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Juniper System Mesa 2

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(@mjp-pls)
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Anyone using a Juniper System Mesa 2 for data collection? Pro/Con

 
Posted : 19/09/2016 9:06 am
(@chopping_broccoli)
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Just got the Carlson version (RT3) last week. Haven't even used it yet but it should get a thorough workout this week and I'll give a full report.

I'm paring it with a Carlson cr2+ and brx5 GNSS receivers. Running SurvPC.

CB

 
Posted : 19/09/2016 10:00 am
(@mjp-pls)
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Looking forward to your review, especially interested in it the screen viewing in very sunny conditions

 
Posted : 20/09/2016 5:01 am
(@chopping_broccoli)
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Full report to follow.




 
Posted : 20/09/2016 11:04 am
(@mjp-pls)
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so what are your initial thoughts on this unit? How is it with glare?

 
Posted : 21/09/2016 4:29 am
(@chopping_broccoli)
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After two hard days of use I am in love with the collector. Screen is the best I've ever used outdoors. I never use the stylus as the screen works perfectly with my finger and the buttons and menus are big enough to not need the added precision of the stylus.

The ram mount is BIG and kind of a pain. I'm going to have to rework my poles, viles, etc to get the clamp and bipod and my hand to all fit. While the unit is big, I don't think it's any heavier than a Ranger or Surveyor2 and to me having the weight squared in front of the pole balances better than the weight off to the side like a normal collector. This is my first ram mount and I don't like it. Just a lot of parts. I prefer the seco claws and quick releases but that's not an option yet.

I love the dedicated enter button. Makes topo a breeze.

I love that it truly is a Windows 10 machine. To that end I downloaded active sync to it and connected my older windows CE collectors to it and transferred equipment profiles and job files directly from handheld to tablet. SurvPC reads SurvCE jobs seamlessly.

Compared to a sexy iPad mini or modern tablet, it's a hulking brick. Weather it's a brick for ruggedness, battery life, dedicated hard keys, or just minimal engineering...idk. But it's chunky to say the least. My 14 yo daughter is not impressed. She asked if it was made by Fisher Price. Smart @ss.

It came with a polarized screen protector that I haven't even tried yet. I wear polarized sunglasses and sometimes polarized + polarized = BLACK. I'll give it a try. I can't imagine it making the screen better but if no worse and not black with my glasses, then the extra protection would be welcome.

I've taken 1000 shots over two days and each day I've been at about 60% battery running RTK and tracking Robotic 6+ hrs each day. And this is with the standard battery. Zero lock ups or crashes in my minimal experience so far.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

CB

 
Posted : 21/09/2016 12:34 pm
(@mjp-pls)
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Thanks for the update! Sounds like a very nice unit. I got a price quote for one from a software vendor but being as I have never seen collector before and have only read white papers on it I was hesitant to move forward with upgrading my data collector system. I was thinking about purchasing an extra battery or extended life battery but based on your review I think that I will hold off on either of these choices. Did you opt for any other accessories (hand strap, carrying case, protective case)? Can you tell me the model for the ram mount? Is this the only option that you found available for this unit?
Once again thanks for the field review of this data collector as I definitely feel more at ease with moving forward with my purchase.
Mike

 
Posted : 22/09/2016 5:40 am
(@chopping_broccoli)
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Purchasing the unit from Carlson, It came in a small "Pelican ish" hard case with laser cut foam insert that accepts the wall charger, tablet, and ram mount. It's no where near the quality of a Pelican, more like a Wal Mart variety pistol case, but the laser cut (not pull and pluck DIY) foam insert is nice. Ill use it until the latches break and then probably get the Cordura soft case from Juniper. I'll eventually treat myself to the docking station and a roll up or folding bluetooth keyboard.

I don't know the model of the mount. I looked it over and found nothing.


 
Posted : 22/09/2016 7:12 am
(@mjp-pls)
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would like to pick your brain some more is there a number I can contact you at?

 
Posted : 22/09/2016 7:18 am
(@beuckie)
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I'm using one (Sokkia SHC5000) with a sokkia robot in combination with magnet field. The unit itself is great, not too big, not too small. I'm currently using a ram-mount holder which sucks but am waiting for the original holder to arrive (should be end of the month).
Battery life is good but i'm having troubles with the stylus. I use my fingers all the time as this works better in my experience.
Internet in the field (through sim-card) is very handy to transfer and upload files and look with picture underlays.
I sometimes miss my allegro cx keyboard but am getting used to the software-keyboard.

 
Posted : 07/10/2016 1:24 am