I'm really happy with my Trimble S-3 and I'm thinking of adding a GPS setup to my equipment list. I've seen a few used R-8s for a reasonable price and am leaning in this direction since all I would need is the head unit itself (already have data collector with S-3). Any reason why I should look at something else, ie. reliability, cost, or other issues?
I've been solo for over a year now and even though I'm not getting rich, I'm the happiest I've ever been. My need for the GPS is minimal, but I'm in a spot where I can afford it and I miss the convenience and additional data you can incorporate into your everyday work.
Thanks in advance
Young Buck
I used an R-8 for 3 1/2 years and man to I miss it. That thing was amzing. It would get good results in some crazy places.
R-8 is perfect instrument, but do not buy its predecessor 5800 - you will wait forever for initialization (in those partly obstructed areas but still RTKable).
GPS, Yes, But
It appears you are thinking of a single GPS, but unles you are going into an active network, more than 1 receiver gives you more than 2 times the productivity.
Two R-8s can get you into RTK, but if the budget is tighter that, consider 1 R-8 and 2 L-1 only receivers.
For L1 only you will get the biggest bang for your buck with used ProMark 2 receivers, low cost, lightweight and pretty much foolproof. The only downside is using 2 different software for download and converting one brand or the other to RINEX for transfer. It is only a few minutes added to the download routine and have done it quite often in working with another surveyor and his Leica units.
Personal recommendation for GPS, get fixed height rods and 3 legged bipods.
As a even better suggestion, once you get fixed height rods, extend them 3" more. For my ProMark 2s I put the 3" extension intended to get the antenna above the tribrach adapter between the rod bottom and the tip. This allows me to leave the 3 legged bipod on the bottom section. It is secured just below the joint where the lightweight rods(I have Crains, 2 Alumilites and 2 of the fibre model) are reinforced. The level bubble was moved down and peaks out to the side wih the quick adjusts to the front. The screw adjust is to the back. Setup this way the rod tip can be set on a point and thn the legs can be swung out clear of the ground. I put the PM2 holder just above the bottom of the top section. If I am occupying multiple points, I merely separate the 2 sections, leving receiver connected to the antenna and can stash easily in the vehicle.
My L1/L2 rods are the same height by adding 2 connector nuts from the autoparts store and a sort piece of 5/8" all thread. Don't want to use allthread, then 2 5/8" set screws also work. There is no law that they have to be 2 meters exactly, but they should all be the same length.
Paul in PA
GPS, Yes, But
An S3 coupled with an R8 network rover is a powerful package. Don't step back in L1 only receivers.
