The Allegro Field PC by Juniper Systems is a full-featured datalogging device coupled with a GPS antenna. It runs WindowsCE as its operating system, so it will run cool applications like TerraSync, ArcPad, and HGIS. Designed for field use, the Allegro can withstand the elements like water and cold. It also has a built-in keyboard allowing for more complex data entry and manipulation in the field. The Allegro interfaces with Trimble's Pathfinder Office software in the same manner as the GeoExplorer series GPS units.
To turn on the Allegro, press the On/Off button in the lower right-hand corner. Using a stylus, you can touch the screen to access the Start menu and execute programs. WindowsCE comes with PocketWord and Ptab (a spreadsheet program, allowing you to take more complex notes and perform some data processing in the field.
To use the GPS module, double-tap on the TerraSync icon. When the program opens, it takes you directly to the Status menu and displays the satellite Skyplot. At this screen you can see which satellites are in your field of view and which ones the receiving unit has locked into. NOTE: You might have to wait for a few minutes for the unit to lock on to a sufficient number of satellites (four or five). Once it does, it will beep and indicate the number of satellites on the little satellite icon at the top of the screen. It will also report the status of the signal at the bottom of the screen, whether it's ready, or too few satellites, or poor satellite geometry (PDOP).
TerraSync's Main Menu is accessible from the drop-down menu in the top right corner of the screen. The menu structure is as follows:
MapYou can transfer data to and from the Allegro using Pathfinder Office software, or by using Microsoft's ActiveSync. However, if you want to make full use of Trimble's data dictionary editor, or if you want to differentially correct your data, you need to use Pathfinder Office.
Data
Navigation
Status
Setup
Map: This option will take you to a map of your location, with dots marking the points gathered since running the program. You may even load a background file (.bmp) with a map of the area you are surveying. From here you can also view any navigation waypoints you have entered
Data: This screen allows you to log your data collection into files or access any loaded data dictionaries.
Navigation: Just like it says, this screen is your navigational screen that gives you a directional arrow and remaining distance to your waypoint.
Status: Here you can see a Skyplot of the satellites in your field of view (FOV) and the quality of your satellite geometry.
Setup: This is where you set your coordinate system, the datum, and the units of your datalogger. You can also adjust the PDOP mask and SNR mask here.