Testing for unique customer requirements

Hi! My name is Alex. I am a member of Tripod Data Systems’ engineering team. I am responsible for successful execution of customer-focused projects, also known as tactical projects. Our customers call us for unique configurations, and I get to test the limits of our products to see if they can handle the conditions stated in the customer request.

I created this video of me testing the buoyancy of a Recon mated with an Extended Cap off the jetty on the Oregon Coast near Yaquina Bay. The Recon is thrown out into the water several times, and it survives the ordeal of hitting the water and banging against the rocks when I haul it to shore!

Recon Street Navigator

Have you ever wished your Recon or Ranger could give you maps and directions to your next job? When I heard that Microsoft has released a beta of their new Search application, Live Search Mobile, I had to try it out.

The first thing to understand about this product is that the name “Search” in the title can be a bit confusing. To me, search brings up images of a classic search engine that returns web sites matching your keywords. However, Microsoft has taken a very broad view of search to include: maps, traffic, turn-by-turn directions, GPS integration and local business search tools.

The integration of all these search tools comes together very nicely in the application. If you are trying to find the phone number of a business, find a map of an area, get directions, or decide which interstate has less traffic, this application is for you. Here is what the startup page looks like.


Finding a business works quite well. Because the list of categories is geared toward consumer use, you have to enter the category by hand instead of choosing from a list. By clicking, “Map all” each location is shown on a map. You can also view traffic information on the map for larger cities (shown in red, yellow, green interstate highlighting).


Where all of these features come together is the integration with a GPS. To get setup, you will need to attach a GPS (Bluetooth, or Holux CompactFlash card) and a GPRS data connection (wired or Bluetooth to a cell phone) to your Recon. Using the hardware store search from above, I clicked on one of the entries, and requested “Directions to Here” starting from “My current location”. Using your current GPS position, the program generates a clear set of directions and shows them on a map.


With a Ram-Mount for your Recon you could even navigate to job sites with this handy feature. Although the program does not read the directions to you out-loud like high-end car navigation systems, the application moves the map to show your current position. This makes it possible to keep track of where you are on a map.

The greatest part about this application is that it is currently free from Microsoft. The program is still in beta, but I didn’t find any major features that didn’t work.

To run this program on your Recon or Ranger, first get set up with a GPS and a GPRS data connection. From Internet Explore on the device, visit http://wls.live.com and download the application. Within a minute or two you will turn your handheld computer into a handy street navigator. Just remember, your Recon may get you to the job site, but someone still has to do the work.

Human-powered transatlantic crossing—with a Recon for navigation

No one in history has traveled further in 24 hours under his own power than Greg Kolodziejzyk. In July 2006, Greg pedaled his human-powered vehicle more than 650 miles in just 24 hours, setting a new world record.

And no one has ever pedaled a human powered boat across the Atlantic Ocean—solo and unsupported. But Greg will—and his only companion will be the Recon.

As Greg explains in his own blog (www.PedalTheOcean.com):

“Crossing the ocean in a 24-inch-wide pedal boat is serious business. I can’t afford to take chances with my equipment. That’s why I selected Trimble’s ultra-tough Recon PDA as my primary navigation and communications device.”

Besides running GPS navigation software, Greg will also use the Recon and a satellite phone to send us updates, as well as upload photos and videos along the way.

Ranger out of the box

The out-of-the-box experience with the Ranger is almost the same as with the Recon (featured in a previous video). However, you only need to charge the lithium-ion battery for 4 hours before connecting it to the Ranger.

Check out these accessories

Accessories can make your Recon and Ranger handheld even more versatile. The latest models are available with built-in Bluetooth and 802.11g wireless, but you can also add those capabilities—and many others—using the two CompactFlash slots.

Recon out of the box

Here’s what you get when you take your Recon out of the box. An important tip to remember is you need to fully charge the NiMH battery before connecting it to the Recon—about 12 hours. After that, you’re ready to go!

Now it’s your turn

Now that you’ve seen how we test our rugged handhelds, it’s your turn. Tell us about the rough outdoor conditions where you use the Recon or Ranger. Share your stories, pictures and videos, and we’ll post them here. Remember, everybody who contributes gets a Trimble hat, and we’ll give out bigger prizes for the best stories.