Looking to replace a Topcon FC-500 that is needing a re-boot too often.
Things I would like:
1. Ability to function in wet/windy conditions. Tending toward the extreme range of wet/windy.
2. Ability to play well with Topcon/Sokkia equipment and software.
3. Dependability! We often operate in remote areas where logistics and/or costs do not allow for replacement.
There are a lot of other things that come in handy, like ability to drag through bad brush, but until you educate me a little more, I'll start with those basics. Thanks Den
Any clue if the crashes are related to the operating system or the collection software?
Licensed Land Surveyor
Finger Lakes Region, Upstate New York
Dave, no clue. A Windows CE operating system, with Topcon Magnet Field data collection software, neither of which can be called robust, or user friendly. Whatever is causing the lockups is becoming more common. There are a few types of failure where the only answer is a full re-boot. It takes minutes and is embarrassing when the client is around, and a pain in the butt all the other times. Topcon is stopping updates for Windows CE/mobile with version 6.2.
I see that Juniper systems Archer 3 is running Android, but have not contacted Topcon to see what systems work with their software.
Like most electronics if it doesn't break, it becomes outmoded. That is why I thought I would check on this forum before shopping as there is no shortage of professional users or opinions. I am hoping to hear from users that are happy with their solutions and get enough real life education to help me when I go shopping. Den
Just my thoughts. Many older data collectors are available on eBay. Many will play well with many brands. Newer data collectors WONT play well, with many brands. Only a limited group.
So, buy a collection of older data collectors, and run em til you see a better solution.
N
I'm running Surveyor2s, have run Mesas with Magnet and although we are pretty committed to the Carlson collectors, to me the hardware/software combo is not as good as the TDS Rangers I used for years. That TDS software was so intuitive, and the operating system was reliable,?ÿ although probably more limited with space, etc...i miss it. I surveyed a bunch of properties with that. The S2, i was in the office when we switched so i just didn't grow up with it?ÿ
Nate, I was hoping to find someone who had already found a better solution. I already own older data collectors that will play well. What I am looking for is a new data collector that will play well for the next few years.
Lugeyser, the first setup we purchased new was a TDS card running on a HP48. I have never spoken with a user of Mesas. Was it a good experience? Work in the rain?
No, and it's gonna get worse. Way worse. Due to the character of these companies, (Topcon, Trimble, Leica, Javad,) and the fact that they are all "going different directions", their data collectors are becoming increasingly "incompatible with other brands". In order to work together, the instrument protocols have to be shared. Then, another company has to be willing to write software, FOR the support of another brand. They aren't really keeping up with their own brand!?ÿ
Just for starters, Javads native database is lat Lon. I don't think that's true of others. (I'm 10 yrs behind, so I could be wrong) but, writing inverse for lat lon is terribly different than writing for lat and dep.
I'm no programmer. But the direction the top players are going at things is not the same. I get this from just reading about some of the troubles. Topcon is particularly struggling with this. At least they were.?ÿ
Nate
I assume the trend towards writing proprietary software is strictly a business decision as the market is becoming saturated with many brands of data collectors using different operating systems. Companies are always trying to come up with something bigger and better. My wife, a retired office professional, lamented over Microsoft's "ribbon." The guys at work complain about Topcon MAGNET Field interrupting their work to download updates. I complain about the fact that you can't call Topcon directly for help. Well, you could if you had access to the account. I'm talking about a field guy just making a simple phone call. It was so nice, years ago, to give Stan Trent (SMI) a call about a software issue. Ted J. Kerber (Software by D'Zign) was exceptionally helpful. God rest their souls. I called TDS one time concerning a file system used in their Survey Pro (HP 48GX) software. I was writing a custom program for someone. A TDS programmer wouldn't discuss it with me because he said the code was proprietary. Don't let the trend you discuss get you down, Nate. The bottom line is the field surveyors just want something dependable and durable.
lamented over Microsoft's "ribbon."
Hate it.?ÿ Everything is so cluttered on all their products.
What I want is all the real improvements, and a check box labeled "Everything looks like Win-XP"
And Windows and so many other pieces of software now are in shades of pastel.?ÿ While my old eyes get weaker.?ÿ What happened to the contrast we had available back on Win98?
And get off my lawn.
I always liked TDS software, and was pretty comfortable with it.?ÿ But to say that it's more intuitive than Carlson SurvCE is definitely subjective opinion.?ÿ
Carlson software is very user friendly, and once you've started looking at it and playing around with it a bit more, you might grow to really like it.
As far as the hardware, the unit itself, I think that Carlson took a step back when they switched to the Surveyor2.?ÿ The Surveyor+ was a nice unit.?ÿ They used to have that film clip showing how tough it is, throwing it off a building, driving over it with the truck, submerging it in a fish tank, etc.?ÿ And the screen was the type that you could use a pencil tip, not like the newer one that needs a special stylus.
And Windows and so many other pieces of software now are in shades of pastel.?ÿ While my old eyes get weaker.?ÿ What happened to the contrast we had available back on Win98?
I'm not in front of my Windows stuff right now, but check out their "accessibility" options for the visually impaired.?ÿ Perhaps some the the "high contrast" settings would work for you.
Thanks Lugeyser, although I am looking for a recommendation for good equipment, a truthful evaluation of equipment a surveyor has used is very helpful. Den
?ÿDon't let the trend you discuss get you down, Nate. The bottom line is the field surveyors just want something dependable and durable.
That is why I am asking, working remote sites requires as close to durable and dependable as I can afford.
One strange aspect of proprietary software, Topcon and Sokkia were taking different approaches with Topcon keeping all the "secrets" in house, while Sokkia was able to work with Carlson. Years ago I was told it was because Sokkia had more of a third world market. (just rumors told to me, no facts may be involved) Den