I've got a TDS Nomad that I've been running for years with Survey Pro 4.8.5. Works well. A little buggy in some respects (bluetooth), but it works, and I know how to use it. 2 things have happened that are making me want a new data collector:
1) I want a keyboard. I haven't really used one in the field, but I just think stylus entry is cumbersome and inaccurate, and I have a feeling that a keyboard would make things quicker, and
2) I need GPS functionality on the data collector.
TDS, now Spectra Precision, does not allow me to remove the software from my device and install it on another device, at least that's what I've been told by their reps. So, when the device dies, so does my software. I can buy the GPS module in Survey Pro for $800 I believe, which is a reasonable price, I suppose, but considering that investment will die when the hardware dies (or becomes obsolete), I'm feeling like its not necessarily a good investment.
Plus, I think I want to move away from the Trimble/Autodesk empire and in the direction of Carlson. I've had great experiences with them so far, and I've heard nothing but good things about them from other surveyors. But, so far, haven't had much experience with Carlson software in the field.
Now, considering both the form of the device/hardware and software as well, where is the data collector market headed in the future, and what is the best investment in a data collector to make now? Alot will depend on personal preference, and there will no doubt be multiple opinions on that subject.
Windows CE seems like a clunky operating system, perhaps on its way out? It pales in comparison to what can be done on such ubiquitous consumer grade devices as the iPhone/iPad. That said, as far as I know, there are no fully functional surveying softwares made for the iPhone/iPad/Android, and so our options are limited to what surveying software companies decide to produce. Are our options going to change in the near future? Will we have fully functioning surveying software which runs on the iPhone or Android within the next ten years?
How about surveying software on Windows XP, like SurvPC, running on a tablet? Hardware like the Yuma, Panasonic Toughbook, and Carlson supervisor, all boast bigger processor speeds, larger touch screen sizes, and loads of memory. You can DO MORE IN THE FIELD, but then again, it comes down to a question of size as well. How big a device do you want to hang on a pole, and how much are you actually gonna do in the field?
Seems like Windows CE data collectors are still the most popular, running on a handheld, and the main choice is whether you want a keyboard or a touch screen...I'd be happy to hear any thoughts on this subject.
Al
Some very quick thoughts
The hardware manufacturers really want you to use their collectors with their instruments - thats why they are busy buying up the market (for example Trimble and TDS). It wont be long before one of the big three takes out Carlson with enough $$$
Personally I use winXP on a Tablet PC - really like having all that computing power in the field, although the screen could be better
Windows CE is dead as a dead thing
Windows8 might work for data collection (but I remain skeptical)
I think Android or something OpenSource will be the way of the future
I haven't yet seen an Android Data Collector with a keypad
Not sure on the Carlson field collectors, but MicroSurvey Field Genius will run on a lot of platforms, the products by Handheld have recently caught my eye, the two most interesting for a DC are the Algiz 7 (Leica also sells this same unit in a green color as the Leica CS25) and the Nautiz X7. The Algiz 7 runs Windows 7 Ultimate.
SHG
The reasons you mentioned are the reasons Carlson stays alive and well... They are going to continue to add drivers for a wide range of manufactures as they are first a software company. Carlson has free tech support and allows the customer to switch software from device to device, Carlson really is where the future of data collection is.... Or has been.
Personally I do not like ANY of the survey brand tablets.
Alex:
Check it out.
T.W.
Nice find, I didn't know Carlson also had a version!
SHG
You can get one of these from ebay for $500 and load Carlson field on it . It works for me quit well.
I'll stick with survCe on a handheld... I couldn't stand that heavy thing on a pole with a gr5 or a robot prism+radio.... It's more weight and expense for essentially the same thing I have now.
Interesting- Carlson Field instead of SurvPC. What's the essential difference? Ive gotta do some reading.
Thanks for all the posts. I've been reading them eagerly, and it is quite helpful to get other perspectives. Cheers!
Not that heavy.
From Carlson:
• Field is designed for GIS work. It allows the collection of data associated with valves, manholes, power poles and other standard GIS elements. It works with affordable, sub-meter accuracy GPS systems from various manufacturers.
Does this mean it doesn't do high precision survey grade RTK? Does it work with robotic total stations? Does it do everything that SurvCE/SurvPC do, and adds the CAD environment?
Its Carlson pc . Same as Carlson ce except it running on a win xp device. I also have Carlson survey . I carry a mouse in the truck and can do some basic cad or cogo stuff . Comes in handy. For me the big screen is what I like .
Yup, you're right djames. The Panasonic Toughbook weighs 2.3 pounds, with strap and both batteries. 5.9" x 7.2" x 2.2".
Compare that to a Carlson Surveyor, which weighs "2 pounds". Not much of a difference in weight. It's a tablet, not quite a handheld.
Toughbook (Essential model) looks to be a good choice, has a 5.6" daylight readable screen. 1.33 GHz processor speed. IP65. 1 GB ram. 16GB storage. Bluetooth, wireless, SD cards. Optional camera and GPS. Running SurvPC, I can't see a reason why I'd be lacking anything in the field.
How do you connect your total station? Is there a RS232 port on the Toughbook? Where'd you get the bracket?
Thanks, Tom.
Connect all instruments by blue tooth. That's the only kicker . Theres no 9 pin.
I am a user of both Fieldgenius and SurvCE running in Windows Mobile Handheld (US Handheld Nautiz X7, 800mHz). I also do have Carlson Field running in Getac V200.
If the task is land surveying, I prefer the WinCE solution due to its weight and size. It provides flexibility that you can't get with heavy and wide tablets.
I prefer to employ Carlson Field if the task is as-built structural surveying as you are doing CAD in the field while taking shots. With AutoCAD at your disposal, Carlson Field provides maximum power in the field.
If the task is more on land surveying, asset management, AM/FM/GIS, Local Government applications, or other utility management task, I prefer to employ the Leica MobileMatrix on ArcGIS. It offers practically everything including the ability to post process GNSS data. Leica MobileMatrix is my next consideration in data collection.
There must be USB ports on this computer, maybe this could help?
PANASONIC Toughbook U1 USB To 9-pin DB Connector Serial Port RS232 Adapter
The Bluetooth works well for me as all my instruments are Blutooth . But yes the adapter would most likley work.
You will also need to fashion a bracket out of aluminum bar and use parts off old brackets and tap and dye to make threaded holes in the aluminum . See bracket in pic above.
