Solo operation, looking at the equipment to upgrade.
Topcon Legacy E RTK Base (Topcon has determined obsolete)
Topcon Hiper+ RTK(Topcon has determined obsolete)
Topcon 825 & 802A Robotic (Topcon has determined obsolete)
TDS Recon Survey Pro Max 4.5.3. (Dealer said was way out of date)
Might have some cash left over at the end of the year to reinvest for upgrades. This year I been noticing difficulty obtaining RTK FIXED, in places been able to in the past. The equipment been working well, and checks between the GPS and Robotics have been good. What is your opinion on where you would invest between, I was thinking Base or Data Collector. $5-10k range.
That is a tough one. I have similar equipment, and it works great. I think it would depend on whether you use the robot or gps more.
There are some attractive sets of equipment out there for the 20-25K range for both robots and rtk setups. Keep in mind that a new robot or rtk setup will probably require a new data collector.
I just had to purchase a new truck for work, and all the stuff to get it ready for the field is coming in this week. It is very expensive.
I learned the hard way to put back for a rainy day. If the equipment is producing, I might just put it back in savings.
Mine is obsolete when I say it's obsolete.
As mentioned and seems to hold true for everything from cabinet doors to cars to equipment - don't fix it unless it breaks. Helps to have a back up plan though.
Surely there are other cool gizmos you could get your write offs on. Back in the old days I'd buy 2 or 3 computers a year, not to mention loading up on expendable field supplies you'll need - and the shed to store them in. Be creative with YOUR money.
I largely subscribe to the "If it isn't broke don't fix it" mentality, but it's possible that checking out a new VRS rover could really super-charge your current approach.
If you have RTN/VRS in your area, and you usually have good cell coverage, you should check out a Triumph LS - or the like. The best VRS rover I have ever used was a Trimble Geo-XR. Small, light, and I couldn't believe where I was getting reliable fix.
If your GPS setup is having a hard time fixing RTK and you think it's hardware not software I'd look into the Topcon Hiper SR if you have a VRS available. I think with data collector and receiver we put $10,000-$12,000 into it.
I've always been of the opinion that you should upgrade when you can because when you can't may be the time you have too, then it's a hardship. We have a 7yr old Sokkia GSR2700 IS set that's still in working condition but we're having a good year so we thought we'd better upgrade now or sit around with out a unit when one goes down because money is tight.
We just recently traded our Polaris Ranger in on a new one, we'd defenitly be hurting if we were without that. Not as easy walking through muddy, plowed fields since the stroke and you can carry half the truck with you. If your happy with your RTK set up that might be something to look into.
If there is a spot in your work flow that hangs you up, spend your money there. It may not be what you perceive as the most frequent issue. Anything that drags down your attitude during the day is a candidate...
