This is my second year solo and I'm looking to add gps to the arsenal. I would like a network receiver that is opus capable. I'm only familiar with the Leica 530 & 1100 systems. They worked well, but hated the backpack and all the cables. I check here and eBay frequently, but I'm not sure what setup would be best. Used equipment is fine with me as I'm on a budget. If you guys have a recommendation please jump in. Primary use would be control points and topo. Thanks in advance.
What DC platform do you want to use?
What are you familiar with?
N
I've said it before and ....
I'll say it again. Your primary decision should be based on support!
We chose Trimble R-8's simply because of the dealer support that is nearby. No wires for these in normal use and you don't even need a controller in the field to do OPUS observations.
But they all work - Trimble, Topcon, Leica - and probably the other new brands. The dealer is the difference.
And if you're looking at used, I'd still look to a dealer that will sell you something with warranty & support.
And here's a link to an article I wrote that may also give you some ideas:
http://www.amerisurv.com/PDF/TheAmericanSurveyor_Ingram-TheTotalizer_November2007.pdf
Data colectors does not matter. I got Carlson & TDS, and have run topsurv. I'm not married to any of them.
I've said it before and ....
Dave, yes support is key, however I'm not for sure what I'm looking for yet.
I've had a Spectra Precision Epoch 35 for almost 2 years, using it on the NC VRS network and have been really pleased with it. I primarily use it for control and the occasional wide-open topo or as-built. Bought it from Duncan-Parnell and their support is great. I did notice a new Epoch 50 on Hayes website the other day for about $8-9K. You'll have to run it with TDS (now Spectra Precision), I don't think Carlson supports SP...could be wrong though.
Don, I like your review so much, I've read it three or four times. I was told that the carlson units do log opus data. I have no idea if that is ture or not. Can anyone tell me anything about the trimble 5800 system. It seems kind of what I have in mind and reasonably priced.
The Trimble 5800 is the earlier version of the R-8. My R-8's are now 6 years old and I certainly wouldn't look for older than that.
Are the 5800's capable of doing what I need, or is it to outdated?
> The Trimble 5800 is the earlier version of the R-8.
The R-8 may have Glonass and L5 capability. It may also have an internal radio base station transmitter. The 5800 has none of these. If the R-8 you are considering does not have these things they can be added. They cannot be added to a 5800.
> Are the 5800's capable of doing what I need,
Yes.
> or is it to outdated?
Yes.
It'll do exactly what you have in mind. But you will probably be disappointed in the long run. As you get more into GPS you will find the limitations of the 5800, uh, ...well, limiting and wish you had spent a bit more and bought an R-8. But if a 5800 in good shape is being offered cheap it might be an okay entry point.
Whatever you get, be 100% sure it is fully compatible with the NC VRS. I know here in the NW we are at a disadvantage compared with most of the rest of the state. But you still want that as an option.
Larry P
I've said it before and ....
I browsed through the article. Now that a few years have passed, did the Totalizer fulfill your expectations?
Larry is 100% correct, VRS is the way to go....:-D
Be sure whatever you buy works with the NC network. I imagine Trimble would be the safest bet for network compatibility. That being said, my advice for you would be to look for a modern Trimble R6-2 or R8-3. Find a demo unit from your Trimble dealer. I bet you could pick one up for less than $13,000. One of these will probably last you a decade and pay for itself many times over.
Now if it were for me I'd just splurge on a pair of Javad's (base/rover)...best $20,000 you'd ever spend (on anything surveying related) 😉
I've said it before and ....
Yes - it works as good or better than expected.
I am told that you need to test those things against your handheld, if it can't match that simple device, its a piece of junk.:-P
jud
Hello,
Old receiver without L2C, L5, Galileo - no future. With SurvCE best performance/price/futures receivers are: Altus APS-3G or/and Javad Triumph-1.
I've said it before and ....
I agree local support is paramount - you WILL need technical help as you learn the equipment. seems no GPS equipment has manuals that explain everything you will encounter, and a phone call to tech support WILL be necessary, just when you need your GPS to be working NOW. it's at a time like that, your local support is SO important. that said, we like our Trimble R8 GNSS Model 2's with TSC2 data collectors.