We are currently using Trimble equipment, but the (Construction) side of it. Which means using SCS900 field software and SPS Robotics....although one of the crews still uses an S6 with the SCS900.?ÿ
?ÿI just started using SCS900 about three years ago, before this I was mainly using Survey Pro, and Survey Controller software. While I do like some of the features in SCS900, mainly the roading routine, I have been struggling with some of its shortcomings. Like the fact that it still does not have a decent traverse function, no trig levelling routine, limited cogo features, and just overall a diluted survey software product. On top of that we have been having major issues with the software crashing while running in our TSC3 data collectors. We keep get a "unhandled application crash/outofmemoryexception" error, sometimes 3 times a day. It has been a huge inconvenience and is starting to take its toll on production, especially now since we are starting to ramp up for the spring. This issue, combined with the software limitaitons I have decided to reevaluate our situation.?ÿ
We also use Topcon machine control, and have a few hypers to do grade checking. We are now in the process of purchasing some Topcon robotic setups to use in conjunction with the stringless concrete pavers.?ÿ So I feel I am at a cross road here, and have an opportunity to check out what Topcon has to offer. Since we are already using Topcon machine control equipment, why not just go all Topcon? I would like to know what the consensus is on their hardware/software.?ÿ Also what office software people are using in conjunction with Topcon field software. Right now I am using Trimble Business Center for all my modeling, and I REALLY like it. It's one of the main reasons I have tolerated some of the issues with SCS900.
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This also brings me to my third option, which is to go back to the "survey" side of trimble, and go to using Access on our data collectors. I haven't used Access (previously known as Survey Controller) in a while....I am not even sure what version they are up to now. This option would be considerably cheaper, and If Access is anything like Survey Controller was, I know I will be comfortable using it. I am also Curious if anyone has done any traverse in Access lately. That is something I have to do alot, and the SCS900 routine is horrible. Right now I am still using Survey Pro for traverse, and exporting my raw data into SurvNET in Carlson to do my least squares adjustment. How do other surveyors run/adjust their traverse geometry??ÿ
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I attached the image of the error message that we keep receiving from SCS900, hoping maybe someone else has seen it.
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Thanks,
Matt
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My opinion of Access is they took most of the road functions out of Survey Controller and put them in a separate module so they could charge you more. Other than that, there really is not much difference between Survey Controller and Access with the Road module.
The profanity needed to describe SCS900 is not allowed on this board.
James
I have used both brands of equipment and heavily prefer Trimble.?ÿ I recently started my own company and went with Trimble.?ÿ You can also reach out to your dealer for a demo license of Trimble Access.?ÿ I will suggest that quality dealer support is also 50% of the decision.
You might also look at the Trimble T10 tablet.
Trimble has created an absolute barrier between surveying and construction. Each side uses different radios, software, and different support team.
Topcon is seamless between surveying and construction, allowing?ÿthe two to conveniently?ÿmix-match and overlap in many areas.
Trimble sales hate to admit the fact that Topcon supports the use of Trimble GNSS rover with a Topcon GNSS base. I can't even remember how many times my clients?ÿhave told me Trimble cannot connect to a Topcon Base state, and Trimble cannot use a state plane projection.?ÿ
Stick with Topcon, since you already own in it.?ÿ Invest in some professional?ÿtraining?ÿand consulting. This is often hard to find, and dealers may not be much help.
I used the topcon gt1001 with magnet on the associated tablet for about a month and have nothing nice to say about it.?ÿ?ÿ
Party?ÿChef,
I'd be glad to take that GT1001 Robotic Total Station off your hands (free of charge) and relief you of all stress related to it.
I have a Topcon PS which I run with Survey Pro. I find it to be slow, slow, slow.?ÿ Huge latency. Push button, wait 7-10 seconds for command to initiate. Turning speed very slow. I haven't tried it with Magnet but there have been a lot of negative, and few, if any, positive comments about it on this board.?ÿ
I've experience with both Trimble and Leica.?ÿ Quite a lot with Trimble.?ÿ Access is the best dc software out there right now.?ÿ?ÿ
My guess is that you will not like Topcon.?ÿ?ÿ
I am definitely leaning toward Access. Especially since it would just require purchasing the software for two collectors, and no hardware updates necessary. Anyone have an idea how much a fresh version of Access costs to put on a TSC3. And also how much if you already have Access on a collecor, but the software warranty has long expired.
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And while I'm thinking about it, does anyone have any experience with cut sheet reporting in Access? That is also something I struggled with in SCS900...there was no easy way to do it. I just want to have it spit out my station offset, cuts and fills for curb layout.
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Thanks!
If you likes Survey Controller you'll love Access. I've traversed in Access quite a bit, it's fine once you understand how to configure and use the Measure Rounds routine.
SCS900 is not survey software, and has no business being in the hands of a surveyor.
The hardware from all of the major players gets the job done. The problem is the controller software (especially now that it's mostly proprietary), most of which is written by intelligent people who apparently have no idea what surveying is or how it's done. Carlson is the exception to that problem, for surveying anyway, and would be my choice if I had a choice.
I don't use machine control, so can't address that specifically, but the general principle is examine what's available for your application, decide which works best for you, implement it and learn to use it.
Thanks snowshoes, thats good to know. that was a big problem with SCS900. do you have any idea how much the software is on its own, not including the roading module? We will need to get it for two collectors.
We use Access with the Roads module and does everything we need for construction staking.?ÿ Although the Roads module alone was around $1000.?ÿ Access will produce a cut/fill report like you're talking about, you can download the style sheets from Trimble's site:
http://www.trimble.com/globalTRLTAB.asp?nav=Collection-32914
Pretty sure you can use the same style sheets in TBC to generate reports in the office.?ÿ
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Not sure if you've updated your controller lately, but Access was crashing for me when I'd try to stake a large surface.?ÿ I finally updated the controller through Installation Manager and it fixed that problem.?ÿ Also, I'm not sure Access will work with SPS Robots.....
I used the topcon gt1001 with magnet on the associated tablet for about a month and have nothing nice to say about it.?ÿ?ÿ
What problems do you see with this robot?
I did not like the motion when using conventionally, the vertical crosshair jogs, the inconsistency of motion with the knobs especially when the instrument would jump well past the target I was turning toward, the sound the instrument made when in use seemed to smack of a cheapness of mechanical construction. When in use as a robot the instrument itself did perform adequately, but I found the software and interface to be clunky and dumbed down, I felt like it was holding me back, I know for sure it was slowing me down and I do not think it was a learning curve that was slowing me down.
The entire package smacks of cheapness, the carbon fiber rod was total trash for example the prism adapter to rod element was self threaded, the telescoping sections did not clamp together properly leading to a rod bust where the rod slipped up a centimeter, the level bubble was not recessed so if you used the pit to secure the rod from slipping down you ran the risk of rocking it across the vial.
I did like the case, the red laser, the optics and from discussions with management I understand the financing is second to none.
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I'm in Canada and the salesman quoted me $4200 for a new Access license to put on a tablet.?ÿ Not sure if that helps you out or not haha.
?ÿ I did go through the TSC3 settings though and I didn't see an option for any SPS instruments in the Conventional Survey Style setup, so you might want to check that out first...
Access will work with SPS instruments, I'm using it.?ÿ On my TSC3 I had to purchase a $200 code, but when I got a tablet last year I believe it was included.?ÿ Just select S6/VX and get the radio channels set correctly.
Access standalone for a tablet is $3,500 in the States, but I'm not sure if it's the same for a TSC3.
Run a Topcon Robot for 1 hour and you will see why so many folks use Trimble.
Trimble Access is by far the best all around Total Station Software available. I have used Trimble Site/Construction stuff (One year stint as a Heavy Highway Layout Superintendent). It is good for staking but has serious limits. You can do everything you need with Access.?ÿ Topcon (Robotics and GPS) for some reason just seems second rate to me. It's not bad, just not as good, fast, build quality, etc. I know if works, but....Mercedes vs. KIA.....0.02?ÿ And yes, Trimble does cost way more....But all that research and development pays off...
N10,000, E7,000, Z100.00
PLS - IL, MO, AR, KS, MN, KY
As well as my day job I also teach Land Surveying at a college where we have the latest equipment of each brand. Both staff and students step over the Leica and Trimble gear to use Magnet with the Topcon gear. Most seem to find Magnet easier to use.
Totalsurv,
Thank you for an unbiased view!?ÿ All software has pro and cons Many people are vendor loyal. The true test is a side by side comparison with individuals that are unbiased.