I just posted this to another thread but the company I work for has two Leica TCRP1203 robots for sale, one has internal radio and one is external radio. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, we can ship. Call and talk to Steve 801-664-4900, or shoot him an email steve.collier@crsengineers.com
Tom, Trimble has just released a new series of TS's. I would check out the S7, it supposed to be a little cheaper than an S6 but have the same features.
I'd go with a Leica at this point. I've used a lot of the newer Trimble equipment, but as far as Total Stations go, I probably wouldn't buy another. I've got an S6 and a VX that are reasonably capable instruments, but they're just not as tight feeling as the Leica, and I've had too many little issues compared to the Leica equipment.
I'm also not a fan of the VX's mag drive; any breeze and you'll see your horizontal angles moving as the wind hits the setup. The other issue is that the Trimble 360 prism has an offset to it when it's being used; look through your objective and you'll see that it's pointing above and to the side of the activetrack prism most of the time. Trimble tells you that this is normal and that the equipment calculates this offset, but it gives you little ability to physically ensure that you're getting the shot you want.
I'm going to be pushing to get a Leica Nova TS50 next time around, though by then I'm sure something else will have come out that'll make me look again.
Topcon DS 205
Talked with the salesman who sold me my Topcon ES 105 today. Im going to demo a package. Its a Topcon DS 205 robotic. Comes complete with everything. $19,000 with a FC500 collector or $20,000 with a Tesla collector. Topcon Magnet field software.
> The other issue is that the Trimble 360 prism has an offset to it when it's being used; look through your objective and you'll see that it's pointing above and to the side of the activetrack prism most of the time. Trimble tells you that this is normal and that the equipment calculates this offset, but it gives you little ability to physically ensure that you're getting the shot you want.
>
I can understand your concern, and respect your opinion, but if the instrument is performing as designed, what is the issue? Do you perform the Autolock collimation on a regular basis like the manual says, and do you check angle turns with Autolock off and on to make sure it is performing correctly, like the manual says? If so, why point it out as a negative?
> > The other issue is that the Trimble 360 prism has an offset to it when it's being used; look through your objective and you'll see that it's pointing above and to the side of the activetrack prism most of the time. Trimble tells you that this is normal and that the equipment calculates this offset, but it gives you little ability to physically ensure that you're getting the shot you want.
> >
>
> I can understand your concern, and respect your opinion, but if the instrument is performing as designed, what is the issue? Do you perform the Autolock collimation on a regular basis like the manual says, and do you check angle turns with Autolock off and on to make sure it is performing correctly, like the manual says? If so, why point it out as a negative?
I've done the checks and it generally works out fine. I've had a few bad angles turned using autolock that could be from multiple sources rather than specifically the offset calculation, but it's more of a quality of life thing to me. I'd rather be able to physically take a look and see what the instrument is pointing at, rather than have to rely on another layer of calculation being done in the background.
For some this might not be an issue, but I'd rather have my instrument aiming at the prism rather than off to the side, even with the promise that the equipment will calculate the position of the rod.
> > > The other issue is that the Trimble 360 prism has an offset to it when it's being used; look through your objective and you'll see that it's pointing above and to the side of the activetrack prism...
Trimble 5603 is like this and has always been. It bugged me for awhile, then I got over it. It works. If it really bugs you stop looking through the telescope.
> > > > The other issue is that the Trimble 360 prism has an offset to it when it's being used; look through your objective and you'll see that it's pointing above and to the side of the activetrack prism...
> Trimble 5603 is like this and has always been. It bugged me for awhile, then I got over it. It works. If it really bugs you stop looking through the telescope.
I might need to buy an eyepatch, or tell my helper to yell at me if he catches me doing it. Hard habit to break.
Topcon DS 205
We have been considering the DS series as well since we have a crew or two that robots are not always the best for but it would be great to have when you need it. We have a Topcon PS that we really like as a robot but it is not the best for when you want or need a guy behind the gun. We have recently started using a Panasonic Toughpad with it since the standard Topcon collectors start to bog down when you upload jobs with thousands of points in them. The Toughpad takes care of those issues but it is a bit bulky.
My dealer actually suggested to not go with the DS series but that was a while ago. I think we may try it out and decide for ourselves.
Trimble's NEW AT360 Active prism solves all of the pointing issues and keeps the cross hairs right in the center of the cylinder.
Gregg Gaffney, post: 315217, member: 1111 wrote: Topcon DS 205
We have been considering the DS series as well since we have a crew or two that robots are not always the best for but it would be great to have when you need it. We have a Topcon PS that we really like as a robot but it is not the best for when you want or need a guy behind the gun. We have recently started using a Panasonic Toughpad with it since the standard Topcon collectors start to bog down when you upload jobs with thousands of points in them. The Toughpad takes care of those issues but it is a bit bulky.
My dealer actually suggested to not go with the DS series but that was a while ago. I think we may try it out and decide for ourselves.
Have had a great experience with our Sokkia DX (blue DS) running with SurvCE on Surveyor2. Also have a new SX, prefer the knobs on the side of the SX opposed to conventional placement on the DX but it doesn't matter much when it's being run robotic.
A few random thoughts.
We tried purchasing based on service experience twice. It crippled the work flow for years. Service and loyalty are awesome, but junk will always be junk.
I use the S6. If you invest a little time learning what works it's great. I use mine solo on a large building site and it ROCKS.
I've used 2 SRX series. I wouldn't buy another, ever.
Good luck, Tom
I was just buying a refurbished S3 but that fell through as it didnt have active tracking...
I had my nerves considering the S3 has been out a while and was an older machine...
Ended up being a blessing in disguise as the same day the dealer found me a refurbished S7 through trimble for only $3500 more.
No brainer. Now im eagerly awaiting my new S7 😀
Check out the new Geomax Zomm90. Package total is under $30,000. Well under $30,000 should I say.
thebionicman, post: 368256, member: 8136 wrote:
I've used 2 SRX series. I wouldn't buy another, ever.
What sort of problems did you have with the SRX?
If you go with a used TS, don't get a model that is too old. Sometimes the parts that break are parts that don't break very often, and so there just aren't many replacement parts available for some older units. We kept one unit in service for quite a number of years, and found out that when the compensator went out out, the model was not supported any longer, and parts had to be found from old inventory. yeah, I know, we shoulda stayed updated with the times, but you know how it goes, you get used to something, time goes by, you live with the quirks, you have a few kids, wait! wait! confusion on what I was thinking of!
I am a Leica guy, meaning all my equipment is from Leica.
I am currently running TS15I, CS15 & GS14 and I am extremely happy with this set.
If I will decide at some point to move forward with upgrade- it will be TS16I, CS20 & GS16.
It is important to make sure when you buy TS and data collector that you also utilize the same brand for GPS option.
Leica is not going to be the cheapest option but it is solid as a rock and improvements they made in TS16 to recognize just your prism is very big advantage ( you know that you are not shooting mirrors or windows).
Ones again I never ran and considered others brands so I might a little bit biased.
Big Al, post: 381622, member: 837 wrote: What sort of problems did you have with the SRX?
Maintaining Bluetooth connection was difficult, as was tracking the glass. Few jobs went by without errant shots on passing cars or reflective vests. Measuring angle sets could take 15 to 20 minutes per monument. All in all a very cheap, inconsistent instrument.
