Years back, I bought a used Geodimeter 4400 robot. Intention was never to use for pro survey work, but rather private layouts and mapping. Simple stuff. However, in talking with some folks here, it was discovered my robot didn't have the most basic of programs, making it a super PITA to use. Couple that with the odd function because it was built in Sweden, and my inexperience, I don't use it much at all.
I am wondering about trying to find a different robot on a budget? Trimble? Seems they have bought up most of the market? I basically just need a simple COGO type program to lay out silly things like fence lines, record underground pipes, elevations, etc.
I didn't get a handheld data collector with my 4400, so that has been a large problem as I either have to try to set each point with a tripod, or get help.
I did want to clarify, per my notes. My machine is actually an "ATS Machine control" and is listed in an article from Spectra. Apparently was intended to be used as a tracker on construction equipment. I guess that might explain the lack of internal programs. Not exactly sure how it was originally used. Judging by how clumpy the tracking is, I sort of suspect the machine was put on a shelf soon after purchase.
Trimble is great. Trimble also has the spectra line which is a good system as well. The data collection and cogo software was basically founded on TDS then became Survey Pro. I think it has merged with more of Trimbles Trimble Access over time. That’s on the Surveying side of the house. They also have basically the same hardware different branding and a totally different software on the construction side. It is designed for the construction side non surveying and has pros and cons for surveying minded folks but if it’s simply layout it has a very basic approach and is great for those situations. If you are on the Land Surveying side I would probably stick with Trimble access or the spectra line whatever they call it now days. Carlson is not a bad choice either and they have a robot. I have never used the Carlson robot but here it is not bad and low cost compared to the Trimble and Leica. Topcon is another I never really liked their robot. But that’s preference and what you get use to. I remember running the old GEO robots many years ago. Man have things changed. I will say I have had people who have never ran a robot and never used Trimble and they were able to get up and running very quickly and efficiently as it is very simple. Now it does have a lot of power for advanced geodetic functionality at that requires a know how and understanding if working on a projected system like state plane. But for every day non projected systems like assumed coords or a site that has been scaled to ground one can get up and running easily.
Thanks. I think I am trying to examine how much 'newer' I might need to go to get into this more "modern" era? I did watch a little training vid for a newer Trimble. The touchpad, software, and such were just so much easier and I have often wondered if I could find a creative approach to getting closer to that with my current robot. I know my robot is accurate enough and technically does the data collection no different than a modern bot, I just have no way to even move data to a PC or even evaluate it in the field.
Something as simple as measuring between a couple points in the field is important. I am mostly restricted to using a N/E cartesian values just so I can get values that make sense in the field. I work with XYZ every day, so no issue on that part.
I have wondered if Trimble ever made a solution for this. My robot is RS232 but USB adapters work well for other stuff. It also has a 45mhz radio on the bot, but zero clue if I could ever run wireless to some sort of RPU without a matching radio. Who knows what specific frequency they use.
I am seeing some Trimble 5600 series bots for sale, but I think they are in the same boat with the Geodimeters?