I'm considering purchasing a Topcon robot, and am trying to work through the process in a rational manner. I've used one before briefly, and fell in love with the reflectorless capability, can see lots of applications where that would be a major boost.
I'm looking for opinions about both the pros and cons from those whom use them. My one negative is the weight at both the rod and instrument, much bulkier and heavier than my Leica. The dog whistle feature underwhelmed me, but I willingly concede it was due more to my lack of experience than the functionality of the hardware. I will be using it with a Ranger and Survey Pro Max.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Are you only looking for guns that work with Survey Pro? Do you know if the Topcon 9000 works perfectly with it? TDS, now Spectra Precision, will not make any software updates to fix problems with it if you discover any.
The one I used before had a Ranger with TDS Robotics, zero software problems or compatibility issues. I'm using Max because that is what I just bought, to use with my Leica and Bantam radios. I don't know how well it works with either instrument, as I just purchased it and have not received it yet.
The wieght at the rod ia not an issue very light . But if your going to spend the big bucks get the Topcon data collector that has the radio on it. Its very robust and works all the time . I used Topsurv for a year and then found out Carlson would work with the Topcon data collector Fc2500 and the 9000 . Works great I would recommend this setup to anyone . I used TDS as well but I cant see not using the built in Radios that come with the Robot.
I agree. I have a 8000 series robot and I use a FC-2500 with a built in radio, and the weight at the rod is not bad at all and being wireless is the best. If you want to reduce weight at the rod you can go with a FC-250 or the even smaller FC-25.
The dog whistle takes some getting used to, but I like having two different search options.
I have used TDS, Carlson and TopSurv, each one has their strengths. I choose to stick with a TopSurv since it came on the Data Collector and I have been pleased with it.
Just curious what model Leica are you using and why would you want to go to Topcon?
Ralph
TCA 1103 with the RCS 1100 data controller. I just purchased a Ranger with Max and am adding the Bantam radios next month, when the expense check comes in. 🙂
I have used this setup, on and off, for 15 years. I did beta testing back in the day for the original firmware and have used it both with TDS and with the original GSI formatted operating system. It is a great system, has served me well, and have no complaints about accuracy.
I have used both the 1100 and 1200 series reflectorless, and never felt Leica really had it nailed down. I had too many redundant checks not check out to really develop any faith in the reflectorless capability. I love many things about Leica, but reflectorless is not one of them.
The three weeks I used the Topcon really impressed me. I set up a wall for monitoring, and shot it with my existing Leica system and prisms (my baseline data), the Topcon with prisms, and the Topcon reflectorless. I had consistent accuracies between the three within 3 thousandths for 42 monitored positions on a daily basis for two of the three weeks I used the Topcon.
The reason for the change is simple. I am borrowing the RCS 1100 and need to return it, and decided to move to the Ranger for a controller, due to the massive upgrade. The onboard TDS software is no longer supported, and let's face it, it is time to move on.
If you are looking at the 9000, take a good look at the QS. After talking with sales for a couple hours last month, I have pretty much decided teh QS with the new radios is teh better setup. More compact, light, and easy to use. Cost is almost even when you add external radios ans a DC.
Thanks For the reply PL,
I've been out of the loop for over a year, so I'm not up to speed with some of the developments. It appears Topcon has kicked it up a notch.
Ralph
I've been using the Topcon 9003 with the FC 200 controller running Topsurv for almost 3 years now. It's the only robot I've used, so I can't compare it with others. I've been very satisified with its performance. The software is very intuitive. it acquires lock fairly quickly. It's been a dependable system. One downside is that we do a lot of battery changing. Both the controller and the instrument batteries last about half a day. That's something I'd be interested in knowing about other systems. I've seen a video clip on the QS system and it looks impresive. I don't know what the price difference between the 9000 and the QS is, but I think it would be worth looking in to.
I too saw the QS video vs The Leica. However I was always under the impression that Leica had the best reflectorless technology. In fact I was just watching a webinar on their site which described how they had the narrowest beam on the market etc.
Ralph
