Looking to purchase a new GPS unit. Still going to go base/rover at the moment b/c I work out in the sticks, but there are some guys out here that do get on some of the networks and do pretty good. I demo'ed a couple of network units and it seemed to do ok in some places and not so good in others. My question is this, is there coverage maps out there NOT generated by the cell carriers (i.e. no bias) where you can see which one works best in your area? I think that'd be a pretty handy map to have before making just such a purchase.
If you find one I would like to see it.
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/Best-Coverage-in-Florida-USA
I found this one, but don't know how reliable it is.
I think you should have your Vendor(s) demo it in the areas you need.
try this site it has a coverage link
http://www.cellreception.com/towers/
Peter Ehlert, post: 439528, member: 60 wrote: I think you should have your Vendor(s) demo it in the areas you need.
Umm...I did that...
Problem is we were only using 1 carrier. My vendor doesn't give a hoot about my cell service, he just wants to sell the GPS unit.
hlbennettpls, post: 439692, member: 10049 wrote: Umm...I did that...
Problem is we were only using 1 carrier. My vendor doesn't give a hoot about my cell service, he just wants to sell the GPS unit.
I see you are in Florida, whereabouts?
Have you looked into using the FPRN network? We have been using it for a while now and are very happy with our results. Baselines of 10mi + and still verified results with published information. We use Leica GS14 and CS15 controller. GSM modem in both, only need one SIM card and can obviously still use a base if need be. We do rural work quite often and the FPRN network has Florida well covered. No Mifi necessary with GSM, SIM and FPRN.
Here's the main link. http://www.fdot.gov/geospatial/fprn.shtm Check out the stations kmz file in Google Earth.
Here's the Dynamic map of activ stations. http://www.fdot.gov/geospatial/fprnstat/index.html
I'm not a salesperson or affiliated with the info I am sharing, just a user sharing his info. I should have added to the previous post that with that network, the SIM required is a data only card and does not use the service provider of the card. As in, the sim card card formatted to it's data only state for the CS controller or GS sensor allows it to connect to the IP address, and uses the DOT network for coverage, not the cell provider. Worth looking into.
Brian McEachern, post: 439709, member: 9299 wrote: I'm not a salesperson or affiliated with the info I am sharing, just a user sharing his info. I should have added to the previous post that with that network, the SIM required is a data only card and does not use the service provider of the card. As in, the sim card card formatted to it's data only state for the CS controller or GS sensor allows it to connect to the IP address, and uses the DOT network for coverage, not the cell provider. Worth looking into.
How would that work then? The service provider (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc...) is the one providing the data connection to the internet. You would have to get your controller or GPS unit on-line (connected to the internet) to access the IP address of the server that FDOT runs. You can do this through WiFi if you are working in an area with good WiFi coverage, but if you are out in the field in the middle of nowhere, you are going to need a cell service provider (even if it is data only) to get you on-line.
azweig, post: 439743, member: 7041 wrote: How would that work then? The service provider (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc...) is the one providing the data connection to the internet. You would have to get your controller or GPS unit on-line (connected to the internet) to access the IP address of the server that FDOT runs. You can do this through WiFi if you are working in an area with good WiFi coverage, but if you are out in the field in the middle of nowhere, you are going to need a cell service provider (even if it is data only) to get you on-line.
You are absolutely correct. I had a lapse of sanity and was in a network dreamland. Thank you for correcting! My apologies to the OP.
Brian McEachern, post: 439827, member: 9299 wrote: You are absolutely correct. I had a lapse of sanity and was in a network dreamland. Thank you for correcting! My apologies to the OP.
Ha, no worries!
Yeah you lost me there... so you still have a cell provider then? I'm a member of FPRN, and plan on using it, but I'm looking at how to connect to it reliably...
hlbennettpls, post: 439899, member: 10049 wrote: Yeah you lost me there... so you still have a cell provider then? I'm a member of FPRN, and plan on using it, but I'm looking at how to connect to it reliably...
Yes. You still have to get the controller or GPS unit to the internet. The IP address you connect to on the FPRN is basically the same as a web address.