What is the quality of the interaction with the full screen keyboard? Is it on par with an iPad or Nexus 7. I doubt it because for environmental reasons it needs to be a different technology.
The beauty of Android-based data collection, though, is also that Google has text to speech dang near flawless. I could develop a coding system that was common, easy to interpret words, and never type another code again!
> I ran SurvCE with an 1100 robot for about a year solid back in '08. I never had a single problem, ever.
I have that combination now, TCRA1102plus and an Allegro CX. I manage to lock up SurvCE on occasion, but for the most part it's been very solid. But it's an older version, 1.67 I think. Not sure how the newer versions perform.
I really still prefer the Allegro to even the Surveyor+. Especially in terms of the radio for robotics. I also really like how the screen on the Allegro is not recessed but is flush. Eliminates a lot of junk getting in, around, and under the gasket.
Some of DCs have a "recreation grade" GPS built into them (Not sure about the Supervisor), so it doesn't require an external GPS on the pole to use the "GeoLock", or whatever Carlson calls it. I'm using GeoLock with a Ranger 3, and it seems to replace the need for "joysticking", but I know what you mean when you say that you have to take a few shots before it works, therefore it's not going to help you find the backsight. I usually point the gun in the direction of the backsight and just hit "AutoLock", but from what I gather from your previous posts, that's not working for you either. Sorry man, must be frustrating.
My problem was tracking. If I walked past a tree it would stop immediately at the tree and not predict where I was and not do the boxed search after losing lock. If I went back to the TDS onboard with the dummy controller it would search and predict just fine. I just hated the "TDS48" environment and having to print off plot sheets for every job. The Allegro running Carlson was an improvement to me. I mean in todays time you really don't have to put the point number on the traverse nail flagging. Just go to the screen and look to see the number. If it got renumbered, who cares. I still put the number on the TN to this day even though I have a screen and I describe it as TN 303 in case it gets renumbered. I also have small descriptors because of the 48. Like a 1/2" rebar is an R4 same as a 1/2" pipe is a P4. Everything divided by 8. Everything is found and only noted if set. A SCR4-1449 is a set capped rebar 1449. Found is a CR4-1449.
> What is the quality of the interaction with the full screen keyboard? Is it on par with an iPad or Nexus 7. I doubt it because for environmental reasons it needs to be a different technology.
>
> The beauty of Android-based data collection, though, is also that Google has text to speech dang near flawless. I could develop a coding system that was common, easy to interpret words, and never type another code again!
That would be awesome!
It does have GPS built in. I don't use it. It also has a camera built in but is completely worthless. What was the engineers thinking. Also the pole bracket doesn't incorporate the stylus. At the price I paid for that thing you would think that would come into play.
> Ladd. How do I get that keyboard.
For the sake of the thread:
Here is mine. More I think about it. If I ever use it in the sunlight it might be better.
One problem that I have had in the past working with Trimble is the fact that although they won't tell you, tech support is usually using some sort of emulator where they can switch back and forth between different firmware versions and virtual hardware depending on who calls for support. Many times I see a tiered support system, where you get sent to the guy that weeds out the simple problems. After that is exhausted, you get moved to a more qualified tech who's time is more valuable, then perhaps to a programmer.
I have found it helpful to quiz the tech support on what version firmware, software build, emulator or not, ect. before I waste too much of my time.
That actually sounds like a really good system on the support end, except for when it cannot recreate real-world/real-hardware scenarios; which I believe you were insinuating.
I have definitely seen the tiered technical ability approach, but I can't really say that I blame them. Going by some of the things I have seen people do, questions I have been asked, and hate to admit it but things I've done myself I bet they get some pretty boneheaded questions. Usually just attributed to someone picking the equipment up for the first time.
We have approached a time in technology where people need to research the problem on their own to begin with. For example, I have become the default family IT guy. Is that because I am good with computers? No. It is because I learned how to use this little site called Google.
The answer to most Tech problems
This is less true for survey equipment, but most common problems show up in search results. A lot of which point to this board, imagine that!
> Honestly if I have had the trouble you have had I would put the challenge to them to drop by my job site and either prove I'm an idiot or let me cross-grade for free to a Surveyor+ with SurvCE. Joysticking the robot when operating solo is rather essential.
I don't know why I didn't request it sooner but just 6 weeks ago I requested a temp copy of SurvCE to put on the tablet with no response from Carlson. That's the so called "great" tech support!
