Summary of our experience with Triumph-LS, Triumph2 and HPT401BT.

We run several crews using two brands of GNSS receivers (Sokkia 2700ISX and Javad Triumph-1), and robotic total stations. We are a Carlson shop with SurvCE field and Carlson Survey office. We routinely use both the GPS and robot on each survey, collecting line work using the Point Descriptor field coding, and transfer the data to Survey for field-to-finish map preparation.

We have a varied practice in a rural area of New York State, performing most types and sizes of surveys. We prefer simple and fast field software routines and more powerful/complex office programs. Although we code to collect line work in the field, we seldom if ever field edit or import the field drawing to the office. We find that it is more efficient to generate and edit the line work in the office from the point descriptors and line codes. After using the J-Field and the new receivers, we know we can integrate the system into our practice with little problem. We really like the hardware, and will get used to the software. We do have several observations, some having been stated by other testers, and several recommendations:

The HPT401BT and Triumph-LS system has half the range of our Triumph-1 receivers. We were losing radio at a distance of 1900 feet in gently rolling wooded terrain. We replaced the Triumph-LS with a Triumph-1 rover and received corrections out to 3400 feet. We couldn't hold a fix too much farther. We replaced the Triumph-2/HPT401 with our Triumph-1 base, but did not see any extended range. We often get out 2 miles with the Triumph-1 system, but on somewhat flatter country. We will have to carry an external UHF antenna for the Triumph-LS and definitely upgrade the radio to at least 4 watts.

On most of our surveys, we find that we collect data in a point-by-point mode (CL, IPF, TREE) rather than as line work. We really appreciate the PAGE implementation and will set up and use the TAG and CODE for the auto-sequencing routine mostly. But we will depend on the Point Descriptor field to generate our mapping line work as we do with the rest of our data collectors.

We would prefer J-Field COLLECT to default to an action screen where we could enter point numbers and descriptors quickly and simply. We would easily call up the Prepare screen to change from our generally everyday collection to a more specialized line work, trajectory, etc. J-Field has been very good at remembering our setup routines as defaults.

Also, we would wish for some bypass of the ACCEPT/REJECT button entry. Auto-store fixed shots after our collection parameters are met is our preference.

On most of our stakeout surveys we are in a point-by-point mode as well. We would prefer a default to an Action Screen where we could quickly enter a point number, or a pair of point numbers to stake out to a line (without creating an alignment). All of our other instruments display the line stakeout as a Station (distance) from the first entered point with a left-right offset distance. We could easily call up the Prepare screen to set up an alignment or to set up a sequence for multi-points.

Overall, we are very pleased with the package and expect to take advantage of the purchase offer. We would like to swap the HPT401BT for an HPT404 with no battery (we carry 8 mah12 volt sealed lead acid), and acquire an external UHF antenna for the Triumph-LS. We always enjoy testing new equipment. Please sign us up for the next.