Robotic Total Station

> Looking into buying a robotic total station. Looking for the full package with a collector, 360 prism, etc. Any input and price info appreciated.
What kind of work do you intend to do with it, Thomas? It makes a difference.

IMHO, you should select a dealer that will give you good service and then buy what they are selling. After that, shop for the collector software that works best with your office work flow, then buy the hardware that runs it best.

Thanks Norman. I do have a dealer that I am happy with. I bought my last total station off them (topcon es 105). I'm partial to topcon but open to other options. Would be doing layout and small topo projects. I want to keep my 105 for woods traverses. As far as software, I have been using Carlson CE for many years and would like to stay with that.

> IMHO, you should select a dealer that will give you good service and then buy what they are selling.

I consider this Step 2. Given the size of the investment and the performance differences between makes and models, I believe that Step 1 is seeing first-hand how each of candidate models performs on the kinds of surveys that you do. Excellent support of a poorly-suited product is pretty much worthless.

Point taken. Thanks Jim

Any vendor would likely let you try out a couple of different setups. They wouldn't be new, but that would give you a chance to make a good decision on what you would need.

Trimble S6, TSC3 data collector, 360 multi-track prism. You will have no problems. I would be prepared to spend 30-35k. But will easily last 10-15 years.

I was figuring around 30,000 fully set up. I've seen cheaper but I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

I own a Leica 1103 that has served me quite well for the past 5 years, and have run other identical units for almost 15 years. I've also run Geodimeter, two different Topcons, a Trimble that was essentially a yellow Geodimeter and all have their strengths and weaknesses.

If I had to replace the one I have tomorrow with something else, I'd go with a Sokkia SRX and Carlson. I had to train up a guy in two weeks who had never used either a data collector or robot before, and had him up and running with Carlson and the Sokkia in three days. By the second week he was competent enough to diagnose his own problems and really didn't need me anymore.

The system is solid, and has reflectorless capability as well. I'll always keep the Leica as long as it keeps kicking, as it makes a great woods traverse gun, with on-board TDS and three good batteries can leave the cables and external battery in the truck and just go conventional.

I currently have a topcon es105 I bought 2 years ago. I really love it and will keep it for a woods gun. I was loomings at the sokkia. Sokkia and topcon are the same company and are very similar.

I've owned a Trimble 5603 robotic total station with a TSC2 data collector for 10 years now. Still going strong, besides having to replace screens on the TSC2. If I were you, I would peruse ebay and get a used set up for under 10 grand.

Hi Thomas,

I have a nice Leica TCRP1203 kit I'm looking to sell. It's been fully refurbished and would make a great system for you. If you wanted an Allegro with SurvCE that could be substituted for an extra $2k. Here's the link to more info: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=111544330146

These are highly productive and durable instruments which have stood the test of time. I've been using one in the field for the last five years and have been nothing but pleased. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Will Haynes
Precision Geosystems, Inc.
949-500-0289
[email protected]

What is your RTK/Total Station percentage of use?

If you use RTK for the bulk of your work, look into a Sokkia Focus 30. It is a great robot at a great price. If you are heavy into total station work, the Trimble S6 with the Active Track 360 is the ultimate. The software is up to you. All of the main players will work with either system.

Up here in Northern New Hampshire, RTK is almost useless due to the tree cover and terrain. I am a full total station operation. That is why I am not afraid to buy a new unit. It would be my main component.

Greetings Sir,

I've been robotic since about 1995. Started out with Geodimeter, then Trimble screwed them up.

Still running a 5600 and TSC2 and works like a robot should. Love it!!

I know some Leica people who swear by them, even the Topgon guys. Dunno. But if you get in bed with Trimble, you will be in bed with all their stupid and very annoying updates. Not sure about the other vendors, but suspect the same?

The batteries will die before you, so look into that. Temperature does impact said batteries.

Money talks and BS walks. Have your best client buy you one, or talk to your local peers and see what they have..... just sayin'

Best of luck and move on....

Go Wings!! 😉

:good:

I just recently took the jump into robotic. I never had used one before 4months ago. I got a geomax robot setup with DC, 360* prism, tripod, and rod from Allen precision. Give me call if you want to discuss 828-421-4919.

I have for sale 2 brand new Sokkia SX-105T SRX 5 second for sale. You can look at my posting here: [msg=308927] https://surveyorconnect.com/index.php?mode=thread&id=308927 [/msg]

> I just recently took the jump into robotic. I never had used one before 4months ago. I got a geomax robot setup with DC, 360* prism, tripod, and rod from Allen precision. Give me call if you want to discuss 828-421-4919.

Hi Aaron,
What do you think of your new GeoMax setup? It's basically the Leica 1200 in new clothes if I'm not mistaken. Where do you have to send it in for service? What made you choose it over the Carlson model?

Kindly,
Will Haynes
Precision Geosystems, Inc.

Thomas, I would also suggest to entertain the idea of buying a good instrument from abroad. Any retailer from the EU (European Union) would be an interesting option. If you have a look at current USD / EUR exchange rate you will understand why I am suggesting this option. You could get very nice set up for 25-30 % less. Shipping and insurance would cost you cost you a little bit more (around 300 EUR), but the price difference would be substantial.

I don't want to advertise our store as it would be unethical, hence I have suggested any EU retailer.