For the most part I agree with Mark - the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) layout guys even use Trimble as a verb. Like, "I'll get out there and Trimble the sleeves this afternoon." Only difference is I see equipment from other vendors more often.
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Aside: I have an excess 5603 that I'd be willing to part with.
Tell us more about the 5300? What is included? When was it last serviced? New internal batteries? What is your asking price??ÿ
Any pictures?
Thanks!
Just being nosey here but I figured I could offer advice to a "newbie" about a robotic total station,if you cannot afford the trimble s series it would be worth it to purchase a 5600 series,these instruments work very well, better than the new topcon power series in my opinion,as a matter of fact I would avoid any topcon robots,i have had nothing but trouble with them!
I wouldn't go with a 5600, they're extremely outdated, we stopped using them 15 years ago.?ÿ There is a lot of stuff to deal with, as well as extra carrying stuff like batteries the size of a brick (on the rod).?ÿ They are also about half the speed, at most, than modern robots.?ÿ There are much more viable robots out there, and not much more expensive.?ÿ Just saw a 5600 "starter kit" with tripod, bipod, prism pole, etc for about $8k.?ÿ For $1k less, you can get modern equipment.?ÿ I'm not even sure the 5600 is supported anymore, it's an antique in the robotics world.?ÿ Below is an eBay link to the starter kit.
I don??t know too much about the 5600. ?ÿFrom what My research has discovered, the 5600 is no longer supported by Trimble. No new firmware or replacement parts from Trimble. That being said, there are repair shops in the US that still service and maintain the instrument. ?ÿParts are hard to come by, so if you need parts, it might get expensive. ?ÿIt might not be a bad idea to get a second one for parts. ?ÿYou have to get the internal batteries replaced every few years. It??s important that if you buy a used one, to try and find out where is was last serviced. They would have the stored profile in case the internal batteries die, or are completely dead when you buy. ?ÿOtherwise, sending the instrument in for service is a good idea.?ÿ
I might be getting a used 5600 for a great price. This would be my first jump into Robotic Total Station. I will keep you posted if you like?
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You have gotten enough good advice but to sum it all up look at the post form "Just A Surveyor" This is not something to go cheap on there are many options but once you find the right guy he will want a certain platform that he is familiar with since most are trending towards proprietary software especially Trimble with the RTS 873 and Field Link tablet Microsurvey has a brand neutral solution with Field Genius but that will not run Trimble units since they have gone to Field Link
