Since it is mine and I paid for it, the Leica 1105 robotic.
Bought it 7 years ago and whenever I happen to need it, it never lets me down.
I still have a pentax that has not seen the light of day since I got the Leica, but it was a good gun.
> meh... Just started to use a S6 recently so the verdict is still out. I used Geodimeters 15 years ago and I have to say that I always used them as the benchmark when comparing instruments. They were built very well and ahead of the pack back then.
I wasn't sure in the beginning either...
The first robot I purchased was a Sokkia SRX. It has a fan beam on the rod that tells the instrument where you are. This is an awesome feature. When I started using the S6, I couldn't believe "the industry standard" did not have a similar feature. Earlier versions (of the S6) had a GPS "bug" that could be installed on the prism. That helped with target reacquisition. Newer versions (TSC3) have the GPS built in. It's been my experience that an S6 with the MT1000 prism and a TSC3 collector is almost a perfect robotic set-up. I am amazed how well it tracks in the thick PA woods.
It is tough to go back to the SRX after being spoiled by/Trimble...but it's usually the only instrument available when the crews leave- so I get stuck with the SRX most of the time 🙂
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/surveying/object.cfm?recordnumber=748493
Not necessarily my favorite but the first "EDM" I used back in 1972-73. I'm not sure I would have the strength today to lug that thing up a hill.
I really like the S8. Same as the S6, just a few more bells and whistles. It really does depend on the dealer as to support. We have had great support from the guys at Seiler. Tom posts on here occasionally and Craig is just a phone call away.
Before Trimble released the S series robots, I did not like Trimble robots at all. I much preferred the Topcon robots. I haven't used Leica robots.
"....and ahead of the pack back then." Is that a euphemism for strange or ungainly ?
I got my butt handed to me learning to run this with the Geodat collector.
I love my Topcon 9003, the reflectorless range is unbeatable, the robotics works well and 2 camcorder batteries last a long day. It is solid and dependable.
How About A Topcon GTS-2 ?
A Topcon Theodelite with EDM was the first instrument I used with electronic distance measurement. Fieldbook for a data collector. Data went into an HP41 with survey module back at the office. I am suprised at what they expect to get for this.
Paul in PA
My first Electronic Total Station that worked was a Geodimeter 140 with a Geodat 122 and a Geodat 126 data collector. We did many topo surveys with that Instrument. Then I got a Geodimeter 620 with autolock. I thought it was tops until if failed on me for the 3rd time in 4 years. We now use it for an anchor on the boat. The current gun is a Leica TCRP 1201+ R100 with the Leica CS15 data collector. We liked that one so much that we got a TCRP 1202+ R400 while they were discounting them after the Viva was introduced. They are both work horses.
My go to gun early on was a Topcon 3C. Great gun, reliable, the handle batteries lasted long, could do everything we needed it to. Eventually, got kind of burned out on Topcon - definitely so on Leica! I think the Sokkia Set series (2, 3, 4) were good and reliable instruments. I wouldn't mind giving one of those pocket-sized Nikons a test spin too.
> What is your favorite Total Station?
The one I never bought...
> If anyone has one in working order, would like to add one to our little museum.
I've only seen Guppies come up on eBay a couple of times. You have to keep your eye out for them.
Great replies! Thanks all!
I have always been curious because I have had a pretty limited use of instruments, being mostly Nikon 300-500 series. When I began surveying in 2002 I used a Sokkia Set 4 with a TDS Husky Data Collector. I liked the husky but we now use Carlson Explorer 300's.
I have had a limited experience with the Trimble S6 and really like the optics clarity and the robotic feature. I did like how the knobs never "bottom out."
Hopefully, someday, I will get an instrument of my own.... 🙂
William Hewlett with the HP 3820A.
When visiting Afghanistan in 1965, Bill Hewlett noticed a surveyor measuring a distance with what was most likely a Geodimeter. Struck by the prolonged length of time it took to measure, Bill felt that Hewlett Packard's new photo-diode technology could improve matters. As a result HP introduced the Model 3800 in late 1969 which, using a gallium arsenide diode, could measure night or day by infrared radiation. Bill's personal interest resulted in a line of electronic surveying instruments & related items introduced during the 1970's which culminated in the introduction of the innovative HP-3820A.
The HP 3820A was developed at HP's Loveland Facility by the Civil Engineering Division. The term Total Station which has been universally adopted was coined by HP in 1976. Other HP items included desktop & calculator surveying software, data collectors & graphic plotters. American surveyors adopted HP survey products with enthusiasm as did many surveyors & engineers worldwide.
bit off topic but who remembers those huge HP
benchtop calculators that came out in the mid 1970's (?) that were about 2' square and 8" high and had the capacity to work out double lats etc and do closes?
Wow - they were the bees knees as we say. By todays standards were just plain useless.
Then came the 41's and about size of 2 fag packets and were programmable.
I wasn't sorry to see that behemoth of a device sent to the dungeons.
But while that's all we had it sure beat the Facits and the Curta's and the log books!!
HP made some good surveying gear back then. Petty they didn't pursue that side.
bit off topic but who remembers those huge HP
You're absolutely right, there was a time when "Made in America" actually was equated with quality.
HEWLETT-PACKARD HP3820A (circa 1980) Total Station. The HP3820A is a milestone instrument in terms of its design. Influenced by the Kern DKM-3 in its mechanical arrangement, the unit has the appearance of a theodolite (perhaps on steriods) but its relatively compact form & technology made this a blueprint for the future. Features include a co-axial telescope, automatic distance meter, co-axial tangent screws/clamps, DUAL-AXIS COMPENSATOR, on-board microprocessor, on-board battery and output port.
This instrument pointed the direction for modern Total Station design & was a credit to the engineers @ HP including Alfred Gort who project managed the development. The term "Total Station" was in fact coined by HP for their 3810A instrument in the mid-1970,s. Bill Hewlett took a particular personal interest in this development within the HP organization
Price was $30,000.
I still remember my first real job (besides the Military) out of College, spent 2 years with this Gun surveying 75 miles of triple track Railroad. This sucker never let me down. It was a good test because we endured all four seasons (back when there was actually a winter).
Ralph
bit off topic but who remembers those huge HP
The calculators you describe were maybe HP9825 or similar number? I used one of those for a while.
Before that there was a 9100 that was a scientific RPN calculator plus simple programming, a 3x5 inch green CRT screen for graphing, and a mag card reader that would hold programs or data. Maybe it printed on an adding machine tape, or was that not added until the 9800 series?
In about 1971 or 72 another guy and I used to sneak into a college room we weren't supposed to be in so that we could play with a 9100. I kept an ad out of Scientific American (can't recall where I filed it) - the price was about as much as a Chevrolet sedan.
These were way ahead of the pack back in the day. I think Trimble bought geodimeter and they built the 5000 series for Trimble. If I were choosing today it would be an S6 because of it's ability to track very well without 2lbs of garbage hanging on the rod.
Jim
You will have to pry my guppy out of my cold dead fingers. Actually dont use it much anymore, our system 1200 is great.
As far as a total station goes, I guess my favorite was a Wild T1000/DI1000 combo instrument that I used when I worked in Atlanta. It was a sweet little gun that would turn in some great closures. I'd like to have one now, but can't justify getting one.
Dale Yawn
Savannah, Ga.
The first EDM I ever worked with was the Wild D13 attached to a T16, giant battery, toggle switch, a lot of prisms. At least we only had to tape short distances. A lot of heavy stuff to carry around.
Topcon 300 series was what started the dance thru the clover.
The Leitz-Sokkia SDM3E was a sweetheart for many years and the one I personally went more miles than any other to date. Still works great. So does the Set 4.
My present Sokkia 530R is my favorite. Great closures, good range, cheap batteries and lightweight.
