TRIMBLE S7 VS LEICA TS16

[stlsurveyor]

I have used both Trimble and Leica, and I would think differently. Trimble is much easier to use for construction and Leica is much better for Topo and Boundary work. To me Trimble Access is about as fool proof as you can get. I think Leica makes far better quality instruments and their technology seems to always be one step ahead of Trimble. Leica also seems to support their equipment for a longer time than Trimble and they seem to hold their value longer. On a daily basis the Leica cases at much smaller and better organized. Trimble accessories, batteries, cables etc will cost you an arm and a leg! TBC is way overpriced too.

We are currently all yellow. If I could do it all over again, I would buy Red. It is very hard to mix and match. Choose but choose wisely. I would rent one for a week of so, and try them out.

I has used 5601, S6, S8, VX – TS12, TS15, MS50

As a side note we are hoping to pull the trigger on Leica C10 – not even going to consider a Trimble scanner.

[gregg-gaffney]

I appreciate the feedback. I have to say in an overall sense I was more impressed with the Lieca and as you mentioned how organized everything is. The box for the Trimble seemed cumbersome so lug around.

I also like the fact that when needed I can use the same program from the Leica on its screens that are part of the instrument. There are still plenty of times that it makes more sense for someone to be behind the instrument rather than run it in robotic mode.

Both of these machines will handle imaging and the Trimble very minimal scanning. If i had more of a need for it I would jump into the MS60 instrument and perhaps that could be our next instrument.

I have always heard that the Leica software can be intimidating but while there is of course a learning curve, the software seemed to be fairly intuitive and there was not much i could not figure out how to do on my own. The one thing I am hoping that it has is the ability to see cuts and fills after the points are stored. You can of course see this as the point is being staked but I could not find it afterwards. The Trimble prepared a cut/fill document as the stakeout was performed.

Thanks again

[Aaron23]

I like the leica better but I do a lot of topo. Line work in the field seems cumbersome with the trimble software.

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[exbert]

For topo the Trimble with an active prism will blow Leica away. Construction site they’re a wash, but from a guy that does mostly topo Trimble active tracking blows the competition away.

[plumb-bill]

From my experience, any differences in software and autotrack become rather moot once one uses any robot long enough to use it proficiently enough to become as an extension of themselves. The only real difference is hardware quality, and overall accuracy spec.

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[Rich.]

I’m making this same choice.

I’m leaning trimble too bc the active pole. I currently have a focus 30. Which I absolutely love for topo and construction. I love the laser pointer with the prismless. However I want an active pole.

[Rich.]

Btw I currently am running survey pro and the salesman is trying to get me to do the s5 instead of the 7 so I don’t need to go to trimble access software.

[stlsurveyor]

Rich., post: 345523, member: 10450 wrote: Btw I currently am running survey pro and the salesman is trying to get me to do the s5 instead of the 7 so I don’t need to go to trimble access software.

The active prism is over rated. It requires yet another battery and cost well over 1k to replace.

[stlsurveyor]

Really though this is just the Lincoln vs. Cadillac debate. Both guns are fine machines – just personal preference.

[party-chef]

Gregg Gaffney, post: 345493, member: 1111 wrote: I appreciate the feedback. I have to say in an overall sense I was more impressed with the Lieca and as you mentioned how organized everything is. The box for the Trimble seemed cumbersome so lug around.

I also like the fact that when needed I can use the same program from the Leica on its screens that are part of the instrument. There are still plenty of times that it makes more sense for someone to be behind the instrument rather than run it in robotic mode.

Both of these machines will handle imaging and the Trimble very minimal scanning. If i had more of a need for it I would jump into the MS60 instrument and perhaps that could be our next instrument.

I have always heard that the Leica software can be intimidating but while there is of course a learning curve, the software seemed to be fairly intuitive and there was not much i could not figure out how to do on my own. The one thing I am hoping that it has is the ability to see cuts and fills after the points are stored. You can of course see this as the point is being staked but I could not find it afterwards. The Trimble prepared a cut/fill document as the stakeout was performed.

Thanks again

You have to set up either the coding to record C/F and other deltas, or configure a FRT that reports the application data.

[Rich.]

StLSurveyor, post: 345526, member: 7070 wrote: The active prism is over rated. It requires yet another battery and cost well over 1k to replace.

Yes but the trimble can be used with the active rod or passively. So you don’t always need the battery charged. I would just keep it charging and use it when I know I’m going to a job with many obstructions or if the job is wooded

[squowse]

I carry the Trimble total station and data collector in 1 box on my back. This leaves 2 hands free for legs, pole etc;

The Leica total station and data collector eg TS15 and CS15 comes in 2 boxes. These can have backpack straps attached but it doesn’t look comfortable. This still leaves 1 box in the hand. What tends to happen then is that the data collector comes out of the box and gets clipped to the pole. Making it more vulnerable.

I do the use the station without the pole and in reflectorless mode a lot. Operating it at the station with the data collector in hand has never struck me as a problem. All the dials on the total station are on one side of the instrument leaving your other hand free to press the buttons. Or there is a measure button on the instrument if you want. I prefer to use the data collector button for ease and to avoid disturbance to the instrument.

I don’t do a lot of topo but from what I can tell the Leica software (old and new) has a lot more coding options and a lot more powerful. For me a few spot level codes and string codes is enough for 95% of my work.

[conrad]

Gregg Gaffney, post: 345493, member: 1111 wrote: I have always heard that the Leica software can be intimidating but while there is of course a learning curve, the software seemed to be fairly intuitive and there was not much i could not figure out how to do on my own.

hello Gregg. there is nothing wrong with leica software, just as there was nothing wrong with the trimble software when i used it. it’s about attitude, application and how you deal with the unfamiliar. sounds like you’ll do fine with captivate if you go with the leica.

The one thing I am hoping that it has is the ability to see cuts and fills after the points are stored. You can of course see this as the point is being staked but I could not find it afterwards. The Trimble prepared a cut/fill document as the stakeout was performed.

you can set the programs to write logfiles in a custom format that you set up yourself. it writes as you go as a plain text file and is viewable on board the instrument. you can set up the custom format to write as much or as little information as you like. well, at least you can do this in smartworx. i hope captivate is the same.

[gregg-gaffney]

thanks – I knew there had to be a way to do that since its a pretty basic function these days.

[gregg-gaffney]

sounds like from everything I hear they are both great instruments.
As others mentioned with some use they all seem to work well.
Good luck with your decision as well

[gregg-gaffney]

makes sense – I do the same in that I shoot as much as I can with the robot and before I pick up take any needed non-prism shots. Never had a problem with our Topcon robot doing this with one hand holding the controller, works pretty well actually.

[gregg-gaffney]

absolutely, I definitely found things about both instruments and software that I liked.
I don’t mind learning and exploring new software or hardware, actually kind of enjoy it since it keeps the mind fresh. Good to see the way other things are done as well.

[gregg-gaffney]

Thanks for all the replies – definitely food for thought.

I noticed that there is another post from someone about the Leica Captivate software.
It appears that not many have had a chance to use it yet.

[lee-d]

Your salesman is clueless, IMHO. If you go with Trimble stay with the S7 and Trimble Access.

[Eric Kara]

Trimble and Leica are by far the Top manufactures.

I am bias, however if i were to purchase new shinny hardware I would be looking into what dealer and/or manufacture is going to support me best. New instruments are very complicated, and there will always be a learning curve. However depending on your dealer/manufacture that learning curve can be shortened.

I’d see if your suppliers would let you use the equipment for a few days and try it out. See what one you like.

*cough-Leica-cough*
(Dealer of Leica Equipment)