We are searching for a new Total Station. We use separate data collectors, so the on board software and interface are not important to us. We run Carlson Data collection software.
There are a couple of things that we care about for this specific purchase:
1. Reliability.
2. Fast shooting.
3. Ability to return a distance when not perfectly on prism (this is important in a woods topo).
4. Price
Note:
Accuracy matters, but we are only looking for a 5 second instrument. This would be for basic topo use and such. We have other instruments to use for more precise work.
Reflector-less capability would be mandatory.
Our needs in this regard have been fulfilled by Topcon, in the past. However, our test of the ES series has left us still looking. The ES feels well built, and works well, but the prism must be perfectly aligned, and the shots are VERY slow.
We are kind of looking for a specific niche to fill here, basically a woods/mountain gun that will spend its life in a soft case being carried over hill and dale.
Any ideas good ideas are welcomed.
Thanks in advance for any information.
The leica TS09 would be hard to beat for what you describe.
I love the endless friction drives, and they can return distance a little too far off the prism if you're not careful. Also, they're built like a tank, but not too heavy. I have yet to see an instrument take a distance as fast as a leica set to rapid.
I also like the Nivo, but it's EDM seemed a little weak to me FWIW. I've never used one, but the size would be hard to beat "over hill and dale".
I like the Nikon Nivo M for what you describe, but the reflectorless is weak - I tend to agree with the above, the Leica guns are great and will work well with Carlson collectors.
> The leica TS09 would be hard to beat for what you describe.
Are you familiar with the differences between the TS09 and the TS06? Looking at their website, the biggest difference seems to be the interface/screen.
The TS09 comes standard with features that are optional on the TS06 (USB port, bluetooth); the TS09 also has guidelights. If you are going to be at the LSAW conference this week stop by the US Survey Supply booth; we'll have a demo TS09plus you can check out.
Regards,
Isaac
> Our needs in this regard have been fulfilled by Topcon, in the past. However, our test of the ES series has left us still looking. The ES feels well built, and works well, but the prism must be perfectly aligned, and the shots are VERY slow.
I bought a Sokkia CX-105, which is the cousin of the ES and have to say that its EDM is anything but slow. There are lots of things I'm not fond of about the design of the instrument starting with the layout of the motion screws and the reticle pattern, but the EDM is the strong point.
I trust you noticed that the number of EDM ranges to be averaged in a measurement is selectable by the user? That would affect the time that a range measurement requires.
If the difference in money is reasonable guidelights are really nice to have.
> I trust you noticed that the number of EDM ranges to be averaged in a measurement is selectable by the user? That would affect the time that a range measurement requires.
I have not had a lot of time with it, this is feedback from our field crews. I will look into it. Thanks!
I have a complete Sokkia CX 105 package at a very competitive price. If you have interest in this please email me.
I'm continually impressed with how my reflectorless Nikon NPL332 measures (to prisms) through brush. Its really good at that. Battery life is also really good, no problem running a long day on the battery. My only 'issue' with it is that data port seems to have been an after-thought. But on that point, the newer NPL322 is bluetooth and thats much better than dealing with a cable. You don't want a cable - you want bluetooth! The NPL322 also has much longer reflectorless range.
I've been advised to stay away from Nikon for reflectorless. I'm wondering if that only applies to the Nikon Nivo's or the NPL series as well. What is your opinion of the NPL 322's reflectorless capabilities?
I've been very happy with the reflectorless on that instrument and I've had it probably going on 10 years. I shoot a lot of building corners with it. When I can't see a corner, I just get some wall shots and then hopefully get some on the other wall. Or sometimes I'll get a shot on a piece of window trim and then go measure with a tape from that spot to the corner. When I'm shooting at very shallow angles (in relation to the building wall) I might have a hard time getting a distance but that doesn't surprise me - the signal has nothing good to reflect off of. I'll use it in the woods when staking... point in the right direction and then shoot a tree in relatively the same direction from which I'll tape or pace to get to a spot to set a prism. I've used it on smaller, wooded topos when I go paint white paint dots on trees at say 5.0 feet, facing the instrument. No problems doing that either.
Its sometimes suprising as to how far I can get a reflectorless shot. I know 1700 feet to a license plate on a car is not a problem. But I've had no problems with the gun as a whole and would certainly recommend it. Now whether or not that instrument has a different EDM than the newer ones, I don't know. If I thought you should avoid it, I would certainly let you know. Try one if you can. I see Hayes has an NPL322 now (but not bluetooth). Maybe you could ask them if you could try/rent it for a month. Good Luck!
Thanks, Dave. I think the negative comments I've been hearing are aimed at the Nivo Series.