GPS World

Tag: field controller

  • CHC Navigation provides affordable auto-steering

    CHC Navigation provides affordable auto-steering

    Photo: CHC Navigation
    Photo: CHC Navigation

    Automated steering systems have been widely deployed in advanced industrial countries and on large farms to improve agricultural productivity. However, technological and price barriers have constrained their wider adoption. Reliable RTK positioning and the expected accuracy of automated steering systems enable farmers to optimize their work efforts while reducing input costs and fuel consumption.

    CHCNAV customer Niva LLC in Voronezh, Russia, was particularly interested in acquiring an automated steering system able to provide consistent high accuracy, even in scattered fields over long distances and with unstable coverage for GSM (the Global System for Mobile communication, a cell phone standard used in most of the world). Some systems Niva tested would lose GNSS RTK network correction signal reception while working in difficult terrain with gullies. A dual GNSS RTK correction source was therefore a key technical feature to ensure uninterrupted auto-steering operation in all terrain configurations.

    The CHCNAV NX510 SE’s built-in connectivity modules include a 4G modem and an additional UHF radio module to allow farmers to work with RTK correction sources from local RTK networks or GNSS RTK base stations for no additional cost. As a result, the NX510 SE can receive GNSS RTK corrections from various GNSS network operators as well as from a local radio modem input to compensate for possible poor GSM coverage. The system’s combined GNSS+INS terrain-compensation technology ensures automated steering accuracy of 2.5 centimeters and offers excellent performance in ditching, seeding and harvesting applications.

    Niva also wanted an auto-steering system that could be quickly and easily mounted on a variety of tractors and other farm vehicles at a price that would allow for rapid return on investment. The NX510 SE can be moved from one tractor to another in less than 40 minutes, as farming operations change. The software’s user interface for controlling field operations is designed for both experienced and casual users to allow even greater flexibility.

  • Trimble unveils field data controller for land, construction surveying

    Trimble unveils field data controller for land, construction surveying

    The Trimble TSC5 Controller boasts a 5-inch screen, keypad keypad and all-day battery. (Photo: Trimble)
    The Trimble TSC5 Controller boasts a 5-inch screen, keypad keypad and all-day battery. (Photo: Trimble)

    Trimble has released the TSC5 Controller, a rugged, lightweight field data controller for land construction and surveying.

    According to Trimble, the TSC5 Controller, built for practical, everyday tasks, combines high performance and dependability so professionals can complete tasks efficiently and accurately.

    “Surveyors expect to encounter challenging environments and must rely on their equipment to perform as expected in harsh conditions,” said Ron Bisio, senior vice president, Trimble Geospatial. “The TSC5 controller is a high-value, reliable solution that land surveyors can leverage for field data collection tasks performed all day, every day.”

    The controller has a 5-inch screen, keypad keypad and all-day battery for reliable field data collection. It also is resistant to shock, dust and water, and features an anti-glare screen and backlit alphanumeric keypad.

    The Trimble TSC5 Controller uses an Android 10 operating system and is fully integrated with Trimble’s land and construction surveying instruments and software packages, including Trimble Access 2021 Field Software, Trimble Siteworks Software. It’s also compatible with the Trimble EMPOWER Module system, which includes the ability to add the EM100 (GNSS), EM11X family (RFID/Barcode) and EM120 (long-range radio) modules.

    “Civil construction surveyors trust Trimble to provide rugged, reliable hardware that connects them to the Trimble Connected Construction ecosystem,” said Scott Crozier, vice president, Trimble Civil Construction. “The TSC5 is a great addition to our family of connected controllers, giving contractors the ability to choose the solution that best fits their needs and budget.”

    The Trimble TSC5 Controller running the Trimble Access field software is now available through Trimble’s geospatial distribution partners.

    The Trimble TSC5 Controller with the Siteworks SE Starter Edition. (Photo: Trimble)
    The Trimble TSC5 Controller with the Siteworks SE Starter Edition. (Photo: Trimble)

  • Trimble launches TSC7 controller and apps for surveyors

    Trimble has released the Trimble TSC7 controller, a new field solution for land and civil construction surveyors. The TSC7 brings powerful enhancements to the field and was designed based on customer feedback, the company said. It provides a tablet experience with a physical keyboard and a sunlight readable 7-inch touchscreen that supports pinch, tap and slide gestures.

    Users can interact with the TSC7 intuitively, easily zooming, panning and selecting items on the large touchscreen. Front- and rear-facing cameras allow users to video conference their office from the field for on-the-job support, and capture high-definition videos and images that provide valuable context to their data and clients.

    Trimble TSC7 controller.

    The TSC7 also leverages the power of Windows 10 Professional, driven by an Intel Pentium 64-bit quad-core processor. The processor and operating system make it easy to process data in spreadsheets and run office software programs. An ergonomic form factor, IP68-certified rugged design and optional, user-interchangeable modules make the TSC7 a flexible solution for all surveying applications.

    Trimble also announced a new version of its field software, Trimble Access 2018. The software features a new user interface and powerful graphics capabilities to deliver enhanced workflows for field surveyors.

    Access 2018 has been redesigned with even more intuitive menus and screen navigation to take advantage of the TSC7’s 7-inch touchscreen and computing power, while leveraging software workflows, which include applications for general survey, roading, tunnels and pipelines.

    Access 2018 also integrates with the Trimble Sync Manager application to enable cloud-based data management between the office and the field. Surveyors can quickly start working by downloading preconfigured jobs in the field with DXF maps and CSV files linked ready to start surveying. Sync Manager also integrates seamlessly with Trimble Business Center software and is compatible with other industry office software platforms.

    https://youtu.be/I2oMLIvu3Ck

    “Today’s surveyors are managers of geospatial intelligence,” said Ron Bisio, vice president of Trimble Geospatial. “Data has more depth and complexity than ever before, and surveyors’ reputations depend on transforming that data into valuable, reliable information for their clients. The TSC7 and Access 2018 form the new backbone of our field solutions ecosystem, and give our users a leading edge to be data experts.”

    Rover Systems

    Trimble is also releasing two new rover systems for civil engineering and construction applications — the Trimble Siteworks Positioning System for Construction Surveyors and the Trimble Siteworks Positioning System for Supervisors.

    Both systems feature new Siteworks Software, next-generation survey software tailored for construction workflows. Completely redesigned from the ground up, Siteworks Software features a new interface that is optimized for ease-of-use and productivity. Configurable views, colorful graphics and natural interactions and gestures make Siteworks software intuitive and easy to learn.

    Siteworks Positioning System for Construction Surveyors is comprised of the Trimble SPS986 GNSS smart antenna, the TSC7 controller and Siteworks software. It enables construction surveyors to work with complex 3D models, collect large data sets faster, visualize complex 3D models more easily and work day or night efficiently.

    Siteworks Positioning System for Supervisors is comprised of the SPS986 GNSS smart antenna, the Trimble T10 Tablet and Siteworks software. It enables construction supervisors to run full office software packages, including Business Center – HCE and Microsoft Office, and to work easily with data and 3D models in the field without carrying a laptop.

    The Trimble TSC7 Controller running the current version of Trimble Access field software will be available worldwide in May through Trimble’s Geospatial distribution partners.

    The Access 2018 beta program will open to applicants in early May.

  • Sokkia’s SHC500 field controller designed for surveying

    Sokkia has introduced its new SHC500 field controller for construction and surveying applications. It is designed to provide operators a compact handheld option with numerous features and benefits, including a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and optional 5 MP camera with built-in LED flash.

    The SHC500 is designed for the professional operating MAGNET Field, Site and Layout software. The data controller works with all Sokkia GNSS receivers and total stations, and meets or exceeds all field application requirements.

    “With a sunlight-readable screen, even in bright conditions the controller is perfect for modern project sites,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products. “It is built rugged — waterproof up to one meter with an IP68 rating — securing the unit and optional built-in LED flash camera and 8GB flash storage.

    “The SHC500’s optional internal cellular modem allows operators to send and receive data through the MAGNET suite of software solutions. Field crews can easily communicate when projects need to be changed or if important data is required back in the office,” Kerwin said.

    Additional features include standard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, 23 control buttons with numeric input, and a capacitive-touch interface.

  • Sokkia introduces SHC5000 field controller

    Sokkia has introduced the latest addition to its line of field controllers for use with construction and surveying applications, the SHC5000. Operating MAGNET Field, Site and Layout software, the newest field controller is designed to provide a more versatile and faster handheld computer for GNSS receivers and total stations, with the largest screen size in the Sokkia line.

    Sokkia_SHC5000-fieldcontroller-W“The SHC5000 boasts a 7-inch sunlight-viewable screen, which makes it the largest in our line of field controllers,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products. “The display’s capacitive touch interface comes with finger, glove, small tip stylus and water capable options. Operators can change the screen from portrait to landscape when viewing maps or drawings, depending on which orientation is preferable.”

    The SHC5000 comes with two built-in cameras. One uses an 8 MP camera with autofocus and LED flash that is designed for uses such as field photography. The second has a 2 MP camera on the front side of the unit for purposes such as video meetings.
    Additional features include 64 GB of flash storage, an optional 4G LTE cellular modem, internal GPS navigation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a battery life of 10-plus hours.