We are probably in the market for a new total station by spring time. We do not have GNSS capabilities right now and really don't need that. I don't necessarily need robotic because I prefer someone manning the station, but am willing to consider that option. I use the reflector-less measuring regularly, for tree lines, power poles, etc. Currently we use a Nikon NPL-522, and use the on board data collector. I wish it used SD cards, other than that, I have been happy with it.
What do you folks use, and what do you like and or dislike about them?
I figure the testimonials on here are worth far more than me researching everything out there.
If I were buying new and funds were there, I would still buy a robot. If a person is sick the other can work. When doing stakeout work, two people can be on the front-side and it becomes much easier to handle a rod, 2 bags and a hammer.
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We use a Topcon ES-105 5" reflectorless total station. I like the electronic plate level with the digital display! The horizontal tangent screw backlash is minimal, and the clamp holds zero most of the time. The tangent screws and clamps could be of a little better quality. Shooting to a prism can be a pain. Most of the time, the prism has to be mostly clear of clutter to get a shot. The instrument connects easily with our data collector.
Chris Duncan, post: 405436, member: 7540 wrote: . I don't necessarily need robotic because I prefer someone manning the station,
Just because it is robotic doesn't mean you can't have someone stand next to it.
I currently use a Topcon PS and I wouldn't recommend it. A Trimble anything would be great, but perhaps a little spendy. If I were in the market I would be having a long look at the Geomax Zoom80 with SurvCE. It's a rebranded Leica TS15.
I have a Trimble S3 and a Leica MS60. Both are great instruments. I started with a Topcon 802 and it was great. A lot of cables. If it got the job done. If it had been reflectorless, like the 8000's, I would've kept it.
I have found that the trimble unit seem to be the easiest to learn. If you get a Trimble I would suggest getting survey pro as your software. Far more field surveyor friendly.
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Trimble M3 with 3" accuracy. A very kick a$$ gun. It has full Trimble Access on board with no data collector. Reflectorless, very small, USB data transfer.
10-12k. Well work it. Also it is paternal twin to the Nikon 3M, so your experience with Nikon (screw locations, size, etc) will make it smooth transition.
Mark Mayer, post: 405545, member: 424 wrote: ...the Geomax Zoom80 with SurvCE. It's a rebranded Leica TS15.
Not accurate.
The geomax zoom80 is 1200+ family.
The geomax zoom90 is ts15 family.
Chris Duncan, post: 405436, member: 7540 wrote: We are probably in the market for a new total station by spring time. We do not have GNSS capabilities right now and really don't need that. I don't necessarily need robotic because I prefer someone manning the station, but am willing to consider that option. I use the reflector-less measuring regularly, for tree lines, power poles, etc. Currently we use a Nikon NPL-522, and use the on board data collector. I wish it used SD cards, other than that, I have been happy with it.
What do you folks use, and what do you like and or dislike about them?
I figure the testimonials on here are worth far more than me researching everything out there.
Just bought two Leica TS06 total stations. Wow is all I can say. We may never run Topcon again, and APE sold them right. 13k for two guns.......
We used to use nikon npls with tsc2 collectors, plenty of memory that way. once we bought our first robot we were hooked. much cheaper and easier than a survey hand, my trimble S6 never calls in sick, never gets arrested, never has baby mama drama. and as Jason said 2 guys out front for staking is really nice. especially curb and gutter, blue topping etc...
Goemax Zoom 80 with Carlson from Allen Precision was on sale last time I checked. I think it as 13 or 14k for the entire package. That's not that much more than a regular TS. I think you would find a lot of advantages to having it automatically track, point, and shoot, especially if you are doing topo in an open area or parking lot. Conservatively I would say in those situations it's probably about 3 times faster than the best instrument man. If you will be in the woods or something you can turn off the auto-search and just have the I-man point it at you. Best of both worlds if you ask me. Also, the reflectorless goes very far.
I'd go with a Leica TS06 with either a Survey Pro or Carlson SurveCE data collector.
I concur on a robot. The new geomax zoom90 can come with Carlson, if you like on board and don't want to spend a lot. Zoom80 is good too. I prefer the zoom80 because it has visual angles on it, geomax has no software on the zoom90 to display angles, etc. But if you run on board, Carlson can display that info on the screen.
Thanks guys. Your opinions on this are very helpful. Now we need to decide on what the budget will allow, which is why it will be spring before we buy one. This fees back will be a great head start on comparing the options.
ken, post: 405606, member: 1548 wrote: geomax has no software on the zoom90 to display angles
I'm finding it hard to believe that anyone would design a total station with an on-board display that doesn't display angle and distance data. It would take only the simplest of firmware programming tasks to display that data; did they really leave it out?
StLSurveyor, post: 405563, member: 7070 wrote: Trimble M3 with 3" accuracy. A very kick a$$ gun. It has full Trimble Access on board with no data collector. Reflectorless, very small, USB data transfer.
10-12k. Well work it. Also it is paternal twin to the Nikon 3M, so your experience with Nikon (screw locations, size, etc) will make it smooth transition.
I have one of these. Fill in for where RTK doesn't fit. It's my light weight mountain transit. Recently worked great working in a tunnel. Not a robot but great reflectorless.
What type of work do you do? Robots are fantastic for site work with few setups. I wouldn't recommend one for lots of traverse work.
Narrow beam. Reflectorless. Laser Plummet.
Narrow beam, so you can get the ACTUAL shot you need. This comes at a price. you occasionally will have to collumate or index the laser to hit the cross hairs.
Reflectorless. So you can shoot your homemade targets made of DOT tape. Just a pinch will do. And, can shoot building corners, pwr lines, etc. The USEFULNESS of this, is only to be experienced.
Laser Plummet.
Absolutely necessary, to run TALL STAKES. Setting up on a nail, just 1" below the bell housing (Bell Housing, is the device you rotate to screw the inst to the tripod).
Now, cut off small trees, place a finish nail, with accordian of flagging (small) and a pinch of DOT tape. = Foresite, Backsite, and inst pt.
Yes, it is the way to go. I have a LEICA 307-R. I have run many a mile with it, with tall stakes. Solo. Walk through once, with chain saw, setting up traverse, and once again, running it. 2 man crew? one is running the traverse, while the other is setting it up. It works.
Newer units are way nicer, better range on reflectorless, and such, but mine will do it.
Of course a robot would be nice.
Good gear, is never regretted.
N
Nate
Jim Frame, post: 405644, member: 10 wrote: I'm finding it hard to believe that anyone would design a total station with an on-board display that doesn't display angle and distance data. It would take only the simplest of firmware programming tasks to display that data; did they really leave it out?
Yep, left out. Big beautiful displays showing the windows main screen tho! What a fubar deal.
ken, post: 405708, member: 1548 wrote: Yep, left out. Big beautiful displays showing the windows main screen tho! What a fubar deal.
Yea...I have the 90. Stupid about the screen. I just view everything through the collector
We just got the zoom90 set up. Only disadvantage was the onboard display as other have mentioned. I did win the Carlson onboard data collection so that solved the problem. I believe it's around 1500 to purchase the onboard Carlson. Over all we are very happy with the performance for the $$.
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