Focus 30/35 Questions and DC Options

I had both the 30 and 35. They are basically the same exact instrument. Apparently they might have upped something with the motor or something they told me but it's the same machine. Never noticed one difference between em.

You can use carlson but it's tricky. You need a code from spectra to unlock it.

However you can download "fast survey" from spectra which is the same program as carleson and it has the focus already unlocked.

I tried it but didn't like the Carleson software. I stayed with surveypro. Much more user friendly and easy imo.

The focus uses the 2.4 radio.

Forget the long range Bluetooth. If you use the Bluetooth, you'll lose range and I'll be 1500 feet behind you still working.

Well darn. I'm not going back to survey pro and I'm not buying a 6k ranger with radio and survey pro to ditch survey pro and install Carlson.

Ya if you already are using a surveyor 2 or similar with Bluetooth and are using/used to carleson than it wouldn't make sense.

Rich., post: 378002, member: 10450 wrote: I stayed with surveypro

This is my plan whenever I decide to make the jump to this setup.

Chopping-the Focus 30/35 will work with Carlson. There is an option for a Ranger 3RC (2.4gHz radio) with Fast Survey. Fast Survey is Carlson SurvCE. It is called Fast Survey because it is given to Spectra Precision and they verified it to be bug free with their hardware. Typically you will see Fast Survey versions just a little behind SurvCE, for example, if 4.9 is out for SurvCE, Fast Survey may be at version 4.7.

We have sold quite a few of these packages and they work well, setup can be a bvit$%, but have the dealer do it for you. The Robot is a solid cheaper option than the Trimble S3 or S6 ran passively.

I bought a second Focus 30 and decided to get the external 2,4GHz radio unit and run it with my Nomad that has Survey Pro robotics and GPS. I use the Nomad with my Epoch 50 base/rover set up. The external radio cost about $1100 on eBay. A far cry from buying another Ranger 3 w/2.4 GHz internal radio. Saved $5K. Works just as well.

Dhunter,

This option sounds like a possibility. Can you give me a link or lead to the radio you're using? Anybody know if his would work with a Surveyor+ running Carlson and driving a Focus?

Chopping_Broccoli, post: 378228, member: 9083 wrote: Dhunter,

This option sounds like a possibility. Can you give me a link or lead to the radio you're using? Anybody know if his would work with a Surveyor+ running Carlson and driving a Focus?

If you already have a surveyor2 running carleson, why not just stick with a gun like a geomax 90?

Why put up with the extra clutter? It's just too easy with a collector and robot and nothing else in the middle. No wires. No more batteries.

The F35 has:
[INDENT=1] twice the internal memory[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1] a hurkier tribrach[/INDENT]
[INDENT=1] objective surround is black (F30 is silver)[/INDENT]

The same firmware runs on both of them and I don't believe that other than the memory there are any other differences.

I suppose if you use the on board SurveyPro a lot, then the extra memory might be something. I think the black surround is just so
we can tell them apart without looking at the SN tag.

One radio note is there is a new BlueTooth to 2.4 GHz converter. I actually have one in stock.

"SPDL 2.4 Radio Bridge" 105488-10 $1995

Theoretically Carlson could add a driver to go from your data collector to the bridge which would then repeat to the gun. You could use the repeater like a repeater and get the maximum Bluetooth range PLUS the maximum 2.4 GHz radio range. But I don't think that Carlson is working on the driver (yet.)

Thanks Mark,

I have used SurveyPro for YEARS starting way back with TDS on an HP48. Two years ago I made the jump to a solo operator and equipped myself with Carlson based on the good reviews and to be honest, economics. I had never even seen it prior to purchase. I have quickly learned to love the program. What it lacks in slick, pretty, visual interface, I feel it makes up for in work flow, stability, and compatibility. I am a fan boy now. Many people have told me the Focus guns are a great value and can work well with Carlson. The 2.4ghz radio is still a hurdle though. I have a hard time with a 6k data collector. I guess I will continue to investigate the Leica/Carlson/Geomax options for a robot upgrade in the near future.

Thanks,
CB

Yes, F30/35 are fantastic (IMO)

The difference in acceptance is having been shown the five minute power point that describes how they work and how they search. You need to understand the bi-modal locks and the way the CCD is looking for bright shinny things that pulse at the correct rate. Once you get how it works, it makes sense what it is doing in the field and you can mitigate any shortcomings easily.

The thing that will keep you from running the Focus 35 on non-trimble data collectors is the drivers are not loaded. For example: if you have a Surveyor 2 and select Spectra Precision, the selection for Focus 30/35 is not available. Even though you theoretically could make a connection by Bluetooth or even by the serial cable. I personally don't understand this limitation unless we are giving away the Focus 35's and making all our profit on the Ranger 3's (we are not of course.) If I do a demo, side by side, the F35 will typically win out.

Don't let the seemingly high price of the Ranger's drive you away. The 3RC's with SurveyPro are street priced under 5K. Heck, I just saw a "west coast" quote under 21K for a complete kit (3" robot, DC, 360 prism, pole, trimax, bipod, shipping.) And the robot has a 2-year warranty standard. Your best pricing will always be in a kit, and you can't beat the Spectra Precision 2-year financing (which does not cost the dealer anything so you can still work a great deal.)

If you already have a DC with Carlson on it, you can move the SurvCE license to the new ranger and everything will be in one place.

Rich is correct. You don't need the extra clutter. Just get a matching DC.

In the spirit of Shawn's disclosure a couple of months ago "I can't say anything bad about any of the products in this thread, I would get in big trouble." Someday, I will have stories to tell and bridges a burning....

The machines these days are too easy. I pop out of my truck, slide out some legs, screw on the robot, and turn the DC on and it connects in 10 seconds and away I go. No cables. No nothing. Beats the old trimbles with external radios and huge external airplane batteries on the side.

Chopping_Broccoli, post: 378228, member: 9083 wrote: Dhunter,

This option sounds like a possibility. Can you give me a link or lead to the radio you're using? Anybody know if his would work with a Surveyor+ running Carlson and driving a Focus?

CB, Currently listed on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Trimble-2-4GHz-S6-VX-2-4GHz-External-Robotic-Total-Station-Radio-RTS-SPS-/252414458656?