Robotic Total Station Decision

I hate seeing post's like this where the OP can't find the correct routine when it is right in front of them, and the sales rep can't help.

When using the "Remote Bench" routine in Magnet (it may be same in TopSurv), just tap on the button labeled "Point" and it will change to "Elevation".

Any time you see the hand pointing to a dialog box in Magnet, there are more options, just click to change selection.

I swear that someday I need to contact [USER=1]@Wendell[/USER] and place an Ad on this site (surveyorconnect.com) to offer Topcon support, since the sales reps [USER=8922]@pmoran[/USER] just can't seem to do it.

Ha I knew there had to be an easier way, I've seen you posting on other various posts about Magnet and its capabilities do you have any experience with Carlson? i'm kind thinking at this point I should just go with the GT and FC 5000 Running magnet over the sokkia and a Carlson setup.

Running the ix and survce. Thus far it's been a pleasure to use.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FL33404RTK, post: 426976, member: 11610 wrote: Ha I knew there had to be an easier way, I've seen you posting on other various posts about Magnet and its capabilities do you have any experience with Carlson? i'm kind thinking at this point I should just go with the GT and FC 5000 Running magnet over the sokkia and a Carlson setup.

I have used SurvCE with older Total Stations, but not with GT. Pretty sure there is no Carlson driver for it, and not certain if there is true iX driver in Carlson.

With today's latest technology you will only get 100% compatibility between Hardware and Software by sticking with OEM HW and SW. Even Carlson is match OEM Hardware with their software. You may ask [USER=6795]@arctan(x)[/USER] whom has the GT Robot and has experience with Magnet and SurvCE.

What part of Florida you in? I'm looking a projects in Orlando right now.

FL33404RTK, post: 426976, member: 11610 wrote: Ha I knew there had to be an easier way, I've seen you posting on other various posts about Magnet and its capabilities do you have any experience with Carlson? i'm kind thinking at this point I should just go with the GT and FC 5000 Running magnet over the sokkia and a Carlson setup.

Hi there,
new to this forum but not new to surveying (in australia, anyhow).
I'm taking delivery of a GT503 with the FC5000 tomorrow, just thought I'd pipe up, as it would be good to be able to bounce off some folks with the same set-up. I haven't found many resources or tutorials online (never used magnet field before, but do use magnet office.), and the sales/demo guy didn't fill me with confidence he'd be able to sort all issues out.
anyway good luck with your shopping.

I have to Topcon GT and I'm running magnet on an FC5000. It's been a learning curve but thanks to Lee Green, I'm able to be productive with it. Thanks again Lee!

I did talk to Carlson about drivers for the GT and they are testing the new drivers right now and expect to offer the hybrid gps/robotic functionality with version 6 of SurvCE/PC. You just have to buy the OAF from your Topcon dealer to unlock the third party software capability.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

leegreen, post: 426968, member: 2332 wrote: I hate seeing post's like this where the OP can't find the correct routine when it is right in front of them, and the sales rep can't help.

When using the "Remote Bench" routine in Magnet (it may be same in TopSurv), just tap on the button labeled "Point" and it will change to "Elevation".

Any time you see the hand pointing to a dialog box in Magnet, there are more options, just click to change selection.

I swear that someday I need to contact [USER=1]@Wendell[/USER] and place an Ad on this site (surveyorconnect.com) to offer Topcon support, since the sales reps [USER=8922]@pmoran[/USER] just can't seem to do it.

I don't frequent this page more than once a month and it is really just to check in. We have an official support site at myTopcon.com. If somebody needs support they are always welcome to contact me directly through any official Topcon portal or my email which is plainly listed in my profile. I don't spend a lot of time looking at this forum because frankly I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to it.

I think it's silly for Topcon to charge for technical support. I have to rely on my Topcon salesman for support... I had about a billion questions about magnet that the sales team doesn't know the answer to. Then I wait forever for a reply once they give up and ask topcon for support.

Fix the support model and make me happy! [emoji6] Look to Carlson for an example of how to support the products!

Lee is just stepping up and filling an obviously needed support role.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

leegreen, post: 426984, member: 2332 wrote: I have used SurvCE with older Total Stations, but not with GT. Pretty sure there is no Carlson driver for it, and not certain if there is true iX driver in Carlson.

With today's latest technology you will only get 100% compatibility between Hardware and Software by sticking with OEM HW and SW. Even Carlson is match OEM Hardware with their software. You may ask [USER=6795]@arctan(x)[/USER] whom has the GT Robot and has experience with Magnet and SurvCE.

What part of Florida you in? I'm looking a projects in Orlando right now.

I'm in the West Palm Beach Area.

FL33404RTK, post: 426961, member: 11610 wrote: Ok guys so I've been going back and forth with my vendors on getting setup with a robotic unit. Currently I have to 2 options I'm looking at both have the same price point but I wanted to see if any of you had some real world experience to help sway me one way or the other.

-Option 1: Topcon GT with FC-5000 running Magnet

-Option 2: Sokkia IX-505 with Carlson Surveyor 2 running Carlson.

I did have a demo yesterday and it was my 1st time seeing magnet, currently use TopSurv with my GPS unit never really been to impressed with it. I started using an older version of SurvCE on my current TSC2 and I like the features and workflow.

One of my biggest things is what most software call "remote bench" I never set my HI as I believe the tape measure method to not be accurate so what my procedure is to set rod height then shoot the bench, where my issue is with some software packages is they now want X and Y on the point some of these points I don't have that established and shooting then editing the Z value and taking the shot is something i feel unnecessary. With SurvCE at least the version I've Been using I can just specify and elevation shot it, do a check shot and be done. When I did the Magnet demo yesterday you had to still create a point X and Y could be 0 but you still have to create a point again unless there's a trick I don't know.

Looking to make a descrion my Monday and input would be much appreciated...Thanks.

Carlson!!!!!!! No question about it.

leegreen, post: 426984, member: 2332 wrote: I have used SurvCE with older Total Stations, but not with GT. Pretty sure there is no Carlson driver for it, and not certain if there is true iX driver in Carlson.

With today's latest technology you will only get 100% compatibility between Hardware and Software by sticking with OEM HW and SW. Even Carlson is match OEM Hardware with their software. You may ask [USER=6795]@arctan(x)[/USER] whom has the GT Robot and has experience with Magnet and SurvCE.

What part of Florida you in? I'm looking a projects in Orlando right now.

Hmm...let me know if you need a hand in January and February :).

Joe the Surveyor, post: 427732, member: 118 wrote: Hmm...let me know if you need a hand in January and February :).

There are iX drivers in SurvCE 5.05

In the same boat deciding between Topcon/Magnet - Leica/Viva/Carlson. GPS and TS
we've been using Carlson for years. We're thinking in switching to Magnet. All of our GPS and TS is Topcon.
Carlson and Topcon seem not to be playing together going forward with the new Topcon HR GPS receiver.

Lee Green - are you a power Magnet user?

erwsdot, post: 428978, member: 6038 wrote: In the same boat deciding between Topcon/Magnet - Leica/Viva/Carlson. GPS and TS
we've been using Carlson for years. We're thinking in switching to Magnet. All of our GPS and TS is Topcon.
Carlson and Topcon seem not to be playing together going forward with the new Topcon HR GPS receiver.

Lee Green - are you a power Magnet user?

Yes I am a power user, end user, consultant, trainer, mentor, and tech support.

I use Magnet Field, Hybrid and Magnet Office Tools with
Hiper Lite/XT/V/HR GNSS
Sokkia GCX2 GNSS
Topcon GT/PS/QS Robotics
Topcon DL502 digital level

FL33404RTK, post: 426961, member: 11610 wrote: Ok guys so I've been going back and forth with my vendors on getting setup with a robotic unit. Currently I have to 2 options I'm looking at both have the same price point but I wanted to see if any of you had some real world experience to help sway me one way or the other.

-Option 1: Topcon GT with FC-5000 running Magnet

-Option 2: Sokkia IX-505 with Carlson Surveyor 2 running Carlson.

I did have a demo yesterday and it was my 1st time seeing magnet, currently use TopSurv with my GPS unit never really been to impressed with it. I started using an older version of SurvCE on my current TSC2 and I like the features and workflow.

One of my biggest things is what most software call "remote bench" I never set my HI as I believe the tape measure method to not be accurate so what my procedure is to set rod height then shoot the bench, where my issue is with some software packages is they now want X and Y on the point some of these points I don't have that established and shooting then editing the Z value and taking the shot is something i feel unnecessary. With SurvCE at least the version I've Been using I can just specify and elevation shot it, do a check shot and be done. When I did the Magnet demo yesterday you had to still create a point X and Y could be 0 but you still have to create a point again unless there's a trick I don't know.

Looking to make a descrion my Monday and input would be much appreciated...Thanks.

We just added another robot and was planning on getting another Topcon (we have a QS and PS) but when we were told the new Topcons can't be used with Carlson Surveyor Plus ( you have to go with Topcon Controller) I decided to just get a Leica TS16 and match it to one of the CS20's we have for our GPS. Sokia can still interface to Carlson Surveyor but I read several bad reviews on it and decided not to give it a try. So far we are real happy with the TS16, it is very fast and keeps lock really well. Still working out the issues using the Leica coding for FTF on topos.

leegreen, post: 426984, member: 2332 wrote: I have used SurvCE with older Total Stations, but not with GT. Pretty sure there is no Carlson driver for it, and not certain if there is true iX driver in Carlson.

With today's latest technology you will only get 100% compatibility between Hardware and Software by sticking with OEM HW and SW. Even Carlson is match OEM Hardware with their software. You may ask [USER=6795]@arctan(x)[/USER] whom has the GT Robot and has experience with Magnet and SurvCE.

What part of Florida you in? I'm looking a projects in Orlando right now.

Hi Lee,

We do have a driver for the Topcon GT and for the Sokkia IX. PM me if you need it. The GT isn't in an official release yet, but I have a patch I could send you. You do need the OAF license for the GT.

Sarah Winter