My nephew is a concrete contractor who's looking for a layout tool that'll allow him to do things like position a foundation on a site and layout/square up forms by himself.?ÿ He's looking at both the Topcon LN-100 and the Trimble RPT600 systems.?ÿ He's asked my opinion of them, but I have no experience with either.?ÿ Both appear to be mini-robots with no optics and minimal on-board controls, everything is done from the controller.
The Topcon brochure provides accuracy specifications, but the Trimble brochure seems to be silent in that regard, which I find curious.?ÿ The Trimble system is almost half again as expensive as the Topcon, according to the dealer quotes.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone familiar with these systems as to their suitability for the tasks my nephew has in mind.
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I do a lot of training with Mason and concrete contractors using the LN100. It is a very accurate, fast and easy to use Robotic instrument.
Biggest advantage over any other robot is the ease of setup, since this has an automatic level feature and laser plummet. Also has a few pre-cautionary features to help end users that don't understand trig limitations. For example, this instrument will not measure beyond 350'. So as to reduce vertical trig errors.
Training and support to these contractors is key. Magnet software has a?ÿ great set of tools design for the contract.
I can provide a live demo via virtual desktop.
Disclaimer. I don't work for Topcon sales, nor support. I just provide consulting services to many of their clients, as it the brand I own and use in my daily practice. I then build and verify the 2d and 3d drawings for these clients. Then go into the field with them the first day on-site to verify control, very their equipment, assistance with procedures and assist them remotely from there. I believe this is the shift in construction surveying today. Surveyors are now therefore QA/QC, support, and provide as-builts. I have been very successful supporting contractors in BIM industry. Unfortunately this does piss off many other Surveyors, as they see it as loss of work and income.
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I looked into this a bit more.?ÿ
Similarities:
- The Trimble RPT600 does have auto leveling?ÿfeature like the Topcon LN100.
- Both are limited to using only Vendor specific software.
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Differences are:
Range - LN100 maximum distance is?ÿ350' , RPT600 is 164'
EDM - LN100 will only measure to?ÿa prism,?ÿ RPT600 has green dot laser w/ prism less mode
Vertical Range - LN100 very limited vertical,?ÿ RPT600 is much better
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Seems the RPT is more like a layout laser, not really intended for a rod.
I do a lot of training with Mason and concrete contractors using the LN100. It is a very accurate, fast and easy to use Robotic instrument.
Biggest advantage over any other robot is the ease of setup, since this has an automatic level feature and laser plummet. Also has a few pre-cautionary features to help end users that don't understand trig limitations. For example, this instrument will not measure beyond 350'. So as to reduce vertical trig errors.
Training and support to these contractors is key. Magnet software has a?ÿ great set of tools design for the contract.
I can provide a live demo via virtual desktop.
Disclaimer. I don't work for Topcon sales, nor support. I just provide consulting services to many of their clients, as it the brand I own and use in my daily practice. I then build and verify the 2d and 3d drawings for these clients. Then go into the field with them the first day on-site to verify control, very their equipment, assistance with procedures and assist them remotely from there. I believe this is the shift in construction surveying today. Surveyors are now therefore QA/QC, support, and provide as-builts. I have been very successful supporting contractors in BIM industry. Unfortunately this does piss off many other Surveyors, as they see it as loss of work and income.
Can I take you up on the offer to do a demo for Topcon LN-100?
I am trying to determine the best solution for plumbing/electrical contractor. We do these jobs primarily in commercial sometimes industrial sector. Need to layout pipe/conduit position before excavation. Later doing layout of concrete slab penetrations, fire collars, wood knockers and etc...?ÿ
My original pick was Leica robotic station. However, after more research I see that LN-100 might be a better solution for our needs. I've seen a lot of people saying on forums that Leica soft is more complicated (which is a concern when it comes to training of field crews) Is there is a real benefit in buying twice more expensive equipment for work that we do or LN-100 is more than enough for such application?
Should I buy Topcon tablet (which runs on windows 10 as I understand) or iPad will work just as well?
How does collaboration works in Magnet software? Can I see in real time what is going on with my layout (considering that I will take care of data connection) Can points be updated "on the fly" if something needs to be corrected without getting tablet back to office etc..
Can points be set up in Autocad? Is there Magnet plugin of some sort? Also, how do I set up initial points set by surveyor on my plan? Can it be done in Autocad or only in Magnet software? So basically I do not fully understand how to tie in digital plan to actual position. (no experience in surveying, like 0, but I am learning and able to do so)
I would highly appreciate any advice or input on this one.
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Thank you!
For MEP only another thing to look at is the spectra quick mark system. I don??t think it will do vertical well but is a pretty slick system for getting a mark on the floor or ceiling?ÿ
This thread caught my interest, pretty neat construction layout tools out there now.?ÿ This Leica ICON seems like the bees knees for MEP/Masons.
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what was the final verdict? I'm a concrete contractor and need a layout tool.?ÿ looking at hilti and tapcon LN100. im no rocket scientist so it has to be easy to use.
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I never heard back about a purchase.?ÿ I'll have to follow up with my nephew.
