Mapping and GIS Solutions Community

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

Jim,

I would recommend a half day remote training. I do this for many of our customers so that they can hit the ground running. Email me at zach.edwards@allterracentral.com if you'd like some remote training. I am doing 2 trainings today on this system and both customers will be dialed in and ready to roll! Lastly, our training costs more than the DA2 itself but it's a pay to play solution on a cheaper piece of hardware. The training, however, is less than the entire investment that you made (DA2, accessories, catalyst subscription, data collector, software, etc.).

What's your time worth? If you invest in training, all this back and forth wouldn't be necessary. ;)

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

I get it that this is an inexpensive unit and yes, that's why I went with it. What I'm trying to do shouldn't take a half day of training. And yes, it will cost more than half of what I paid for the entire package. All I want to do is place a ground control point and pull x,y,z axis. If I knew it would take a half day of training and three software programs to make it work, I would have invested in a better, much simpler system from another manufacturer. 

I've been able to make the DA2 work using the workflow above although I have had problems with Terraflex disconnecting when Mobile is running. I've also found that if I switch from Mobile to Terraflex, I often need to disconnect from the DA2 completely and reconnect as it loses satellite connection.

 I'm just trying to confirm that the workflow I described above is the required workflow. I can't believe there isn't something more efficient but from little response I've received from support, this appears to be the case. 

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 09:26
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Jim,

I would recommend a half day remote training. I do this for many of our customers so that they can hit the ground running. Email me at zach.edwards@allterracentral.com if you'd like some remote training. I am doing 2 trainings today on this system and both customers will be dialed in and ready to roll! Lastly, our training costs more than the DA2 itself but it's a pay to play solution on a cheaper piece of hardware. The training, however, is less than the entire investment that you made (DA2, accessories, catalyst subscription, data collector, software, etc.).

What's your time worth? If you invest in training, all this back and forth wouldn't be necessary. ;)

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:59
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:45
From: Tom Harrison
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

------------------------------
Tom Harrison

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

Jim, a half a day training is typical with the system and TerraFlex. An hour of it is just configuring everything. Had you gotten training, you would know that you do not run Trimble Mobile Manager along side of TerraFlex. you cannot be connected to the receiver in both apps simultaneously. once again, what is your time worth? I would think you've wasted at least a day trying to figure all this out.

also, if you look at the App Store, there is a UAV ground control app that you can buy that likely would have been better than TerraFlex and cheaper. That is, of course, if the only thing you are doing is UAV ground control. https://help.trimblegeospatial.com/UAVGC/Home.htm

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2023 08:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

I get it that this is an inexpensive unit and yes, that's why I went with it. What I'm trying to do shouldn't take a half day of training. And yes, it will cost more than half of what I paid for the entire package. All I want to do is place a ground control point and pull x,y,z axis. If I knew it would take a half day of training and three software programs to make it work, I would have invested in a better, much simpler system from another manufacturer. 

I've been able to make the DA2 work using the workflow above although I have had problems with Terraflex disconnecting when Mobile is running. I've also found that if I switch from Mobile to Terraflex, I often need to disconnect from the DA2 completely and reconnect as it loses satellite connection.

 I'm just trying to confirm that the workflow I described above is the required workflow. I can't believe there isn't something more efficient but from little response I've received from support, this appears to be the case. 

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 09:26
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Jim,

I would recommend a half day remote training. I do this for many of our customers so that they can hit the ground running. Email me at zach.edwards@allterracentral.com if you'd like some remote training. I am doing 2 trainings today on this system and both customers will be dialed in and ready to roll! Lastly, our training costs more than the DA2 itself but it's a pay to play solution on a cheaper piece of hardware. The training, however, is less than the entire investment that you made (DA2, accessories, catalyst subscription, data collector, software, etc.).

What's your time worth? If you invest in training, all this back and forth wouldn't be necessary. ;)

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:59
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:45
From: Tom Harrison
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

------------------------------
Tom Harrison

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

Interesting as I was told that I had to have both running. I'm going to go out and see if I can pull points today. If I can't get it working, I'll look into training. 

I did look into UAV ground control but it appears that it is only available on Android. Of course although everyone I spoke to at my local office knew I was using this for drone work, nobody even mentioned UAV Ground Control.  I found it through my own research. If it is available on iOS, please let me know. I was told by my sales rep that I had to have Terraflex and that was the only solution. 

What's my time worth? I started the purchase process back in October and just now finally received the unit a couple of weeks ago. When the unit didn't arrive in time for a job that I expected to have it for, they let me use a GEO 7. I spent two hours at the shop while they tried to figure out how to configure the Geo 7 so that it would work. The one person who helped me with that was great and has been very helpful. Everyone else there seems unable to answer even the simplest of questions. Can't say it gives me much faith in the training program, at least locally. 

Again, this shouldn't be that complicated. As I mentioned, I've used other tools that were much simpler and if I'd known this would be so complicated that I need to spend another $400 plus a half day of my time, I probably would have invested in another system as we are getting in to the same price range.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2023 08:17
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Jim, a half a day training is typical with the system and TerraFlex. An hour of it is just configuring everything. Had you gotten training, you would know that you do not run Trimble Mobile Manager along side of TerraFlex. you cannot be connected to the receiver in both apps simultaneously. once again, what is your time worth? I would think you've wasted at least a day trying to figure all this out.

also, if you look at the App Store, there is a UAV ground control app that you can buy that likely would have been better than TerraFlex and cheaper. That is, of course, if the only thing you are doing is UAV ground control. https://help.trimblegeospatial.com/UAVGC/Home.htm

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2023 08:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

I get it that this is an inexpensive unit and yes, that's why I went with it. What I'm trying to do shouldn't take a half day of training. And yes, it will cost more than half of what I paid for the entire package. All I want to do is place a ground control point and pull x,y,z axis. If I knew it would take a half day of training and three software programs to make it work, I would have invested in a better, much simpler system from another manufacturer. 

I've been able to make the DA2 work using the workflow above although I have had problems with Terraflex disconnecting when Mobile is running. I've also found that if I switch from Mobile to Terraflex, I often need to disconnect from the DA2 completely and reconnect as it loses satellite connection.

 I'm just trying to confirm that the workflow I described above is the required workflow. I can't believe there isn't something more efficient but from little response I've received from support, this appears to be the case. 

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 09:26
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Jim,

I would recommend a half day remote training. I do this for many of our customers so that they can hit the ground running. Email me at zach.edwards@allterracentral.com if you'd like some remote training. I am doing 2 trainings today on this system and both customers will be dialed in and ready to roll! Lastly, our training costs more than the DA2 itself but it's a pay to play solution on a cheaper piece of hardware. The training, however, is less than the entire investment that you made (DA2, accessories, catalyst subscription, data collector, software, etc.).

What's your time worth? If you invest in training, all this back and forth wouldn't be necessary. ;)

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:59
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:45
From: Tom Harrison
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

------------------------------
Tom Harrison

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

Jim, a half a day training is typical with the system and TerraFlex. An hour of it is just configuring everything. Had you gotten training, you would know that you do not run Trimble Mobile Manager along side of TerraFlex. you cannot be connected to the receiver in both apps simultaneously. once again, what is your time worth? I would think you've wasted at least a day trying to figure all this out.

also, if you look at the App Store, there is a UAV ground control app that you can buy that likely would have been better than TerraFlex and cheaper. That is, of course, if the only thing you are doing is UAV ground control. https://help.trimblegeospatial.com/UAVGC/Home.htm

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2023 08:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

I get it that this is an inexpensive unit and yes, that's why I went with it. What I'm trying to do shouldn't take a half day of training. And yes, it will cost more than half of what I paid for the entire package. All I want to do is place a ground control point and pull x,y,z axis. If I knew it would take a half day of training and three software programs to make it work, I would have invested in a better, much simpler system from another manufacturer. 

I've been able to make the DA2 work using the workflow above although I have had problems with Terraflex disconnecting when Mobile is running. I've also found that if I switch from Mobile to Terraflex, I often need to disconnect from the DA2 completely and reconnect as it loses satellite connection.

 I'm just trying to confirm that the workflow I described above is the required workflow. I can't believe there isn't something more efficient but from little response I've received from support, this appears to be the case. 

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 09:26
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Jim,

I would recommend a half day remote training. I do this for many of our customers so that they can hit the ground running. Email me at zach.edwards@allterracentral.com if you'd like some remote training. I am doing 2 trainings today on this system and both customers will be dialed in and ready to roll! Lastly, our training costs more than the DA2 itself but it's a pay to play solution on a cheaper piece of hardware. The training, however, is less than the entire investment that you made (DA2, accessories, catalyst subscription, data collector, software, etc.).

What's your time worth? If you invest in training, all this back and forth wouldn't be necessary. ;)

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:59
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Yes. I've been through pretty much every word that I can find on the subject on Terraflex Online Help. Unfortunately, my local Trimble reseller doesn't seem to know much about the DA2 either although they have offered training which costs more than the unit. I've asked this exact question to both my local reseller and also Trimble support but have not received an answer.

I'm really trying to do something very simple here. Just need to mark x,y,z of target points. No lines, no mapping, nothing else. And of course I didn't mention that Terraflex seems to disconnect when mobile is running at the same time. Have also asked support about this but haven't heard back yet. 

Thanks again for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico

Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 07:45
From: Tom Harrison
Subject: DA2 Workflow

Hi Jim

Have you taken a look at the Terraflex Online help ?
If not I would recommend you start there and come back to this post If you have any further questions. You can also lean on your local Trimble reseller for support and training which I would recommend in this case

------------------------------
Tom Harrison

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

Jim,

This won't help you with your current issue but may shed light on a larger problem. The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment is problematic and you may be seeing some of this play out. The system requirements for an operating system on a consumer smartphone are quite a ways from a device that is used for commercial field work. One example...Bluetooth Low Energy...the client or server device shuts off the bluetooth broadcast after there is no connection for who knows how long, and does not provide a message to the user about this. Why...to save battery power. Also, making one app that handles mapping and another that handles an external GNSS receiver has shown that managing settings and communication between the two are trouble. There are days where we cannot get even submeter accuracy using a Trimble R2, ArcGIS Field Maps and Trimble Mobile Manager. Having checked every setting numerous times, having looked at log files, having restarted the apps, device and GNSS unit multiple times, it just isn't working. Then having made no changes, we suddenly have CM accuracy. The system usually works but we do have those days where for no obvious reason, it will not work. We have called our Trimble dealer for technical support...they go through the same steps we do. Never has there been diagnostics that have lead to finding a cause of the issue. We keep going back through the same problem over and over. All this said, we keep a very old Windows Mobile-based Geo7x on hand as backup and are looking at adding another backup system.

Based on pricing of other GNSS receivers, the DA2 is probably sold at a loss to boost RTX subscriptions. That's Trimble's decision to make. 

It sounds like a recommendation might be for Trimble dealers to offer the hardware and software with training as a package based on the customer's goals. This might make for a more realistic estimate of the actual cost in time and money.

I won't recommend any hardware, software or system until I have the chance to test (rent) it for a minimum of 30 days.

------------------------------
Paul Lohr

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

Interesting. I used the DA2 on it's first job today and it worked fine as far as I can tell. I haven't processed the data or used it in my software yet but it was showing accuracy of a centimeter or so (using hourly plan). It did disconnect once and I had to close out of Terraflex, reconnect on Mobile and switch back to Terraflex. I did want to add some more information to the form but I couldn't do it on the mobile ap. Maybe if I went online or something. 

This is my first experience with Trimble and I have to say at this point, I'm not impressed. When I made the decision to purchase, I expected to go online and just buy the unit. This was in October. Of course that's not now Trimble works. I had to go back and forth with the salesman, set up a conference call with a sales person and a tech to discuss needs. This of course was when I first heard about needing Terraflex on top of the Catalyst subscription. And although I was very clear about what I needed and was told by the sales/tech reps that this would be a great solution, never once was the UAV program mentioned. More back and forth, delays hearing back from sales rep, etc. I finally place the order which of course got delayed in delivery. At this point we were up against a job deadline and had to find alternative since I was counting on the DA2. 

Nowhere in the directions that I can see does it mention anywhere the process required as I described above. While Trimble does give fairly detailed instructions on the basics, nowhere did I find anything about needing to set up the project first in Connect online or a conflict between Mobile and Terraflex. Nothing described how the programs work together. 

Of course as has been stated above, apparently you need to pay again to get the information. 

If the DA2 is a vehicle to sell subscriptions, be up front about it. There are other devices out there aimed a the UAV market and while they may cost twice as much, as someone mentioned above, how much is your time worth?

Jim,

This won't help you with your current issue but may shed light on a larger problem. The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment is problematic and you may be seeing some of this play out. The system requirements for an operating system on a consumer smartphone are quite a ways from a device that is used for commercial field work. One example...Bluetooth Low Energy...the client or server device shuts off the bluetooth broadcast after there is no connection for who knows how long, and does not provide a message to the user about this. Why...to save battery power. Also, making one app that handles mapping and another that handles an external GNSS receiver has shown that managing settings and communication between the two are trouble. There are days where we cannot get even submeter accuracy using a Trimble R2, ArcGIS Field Maps and Trimble Mobile Manager. Having checked every setting numerous times, having looked at log files, having restarted the apps, device and GNSS unit multiple times, it just isn't working. Then having made no changes, we suddenly have CM accuracy. The system usually works but we do have those days where for no obvious reason, it will not work. We have called our Trimble dealer for technical support...they go through the same steps we do. Never has there been diagnostics that have lead to finding a cause of the issue. We keep going back through the same problem over and over. All this said, we keep a very old Windows Mobile-based Geo7x on hand as backup and are looking at adding another backup system.

Based on pricing of other GNSS receivers, the DA2 is probably sold at a loss to boost RTX subscriptions. That's Trimble's decision to make. 

It sounds like a recommendation might be for Trimble dealers to offer the hardware and software with training as a package based on the customer's goals. This might make for a more realistic estimate of the actual cost in time and money.

I won't recommend any hardware, software or system until I have the chance to test (rent) it for a minimum of 30 days.

------------------------------
Paul Lohr

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

------------------------------
Jim Lodico
------------------------------

Hi Jim,

I bought the DA2 a couple of months back for setting out a few boundaries for fencing. I use it in conjunction with the QField App. which is Open Source and works really well. It was difficult to set up initially and agree that it would have been beneficial to have more detailed instructions with the device; particularly around the location sharing settings on the mobile device.

David.

Interesting. I used the DA2 on it's first job today and it worked fine as far as I can tell. I haven't processed the data or used it in my software yet but it was showing accuracy of a centimeter or so (using hourly plan). It did disconnect once and I had to close out of Terraflex, reconnect on Mobile and switch back to Terraflex. I did want to add some more information to the form but I couldn't do it on the mobile ap. Maybe if I went online or something. 

This is my first experience with Trimble and I have to say at this point, I'm not impressed. When I made the decision to purchase, I expected to go online and just buy the unit. This was in October. Of course that's not now Trimble works. I had to go back and forth with the salesman, set up a conference call with a sales person and a tech to discuss needs. This of course was when I first heard about needing Terraflex on top of the Catalyst subscription. And although I was very clear about what I needed and was told by the sales/tech reps that this would be a great solution, never once was the UAV program mentioned. More back and forth, delays hearing back from sales rep, etc. I finally place the order which of course got delayed in delivery. At this point we were up against a job deadline and had to find alternative since I was counting on the DA2. 

Nowhere in the directions that I can see does it mention anywhere the process required as I described above. While Trimble does give fairly detailed instructions on the basics, nowhere did I find anything about needing to set up the project first in Connect online or a conflict between Mobile and Terraflex. Nothing described how the programs work together. 

Of course as has been stated above, apparently you need to pay again to get the information. 

If the DA2 is a vehicle to sell subscriptions, be up front about it. There are other devices out there aimed a the UAV market and while they may cost twice as much, as someone mentioned above, how much is your time worth?

Jim,

This won't help you with your current issue but may shed light on a larger problem. The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment is problematic and you may be seeing some of this play out. The system requirements for an operating system on a consumer smartphone are quite a ways from a device that is used for commercial field work. One example...Bluetooth Low Energy...the client or server device shuts off the bluetooth broadcast after there is no connection for who knows how long, and does not provide a message to the user about this. Why...to save battery power. Also, making one app that handles mapping and another that handles an external GNSS receiver has shown that managing settings and communication between the two are trouble. There are days where we cannot get even submeter accuracy using a Trimble R2, ArcGIS Field Maps and Trimble Mobile Manager. Having checked every setting numerous times, having looked at log files, having restarted the apps, device and GNSS unit multiple times, it just isn't working. Then having made no changes, we suddenly have CM accuracy. The system usually works but we do have those days where for no obvious reason, it will not work. We have called our Trimble dealer for technical support...they go through the same steps we do. Never has there been diagnostics that have lead to finding a cause of the issue. We keep going back through the same problem over and over. All this said, we keep a very old Windows Mobile-based Geo7x on hand as backup and are looking at adding another backup system.

Based on pricing of other GNSS receivers, the DA2 is probably sold at a loss to boost RTX subscriptions. That's Trimble's decision to make. 

It sounds like a recommendation might be for Trimble dealers to offer the hardware and software with training as a package based on the customer's goals. This might make for a more realistic estimate of the actual cost in time and money.

I won't recommend any hardware, software or system until I have the chance to test (rent) it for a minimum of 30 days.

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Paul Lohr

Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2023 12:08
From: Jim Lodico
Subject: DA2 Workflow

We are new to Trimble and just purchased a DA2 in order to mark GCPs for drone mapping. We have also purchased on demand 1cm accuracy for Catalyst as well as a subscription to Terraflex. I am trying to figure out the most efficient workflow for collecting points on targets placed in the field. As I understand it, this is what is required:

Is this really the most efficient workflow? 

Thanks for any help.

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Jim Lodico
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