Leica vs GeoMax vs Trimble

I was able to test out a ts16 with fieldgenius on my own tablet, a couple years ago when the local salesperson upgraded the firmware on the Leica 1203+ for me, because we were upgrading to the rh17. So in my experience they can work with 3rd party. Now I'm using a Trimble s5 and I did prefer the old Leica in most areas.

What software do you use for post-processing? That will factor into things as well.

With well-known brands, if a particular manufacturer has good dealer support and their software is intuitive to you, that's probably the winner. If you like the gear you'll be more likely to make it work efficiently for yourself.

I have experience in the last 7 years with:

1) Topcon PS with Survey Pro on a Ranger3 dc

2) Trimble S5 with Access on a TSC7 dc

3) Topcon PS with Magnet on a Tesla dc

4) Topcon GS with Magnet on a FC-5000

5) Leica TS16 with Captivate on a CS20 dc.

The PS with Survey Pro was the worst, hands down. The Topcons with Magnet worked better, but the target tracking still left much to be desired, IMO.

The Trimble was very good. My only complaint with that was the bulkiness of everything. The active target tracking simply cannot be beat. I quite like Access for data collection and for staking out. Not so great for field calcs.

Loving the TS16 (and also the GS18 GNSS units) while coming to terms with Captivate. The fact that Leica had a discount for public agencies made them significantly cheaper, for me, than the Trimble. So the choice was clear. Without that it was close to a saw off. The product line accessories are very well tailored to coordinated use. The packaging is nice and compact. As a bonus Lieca was able to provide parts and service to make an 18 yr old Leica Robot we had in service work with the CS20.

I did not demo the Geomax, but the local dealer markets them with SurvCE. So I'd expect that combo to work well. Unless you are the type of person that likes to dicker around with settings and combinations I would not venture off the beaten support path.

Can’t really offer you any brand comparison info but I can tell you I never had any problem running leica stations with carlson, including a ts16

What year TS16 do you have and how do you get them to communicate with each other?

I like the TS16 itself. If it would run with Carlson, that would be ideal. I’m trying to find out if the newest models off TS16s will communicate with Carlson SurvCE. The Leica rep says no, but I keep seeing people post here that they use the two in tandem. I wonder if it’s a new thing and that all the people who are successful with the two, they’re running older models and builds of SurvCE.

What is it about the Trimble that makes you prefer the Leica?

Also, what Data Collector are you using with the TS 16 and what version of SurvCE do you have?

I use a Geomax Zoom90 with XPAD and it's great. My data collector is a Samsung A34 (use it just for data collector, not a phone as well) which provided I turn the auto screen brightness off can get 12hrs+ and a fraction of weight/cost of survey specific stuff. Like any software though don't buy unless you have a good dealer to support. Geomax robots are just Leica robots but a generation behind but for much less money.

For reference I would prefer Leica but the cost difference was too much for a solo surveyor so Geomax been great so far (4 years). I much prefer Leica's Smartworx Viva software though, I find Captivate to be a step backwards (use both in style contract work I do)

I've used Trimble robot's a couple times but much prefer Leica approach!

I'm in the process of purchasing a Leica TS13 to use with Carlson/SurvPC tablet. It's necessary to purchase the Leica Geocom license. The quote sheet reads "LEICA LA1 872564 GEOCOM" and pricing is over $1,000.

If you're asking me why I prefer the Leica (the quote function doesn't work here for some reason) I have a long list, but it includes but is not limited to:<div>

1. Powersearch - I didn't realize what a big deal it was until I got a Trimble because I rarely ever had to use the joystick on the Leica, but it's an every setup thing with the Trimble. There is GPS search on Trimble but it's not really comparable.

2. Level bubble on the total station as well as tribrach, meaning you can see it from either side of the total station, important on awkward setups

3. Laser plummet, optical plummets can be okay too, but the one on the s5 has a huge round border around the outer limit, which often makes it impossible to see if you're centered, so I'm always marking up the nail with a sharpie to make it more visible otherwise I'm just adding error to the setup

4. Tracking without the active prism. The Leica doesn't lock onto every single thing because of ATR. My experience using both makes me feel that the only circumstances where the active tracking is the better option is if you are frequently working around other total stations. Other than that I have had both get locked onto random things the same number of times. With the Trimble, it somehow locked onto a reflection of the LEDs. The Leica locked onto the suns reflection on a shiny car.

5. Speed of measurements - semi active mode in Trimble takes at least 7 seconds to complete. Leica takes less than 2 in standard mode.

6.Ergonomics of the total station itself. If you're doing a bunch of sighting in manually, the Leica is much better. Left/right being backwards on Trimble seems ridiculous to me.

7. Reflector less on the Leica is reliable. On the Trimble it is not. Also the beam is only visible if it's overcast or dark outside.

I can make a list of the things that I like better about the Trimble but it's definitely shorter, and it starts off with :

1. It's yellow - easier to see and it arguably looks nicer

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Did you truly rent a TS16 A? If so, the A variant does not have PowerSearch, which is a feature you would want to have on the instrument. In this case, you would need a TS16 P at minimum. I would recommend confirming what variant you are renting and it if is a TS16 A, then request the TS16 P instead.

I recently added an MS60 w/AP20 to my arsenal. When I told the dealer I needed GeoCom I was informed me that Leice needed to know why before they would add it to the order. In my case is to operate are Amberg GRP system (which Leica distributes in NA). This is the first time I have been asked to justify my need for GeoCom. It seemed a little strange to justify giving them and extra grand. Hell, at one point it came standard with instruments.

I suppose you could bend the truth and tell them you plan to use it with MicroSuvey from time to time.

It was a TS16I with camera and power search.

I wonder if different dealers have different methods to sell geocom?

I’m in the process of purchasing a Leica TS13 to use with Carlson/SurvPC tablet. It’s necessary to purchase the Leica Geocom license. The quote sheet reads “LEICA LA1 872564 GEOCOM” and pricing is over $1,000.

I recently purchased a TS16 and inquired about the TS13 during the buying process. I was informed that you can add options to the TS13 until it is an ersatz TS16 - except that you cannot use the AP20 with the TS13.

The answer to the tracking without the active target problem with the Trimble is to use the active target. Using the Trimble without the active target is jamming a square peg in a round hole. Nevertheless, I do very much like the TS16's Powersearch, and it tracks the passive target very well.

It has been argued that laser plumb is less precise than the optic. Since I do most setups by resection these days that is less of an issue for me than it might otherwise be. I position control with a mind to resecting instrument positions, which means the control is usually safely outside of the work zone. Different instrument capabilities calls for different work flows.

I never had any complaint with the Trimble reflectorless.

Ergonomics - not so much difference once the instruments are setup, IMO, but I do like the Leicas packaging, carrying cases, and accessories. But I've long favored and used Leica accessories even when using Trimble or Topcon instruments.

Ahhh, I see what's going on... Thanks for sharing that info

How do you like the Xpad software? I heard certain features similar to “point project” and station store don’t exist. Those routines I use a lot in Carlson. But on the flip side, I’ve heard that Xpad is very easy to use and user friendly.