I'm curious to see if anyone out there in Surveyor Land is currently using the new Trimble TSC3 collector in conjunction with their Blackberry on the AT&T Network. I've been messing with ours for the last week or so and am finding the data service to be a little inconsistent. It works one day. Doesn't work the next. Very frustrating.
AT&T says tethering can only work with Blackberry Desktop Manager or AT&T Communication Manager, so I'm afraid they aren't going to be much help. I've done quite a bit of research on the google and haven't found much helpful info.
I guess I'd like to know if anyone is using a similar set-up for their VRS work and if it's working for you.
Thanks!
Pat
We have one TSC3 that we use with a MiFi device to access several networks. I haven't noticed any inconsistencies.
We also use a MiFi device with our controller (TSC2 w/ access) and haven't had any problems. Initially we were going to try tethering with our Iphones but AT&T rep told us it could be a little inconsistent.
We have one TS3 and use a Verizon MiFi to access VRS. This method seems to work well.
Have you had any other issues with your TSC3? Our's has the occasional "sticking key." i.e. it'll take 5 topo shots at once...machine gun style.
Then we used it in a rainstorm. It took 3 days to dry out. I though we broke it- wouldn't even turn on...but miraculously came back to life. Granted this was Forest Gump type rain, still I thought it'd be a little tougher.
It's nice when it works...I guess there's always a few bugs in the beginning.
Hmmm, maybe we'll have to take a look at getting a mifi device. I assume there's some sort of additional rate plan that goes along with this?
We haven't had any problems with sticky keys yet although I did find this link on the Trimble Website. It looks like there's some new firmware that addresses this problem.
So far it's been a pretty solid collector. Unfortunately one of my main points in convincing the bosses to upgrade was the ability to email files right to the collector through tethering. Hopefully we can find a more stable solution. I know that sometimes bluetooth can be a fit finicky so I'm hoping to stumble upon the correct order/procedure to get some consistency with the data connection.
Maybe I'll try turning my hat sideways or something...
MiFI's work fine, but so should your Blackberry.
One of the slick things about the TSC3 is that it has a built in modem...you could use your SIM card in it, or get a seperate SIM with only a data plan on it.
Advantage of MiFi...you can use it to get other devices like your laptop onto the internet...
Advantage of internal modem...nothing else to lug around and keep charged and keep track of.
My TSC3 works well with either one.
You can also run a SIM card in the TSC3, that is how we set up our VRS rental units. Although if you have a laptop or smartphone in the field with you the mobile hotspot would probably be more beneficial.
Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going drop my SIM card in there and see what happens!