My company is finally on board with getting a digital level.?ÿ We've used mostly Topcon Autolevels in the past.?ÿ Any recommendations are welcome.?ÿ What I am really looking for is what the data looks like when it is downloaded to a PC.?ÿ If anyone wants to upload a file it would be appreciated. Just let me know what instrument you are using.?ÿ I just want to make sure it is all simple enough to make a seamless transition from the field notes of old to a digital file.
Thanks
Karl
Side note, not intended as a hijack:?ÿ I've used a number of digital levels over the last fifteen years--sokkia, topcon, leica--and they were all great and trained you in?ÿ their own ways (about shadows on the rod, reading through a chain link fence, how much rod they needed to see, etc.).?ÿ I found the biggest strength not to be in the data collection, but in the rod reading alone.?ÿ That was my initial justification for purchase:?ÿ If this thing saves me one or two busted loops (from a rod misreading), it pays for itself.?ÿ I was always meh on the data collection because level data is so easy to handle and adjust anyway, and I preferred to do that in real time in the field.?ÿ So I usually just booked it and never used the digital data.?ÿ That said, if you're doing high order or long loops, or if you've got gorillas running them, you'll definitely want the digital data.
It depends on what are you going to use it for? I am using the leica DNA-03 and the Sokkia SDL-1X. The Leica is very reliable, however there is no USB and still uses the PCMIA cards. The SDL-1x is not bad however when it comes to shaky set ups like on bridges. I find the Leica to be more stable instead of the Sokkia. Would have gotten the new Leica LS series if they didn't take so damn long to release a new version.?ÿ
All formats are fine with processing through starnet
It depends on what are you going to use it for? I am using the leica DNA-03 and the Sokkia SDL-1X. The Leica is very reliable, however there is no USB and still uses the PCMIA cards. The SDL-1x is not bad however when it comes to shaky set ups like on bridges. I find the Leica to be more stable instead of the Sokkia. Would have gotten the new Leica LS series if they didn't take so damn long to release a new version.?ÿ
All formats are fine with processing through starnet
Isn't it kind of a hassle to do a level loop with a digital level??ÿ I only messed with them briefly in school and it seemed like we spent 3 times as long setting them up as an auto-level.
In the beginning, there is a learning curve to understand the programme, but once you understand the workflow, I find it faster compared to manual booking. Those digital levels are even able to do simple adjustments for your loop once completed too.?ÿ
Isn't it kind of a hassle to do a level loop with a digital level??ÿ
I find it much easier, especially when it comes to balancing turns and getting unbiased rod readings.?ÿ I still carry a book in case I want to record some verbose details, but most of the time it never leaves my vest.
?ÿ
Isn't it kind of a hassle to do a level loop with a digital level??ÿ I only messed with them briefly in school and it seemed like we spent 3 times as long setting them up as an auto-level.
Wow. I'm going to guess that you have never had the pleasure of reducing, divining the transcription errors in, and adjusting multiple pages of level notes. At their simplest, you aim, press a button, get a reading, and book it. And if the loop is short, that is what I would do.?ÿ If it is long, the digital record is a blessing, and well worth the time.?ÿ
Leica DNA03, other formats are available. Attached field notes for two circuits, raw data of measurements and adjusted values from level routine.