Various Data Collector Experiences

We have 2 both loaded with Carlson. The first one was called "Jett" and the second (same basic machine, but a few years later) is called "Explorer". We like them. About the only minor complaint is that the 2 have slightly different keyboard layouts.

I suppose I should mention we have a Trimble (TSCE2 - I think is the model) to use with our GPS units, but since that is all it is used for I really don't count that one.

Carlson Surveyor+ which I believe is a rebranded allegro. As we're a Carlson shop it plays nicely with out CAD software.

TSC2 (Ranger) is rock solid after they fixed their original screen issues several years ago. Still use them; TDS survey pro max onboard.

If I had one gripe it would be that if your ranger burns out, they won't let you transfer the software to a new one.

Frank. You are correct about the software. Just to mention, in case someone else is in the same boat, Spectra Precision has a trade in that allows you not to "transfer" the software but instead to purchase a new box (hardware) and the software is free (equivalent) to the same modules you had in the traded unit.

To me, it is just as good a deal.

That all being said, I am partial to the Nomad. The thing is rugged as heck, the screens are great and it is small/light enough to take anywhere. No keyboard though.

Juniper Systems (the makers of the Allegro series) builds solid DC's. The company provides excellent direct technical support when the need arises.

I have an Allegro MX and a Jet CE. Microsurvey call it Tracker Extreme.
Had the latter 6± years and has been rock solid.
Only gripe are small keys.
MX has decent key size.
It's currently on way back from replacement screen.
It had become temperamental and needed a reset to get screen working again.

I run SurvCE and Field Genius on the Allegro and prefer it to use.
Jet has a useful hook at top to hang on legs.

Bluetooth is not so good on Jet. Drops out if move a not unreasonable distance from instrument and flogs the battery.
Both are flawless in making connections though.

Now run rechargeable AA batteries in Jet. Battery packs just weren't lasting long enough and recelling was equally lacklustre.
The Allegro certainly has a better life in that area and can hot swap which can't be done on Jet.
That just plays a short tune and spits the dummy when battery runs low.

Thank all of you.

Cheers,

Derek

Hi Kampnguy,

No, the Carlson Surveyor+ is not just a re-branded version.
The Carlson Surveyor+ has different components inside.
But you are right, they are manufactured by the same company but the Surveyor+ is designed by specifications written by Carlson.

Greetings,
Floris.

cwlawley, post: 243892, member: 3114 wrote: Frank. You are correct about the software. Just to mention, in case someone else is in the same boat, Spectra Precision has a trade in that allows you not to "transfer" the software but instead to purchase a new box (hardware) and the software is free (equivalent) to the same modules you had in the traded unit.

To me, it is just as good a deal.

Does this trade in apply to Survey Controller as well as the TDS software, and if so will they also let you upgrade the Survey Controller to a specific version?
I'd like to have both of my TSC2 dc's running the same version SC software.

Is a Trimble dealer also a Spectra Precision dealer?

I used Carlson in a Juniper Archer for several years but can't bluetooth tether my Verizon phone to it to access the VRN. When Juniper systems replaced the Archer with the Archer 2 - I bought one because of the Wi-Fi capabilty. Same rugged build quality, but:

1) I can't carry it in my vest pocket.
2) The touch screen(IMO) sucks - especially with gloves on.
3) The stylus, which used to reside in a protected cavity within the body of the unit, now stores in an elastic loop sewed to the back of the hand strip so it catches on everything.

Also, SurvCE doesn't fully exploit the capabilities of the touch screen interface. Can't pinch to zoom. Object snaps in the map display can be maddening. Nothing to do with the touch screen but I still hate the ABC soft keyboard, just can't get the hang of it after using QWERTY for so long in the office. I spend more time hunting around for letters when typing point descriptions than actually getting the shot. Where the he** is that dammed L, anyway....

I' d be much happier with the original Archer upgraded with Wi-Fi, the brighter sunlight readable display without the touch screen, faster processor & more memory. If wishes were fishes...........

Oh, and Windows Mobile STILL sucks.

Curmudgeon-ly yours,
SS

Sergeant Schultz, post: 342366, member: 315 wrote: I used Carlson in a Juniper Archer for several years but can't bluetooth tether my Verizon phone to it to access the VRN. When Juniper systems replaced the Archer with the Archer 2 - I bought one because of the Wi-Fi capabilty. Same rugged build quality, but:

1) I can't carry it in my vest pocket.
2) The touch screen(IMO) sucks - especially with gloves on.
3) The stylus, which used to reside in a protected cavity within the body of the unit, now stores in an elastic loop sewed to the back of the hand strip so it catches on everything.

Also, SurvCE doesn't fully exploit the capabilities of the touch screen interface. Can't pinch to zoom. Object snaps in the map display can be maddening. Nothing to do with the touch screen but I still hate the ABC soft keyboard, just can't get the hang of it after using QWERTY for so long in the office. I spend more time hunting around for letters when typing point descriptions than actually getting the shot. Where the he** is that dammed L, anyway....

I' d be much happier with the original Archer upgraded with Wi-Fi, the brighter sunlight readable display without the touch screen, faster processor & more memory. If wishes were fishes...........

Oh, and Windows Mobile STILL sucks.

Curmudgeon-ly yours,
SS

SS,

Picture a data controller that:

1. Is the same size a hard covered field book
2. As fast as your laptop or desktop PC, same ram, same procesor
3. Can run same software as your laptop PC, SurvPC, Carlson Survey OEM Acad, Excel, DropBox, Google Drive, etc.
4. Has WiFi
5. Built in GPS (WAAS)
6. Built in 4g modem
7. Long Range Bluetooth
8. 16hr battery
9. Is a Touch Screen, but connect to a rugged keyboard
10. Visible in sunlight
11. Can connect to a 24" monitor, Full size keyboard, mouse to be used a a office PC

You just envisioned the Panasonic ToughPad FZ-M1, and there are many other Tablet PC's now coming to marking that can do all of this. Some cost $100's, even $1000's less than the controllers you are using now.

We used the Allegro CX w/Carlson until a couple of years ago. A very solid DC in my opinion- it never let us down that I can remember. We're now using Leica CS15's; my exemplary instrumentman prefers using Carlson on it although we do have Viva SmartWorx installed too. It does seem that Carlson was notably "happier" on the Allegro for what it's worth; the visible laser turns on at random and some other miscellaneous weirdness occurs on the CS15. Then again, reverse engineering anything for compatibility nowadays is a major challenge.

I have x5 DC. Love my 10 year old Carlson explora. I have an older trimble. We just recently purchased Carlson surveyor2, I hate it. I also have both an allegro CX and MX. I love the allegro MX. Whats great about the allegro MX over the trimble is the drawing capability and creating points on the screen. with my new SURVEYOR 2 I always loose connection. I have to reconnect constantly. The biggest problem i have is switching prism types. the data collector I will switch from 360 or circle type and the instrument does not change some times. Dangerous!!!
PS don't use a screen protector with the Allegros.

leegreen, post: 342386, member: 2332 wrote: SS,

Picture a data controller that:

1. Is the same size a hard covered field book
2. As fast as your laptop or desktop PC, same ram, same procesor
3. Can run same software as your laptop PC, SurvPC, Carlson Survey OEM Acad, Excel, DropBox, Google Drive, etc.
4. Has WiFi
5. Built in GPS (WAAS)
6. Built in 4g modem
7. Long Range Bluetooth
8. 16hr battery
9. Is a Touch Screen, but connect to a rugged keyboard
10. Visible in sunlight
11. Can connect to a 24" monitor, Full size keyboard, mouse to be used a a office PC

You just envisioned the Panasonic ToughPad FZ-M1, and there are many other Tablet PC's now coming to marking that can do all of this. Some cost $100's, even $1000's less than the controllers you are using now.

Lee, can you post a picture of that setup? Do you run a keyboard at the rod?
That would be an interesting solution.

Lee,

Can you post a picture of that setup?

I have been interested in the Panasonic, but don't like touchscreen keyboards so much.

-David

dmyhill, post: 342444, member: 1137 wrote: Lee,

Can you post a picture of that setup?

I have been interested in the Panasonic, but don't like touchscreen keyboards so much.

-David

Here are some photos of my ToughPad compared to a field book, and mounted to GPS pole.

Reminds of a time in 1989 when the company I was working for had a rush job to do an "As-Built" on a shopping center, so another guy and I had to spend our Saturday doing the topo survey. We were using the Sokkia SDR-2 which was one of the first data collectors which came in either 16k or 32k of memory. The other guy never knew what to get for shots, so I ran the rod and he manned the instrument. When you shot the backsight to orient, it gave you the error compared to the inverse distance of the coordinates that you had entered for the setup point and backsight point. It then asked if you wanted to continue Yes/No. On Monday the CAD guy went to plot the drawing on the pen plotter and the plotter is going crazy and tapping up and down in one location until it tore through the paper. I looked at the printout of the raw data and discovered the instrument guy had entered the backsight point as the same point as the setup point. He then ignored the warning and we started shooting points. It is never fun having to do something twice...

J. Penry, post: 342463, member: 321 wrote: When you shot the backsight to orient, it gave you the error compared to the inverse distance of the coordinates that you had entered for the setup point and backsight point. It then asked if you wanted to continue Yes/No. He then ignored the warning and we started shooting points. It is never fun having to do something twice...

That is remarkably similar, if not identical to what I did earlier this summer! Some day they'll make smarter DC software that says, in such situations: "Hey dummy, you can't be where you've been at the same time you're somewhere else!; This session will now end until you get your Sh$% together".

I have yet to exceed the expectations of the HP48GX with SMI v7 CVCE & DOT systems.

Recently an Allegro CX with CarlsonCE came with an instrument purchase and it looks to be just as dependable and perhaps more durable.

B-)