Passive tracking with the Trimble works for fixed targets, as when running control. Passive tracking of a moving target with the Trimble is possible, but impractical.?ÿ It easily locks onto anything even moderately reflective - except, it seems, the prism you are carrying. There always seems to be at least a couple other things in your search window more attractive to it than the prism.
On the other hand the Trimble will lock onto the active target diode and hold on with a bulldog grip. If it does lose lock it will snap back onto it quickly. Occasionally the Trimble will pick up a reflection of the diode in a window or other pane of glass. But it will not just lock onto a window when in active tracking mode.?ÿ?ÿ
These qualities actually work to advantage. You can set up a passive target as a back sight and then proceed to work with an active target rover and not worry about getting 20 topo shots on the backsight.?ÿ?ÿ
If you are working with a Trimble without the active targeting then you are working with one hand tied behind your back and the other in a boxing glove. And your feet in concrete boots.
The disadvantage of the active targeting is that the prism assembly costs $3000 and requires a battery.?ÿ ?ÿ ?ÿ
You must be using a completely different Trimble robot to me. I have been using an newer model S6 for about 3 years with passive tracking and it rarely locks on to anything other than the prism. On the rare occasion it does it wont measure the false object in tracking mode anyway and I instantly know. I am super fast in all environments with this robot in passive mode.
