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In our previous e-bulletin we previewed LSS version 9.70. Well, ever since, the take-up of the Beta version has been fantastic - we've never had as many Beta testers as we do now. However, this has been a double-edged sword because, while we are getting a lot of testing done, those who have taken the plunge are finding the odd problem with the software. Mostly minor stuff, we nevertheless don't want to release any software we know to have bugs in it. So, there will be a further slight delay as we dot the 'Is' and cross the 'Ts'. Rest assured that we are working hard to get the program prepared for release just as soon as possible.

For those who are currently Beta testing, once v9.70 is released and sent out on CD to everyone, the Beta version will disable itself and you will then go onto the main release. When we start Beta testing again we'll inform everyone so they can decide whether they are interested in testing the next version. However, we'll let the dust settle for a while before leaping headlong into more testing. And if we don't get the chance to do so again, we'd like to express our gratitude to everyone who has been testing the Beta version. We're sure that they have benefitted greatly from being able to use the new program ahead of the main release and without their help we wouldn't have got this far.

We'd like to inform all of our GB-based survey users of a series of roadshows we will be attending. Run by Leica Geosystems, the GeoWorld 8 Roadshows will be visiting 6 venues in Scotland and England. These day-long seminars will introduce you to the latest technology from Leica and give you the opportunity to meet companies such as us who work with them.

The dates are:- Tue 7th Oct Hopetoun House, South Queensferry; Thu 9th Oct, Magna Science Park, Rotherham; Fri 10th Oct, City of Manchester Stadium; Tue 14th Oct, Royal Ascot; Wed 15th Oct, Hinxton Hall, Cambridgeshire and Fri 17th Oct, Ashton Court, Bristol.

Please note, we regret that we will not be attending the events in Belfast and Dublin.

Attendance is free and by invitation, so you'll need to register soon. Visit www.geoworldroadshow.co.uk and complete a booking form.

To download the latest Beta version please click here

One development which will help all Trimble survey users is the new XML conversion within LSS. Simply take a 'JOB' file from your ACU and convert it straight into an LSS loadfile using the up-coming Beta version of LSS (9.65.41 or later). You'll need to download a small program which is then run automatically by LSS - a link to the download is held within the LSS program itself. From then on you can either transfer the job file using Active Sync, or browse for it and LSS will quickly and seamlessly convert it to a loadfile. Please test this new program when you have an Internet connection because you will be prompted to download a small program the very first time you run it.

There will also be an update to the Leica 1200 DBX reader with the up-coming Beta version of LSS (9.65.41 or later). Please test this new program when you have an Internet connection because you will be prompted to download a program update the very first time you run it.

We are yet again doing four days training in Wakefield, West Yorkshire from 14th-17th October and the same in East Kilbride, Scotland between 11th and 14th November. We're running Introduction, Land Surveyors & Engineers, Intermediate and Advanced courses, so if you or your colleagues need some LSS instruction then please get in touch or book a place on our website. At just £150+VAT per person per day we reckon the courses are cracking value and the more places you book the cheaper they become. At the time of sending this e-bulletin we have limited availablility left on the Intro and Advanced courses in Wakefield and just 3 places left on each of the courses in Scotland, so we would recommend an early booking to avoid disappointment.

Click HERE for a booking form.

And for those amongst you who have heard about our new office development, you will be pleased to learn that the carpets are down and the furniture is arriving in the next couple of weeks. The separate training suite is being kitted out with the latest technology, including new laptops and projector technology. It has its own kitchen and dining room and just in case we get some cold weather, it has state of the art underfloor heating. For those who haven't been to Birdlip, it's worth the trip just for the opportunity to stay overnight in a local Cotswolds hotel.