Ya. Same thing here. Most of our jobs are 50x100 lots so most times I'm moving the tripod 30-75 ' always seemed crazy to be packing the thing up to move 25-35' from one side of the backyard to the other
I would probably just carry it in hand in those type of short moves.
I steer clear of cheap optical devices.
I bought 3 Stratus units a while back, that came with cheap Topcon/Nikon/Sokkia tribrachs.
They're inferior by any standatrds.
You never know if they're accurate and can't be relied on.
Someone above said a quality tribrach is a career item, not something that lasts one of those indefinite "lifetimes". Whatever that terms is meant to denote.
One crook tribrach could mean a whole days traverse in need of a check. Not worth the risk.
False economy.
I only use one gun and have one tribrach so I started thinking that's just the normal. I didn't realize it was loose since it happened so slightly over time. Now that I have a new one I see how tight it is.
Rich., post: 346423, member: 10450 wrote: Maybe Ill give it a go. My focus came in a top loading case with backpack straps
As others have said, that is the way to go. I have a Geodimeter with a similar case. The instrument always goes in the box, even for a short move.
Here is a way to rationalize the "extra" time it takes: how much time do you have to "save" by not boxing the gun between moves to pay for the new robot you are now buying? If it happened once, it could happen again.
Ken
Ken Salzmann, post: 346429, member: 398 wrote: As others have said, that is the way to go. I have a Geodimeter with a similar case. The instrument always goes in the box, even for a short move.
Here is a way to rationalize the "extra" time it takes: how much time do you have to "save" by not boxing the gun between moves to pay for the new robot you are now buying? If it happened once, it could happen again.
Ken
Hi Ken. This is Rich Spinelli btw, we met a few NYSAPLS meetings ago.
Yes, definitely going to change something here in the transport method. Especially since I'm trying to train a new employee. Might as well get him off on the right foot before bad habbits are developed.
Rich., post: 346430, member: 10450 wrote: Hi Ken. This is Rich Spinelli btw, we met a few NYSAPLS meetings ago.
Good to see you here. Coming to this week's meeting?
Ken
The gun goes in the box between setups. I bought a large supply of Wild GDF22 Tribrachs a few years back and that is all I use.
I had no idea the meeting was this week. For some reason I get some of the emails, but not all. I will call George tomorrow and hitch a ride if I am available.
Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
for those of you who have not done so, i highly recommend puling apart and studying survey gear that you have retired. it can be interesting and you may learn something. pulling apart tribrachs from different manufacturers you may note there are differences in the way the threads are attached to the top half, and how sturdy (or not) the sprung part of the bottom half is. hopefully after seeing these things, you might not sling a total station horizontally over your shoulder while attached to the tripod. i have also been advised by a sokkia factory technician that supporting the weight of a horizontal total station is not part of the tribrach's job description.
Not good for the (expensive) robotic drive motors and and bearings either. They are also not designed to take the weight of the instrument horizontally.
squowse, post: 346466, member: 7109 wrote: Not good for the (expensive) robotic drive motors and and bearings either. They are also not designed to take the weight of the instrument horizontally.
You would all be glad to hear that today I put the shoulder straps on the case and cased the robot each setup.
Two setups that were less than 40 feet between them, I picked up the instrument and walked with it vertically holding the instrument straight up.
Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
Rich., post: 346605, member: 10450 wrote: You would all be glad to hear that today I put the shoulder straps on the case and cased the robot each setup.
Two setups that were less than 40 feet between them, I picked up the instrument and walked with it vertically holding the instrument straight up.
Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
😀 You know it makes sense
I started out with a few of the cheaper tribrachs for backsight setups. I have never had a problem with them, but then again, I was solo, and take very good care of the equipment. I also never move the instrument on the tripod, it is ALWAYS back in the box.
I am guilty of moving the level across my shoulder though.
If you are a surveyor starting out on a budget, watch ebay, and you can pick up some used name brand, quality tribrachs at decent prices. That is how I upgraded some of my equipment over the years. If you do go the cheaper chinese tribrach route, just treat them kindly, and check them regularly. I have never had problems with mine, and still use them all the time. I will set them up near traffic, or in areas where a setup could possible be blown over, or might possibly "walk off".
In my humble opinion, it's about taking care of your equipment, keeping it in adjustment, and knowing it's limitations. I knew what I was buying, and keep it checked, and keep them in well padded bags/cases. Having said that, you can definitely feel the difference between them and my Topcon tribrachs though.
I have found the GDF22s to be very nice for the $$.
Although more expensive than the Chinese garbage, they are Swiss made and very substantial for much less than similar Leica offerings.
I picked up a few from a (scumbag) wholesaler on eBay. Great condition; Oregon DOT/State Police surplus.
For a short moves (100' or less) I just lift the whole tripod up with robot attached and carry vertically with two legs straddling my shoulder. It's not the most comfortable, but it seems like a decent compromise between packing up and throwing over my shoulder. For longer distances or on uneven terrain I definitely agree with those who advocate boxing up.
+1 on the Wild tribrachs. I think they might even be higher quality than many of the modern Leica models. My theory is it's better to buy used quality equipment than new junk if you don't have the money for new quality stuff.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk