If you have experience with these, could you let me know a thumbs up or down on these?
(I read the recent review/advert in the American Surveyor on the Surveyor+. And I saw the cool torture tests on the Surveyor+. All good stuff, but I don't plan on tossing mine out of the truck, I just want it to actually work,)
If anyone out there has used both, please share your knowledge.
We are buying one of these this week, so...
Thanks, and Merry Christmas!!!:gift:
-David
1.) I have used an Explorer, but not the Topcon one.
2.) most data collectors will do it.
3.) some do some things better than others.
4.) there is a big learning curve, no matter what you get
5.) I wish somebody would make a SIMPLE data collector, that does it all, and does cogo WELL.
6.) I am still using a TDS Ranger. IT is easier to STAY with something I know, than to change.
I know this does not help much, but it sort of helps to know where folks are on the map.
Merry Christmas!
Nate
> If you have experience with these, could you let me know a thumbs up or down on these?
>
> (I read the recent review/advert in the American Surveyor on the Surveyor+. And I saw the cool torture tests on the Surveyor+. All good stuff, but I don't plan on tossing mine out of the truck, I just want it to actually work,)
>
> If anyone out there has used both, please share your knowledge.
>
> We are buying one of these this week, so...
>
> Thanks, and Merry Christmas!!!:gift:
> -David
I could be wrong, but I was once told the TopCon FC2500 is basically a glorified Carlson Explorer.
IF that's the case, the Surveyor+ is head and shoulders better. The keys are more solid, spaced better, the Surveyor+ is rugged, bonds w/Bluetooth almost instantly (the Explorer often struggled with Bluetooth)...
As far as software...Carlson is easy to learn (minus the field to finish)...for basic surveying, I made the switch from Survey Pro to Carlson...was efficient with it in about 15 minutes...very intuitive.
You might need a radio for a robot though...not sure if a Surveyor+ is capable of that yet.
what ever you choose, take the time up front, to learn how to make a map with your new gear, you won't be sorry. Practice on your house or office so that it won't matter when you make mistakes. You will be much happier when your maps make themselves...:clap:
For what it's worth, I like my Carlson Explorer, never used Topcon but my son does and he likes it better. He works for another company full time and helps me on the weekends so I think he's used to the Topcon gear.
Doug
I currently use Carlson SurvCE 2.5 on the FC2000. This is simply an upgrade of the field computer.
Stay away from the 2500 its a piece of crap . After 1.5 years had to have the screen and keyboard replaced for the tune of 1000.00 bucks . It has been nothing but trouble since day one.
I have the Topcon FC-2500, and have used a Carlson Surveyor+ very lightly. The FC-2500 is NOT a glorified Carlson Explorer. It is a very rugged Data Collector. Between the FC-2500 and Surveyor+ I would say the Carlson is more rugged, but not by much and the difference is probably not worth considering.
I currently use TopSurv software with the FC-2500, but if I had the choice I would use SurvCE. The Topcon software works, but is not as user friendly or refined as Carlson.
I had the option of either controller and opted for the FC-2500 because it enabled me to use it wireless at the rod with my 8005 robot. If I had the option to use the Surveyor+ the same way, I would have opted for it instead.
An advantage of the Surveyor+ is the ability to upgrade to the Carlson RTK system.
Hope this helps.
I have a Carlson Surveyor+, and am very pleased with it. I haven't used the Topcon collector, so I can't compare. I will second the other's comments about the ruggedness of the unit and the software is really intuitive. It works very well with my network GPS rover, and pretty good with my Topcon Robot. I was having some communication issues with my robot, but they were mostly cleared up with the latest release of SurvCE. In all fairness to Carlson, the robot is 9 years old, so that might have been some of the problem. The idea about getting the add-on Carlson GPS unit is a good one, and if it had been available when I got my GPS unit, I would have gone that route. Overall, I'm very happy with it.
Dale Yawn
Savannah, Ga.
I agree with most on the board. You have a few distinct advantages getting the Carlson Surveyor over the Topcon.
1. Topcon isn't the most user-friendly software in the world. Carlson is easy to use, easier to learn and allows you to "finish" more of your work in the field, if that's what floats your boat.
2. The Carlson is much more rugged. I tend to favor the Ranger 3 even more, but if you're trying to stay out of Survey Pro the Surveyor is the next best option.
3. Carlson is upgradable and exchangeable. If you're looking to get into a network rover, you can upgrade very easy and very cheap, probably one of the cheapest on the market. I am not the biggest fan of the Carlson GPS, but I'd take it over several of the manufacturers anyway.
4. Carlson support is exactly what they say. It is great. If you have a problem they will fix it. If you have a recommendation they will listen to it.
The Carlson customer support is excellent.
Dale Yawn
Savannah, Ga.