I have a topcon gts-301 and am curious what would be the best data collector to use with it??ÿ ?ÿSince I am just tinkering around, no production survey work here, I am looking for something to simply store points and transfer to PC.?ÿ ?ÿKey factors in decision need to be, compatible with gun, easy to use, and can actually download to a PC.?ÿ FYI -I tried an older carlson explorer and it was a nightmare.- would not download even after following every direction, even purchased an old tower off craiglist with serial com port, windows XP, downloaded activesync..etc etc. nothing worked.?ÿ ?ÿAny recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Try an old TDS Ranger with Survey?ÿPro.
I've got an old TSCe you could try. Sounds like you have a compatible computer system to use it with. I've had trouble with activesync and use flash drives.
How about an HP48GX with SMI Data Collection package v5 that includes cable and transfer software and a hardshell case.
Thanks for the replies.?ÿ Skeeter: if you are willing to part with it I would certainly give it a try. I bought this old computer just to test the Carlson but I surely dont want to have to use that PC?ÿ in the future.?ÿ want something that I can download to a modern machine.?ÿ Would the TSCe be able to do that somehow??ÿ ?ÿEven if i could just get a .csv or .txt?ÿ from the collector to a thumb drive would work.
A Harris: A surveyor I know of around here who does a few lot surveys every once in a blue moon?ÿ uses the HP48GX method (takes notes too.) Actually I think he just takes notes and uses the HP for calcs not a data collector. :)?ÿ ?ÿ ?ÿSo, are you fairly certain with this I should have no problem saving points to it from the Topcon GTS 301??ÿ ?ÿAnd also curious about the download to a modern PC.?ÿ How would this work as far as cords, connections and software needed on the pc?
My modern computer is an HP Optiplex 990 Win7Pro64?ÿIntel Core i5 CPU 16gb Ram and does everything very well.
The HP48GX with SMI is my daily goto data collector and I have several.
Any computer with a serial port and a null modem cable will transfer coord data, raw data and point codes in customized data files directly from data collector to computer with SMI transfer v7 as a text file.
?ÿusb null modem cables are available.?ÿ I have never had one to see if they will work.
This system was made for Topcon and Sokkia electronic TS and was purchased new in 1997.
Contact me at?ÿ harrissurv?ÿ at?ÿ yahoo?ÿ dot?ÿ com
Thanks- email sent.?ÿ ?ÿI can't remember what the cable output plug on the HP48 looks like :)?ÿ (is it a tiny firewire looking job or wide thing flat type?)?ÿ ?ÿAlso none of our newer laptops have serial ports, but in working with this old Carlson I purchased two separate null modem cables that were serial to USB, both came with a CD with drivers for them, which was strange to me.?ÿ So much for plug and play.?ÿ I think a work around to the Serial to USB problem could be using the serial port on a laptop docking station.?ÿ
Okay I see now. The HP connection is a unique 4 hole rectangular shaped plug.?ÿ
How about a data collector that downloads via an SD card?
There was this HP 50 thing...
The 4pin connection to the instrument is called a hirose connector with the same wiring configoration for Topcon and Sokkia and Leitz.
Some instruments have two way connection for more hands off operations and other TS are one way connection for electronic read and manual operated.
Testing this file attachment deal......
So with this Topcon 301 gun this cable shown in picture above came inside the case.?ÿ Its a TDS brand male end Serial to a Hirose (thanks for the correct term) 6 pin push pull type.?ÿ ?ÿ
?ÿ
I always hated plugging that instrument cable into the HP48 with that spindly 4 pin connector--it seemed way to weak for constant use.?ÿ When we moved to an environmental case for the HP48 with the serial connector it felt much more secure, like the cord you pictured two posts above.
Licensed Land Surveyor
Finger Lakes Region, Upstate New York
- The DC 50 has the serial port as well.
David, 10-4 on the Enviro case for the HP, the small 4 hole connection seems like it was made for just sitting on desk and that sort of thing where not much movement is involved.?ÿ ?ÿ
Alan,?ÿ So the?ÿ DC50 would communicate with an old GTS-301??ÿ What are you using now to download to a PC??ÿ
David, 10-4 on the Enviro case for the HP, the small 4 hole connection seems like it was made for just sitting on desk and that sort of thing where not much movement is involved.?ÿ ?ÿ
Alan,?ÿ So the?ÿ DC50 would communicate with an old GTS-301??ÿ What are you using now to download to a PC??ÿ
Mapper1,
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Yes, the DC 50 will communicate with that model GTS series Total Station.
Downloading the raw data (.rw5) as well as a coordinate file (.crd) is as simple as opening a text editor and printing it out.?ÿ The files are stored on the shown SD card.?ÿ All you need is a card reader and you are in business.
?ÿ
Google the review by Shawn Billings for Precision Survey Solutions DC 50 for a full editorial.
Alan, Thanks just before noticing you posted this last one, I was looking at you picture and realized there was an SD card.?ÿ Now that sounds like a plan !
Mapper1,
The DC 50 was pretty slick. I've since gone to the Carlson Surveyor 2 for my collection duties, but had great success using the DC 50 with my GTS 302. This data collector also has the long range bluetooth radio installed.
PM me if you are interested.?ÿ
Interesting article about the dc50 from 2007
