Firmware Updates: New firmware has been released for the ProFlex 500, ProFlex Lite, MB100, ProMark 100, ProMark 200 and the MobileMapper 100. The enhancements to the ProFlex 500 are major and every existing ProFlex 500 user will find a great feature to make the 10 minute, free update, worth doing.
Trimble - Ashtech acquisition rumors: see the section after firmware updates.
Firmware and Software Updates
MobileMapper 100
When upgrading a MobileMapper, take a moment to read [ installation note ] describing how to deactivate the GNSS Service layer prior to replacing software components.
There is a new GNSS Toolbox (Version 1.23) available [ here ]. There is not currently a list of enhancements or changes.
ProMark 100 & ProMark 200
When upgrading a MobileMapper, take a moment to read [ installation note ] describing how to deactivate the GNSS Service layer prior to replacing software components.
There is a new GNSS Toolbox (Version 1.23) available [ here ]. There is not currently a list of enhancements or changes.
There is a new ProMark Field (Version 1.03) available [ here ]. There is not currently a list of enhancements or changes.
ProFlex Lite
There is new ProFlex Lite firmware (Version Gt23) available [ here ]. A new reference manual (Rev C) can be found here [ manual ].
MB100
There is new MB100 firmware (Version Gt23) available [ here ]. There is a self-referencing Release Note [ here ].
ProFlex 500
There is a major new firmware release (V3.5 S608gt23) for the ProFlex 500 GNSS receiver. This [ folder ] provides a link to several update scenarios. The full release document can be found here [ Release Information ].
There are several updated manuals:
[ Reference Manual ] [ Webserver ] [ CORS ] [ Backpack ]
I have spent considerable time with this new release and it presents some major improvements. The Release Information details all of the changes, these are my favorites:
Substantially better RTK Rover performance, the PF500 now matches the PM500's latest improvements. Faster fixes, longer baselines, improved operation under canopy.
A new option [C] enables an internal NTRIP Caster which will allow authenticated users to login to a PF500 to obtain corrections. A PF500 may also receive corrections from other PF500's and serve their corrections. This $3,000 option enables the formation of a complete network without any additional computer hardware. The required firmware option 'Embedded NTRIP Caster' (Part Number 680636, MSRP $2,990) is available for purchase today.
It is no longer necessary to purchase Long Range RTK for Flying RTK applications.
Remember that full RTK operation up to 3 KM (1.86 miles) is included with every ProFlex 500 (and ProMark 500). Past 3 KM, Long range RTK has been required.
The new [R] option (Part Number 680653, 'Flying RTK') allows a receiver to utilize Flying RTK corrections. These corrections provide 0.1 meter accurate corrections with extremely large baselines (the distance from the rover to the base.)
DynDNS: The ProFlex 500 now supports DynDNS which allows you to place the PF500 on a dynamic IP address (one that changes) and still reach the PF500 for corrections without knowing the IP address on a minute by minute basis.
Backup / Secondary Push FTP: The PF500 can now push session files to two FTP servers or to a secondary FTP server upon failure of the primary. This allows the PF500 to automatically push hourly session files to two CORS networks.
DBEN: The PF500 Base will now output DBEN for interoperability with legacy Ashtech / Magellan Profession equipment. (Think of a PF500 base and Z-Surveyor rover.)
FIX/FLOAT/FIX/FLOAT: issues with some legacy bases has been fixed. The PF500 and PM500 used to bounce from FIX to FLOAT with some base receivers. I have seen this occur with some Trimble 4700 bases broadcasting CMR+, I have personally verified that this issue has been fixed with the latest version.
Trimble - Ashtech Acquisition Rumors:
There are 1,190+ world wide subscribers to this mail list and I have received plenty of rumors and titillating gossip over the last week from many of them. Some predict an immediate end to Ashtech and its products (not likely), some predict a complete assimilation of all products and personnel into Spectra.
Many of the rumors that I have heard are directly attributable to competitors, who certainly have a pony in this race and an axe to grind.
Based on previous Trimble purchases (think PacCrest, TDS, SECO) my prediction is 'nothing much will change for 18-months'. Ashtech has been profitable throughout the recession and I am pretty sure Trimble purchased them based on a rational business model, not out of spite or to immediately close the Ashtech doors.
I would caution all of us that 'the deal is not done' and that anyone having definitive information on the acquisition is bound by Unites States securities laws forbidding insider trading and tipping. The penalty for releasing information is quite high and there have been numerous prosecutions recently. I would guess that anyone with definitive information is highly unlikely to spread rumors for fear of reprisal ($5,000,000 fines and prison time). Thus anything you hear should be taken for what it is, a rumor.
On another note, Trimble's stock (TRMB) took a huge hit on Friday (down $3.60/7.14% to $46.84) after Trimble reported 1st quarter earnings. Trimble beat 1st quarter estimates by 1-cent however they also adjusted 2nd quarter estimates down to $0.50, a couple of cents less than what 'The Street' was looking for, causing a stock price freefall. Seems crazy to me.
Hopefully you will continue to find these notifications a valuable resource, however if this message has found you in error, you can use the link at the bottom of this message to get off the list (really, it does work.)
There is a complete list of all of the past notifications [ here ].
If you know of anyone with Ashtech / Magellan / Thales equipment who might benefit from these update notifications you can add them to this list: [ Add or Delete a user ].
Good survey and mapping to you all!
Mark Silver,
Igage Mapping Corporation, http://www.igage.com
ms@igage.com, +1 801-412-0011
| | Powered by YMLP.com | |
| | ||