Hi all:
Well, after 8 years of use, the prehistoric JettCE data collector I purchased from a longtime member here for $200, finally bit the dust. Many of the keys did not work, but I got by with just the touch screen (which has now gone wonky). I'd try replacing the screen, but can't even find them anymore on ebay. It was running SurvCE 2.07, and had TS and GPS enabled; I've only used it with my total station, using a db9 connection. I understand that I can get an adaptor for my Topcon TS if needed.
So, I need advice. As some of you may know, I'm not a professional; don't survey for a living; have only been teaching myself slowly over the years. I'm looking to replace my DC with a mere antidilluvian unit. As such, I simply can not afford $2000+ for anything near recent in manufacture and support. I'd like to find something for a budget of less than $400-$500 in mind, but am finding it challenging to know where to look and what to look for. Here's what my research has found so far:
Carlson Explorer 2's: Available for $200+/-, but seem to be older than mine; running SurvCE 1.67 or so. Is there much in 2.07 that I'd miss in 1.67?
Carlson Surveyor: Most seem to run SurvCE 6.01 or higher, but run from $600 all the way to $2000+
Juno T41/5...SurvCE...$600+/- Don't know much about Juno's. Juniper's: ditto.
Other than that, I found some Getac's, like the PS336, again for $600, but some with not just SurvCE, but Survey Pro, Field Genius etc. Some come from Romania and include all kinds of warning about the software licenses...sounds bootleg to me.
All I want is something that works; Don't need anything but TS, and uncertain about what if anything a higher version of SurvCE will do (although my 2.07 has seemed kind of klunky at times, but not sure it doesn't just have to do with the hardware).
There just doesn't seem to be much out there between the low end (Explorer 2) and more recent (5-10 years) units. I've checked the Marketplace here without much luck.
Any advice on what I should be looking for given the knowledge I an not a professional and willing to settle for less than stellar performance (although I still love to "do stars", but don't need a DC for that lol), is very much appreciated. If any here feel inclined to clean out the old equipment closet, that would work too.
Many thanks in advance.
rfc
