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Leica or Trimble....

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(@fin-cormack)
Posts: 18
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Looking to replace my equipment. Currently running a 5603 robot and topcon gr3 and legacy base.
I would like to move away from topcon and get one make of kit.

I really like the look of the trimble r8 rover with the r5 base rtk. But have been offered a good deal on a ts15i r1000.

So the question is . Do I mix up the kit and get the above or go for a s8 robot instead of the leica, Or go with pure leica setup probably a gs20 base and gs15 rover with the ts15....

I haven't used the access software yet so not sure how good it is for mixed topo and construction stake out. I have used viva and find it good.
Leica will probably hold its value better.

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 4:35 pm
(@john-putnam)
Posts: 2150
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I'm a Leica user so my first instinct would be Leica. I've been using the GS14 recently and really like it. I have not seen a reason to choose the GS15 over the GS14. In fact I find its form factor superior to that of the GS15.

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 5:30 pm
(@jimcox)
Posts: 1951
 

fin cormack, post: 347805, member: 7954 wrote:

So the question is . Do I mix up the kit and get the above or go for a s8 robot instead of the leica
.

The S8 is overkill for most surveyors - the S6 is more cost effective unless you really need the extra accuracy. The video feed is really handy, but you will be stuck with a Trimble controller.

An all Trimble system works really well, but the yellow brand does not play nice, and I'd say mix and match is bad idea

Just my $0.02

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 6:47 pm
(@rich)
Posts: 779
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I was just doing the same decision. I really want the trimble. Wasn't a huge fan of the leica when I demoed it. Seemed to be just like my focus 30.

I don't really have the budget for a new s7 so I decided to get a used focus to replace my broken focus (dropped) until I can find a refurbished s7.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 6:59 pm
(@jivaniszek)
Posts: 5
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I have used the s6,s8, & vx when it was time to hang my own shingle I went with S6 can't be happier with the choice. Gps I paired an r10 with an r8-3 for the base. Overall I have been satisfied with Trimble wish it paired a little better with Carlson. Trimble customer support has been great to deal with over the years. I had new iman trip over his own setup with the s8 Trimble covered the repair under the warranty.

Just my 0.02

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 7:20 pm
(@jim-frame)
Posts: 7277
 

Jivaniszek, post: 347829, member: 1119 wrote: Overall I have been satisfied with Trimble wish it paired a little better with Carlson.

Paired better, or paired at all? I thought Trimble encrypted its radio communications to prevent other brand DCs from running their robots.

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 7:44 pm
(@jimcox)
Posts: 1951
 

Jim Frame, post: 347840, member: 10 wrote: I thought Trimble encrypted its radio communications to prevent other brand DCs from running their robots.

Rather than encryption per se, I believe it is the 'frequency hopping' of the S series that is the issue

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 8:10 pm
(@jim-frame)
Posts: 7277
 

jim.cox, post: 347848, member: 93 wrote: Rather than encryption per se, I believe it is the 'frequency hopping' of the S series that is the issue

Call it what you will, the fact that Trimble won't release the frequency-change parameters to other manufacturers renders it more a matter of encryption in my view. I can't think of any other reason to complicate the communications.

 
Posted : 07/12/2015 9:25 pm
(@jimcox)
Posts: 1951
 

Jim Frame, post: 347858, member: 10 wrote: Call it what you will, the fact that Trimble won't release the frequency-change parameters to other manufacturers renders it more a matter of encryption in my view. I can't think of any other reason to complicate the communications.

Quite agree - as I said above "the Yellow Brand does not play nice"

 
Posted : 08/12/2015 12:28 am
(@squowse)
Posts: 1004
Registered
 

fin cormack, post: 347805, member: 7954 wrote: Looking to replace my equipment. Currently running a 5603 robot and topcon gr3 and legacy base.
I would like to move away from topcon and get one make of kit.

I really like the look of the trimble r8 rover with the r5 base rtk. But have been offered a good deal on a ts15i r1000.

So the question is . Do I mix up the kit and get the above or go for a s8 robot instead of the leica, Or go with pure leica setup probably a gs20 base and gs15 rover with the ts15....

I haven't used the access software yet so not sure how good it is for mixed topo and construction stake out. I have used viva and find it good.
Leica will probably hold its value better.

Running an S6 2" DR Plus, R8 model 2 and a TSC3. Also have 3 total stations and 3 GPS kits - all Trimble on my site.

Although Trimble is not nearly as widely used as Leica in the UK I have universally good responses to the software and hardware from engineers that have only used Leica. This is on construction, building and civils. Some things are less fiddly in the software than the Leica, but it is what you are familiar with I suppose. The Leica software is constantly having new editions though whereas Access is an evolution.

I can explain the difference between the models if you want. They have changed the model numbers but hardly anything has changed in the new models. The S5 is the same as my S6 (although some S5 do not have the active target facility, whereas all S6 do). The S7 adds Vision and Finelock. The S9 has options for DR HP, long range finelock and 0.5" accuracy.

Running all one system allows you to seamlessly mix GPS and total station. So I can do a resection without stations using the GPS on top of the prism, then disconnect it and carry on surveying with the total station only as long as I want.

I will probably sell my gear to upgrade at some point over the next year or two (maybe buy a kit form my client when they are finished with them). At the moment I am mostly desk based and have use of company gear when I go out. So if you were interested let me know. It's all under annual service agreement with Korec.

 
Posted : 08/12/2015 1:49 am
(@squowse)
Posts: 1004
Registered
 

squowse, post: 347870, member: 7109 wrote: Running an S6 2" DR Plus, R8 model 2 and a TSC3. Also have 3 total stations and 3 GPS kits - all Trimble on my site.

Although Trimble is not nearly as widely used as Leica in the UK I have universally good responses to the software and hardware from engineers that have only used Leica. This is on construction, building and civils. Some things are less fiddly in the software than the Leica, but it is what you are familiar with I suppose. The Leica software is constantly having new editions though whereas Access is an evolution.

I can explain the difference between the models if you want. They have changed the model numbers but hardly anything has changed in the new models. The S5 is the same as my S6 (although some S5 do not have the active target facility, whereas all S6 do). The S7 adds Vision and Finelock. The S9 has options for DR HP, long range finelock and 0.5" accuracy.

Running all one system allows you to seamlessly mix GPS and total station. So I can do a resection without stations using the GPS on top of the prism, then disconnect it and carry on surveying with the total station only as long as I want.

I will probably sell my gear to upgrade at some point over the next year or two (maybe buy a kit form my client when they are finished with them). At the moment I am mostly desk based and have use of company gear when I go out. So if you were interested let me know. It's all under annual service agreement with Korec.

Actually you'll be used to the software if you are using Survey Controller, it's just an "evolved" version. They charge you separately (å£900) for the roads module though. That's evolution for you!

 
Posted : 08/12/2015 2:31 am
(@rcliffwilkie)
Posts: 42
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John Putnam, post: 347815, member: 1188 wrote: I've been using the GS14 recently and really like it. I have not seen a reason to choose the GS15 over the GS14. In fact I find its form factor superior to that of the GS15.

It seems to me the only significant difference between the GS14 and GS15 is that the GS15 has two much larger batteries and they are "hot swapable". So the GS15 will run close to eight hours on one battery and the batteries can be switched without killing the session. The GS14 seems to run about 4 hours on a battery then you have to shut the unit off and put in a fresh battery.

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 3:15 pm
(@norman-oklahoma)
Posts: 7610
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I've had the opportunity to use both Trimble and Leica gear in the past few years. I really like the Trimble Access software, and I really like the Leica hardware.

If high precision in your work is important, and you really like it when stuff really meshes together neatly, I'd lean toward the Leica. A great system package. Designed by the Swiss. Need I say more?

If high production is your thing I think I'd go with the Trimble. Designed by Californians. 'Nuff said.

It's a near run thing either way. Mostly I'd go with the best after sales service in your area.

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 3:42 pm
(@jim-in-az)
Posts: 3361
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"If high production is your thing I think I'd go with the Trimble. Designed by Californians. 'Nuff said."

Not really - I don't make the connection...

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 4:03 pm
(@norman-oklahoma)
Posts: 7610
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It's a collection of cobbled together off the shelf parts that doesn't really follow a plan, but seems to work really well nevertheless.

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 4:11 pm
(@rich)
Posts: 779
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Norman Oklahoma, post: 348257, member: 9981 wrote: I've had the opportunity to use both Trimble and Leica gear in the past few years. I really like the Trimble Access software, and I really like the Leica hardware.

If high precision in your work is important, and you really like it when stuff really meshes together neatly, I'd lean toward the Leica. A great system package. Designed by the Swiss. Need I say more?

If high production is your thing I think I'd go with the Trimble. Designed by Californians. 'Nuff said.

It's a near run thing either way. Mostly I'd go with the best after sales service in your area.

Were you working around trees and obstacles or mostly open areas?

Im asking bc did you feel the active pole was much easier and lost you less while doing topo or work around forests etc?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 4:47 pm
(@norman-oklahoma)
Posts: 7610
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Didn't have the active pole. It's been discussed here before, and most seem to think that it takes more care and attention than it's worth.

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 4:53 pm
(@cwlawley)
Posts: 372
Registered
 

The GS15 has slot-in radios too.

Also, we have a customer that has (6) Leica GS15 Performance Receivers for sale, I believe he is asking $6500-7500 each. If anyone is interested let me know and I will provide contact information.

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 4:55 pm
(@ekillo)
Posts: 559
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RCliffWilkie, post: 348252, member: 10285 wrote: It seems to me the only significant difference between the GS14 and GS15 is that the GS15 has two much larger batteries and they are "hot swapable". So the GS15 will run close to eight hours on one battery and the batteries can be switched without killing the session. The GS14 seems to run about 4 hours on a battery then you have to shut the unit off and put in a fresh battery.

I have been using a GS14 for about 2 years now and have not had any problems with battery life on it, I also like the smaller size of the GS14, especially when I use it on the pole.

Ed

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 4:57 pm
(@rich)
Posts: 779
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Norman Oklahoma, post: 348268, member: 9981 wrote: Didn't have the active pole. It's been discussed here before, and most seem to think that it takes more care and attention than it's worth.

Hmm. How well does the power search work?

When my focus loses me and I'm a large angle from where it's pointing, I have to manually turn it then search. The power search function is good?

I'm also assuming when I'm in bushes with a tiny hole through leaves, the power search might not find me and I may need to do the regular search. Is this the case?

I just ordered a new focus but was debating between that at 15k (instrument only) and the leica at 25k for the whole setup

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

 
Posted : 09/12/2015 5:09 pm
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