I think this is probably a fantastic piece of hardware, but I don't think the form factor will be a good fit for the everyday surveyor.
Like the man, or the company or not, JAVAD makes for great and technically advanced hardware. The lack of a US dealer network, or really the ability to distribute the equip may be the biggest issue.
I looked at JAVAD over the summer, ultimately put off my decision to get new RTK. I called and emailed 5-6 different dealers, and none were close to me, and none even had a system they can/would send out for a demo. They all praised the systems, but at the same time seemed to have little knowledge about them -(typical of most salesmen)
I will be going new RTK new spring, and I will probably try to take a look at the more standard form factor JAVAD again, but right now I am leaning more towards Topcon/Sokkia Hiper V.
In the end I still think I would prefer the more standard data collector type of arrangement. What happens with the new JAVAD system if you need to drop a couple of points and then tie them with a total station?
Sometimes I wish the JAVAD would have kept the technical alliance with Topcon, that way he could focus on the development and leave the dealer and sales to others. I really think the original Hiper he developed pushed the industry forward - that was a good thing. I don't think the other major manufacturers worry about JAVAD too much anymore as the market share is just too small.
> I will be going new RTK new spring, and I will probably try to take a look at the more standard form factor JAVAD again
The thing that's attractive about the Triumph-LS is the cost. I'm not aware of a network rover that can work over a WiFi connection for less money.
However, I'm also concerned about the dedicated data collector. For around $12k I could get a Carlson Surveyor+ GPS and be able to use that with my robot as well.
Lots to think about. I'm not in urgent need of any of it, I'm just trying to keep abreast of what's available.
> Lots to think about.
I'm done thinking about it, for now. I signed up for the test drive. 🙂
I personally live in Arkansas. Where we often place the GPS antennae up at 12 or 16 feet, and move around, and get a fix. Then, we move 5-10 feet and repeat. Check this with compass and box tape. IF they fit, then we are pretty well good. (re-initialize between shots). I cannot see getting sheet rocker's stilts, to VIEW that new Javad unit. So, for us, the Data collector has to stay down nearer to the 6' that my eye balls normally ride. Of course, shooting building corners, we do the same. GPS ant is up above the building.
Such it is.
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I looked at it also. They do have an option where you can have an external antenna. I'd have to have the external antenna option as sometimes you need to get the antenna higher. I would also need to see how the office software is compared to what I've used in the past.
Triumph-LS Test-Drive Offer
I spent a few minutes on the website a while back. If I remember correctly the external antenna option is a antenna jack on the receiver and then you need to purchase another antenna, hook up a cable. So even there it has a downside to a receiver on a pole wireless to the data collector. It probably wouldn't work for me.
Triumph-LS Test-Drive Offer
I appreciate the drawbacks to having the interface and antenna locked into a single housing; it's definitely not an arrangement that's suitable for all situations. The reason I'm looking at the Triumph is mostly budgetary: my need for RTK is sporadic rather than daily, so cost is a big consideration. Near as I can tell, Javad's price point is a couple grand below the closest big-name competition.
Triumph-LS Test-Drive Offer
Yeah if it meets you needs, 8640 is an excellent deal. No questions it's a good piece of hardware/software. There is a model that spits apart and costs more. That's what I'd test if the same offer was made. Probably still requires a wire between the antenna and receiver, I don't think that connection can be converted to wireless or somebody would be doing it.
I got -- and I assume everyone else who signed up got -- an email from Javad saying that the 2-week trial program has been postponed until late February "to finish implementation and testing of new features that we added and to receive parts for mass production."
I don't know if that means that demand was so high they had to ramp up production unexpectedly, or simply that the LS variant of the Triumph hasn't been finalized yet.
By the way, there's a Triumph-LS listed on eBay right now with a Buy It Now price of $8640 (list price) and the Make Offer option. The seller is a dealer.
> That's on the JAVAD website:
What makes the eBay listing interesting is the Make Offer option. It indicates that the dealer may be willing to accept less than $8,640.
The Triumph-LS must be really hard to come by in Portugal:
