Need help deciding. Using Topcon GPS and Robotic. One post here said "for a data collector, I have used both a touchscreen input and a keyboard input, and would generally advise the use of the latter." We have a Topcon FC-2500 and like it. For our next DC, should we get another FC-2500 full keyboard style, An FC-250 no keyboard style (seems to be popular), or a new larger screen data collector – Topcon Tesla tablet PC style?
Is cold here in winter, have to wear gloves some. What would you do??
I prefer the keyboard myself. My buddy has a Nomad with touchscreen, and I can use it, but it takes alot of getting used to.
Hey 46
I got a MESA which is the TESLA for Topcon. I came from TSC2/Ranger because I would not get a touch keyboard. The first few days I didn't like the MESA but it grew on me real quick. Now there is NO way I will ever go back to a small screen. I love the MESA. It is big and clunky and has a weird bracket for the ball connector to the pole but the benefit of the larger screen is well worth the little problems. Really sucks when I have to use my TSC2 with the Trimble robot.
I've used both and like the full keyboard.
TopCon?
Really....
Recon....wireless
Trimble...
Carry on as you were 🙂
A "proper" keyboard is a must for me if I'm doing topo - multi press keys, or a touchscreen are just too slow and clunky.
> Need help deciding. Using Topcon GPS and Robotic. One post here said "for a data collector, I have used both a touchscreen input and a keyboard input, and would generally advise the use of the latter." We have a Topcon FC-2500 and like it. For our next DC, should we get another FC-2500 full keyboard style, An FC-250 no keyboard style (seems to be popular), or a new larger screen data collector – Topcon Tesla tablet PC style?
>
> Is cold here in winter, have to wear gloves some. What would you do??
Not a huge fan of the FC2500, but I tried no keyboard for a bit, and I did not like it.
Have used both types. I survey in all kinds of conditions including volcanic ash, blow sand and blowing gritty dust. Yea some rain, hail and snow comes down, sometimes vertically and sometimes almost horizontally. Without a good environmental case with a replaceable clear face, the keys will get dusted or the screen so scratched it needs replacing. My top priority if I was in the market would be, how will it stand up to harsh environments and how much experience the makers of the environmental case actually had. That experience is needed to design a case that is effective and not just pretty needing to be replaced frequently.
jud
Panasonic Tough Book with Carlson software. Can use keyboard OR touch screen. Best of both worlds.
I have a Topcon FC2500 and a new Ranger 3 (both have keyboards). I have used many other touchscreen only data collectors, but only OK to use, would much rather have a keyboard. I am intrigued by the Tesla though.
Between the FC2500 and the Ranger 3, I love the FC2500 and would choose it over the Ranger any day. The FC2500 is a far better collector and more rugged.
I have used both and if I were to purchase, I would probably go with the touch screen since they are smaller.
Keyboard.
As you get older, and your eyes are not as good, and you have bent and mangled fingers, and you wish you were younger, those keyboards are better.
I reckon that a tablet PC done right would be good too.
Nate
Great comments. Keep 'em coming. Does anyone else have some real-world experience with the Topcon Tesla or some similar all-touch unit. Our FC-2500 is rugged and all those keys are useful, but the big screen does sound easy to like.
Maybe we can also start again, or continue here, on any experience with Topcon's new Magnet software. How's that to use? The FC-2600 and the Tesla would be two very different ways to use it, I would think.
Thanks for all the helpful experience.
Touch screen (no keyboard) all the way!
I hate a physical keyboard. The DC is way too big and clunky, with a screen that is way too small. A touch screen has more screen real estate. 6, or more, months out of the year you have to type with gloves on anyways so you have no choice in not using a pencil/stylus; and the pencil/stylus used on the keypad damages the keys. I prefer to type with a pencil on a touch screen even in the summer.
To be honest, it surprises me that so many prefer the physical keyboard.
> Touch screen (no keyboard) all the way!
> I hate a physical keyboard. The DC is way too big and clunky, with a screen that is way too small. A touch screen has more screen real estate. 6, or more, months out of the year you have to type with gloves on anyways so you have no choice in not using a pencil/stylus; and the pencil/stylus used on the keypad damages the keys. I prefer to type with a pencil on a touch screen even in the summer.
> To be honest, it surprises me that so many prefer the physical keyboard.
Most collectors with a physical keyboard also have a virtual keyboard on that you can turn on and type with a stylus if you're wearing gloves or just would like to type that way.
