TSC2 Ranger and TDS Software

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all. Quite the opposite.

In situations like this I try to listen to what I am being told. Not the words, but the message.

Seems the message is: "We do not care about you or what you have done with us in the past. We care about selling more of our product today. If that costs us a long term customer in the future, we do not care."

Sadly, this attitude is far too common these days. The big companies are too busy trying to make the profit statements look good for this quarter to worry about long term business.

Hope things are well in LA.

Larry P

Hey, Larry..
I haven't had time to post for a while. I hope things are well with you.

It seems to me that this is exactly the same thing as Autocad telling me that if my computer explodes I'll have to buy a new copy of Autocad. They would never do that; no one would or has ever suggested that to me until the Trimble thing.

You are right. I will think twice when I upgrade, and might go ahead and do it with another system now and trade in my GNSS and S6.

It's $7000 for a new Ranger 3 with the TDS Survey Pro software?

I have had the same problem with them overheating and it was a fairly common problem. It was a few years ago now so I can't recall exactly what went where but it goes a little something like this:

Apparently they changed suppliers for one of the internal components but the supplier used a different glue which tends to go soft in the heat and this allows the wiring that plugs in to come loose.

This probably doesn't help you but at least you know why you are having a problem with the TSC2.

Frank,

I was told at one time that with the TDS software that the software is licensed to the controller unit (Ranger), and not the user.

I had a version of Carlson SurvCE on an FC1000, and when I traded that data collector in, I was able to transfer the software over to the older Ranger (200T) that I have, and now have the option of running TDS or SurvCE on it.

I really like the TDS software, but do not like the way of the Trimble maintenance agreements, etc. When the time comes to upgarde controllers, I will probably be going over to Carlson. I already run their CAD software, and have no complaints.

As far as your screen, I am having the same problem, and I was told by Hayes Instruments that the touch screen is probably going out. They can replace the touch screen in my Ranger 500X for $750. Kinda Steep, but cheaper than a new data collector. Kinda sucks when I just made the last payment on the lease and now it's mine free and clear. I did take the screen protector off, and it helps, but I don't like using it without a screen protector on it.

Good luck.

See if they will give you a software license for your new hardware if you offer to turn in your old hardware and software in exchange.

The bottom line with them is that if I give them my TSC2 with internal radio, all in good shape except the screen quits working in hot weather, they will give me $1,000 for it trade in inculding my software, and I have to buy new Survey Pro Max software. They will not let me transfer my software even though it is Windows CE operating system driven.

Unfortunately you can't even blame Trimble for this; it has always been TDS policy that the software license is tied to a specific piece of hardware and not transferable.

Do see that in writing anywhere?

Frank, at this point it appears cheaper to just pay for the repair doesn't it?

> Frank, at this point it appears cheaper to just pay for the repair doesn't it?

Cheaper short term or cheaper long term, Joe?

I understand what you are saying if focusing solely on the short term. I prefer to focus on the longer term.

A better way to consider the situation is whether or not Frank is being reasonable and whether TDS is being reasonable.

The "Company Policy" routine is a crutch, an excuse. If TDS wants to do the right thing, they can. If not, I think it is a pretty good sign to carefully consider whether one wants to do business with them at all.

Larry P

You would likely have to find an old manual for the written policy, but many years ago I ended up calling TDS directly to argue with them about a situation very similar to yours. This was back when they were still an independent company. I can't remember who I talked to, but he made it quite clear that they would not transfer a license and my only option was to buy a new piece of hardware.

I would rather use the $1,000 for a new unit, but in this case I guess fixing the unit is the only option, and so is going without a data collector that will drive my S6 for at least 2 weeks.

I had the same problem with my TSC2 in January and it was only 2 years old. I drove down to Duncan-Parnell in Charlotte and they replaced the screen in about an hour. I know you're too far to drive to Charlotte but even with shipping you should only be down a few days. I do agree with you that the license should be independent of the hardware...it's not the best customer care.

Wes

Yes, for the unit I want, which is the latest one that has all bells and whistles. In fact I think it is $7400.

thanks. I will try them.

> Unfortunately you can't even blame Trimble for this; it has always been TDS policy that the software license is tied to a specific piece of hardware and not transferable.

Since Trimble owns TDS, I think it's entirely reasonable to blame Trimble.

If it was specified in my original purchase that it was for and only for that specific TSC2, I did not see it. If it was, then maybe "blame" is the wrong word. It would then be just a policy that I don't agree with, and that will obviously affect my next purchase.

I wonder if the software goes bad or gets a bug in it they make you buy a new Ranger. If they two are linked, the gotta be linked both was as far as I see it--that is if they are tied together 1 to 1.

When you buy a new laptop they generally will not you transfer software to the new cpu. Another big issue is the newer versions of software require more robust hardware. Finally, there are licensing issues. For ever version of SW written, you have to pay for licensing on each OS it will run on. I agree it sounds simple but have learned it isn't over time.