A thanks to the suggestions, and a few pictures

A while back I asked for some suggestions concerning using a total station to engineer bends on the pipeline. I was using an NPL-632 and using on board COGO to do what I wanted. After much thought I stuck with the 632, bought a Ranger 3L with Survey Pro and also added the new Microsoft Surface 3 to the mix. I could be happier, but it would only be by updating to a new Nivo with bluetooth... Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

Here I am set up shooting a HDD section to tie over into the existing line. The existing line is still in service and is carrying around 1200psi of propane.

I find where I want the center of the bend or fitting and use a center finder to put a mark on dead top of the pipe. I then use glazing points and magnets to hold them in place on the spot. I use smart level to find out what angle the pipe is looking up or down and then calculate how far below the spot the actual center of the pipe is. I place another ~ 4' back and then repeat the process on the old pipe. I then shoot them reflectorless.

I then go in and use inverse, corner angle, and sometimes stakeout line and offset to find the angles and slope distances. It has taken what can be a 2 hour process and dropped it to as little as 30 minutes from the time I pull up on site to having the shots, calculations and fabrication drawing completed. Plus the excavation is minimal as I no longer have to set the tripod directly over the top of the pipe. Always a pain when the ditch is over dug along the sides.

The following is a finished product, using cut fittings instead of bending.

I've also used the setup to go out and engineer exposures in creeks. Again, working around the live line, I go in and locate with a Radiodetection 7000, take shots to the center of the pipe and figure where I want the offset and depth in the creek. All without any excavation. I set control points and when it comes time to excavate, I go back and stake out the ditch and stay to check depths as they dig.

And after pipe is set in.

Again, line is live and will tie everything in when they shut the line down. I have roughly 20 exposures and 26 HDD (bends on each end)

A different site, but a little closer. Another addition... bluetooth speaker. Allows me to drown out the talking going on around with the soothing sounds of Pink Floyd...

Another stake out somewhere around 2 AM, under light plants.

And finally, a 30° bend, with a little Minion humor thrown in...

Once again, thanks to all who gave their input, and I'm sure I'll be asking more questions.