Equipment Upgrade

> Greetings: I'm looking for a new instrument and was interested in comments regarding a Topcon ES or similar. I would like something reflectorless. Thanks
Not a Topcon user here, but I've been hearing a lot of discontented rumblings about the Topcon data collector software (Magnet?).

I'm one who thinks you should shop for data collector software and buy the hardware it takes to run it.

I might have a lead on a sokkia cx105 if your interested send me your email.

That instrument is OK. Just OK. Stay away from their software unless you enjoy pulling your hair...

We have had 2 Topcon QS, that we are reasonable happy with.

In pricing out the second one (insurance claim), the local dealer wouldn't give us a price on a FC2600 data collector. According to them, they are steering clients away from the FC2600 until Topcon "fixes some significant hardware problems".

The FC2500 of ours works fine, although the screen needs replacement about every 18-24 months, and the Bluetooth will not talk directly to the instrument (fine through the RC4, or with a cable)

It loses lock about 3 times a day, and requires data collector reboot once or twice a week. This seems acceptable to me.

(ALSO: we are running it with Carlson software)

We use a TOPCON QS but with TDS software. Works great.

Trimble M3. Love it! It's the sleeper agent for Trimble

If you're a one person show, I'd recommend a Trimble S6 with Vision and DR+ options. It's spendy, but the previous one I had blows away the Topcon DS that I use now.