MagSurvey Computer Requirements

MagSurvey runs on PC's using any recent Microsoft Windows operating system -- including Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Since real-time 3D graphics require considerable processing power, the processor should have an operating speed of 750 MHz or higher. The PC must have a resolution of at least 1024 by 768 pixels (sometimes called XGA).  MagSurvey Setup offers a wide-screen setting that runs at 1280 x 768, and this setting would be preferred for touch-screen operations.

For hand-carried land surveys, consider a Tablet PC, such as those available from Acer, Asus, Fujitsu, HP/Compaq, Microsoft, Motion Computing, Toshiba, ViewSonic, and others.  In order to reduce magnetic interaction, PC's incorporating a solid state hard drive instead of a magnetic hard drive would be preferred for land surveys.

The PC must either have two serial communications ports available to make external connections to the GPS and magnetometer, or one or two USB ports with appropriate RS232-USB adapters. Most computers will need to have at least one serial port added, using either a RS232-to-USB adapter, a PCMCIA (PC-Card) serial port module, or an external docking station having a second serial port.  PC's can often use a dual RS232-to-single USB adapter.  BlueTooth communications that emulate serial ports can also be used if your magnetometer and/or GPS support this communications method (small BlueTooth dongles are available for the PC, if not already built-in).

If audio alarms are desired, a speaker or headphone will be required. The sound-system components also allow audible operator cues to be heard.

MagSurvey is demanding of computer resources -- it is recommended that the user not allow other software to run during surveying operations. Disable sleep modes for the computer and video display when running surveys with MagSurvey (PC control panel Power Options).  Hard-drive sleep modes are permissible, since the hard drive is only used for software installation, storage of survey data, and reloading of prior surveys.