I’m looking to buy a tablet to run Agopen in my tractor this year. I’ve seen the Panasonic FZ-G1 toughpads are the favorite around here. Does it matter which generation i get? They have an MK1 on Amazon for $189 or a MK4 for #300. I’m building the V 4.5 AIO and plan to run autosteer with a Phidgets motor.
I don’t think the generation matters much, but I would be a little concerned with quality on the cheaper used tablets. There are some good quality MK5’s on eBay for around $250 that I have had success with.
I would take one with integrated LAN port (ethernet).
I seems difficult to find on MK5 and is optional on MK4
With USB/ethernet adapter I sometimes have to unplug/replug the adapter to make it work (seems to occur at startup only) which could be annoying if you have less technical drivers.
Direct connection always works for me. All the setup automatically powering up and down with the ignition switch.
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Havis docks for the FZ-G1 are pretty cheap on EBay. They have a built-in Ethernet port. Makes mounting the tablet easier. Also, easy in/out removal for storage / updates.
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I also like the havis docks. (tab-cru-zer brand works great too, and is a bit more compact although it may not fit a tablet with the tall rubber bumpers and/or the hand strap.)
you get power, multiple usb ports, ethernet, ect, and a solid easy on and off mount if you want to remove the computer or switch between tractors. just put a dock in each tractor. i bought a few docks for $60 or so. I get to keep all my dust ports closed on the tablet, which i also like. The havis docks are kinda klunky, and add a few inches to the depth of the tablet, but that doesnt bother me, and is more than made up for by the extra ports.
both docks have threaded holes in the back for mounting, make an adapter plate to mount your dock mount to. (i like RAM mounts with the 1.5" ball size. (can get them and the docks used on ebay))
So I’m new to AgOpenGPS and I’ve decided to go ahead and outfit one of my older John Deere tractors with a system. I went ahead and purchased a Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 MK4 off of ebay and I am shopping on ebay for a Havis dock station. The used DS-Pan-701, DS-Pan-701-2, DS-Pan-702, and DS-Pan-702-2 all seem reasonably priced but I’m don’t know which one I should go with. The two docks that end in -2 seem to have 2 antenna connections compared to the others which have only one. But I can’t tell the difference between the 701 and the 702. Also, the Toughpad I bought (which is currently being shipped) is supposed to come with a charger, but I see the Havis dock stations come with a charging port, which is 16 volts, and the charger is not included. So, I’m wondering, what is the difference between the Havis dock stations, and what is the best way to charge the Toughpad while I’m using it in the tractor?
Thanks to anyone that can help me out.
I think any of those docks should work. I have a few different models like that some with some without those antennas. If you need an external antenna because of poor cell service it would be an advantage. You can use the charger that comes with the tablet and plug that into your dock or you can use 12volt from your tractor to the dock. Either way works.
i can also confirm, the toughpad and the dock both use the same charger. i have tried charging my tablet directly with 12 volts and it did not work. not sure about if i plug 12v into the dock. might have to try that. otherwise i will use a voltage boost board and convert 12v to 16v and charge that way. im not sure on the various dock model numbers, i assume any that have the ports that you want will work. there is also a 12v charger available on ebay and amazon. i have used the “pwr +” brand, seems a bit overpriced but works. i just looked on ebay and there appears to be some other selections for a good price.
Thanks for your input. I went ahead and purchased a Havis DS-PAN-701-2 dock station off Ebay. I just received it today. I also purchased a Lind power adapter to permanently mount in the tractor which will convert the 12 volts to 16 to power up the dock. My Panansonic FZ-G1 Toughpad that I bought off Ebay has not arrived yet due to shipping problems so I haven’t gotten to put it all together and try it out. The combined price of the dock station and the power converter totaled less than $100. Just need to test it and mount in the cab.
I don’t have a Havis charging station, but I do have Panasonic CF-D1 and FZ-G1 on several tractors. I charge all of them directly from the tractor without a transformer, since the alternator usually gives 14v. I haven’t had any problems and after a couple of hours of being connected and running the battery is 100% charged.
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I always buying models Panasonic FZ-G1 or CF-D1. Mostelly from here:
FZ-G1 mk2 256GB/8GB - https://sklep.laptopyplock.pl/produkt/agopengps-tablet-panasonic-fz-g1-8gb-256-ssd-lan-do-nawigacji-rolniczej/?currency=EUR
FZ-G1 mk4 256GB/8GB - https://sklep.laptopyplock.pl/produkt/agopengps-tablet-panasonic-fz-g1-i5-6300-8gb-256ssd-do-nawigacji-rolniczej/?currency=EUR
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CF-D1 is available here: CF-D1 mk3 512GB/8GB - https://sklep.laptopyplock.pl/produkt/agopengps-panasonic-cf-d1-i5-6300-8gb-512-ssd-dotyk-do-nawigacji-rolniczej/?currency=EUR