Does anyone know or have experience downloading a Topcon Digital level (DL-503)? Looking for a way to download data, do not need opinions on I should have got a Trimble or Leica.
Rod, I had to buy a module for my TDS Survey Pro. Then I had to buy Foresight DXM to get the level files it outputs into a format that could be printed out and made into PDFs for a survey report. Then I learned that the latest Foresight DXM releases have screwed up the digital level reports and it didn't reduce the data correctly. Then Jimmy Cleveland helped me by sending his older version of DXM which allowed me to get my data out and formatted in time for me to meet a Corps deadline. Recently, I learned that Jimmy's version either didn't have the adjustment module or it doesn't work with my key so I had to reload the version that came with my hardware lock. A pox upon Topcon for putting out a level without any software support and a pox upon SpectraPrecision for not supporting a software they sell. And good luck to you, Mr. Linker- I feel your pain. You may email me at alan-at-dalestockstill-dot-com if you
think I could help you.
I have had the level about 3 days. Works pretty good in the field, but if i can't download then I might as well take hand notes or look at brand L or brand Tr. It is ridiculous to only have serial port to download. Of course my dealer says I can get an adapter and it sohuld work. And the reasoning for the serial port was so that you could use a data collector. After spending this kind of money I should not have to buy an adapter.
I'm not familiar with the 503 but I have a DL 102 and use Topsurv in an FC200 to run it and it works great. I use Topcon Link to download the 200 and it prints out like hand notes in a field book.
I use Brand L Digital Level. We had a PC years ago that could not be trusted to keep the onboard data collector point numbers right. We had him record all of his readings in a field book. Tha advantage was that the elevations were reduced by the instrument. Even recording by hand also, we saw a 50% increase in production, and a 150% increase in accuracy. The best way I have found to adjust level data is to use Star Lev.
I was once told by a Topcon Salesman that the Topcon software would also support my brand L data files.
I am booking the data as well as a check and to be able to verify the data when it is processed. I have always used Star Lev to adjust the level loops. I just do not want to hand enter all the turns for an 8 mile loop. All together the leveling I need to do will be about a combined 40 miles of levels. I may try using the data collector, but I already have enough stuff to carry.
