Trimble users - tell me about them

[TheGerman]

I've been staring at one for a while but never got one. The main attraction for me is that I refuse to bring my cell phone with me shooting as it will be a matter of WHEN I break it and I'm not in the mood to replace an iPhone multiple times because of this.

Their website doesn't really tell me too much about the difference in units other than the processor speed, version of Microsoft, etc. I'd be using this for a ballistics calculator and was curious about the GPS/Map functions as well but don't know too much about its overall capabilities. One thing that comes up right away that I can't see an answer for is, if its GPS capable, do you need a GPS service for it, or is it like a Garmin and it just connects to a satellite?

PROS/CONS? Anyone running it with Applied Ballistics? What unit/version to get? What to look out for or what to avoid? What all have you done with it?

 

[Petrov]

Are you talking about the older trimble nomads? 800 900 series? I run cold bore on mine. Speaking of fucking cold, they have a keypad which is great in the cold.
Insanely long battarey life, indestructible stupid simple.
Newer hardware is avaliable from the same company. Im cheap and I like idiot resistant stuff. Did I mention crazy good battarey life?

 

[Petrov]

Oh and it runs an OOOOOOLLLLDDD no longer supported version of windows mobile, I doubt that applied ballistics is compatible with it. I have a really old laptop with windows vista, I used that to run it and update it.
Honestly unless you have museum computer to hook up to the old nomand to update it and install software i would not bother.
With that being said it is worth it to me. Works well in hell frozen over Western NY cold as fuck especially with the keypad, good battarey life.
If you gonna run AB just get a cheap phone.

 

[CoryT]

Odd, mine connects to my Windows 10 system just fine. I don't think AB has a Windows mobile version though. I run FFS and Coldbore. The 900 GPS is outstanding, fast and precise, good reception even in many buildings. Use OZI Explorer for moving maps and you can import/export points to FFS. No special service is required. You can use the BT connection to the Kestrel and a serial port is available for a hard connection to a rangefinder. Pretty much bullet proof. I keep a AA battery pack and small solar panel in the ruck , so I can run the unit in the field forever. More weight and bulk than a phone, but well worth it. I'm not sold on the new Juno, stick with the Nomad.

 

[Petrov]

Cory I was trying to update the firmware on the nomad, I needed a windows program forgot which one. The program did not want to run on my windows 7 machine even in compatibility mode.
Do you just straight up plug your Nomad into the PC via USB?

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

As mentioned it's a specialized device with very precise GPS capabilities. Probably one of the first portable technology devices to be paired with an autopilot for agricultural uses. I run FFS on mine and use BackCountry Navigator for maps (going to take a look at OZI based on Cory's input!) I interface with Windows 7 Professional which has Windows Mobile support and you can retro to on most Windows 10 platforms if you want to get away from the APP approach. As mentioned you'll have to select a ballistic solver that runs on Windows but it is a rock solid dependable device. I have a FatCat solar panel that I use to charge during extended field use but you can purchase spare batteries or as Cory mentioned a AA pack as a backup. It has great processing speed and is rugged and can withstand a drop well, but is relatively heavy and bulky compared to a phone. You can purchase one on the cheap without GPS and then buy a GPS card that fits in the memory slot and extended top cap to save a few bucks although I don't know how it compares to the accuracy of the built in GPS receiver.

 

[TheGerman]

I wasn't sold on the Juno yet either, but was confused as to which Nomad I should look at. I don't need the latest and greatest with features I'll never use. It'll be for a ballistics app, GPS and hopefully I can get the Garmin Basecamp/GoHunt Hunting Maps onto it.

Where are you guys getting yours from? Saw some 'like new' Nomads that were 1 model back on Amazon for 1/3 the price.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Had a recon and Juno running Patagonia. Juno had a better (faster) processor recon had better battery.

That was 5 yrs ago and both seemed dated then.

I hear ya on the Iphone but I run mine in a lifeproof for work so I just roll the dice.

 

[northern50]

I'm running the 800le Nomad with FFS. Solid as a rock so far. The battery life lasts forever it seems, buttons are nice with gloves. The screen can be a little hard to see in certain sun, oh well. As said, pair it with the kestrel and a laser and you are in serious business. I bought mine used on eBay for pretty cheap, used is the way to go. I too hate, and refuse to take my cellphone in the field while shooting.

 

[TheGerman]

Have been looking at them online and had a few questions:

- What do I actually need on it (programs, software, etc) to run a ballistics app, use it as a GPS and possibly load the GoHunt hunting maps on it like a Garmin can (if its even compatible)
- What is SatViewer and gpsVP? Do I want/need either?
- Whats the best ballistics app that would work well on a Nomad 800 or 900?

Guess the real question is, if I'm looking at a 800/900 what does it absolutely have to have on it/have in it to be able to run a ballistics app and GPS?

 

[northern50]

Have been looking at them online and had a few questions:

- What do I actually need on it (programs, software, etc) to run a ballistics app, use it as a GPS and possibly load the GoHunt hunting maps on it like a Garmin can (if its even compatible)
- What is SatViewer and gpsVP? Do I want/need either?
- Whats the best ballistics app that would work well on a Nomad 800 or 900?

Guess the real question is, if I'm looking at a 800/900 what does it absolutely have to have on it/have in it to be able to run a ballistics app and GPS?

Like I said, I bought the 800LE on ebay for $400. It came with windows CE 6.0 I think, no other software. I run Field Firing Solutions so it has a SAT viewer in the program and uses the data it needs. You can add one of the mapping programs mentioned above if that's of interest to you. It comes with bluetooth that is compatible with the 4500 Kestrel for weather. I had to get a different bottom for mine with the serial port for the laser, again a used one on ebay was $50. So is the Trimble Nomad expensive? It can be, but they can also be had on ebay for a good price. That should save some $ so you can buy FFS or coldbore. Cold bore is cheaper compared to FFS. I have no experience with Coldbore. The learning curve on FFS is what you make of it. I had no issue with it, but I also have had a lot of airplane travel time to review the manual several times and watch the tutorial videos. Between the videos on the FFS site and the one's CoryT made you will be up and running in no time.

 

[ZiaHunter]

I run FFS on both the Nomad 900 and Juno 5 and each have their advantages/disadvantages. Fortunately I can use the units for work in the field so able to write them off. The GPS in both the units is excellent with the newer Juno 5 being slightly better IMHO. I like the screen on the Juno better since it is a little easier to read and the unit is more compact. Both units are very solid with good battery life. OziExplorer works well with both units with 24K and 100K topo maps. Finding good USGS DRG maps and converting them can be a PITA but once loaded do the job. Being able to share waypoints between FFS and Ozi is very useful. The windows mobile platform may be dated and have limited 3rd party apps but is very stable. Both of my units communicate without issue with both Windows 7 and 10.

 

[OzTRG]

Hi guys, I am also interested in getting a Trimble and running ffs. I can pick up a Trimble Nomad Data Collector 800LC Handheld Computer 806MHz, running windows mobile 6 for a good price. Can anyone tell me if this is suitable? Do I need a windows computer to set it up or can it be done on the device (it has Bluetooth and wi fi)? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated

 

[TheGerman]

Like I said, I bought the 800LE on ebay for $400. It came with windows CE 6.0 I think, no other software. I run Field Firing Solutions so it has a SAT viewer in the program and uses the data it needs. You can add one of the mapping programs mentioned above if that's of interest to you. It comes with bluetooth that is compatible with the 4500 Kestrel for weather. I had to get a different bottom for mine with the serial port for the laser, again a used one on ebay was $50. So is the Trimble Nomad expensive? It can be, but they can also be had on ebay for a good price. That should save some $ so you can buy FFS or coldbore. Cold bore is cheaper compared to FFS. I have no experience with Coldbore. The learning curve on FFS is what you make of it. I had no issue with it, but I also have had a lot of airplane travel time to review the manual several times and watch the tutorial videos. Between the videos on the FFS site and the one's CoryT made you will be up and running in no time.

Does anyone know if Applied Ballistics will work on a Trimble with the Windows OS? Or is there some sort of config problem with it and I'd have to pick between FFS, Coldbore, etc?

Are the batteries on a Nomad replaceable? Seems to be a lot of ads I see on a used one saying they can't guarantee the battery.

ETA I have a line on a decently priced 800L - can I send the link to it to someone who knows about these and they can tell me if I'm missing something or if this is GTG to get?

 

[ZiaHunter]

I don't believe AB will run on Windows Mobile and have not tried it. Why run AB when you can run FFS or Coldbore on the Trimble? The batteries on the Nomad can be replaced.

 

[TheGerman]

I don't believe AB will run on Windows Mobile and have not tried it. Why run AB when you can run FFS or Coldbore on the Trimble? The batteries on the Nomad can be replaced.

Was just curious about it since I kind of already trumped the learning curve messing with AB.

Have always been curious about FFS but holy shit, why is it like 300-400$? Is there some sort of magic in it, or is that due to DoD pricing?

 

[ZiaHunter]

There is no magic to it but is loaded with features not found in other ballistic apps with maybe the exception of Coldbore. The learning curve take time but worth the investment. It will interface with Kestrel BT units and several rangefinders including the Vectronix C models. If you want to get an idea of the features, go to the Lex Talus website and go through the manual or watch the videos to see what it entails.

 

[aam]

Hi guys, I am also interested in getting a Trimble and running ffs. I can pick up a Trimble Nomad Data Collector 800LC Handheld Computer 806MHz, running windows mobile 6 for a good price. Can anyone tell me if this is suitable? Do I need a windows computer to set it up or can it be done on the device (it has Bluetooth and wi fi)? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated

Yes you can run FFS on the 800LC. No need for a windows computer to get going.

 

[CoryT]

The 800L is fine, the batteries are replaceable, in fact you can get a AA pack and an external charger for a spare battery. You don't NEED a desktop computer, but certain things are nice to do using it. by downloading MyMobiler you can use the desktop display and mouse/keyboard rather than the touchscreen, plus dump the contents of the SD card as backup.

You need Windows Mobile, preferably 6, but 5 will work. The SatViewer is just an accessory for confirming the GPS operation, FFS has it's own. You can run any Windows Mobile compatible ballistic or navigation program, you don't need anything beyond the basic operating system, installing the software will take care of drivers like NetFramework.

As far as cost, with FFS you get what you pay for, IMHO, it's a deal.

 

[TheGerman]

Bought a practically new 900 LC with GPS, USB cord, stylus, 16GB upgrade, padded case, charger, extra battery and all paperwork for like $500.

Thanks guys.

 

[_Windrider_]

Good info here.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-field-firing-solutions-delta-v-system-review

sorry I didn't post sooner.

 

[TheGerman]

Good info here.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-field-firing-solutions-delta-v-system-review

sorry I didn't post sooner.

Thanks. I have FFS coming as well.

 

[_Windrider_]

Thanks. I have FFS coming as well.

Check out Cory's videos on FFS.

https://youtu.be/e0GqgKq_OVs

 

[_Windrider_]

Yes you can run FFS on the 800LC. No need for a windows computer to get going.

Dat ass doh (the avatar, not yours).

 

[OzTRG]

Thanks for the video link.