Javad Lovers' Discussion

We have a Javad LS and a triumph 2 base with a 1 watt radio, I would suggest a larger radio if you are doing larger tracts. As far as a Robot we are currently using a Leica TS16 with a Carlson Surveyor 2 data collector. I personally like the setup we have, and find that it works well in the field together for what we do. A lot of times I we set up and locate what we can with the LS and set some control points, export a text file to a usb and load it into the surveyor 2 then do our conventional stuff.

I don't think you will be disappointed with the LS, there is a learning curve, but if you dive into the manual and online forum you will learn a lot. There tech support is awesome, Adam and Michael Glutting (sp) have helped us out tremendously over the last eight months.

Hi. I am a recuperating Javad Addict. The LS is just another fine tool, for the professional surveyor's tool box.

The main tool a surveyor uses is his head.

And, the surveyor should apply the best tool for the given job.

There are alot of business models. Lots of spacial reference data, to be analyzed.

Construction calls for a robot.

I think it is BETTER to have a separate ROBOT with controller. (My opinion)

I do all my work with the JAVAD LS.

I'd suggest a whole day demo of the Javad. Minimum. There is alot to learn. If you can handle it, 2 days is better.

It is not like any other gear.
I suggest to plan a trip to one of the 5 PLS team. I like meeting at a state park, lots of trees, and the grass is mowed, so you won't get bugs.
Then look at the data in the evening.
And, then another trip to the field, to catch what you missed.

If you have a basic understanding already of SPC, scale factors, and theta, you will like this!

Nate

I met Nate at a park for a demo. Learned a lot about its performance that I could not get from reading off sites. Since the demo, I can't wait to soon get my hands on my own box.

Allen Wrench, post: 387801, member: 6172 wrote: I thought that would bring in the Javad users... As I continue planing a solo operation, I've been taking a good look at a Javad GPS (whichever one has the receiver and controller in one box on top of the pole). I will need a Base/Rover combo and a robotic total station.

One state I work in has a VRS broadcasting an RTCM 3.1 mount point - network rover in play with Javad, correct?
However, the other states I frequently work in don't. Trimble offers a subscription-based VRS system, which is cool, but many areas have no or very spotty cell coverage, so I would still need to set up a base and OPUS in a control point, calibrate, or something like that. On top of that, I would need a robotic TS that I assume will not play nice with the Javad all-in-one.

So what equipment combo might you suggest if I wanted to go all Javad, Carlson Software, and a robotic total station, that work together as well as possible, while buying the least amount of gear?

I only ask because all I've ever used is Trimble and I don't know a lot about other manufacturers. I am, however, getting tired of their nickel and diming.

Hi Allen, Javad will play with the VRS services. I am in NC and our network over here is maintained by the North Carolina Geodetic Survey and is a Trimble based system. We have a load of Cors sites here, so the network works well most places. Sparse Cors sites and no cell coverage make using a network useless. I like having my own base close to me so I typically set one point with the network, then go local base from there.

Allen Wrench,

I am also a Javad LS user with the Triumph 2 base. Because I had used a network a lot with my Topcon Hiper Lites I thought I would be wishing the same from Javad. What most folks unfamiliar with the equipment don't realize is that there are major speed and accuracy advantages to using the Javad base/rover combination. And Javad has its own online post processing service that is better than OPUS.

Since I bought in December they have added tons of functionality and doled out countless update improvements. I have not been dinged one single penny for anything after my initial purchase.

It is a complex piece of equipment. I believe you will get up and running in a reasonable amount of time. But there is so much in there that I believe I will be still learning new features and tricks 5 years from now.

And lastly, but not least, the support and responsiveness is out of this world.

dms330, post: 387842, member: 2118 wrote: Allen Wrench,

I am also a Javad LS user with the Triumph 2 base. Because I had used a network a lot with my Topcon Hiper Lites I thought I would be wishing the same from Javad. What most folks unfamiliar with the equipment don't realize is that there are major speed and accuracy advantages to using the Javad base/rover combination. And Javad has its own online post processing service that is better than OPUS.

Since I bought in December they have added tons of functionality and doled out countless update improvements. I have not been dinged one single penny for anything after my initial purchase.

It is a complex piece of equipment. I believe you will get up and running in a reasonable amount of time. But there is so much in there that I believe I will be still learning new features and tricks 5 years from now.

And lastly, but not least, the support and responsiveness is out of this world.

Actually they've added a setting that allows faster speeds using the RTN or VRS systems, and if the network is dense enough accuracies should also be comparable. But in my area where typically spotty cell coverage and nearest cors 25 miles away the T2/LS combo can't be beat. Anyway, Go into your RTN setup and check on I think it's called "uploading", but the support site will tell you how to do it. Or if you're in the field go into support on the LS, call one of the guys, they will remote connect to your unit and change the setting for you on the spot. No hassle, no charge. Fairly remarkable really.

Thanks everyone for the responses. It sounds like the Javad LS rover and Triumph 2 base is the common setup. I'm also hearing that I will need a totally separate (non-Javad) robot/controller combo for stuff up against buildings, better verticals, heavy canopy... the usual situations.

I was a bit concerned about the support, since I will be using a totally new system to me, but sounds like that's not a concern either.

I was also concerned about not having a controller next to the level bubble, like a typical rover but it looks like they have a camera that watches the bubble from up on the box, so no worries there.

Allen Wrench, post: 387849, member: 6172 wrote: it looks like they have a camera that watches the bubble from up on the box, so no worries there.

I've not found the bubble camera useful. I use my Javad on a Leica-style quick-release mount, and aligning the camera with the bubble doesn't work out well. The bubble image in the camera view is too small for me to see well anyway. But I either brace the pole with a stick or use a bipod, so it's not hard to keep the the pole plumb and glance back and forth from bubble to display as needed.

Duane Frymire, post: 387844, member: 110 wrote: Actually they've added a setting that allows faster speeds using the RTN or VRS systems, and if the network is dense enough accuracies should also be comparable.

Well I guess I was asleep at the wheel on that one Duane. Thanks for the input. I'll have to check that out.