I just would like to get some feedback about this upgrade from others to see how the new equipment in reality works for land surveyors and whether it worth to upgrade.
We have had a CS20 for a few months. It seems to bog down more than the older ones. Unless you need the built in Distometer, stick with the one you have. The workflows are a bit different too
Thank for your reply.
I am actually extremely happy with equipment I have.
There were a couple reasons I was thinking about upgrade:
1. Total Station : ATR+- better re-lock of the prism and filter for particular type of the prism. Everyone who runs robotic total station knows about this problem (locking on windows, mirrors, etc).
2. Data Collector: Better software & user interface, 5" color screen, CSM and CDMA internal modem option, etc
All I stated above is not coming from users but from on-line Leica presentations.
I am not sure if you saw the Captivate thread here: https://surveyorconnect.com/threads/f2f-the-new-leica-captivate-way.320042/page-3#post-353001
It looks like there is a user with a firm using Captivate on the new collectors that would be a good resource.
I did watch this thread. Thanks.
Greg,
We recently returned two CS-20 data collectors to Leica and bought two CS-15 VIVA data collectors instead after 2 months of glitches. We have been using Leica CS-15 data collectors for about 3-4 years. As you may know, their main problem is the screen display visibility issue. The CS-20 was attractive for better screen display and some other options (like imaging and Disto), but the Captivate software refused to work properly with our SmartWorx PConnect alpha-numeric linework coding schemes. The Captivate is an entirely new software package, not an improved version of VIVA.
In my opinion, the Captivate coding method is rather clunky compared to some other coding methods available. It is Leica's first attempt at a real-time (on screen) line coding method, after they recently acquired a software vendor. During a busy Fall project schedule, our firm was primarily concerned with efficient alpha-numeric line coding for import to Civil3D projects, not necessarily generating on-screen figures. For production work, I was able to code almost 40% more shots with VIVA than with the Captivate method. The Captivate often recorded erroneous codes while displaying the correct code.
We are a Leica shop, with 5 Leica robotic stations, GS-14, GS-15, GPS 1200, TPS 1203, DNA03 levels, etc.
Besides the coding issue, I believe the list I shared with Leica tech support eventually had 23 other issues with the new software, some of which were acknowledged "bugs" that were expected to be solved in future releases. I think our units were Captivate version 1.21 software. I have been advised to wait until at least version 2.0 before re-visiting the CS-20 data collector.
Hope this helps. Others have probably had different results.
Regards,
Mike Moran
gregkogan, post: 352863, member: 9416 wrote: I just would like to get some feedback about this upgrade from others to see how the new equipment in reality works for land surveyors and whether it worth to upgrade.
I recently purchased the T16I with the CS20 and have only used it on two jobs so far, what I am seeing so far is that the CS20 is continuously loosing its connection with the wifi hot spot when running my GS14 gps. I had to have the firmware in the GS14 updated for the CS20 to communicate with it and now my CS15 will not communicate with the GS14 without a $600 upgrade to the CS15 just to let it communicate with the GS14 (money, money, money). From my experience if you are also planning to use the CS20 with other instruments, you need to find out what the final cost for all the needed firmware updates will be, I thought that was just an issue with what I have heard over the years as a Trimble issue.
Like others have said, I would stick with what you are happy with, you already have imaging, that is new to me.
mjmoran, post: 353479, member: 1185 wrote: Greg,
We recently returned two CS-20 data collectors to Leica and bought two CS-15 VIVA data collectors instead after 2 months of glitches. We have been using Leica CS-15 data collectors for about 3-4 years. As you may know, their main problem is the screen display visibility issue. The CS-20 was attractive for better screen display and some other options (like imaging and Disto), but the Captivate software refused to work properly with our SmartWorx PConnect alpha-numeric linework coding schemes. The Captivate is an entirely new software package, not an improved version of VIVA.
In my opinion, the Captivate coding method is rather clunky compared to some other coding methods available. It is Leica's first attempt at a real-time (on screen) line coding method, after they recently acquired a software vendor. During a busy Fall project schedule, our firm was primarily concerned with efficient alpha-numeric line coding for import to Civil3D projects, not necessarily generating on-screen figures. For production work, I was able to code almost 40% more shots with VIVA than with the Captivate method. The Captivate often recorded erroneous codes while displaying the correct code.
We are a Leica shop, with 5 Leica robotic stations, GS-14, GS-15, GPS 1200, TPS 1203, DNA03 levels, etc.
Besides the coding issue, I believe the list I shared with Leica tech support eventually had 23 other issues with the new software, some of which were acknowledged "bugs" that were expected to be solved in future releases. I think our units were Captivate version 1.21 software. I have been advised to wait until at least version 2.0 before re-visiting the CS-20 data collector.
Hope this helps. Others have probably had different results.
Regards,
Mike Moran
Mike,
I really appreciate your feedback. It is very important if we share with each other our experience working with equipment because ones again there is a big difference what Leica says and what in real life is happening. I do like Leica equipment as much as you do but I guess it is too early to jump in until they fix all problems. I completely agree with you about the line work and too complicated coding. It is maybe good idea to have it for very complicated surveys when everything is open (parking lot, internal location of big commercial properties) but when I am at the middle of the busy road or taking complicated shots in wooden area- all I want to get job done and get out. What I do care is: robot would find me immediately and not shooting windows, mirrors, etc. The rest stuff is a matter but it would my secondary concern.
Thanks again for taking time and right your review.
