RE: Robotic Total Station

The Leica TS15 is the best of those IMO if it is equipped with power search and say R400. Leica requires a geocom license if you are going to run third party software.?ÿ

TS15 is the best of the bunch, but the Focus 35 is also a very creditable unit - in the latest XyHT there is a very well written article on the Focus.?ÿ

Nobody puts together a total package of instruments and accessories like Leica does. Even the way it all goes in its case is a marvel to me. Their data collection software isn't quite up to the same standards, but passable. And Leica will bleed you with support fees. The Focus' are typically sold with Survey Pro dc software, which isn't the greatest either, IMO.?ÿ?ÿ

I've used the TS15 and the Focus (a 30 in my case, but much the same) and I'd be really looking at the TS15 if my choice was between those two. I just don't think that the build quality of the Focus is very good.?ÿ ?ÿ ?ÿ ?ÿ

Once you get on one vendor's wagon it is hard to get off, and I'd rather be on Leica's than Spectra's in the long term. BTW, I'm currently transitioning from Topcon to Trimble. It's been a 3 year process.?ÿ?ÿ

@norman-oklahoma

Leica hardware is wonderful, the best.

their software suck badly in my experience. Not worth the trouble.

If you like Leica you'll love GeoMax, especially when it's time to write the check.

@jim-frame

I have to second that.  My Geodimeter died and I went with Carlson CR2 and Sruveyor 2 data collector.  Once I got used to a slightly different way of doing things, it is a great combination.

Ken

From an antipodean perspective I can't work why so many on here complain about the Leica software?  I haven't used anything more powerful or customisable yet (once you set the function keys up properly). Have worked on smartworx and viva plus a bit of time on captivate (yes the small business owners in this part of the world seem a little slower to upgrade than in North America).

Have used access on robot and gnss, Javad gnss and demo's on survCE and magnet.  

Understandably access provides a similar level of power but in a 'surveying for dummies'  wrapper. You could send the office administrator out to the field with basic instructions and probably be fine; not something you could do with Javad or survCE!!

Also Leica manuals provide the 'why' along with the 'how'. Again access isn't too far behind but not as detailed.

Assuming your starting and not already wed to another brand (by company policy or lack of being able to invest a bit of training time) local dealer support and pricing similar I can't see why any professional surveyor would buy anything but Leica? Dealer support is key with any brand though.

 The one downside for Leica's approach to Trimble's is that ability to customise when junior staff fiddle with options they don't understand, Trimble a bit more robust in that regard.

And what about the Leica 1203+...is less money...

@edm

The 1203 was the first robot I purchased when I went into business around 2012. It worked great for years but is now a door stop. The power board went out and repairs were impractical.

@adam

It's a bad business in our days?

If you are not fussy about the brand, then try to look at a japanese brand like topcon or sokkia (now under topcon). They are no frills-get the job done type of equipment that would cost less than half of a Leica. Quality of a brand is really partly perception. I really hate to buy an expensive Leica TS and see it get muddy & wet.?ÿ

@jt50

The issue is the technical assistance...which brand to choose

Hasn't the Leica 1200 series been discontinued and is now unsupported??ÿ ?ÿ

?ÿ

I have the TS 12 and am very happy, the TS15 would be awesome.

I rented a Geomax reflector-less robotic total station a few weeks back for a project. Great total station. The Geomax is basically the Chinese knock-off of the Leica 1203 (like most Geomax products, the Chinese version of an old style unit, with some newer bells and whistles it should be said). I'm thinking about getting one for the department soon.

@andrew-clark

I would not go so far as to say 'Chinese knock-off as both Leica and Geomax are brands of Hexagon and the design was Leica.  Not sure, but I think the 1200 series theodolites was manufactured in Singapore.   Much of Chinese manufacturing is no longer junk.  Some of the Geomax line is current with what Leica offers as in their GNSS - both use the same 555 channel boards manufactured by Novatel, another Hexagon company.  Some of the differences are in the proprietary interface and firmware.  

The iGage website (advert link at the base of this forum) has a lot of info on the Geomax, including some through-the-scope videos of tracking and prism locking in action.