New Robot

I have an S-6 and work with a guy that has an S-3. For all intents and purposes they seem to be the same gun, though the S-6 shoots reflectorlessly much quicker. The S-3 does not have a faceplate. You won't be dissatisfied much if you are used to the 6.

Trimble makes great instruments. I have a friend that picked up a Topcon Robot a couple years ago. He said it's the best he's ever used. Might be worth at least looking at. I believe they are a little less expensive, but I'm only going on here say.

Good Luck.

Tom,

My only concern is the passive tracking. S-6 has it whereas I can't see where the S-3 does. How does the S-3 perform in heavy woods?. Does it follow you even when it loses you behind a tree or heavy foliage?

Thanks

I reeeeellly like the Topcon QS, I think now the software and controller matters as much or more than the gun itself.

Joe

@Joe what contoller are you using with your QS?

I've got a Topcon QS and a Leica 1203. Both 3 second robots.

I like the Topcon OK, but I really like the Leica. I use the Topsurv on a FC2500 for the QS and I use the Leica 1250/Smartworks for the 1203.

I have developed a trust for the Leica's results and precision and have found it to be much more versitile. I also don't much care for the RC4 that sits on top of the 360 prism for the Topcon setup. Its something around $6000 sitting on top of the rod. I like how the Leica simply communicates directly with the DC and prism without the additional, high-cost box on the rod.

We have quite a few Trimble S6's. The salesman tried to talk me into an S3. I demo'd it...just didn't seem to track like the S6 (with the expensive MultiTrack Prism).
I guess everyone is partial to their favorite brand/model...for me it's tough to beat the S6.

> We have quite a few Trimble S6's. The salesman tried to talk me into an S3. I demo'd it...just didn't seem to track like the S6 (with the expensive MultiTrack Prism).
> I guess everyone is partial to their favorite brand/model...for me it's tough to beat the S6.

Are you experienced with the 5603? If you are is the S-6 a much better improvement?

I rented a 5600 series robot a few years ago. It has a great reputation as a work-horse. The one I rented had external radio antennas to attach, and a power rod (batteries in the prism pole). It seemed like too much work to set everything up. I only used the 5603 that one time. I suppose I would have grown accustomed to the extra set-up time...but using the S6 on a regular basis...I don't think I could ever go back. The S6 is light and extremely fast. It tracks great with the Multitrack Prism.
I'm told the 5600's tracks well too.

I have the 5603 and I was curious if the S-6 was worth the extra cash, thanks for the quick reply.

I think the S-6 is worth every penny.

I recently purchased a Spectra Precision FOCUS 30 and I am very pleased with it's performance.

TDS 5.1...not a fan of Topcon software

I couldn't tell you the difference in working in deep woods. My S-6 with a TSC2 controller and TDS software tracks poorly in deep woods. Walking behind trees is a pain, but I think that is a software issue from the controller side.

> I couldn't tell you the difference in working in deep woods. My S-6 with a TSC2 controller and TDS software tracks poorly in deep woods. Walking behind trees is a pain, but I think that is a software issue from the controller side.

We use the S-6 with a TSC2 using Survey Controller software. We find that it tracks pretty well in the woods.

How about the GPS assisted tracking with a low res pocket GPS? I think I read it is an option for the S6 controllers. There will still be a problem with canopy rather than tree trunks but some days you just can't win.