|GTCO CalComp Digitizers
We buy Digitizers - Trade-In - Contact
What is a Digitizer?
Technical Definition: An electronic tablet work surface. The position of a transducer, a handheld cursor or stylus pen, on the work surface of the CalComp Drawing Board VI is converted-digitized-into data for computer processing. Data output from the CalComp Drawing Board VI digitizer is in the form of an X/Y coordinate pair that pinpoints the precise location of the transducer on the tablet surface. By placing a drawing or sketch on the CalComp tablet's surface and tracing over it, graphical information can be easily converted into accurate digital information for entry into the computer.
|Common Uses of a Digitizer:|
|1. Measuring Paper Blueprints: Estimators can use Takeoff Software with a digitizer to quickly measure and store quantities from a blueprint and transfer them into the computer. Depending on the software, you may or may not see a graphical representation of your takeoff on the screen. Although drivers are included with the digitizer to help it communicate with your software, the Takeoff Software must be purchased separately unless you use a QuikRuler which does not require a computer or software.|
|2. Tracing Paper Drawings into a Digital Software Program (CAD/Graphic): When an old drawing needs to be reproduced digitially and only exists in paper medium, a digitizer can be very effective in recreating this drawing directly into a CAD or graphic program. The Digitizer works just like a mouse to allow the user to trace or draw the drawing directly into an existing software program. A faster alternative to this COULD be Raster to Vector Conversion Software depending on the user and the complexity of the drawing.|
|3. CAD Menu Template (Small Format Digitizers): A small format digitizer is sometimes used with a template to select fumctions in a CAD type program. A template that is specific to a software program is placed on top of the digitizer and each area is programed with a specific function. Whan the user desires to trigger that function, he/she can simply click in this area with the stylus or mouse input device.|
Electronic or Paper? If you receive all of your prints electronically in PDF, TIF, DWG, etc. Then you may prefer to takeoff on the computer screen with your mouse. In this case, you can use PlanSwift or Electronic Takeoff without using any hardware.
Sizes - Digitizer models are listed reflecting the ACTIVE area of the digitizer and not the footprint. The size of the footprint can be found in the specifications section of the brochure for each specific model. Small format is considered 12" x 12" & 12" x 18". Large format digitizers are 20" x 24", 24" x 36", 30" x 36", 36" x 48", 44" x 60". Some Engineers and graphic artists can use the small format, but most Estimators and GIS users require a large format digitizer. D Size drawings require a 30" x 36" while E size (most commercial work) requires a 36" x 48".
Digitizer Software - Digitizer drivers are almost always included for free with a digitizer. In addition to software drivers, all digitizers require either the QuikRuler or some type of desktop software to operate. Digitizer software applications vary according to the user's industry and include: AutoCAD, Timberline, Agtek, PayDirt, StyleCAD, Maxwell Quest, MC2, QuickPen, MasterBuilder, WinEst, Edge, and many others. See comprehensive list. VectorteC carries three versions of Takeoff Software that will work with a digitizer to give you a graphical representation of your takeoff on the computer screen. The QuikRuler does not require a computer or software.
Hardboard or Roll-Up Digitizer - Roll-Up Digitizers are portable, so if you are going to be moving the digitizer from office to office or to the jobsite, you may want to consider a GTCO Roll-Up Digitizer. However, Hardboards will read though one inch of plans while a Roll-Up Digitizer will read through a half inch.
Input Devices/Pointers - The Pen Stylus, 4 Button Cursor, and 16 Button Cursors are available with all boards. Some boards are available with wireless options. The buttons on the pointers can be programmed to perform functions within your digitizer software.
Table, Stand, Pedestal - If your table is not large enough for a digitizer (Check the FOOTPRINT in specifications), then you may want to purchase a Pedestal
Accuracy - Most estimating digitizers are accurate to a level of .010 which is more than adequate for construction estimates. Mapping and Medical digitizing processes require an accuracy level of .005 or .002 which increase the price of the digitizer.
Construction Estimators - usually require the standard .010 accuracy level available in the GTCO Roll-Up Digitizer, QuikRuler, or Super L VI Digitizer. The GTCO Roll-Up Digitizer is the only Roll-Up Digitizer available in the market today and is included with the QuikRuler. The QuikRuler can be used without a computer and software. The Super L VI Digitizer is a hardboard and includes the widest variety of input devices available, all corded or cordless.
Engineers, Architects, and GIS that require an accuracy level of .005 or .002 will need to compare the consider the Drawing Board VI