Computer and Link Options

The computer options to run Surveyor III Program are many and limited only to any PC running Windows Mobil, XP, Vista or 7. The computer should have a minimum of an 800 MHz Processor, 10 Mb Disk Space, 200 Mb ram, a Network/Lan port and at least one USB port.

Beyond that, the choice is entirely one of your convenience and practicality in your user circumstances. We have run the programs on a variety of laptops, a Samsung Q-1 Handheld with touch screen, as shown above, hanging in a pouch on our belt, and other even smaller devices.

As we use our units in some adverse weather conditions and travel with them often, we use an Acer Aspire One, which can be purchased from Costco and many discount stores for under $350. To this, we add a small plug-in Bluetooth for links to our wireless AGR units, if that is the choice over our Smart Cable Option. Other computers have Bluetooth built-in, but we look at our computers as practically throw away units at this price. If we loose one traveling, or destroy one, we simply pick up another and go to the nearest internet access to download a new program in about five minutes.

Our newest version is adapted for use on a PDA/Cell Phone with Windows Mobil 6.1 Professional or equivalent program. When the AGR with Bluetooth is attached to the well, the same Surveyor III screen appears in miniature on your cell phone screen, conveniently carried in your shirt pocket. When the Survey button is touched, the AGR makes a survey and the full screen survey appears. This screen is usually large enough to see if a clear fluid hit has been obtained. The other functions work as normal, but are less exact due to the small screen size, so it is recommended that calculations, other than a close fluid level, be performed on a larger screen size. Any number of surveys may be made before returning to a larger computer screen in your truck or office, depending on the amount of memory available in your pocket device.

When returning to your truck with your confirmed fluid hits, attaching the PDA/Cell Phone to your computer, often by setting it in a data stand attached to your computer, the files are transferred and stored in your laptop or desk computer for analysis, adjustment or printing. The computer may also be on a fixed shelf or placed on a convenient portable shelf, like the one we use on the dash of different vehicles, as show in above photo.

We suggest a back-up stick memory which may contain the Surveyor III Program and all the surveys and information collected on this computer for immediate recovery. On our field and travel units, we carry this Acer Aspire One computer in a small Pelican case measuring approx. 11' x 14' x 2-1/2', which is just large enough to carry the computer, charger, a multiple USB adapter and a small mouse. To this rugged and water tight case, we adapt the lid to be removable and add a handle on one end. Being only 2-1/2 inches thick, we can easily slip it in between bags in aircraft overheads. We can supply this package complete and field tested for $800. A small plug-in AC inverter (not Supplied) in the vehicle will assure a very bright screen with no down time for charging.

AGR DATA LINKS Wireless

Wireless

Here we have two options, again based on your preferred usage method. The Wireless Bluetooth is good if you have a hand to mount the AGR on the well and want the convenience of having you, your hand and the computer out of the elements in your truck while you make surveys or if you are using a PDA/Cell Phone instead of a larger computer. The wireless unit adds $1,800 to the basic unit package over that of the Smart Cable.

The wireless Bluetooth unit performs many computing and control functions required for independent timing and operation of the AGR and transmitting of an enhanced raw data signal to the receiving device running the Surveyor III Program. The unit has three interlocked multi-layer circuit boards that also provide the proper charging and filter circuitry for the two long life Lithium-Polymer batteries rechargeable from any 12 VDC source. An auto charge cord and a 110 VAC charger is included.

Smart Cable

If one person is making surveys on many wells, it may be more convenient to use the Smart Cable to connect the AGR directly to the Network/Lan port of your computer. A short cable may be used if you carry the computer to the well, or a 50 foot cable may be used if you leave the computer in the truck. This choice may depend on the pressure source used, which may also be carried to the well or ran from a large tank in the truck with a 50 foot hose. The convenience of the smart cable is that it indicates when a computer connection is ready, receiving and successfully finished receiving a survey.

The best feature of the Smart Cable may be the Start Survey button on the Smart Cable box located at the AGR end of the cable. When the light indicates that the computer is hooked up and ready, placing the AGR on the well connecting the Smart Cable Plug and pressing this button involves only one trip to each well and is very fast and efficient.

PRINTERS

Usable printers are also many and vary with the application. The best option may be no printer at all in the field, as all information is automatically saved for use at any more convenient time in the office, etc., if a printout is ever required. We find that a quick fluid level, and possibly pressure and fluid over pump, saved on the computer, or entered in a small pocket note pad when the well is surveyed, is the most convenient option in the field.