Trimble R8s vs R12

I was previously using an R8-3 configured as a base with an R12i for a rover and it was a great set up. Personally I found using just the R12 with a VRS connection to be problematic when under canopy or around obstructions. Maybe you can trade up on the R8-2 to an R8-3 and still manage to acquire the R12? You can also use an R780 for a base with the R12 which is what I'm currently using and quite happy with. See if you can work something out with your dealer, maybe even a used unit out of their rental fleet as long as they'll warranty it. 

@williwaw Yeah I can probably trade in the Model 2 for Model 3, but your saying the Model 3 worked well when using as base with R12 as rover?

@mk93 Long as you have the full spectrum of constellations enabled on it, worked really well for me. You don't need an R12 for a base so long as it has enough channels built into it to track everything.

Yeah, what @williwaw said - R8 as base, CMRx corrections, R12 as rover.

Your R12 is whole generation better than the R8 - and most of that is in the rover functionality. It is wasted as a base

@jimcox Thanks for the tips!. I am going to get the R12 and then R8 Model 3 with all options and latest firmware update.

@williwaw I sat down with a Trimble sales rep recently about the R980. Essentially they said you are only as strong as your weakest link, so in this case the R8-3. This is from a sales rep, so take that with a grain of salt.

I still use my R8-3 on our states real-time network and it is pretty awesome until I hit tree coverage due to lack of upgraded tech and only seeing 2 constellations. I think the R12 is great choice. 

@pachetti  I thought the point of the R8-3 was to add Galileo satellite ability, but being so old it may not be able to track the current full Galileo constellation even with the current firmware is it capable of having loaded?

I think OP was looking at the R8s, which replaced the R8 Model 3.  If memory serves me correctly, it should be pretty close to the R12 in terms of signals tracked.