Carlson or MicroSurvey for Field

I used MicroSurvey Field Genius to run my servo TS when I was in private practice (about 3, maybe 4 versions ago), but not robotic. I found that it was easy to learn and easy to use, doing all that I needed it to do. The tech support was very good as well.

I don't have experience with Carlson field software, so can't give you a comparison, but thought a yea or nay comment on one you are considering might be of some help.

I have used both but never with robotics. I prefer Carlson

What robot?
Leica yes!!!
Topcpon NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

I used Field Genius with non-robotic and robotic instruments in my Southern California practice without any problems. I found Field Genius to be easy to use,measly to set up and easy to teach.

I tried using Carlson, at one point. Even thought the software is fine stuff and it ran the instruments, it never felt intuitive, to me. Bruce Carlson, gentleman that he was, agreed to remain friends, refund my money and move on. I didn't use Carlson in my practice, but I would never say anything against their products.

Scott, you'll like both.

One word of caution...I dono't know of any third party software that will run a Trimble S6 successfully.

I was speaking about Carlson. I love the software, but it has a lot of issues with Topcon. I used it with Leica and no probs.

What do you envisage doing?
If its topo pickup mainly then Field Genius but if its serious stakeouts then FG is limited in that area.

Personally I like FG for its ease of use. It won't run my GPS so I use Carlson.

Carlson has a lot of features that stand above FG but if you don't need them then they count for nought.

Can't speak for Robotics only TS and GPS

I'd suggest try before I buy.

What GPS won't FG run?

I used FG to run my Topcon and Ashtech units far better than the brand software.

Our company uses Carlson Field in the field and Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCAD in the office. The transition from our previous softwares was very easy because of training provided by the Carlson College VAR that included training in a package deal.
So far(and that's 3 years now) the only software related problems we have had have been because we did not know how to properly perform that function. One quick phone call solved the problem. The customer support provided by our VAR and Carlson Support cannot be beat by any other firm. And the Carlson pack handels robotics just fine.
The combinations of Carlson in the field and in the office, and knowing how to use it properly, has more than doubled our productivity.
The REAL secret to using ANY software is KNOWING how to use it. Training is THE KEY. The days of picking up ANY full function software and teaching yourself are OVER. You can learn to use enough of it to "get by", but getting the max out of any software package requires a little help. I'm sure there are a lot of "self-taught" Carlson users out there that will disagree, but I bet you a donut there are things I do on a daily basis that they have never heard of. Things that make my job much easier and much faster. BUT I ain't tellin'!! 😛

I have used both with Topcon Robotic . Carlson is easy to use and bullet proof . I did have trouble with it loaded on a FC2500 using the internal Radio but then ran it on the carlson device and a Hayes bantam and its pretty much bullet proof and very little problems if any . I ran Microsurvey on the Fc2500 and had many trouble with screen lock ups and other little issues with stake out . I also ran Topsurv for a couple years but it has an issue with the stake out screen locking up after a hour of use and had to reset device twice a day , all three of my Topcon units did this ( I no longer own any Topcon data collectors).

Carlson is the way to go . I spent enough money for the both of us proving it.

This is like the old surveyor argument of TDS or SMI.
I was always a TDS user and became very acquainted with it's functions and logic and others I worked with loved their SMI. I tried it but couldn't get past how some routines were set up. I understood it but and realized why others liked it because they had become very acquainted with the software like I had been with TDS.
When I stopped using TDS, I tried Carlson and found that I did not suit me but Microsurvey FG did. There were some routines in FG that I was not happy with because of my old familiarities with TDS.
I got over that and use FG. Subsequently, I started using the Microsurvey cad. Once again having a learning curve because of my familiarities with routines of a different cad vendor s/w
Dunno about robotics.

DJAMES

Sounds like you were pretty happy with the Topcon equipement and Carlson when got rid of the internal radios. Would you say that most of the probelms has been the radios? I'm about to invest in new radios to run that setup?

I know that Carlson needs that constant angle stream and if it looses it it will hang up.

thanks

I have used both, construction/mining are the industries in which I work. I prefer SurvCE primarly for the following reasons:

• The program is well designed for stakeout applications.
• The statistical displays of surveyed data is useful and easy to comprehend.
• The CAD tools (in map screen) are convenient.
• An easy to use program, versatile.

Everyone has different tastes, so try both and find out for yourself.

DJAMES

FLS - I found it was the FC2500 not Carlson and tried a new solution . I bought a Hayes Fantam Radio and A panasonic toughbook cf-u1(look on Ebay you can get them new for $500;-) ) and loaded it with Carlson PC . I have had good luck with this setup . Connection is pretty darn good , once in a blue moon I have to wait for it to time out and catch up . But once up and running it stays connected and talking . I also have loaded Carlson survey on the machine, since its a pc and I can do major calcs in the truck with Carlson survey. I send you pics of my setup if you like .

DJAMES

Sure send them to my email.

Thanks for the info

DJAMES

MicroSurvey & GPS

I have a Sokkia setup. Radian Base, 2650 Rover, PDL radios.
Several years ago FG worked OK. I would maintain my upgrades and each upgrade was hit or miss.
It got to the stage where it would fix but the Rover would be here one minute, metres away the next but I was standing still.
Another upgrade and first job saw the whole thing turned on its head. North was South. Standing a few metres north of the base it would tell me to go north to stake the base.
Annoying things like 10 satellites, PDOP 1.8, Fixed solution but wouldn't fix as RMS too high.
My dealer kept telling me to 'Get Carlson'.

I gave up and bought Carlson and it went like clockwork from day one.
I have a mate with Topcon gear and he had a lot of trouble and gave it away too.

One of the problems we have here is our large data sets. Coordinates are large (so I'm told) and it messes with the program. Typical coords are 450000 East, 5400000 N (metres)

MicroSurvey data download

Do I need a special software to read the data from Field Genius on a recon? Is there any free software that will read the data? I have Field Genius on a Recon that I have never used (at least thats what I think I have, Its not in front of me at present). I recall that my old SDR33 needed Prolink and the Geodimeter came with a program to upload/download. I also have an (old?) SMI Allegro that I have never used for the same reason. It was bought with used equipment, and I wasnt sure how to go about uploading/downloading.
the sofware on the data recorder doesnt matter much to me 'cause I dont do a lot of calcs in the field.
I cant afford top spend on software at present.
Any advise would be appreciated, as the ranger that I am presently using is giving problems and having something to fall back on would be reassuring.

thanks

MicroSurvey data download

you can export points in ascii file and then transfer that to your PC etc.
Also the dxf of linework is sitting in the job directory of FG.
Your Raw data file can be read by a number of PC survey software programs so that may be an option if you can access that side.
It's only a text file so you could read on your PC that and get info from that manually if needed.
To answer your question though (I think it answers?), no special PC software needed.
Re-reading your question I wonder if you want to be able to view the data on a PC then yes you will need something.
You could always download a demo version of MicroSurvey and use that.
But it stops working in 30 days but probably still will download and load the FG job. Just won't be able to save it so all will be lost.

You can do calcs on the Recon. Not exactly sure what you are wanting to do with the data.

Hey Thanks,

I just realised I downloaded that onto another harddrive a couple of months ago. Just after the Ranger started acting up.
I didnt have the recon around so I never got around to trying it and then had to change the hard drive.
I think I will try it over the weekend.
I am now trying to use active sync. I got it working the other day. I vaguely recall a few years ago, having major problems with active sync and failing to even connect.

Thanks