Well, I've held on long enough to the trusty old 48's and SMI (I know, I KNOW...HUSH), and it's time to do some upgrading. I know, MAJOR upgrading. I need something similar software-wise though, and I do not care for touch screen, I haven't had any luck with them, nor have I heard much good about them. Based on what we use (48's w/SMI or Jett-CE w/SMI) what direction should I look? I'm not a big TDS fan, and have never used Carlson, but heard they are pretty good. I also see Spectra Precision has some stuff out that looks pretty interesting. Whatever I get needs to run GPS/Robotics as well as conventional total stations. I'm sure Bluetooth is standard on all of them by now, so that's probably not an issue. I like a keyboard, again, not a fan of touch screen stuff. Anyhow, post away, let me know what you got and why you like it!
Thanks!
"I'm not a big TDS fan ... I also see Spectra Precision has some stuff out that looks pretty interesting..."
Spectra Precision is TDS. TDS is Spectra Precision. TDS was bought by Spectra Precision which was bought by Trimble. SP hardware is now chinese made Trimble run by rebranded TDS software.
You are going to have a hard time finding anything that isn't touch screen. Better just adjust to that.
What equipment/brands do you intend to run with these new data collectors? What software do you use in the office? What kind of work do you do, mostly? It makes a difference.
Yeah, I guess I meant I wasn't an "old TDS" fan, this new stuff looks diff. (mind you this was late 90's last time I touched TDS). Yeah, the touch screen thing is the dumbest thing I think I've ever heard of. I can't believe these developers would even consider it for field items. Office software is another upgrade, not sure what direction we plan on going there either. That's for a whole nother' thread. Do mostly boundary and topo and const. staking. Do some volume stuff, but not a lot. Use GPS as well and have a robot. Will need to run Topcon Robotics and GPS, though I haven't heard anything good at all about Topcon's DC's or field software.
Wow from your post I would have guessed you were around 60 years old not 38. I love the Carlson Surveyor Plus can run GPS and total station, echo sounder. I think once you use the touch screen a few times you will like it. Make sure you get a screen protector and change it before it needs to be changed.
Even my TV is touch screen.
hlbennettpls, post: 341129, member: 10049 wrote: .... That's for a whole nother' thread. ....
I beg to differ. The 2 must be considered together. It's a system, right?
For the record, we use Spectra Precision Survey Pro (ie/ TDS) to run Spectra Precision Focus 30 total stations and SP80 GNSS here. It works OK. There are some rather basic functions I really liked in Trimble Access that aren't there in SP Pro and I miss them. That probably wouldn't bother you since you never had them. We use StarNet to reduce data to coordinates and from there to C3d.
Your choices of data collection software to run non-proprietary systems are somewhat limited. Trimble Access and Leica Viva aren't option for you, for example. Your likely your choices are Spectra Precision Survey Pro, Carlson SurvCE, and - since you run Topcon -Topcon Tesla. From what I've heard Tesla is a poor option but you mileage may vary. Carlson has a much better rep for service than TDS/SP does.
Small company man. If ain't broke don't fix it. Been mighty productive for many years with what we do. I understand the TV is touch screen, but unless you're watching it in your backyard, that doesn't concern me. I have a Jett-CE that is touch screen now, and it sucks. It has always been somewhat fickle, and several PC's I know can't stand our touch screen instruments with their ages ranging from 30 to 70!
Norman, yes I agree for some folks those can be a system, but my current office software doesn't have a field component. Just doesn't work that way. I understand most do nowadays, but I don't think you are limited to ONLY purchasing your software via those means. I doubt I could afford to purchase both the office and the field software all at once. Been in business over 30 years, so I didn't just fall off the turnip wagon either...
Oh, and to elaborate on the small company, we are 1 survey crew, with me as a robotic/GPS fill-in crew if needed. We have less than 10 employees and aim to keep it that way. We are in the process of upgrading EVERYTHING and the computers were the first thing we did. We are now in the process of upgrading collectors and field equipment, and will follow with office software. We are small, these steps take time, can't do it overnight, especially in today's economy. Anything else ya'll need to know...lol...
I just mean that you have to consider how you are going to get your field data into your office software. Some work better than others. Is the raw data format this new data collector outputs readable by your office software? Are you going to need some separate utility to link up? I understand that you can't do everything at once. But when you do get to where you are going will it all get there together?
Touch screens are fine as long as you take care of them. Don't poke a them with sharp objects.
If you're going to take the plunge on upgrading, why would you want to go with decade old technology? I certainly relate to being uncomfortable with touch screen controllers, but there are many advantages. No physical contacts to be worn out with buttons, far more options of different software configurations. It's like anything new, it takes time to get comfortable with anything new. I was weaned on an HP48 stuffed in an enviro case sitting on a tray on the tripod with a cable connection. Would I go back? No freakin' chance. Our the new systems perfect? No, but if your looking for production and versatility, take the plunge. I've been using the Trimble TSC3 and SurveyPro/Access for several years now along with GNSS and robotics and it's like comparing a Ferrari with a Model T. If you don't, your competition is probably going to leave you in the dust. Just saying. That said, we do tend to be creatures of habit and that is not always a good thing.
I agree, I just have heard a lot of bad stuff about touch screens, and what experience I have had with them has been bad. I'm shocked that folks are paying the $ they do for what they are getting and we are using decades old technology and still being VERY competitive with what we are doing. Makes me wonder if all this tech. stuff is just "smoke an mirrors"...
I agree on the creatures of habit, but my issue can be summed up in 2 words...learning curve. It has to be short. If I can't be as fast as I am now, with a short learning curve, we have a problem. I can't answer a phone call on why someone's survey isn't done with "We don't know how to use our data collection software yet". That's why I'm looking for anything similar to SMI out there that I can get my hands on.
hlbennettpls, post: 341151, member: 10049 wrote: I agree, I just have heard a lot of bad stuff about touch screens, and what experience I have had with them has been bad. I'm shocked that folks are paying the $ they do for what they are getting and we are using decades old technology and still being VERY competitive with what we are doing. Makes me wonder if all this tech. stuff is just "smoke an mirrors"...
I agree on the creatures of habit, but my issue can be summed up in 2 words...learning curve. It has to be short. If I can't be as fast as I am now, with a short learning curve, we have a problem. I can't answer a phone call on why someone's survey isn't done with "We don't know how to use our data collection software yet". That's why I'm looking for anything similar to SMI out there that I can get my hands on.
I prefer the Tablet PC, over the Push Button Controllers. My eyes aren't getting a any better with age.
Touch screen tablet PC
PROS:
- you gain a faster processor
- all your PC software (ie:CAD, Excel, MSword, etc)
- access to cloud files ia wifi/cell modem
- access to email via wifi/cell modem
- use it with a wireless keyboard mouse/monitor to turn into a workstation PC
CONS:
- Touch Screen does not work in the rain and snow (neither do I)
- Shape of device does not agree with most pole mounts
I suggest you try the Panasonic ToughPad with either Carlson SurvPC or Magnet Field. The reason most here do NOT have much good to say about Topcon Magnet Field, is the just like you said "2 words...learning curve". If you learn how to use, it can be very powerful and productive software.
I suggest you get a demo of each.
I will be heading to your area, I'd be glad to show both software's.
I say go with Carlson SurvCE. It will be pretty intuitive to learn coming from your background. You can also learn hot keys for all the shortcuts and avoid using a touchscreen all together. I may have some good used options at reasonable prices if you are interested in updating, but not to the latest, most expensive stuff. Let me know if I can help.
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Carlson SurvCE loaded on whichever Carlson data collector you can afford and then running Carlson Survey in the office. That way you have Carlson talking to Carlson, Carlson talking to Carlson, Carlson talking to Carlson which eliminates any compatibility problems. The Carlson products are very intuitive and most people that I have spoken with that have come from a TDS and LDD background have found the learning curve to be fairly shallow and an easy transition. PLUS Carlson supports their products line none other.
I have heard this quite often as well. Some of the Carlson office stuff gets a bit pricey for us though, but it does make sense to have it all the same...
I would suggest a leica 1200 robot-allegro DC-Carlson surv ce. Back that up in the office with Carlson software. Like mentioned above, let Carlson work with calrson. Carlson software with embedded auto cad can be purchased at a fair price. Not only can do all your drafting, but you can work with all DWG files. Also can import DGN files as well. Ive been using both Carlson on my DC and cad since 2005. All my buddys with tds and such seam to come this way for help.
Also you can draw and create points with Carlson survCE 🙂
For those who are saying that it's somehow better to use Carlson data collection software when using Carlson Survey office software, than using TDS, or something else, it's just not true.
TDS and other data collection software will do the same thing as Carlson, letting you create symbols, linework, breaklines, etc.
We have both Carlson and TDS, and I personally find the TDS software much easier and intuitive to work with. Other guys prefer the Carlson units. In the office, it really doesn't matter, they both produce a rw5 file that I can process using Carlson Survey.
1.4 billion smartphone users have proven that touchscreens can work.
"For those who are saying that it's somehow better to use Carlson data collection software when using Carlson Survey office software, than using TDS, or something else, it's just not true."
Uh, yes it is. We run both packages here at the office. The TDS imports often burp and do not do all we want. The Carlson does not. But then we are real heavy on the Field to Finish and custom multicodes.
But then, everyone is going to use what they are use to. I fought that battle when everyone wanted to go from LDD to Carlson. I was a rabid LDD supporter. Given all of the variables involved, it only made sense to go to Carlson. I got trained up on Carlson at Harry Ward's school in Front Royal, Va. and have NEVER looked b ack. Sometimes change is good.
"Uh, yes it is. We run both packages here at the office. The TDS imports often burp and do not do all we want. The Carlson does not. But then we are real heavy on the Field to Finish and custom multicodes."
Not looking for a battle here, just have not experienced any "burps", or even know what that means.
We do F2F here, and I've been doing it for around 20 years. I'll admit that I tend to limit what I consider over-use of field codes. I get by mostly with +7, -7, PC, PT.
Specifically, what does the Carlson handle or do better than, that the TDS doesn't?
