gdurkee

Hi:

Just a comment for anyone looking for a cheaper field solution than a Trimble. This summer, I used a combination of ArcPad 7 on a Dell Axim x51 ($225) with a separate bluetooth GPS (BT-77; $50). I encased the Axim in an Otterbox 2600 ($50), which fit the PDA perfectly, even with the thicker 2200 mAH battery. The whole thing worked great under a wide range of environmental conditions (rain, 11,000 feet in altitude, 10F temps, getting banged around etc.). I had about 4 databases open and several USGS digitized map quads (stored on a 2GB CF card). Speed in ArcMap was fine.

With the larger battery, I could go about 3 days of use without recharging, though I also carried the standard 1200 mAh battery as a spare. I was careful, though, to power down between data collection sessions. There would be occasions when I'd have it continuously powered for 6 hours (for tracklog recording)and it still gave long battery life. The GPS would also go several days without requiring recharging.

ArcPad is pretty expensive ($500) but there's also cheaper mapping programs out there. The maps, though, are just regular digitized USGS maps (DRGs) which are free in most states on various websites, so you don't have to buy propriatary maps.

As a side note, I found that it worked well for me to have a separate GPS that I could leave in the center of the site while I walked around collecting data (vs. having the GPS built into the PDA). If you are a major dweeb, Trimble sells a ball cap which has a pocket for a small bluetooth GPS or external antenna. Beanie top propeller is extra... .

A semi-major problem, though, is being able to see the screen in full sunlight. I'd always have to turn to shade the screen or go into the trees to see it adequately. Otherwise, great (and much cheaper) combination.

George

alisterman

Originally Posted by gdurkee

Hi: Just a comment for anyone looking for a cheaper field solution than a Trimble. This summer, I used a combination of ArcPad 7 on a Dell Axim x51 ($225) with a separate bluetooth GPS (BT-77; $50). I encased the Axim in an Otterbox 2600 ($50), which fit the PDA perfectly, even with the thicker 2200 mAH battery. The whole thing worked great under a wide range of environmental conditions (rain, 11,000 feet in altitude, 10F temps, getting banged around etc.). I had about 4 databases open and several USGS digitized map quads (stored on a 2GB CF card). Speed in ArcMap was fine. A semi-major problem, though, is being able to see the screen in full sunlight. I'd always have to turn to shade the screen or go into the trees to see it adequately. Otherwise, great (and much cheaper) combination. George

I agree with you on it is an cheaper alternative than other Gps Mapping units. I've been using my dell x5 For over 2 years with arcpad with 2 diffrent gps recievers (Cf and BT). I've have just in the lasts months upraded to the X51V and a Newer SIRFIII BT with WAAS Reciever. It Does very well Under canapoy with the reciever in Your Pocket or on a belt clip. I agree that direct sunlight does cause problems seeing the screen. I'm using a otterbox 3600 case which has a deep enough inlet which enlimates most of this problem.

I see that Otterbox offers a Rugged Keypad for some of there cases. They say its for the Ipaq 2000 series. Does anyone know if you could get something like this to work of the X51v??