Glenn's post below reminded me of something that I think about from time to time. I have noticed that, in the past, when cases are itemized on an equipment purchase they can cost anywhere from $600 to $900. I have researched Pelican cases, Hurricane cases etc. It looks like I could buy my own case and some foam, and have the product I WANT for quite a bit less money ($200 for something like what the dealer supplies, $300 is a cadillac).
When you look at Trimble's cases, they are somewhat poorly configured. I don't need two cases to pack the rover and the base. They always try to sell you two (with the R8s (at least our dealers do)). I understand that the salesmen are trying to make a living too, and that things like the cases have the most markup - but I would rather pay markup on the actual equipment and get accessories that make sense. I usually figure out some way of packing everything (receivers, batteries, chargers, etc.) in one case, and store the cables in a rugged nylon bag.
Leica has a nice compact case, but it doesn't carry enough. Also, the ergonomics for using it as a backpack are somewhat, um, lacking.
The Leica boxes also allow for configurations and accessories that I never seem to end up with.
Topcon's cases always seemed flimsy compared to the other two, and I've seen a few cracked. To be fair, though, Trimble's robot cases used to have a horrible handle - prone to breaking.
In the future I think I'll cut my own foam... the only snafu I can see is actually taking delivery of the equipment.
I will say, though, that for the most part Trimble's robotic cases make sense and work.
I guess it's a business decision: investing half a day in customizing a case to the way you want it versus paying a markup for a case configured the way someone thought you should have it.
Cutting the foam is pretty easy if you use the pick and pluck foam. I think you can get it within a 1/4 of an inch. There are also companies that will design custom foam as well.
I have a foam cutting CNC and it had not occurred to me to do that
The Leica cases are tough to beat. A place for everything. And bonus if both latches fail, you are sure that the case will not open.
They do come with straps if you want to carry as a backpack. Never tried it.
I agree they make a great case, but for me they don't hold enough. The backpack straps are an accessory, but if you wear it for very long on your back you'll wish you hadn't. The majority of my field career involved hiking for half a day into places with little or no access.
The backpack cases that anchor on the hips are best for that type of work. I've also chased a Leica case down the river before. Wiped it off and opened it, bone dry inside.
These days it's all about having a happy medium. Something hard for riding on the side-by-side, but carries enough to minimize boxes needed.
I went that route a few years ago; customizing pelican cases (1500 series). It was okay for some stuff but in the end, using the manufacturers' cases turned out to be more convenient. The pelican case gets heavy.
For heavy trekking, one of them SECO padded backpacks might do the trick for you.
The two Trimble cases have nothing to do with "the dealer trying to make a living too"; Trimble doesn't SELL receivers without cases.
I like how everyone immediately assumes the worst about their dealer, even if couched in polite terms.
Then why is each GNSS case made to hold two receivers, and I always get one case per receiver?
Talking about the R8s, I actually like the R10 setup because the case is smaller.
If it isn't the dealer then it is a Trimble policy to sell one case per receiver? Still a gouge in my book when they charge that much for them.
I can't explain why Trimble does what they do... I don't disagree with you. The R8 cases lend themselves to carrying two receivers and a data collector, but there's nowhere to put the radio, external battery, etc.
When I was in sales I never used the external radio or battery so putting everything in one case was great. Our crews carry each receiver in it's own case and usually find a way to fit the external radio in with the base. We have room for extra cables, etc., and also end up with a lot of wasted space.
When a Trimble dealer orders an R8 they get the case, batteries, charger, etc.; there's no way to order it without all that stuff.
Then I retract what I said about the dealer trying to make a living, but that is usually the case 🙂
I usually really like Trimble products, but it seems to me like 90% of what they offer is better than what anyone else has - but 10% of their products are somewhat dumb.
Probably a side-effect from their buy-and-unify business model from the past decade. For example: how they configure their cases, their 360 prisms (it's functional, yes, but Leica's is way better IMO), the way they handle thier field coding...
Not that long ago a company I worked for had three different Trimble softwares that were STILL SUPPORTED: TGO, Terramodel, and a the data collector, and all three had different field-to-finish components that were for the most part incompatible.
I would definitely agree that was the product of combining products from different mergers/acquisitions without truly integrating them.
Now, now Lee ... if we got a case with EVERY receiver we could pave LSU's streets with Trimble cases.
🙂
Also, I don't consider trying to upsell an extra box "assuming the worst" it's just the American way. Assuming the worst sounds a tad dramatic.
Assuming the worst would be that they slaughtered everyone at an innocent surveying firm and re-sold the equipment, and that they new equipment is powered by baby tears. At least that's what I think Topcon dealers do...
🙂
If I can't complain about an equipment dealer on a survey board what's next? Can't complain about my wife while at work?
🙂 🙂 🙂
:good: :good: :good:
LOL Cliff Infrastructure receivers not included
There is a Trimble R8 cast that has cut outs for 2 receivers. you could also order the insert for that case and put it in your existing box and use your spare case for ammo 🙂
That's what I'm saying. I've always wound up with two boxes with slots for four receivers, when I bought two...
