DistoX : Competition for the SAP ?

[footleg]

I held a surveying workshop for members of the West Sussex Caving Club recently. We surveyed as loop round a mine which was around 9 legs (leg lengths were all in the range 8-16 metres). With a Suunto compass and clino both teams managed loop closures of around 1.5% error. With the DistoX they managed a loop closure of 0.44% Not bad for a first experience surveying. The DistoX and PocketTopo software worked very well as a system. Off to Spain to try it out for real now!

 

[wookey]

If anyone who hasn't seen a DistoX (or a SAP for that matter) would like to, then come along to the Cave Surveying Group meet this weekend (19th April) at SWCC. Both devices will be on show for comparison underground and a couple of nice Norwegians will be explaining the whole magic distoX+ Auriga on PDA via Bluetooth entirely-electronic surveying method.

 

[sluka]

the whole magic distoX+ Auriga on PDA via Bluetooth entirely-electronic surveying method.

Wookey, is possible to sketch the map in Auriga now? Or only compass, clino, length, L,R,U,D ?

90 % of the magic of DistoX is hidden in the PocketTopo and Therion.

Martin S.

 

[wookey]

I don't know - I really haven't been following this stuff for some time now. I expect to be educated at the weekend.

 

[footleg]

I have created a download page for my cave survey data converter tool now:
http://www.darkgem.com/wscc/caving-talk/index.php?title=CaveSurveyDataConverter

If you are using it then please let me know how you get on. The conversion from PocketTopo to Survex produces a survex file which contains the passage dimensions data, but usually needs a bit of editing to tidy up this into more than one passage data block before the result looks like it should. The actual survey legs come out fine though. If you find any problems please let me know.

 

[DaveR]

After a few false starts (i.e. order A3 over net to be contacted and told they were sold out and would I like a D3?) I found somewhere with stock of A3s. Had a chat with the guy who told me he'd had a number of cavers on to him; I explained the DistoX concept which interested him. He asked if we did it for a job...if only! Nice guy.
Anyway, ordered Wednesday afternoon (?219 inc delivery) and received goodies Thursday morning via UPS. Can't complain at that!
He told me he'd bought the last ones from Leica and could get no more, and had a few left.
http://www.merlinlazer.com/

I checked the D3 specs; it appears to have a clino of some sort built in, but not sure of accuracy etc. Obviously the X conversion won't work with the D3, but if anyone wants a half way house, ie use old fashioned compass but digi tape and clino, might be of interest? Not sure why, but you never know, it might suit somebody's purpose.

*Have just checked; it appears to do only up to 45 degrees each side of horizontal, so maybe not much use!

Cheers,
Dave

 

[DaveR]

Rceived the following message today 

Thanks for your interest in the DistoX.

Currently I have no more upgrade boards available.
I may produce a new batch if there is enough demand but this is unsure because the board is specifically built for the Leica A3 which is no longer generally available.

You will be informed when the situation changes.

Regards

Beat

So, if anyone is after one of these I suggest getting an order in to try and stimulate demand. Failing that, anyone want to buy an A3? One very careful owner...
If anyone has an X board but no Disto, get in touch and maybe we can do a deal! (either way) I have emailed Beat to suggest he puts something on his website so people don't buy A3s specifically for the X conversion.

 

[SamT]

Cheers for the Heads up Dave, 

The Eldon are after one, we are currently trying to get hold of an A3, but may hang off until we can guarentee that we can get the DISTOX conversion board. 

 

[DaveR]

I think Merlin Lazer still have some A3s and Beat has said he will make some more boards.
Dave

 

[SamT]

Cheers.

Its all go, I think we've ordered the board. And there are possibilities on the A3 front.

 

[burrencrawler]

Why not adapt the DistoX by fitting a fly lead and removing the batteries from the equation entirely?

How long would it need to be to be effective?

Yeah I mean whas wrong with shelling for the expensive lythium battries that like, uh dont require one to recalibrate the DistoX for 15 years? (Thats what someone posted anyway).

 

[Olegus]

Hello!

Tell me where I can buy the device measures the distance, angle and the deviation from the north. I read about DistoX. But could not find where I could buy it. Help me with the purchase of this device. It is necessary for Surveying caves in our area.

Thanks!

 

[kdxn]

Olegus,
Check the thread in the Suveying section of this forum about DistoX production.
There are a few DistoX left but most are allocated pending payment.

You will need a Disto A3 or Stabila LE50 for the upgrade.

PM your details to me.