Spectra Promark 700 GNSS Receiver

We bought one about 6 months ago to replace a DOA R8, and it's worked very well for us.
It's a network receiver only, only BT radio.

Lightest receiver available (I believe). Tough construction. Total simple operation (one button only). Has a 'quick charge' mode for topping off at lunch time. Comes with a car lighter adapter.

Great engine. Trimble 220 channel GNSS based.

As mentioned, Bluetooth only, but you won't need anything else for network use.

I always suggest purchasing one 'serial cable' to keep on the shelf (if you had 6 PM700's you would only need one serial cable.) The serial cable would only be used for updating the firmware (so far there have been no firmware updates). The part number for the serial cable is:

91865-00, RS232 to USB adapter kit; $144

It is well supported by both SurveyPro (preferred) and Carlson SurvCE. Although at last check, SurvCE would not start a static session.

I think the #1 good thing is the weight: Coupled with a small data collector and a lightweight pole it is a joy to haul around. #2 good thing is performance, it is as good as anything else out there. #3 is price. #4 is simplicity, hard to beat one button and a couple LED's.

#1 bad thing would be collecting static and S&G observations, but you probably don't need to do that anyway.

M

Is this the receiver that replaced the 500? I could never get my 500 to communicate very well using the Bluetooth. It could have been my Allegro DC though. Anyway I'm glad it had a serial port to connect up to. It would log static just fine using the Carlson software to start/stop sessions. In my opinion, it would be a step back if that functionality is not present on the 700.

I too had problems with the Allegro CX and Bluetooth connections. However, after doing the Bluetooth upgrade on the CX (this was years ago), I have never had any additional problems with the CX.

I used to carry the serial cable for the Allegro everywhere, but really have had no issues since the update. I was convinced that there was an RFID tag in the cable, if the cable was in the truck, the CX knew I had no recourse and would dump the Bluetooth settings.

In any case the Bluetooth update seemed to fix the problem. Here is a [ link ] to Juniper Systems' support page. The fix is still available directly from them.

Have you made that update yet? If not, I suspect it will fix your issue with the PM500.

The PM700 is not the replacement for the PM500. The 700 is just a network only rover. It was a new offering for Spectra/Ashtech.

The PM800 is the replacement for the PM500.

Cosmetically there is not much difference between the PM800 and PM500. However the 800 will fix GLONASS only (without GPS SV's) and will fix about 50% faster than the 500 (I never thought the 500 was slow.)

The 800 appears to be even better than the 500 under moderate canopy and in high multipath environments. I personally think it does even better in a Trimble VRS network, however the 500 worked just fine.

Also, the 800 comes standard with an ADL internal radio, where the 500 came with a PDL, however the ADL will also work in the PDL.

Thanks again,

M

I recently purchased a Spectra Promark 700 and Spectra Ranger data collector with TDS Survey Pro. I am using the unit with a VRS network connected by via MiFi. The unit is very easy to use, and as stated by others, very light. The leaves are down here in Pennsylvania but I have had good lock under light canopy. I've checked into several control points I established with rented Trimble units over the past few years and checked 0.02 - 0.05 H&V with the 700. I'm very happy with the unit so far. At around 16K for the whole set up, this unit is fairly affordable.

Thanks everyone for your replies. It looks like it has mostly positive feedback.