So my company is at somewhat of a crossroads. Most of our layout team has been using survey pro for years then we decided to make the switch to model based layout a few years ago. We first decided to go with the Leica ICON software but our team was not happy problems with the Bluetooth connection and the gun not have the autolock feature that they were use to with the Spectra/Trimble instruments. So we brought on a few TSC7's to use with trimble access and we are loving the use of access with our IFC models and we are still able to use the same instruments so the team is happy and it was a cost saver as well which is always a easy sell to the company. Our next issue is going to be with our civil team all our machine control uses Topcon but that being said we have had success with utilizing our Topcon base stations with our Trimble R12 but we also have a Topcon GT-503 which uses Magnet Field that we purchased for a project awhile back I have not personally used the Magnet field software with an IFC model so I'm unsure of its capabilities so I'd like some feedback pro's and con's to each. Long run I would like everyone to be running the same equipment just looking for advice on what that option may be.
Leica's Captivate software is the equivalent of Trimble Access. Icon software is cut down construction product.
I have used both Access and Magnet in the last couple of years. Also some Survey Pro. I'd choose Access from that list in a New York second. Slam dunk.?ÿ
We just got an sx12 and an S5 both running the latest access on a TSC7. I have only had about 10 minutes with them so no opinion formed yet.?ÿ
I use an old Leica 1200 running on Fieldgenius but I used magnet field for over a year on a Sokkia ix-503 and a Topcon GT-503 loaner for about 3 or 4 months while they replaced the motor in the iX for the second time. Once I learned it magnet field was very good software with only a few real annoyances. It was also really stable and never crashed (unlike the robot it was running). If it wasn't for my poor experience with the hardware I'd say magnet Field but I think the Trimble hardware will be better in the long run.?ÿ
With Leica you'd want to run captivate but I don't have experience with that.?ÿ
Magnet is OK software. So is Survey Pro. The versions I have run were on Windows CE, which is a factor. Your Access/TSC7 combo will be running Windows 10. It makes a difference. But I have also used Access when it was known as TSC on a Windows CE based controller, and I'd still choose it.
One of the outfits I worked for in Oklahoma had several (6?, I think) units being run by FieldGenius and stamping out software bugs was, literally, taking up about 60% of one of the office people's time.?ÿ
The biggest upside to Magnet Field was how well it ran on?ÿ my 7" windows 10 tablet with no physical keyboard. The keyboard was perfect and software was lightning fast in everything it did. It wasn't as good in the old days on the Allegro MX running our Sokkia GPS.?ÿ
I'm very familiar with Fieldgenius and their constant bugs. It's the biggest downside to my current setup which will eventually be replaced with a Trimble. I wish I could try access on my FZ-M1 to see how it does. I know I'd need a tdl2.4 radio to keep it but I really like this tablet.?ÿ
I never tried survey pro, I used the old access on a TSC3 which I wasn't a fan of. Fieldgenius had much better linework and map screen interface abilities.?ÿ
I also used Trimble "survey controller" on a TSC2 with a broken touchscreen years ago when I was a newbie. I didn't even realize it was different software at the time. Just wondered why I couldn't do a station offset/point to line the same way.?ÿ
