I have a Trimble Tsc2 data collector, it came with the latest version of survey controller loaded. It also came with the software on a CD new in the package. This was purchased used...
I am now thinking of buying another identical used data collector, except it has an older version of survey controller and no CD.
I am thinking I can just buy the second one and load the software version that came with the first one onto the second one.
Do you see any problem with this plan?
Software is only supposed to be used on the number of machines that it is licensed for. If you were to have two computers with the same software, and you only bought it once, that could be stealing.
I am not a lawyer, but from what I understand, copyright laws apply, but so do the user agreements associated with the software.
I know that TDS and TopSurv are both tied to the serial number of the DC. Trimble does not give anything away, so I can't imagine them not having the same system. Usually if you load a newer version you'll have to give a number generated by the DC to the dealer to get a corresponding key to unlock the software. Otherwise most software will only work in demo mode. Make sure to at least backup the existing configuration and software keys before attempting the upgrade.
A dealer told me several months ago that he was stuck with several TSC2's since the new TSC3 came out. I bet if you look around you could find a great deal on a new TSC2 in someone's inventory.
WE JUST UPDATED ALL OF OUR TSCII'S TO THE LATEST VERSION (V.12.46) WITHOUT ANY MAJOR HICKUPS. WE BOUGHT SOME OF THE DC'S USED AS WELL. THE UPDATE SUPPORT, AND LICENSING IS ATTACHED TO THAT PARTICULAR DC. IN OTHER WORDS THE LICENSING WITH A MOBILE DEVICE STAYS WITH THAT DEVICE AND IT SHOULD BE A FREE AND PAINLESS UPDATE. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS CALL THE LOCAL TRIMBLE DEALER EXPLAIN THE SITUATION, THEY SHOULD BE MORE THAT HELPFUL.
IN FACT HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE TRIMBLE SOFTWARE SUPPORT. IT WILL WALK YOU THROUGH ALL THE STEPS TO UPDATE YOUR DC. GOOD LUCK.
I bought a brand new TSCE from a dealer 4 years ago for $2200. So yes, this might be the time to get a good deal on a TSC2.
