Going to demo a Topcon DS205 robotic next week. It comes with either the Tesla or FC500. Both will have magnet installed. I'm going to demo both collectors. Good and bad info on both?
FC500 easier to see in the sun. Liked the balance on the rod better. Tesla had a bigger screen. We went with the FC500 and don't feel like we're missing because we do 90% boundary work we didn't feel the bigger screen would be a benefit.
That is my thinking too. Ill demo both but almost bet I will end up with the 500.
Have the same instrument, I do 'stake out' in the UK, the demo model came with the Tesla the screen size was great don't get me wrong but i had the following issues:
Battery Life, didn't seem to last that long, bracket system, ball and clamp, also slowly dropping or wriggling about.
In the end, my rep suggested the FC500, smaller, lighter, cheaper and more powerful processor than the Tesla, been very impressed with the controller and much prefer to the Tesla.
Do you like the instrument as a robotic?
Its my first Robot, previously had the Topcon OS so already familiar with Magnet.
Have experienced a few moments of lost lock, but these have been me getting in the way as new to robotic or being too close to the instrument.
Two full batteries should get you 6-8 hours of surveying, the kit comes with two, I owned two with the OS but as standard only came with one, so when traded in retain one, there is sufficient space in the case for all three, two in the case one in the total station.
As with the OS, the DS will drain a battery if left over a long weekend, because of the TS Shield
My favorite thing about the package is the prism, with a 5/8th thread above and below, so i have it mounted on the CF pole (1.420m) and have a Seco point on the top (0.170m) so can quickly change for precision work. That said i've invested in some other points so as i have more options.
Thanks for the info. Sounds like overall its a good setup. Sounds like what I'm looking for.
Why not a tablet with a rubberized case and windows 8.1 with a clamp pole holder. Complete setup $200 + Magnet subscription cost.
I agree with Line Bender below. The Windows CE operating system is way outdated, and too slow. No apps for it.
Tell your Topcon dealer you want to demo a Panasonic ToughPad FZ-M1 with Windows 7 (some minor bluetooth issue on Win 8), with Magnet Field. They may be reluctant to offering it, as it is not Topcon made, so less $$ for them. You can purchase these online. Do a side by side comparison with the Tesla. You will notice ToughPad is easily 20x faster than the FC500 or Tesla. Plus you can use any Windows program. MS Outlook, Excel, Word, AutoCAd, Carlson Survey. etc. Sync all your files instantly to a cloud (ie: Gdrive) with WiFi or Cell modem and you never have to cable to a PC.
One problem is the pole mount is very flimsy for the ToughPad. Last summer my ToughPad fell out of the flimsy universal RAM mount, and bounced off the concrete. I then created a much better mount and case, using a 3d printer. Carlson just asked for 35 of these cases. They will soon be selling the ToughPad with SurvPC.
Here is a link to the ToughPad pole mount.
PS: Not trying to market these. Just offering a logical solution to question asked.
Lee Green