I've recently had the opportunity to test-drive the AMOD AGL3080 GPS Logger. For the past three weeks I've been within 15 feet of the AGL3080 at all times. It's sat in my pocket, on my car dash, in my backpack and I've even carried it around the house in my hand- Just to get a feel for it.
And... I'm impressed.
My DG-100 has a serious contender for pocket-space in my future photowalks.
Here's why:
History
AGL3080 Front. 3 status LEDs: memory full, satellite lock, low battery... yummy.
AMOD has recently relaunched the AGL3080. Their first-gen release was sadly flawed and suffered from susceptibility to RF interference, making the GPS module very inaccurate. AMOD seems to be pretty actively chasing down owners of their first-gen device, and offering upgrades, so if you own an old AGL3080, you should get in touch with them! The new version works flawlessly.
Drivers & Formats
The AGL3080 is a driverless GPS logger, which means it mounts as a USB external drive. If you read my blog post about the DG-100, you know that driver issues with many GPS devices can be a #*$@!'ing nightmare, especially if you're on a Mac!
The AGL3080 saves each GPS track in NMEA format (although oddly enough, it gives each file a .log extension, so make sure GPSbabel doesn't mislabel it as a Geogrid file!)
Convert your file into GPX format to use with GPS Photo Linker or HoudahGeo, or convert it to KML or KMZ to throw into Google Earth.
The device uses the SiRF III chipset, which, personally, is the only chip I trust for good reliability & accuracy- especially in urban environments. (Recently, I've heard good things about the Nemerix chipset used in devices like the iBlue, but it still doesn't have the sensitivity of the SiRFstar III chipset, so no cookie for you.)
This puts the AGL3080 as a front-runner among the small handful of GPS loggers worth considering.
Form & Function
AGL3080 Back. 3 AAA batteries for 15 hours of continuous use. No USB-charging, though.
The AGL3080 takes 3 AAA batteries for about 15 hours of use per charge. It's very sleek & solid and it fits perfectly in my hand or in my pocket, however it's not as flat as the DG-100, so it doesn't stay put on the car dash quite as nicely. The front is smooth & glossy and the The battery-compartment door (frequently the first part to break on many of my devices) is rugged and easy to open. It has a built-in carabiener hoop, à la Sony GPS-CS1. (Similar to the Sony, the provided carabiener and strap are shite, replace ASAP.)
As I find myself slowly adapting to life in Japan, the carabiener hoop is begging me for a cute dangling cell-phone toy. Update on that to follow.
The device logs position, altitude, heading, speed, acquired satellites, hdop & vdop every 1 second and saves it to its 128mb of flash memory. It creates a new log file for every time the power is cycled, so it's fairly easy to identify tracks if you're looking for a particular day's data.
Sample GPX output. The AGL3080 logs: lat, lon, elevation, heading, speed, satellites, hdop & vdop @ 1Hz. Impressive. Textmate screenshot using skitch.
Richard Akerman has identified an interesting quirk where the log files are missing the standard filesystem created/modified datestamps, though it doesn't seem to affect the data.
While 1Hz logging may be a tad on the excessive side, it provides very good resolution (although I would recommend using a quick GPSBabel filter at download to strip out excess track points within 5m. You can chop your GPX file size by about 2/3 with no reduction to your precious data.)
The AGL3080 won't recharge your batteries over USB like many other devices. Instead, go buy a good wall-mount battery charger. Your rechargeables will charge faster and stay healthy for much longer. Still, it's a feature that many will find important in chosing their first GPS logger and sadly the AGL3080 doesn't support it.
Bottom line
AGL3080 & DG-100. Both devices use the SiRF III Chipset for near identical results. Shown: Route 38 - Takikawa (滝川) to Ashibetsu (芦別), Hokkaido, Japan on Google Earth
Okay- here's the verdict. The AGL3080 hands down beats the DG-100 for one reason and one reason only. Data.
We geocoders are interested in collecting quality GPS data to tag our photos, videos, blog posts, etc. My DG-100 logs only a small subset of available GPS data. (position, altitude and speed) The AGL3080 logs position, altitude, speed, heading, acquired satellites, hdop and vdop (Dilution of precision... look it up.) USB-charging and logging frequency are one way to evaluate a device, but if it doesn't log every single piece of available GPS information, why bother carrying it around with you?
This, of course, is extremely subjective. Some people don't place as much importance on maximum GPS data; they want the smallest device possible, or USB charging- and that's all fine; there are plenty of other GPS devices on the market that are better suited for those criteria. But for me- it's all about the data.
Oh- and the fact that it will work on my Mac without spending a few dozen hours hacking around with a C script is pretty cool too. =)
You can get your hands on a AMOD AGL3080 through semsons, amazon.com or you can contact AMOD directly.
Review & Photography © Kevin Jaako, 2008. All rights reserved.
Comments
Tue, 01/29/2008 - 23:38
I've found the MTK chipset is comparable to SIRFstarIII. Also, while the AGL3080 works great with my Mac and PC, I'd like to be able to transfer files off of it using a USB "on the go" device like the Sima Hitch - unfortunately in testing, the Hitch wasn't able to detect it as a storage device.
Thu, 02/28/2008 - 12:15
Hi Jaako
Nice review. Makes me want to get one of my own.
I am so in love with the canon utility when I plug in my camera through USB and it automatically downloads/syncs the pictures for me from the camera to my computer.
Is there such a script or utility to sync up delta tracks after plugging in USB device such as the AMOD GPS logger?
keep up the good blog posts :)
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 11:19
Have you tried the new firmware posted on the AMOD website:
http://www.amod.com.tw/Product/?tLGIqc6FuoJK
They imply it allows changing the logging interval. Just curious if it works.
Wed, 04/16/2008 - 21:59
Hi!
I checked out the firmware upgrade on AMOD's website, which allows for changing the logging interval, as you mentioned, as well asallowing you to disable static navigation (which is a big plus if you use the device at walking speeds!)
The upgrade procedure sounds pretty simple, but AMOD has only released a firmware upgrade tool for Windows, which I find a little disappointing seeing how one of their primary selling points is their cross-platform compatibility!
I've contacted them about the development of a Mac or Linux version. I will update you as I find out!
Kevin Jaako
Tue, 04/22/2008 - 04:44
Hi Kevin,
Great review, thanks.
I just lost my beloved Globalsat DG-100 and after feeling upset for a couple of days I thought that at least now I could get a new datalogger that would work on my Macbook. So browsing the net I found this review and then I looked at the rest of your blog and found out that there is a way to use the DG-100 with OSX... Wow.
So my question is, going back to the start of your post and two months of use later, would did you stick to the Globalsat or are you using the AMOD instead?
thanks for your opinion.
Tue, 04/22/2008 - 14:51
Hi Ludwig,
Sorry to hear about you losing your DG-100!
I have to say, I pretty much exclusively use my AMOD AGL3080 instead of my Globalsat DG-100.
Mac support for the DG-100 does work, indeed. But the DG-100 saves its datalog in one big long file, which is very inconvenient if you are trying to find or extract a certain day or a certain trip's data. The AGL3080 saves each log in a separate file, so it is very easy to find the data you need, and equally as easy to join multiple files together if you need one log that spans multiple days. The AGL3080 also logs the full range of data, including DOP and acquired satellites.
the DG-100 does still have some features that make it appealing, such as GPS-mouse mode as well as it's 2xAA battery usage (instead of 3xAAA with the AGL3080)
I still keep my DG-100 in my bag for backup, but my main logger is the AMOD AGL3080
I hope this helps, thanks for stopping by.
Kevin Jaako
Thu, 04/24/2008 - 16:48
Ok, this was definetly helpful.
thanks again.
Wed, 04/30/2008 - 04:19
Do you know if the AGL3080 can operate without the AAA's installed (just off of the USB power source)? I tried contacting AMOD and received no reply. I am looking for a data logger which I can install in my car, that I will not need to swap batteries out of.
Thanks,
Carl
Thu, 05/01/2008 - 21:25
Hi Carl.
Thanks for your question.
No, the AGL3080 doesn't receive power from USB, either for running without batteries or for recharging the AAA's inside.
I should be receiving a new bluetooth prototype from AMOD this week that is designed to sit on the car dash, and is powered/charged through the 12v cigarette lighter. I'll post an article about it when I finish reviewing it.
Cheers!
Kevin Jaako
Fri, 05/02/2008 - 02:20
Thanks for the response. I'll keep an eye out for your article.
Carl
Mon, 05/05/2008 - 18:20
Supposedly there is a waypoint marker on this device (yes this is protabably the one i will buy sincce it is maccompatible).
I'd like to log my daily routes and mark the points during the day when i swap my way of transport (e.g. when i get out of my car and hop on my bike, start walking or take the train). Will this work when i push the waypoint marker?
And what will this data log look like then? how is this extra information added?
keep track on my site on the work i'll make with this info!
willem
Fri, 05/09/2008 - 16:22
You're right Willem.
There's a waypoint button on the AGL3080. I typically only carry my data logger on me during photowalks, so I don't really use the waypoint feature.
I'll look into it this week and let you know.
-Kevin Jaako
Thu, 05/29/2008 - 08:08
I would like to know if the new firmware helped making this tool a better one; if yes I might get one too. But reviews for the new firmware are rare to find!
any comments appreciated!
Wed, 06/25/2008 - 23:56
I own this device and for the life of me could not figure out how to get the waypoint button/functionality to work.
I recently wrote to AMOD and the developer specifically told me they're aware of the problem.
I'm told that if you use the PC version of the Photo Tracker program that the device comes with, and you have pictures that go along with the waypoint, that THIS program will be able to tag a photo with a waypoint button push.
This obviously was not what I was looking for. The developer indicated this was because of a non-standard format for storing the waypoints.
The developer clarified that within several weeks (of yesterday), there will be a utility or some solution that will allow for extraction of waypoints from existing GPS .log files generated by the device (and that any waypoints we did attempt to record are not lost).
So this is great news. But I'd like to see it actually working.
Hope this helps. PS the AMOD team as well as the JetPhoto (separate company whose software comes bundles with the AMOD) are very responsive if you email them. Typically 1 day turn around to reply to my emails.
Good luck!
--D
Thu, 06/26/2008 - 00:01
As indicated I own the AMOD device. I went on a trip with version 1 of the firmware. I got fairly good geo data as long as the batteries were in good shape.
I have since upgraded to version 2 of the firmware. There is new functionality that allows you to configure (dynamically) if you want 1, 5, or 10 second rates of data capture, and whether or not you want a full set of data, or a minimal set (less geo data). This allows you to decide resolution, storage space demands, etc on the fly.
The device is now more accurate when taking a simple walk or when moving slowly since v2 firmware upgrade. Though you'll need a PC to upload the firmware. The configuration of the data recording rates however is controlled by pressing buttons on the device at startup time. It's a little confusing at first to re-configure, but it makes sense.
Sat, 06/28/2008 - 09:26
dps098,
Thanks for your information on the new Firmware.
I've looked into the new firmware upgrade myself, but I haven't installed it yet. I use my device frequently when I'm driving, so static navigation isn't a huge concern for me.
I'm very interested in what you found out from AMOD regarding the waypoint button. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get the waypoints out of the log file. As a mac user, I'm particularly concerned that whatever fix or update they offer regarding the waypoint issue won't leave me stranded.
Rather than another "tool", I'm hoping for another firmware upgrade that will RESTORE the NMEA logs to standard, that way any software will work for extracting waypoints.
Please let me know when you hear back from AMOD!
Thanks for stopping by,
Kevin Jaako
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 11:04
As of July 23 AMOD has posted a Waypoint converter to make their waypoints more standard. I've just downloaded it but not yet tried it.
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 07:42
Great!
Thanks for the update Laura.
I'm happy to announce that the application works and that it's Mac compatible...
Good job AMOD!
(you can download the converter from the AMOD website)
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 02:16
I've just started a project for a website that requires photo essays on neighbourhoods all over the city!
Realizing this will quickly add up to thousands of photos from all over the freaking place and many of them perhaps not being totally recognizable it dawned on me that my workflow needed to become geotagged as quickly as freaking possible!
I started looking at more expensive and aparently much crappier options, but amazon.com combined with a google search turning up this page has landed semsons a sale
good stuff!
Sun, 08/17/2008 - 06:18
I have uploaded one of my smaller log files to Google Earth using GPSVisualizer, but GPSVisualizer limits file size to less than 3MB. Does anyone know how to upload larger files? Or how to edit down the original log file? I have converted the log to text, but it is still hard to comprehend. (see below).
I read the manual and it says I can set it to 6 different modes, but they don't explain anything about the six modes (e.g. RMC only). Is there a place to read about those 6 modes to help me decided which I want?
thanks
jim
Sun, 08/17/2008 - 09:20
Hi Jim.
You have a few options. You can convert to KML with GPSBabel+ and skip GPSVisualizer entirely. This will let you create very large files, if you need.
Your second option is to discard some data to shrink your file-sizes. I use this GPSBabel+ filter to throw out useless data from my .LOG files:
Read the GPSBabel+ help files for instructions on how to use command-line filters.
The 6 logging modes within the AMOD AGL3080 mostly allow you to adjust logging frequency. The more frequent you log data points (such as every second), the larger your log files will be. If you don't need super accuracy, drop your logging rate to every 10 seconds, otherwise try the other options above.
Thanks for asking!
KJ
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 01:01
this may seem like a silly question but how does this mesh with your camera to tag the photos with location? this seems to be standalone device.
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 09:59
Hi Elias!
You're right, it is a standalone device. However, part of the data that gets broadcast from GPS satellites is the exact current time. (UTC) Using the timestamp that your camera embeds in the JPEG metadata, software such as GPSphotolinker or HoudahGeo can sync up the two sources based on time and embed the correct GPS coordinates.
Its pretty clever really!
Thanks for stopping by.
KJ
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:58
hi kevin
i recived the latest newsletter from semsons last night which included the agl3080 and a link to your review.
i was looking for a long time till i found a device which has all capabilities i wanted.
i just ordered now an agl3080 :-)
thanks for your great review which helped me a lot doing my decison!
cheers,
manuel
Mon, 10/06/2008 - 13:46
Apparently standard waypoints are now part of the firmware as of the August 12 update. I too have ordered an AGL3080, and I'm hoping to use it with Microsoft Pro Photo Tools. Anyone tried this combo?
Fri, 10/31/2008 - 03:36
Has anyone tried the Columbus V-900 which is the voice-tag support?
According to buygpsnow.com, the Time Album Java application is claimed to be compatible with Linux and Mac OSX.
I found the Columbus v-900 here:
http://www.buygpsnow.com/Columbus_V900_Bluetooth_GPS_Data_Logger.aspx
Sun, 11/02/2008 - 11:36
Hi Mike,
I'm actually talking to the folks at buyGPSnow.com right now about reviewing the Columbus V-900.
I should hopefully have a review up in a few weeks!
Stay tuned...
KJ
Tue, 01/13/2009 - 21:45
Anyone tried to use the AGL3080 with the new iPhoto 09? I am looking for simplicity. What is the actual process to tag your photos? Is this product user friendly... you know plug it in and it works?
I am new to this and what to find a tagging method that is simply and user friendly like most mac applications?
Thanks,
Phil
Thu, 01/15/2009 - 19:41
Hi Phil.
Previous versions of iPhoto have all suffered from the simple fact that you can't refresh the iPhoto internal database after you import pictures. This means that if you use iPhoto to download your photos from your camera directly, you won't be able to add GPS data afterwards. You either have to:
A. Use a GPS-enabled camera that saves GPS data directly into the images (a la Nikon D300 or D700), or...
B You have to introduce a middle-step into your workflow: (1. download your photos using another program such as image-capture, or the Canon EOS utility, then 2. run GPSPhotoLinker to embed GPS data before importing to iPhoto)
However, if (and it's a big 'if')iPhoto '09 allows you to refresh it's internal database (or better yet- if it comes with it's own photo-linking tool) then the workflow becomes much simpler!
I haven't personally played around with iPhoto '09, but I plan to get my hands on the new version of iLife soon, so I'll let you know when I find out!
Thanks for stopping by, Phil.
KJ
Mon, 01/19/2009 - 02:29
[Previous versions of iPhoto have all suffered from the simple fact that you can't refresh the iPhoto internal database after you import pictures. This means that if you use iPhoto to download your photos from your camera directly, you won't be able to add GPS data afterwards. You either have to:]
Actually you can get to your photos. Right click a photo and choose show file. This will pop open the folder structure behind your iPhoto library. If you navigate to the root folder called Originals and drag that and drop it as a shortcut under Places, you'll be able to get to your files in any application. I tagged a bunch of old photos this morning.
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