Thought's on these collectors?
I have a crew that loves them and they make me money, so I keep buying them. I was stuck in Shamrock, Texas last year with one and almost pulled my hair out. I cannot navigate them.
That is NOT a reflection of the product, rather my own simplistic shortcomings. We have actually had no problems with them.
Adam, post: 332294, member: 8900 wrote: Thought's on these collectors?
They are made by Juniper Systems - it is the Archer2 with the Topcon keypad and different endcaps
Adam, post: 332294, member: 8900 wrote: Thought's on these collectors?
Like the data collector, hate the programing. First time I ever got a new data collector I couldn't find anything about the programing to say "well, at least that's better than the last one". Topcon may have a few professional surveyors on board but they couldn't have had any say in the programing or they're not very field savy. That said, the box seems relatively water tight and shock resistant. Like the screen for working in bright sun.
CHarmon, post: 332317, member: 25 wrote: Like the data collector, hate the programing. First time I ever got a new data collector I couldn't find anything about the programing to say "well, at least that's better than the last one". Topcon may have a few professional surveyors on board but they couldn't have had any say in the programing or they're not very field savy. That said, the box seems relatively water tight and shock resistant. Like the screen for working in bright sun.
C Harmon,
What software were you running on the FC500? From the sounds of your post, it may have been Pocket3D. This software was not written for surveyors. It is a dumb done software for construction layout. Magnet Field is the preferred software surveyors from Topcon. I use it everyday. Very powerful, and much faster on a Windows PC tablet. Can any survey needs, GPS, Robotic, Levels.
leegreen, post: 332463, member: 2332 wrote: C Harmon,
What software were you running on the FC500? From the sounds of your post, it may have been Pocket3D. This software was not written for surveyors. It is a dumb done software for construction layout. Magnet Field is the preferred software surveyors from Topcon. I use it everyday. Very powerful, and much faster on a Windows PC tablet. Can any survey needs, GPS, Robotic, Levels.
Topcon's Magnet Field.
After using TDS (I don't remember why but I wasn't a big fan of), numerous Sokkia SDRs & Carlson's collection software I'd have to say that Magnet has been the hardest to rap my head around. Oh, wait. There was the Lieca "controller" (not a data collector, that's the memory card in the controller I was reminded constantly by the salesman & trainers) that I gave up on after 6 months of grief. That was 15 years ago, I would hope it's gotten better. I guess the Magnet must not be that horrible cause I'm still muddling through it a year later. With TDS, Sokkia & Carlson I never had to have any training, everything was easy to learn. Took me one day to figure out the "Localization" in the Carlson and still fight with the same thing in Magnet. The manual is somewhat more than useless. Some items it's very clear on other's it Step A then Step Z. I guess you just should know the steps in between.
CHarmon,
The way I see. Software like Carlson CE and TDS have built in work flows, which you must follow. Step 1, 2 3. no way around.
Magnet allow's the end user to go straight to step 3, then to step 1 if they choose. No set work flow. Define your own and customize the procedures to fit your project. That's why manuals are not too helpful, and a onsite training can be very productive. Most people only utilize 20% of the software's full potential, I strive to find out what the the other 80% can do to make my job easier.
With Magnet I can work in full 3d, with Microstation and AutoCAD files on the fly. No need to precompute my cogo points in the office from a CAD file. I can bounce between datums, units and projects with ease. There is only one data base file that holds both raw data and computed data. So if I make a change, both are updated.
Also very important to stay on top of upgrades and firmwares updates. Current version of Magnet Field is v3.1
Let me know what your are struggling with. I can help get you productive with Magnet Field.
We have had a FC500 for a year now and have a REAL hard time with it. We have used TDS for the past 10 years and became really accustomed to the ease of use. For instance, on a large as-built you cant just simply keep hitting enter for the some description. Its always 2 or 3 steps. The software designers focused too much in fancy things like attributes and codes rather than just everyday use. Has anyone made a smooth transition from TDS to MAGNET?
Nu-South Surveying, post: 338803, member: 10556 wrote: We have had a FC500 for a year now and have a REAL hard time with it. We have used TDS for the past 10 years and became really accustomed to the ease of use. For instance, on a large as-built you cant just simply keep hitting enter for the some description. Its always 2 or 3 steps. The software designers focused too much in fancy things like attributes and codes rather than just everyday use. Has anyone made a smooth transition from TDS to MAGNET?
Sounds like you are not using codes, but using NOTE's in the code field. You certainly can us the same code with just hitting enter to store the shot. Also you may have the prompt on for codes after the shot. Have you tried to setup QUICK codes. I suggest you look into these commands, talk to your Topcon dealer or give me a call.
Is that where have a pre-loaded list of commands? I certainly appreciate you help on this. We have been very disappointed but maybe you can help me be more efficient. But part of the issue is I haven't been able to talk to a actual user. Thanks.
Nu-South Surveying, post: 338971, member: 10556 wrote: Is that where have a pre-loaded list of commands? I certainly appreciate you help on this. We have been very disappointed but maybe you can help me be more efficient. But part of the issue is I haven't been able to talk to a actual user. Thanks.
That is a problem. Very few dealers seem to know this software well enough to answer questions.
Give me a call 315 831 8175