Hopefully this is in the right section. Has anyone used any of the newer Spectra GPS or Robotic systems? If so how did they compare to ease of use durability, and the im sure overly debated topic of fixing and providing accurate data under a canopy in comparison to Trimble R8's, Topcon Hiper V or II as well as similar trimble, topcon and sokkia robotic stations?
Thanks in advance.
What are you using it for?
I had the focus 30 and now have the 35 and use it for boundary. It obv doesn't have active lock, but only the trimbles do. The passive lock could be frustrating if not used to it, but once you learn to work as a team with the robot, then work seems to fly off the schedule.
I do boundary work and construction layout for houses and some smaller buildings. And it definitely does the job.
There is no power search like the leica has but the search it does have works when needed.
The software is super easy to use. Very user friendly.
Durability? I'm not sure. Had my 30 almost 3 years but I dropped it on flagstone. Other than that it was never in the repair shop once.
My poor focus after its deadly drop. 🙁
I also have an epoch 50. I use it real time primarily for elevations only. Not that it wouldn't do anything else, I just don't have much use for it. Once in a while I use it to get some SPC for a specific project.
Does the Focus 30/35 have Geolock -- where it uses the GPS on the data collector to help find the target?
30s and 35s have geolock! I use a 30 mostly for construction staking and topo. I'd put it up against any robot out there for speed, reliability and ease of use. This thing is a money maker!!!
Of 4 Focus 30s that were delivered 2 broke down almost immediately and were sent away - for weeks - for major repairs. Once fixed they seemed to deliver good data, and the performance was good. But I have to wonder about long term reliability. Time will tell.
I have a Focus 30 and two Epoch 50 units. I am very satisfied with the performance, but I don't have any basis to compare to Trimble.
I would buy both again without blinking. I am a small shop and am always in control of the equipment in the field so it is always treated with care.
Has geo lock. But I've never used it. To be honest if geo lock took more than 10 seconds to find me than I wouldn't use it anyway. I'm usually working within 100 feet of the robot so I can see where it's pointing. So I can just hit search and lock right on. If I moved a bit, I just turn the machine with the arrows then hit search.
Once you are working farther away, like 200 feet, it never loses you. The angle of the field of vision is so little that even if you walk behind a tree, when you come out the other side, you will still be right in its track and be locked.
I have 2 Epoch 50's that have proved very tough and reliable. I use them as a back up now and have been debating with myself about selling them, if anyone is interested.
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TXSurveyor, post: 357834, member: 6719 wrote: Hopefully this is in the right section. Has anyone used any of the newer Spectra GPS or Robotic systems? If so how did they compare to ease of use durability, and the im sure overly debated topic of fixing and providing accurate data under a canopy in comparison to Trimble R8's, Topcon Hiper V or II as well as similar trimble, topcon and sokkia robotic stations?
Thanks in advance.
I'd be happy to chat with you about your question, call any time. If I miss you, leave a message! -Rod
thanks to everyone for your response so far
Adam, post: 357875, member: 8900 wrote: I have 2 Epoch 50's that have proved very tough and reliable. I use them as a back up now and have been debating with myself about selling them, if anyone is interested.
how much?