We are looking into potentially purchasing this package. I just read Don Poole's review on the Carlson website and I'm convinced that I dont feel the need to do any additional research into other units. However, my boss wishes to look into a couple other options.
What else is out there for around 12K? Thanks in advance.
-V
My critique of the Surveyor+GPS would not be so good.
No Static data collection availability for an OPUS check, it cannot be used in a base/rover setup without an expensive radio upgrade, and it cannot work together with any units I already have as a base/rover combo.
As far as new GPS receivers go I like the TOPCON ones, not the sokkkia ones labeled TOPCON.
Good luck
I don't know anything about these receivers, bit I would strongly suggest that anything you purchase, at the very minimum, be capable of static observations. You just never know when you might need it.
I regularly work in areas that cell phone coverage is spotty, and I love the Topcon Hiper base/rover setup I have, and I compliment them with a pair of PM3 receivers.
> My critique of the Surveyor+GPS would not be so good.
>
> No Static data collection availability for an OPUS check
I don't believe this is an accurate statement. The Carlson Knowledgebase article at http://update.carlsonsw.com/kbase_main.php?action=display_topic&topic_id=750 describes the process of collecting static data with the Surveyor+ GPS system. I trained a client on this very subject earlier this month.
>it cannot be used in a base/rover setup without an expensive radio upgrade
It is true that the Carlson Surveyor+ GPS system does not come with an internal radio and that it would rely on an external radio or bridge for an existing GPS base station. However, wouldn't this also be the case if you were trying to use (say hypothetically) a new Topcon GPS rover with an existing Leica GPS base?
>and it cannot work together with any units I already have as a base/rover combo.
See above?
--
Ladd Nelson
I ran into my old boss and he showed me his new Sokkia GRX1 (AKA Topcon Hiper II) with Glonass and built in GSM modem, and on board memory, and it looked pretty slick. He uses only as a network Rover with a sim card installed. I think he said it was 12K, but he did not have to purchase a new DC, he uses TDS to control it.
I will 2nd the static ability (I know nothing about the mentioned Carlson, it may actually collect static data).
I think it is just plain foolhardy to buy a system you can't collect static data with AND / OR post-process, at least in my world that is true.
There are too many times when a RTN isn't available OR there is not cell coverage, other places might be different, BUT I still maintain the ability to NOT be dependent on some RTN someplace.
RTN's are a great addition, BUT they are not the end of base/rover/CORS/OPUS for me, at least not yet.
SHG
As mentioned by others, I would not be interested in purchasing this if I could not take static observations. But from what you said, I'll have to discuss that with our sales rep.
We are a small firm and are really looking for a "one tool does it all" kind of thing. That seemed to be what this was.
-V
1)When I looked a the surveyor+ last year it was not static capable.
2) I am not buying any Leica crap GPS either
Try before you buy. Get a loaner for a week and use it the way you would use it on the job.
> We are looking into potentially purchasing this package. I just read Don Poole's review on the Carlson website and I'm convinced that I dont feel the need to do any additional research into other units. However, my boss wishes to look into a couple other options.
>
> What else is out there for around 12K? Thanks in advance.
>
> -V
I had this system when it came out. It did as advertised, worked very well off the state network and the collector was very nice in conventional survey. It seemed like it was going to be a pain in the rear to connect it to a base if I ever needed it that way. I never had to do a static work with it, but I wouldn't get one that couldn't. Compare the Topcon to the Carlson, you may like Topcon better with it's strong capability for Static, RTK and Base/Rover set-ups.
> 2) I am not buying any Leica crap GPS either
I would say the same thing about Topcon. Have you ever compared the two side by side. World of difference. We had a demo with Leica, Topcon and Trimble dealer all at our office. Topcon guy packed his stuff and left after the first 30 minutes. Trimble and Leica were comparable to each other.
> What else is out there for around 12K?
I don't think there are many full base/rover systems out there at that price range. The man is looking for a unit around 12K. What he's looking at doesn't sound that bad of a deal. He should be able to get adequate return. If the gear is used 100 days/year in next 3 years it works out to $40/day + "the what nots". Not a big risk.
> 2) I am not buying any Leica crap GPS either
You should just change your user name to "Pin Head" instead of "Pin Cushion" because you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. While I am not a huge fan of the Leica GPS I have seen quite a bit of independent testing on the product that puts it well ahead most of the competition on the market. Problem is it is expensive and the software is European. The quality of the equipment is far better than that of the competition however, shortcut surveyors and GIS guys seem to think that if the GPS doesn't fix immediately or the unit doesn't work under trees that there is something better out there-forget about the confidence level of the equipment right?
As for initial question the Carlson GPS is great for VRS. It certainly wouldn't be my top choice for base/rover or for static. There is a number of other units in the price range - rover and dc only including a Leica NetRover, a Spectra Precision Epoch 50 ( which is basically an r8), an Atlas running Carlson, etc. you'll find these units anywhere from 10.5k to 14.5k. As recommended above I would ask to use one for a couple of days from your local dealer. Make sure at they can support you and handle repairs after the purchase.
Thanks for all the input. Our local dealer sells both the Carlson and Leica. I think I'll check out both. Again, it would be very nice to have static capabilities as well as we do a lot of aerial control.
-V
Carlson Surveyor + GPS>VH
At the time that I used the unit in the winter of 2011, for the June 2011 review, the unit could do static collection. It's just that the weather window didn't cooperate. I did not do a static setup, but I was told that it wasn't a problem.
Don
Carlson Surveyor + GPS>VH
I have owned the system for 2 years and like it. I also use the Carlson Surveyor+ to run my Leica Robot using GAC 500 bluetooth radios, works great and all my data is in one collector
Carlson Surveyor + GPS>VH
Excellent. Thanks Don. I'm going to make some calls today to get going on this.
-V
I have a following gear
Carlson SurvCE Ver 2.55
Carlson SurvCE Ver 2.55.10
2 New Carlson Surveyor Plus
Geo 650 robot # 79 Firmware 696-03.08
Geo Radios @ 458.525 Mhz Ch 1
Sokkia Gsr1700Csx RTK L1 Two rovers, One base al same head style
post process soft Spectrum Ver 4.21 L1 dongle
Satel 3ASd 1 watt, Stubby, 15cm, 30 cm GainFlex
Computer Xi Custom
Win 7
3 head vid card driving 3 30 in hp Monitors
Autodesk C3D 2013 subscription
AVG Antivirus
HP 111 Roll feed 24" plotter.
The Sokkia GSR1700CSX "novatel boards inner are more or less flawless"
the units use a external 1 watt UHF radio with a custom cable
the units are low weight and this is critical foe you have to pack the
gear all day so look for a low weight head = gsr1700csx
the goal this summer is to move the external satel uhf to shirt pocket then blue tooth the last 30 feet rtk rover corrections.
This will reduce the head wieght to 1.37 pounds and increase battery to 8 hours
by moving the uhf radio and radio battery to vest pocket
NOTE The GSR1700CSX will collect static data on head memory card as soon as the unit is turned on and if i had the time i bet carlson could rename the files being loged on the head to some meaningful names.
Yea i would buy a third surveyor plus and a forth GSR1700CSX so there you have it
Peter K
Carlson Surveyor + GPS>VH
I demo'd a Carlson Surveyor+ GPS and Leica GS 09 with a CS 09 controller. I really wanted to buy the Carlson, but with the cables, a glare on the screen, and a slower fix on our NY Leica network, I bought the Leica system and bought another license of Carlson GPS software to use on the CS 09 to run it.
Works very well and I'm still using Carlson on all my equipement and my office computer.
No big complants yet...
