Hey Guys,
Wondering if anyone can help me out with this.?ÿ I am currently exploring the option of purchasing a robotic unit, but I am not sure where to start.?ÿ Price is is somewhat of a factor.?ÿ Currently, I am a 2 man mortgage survey company, both of us go out into the field and do conventional surveying (instrument man/ rod man, data collector).?ÿ With COVID out there, I do not want to have to shut the business down for weeks because one of us got sick.?ÿ I am therefore looking to get something that we can use in case of an emergency, possibly more than that, but our primary method of surveying would remain as above.
I have TSC 2, Internal Radio with Survey Controller v 12.5, I am looking at an RTS555 or SPS.?ÿ I realize these are construction grade, and I would be better off with an S3, S5 or S6, but they are difficult to find, and sellers want a million dollars for them.?ÿ Would my TSC2 software work with any of the construction grade robots??ÿ?ÿ
Any and all opinions are welcome.
If your TSC2 doesn't have the external radio module you won't be doing anything but watching the gun.
?ÿ
?ÿ
I am therefore looking to get something that we can use in case of an emergency, possibly more than that, but our primary method of surveying would remain as above.
You are wanting to employ the less-efficient method as your primary mode of work, and the more-efficient method as an "emergency"?
I am looking at an RTS555 or SPS.?ÿ I realize these are construction grade, and I would be better off with an S3, S5 or S6, but they are difficult to find, and sellers want a million dollars for them.
I see both used S-series and used RTS instruments going for around 9K-12K, far from a million dollars. A full S3/S5 package with TSC3/Access, active prism, tripod, and pole/bipod can be had for around 20K, not much of a bump there.
You may have some compatibility issues with certain instruments. Survey Controller is pretty much end-of-life, as is the TSC2, and I don't think the manual has a list of supported robotic instruments.
?ÿ
Why not upgrade your conventional instrument to a robotic TS, and start working with that? Then if one of you gets sick productivity doesn't take much of a hit.
Out of curiosity, what have you doing up to this point when one of you got sick?
you can piece together a used Trimble S3 or S6 robotic setup and newer TSC3 w/ radio & Access for under $10k. It might not all come together in a month or less nor have the active tracking with the radio prism but it can definitely be done. I??d be watching ebay very closely if you??re looking to go this route?ÿ
@jitterboogie yes sir.?ÿ The tsc 2 has an internal radio module. I notice in the settings, under survey styles (if I am trying to create a new one) it lists options under robotic for 5600 and "s" series.?ÿ Presumably, the rts series is an "s" type robotic.?ÿ I don't want to have an issue if I buy a rts robot and there will be some sort of driver issue with the software.?ÿ Some other guy on here said I should just drop 12k(plus) on a unit that I would only use partially and that I wasn't running my business efficiency.?ÿ The reason I am asking is because I can't afford what everyone wants me to get, an I am going to have to gradually piece a unit together.
I use to use a Nikon reflectors TS for that kind of work. I did a ton of ALTA's solo. I think you can buy one for $3000 or so brand new.
I bought a Trimble S6, however I was too dumb I guess to make it work correctly. Too frustrating so I got rid of it.
I see what you mean. see I learned on an S6 RTS that was running older Trimble software on a TSC2 (I am a younger guy at only 31) so the S3 with the tablet & Access 2017 was a nice fit.
?ÿ
But I often wonder how much more I might enjoy the nostalgia of maybe a theodolite with a field book haha. I wouldn??t want to have to draft from that kind of data but going through field notes has always been interesting to me to see what the crews were thinking?ÿ
The Nikon I used was a total station. I haven't used a field book in over 30 years. My RTK data collector(TSC3) has a camera so I really had no need for a field book. And it's just me so there's no crew listing to be logged.
Sell you stock in the field book business quick!
I don't think Trimble SPS total stations cross talk with the Survey line. I have used the SPS robotics and the construction software and it sucks - unless you are staking line work.?ÿ
I'd recommend as others have said, a full upgrade. it doesn't have to be brand new, but previously enjoyed, like a demo model or one from a rental fleet.?ÿ
A Spectra Focus35 may be a good instrument for you.
You could try renting a unit and even reach out to your local dealers to see what you can effectively connect to and use.
Unfortunately these things aren't classic cars and worse yet when you don't drop and adopt the newer tech sooner often waste time and money trying to pull forward something that limits your capacity and capabilities.
?ÿ
Depending on how much work you do maybe renting a robotic rig for an emergency would be a better option?
?ÿ
Keep us posted.
