I just got off the phone with the programmers from XYZ Works and am just about ready to jump in and buy three (3)of their PDA Controllers to replace the Huskey FS2 boxes that I am now using. The only problem that I see in converting is that XYZ is unable to initialize my GPS. I will still have to use the TDS to initialize the system abd then I can switch to the PDA and collect data. He says that they can't make the initialization work until they get the info they need from Ashtech to write the code. He says that he has been asking for the info for a long time and can't seem to get anywhere.

Right now it seems that if you buy an Ashtech RTK system you need to use TDS run it. I haven't seen where Ashtech is making their own RTK controllers. IMHO, with TDS now in the camp of the yellow competition it seems that Ashtech would be greatly served to associate with XYZ to get this done and not be worried about being held hostage by TDS/Trimble.

When is Ashtech going to get on the ball and get this thing going? This XYZ option must make to much business sense to be usable.

Inquiring minds want to know.

ORR

I use TDS with Astech GPS and I don't see what your big complaint is...This combination works well...at least for me...TSC1's suck turnip juice compared to the Husky's.

tgy

I also use the TDS on a Huskey FS/2 with the Ashtech RTK and have really no complaint with the software. I have been having a lot of problems with the Huskeys and fogging and don't want to spend $2500 to get mine repaired if I can get the XYZ with all of the new bells and whistles for $1200 and have the advantage of Pocketcadd and the much faster processor speed for the RTK work. I am hoping this faster processing speed will let me fix faster on my points and keep things moving along better in the field. There are also things that XYZ does better than TDS, Roading, etc. The Ipac has alot of expansion capability also, memory, add a cell modem, add a Garmen type receiver for recon, etc. Right now all it won't do are initialize the base and multi-point resections. I'm sure these will be in some of the near future updates. The guys at XYZ tell me that if they get a receiver to study/test that they can get it to initialize the base and update the software very quickly.

Lew,

I have always been inpressed with Carlson but Tsunami is also an expensive fix and based on the Huskey collectors. I really am looking for a way to get away from the Huskeys if I can get more performance and reliability. Does Carlson come in Windows CE for the Ipac, etc.? This might be another option if the price range is right.

Thanks for the comments. I have heard from Ashtech and they tell me it is all in the works, just working through channels now. Trouble is I needed it last month, like always.

ORR

Once a year we are going to send in our FS3 to have it inspected and serviced
Change desiccants that absorbs moisture and change the keyboard membrane
voltage check internal battery
if dirt get under buttons gently work buttons with unit face down in a sink
full of warm water to flush out sand dirt etc.

Our first service on husky in two years as follows
Replace case hardware keyboard membrane
replace case o ring
replace battery cap gasket
replace desiccant pack
replace 9 pin d-sub port plug slight corrosion
QC and test
parts $66.00 can
labor $237.50 can
work was done by FORTRAN traffic systems and was first class
Keep battery cap tight

Pete
Our huskys have been good to us no problems
Modified By Peter Kozub on 11/5/2001 at 1:40 PM

my husky's were used in an open pit mining environment ...3 years service to me , no maitainence, the people using equipment must treat it as if it is their own, I did, and now it is....Husky's are dominant and others are good as well, but it is user friendly for most novice surveyors and those are the people doing most GPS work these days...

Gary I agree with you we treat our equipment like gold
are going to service the husky during slow periods
whether it needs it or not to reduce any chance of down time
much like oil changes on our work truck every 10000 k
we send in the robot every year for inspection.

Pete


Actually the parts that fortran sys changed out could have gone another 2 years except the dessicant pack west coast rain rain and more rain
Modified By Peter Kozub on 11/5/2001 at 2:14 PM

NOW IF I EVER HAVE A PROBLEM I'LL KNOW WHO TO GET IN TOUCH WITH TO FIX MY UNITS. CAP LOCKS...SORRY

Paw C on the husky

Pete :^)