The following are my suggestions for the new TOPCON
FC-5000 data controller. I've only used it over the
past two weeks, so I haven't discovered all of its
features yet. Prior to that, I spent almost two years
using older TOPCON data controllers.
1. Observation/topo pattern template with PAUSE/RESUME.
User can create custom templates, then name and store them.
Example:
EP, GUT, BC, FW, BW, GR
(move to next station)
GR, BW, FW, BC, GUT, EP
(move to next station)
EP, GUT, BC, FW, BW, GR
(etc.)
PAUSE will pause template and go back to regular
observaion/topo screen so user can shoot a power pole,
water valve, etc. RESUME will continue pattern.
2. Setup screen flip occupied/backsight points. User
won't have to re-enter point numbers.
3. Ability to assign "set circle to zero" to F1 or F2 key.
User won't have to navigate to setup screen.
4. Display offset shot symbol on observations/topo screen. User
won't have to worry if they're in offset mode or not.
5. "Stake points" distance to next point. Option to
display cardinal directions in addition to distance.
Maybe display "clock direction" option too.
"Clock direction" is no good though if rodman can't see instrument
(such as high rod offset shot in woods). In that case, use cardinal
directions.
6. Observations/topo points define job limits. Program
will warn user when outside limits. Perfect for jobs
where boundary lines can't be seen due to trees and
vegetation. Topo jobs require an overlap anyway, so
adjacent property may be overgrown.
7. Display last point number stored on observation/topo
screen. User may have set next traverse point in low
point range (such as 1-99) and need to continue shooting
in high point range (such as 3000-5000) before moving to
the next traverse point. Sometimes difficult to remember
point number of last observation/topo shot.
What features would you like to see in your field controller?
Things I want to see in a field controller:
Simple .csv format for everything, and the ability to scroll through point lists.
(Talking about you Trimble)
If GPS needs additional data for control/localization, that should be on a different file.
The ability to run levels using the same .csv format, with the ability to store pts (false n&e of course) as well as stake points within the leveling program.
12 hour battery life As a minimum!
(A 5 inch screen is great Leica, but when you are boasting an 8 HR battery life under optimal conditions, that means I am going to get about 3 hours of topo in sub-zero weather before it craps out. Either that or make the batteries hot swappable)
Screens readable in sunlight. E-ink screens are awesome, unfortunately they don't do a great job of impressing investors in a boardroom, even though they are more efficient, more readable, and far more durable than our current offerings. Honestly not holding my breath on this one. Black and white is just not sexy enough, despite being incredibly more useful.
Colorful box!
I am not sure what the hell Trimble and Leica are thinking, but I am not a fan of a $5000 Data collector that is difficult to see if dropped in the woods. Stop making things in black and dark grey.
And current offerings that win:
Leica with built in disto.
Carlson with rod columniation correction.
Why the hell are you dropping your $5k DC in the woods :-S:whistle: buy a lanyard brotha LOL.
not DC related but Leica, you have the laser plummet, when's the disto gonna be added to that for HI's?
I consistently get 6ish hours out of my CS20 batteries in average temp conditions. I wish that was better. Does anyone have a hot swap DC battery setup?
Do you want a simple .csv format for raw data too? Do you want to export your .csv files to third party software? I assume you do a lot of staking, and you don't feel trig leveling is precise enough?
I like your idea about adding a disto to measure HI's. That would make my job too easy!
Cameron Watson PLS, post: 369066, member: 11407 wrote: Does anyone have a hot swap DC battery setup?
Ridiculously enough, topcon and Carlson (possibly sokkia and geomax) have hot swappable batteries...... But there is never any need, they last like 15-20 hours.
Field Dog, post: 369068, member: 9186 wrote: Do you want a simple .csv format for raw data too? Do you want to export your .csv files to third party software? I assume you do a lot of staking, and you don't feel trig leveling is precise enough?
The problem I have is this. Digital levels are changing the game, and the hold up is the data collector. Suppose I am staking out curb that the #%*^â engineer designed at a minimum slope to the catch basin. I could do it with the robot, fighting construction equipment, and traversing in from good control, OR punch it out with GPS, and run levels for elevations. In order to do this currently, we would have to have different coordinate files for the GPS, as well as the level, which are great, if I stop, go to a computer, export the points, convert to a level file, send to the dc, and start leveling...... At that point, it's faster, to just grab the plans and the 48 and calc each one. (Which is what I have been doing)
Also, we have been doing airport work (taxiway overlay) where hz positioning is 0.15' tolerance, and vt is 0.02'. GPS crew can quickly layout points, while level crew can follow with cut/fills....... Had to buy a Trimble dini level, as nobody else has the capability of laying out points....... Although the brand new Leica might.
Field Dog, post: 368970, member: 9186 wrote: The following are my suggestions for the new TOPCON
FC-5000 data controller. I've only used it over the
past two weeks, so I haven't discovered all of its
features yet. Prior to that, I spent almost two years
using older TOPCON data controllers.1. Observation/topo pattern template with PAUSE/RESUME.
User can create custom templates, then name and store them.
Example:
EP, GUT, BC, FW, BW, GR
(move to next station)
GR, BW, FW, BC, GUT, EP
(move to next station)
EP, GUT, BC, FW, BW, GR
(etc.)
PAUSE will pause template and go back to regular
observaion/topo screen so user can shoot a power pole,
water valve, etc. RESUME will continue pattern.2. Setup screen flip occupied/backsight points. User
won't have to re-enter point numbers.3. Ability to assign "set circle to zero" to F1 or F2 key.
User won't have to navigate to setup screen.4. Display offset shot symbol on observations/topo screen. User
won't have to worry if they're in offset mode or not.5. "Stake points" distance to next point. Option to
display cardinal directions in addition to distance.
Maybe display "clock direction" option too.
"Clock direction" is no good though if rodman can't see instrument
(such as high rod offset shot in woods). In that case, use cardinal
directions.6. Observations/topo points define job limits. Program
will warn user when outside limits. Perfect for jobs
where boundary lines can't be seen due to trees and
vegetation. Topo jobs require an overlap anyway, so
adjacent property may be overgrown.7. Display last point number stored on observation/topo
screen. User may have set next traverse point in low
point range (such as 1-99) and need to continue shooting
in high point range (such as 3000-5000) before moving to
the next traverse point. Sometimes difficult to remember
point number of last observation/topo shot.What features would you like to see in your field controller?
Field Dog,
I don't understand your post. The FC5000 is a controller, hardware only. You are asking for software options. Which most of your options already exist in Topcon Magnet. But it sounds like you may be using Carlson software?
[QUOTE=summerprophet, post: 369104, member: 8874Also, we have been doing airport work (taxiway overlay) where hz positioning is 0.15' tolerance, and vt is 0.02'. GPS crew can quickly layout points, while level crew can follow with cut/fills....... Had to buy a Trimble dini level, as nobody else has the capability of laying out points....... Although the brand new Leica might.
Summer,
We use Topcon mmGPS on airport runways and taxi ways to meet that spec. Can locate and layout the pavement lifts on grid with just one pass and one person. Also if you choose to use a digital level. You can locate the grid points with GNSS then re-elevate them with the a Topcon or Digital level in Topcon Magnet. Plus using a Parani BT adapter, you can make these levels wireless so you can run the level from the rod. Not sure why so many think it can not be done. Don't always listen to your dealer. They know less 10% of the capabilities of what they sell. Everyone wants a quick answer, yet few will do the homework.
I don't understand your post. The FC5000 is a controller, hardware only. You are asking for software options. Which most of your options already exist in Topcon Magnet. But it sounds like you may be using Carlson software?
The controller came with MAGNET software. I should have mentioned that. Regarding the hardware, it's a big unit. I prefer holding a controller in my hand, so my left arm will certainly get a workout with this thing!
leegreen, post: 369105, member: 2332 wrote: Field Dog,
I don't understand your post. The FC5000 is a controller, hardware only. You are asking for software options. Which most of your options already exist in Topcon Magnet. But it sounds like you may be using Carlson software?
The controller came with MAGNET software. I should have mentioned that. Regarding the hardware, it's a big unit. I prefer holding a controller in my hand, so my left arm will certainly get a workout with this thing!
Field Dog, post: 3Observationmember: 9186 wrote: The controller came with MAGNET software. I should have mentioned that. Regarding the hardware, it's a big unit. I prefer holding a controller in my hand, so my left arm will certainly get a workout with this thing!
In your post you describe Observation/ Topo. By default it would be Survey > Topo. But it can be customized. The FC5000 was just released in late March. I have never seen one.
1. Observation/topo pattern template with PAUSE/RESUME.
[hl]
This is called QUICK CODES, you are correct there is no pause. I'm not familiar with the FC5000, so not sure if the keys are programmable but it can be done with other controllers, so I would look into this. It can be enabled/disabled with soft keys by clicking M logo in top left, then select "Quick Codes"
[/hl]
2. Setup screen flip occupied/backsight points. User won't have to re-enter point numbers.
[hl]In Survey >Topo, when locating the traverse point. Toggle on the TRAVERSE option. Go to M logo, select MEASURE TRAVERSE. This will advance the setup for you as you describe.[/hl]
3. Ability to assign "set circle to zero" to F1 or F2 key.
User won't have to navigate to setup screen.
[hl]Again not sure about this. But the setup screen is only two clicks.Again it can be accessed by the M logo >Setup.[/hl]
4. Display offset shot symbol on observations/topo screen. User
won't have to worry if they're in offset mode or not.
[hl]Magnet does show the Offset mode at the top of the screen. Along side the M logo. It sure sounds you may be using a different software, than I. I'm referring Magnet Field complete v3.3.1 build date Mar. 18, 2016[/hl]
5. "Stake points" distance to next point. Option to
display cardinal directions in addition to distance.
Maybe display "clock direction" option too.
[hl]
Not sure I understand that. Current options are:
Instrument Reference
North
Sun
Azimuth
Previous point
Next Point
[/hl]
6. Observations/topo points define job limits. Program
will warn user when outside limits. Perfect for jobs
where boundary lines can't be seen due to trees and
vegetation. Topo jobs require an overlap anyway, so
adjacent property may be overgrown.
[hl]Sounds like a Trimble option part of the "iron curtain". I don't think it exist in Magnet. When I need to know the job limits, I either turn on Bing Maps in background, or load a CAD map in the background, then work in topo mode on the map screen.[/hl]
7. Display last point number stored on observation/topo screen. User may have set next traverse point in low
point range (such as 1-99) and need to continue shooting in high point range (such as 3000-5000) before moving to
the next traverse point. Sometimes difficult to remember point number of last observation/topo shot.
[hl]This does not exist in topo screen. But Can be seen in Job >Job Info[/hl]
