If you missed my Monday notes (FAST 3.5.1, MMField) you can read them [ here ]. If you know of any other interesting tidbits, let me know and I will add them to the next note.

There has been an interesting development in the WAAS PRN 135 saga, Intelsat regained control and command and is working to place it back into useful orbit. There is a pretty good article at GPSWorld [ Rouge WAAS SV ] with all the details.

GNSS Solutions V 3.60 has been released. Detailed information is available [ GNSS Solutions V3.6 Information ]

You can download V3.60 from the ftp site (290 Meg, 62 folders, 282 files ) [ FTP Link ]

I have provided a single file, ZIP Archive on the mirror [ GNSS Solutions V6 Archive ] it should be much easier to download and install than grabbing the individual files via FTP.

I have installed this new version and checked it out with my standard jobs. the new version produces higher confidence intervals (better) and addresses some issues with CORS download. I think it is worth the download and install time.

A dedicated part number (PN 800981-12) for a ProMark 100 Field Terminal with FAST Survey is now available. The kit includes a ProMark 100 data collector with Internal/External GNSS FAST Survey, the standard accessories (battery, cradle, power supply, USB cable) and a pole bracket. The MSRP is $3,995, which is a pretty good deal.

This new product release is comprised of these existing part numbers:

A savings of $875!

However, it is not quite as inexpensive as a MMCX with FAST Survey (PN 800981-11), which it is replacing, at $2,750.00. (We do have MMCX receivers and MMCX FAST Survey terminals in stock!) The MM6 with FAST Survey may not be available any more.

I just finished testing the latest FAST Survey (2.5.1) on a MobileMapper 100 with a Bluetooth Connection to a ProMark 500 receiver. This latest FAST version really works well. It is... well, really fast.

ProMark 500 on CDMA (Verizon/US Cellular) Networks using Mobile Hotspot!

The MM100 with FAST 2.5.1 handles using WiFi to deliver network NTRIP and Direct IP connections seamlessly. (The MMCX could never accomplish this, it was too slow!) This used to theoretically be possible using Bluetooth, but it did not work well. The MM100 makes WiFi connections automatically, the range is exceptional (with the SpecTec SDIO card) and the MM100 is fast enough to move the data around.

To use a WiFi configuration, you connect the MobileMapper 100 to a WiFi hotspot (think iPhone with Mobile Hotspot on the Verizon network, Droid, PalmPre or a construction site trailer). The MM100 makes the connection to a GPS network through the WiFi connection and passes the corrections up the Bluetooth link to the ProMark 500.

It is a great CDMA solution for the ProMark 500 and it saves having to pay to enable the GSM modem on the PM500 Receiver (this means you don't have to purchase "PN 680528 GSM/GPRS Activation": saves a cool $990.00!)

Release Notes are now available for the 2.5.1 FAST Survey Release [ Notes ]

There is also a new 'Camera Application Note' that details a shutter issue on the
MM100/PM100/PM200 device: [ Note ].

In a nutshell: When you push the center button to take a picture, the MM100 makes a clicky noise, then waits 3 seconds, then takes the picture. The note promises a solution and recommends holding the camera/GPS still for a couple of seconds after pushing the button.

The MobileMapper CX, Mobile Mapper 6 and ProMark 3 are allocated and available in limited quantities. There are still a few available, and the replacements (PM3 -> PM100; MMCX -> MM100) are more expensive.

Remember that 'End of Sales' does not mean 'End of Life'!

I suspect that the ProMark 3 static receiver will be sorely missed. You can't touch the performance / price without spending an extra $1,000 for the ProMark 100. We still have plenty in inventory, but don't delay if you are thinking about getting a third receiver or a RTK Pair because factory allocation means they will be hard to get.

Ashtech will continue to support these devices for a minimum of three years after they are declared 'End of Life', and if the continued factory support/service of the Z-Surveyor is an indication, perhaps for a very-very long time after that.

This mail list works in conjunction with the website http://www.ashgps.com where I keep a current mirror of the Ashtech FTP site ftp://ftp.ashtech.com and post some links and FAQ's about Ashtech GPS receivers. I have maintained the mirror for customers who don't have FTP access (blocked by employer) and to provide a backup location to grab firmware and software when the official FTP site goes offline or is not available (about 10 days per year). In addition I often provide a single file ZIP archive of an update set so that users can download a single, CRC protected file instead of a hundred folder / thousand file bunch of files.

If you have any Ashtech questions, don't hesitate to email them to me. I will do my best to get you an answer and if the question is of a general nature, I will add them to the [ Question List ]

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 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