We have run TOPCON total stations EXCLUSIVELY since 1982. In fact, other than my Trimble VX, I've never used another one. So, we were ready to upgrade from our aging 605's. Great guns, just 16 years old. We also have a GPT3000W and love it. Lighter and reflectorless with laser plummet.
I asked for a good recommendation to buy new TOPCONS. The results were Hayes and Geoshack. We called both, after looking at their website, and to be very honest, spoke with some of the most uneducated people, regarding their product lines, I've ever had the displeasure of speaking with. One said he'd have to look it up and get back with me. Then came back with some used guns after we'd said we wanted new guns. No mention of price was made, just what features we needed. We had specific models in mind and none of the salesmen could tell me much about that particular model or other models. We had to tell them the models from THEIR website.
So, fairly disgusted and with wads of cash in my hand, we called Donna George with APE. They were bought out by Leica. I've never run a Leica. I try to buy everything from her anyway, but I knew that TOPCON was out from her so we looked elsewhere. Inside of 5 minutes on the phone with her, she had three models, off the top of her head and in stock, to look at. We reviewed the specs and prices and ultimately ended up with two brand new TS06 Plus. Price was right and service was better. These guns had a small learning curve but their tech support with one phone call, fixed every hiccup.
Probably won't be going back with TOPCON and especially those dealers anytime soon. I know that I'm gonna get crap for this because I asked for recommendations and those where the two highest, so it's HIGHLY possible I ended up with a new guy having a bad day, at both companies, but I just thought I'd pass this along for TOPCON users. These Leica guns are awesome and fast and intuitive. The ONLY thing I don't like about them is the vertical fine motion is on the left side and not the right side so you have to learn to use two hands to run it rather than one. No step for a stepper.
Well, I don't have a dog or pony in this race... But, what would concern me is compatibility. What data collector are you running??
Somehow, in the lower recesses of my brain, I can see OLD classic guns, and old classic data collectors, becoming valuable, because many companies are forcing you to use THEIR data collector.
What was your solution?
N
As both the Topcons and the Leica TS0X series instruments are manual total stations, there shouldn't be any issues connecting to third part data collectors.
[USER=291]@Nate The Surveyor[/USER] there were zero issues. Once the profiles were set with the appropriate settings, all of the nomads and recons worked with them. Didn't try the Trimble TSC2 or TSC3 though.
Reflector less guns. Always go with narrow beam. I have an older Leica. It has narrow beam.
I suspect these guns will be narrow.
Thanks Kris
Kris Morgan, post: 398030, member: 29 wrote: I know that I'm gonna get crap for this because
Not from me. I have been using Leica TS's for years, no communication problems with any DC. I only work on construction sites and have found Leica to be the most durable. You will love them.:cool:
Kris Morgan, post: 398030, member: 29 wrote: The ONLY thing I don't like about them is the vertical fine motion is on the left side and not the right side so you have to learn to use two hands to run it rather than one. No step for a stepper.
If the data collection was on board, vertical for left and horizontal for the right would be pretty fast to operate. With an external data collector that needs to manipulated by one hand, the separate motions are less convenient.
If I were to buy a new total station today, it would very likely be a Leica.
Sorry about your experience with Hayes. I have always had good dealings. I have mostly always dealt with the same guy. I don't think the tsc2 will connect to 3rd party instruments via bluetooth. I was told the tsc3 would. I am not sure about this because I was using a trimble gun.
Did "your guy" have the initials of R.W.? If so, no longer at Hayes.:(
Jerry Shearon at Hayes has always been a class act.
I forgot the guys name at Hayes, as well as Geoshack, as soon as I hung up the phone.
Hayes has been in termoil the past couple of years. They changed ownership and some of the old hands have left. I hope they get the ship stabilized.
If I was going to buy a Topcon, I'd go to Troy Deaton at Deaton's Geotronics. For a long time he was the head of the service department at Hayes. If he can't fix it, you need to throw it away.
Shawn Billings, post: 398059, member: 6521 wrote: If I were to buy a new total station today, it would very likely be a Leica.
About 5 years ago, I needed 3 reflectorless guns for a 1 day project. I messed around and didn't get ahold of Hayes soon enough. When I did, they didn't have any available. They told me to call Earl Dudley. At that time, they were still dealing with Leica. So they sent me 3 Leica guns. I didn't like them at all, for whatever reason. Shortly after that at the TAPS Conference, I went to the booth that Hayes shared with Earl Dudley. I told Eddie Clanton, then the president of Hayes, that I was sorry for not calling them soon enough to rent from them, and that I didn't want any more green (excrement), ever. He responded for me to keep quiet because the Earl Dudley people were close.
Earlier this year, we sold our Leica GPS. When I said I didn't want any more gree (excrement), I meant it.
Shawn Billings, post: 398059, member: 6521 wrote: If I were to buy a new total station today, it would very likely be a Leica.
In the last 5 years I have had the opportunity to use a Lieca TS15 with VIVA, Trimble S6 and 5603 with Access/TSC, a Spectra Precision Focus 30 with Survey Pro, and a Topcon PS with Survey Pro. I like the Access software and the Leica hardware best.
When you called Hayes, you did not speak with me.
I am sorry that your experience was not satisfactory. We do have some new folks on the phone, but that excuses nothing.
It has been my experience of late that the expectations of what we want from customer service and what the customer service folks want to supply seems to be changing. Not just in survey instruments, but in trucks, atvs, tires, clothing, footwear, you name it. I walk in a store, and expect to be greeted, asked if I can be helped, and if I know what I am looking for, shown where to find it. If I am just shopping, I expect to have a salesperson close by but not bugging me, yet ready to answer questions I have. In the case of survey equipment, I know they cannot know every detail about every model the second it hits the floor, but not knowing what cables should be in the box before they come out for a demo, or failing to make sure the data collector they are bringing is set up to talk to the machine they are bringing does not instill great confidence in the care I will receive during and after the sale.
