied pen isn't going to fit neatly, or at all, within the storage area on the tablet made to hold it.
The other option I'm working on involves stitching conductive thread into the fingers of these gloves, so that I can operate the touchscreen without having to take my gloves off.?ÿ I'll let you know how it works out.
I spoke with my Topcon dealer, and they suggested that the pen accuracy problem may be due to the device not being fully updated.
I checked Windows Update, and the unit had been set to automatically update, so it was up to date. ?ÿThen I wondered if there were some Panasonic specific drivers that might not be up to date, and I called Panasonic at 1-800-LAPTOP5 for help.?ÿ Twice.
The first rep I spoke with looked up my model and serial number and determined that it is an MK3 model (3rd generation, the newest is now 5th generation).?ÿ When new, my Toughpad came with Windows 7, and had an option to upgrade to Windows 8.?ÿ It is presently running Windows 10 Pro (don??t exactly remember how that came about).?ÿ But here??s the key according to the first rep ?? The MK3 is only supported up to v1809 of Windows 10 Pro, and I??ve got v1903 installed.?ÿ This rep advised me to roll back to the earlier version of Windows.?ÿ I researched this issue and tried the "easy" method within settings, but because it has been more than 10 days since the new feature update to Windows, I can??t roll back.?ÿ Best articles I??ve read on the subject suggest I have to do a backup and clean install of Windows 10, v1809.
Then I read the following article and was rather confused about how to interpret it:
https://pc-dl.panasonic.co.jp/itn/support/win10info_1909.html
So I called Panasonic again today.?ÿ The rep told me that because version 1809 is only one version older than 1903, Microsoft protocols ensure that it ??should work?.?ÿ In other words, he said I should be able to keep version 1903 on the MK3 device and download and install the latest pack of drivers from Panasonic (those for version 1809).
The article I linked above suggests to me that upgrading an MK3 to Windows 10 1909 (and, presumably 1903) can result in problems.?ÿ I??ve also confirmed what the first rep told me that the latest official drivers from Panasonic for the MK3 generation FZ-G1 are for Version 1809.?ÿ While it may not solve the issue I??m having, I??m inclined to do a clean install of Windows 10, v1809 on this device, and then install the Panasonic drivers, and see if it helps.?ÿ I'll report my progress on this, in the hopes that it might prove a helpful resource to others that might encounter these problems.
