I would say no also. Maybe as a backup used for some less important stuff, but my normal work I wouldn't trust it. But if the rest of the setup is good, do you still think it's worth buying? It's around $1000 for a 360 prism.?ÿ
Thanks, both of you, good ammunition for a discount; it certainly looks sketchy to me, almost like a model plane that's been stepped on and then put back together with glue. I can imagine dropping something like that when surveying rough terrain; giving up on a $1000 instrument would stress test even a pro.
It's a package deal, TS 12, and MH16, CS15, batteries, etc. ?ÿIf you have more ideas for me, please share, and thanks again.
Enjoying this discussion (the lack of uniform opinions is of course frustrating, but I understand it's the way things are with equipment preferences & experiences), but may we pause things for a question about this 2014 Leica TS 12 I'm looking at?
I'm wondering about what looks like a repair on the included prism. Can anyone comment on whether or not the device is likely usable with that repair in place? ?ÿThe whole kit n caboodle is being sold as is/no warranty. ?ÿThe repair material looks rather thick and opaque.
?ÿDon't?ÿ use it. It is worthless for?ÿ accurate work.?ÿ
Better ergonomics and design, shoots way way faster (1 second vs like 3 or more on the s5 in semi active mode), better reflectorless (accuracy and laser visibility), laser plummet vs optical plummet, accuracy (although I will run the collimation check and adjust on the s5 this weekend - I have only been using it for half of my work and it's less than 2 months old).
I prefer the level screen on the Leica (I don't use the data collector to level - Trimble wants to kick you out of the level screen asap to attempt to connect and then still sometimes has issues connecting).
A display with distance and horizontal and vertical angles, etc (can possibly finish a job with a dead data collector)... Powersearch, meaning no need to fiddle with the joystick for 10 seconds to be sure it's actually going to find me. The prediction is better if I walk past ab obstruction (5 seconds, if I make it to the other side of a trailer or vehicle etc - the Leica will keep moving and pick me up on the other side. The Leica doesn't usually lock onto vests and windows, meaning it doesn't require a $5500, delicate and less accurate prism to do solo work.?ÿ
The big advantage to the Trimble is working in treed areas with the active prism, and I don't worry about Bluetooth range (sometimes less than 200m with the Panasonic fz-m1 and the rh17). Since 70% of my work is in subdivisions, I'm usually not dealing with these conditions, so Leica would have been the better choice for my usage.?ÿ
For now I have both in the truck. Waiting for either an update to the tsc5 (some really annoying issues with it) or radio and software to run access on the Panasonic, for now I'm only using the s5 when it happens to be a treed area or I'm worried about Bluetooth range. Switching back and forth has given me a real comparison between the 2.
These are just the ones off the top of my head. I didn't expect to find so many things I didn't like, when so many people swear by Trimble robots.?ÿ
Thanks Mike for all this info about the S5. I believe I won't be making the transition from Geomax to Trimble anymore. I've always believed the S series robotots are faster in acquiring the prism and hold a lock better than the Leica robots. I guess I'll stick with Leica/Geomax for now as reflectorless shots are a really important part of the work I do.
To all who commented on the "repaired" 360 prism photo:
The dealer accepted your evaluations, in fact I don't any of it came as a surprise, and we are working on a deal that allows for a new prism. ?ÿReally appreciate the help!
PS--If the deal goes through, I'll get a 10 return period as well, which should allow for a full run through including battery life, robotic functions, etc.
