GPS Equipment Advice

The line work/field-to-finish works the same. We use Trimble GPS equipment; it is pricey but it is worth it, IMHO.

Well...

If you read POB or any of the other trade mags, you'd relaixe that nothing beats JAVAD 😛

However, We use TOPCON Hipers, of course not all year round becuase of the forest here in Connecticut, both urban and the tree kind.;-)

This has been said before in a lot of different ways, but local support for your equipment is important to consider - is your local dealer going to be able to help you quickly and efficiently? is a replacement piece of equipment available for loan or rent when one of your parts goes down?
things to think about.
that said, we really like our Trimble R8GNSS model 2's with TSC2 collectors.

If I were in your position and had the funds to buy a new set up, I would take a serious hard look at the Carlson GPS. They have a lot of cool features, and yes if you want a base and rover they have a base and rover setup for their GPS. The sales guy quoted me at 26k for the base and rover. If you are fortunate enough not to live in GA and live under the EGPS empire, then you can hook up just a rover VRS set-up with Carlson for 13k or 15k with the 'supervisor' which again I demoed and would take a serious look at. They use the same internal parts as the Leicas. Really good stuff.

One thing I forgot to mention, if use OPUS to process or check your RTK solutions, there is a downside to Carlson. The base doesn't currently have the option to collect data and transmit data. I asked the salesman about that and he said you could hook up a DC to the base to collect the observations. Or if you had a older DC laying around I am sure things like that could be brought up at the negotiating table.

I have used Lieca, Trimble and Topcon. I personally like the Topcon GR-3 and the GRS-1. The GRS-1 is the best network rover I have used. It works well under light tree cover even during the summer. I feel as though it works better than any of the other receivers on the market.

Matt

I use the Sokkia gsr2700isx and really like it. I've been using it for about 4 years no without difficulty.

I did demo the Carlson unit and wrote a review for POB. I really liked using it but I'm not a network kind of guy. I prefer my stand alone system.

I would consider Leica and Carlson if you can use a network. Sokkia has been purchased by Topcon but I believe the board are still made by novatel. It would be worth consideration if that is the case.

My Sokkia system uses an Allegro CX with Carlson SurvCE. This transfers seamlessly into Carlson. I have Carlson Survey 2008 stand alone.

I don't think NovAtel is building the guts for Sokkia since the Topcon / Sokkia marriage. I might be wrong, if I am, please enlighten me.

SHG

> I don't think NovAtel is building the guts for Sokkia since the Topcon / Sokkia marriage. I might be wrong, if I am, please enlighten me.
>
> SHG

I believe Novatel is partnered with Carlson and building the Surveyor+ receivers which are more seamless than the sokia/carlson marriage.

Ralph

You need support, once you pass that hurdle, I can tell you for a fact that NOT ALL GPS measurement engines are equal! I haven't owned a lot of brands, BUT I process data from most brands regularly, you would be amazed at how poor some brands raw measurement engines are. The Doppler measurements are so bad on one major brand that post processing software thinks you are moving when static, I kid you not.

I use Leica 1200's now, BUT have used Leica's from the mid 1990's, the current ones have NovAtel guts, and I have stated publicly before that whatever you buy, buy something with NovAtel boards inside. There may be other decent boards, BUT in my experience you won't go wrong with a NovAtel board.

SHG

NOVATEL does make the Carlson guts. Carlson has the new 'dual rtk engine' that double checks one solution against another, which I believe is considered to be a 98% confidence level. Furthermore the carlson reciever has the engine in the DC, which will make upgrading to the GALILEO, and Chinese satellites easier since all you have to change out is the antennae head, instead of the hole gps system. Much friendlier and cheaper for future upgrading.

Currently testing an Epoch system, jury is still out on it but the network RTK with it is solid. I am having some issues with importing some files to TBC. One consideration I have is that the unit be cable-free, which the new carlson units are not. I agree with others, whatever dealer has the best support, go with them. See if they have demo units if price is a concern.

Shelby, would you email me the ones you have had problems with, and your experience with various manufacturers. [email protected]. Thanks for the info!

> NOVATEL does make the Carlson guts. Carlson has the new 'dual rtk engine' that double checks one solution against another, which I believe is considered to be a 98% confidence level. Furthermore the carlson reciever has the engine in the DC, which will make upgrading to the GALILEO, and Chinese satellites easier since all you have to change out is the antennae head, instead of the hole gps system. Much friendlier and cheaper for future upgrading.

:good: :good: :good:

A plug for the SpectraPrecision Epoch 50 system, especially of your a TDS Survey Pro user. You would have to upgrade to SurveyPro 4.11 (or similar version). GNSS/GLONASS

I use it for stand-alone RTK mostly. excellent coverage in the canopy. capable to collect static at base while simultaneous roving or stop/go w/ rover.

Best thing is seamless switch to the total station. You can switch in the middle of auto-linework collection.

While local support is a significant factor, look at maintenance costs, too.

We have just dumped one manufacturer because of the change in software, cost to upgrade firmware in the receivers, new data collection software to support the new firm ware, recalling and replacing batteries, etc. total cost to stay with our current technology: $15,000K.

Cost to replace six camcorder type batteries: $900! ($150 each!)

Never again!

Sorry Charley!

> Also (and more importantly): We currently use TDS and carry linear featuring/.fbk files with it when we do our conventional field work. While we've never used any type of linear featuring with GPS, is it possible to do so? If so, how does it process and have you had success with it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
You're hinting at one of the major keys to your decision. TDS Pro GPS works very well with Novatel, Sokkia and Topcon. I'm sure it works well with others, but those are the ones I've experienced. I also agree with Shelby; anything with a Novatel board will suit you well in combination with the TDS.

Yes, you can carry linear featuring through your .fbk files. The nicest part is, you do it all in the same files. Doesn't matter if you're hooked up to a conventional instrument or the GPS. Same data files, same coordinate files, same linework commands, same .fbk conversion, same software all around. You can switch back and forth throughout the day or job. NO learning curve with the data collection. That's why I started with my first business decision with TDS, then followed with choices of instruments that it can communicate with (and it's a long list). (I'm sure others have the same experience with Carlson).

Currently, I run Topcon Hiper+ with my TDS and have never regretted them. Never regretted working with Novatel or Sokkia, either. All good companies. Only bad thing I can say is with regard to the TDS/Trimble sellout. I'll never go Trimble anything. I don't appreciate their business model.

JBS