To the gurus at ashtec:
Please use another method to download besides IR when you update the locus recievers.
I get tired of waiting for big files to download!!

Firewire?

Thanx,

Nathan de Aryan

I have recently included an older laptop to try downloads in the field. It's a P 150 with 64 megs ram, and the "larger" files seem to sometimes have a problem completely downloading..usually to about 80-90% and then I have to try again.
I have always (even on the home PC) used the single file drag and drop method, downloading all receivers then the handheld. This way I keep up with the field logs and write the file name such as 1234A01.099 on the appropriate log sheet as a cross check.
Anybody dragging and dropping the whole bunch at once, and if so do you have any problems with the handheld data associating with the right files?

Dave,

Don't know about the 90% aborts but I regularly drag and drop all the files on each reciever at once then the 48.

No problem ith the 48 data associating with correct file. From my understanding, limited as it is, the 48 data is tagged to the reciever serial number. The actual points are tagged by time(which includes the day). This is why u have to have a reasonably recent snych. between the receiver and 48 when you begin Kinematic.

I haven't used the 48 for Static on multiple receivers but I would imagine it is similar but with a file for each receiver.

Jimbo

We've known for years that one of the biggest pains with GPS in the field was cabling. Also, cables are expensive, since we need to use high-end waterproof connectors. Locus was designed to be cable-free, eliminating many field problems. While the IR may not be the perfect solution, it did eliminate all cables in the field.
For downloads, you might try a lower baud rate [19,200 usually works well]. Sometimes high baud rates get more CRC errors and actually download slower that a slower rate would. Also, IR is sensitive to ambient light, so you might kill some lights in the office while you download, or cover the Locus and IR cable with something, maybe a cardboard box, to reduce errors from ambient lighting interference. Let me know how these work for you.

BR,
---Brian

keep them cable free.

How about a waterproof cover and gasket with a pc card slot ???

Jimbo

PS. I was gonna say on the bottom but that might be really difficult considering how the batteries are removed !
Modified By James Webb on 4/24/2001 at 11:19 PM

Good feedback, gentlemen. I'm with Dave on the "cable free" issue. When I was using GPS in the field every day, spare cables were vital to ensure no down time for those $33,000 receivers [that didn't do any more than Locus]. Hopefully, some of the new wireless technologies will give us even better solutions in the future.
Now, if we could get rid of the batteries...

---BDE
Modified By Brian D. Ewing, PLS on 4/25/2001 at 5:16 PM

Brian,

i don't know about getting rid of the batteries but.....

The most ingenious way I have seen for recharging batteries and maintaining a high level of waterproofiong is used in my BRAUN electric toothbrush. No contacts ! but an induced current/voltage setup through a plastic housing !!?

just a thought,

jimbo
Modified By James Webb on 4/27/2001 at 12:34 AM