Leica 14 or 16 vs. Carlson BRx6?

I have the 14, and it is an amazing piece of technology. The 16 is basically the same thing with some refinements.
While I am constantly impressed with Leica hardware, the captivate software always has little bugs, (even after the 3rd revision), and Leica software is unlike anything else on the market.

Carlson on the other hand is completely the opposite. Their hardware is typically about 1 generation behind Leica, but their software is very intuitive, and still remarkably similar to the original tds layout.

I would go with whoever has better service in your area. If nobody services your area, I would go with Carlson, as their phone support is the best in the industry.

Additionally, if you were looking at expanding at a later date into scanners, precision leveling or drones, Leica would be better suited.

I swapped out my Leica 14 and went Javad. No regrets, it's an awesome machine! I am using it on the Leica smartnet rtn.

If money is not an issue, go Leica. There is a substantial price difference. I am also looking to buy a new setup, check out the CHC x900+, contact Mark Silver for more info

summerprophet, post: 402195, member: 8874 wrote:
Carlson on the other hand is completely the opposite. Their hardware is typically about 1 generation behind Leica, but their software is very intuitive, and still remarkably similar to the original tds layout.

I don't think Carlson hardware should be considered a generation behind Leica.

For the record, the Carlson BRx6 (also known as the Hemisphere S321) stacks up favorably against the Leica GS16, as well as any other production GNSS receivers.. Just from comparing spec sheets, the only major differences I can see are in the number of channels (555 v 372) and built-in storage capacity (8GB v 4GB). Also, I'm not able to comment on Leica's RTKplus technology, but the BRx6 does utilize dual measurement engines to check each solution, and the Carlson terminology is Fixed+.

But then there are the factors counting in the favor of the BRx6: tilt offset measurements, North American-made, price tag, support, etc.

Both receivers works well.but leica software(be captivate) is awesome and simple to use.leica has the best service and support.it's software is very user-friendly and gs16 hardware has the novatel 7 generation board inside.
Leica's gs16 is lighter than carlson .

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We can't stand captivate. So many bugs, constant crashes corrupted data. I've spent days dealing with Leica support with little progress on why data won't import to Infinity, why it it will occasionally export coordinates to rw5 and fbk files instead of observations. And don't get me started on Infinity... About 10 crashes before 9am yesterday and still couldn't get the data in. All newest versions. We just sold our CS20s for Carlson. Great hardware, buggy and non-intuitive software.

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foggyidea, post: 402201, member: 155 wrote: I swapped out my Leica 14 and went Javad. No regrets, it's an awesome machine! I am using it on the Leica smartnet rtn.

Just curious, how do you handle high shots if the controls are at the receiver. On occasion I locate buildings at the top, or power poles above shrubbery, recently we did topo through a thick willow area where our rover was at 12 foot.

Here's how i do that.
1.) Set a 10" delay, after hitting "start".
Turn on the blinker on the bottom of the LS.
Run it up (i use a 12' pole) and get shot. It blinks, as it collects, then goes to a pattern, when done. This good under trees.
2.) Put it into "lift and tilt" mode.
This mode, uses the angle of the pole, to determine start, and stop.
Once plumb, and stationary, it starts.
Onece off plumb, it stops, and stores the shot. Very fast.
3.) There's a 3rd way. With the tilt sensor. But, I dont do this as often. (I should make a profile for this, so I can do this fast)
Turn on tilt sensor. Key in a rod height of 8.3 (one section of the pole)
Use 10" start delay.
Flashlight blink on
Press start.
Run rod up
Wait for blink pattern, to tell me its done.
It would be good for actual bldg cors, not roof corners.
I'm sure there are more ways to do it.
N

Here's how i do that:

1.) Set a 10" delay, after hitting "start".
Turn on the blinker on the bottom of the LS.
Run it up (i use a 12' pole) and get shot. It blinks, as it collects, then goes to a pattern, when done. This good under trees.

2.) Put it into "lift and tilt" mode.
This mode, uses the angle of the pole, to determine start, and stop.
Once plumb, and stationary, it starts.
Onece off plumb, it stops, and stores the shot. Very fast. Good for fairly open shots.

3.) There's a 3rd way. With the tilt sensor. But, I dont do this as often. (I should make a profile for this, so I can do this fast)
Turn on tilt sensor. Key in a rod height of 8.3 (one section of the pole)
Use 10" start delay.
Flashlight blink on
Press start.
Run rod up
Wait for blink pattern, to tell me its done.
It is good for actual bldg cors, not roof corners.

I'm sure there are more ways to do it. But that's enough for me.
N

Yeah, Like Nate said 🙂

One more method, turn on your cell phone, link up through RAMS, and the cell phone runs the LS like you are looking at the LS. There is about a 1/2 second delay. Usually, I don't need this, because it works good with the other methods.
N

I know folks with both new Trimble and Carlson. Carlson goes out with the crews more!

SatLab with SurvCE? Hear great things, even from our Leica rep...

SatLab with SurvCE? Hear great things, even from our Leica rep...