On average, how many hours do you use your Locus system in a week? And how does this compare to your expectations when you first decided to purchase the system?
This should be interesting.
Bill Martin
Ashtech Precision Products
Hi Bill
I don't quantify use time in "hours per week". When I purchased the Locus system it was for use on specific types of jobs, for getting experience in the general use of GPS, etc. So far it has been one of the best purchases I've made and after a lot more use I'll definitely know what I need when I purchase an RTK unit.
-wat-
Bill
I have been keeping track of this and have found since our purchase in May of 2000 we are using the Locus about a third of the time which equates to about 7 days per month. This is more than I thought we would do when we purchased it. With the leaves off now and great SV coverage through the day, use is at peak now.
Steve
I purchased my system in April 2000 and use it on the avereage two to three day a week. Only a very few weeks have passed that we didn't use it at all. One stretch we used it for 12 days including week ends. It has also allowed us to do larger jobs with less personell and time. (Profits) Its simplist approach allow several users especially in static mode. The data logger software is slow and some what difficult. If that could be cleared up we would use the system more. The processing software and reciever have operated quite well.
I use my Locus receivers on every project.
Even if it's a small lot survey, I set up two receivers and let them "cook" long enough to establish a bearing and at least a rough SPC.
When I'm back in that area (± 5 miles) I'll tie the jobs together, thus building a future control network.
Even in the "old" days (pre-edm) I would always take a few extra minutes to make a few (angular, if nothing else) ties to a previous job.
As a result, when I sold my firm in 1992, I had an area roughly 40 miles square that was all tied together on a common datum - now _THERES_ an edge!
Jerry
We have been using our Locus units on all but the smaller "lot" surveys. But, after having read Jerry's post, if we can keep them running effeciently, we may even follow Jerry's example. I think I'll repost what I think is a really good tip. A base station post.
J.D. Billings