My business was started almost two years ago with a Topcon 3b.
Then a 8203 robotic total station.
Now we are thinking of getting our first GPS base and rover setup. Networks are spotty in our area and I don't want to pay for a unit I can't use. So I think we need base/rover.
We will primarily be using this for construction stakeout. We have gotten prices from several companies. I think we want to stay in the Topcon brand and upgrade our Carlson explorer 2 to a Carlson Surveyor +.
My questions for those of you who have more experience is...I have a chance to buy a set of used Topcon Hiper 2 units for $16,000...How do these units stack up to the Topcon V...and is it worth the extra money to get new equipment (extra $11k)?
How much stock do you guys put into your relationship with a salesman? Would you spend extra money to deal with someone you like versus someone you don't...(several thousand dollars.)
I would welcome any feedback on the topic from those of you in the know.
$ 8,640 complete RTK receiver system
Receiver+Antenna+Radio Modem+Controller+Pole
•Base or Rover
•GSM Modem
•UHF Transmit & Receive
•Lifetime Firmware & Software Updates
•3-Year Unlimited Warranty
U.S. Professional Land Surveyors (registered PLS) can test drive the TRIUMPH-LS for two weeks at no charge (includes 2 Day FedEx delivery and return).
See here http://javad.com/dynamic/PollManager/USPLSTestTriumphLS
to reserve one (for U.S. Licensed PLS only).
For your first foray into GPS you would be wise to purchase from a dealer who knows the equipment inside & out and can support it... all the $$$ you saved on the front end go down the toilet when you're on a construction site staring at a unit that isn't working and you can't get any help. Or the first time you need to get something repaired and the dealer that you got the lowball price from can't afford to maintain rental inventory.
Two Years In Business & You Want To Take On RTK Liability ?
Without considerable GPS experience you are taking a larger risk than most to start out with RTK stakeout?
Get GPS and build up considerable RTK experience so that you can understand the what if it goes wrong downsides.
In fact it would be best if you started out with RTK capable receivers but not yet paid the full option price and get a year minimum of static GPS control surveying. That way you learn at lower risk the minimums for good GPS positions and hence for RTK control. Then get a year of RTK surveying on points you can do reasonable total station checks.
After that you should be able to understand and avoid most pitfalls. Starting out with RTK in the high liability stakeout world is an invitation to a short business life.
Paul in PA
> For your first foray into GPS you would be wise to purchase from a dealer who knows the equipment inside & out and can support it...
:good: After sales service and training should be your first consideration. Your second should be to buy equipment with a large and established user base. Stuff from manufacturers that are breaking into the market may have great features and may be priced competitively but you should leave that to the experienced guys.
Also, get a copy of Jan van Sickles "GPS for Land Surveyors".
FWIW, If I were in the market right now I'd be looking at Leica's GS14.
TOPCON SR....
Long range blue tooth 2.0+- km base to rover
Go longer plug in a 1 watt satel UHF Easy to 29 km line of sight
Use blue tooth bridge at rover to keep weight down
this is UHF to Blue tooth
If my Sokkia GSR1700CSX stop working it will be replaced by the Topcon SR
contact Ben H at Topcon 604 882 8888 he knows the Topcon SR better then all
I have demoed the SR and its nice
RTK is mindless compared to the tedium of robots
After a week with a little direction from somebody who runs RTK with
Carlson which I do every day two rovers at once in construction staking you
will be a pro just find a RTK buddy to get you going at first
My gear
Setch Equipment LIst
DC
2 New Carlson Surveyor Plus
Carlson SurvCE Ver 2.55.10
Carlson SurvCE Ver 2.55.10
Robot
Leica TS12
Type TS12 P 2" R400
S.N. 269895
Art No. 791307
Equipment No. 4944492
GPS
Sokkia Gsr1700Csx RTK L1 Two rovers, One base
post process soft Spectrum Ver 4.21 L1 dongle
Satel 3ASd 1 watt, Stubby, 15cm, 30 cm GainFlex.
Computer
Xi Computer S/N: 037019
Intel Core i7-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHZ
Mem 16.0 GB
Win 7 64.0 Bit
Autodesk C3D 2013 subscription Service pack 1
AVG Antivirus
HP 111 Roll feed 24" plotter.
At our place we have Topcon Hipers, GA's, V's, 3's, Hiper 2's ....
the Hiper 2's hardly ever leave the shelf...the crews and myself preferring the other units...
too many blinking lights and unnecessary razzle dazzle .... the male robotic voice that constantly says "Bluetooth connected, "bluetooth disconnected, bluetooth connected, bluetooth disconnected" will make you go insane, maybe if it was female now ...4 hour battery life unless you have an external plugged in. Upside down antenna, a ripoff design of the trimble R8 is recessed in a slot so tight you almost need needle nose pliers to get it off. You cant just thread it onto the puck of a tribrach either you need an extender as that upside down antenna gets in the way. But other than that I guess its an okay unit.
We have been thinking about selling our Topcon GR-3s somewhere close to that price...
Matt, send me an email about the units you might be interested in selling.
Mack
[email protected]