ikeGPS Frequently Asked Questions

Categories


Data

Instruments

Maintenance

Settings

Software

Other



Data

Question: Is the information from the digital compass and laser distance meter recorded along with the GPS when you take a picture?

Answer: Yes. The information received from the instruments (laser, compass, inclinometer and GPS receiver) is stored in a text CSV file. Each captured image also has some of this information geo-tagged into the EXIF data of the image. And a Google Earth compatible KML file is also created.

If you use ArcPad this data is also stored in your ArcPad shapefile depending on the inclusion of specific ikeGPS fields - eg: if a field called ikeTrueBrg is present in the shapefile, then the ike compass bearing will be stored in this field for each feature captured.

Question: Where is the captured data stored?
Answer: The captured data is stored on the RAM of the ikeGPS unit. This can be redirected to store on a removable SD Card.

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Instruments

Question: Does the camera have a zoom feature?
Answer: Yes. Digital zoom functionality is a standard feature of the ikeGPS.

Question: Does the camera store the zoomed image?
Answer: Yes. The zoomed preview image is stored when an image of the target is captured.

Question: My compass readings appear to be off by 10’s of degrees. Are you aware of this problem?
Answer:Yes. Similar to many devices using magnetic compasses the compass calibration may stray a little if the ikeGPS unit has been used near magnetic materials or fields. We recommend the user perform an in-field Compass Calibration away from any magnetic fields. The process for using ‘Compass Calibration Utility’ is detailed in Chapter 12 of the ikeGPS User Guide. A video of this process is available on our YouTube channel.

In some rare cases we have noticed that upon start up the compass within the ike returns a character string that the ike interprets to be an older version of our digital compass. Please go to insert web link and download the latest ikeOS version. Applying the latest version of the ikeOS software will correct this issue.

Question: Where does the laser measure from?
Answer: The laser distance is calculated from the front face plane (where the laser and camera lenses are mounted) of the ikeGPS unit.

Question: I've downgraded from ikeOS v4.5.0 (or later) to ikeOS v4.4.1 (or earlier) and the GPS no longer works, what's wrong?
Answer: ikeOS v4.5.0 introduces a change to the ikeGPS firmware to enable support for the ikeGPS High Accuracy GPS Option (HAGO). The HAGO is not applicable to ikeOS versions earlier than v4.5.0 and if you update to v4.5.0 (or later) and then revert to ikeOS v4.4.1 (or earlier) then the GPS instrument will cease to function.  To restore GPS function on downgraded ikeOS versions please click here to download an applet and instructions.  If the GPSinstruments is still failing, contact Support for further direction.

Question: ikeDiagnostics consistently show "Failed" results, what's wrong?
Answer: It may be that ikeCapture is still running and locking the instruments for its own use. Close ikeCapture by selecting Exit from the ikeCapture Menu options, and then retry ikeDiagnostics. If that still fails, reset the ikeGPS unit by pressing the power button (until the 'Power Button' menu appears) and tap [Reset].  If instruments are still failing, contact Support for further direction.

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Maintenance

Question: How should I clean my ikeGPS unit?
Answer: To clean ike, wipe it with a clean dry anti-static cloth.

Question: How should I store my ikeGPS unit?
Answer: If you intend to long-term store your ike when it is not in use, we suggest you:

  1. Transfer any data that you need to a desktop computer
  2. Disconnect the ike unit from the external power supply
  3. Press and hold the Power button until the Power Button menu is shown
  4. Tap the [Power Off] button.
  5. Tap the [OK] button to acknowledge the Power Off "Warning".
  6. ike will power off and shut down
  7. For added protection store it in an ikeGPS hardcase.

Question: How should I use my ikeGPS unit after storage?
Answer:

  1. After removing the ikeGPS unit from its hardcase, connect to the external power source.
  2. Connect ike to charger - it will automatically reset and process the startup applications.
  3. Allow the ike to fully charge before use. To check for a full charge, use the Advanced tab of the Power application to check the Main Battery is near 100%
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Settings

Question: Do I need to calculate Magnetic Declination?
Answer: ikeGPS automatically calculates the Magnetic Declination for your region based on GPS data and adjusts the compass bearing based on this calculation.

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Software

Question: Where can I obtain software updates for my ike?
Answer: Periodically, new software and updates will become available for your ikeGPS hardware. These generally provide issue remedies and may also include beneficial feature enhancements. Please contact Support via a Software Request to be provided with latest software (that is applicable to your ikeGPS hardware and Warranty terms & conditions).

Question: Is ikeGPS compatible with ArcPad?
Answer: The ike1000 range is compatible with ArcPad versions 10, 8, 7.1.1 and 7.0.1 via the use of the ikeCapture Extension for ArcPad.  The standard commercial version of ArcPad (and its associated sample QuickProjects) is not immediately compatible with ikeGPS - the ikeCapture Extension for ArcPad must be installed on ike to add this functionality.

The ikeCapture Extension acts to integrate data captured from ikeCapture into your ike-compatible customised ArcPad shapefiles.  Please refer to your ikeGPS reseller for pricing or our Support pages for documentation for this software accessory.

Question: What is the difference between ikePad and ArcPad?
Answer: ikePad is an ArcPad-compatible mobile GIS solution that is preconfigured to communicate with ikeGPS's instrumentation (The standard retail version ArcPad does not have these functions).

To capture ArcPad compatible data on ike you must purchase and install either ikePad (full ArcPad-compatible suite) or (if you already have ArcPad) the ikeCapture Extension for ArcPad and customise your shapefiles to include the required ikeGPS data fields.

Question: Does ike support different geographic projections?
Answer: ikeCapture defaults to the WGS84 datum. If you use ArcPad, you can update your map and shapfiles to your preferred ArcPad supported projection (that are supported by ArcPad and described in the ArcPad Documentation, which is available from the ESRI website.)

Question: Is ikeGPS compatible with other GIS systems?
Answer: The CSV files generated by the ikeCapture modes that capture a target position are structured so they can be imported into other GIS systems.

Question: What software do I need to transfer data from ikeGPS to desktop?
Answer: If data is stored directly on your ikeGPS unit you will need either Microsoft ActiveSync (XP) or Windows Mobile Device Center (Vista/7 32-bit or 64-bit) to copy data between ikeGPS & Windows-based device over USB. If data is stored directly on an SD Card fitted to your ikeGPS unit, the SD Card can be removed and data copied using a SD Card reader connected to your desktop computer (Windows or Mac).

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Other

Question: How do I register the Warranty for my ikeGPS unit(s)?
Answer: Please click through to the ikeGPS Warranty Registration form.

Question: What support is available from my older ikeGPS hardware?
Answer: Please refer to the Product Life Cycle table for ikeGPS hardware support.

Question: What Certfication/Export Classification codes apply to ikeGPS equipment?
Answer: The User Guide provides details of the various certifications that apply to ikeGPS equipment.

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) Certification

Surveylab self-certifies that all ikeGPS 1000 range handheld mobile GIS data collection equipment and related accessories/software do not require permit for export and are classified under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) EAR99.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Certification

Surveylab certifies that all of the:
  • ikeGPS 1000 range handheld mobile GIS data collection units are classified under HTS code 9015.40.0000 being “Photogrammetrical Surveying Instruments and Appliances”.
  • ikeGPS accessory equipment and related software are classified under HTS code 9015.40.0000 being “Parts or Accessories for Photogrammetrical Surveying Instruments and Appliances”

Question: I can't find an answer to my question(s)... 
Answer: Try the iketips or click on Support and then Support Request.  Complete the Support Request form and one of our team will research & respond to your question(s).

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