If any of you guys can fill me in on the differences between these 2 models. beyond the superficial, I'd appreciate it.
I've used the Hyper V and the GR3. Not exactly apples apples, but the GR3 is hands down the better unit. More reliable inits, especially in marginal environments.
thebionicman, post: 408491, member: 8136 wrote: Not exactly apples apples
I read your post from last month re your experience with the V. I gather that both the V and the GR-5 are current Topcon products, with a significant price difference. Salesman has given a quote on the V with a price comparable to a pair of new R-8s.
Both models use the latest fence antenna, and same D-UHF II radios. I have seen no difference in radio reception, when using adapter on Hiper V to place UHF antenna in vertical position. GR-5 has two hot swap batteries, last 8-10 hours. Hiper V has a single battery only 4 -5 hours. GR-5 is heavier. GR-5 currently only model to support three constellations via an OAF.
leegreen, post: 408524, member: 2332 wrote: GR-5 currently only model to support three constellations via an OAF.
I'm not familiar with the acronym "OAF".
Is the Hiper-v GPS/GLONASS only, then?
Yes GPS and Glonass currently.
The GR5 can upgrade with OAF - Options Authorization File for $1000
leegreen, post: 408551, member: 2332 wrote: The GR5 can upgrade with OAF - Options Authorization File for $1000
Ah.... so "OAF" means "mo' money".
We just bought 8 GR-5 units to replace our aging Hiper Lite + units we have had for 10 years+. We demoed the Hiper V and the R8. We purchased them because we keep the units for a long time and they had the flexibility to add new satellites for a small fee once they become available. One of the differences I saw was that I was able to get radio signal further (up to 1.5-2 miles more) from the base with the GR5 than the Hiper V and R8 with out a booster radio. In my opinion it was because the antenna is on the top of the units vs antennas facing down. If we were going to purchase new units every 5 yrs or less then I would have gone with the more cost effective units like the Hiper V or R6. Just my 2 cents.
Rusty Blackwell, post: 408567, member: 12363 wrote: We just bought 8 GR-5 units to replace our aging Hiper Lite + units we have had for 10 years+. We demoed the Hiper V and the R8. We purchased them because we keep the units for a long time and they had the flexibility to add new satellites for a small fee once they become available. One of the differences I saw was that I was able to get radio signal further (up to 1.5-2 miles more) from the base with the GR5 than the Hiper V and R8 with out a booster radio. In my opinion it was because the antenna is on the top of the units vs antennas facing down. If we were going to purchase new units every 5 yrs or less then I would have gone with the more cost effective units like the Hiper V or R6. Just my 2 cents.
If you have an r8 base, try using the antenna from the external radio instead of the rubber whip. The range increase will blow you away..
Rusty Blackwell, post: 408567, member: 12363 wrote: we keep the units for a long time and they had the flexibility to add new satellites for a small fee once they become available
It should be noted that both the R10 and R8s are 440 channel receivers with full GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Compass tracking capability. The "S" in R8s stands for Scalable; just as with Topcon, if you want all of that you have to pay for it. But it can be added at any time by a similar software key.
We are a topcon user company, I have an old Hiper. I looked at the V, and the GR5. GR5 is rather heavy, something I didn't like. The V was better on the arm for sure. But as others have stated, it is only GPS, GLONASS. I figure that we will/should be using more then those 2 systems full time by the end of 2017. So for me, the GR5 became the only option between the two - except since I knew I wanted to use Carlson for a DC, I could also look at the JAVAD stuff. I ultimately went with a JAVAD T1M base/rover as they have the same (and more) capabilities as the GR5, slightly less weight if I can recall, and I could still use Carlson DC. And because I am a small shop, the fairly significant price break was a bonus.
We are a topcon user company
Topcon user companies were actually Javad user companies for quite a few years.
Jim Frame, post: 408578, member: 10 wrote: Topcon user companies were actually Javad user companies for quite a few years.
Very true. I actually have an old green Javad Odyssey that has a topcon sticker over the Javad name. And the first Hipers (which I have) were just yellow Javad Maxtors. I think the very first Topcon GPS had trimble boards, and now Topcon = Sokkia. So in all actuality, there isn't a ton of true topcon produced GPS.
Manufacturer consolation means there are a few colors out there, but really the guts will boil down to just a couple different board manufacturers, they will just be wrapped different.
I've been a Topcon believer for years, total stations & GPS. I bought the GR-3's when they first became available and was very impressed. That being said, I have recently purchased a Javad system and there is no comparison. I highly recommend giving Javad a look.
Whell, Mr Webbed Feet, if it's not a JAVAD, stay out of them woods! 🙂
