I've got a new data collector running Carlson Surv CE 2.58, but can't run it on my Sokkia SRX3 robot, because the firmware on the SRX is outdated. Updating the firmware is not a big deal, but has to be done by Sokkia in Olathe, KS. My dealer has suggested a 2 week turnaround.
The SRX is my only total station. I have no backup instrument for these situations. I could rent, but I'm thinking that owning the back up instrument would be a better investment over time. Used to have a Topcon GTS 225. Sold it when I got the SRX. Now regretting that decision.
What instrument would you purchase if you had around $2K to spend? I could certainly get the GTS 225 back, or something like it. Could I get into a reflectorless total station for that? Most important to me is that the instrument be reliable, and simple to operate. I'd appreciate any suggestions on favorite total stations from the past.
> I've got a new data collector running Carlson Surv CE 2.58, but can't run it on my Sokkia SRX3 robot, because the firmware on the SRX is outdated. Updating the firmware is not a big deal, but has to be done by Sokkia in Olathe, KS. My dealer has suggested a 2 week turnaround.
>
> The SRX is my only total station. I have no backup instrument for these situations. I could rent, but I'm thinking that owning the back up instrument would be a better investment over time. Used to have a Topcon GTS 225. Sold it when I got the SRX. Now regretting that decision.
>
> What instrument would you purchase if you had around $2K to spend? I could certainly get the GTS 225 back, or something like it. Could I get into a reflectorless total station for that? Most important to me is that the instrument be reliable, and simple to operate. I'd appreciate any suggestions on favorite total stations from the past.
Take a gander at Hayes
Carl
Nikon make good gear and from my experience are very dependable.
I've seen them on eBay for your money.
I've had a 720 now an 821.
Not reflectorless but will read through scrub etc when other TS wouldn't.
They are also very accurate in elevations.
Just take two weeks off!
If it takes them 2 weeks for simple firmware update, then I suggest you find some more local that can get it done in a hurry. I am no instrment repair guy... But to update firmware takes nothing more than hooking the gun to a computer and loading it.
I Would Go With Your Old 225
I have experience with Topcon 301 (years), 225 (months), 3B & 3C (weeks) and a 3001 (days). The 3B/3C were borrowed while my Trimble was sent back for repairs. The 3001 was rented for the same reason. They are just comfortably reliable. I have used Trimbles, Nikons and Sokkias, but if I had to rent again it would be a Topcon without hesitation.
I really appreciate having a laser, but could live without it in a backup. I am not sure if a used EDM with laser would meet your budget.
Paul in PA
I used a cheap rental Nikon, my only experience. It had the best optics out of any gun I've ever used.
I've heard that again and again about the optics on the Nikon guns. I think they might be a good choice.
That's what I thought too, but my dealer can't do it. I wanted to bring it in, have it updated while I wait, and take it home, but can't find anyone locally to do that. I do want it done right, and apparently Sokkia distributes official info through its dealer network only.
I Would Go With Your Old 225
I did like the Topcon 225. Simple and reliable. Gets the job done.
Thank you, Carl, for that suggestion. I've purchased equipment from Hayes in the past, and have been pleased with their support after the sale.
Al, as I had previously posted, I have some instruments left from the sale of my (our) company, one is a Nikon DTM 420 Top Gun, with two batteries and chargers (One batt is OK I used the gun one day about 3-4 month's ago [topo'ed a friends lot]
one battery lasted about 6 hrs. the other batt. maybe 1/2 hr, probably need
recelling). Anyway, the 420 has onboard collection (never used, always
used a Carlson DC); It's a 4 sec. gun, w/ lumi-guide, not reflectorless. Looking back at old invoices, I see we purchased it in 98.
Also have two Data Collectors one is a Carlson Explorer w/ TS & Roads, batt is OK, has charger and nikon cable, also tripod bracket.
The second DC is a Carlson Explorer II, TS only, with problems, the touch screen is malfunctioning, seems to work OK by key input, but a pain in the ----,
It's batt. is NG, It Also has a charger.
As far as value, I tried looking these up on line, and of course values
vary, but I want to be fair as well as get instruments out.
I am thinking $1500 on the 420, $800 for Good DC w/ cable/bracket and $400
for other DC, let me know if interested.
> Thank you, Carl, for that suggestion. I've purchased equipment from Hayes in the past, and have been pleased with their support after the sale.
I've found them to be quite excellent also.
I reckon with most survey instruments being software driven and battery powered,a backup total station will just sit on the shelf, the ni mh batteries will just degenerate and not hold a charge and by the time you want to use it, it's software will be out of date and it won't talk to anything, ie rs 232 connectors ..
Just rent when you need it, will probably only be a come of times over the course of many years that you need to .
Total stations aren't like the old opto mechanical t2's that can go for years and years, they only have 10 to 15 years life in them .
Who to rent a total station from in New England?
PDOP, that's a good point. It might only be once every 3 years that the instrument needs service, and that it might be a 2 week turnaround in most cases. I'd have to guess that depreciation on a $2000 total station would be around $200 per year and so it would be reasonable to rent if I could rent for less than $600. I'm going to check what's available for a rental unit.
Who to rent a total station from in New England?
> I've got a new data collector running Carlson Surv CE 2.58, but can't run it on my Sokkia SRX3 robot, because the firmware on the SRX is outdated. Updating the firmware is not a big deal, but has to be done by Sokkia in Olathe, KS. My dealer has suggested a 2 week turnaround.
Or you could downgrade the running version of Carlson to a version that talks to your robot. Re-install 2.58 when the gun goes for a scheduled maintenance service.
And what does the dealer mean by suggesting a 2 week turnaround? It does not sound to be a very firm time. Maybe I am reading it wrong and it's a language barrier thing, je ne sais pas.
Anyway, I agree with comment above, I do not see why gun needs to be shipped for a firmware update. Remind them of that cost and inconvenience in your next purchase.
Who to rent a total station from in New England?
Jim Bosworth arMaine Technical has always done right by me. He's in the Waltham office.
Who to rent a total station from in New England?
Al,
I just went through a similar situation a couple of weeks ago.
The gun died(or I wish it would) and we had to get a rental.
We rented from New England Transit for $325/ day (robotic Leica) or $295/day on a weekly basis.
Send me an email land I'll forward the info I have.
Jim in Southern NH
Who to rent a total station from in New England?
> And what does the dealer mean by suggesting a 2 week turnaround? It does not sound to be a very firm time. Maybe I am reading it wrong and it's a language barrier thing, je ne sais pas.
>
> Anyway, I agree with comment above, I do not see why gun needs to be shipped for a firmware update. Remind them of that cost and inconvenience in your next purchase.
I agree completely. Seems ludicrous to have to give up my instrument for 2 weeks or more for an operation which probably takes no more than an hour to complete, if that.
My dealer's service department wants me to ship it to them, then they'll turn around and ship it to Sokkia in Olathe KS, the firmware update will be completed, then Sokkia will ship it back to my dealer, and my dealer will in turn ship it back to me.
You may also want to look at the Nikon DTM-322 Total Station. I agree that having a backup and not using it coud be a bad thing (batteries go bad). The Nikon DTM-322 actually uses the same battery back as the Nikon DTM-350 series, however, you can take the rechargable AA batteries out and use them only when you need the gun.
I have sold quite a few of the instruments because of that, everyone is happy with them, you get the Nikon optics that are so famous, new two year warranty and you can get one of these instruments for $3500-4000 for a 5".
Check it out:
http://nikonpositioning.com/dtm-322.aspx
Stakemill has this instrument on sale for $3200. Quite a good price for a new total station with warranty. But, even so, I'm probably in the used market. Not much work right now.