Maybe the participants of this forum can help solve a disagreement between Ashtech sales and marketing.

The ultimate intent is to give Locus users what they want, so I hope this doesn't violate the forum rules. Please pardon me if it does.

The question is simple. USB vs. DB-9 serial ports. If you only had one option which would you prefer?

Thanks for your input
-Rod Johnson

Rod,

I say absolutely keep the DB-9 connection. Reason being that even though most "newer" computers have a USB port, the software if I remember correctly requires only a pentium 90 and better with 32 megs of ram. What does this tell you? It is fine with either A) an older computer that is used to download files to (as a server) and B) my old Dell Latitude XPI-CD P150 laptop can do what I need in the field or away from the office. Process on the laptop, into TDS and out in the TDS .cr5 format and with a switch of the cables it goes into my HP 48GX to tie in the points that are not viable candidates for the GPS.
I say KISS! (Keep It Simple, Stupid!)

DB-9 for now.

Many (most ?) probably have a USB port but I would imagine that quite a few don't. This, swithing to USB, would force them into a much more expensive upgrade situation especially on the laptop/field computer side.

Jimbo

Rod,

DB-9

J.D.

Rod, I have to opt for the 9 pin for now...Too many older laptops are used in the field as field to finish tools, as stated earlier. Also, I have not really seen a job where a 4 meg download ( a full Locus unit) at 57k was the most limiting factor in any processing scenario.....Usually there are other things to do while downloading anyway...

USB may be the wave of the future, but then again, we should all have firewire ports on our boxes or direct ir ports if we want the ultimate in simplicity..

Finally, any idea of hardwiring Survey Control on a handheld to a locus or other unit probably wouldn't be viable with a USB on a handheld controller, so why waste time rewiring what already works....bob

Put me in the DB-9 camp as well. USB is still too flaky for my tastes.

Rod,

My vote for the DB-9 (above) was in spite of the fact that I already have 3 very often used com port devices and only 2 com ports.

J.D.

Jim,

If you want flaky try firewire. It makes USB look as stable as a parallel port for printing.

But my vote stays with DB9 (or db25)

Jimbo

Rod,

I'm your Colorado Ashtech Precision Products dealer, so my vote probably only counts for half.

I had and interesting situation about two weeks ago with a popular download program. My client bought this software from me, and not 30 minutes later walked back in my door. He has this brand new Toshiba laptop with one parallel DB25 and two USB ports, and NO serial port.

The hardware lock worked on the parallel port and the software ran fine, but you couldn't download anything because the software only allows you to select a COM port. Our solution was to get a USB to COM port replicator. Bought the best one money could buy. Hooked it up and installed the drivers. Nothing, nada, zilch, zip, didn't work. Not only did the replicator not work, it crashed the parallel port (all the ports for that matter) and then the software wouldn't detect the hardware lock, so it would only run in demo mode. Called the software manufacturer, Toshiba and everyone I new to make this work. Still nothing. To make a long story short, my client is very happy with his old laptop.

I suspect Toshiba was running out of room on the back panel, and had to leave something out. I guessing they looked at what the computer market demanded (not what surveyors demanded) and the DB9 serial port lost out to USB. My vote is to hang on to DB9 serial for as long as we can because EVERYTHING surveying uses serial. However, just like DOS and 5 1/4" floppies, we're going to have to move to USB eventually. Toshiba started it.

Chris Johnson
Sales Manager, Tech Support
Survey Solutions, Inc.

Chris,

Good points concerning computer evolution. And, I don't think it matters whether you sell it, invented it, or just use it, as long as your honest about your personal interest in it I figure your vote counts as a whole vote anyway.

J.D.

Thanks JD,

I work hard not to be one of "those" GPS Salesmen. A whole vote is appreciated.

Chris

CJ,

As you said eventually we will have to upgrade to USB, for all the connections.


Rod,

What I guess I don't understand is why they can only have one choice ? The current Locus system only uses serial transfer on one item, the IR connector.

Is the hardware inside the Locus being upgraded to take advantage of the potentially higher transfer speeds thru a USB ir connector ? If not then why change the connector for the IR device ? If it is for future compatiblity with computer hardware then maybe their should be two devices available. Many other periphials have had two connection options for this migration. I understand this is a small niche market but I don't think it would be an extremely costly thing to offer both options for a "changeover" period.

Jimbo

In the recreational GPS forums you see a lot of screaming now because many new laptops have only USB. Nevertheless I think the DB9 is the best common denominator and laptop buyers will have to start looking at specs instead of assuming. On the other hand couldn't you provide an option of either DB9 or USB infrared thing? or include both, those little things cannot be that expensive. To go exclusive USB seems much more likely to mess up people than the opposite, but why not do both?

PS most laptops have an IR port built in. Has anyone succeeded in going to it directly?



Second PS: If I only had one choice I would say DB9, and wonder why I only had one choice.
Modified By jerry wahl on 8/4/2001 at 10:52 AM