I must admit, with the bad economy, it's been a while since new equipment has been a concern. My past job had unused equipment sitting around for years, and when I was layed off and went solo, I had to purchase some equipment that's EOL'ed to start off ... I have a Geodimeter 600 and Locus GPS system ...
Now, I'm thinking about getting an RTK setup. My options are something like a used HiPer, or something new and "low end". I know the Hiper will work with my DC (Ranger 200C) and run off RTNs. I also like that I can collect data from the Hiper, then plug my DC into my robot, and continue working ...
The newer RTK, specifcally, the Topcon GRS-1 and Ashtech Promark500, look to be self containted data collectors / receievers that can't be easily swapped in the field to run a total station or robot. Maybe there is some kind of option that allows point transfers in the field, so I can shoot the RTK points into the Ranger, and vise versa ... I don't know.
I would really miss the ability to run both RTK and Total stations/Robots from the Same DC, which is why I'm leaning towards a used Hiper.
Yeah, the HiPer has multiple options for a DC, but it was made before TDS was purchased by Trimble. TDS (like Carlson) was a common link between the various brands. Now, it looks like Trimble and other brands don't want intercompatibilty. In the case of the two GPS units I listed, the DC is part of the integrated GPS hardware, so it looks like there are no other DC options. For that reason, an older used model seems like a better fit for at this point. I've been googling it for a while and it looks like the Hiper and Z-Max would be good. I think I can even work with an older Trimble model. I'd like something with cell-modem capability built in.
You are incorrect in assuming that the data collector does anything with the Promark 500 other than "control" it. You can use Carlson SurvCE which will run on just about any Windows Mobile device, and I think even a Windows PC.
Yeah, you're right about the PM500. Good to know.
I got a set of HIPER's if your looking for one let me know . Sorry if this is against the rules .
You can definately run Trimble, Leica, Topcon, Sokkia, etc receivers with your existing data collector. There are a few things to look out for. First of all depending on what type of receiver you end up with, you may need to at least upgrade your Survey Pro software.
If you go the HiPer route, depending on the GPS/GNSS board it has, it may need an expensive upgrade. I would recommend getting one that has a "turbo" board. The seller should be able to tell you this if they connect it to FLoader PC software. Also make sure that it doesn't have a range restricted OAF (Option Authorization File). That is also a fairly expensive upgrade. You will probably have to upgrade the firmware in the receiver which Topcon doesn't charge for.
Trimble receivers all the way back to the 5800 should work fine on an RTN depending on what versions of SW/FW you are using. You will need no hardware upgrades.
Leica, Sokkia, etc I am less familiar with but would assume the same.
You are right that things are becoming more proprietary. I know times are tough no but moving forward I think it would be worth choosing a brand that you are comfortable with. These systems are becoming more about the software than the hardware (more with GNSS than optical) and I would look ahead at what type of software you would like to grow into eventually and start heading that direction w/my hardware purchases.
What State do you live/work in?
I'm in Florida, and I've used the FDOT network with at my past job with HiPers, on the same DC I have now, so I know that it would work. But I am familiar with the range and port locking that comes with HiPers. There are a lot of pitfalls with the Hiper.
I'm looking at the Trimble 5800 right now. It is also listed as a supported GPS on my Ranger. The Z-max is also listed, and some Sokkia and Lieca units that I'm also really not familar with.