sfreshwaters, post: 454077, member: 88 wrote: I am able to get up to 1/4 mile tracking of the prism, haven't attempted any more than that.
Do you get a radio link between DC and gun at that range? I??m seeing robots limit out around 1000?? with TopconQS (with RC4) and similar with Trimble SX10. I??d like to know which setup gets the best range, I??m noticing the prism starts to be a factor around 1/4 mile as well, the 360 prisms and peanuts don??t cut it.
I??m making an argument for going back to a Leica instrument.
David Kendall, post: 454124, member: 12659 wrote: Do you get a radio link between DC and gun at that range?
The farthest I've gotten is half a mile, but that was with a directional BT antenna at the base. With the BT handle I know I've gotten 1200 feet, and probably farther. I use a 9dBi antenna on the DC, it's about 7" long.
Totalsurv, post: 453957, member: 8202 wrote: Can those of you who use these robotic instruments tell me why anybody would buy a Leica over a Geomax.
Are the Leicas that much better? Is Leica Captivate software that much better than a Geomax with Carlson?
I have a Geomax Zoom 80, Geomax Zoom 90, a Leica TS15 and a TS12. Don't ask me why this happened but, I guess it was a little bit of a science experiment. I run them ALL with Surveyor 2's and the latest versions of Carlson (2017) TS/Robotics/GPS.
I can say without question the Leicas track a little better in the woods and with their ability to find you in heavy traffic. I can say however, I have never made a bunch of money off either of those things, plus you have to get a Geocom code from Leica for $1500 (or so, don't remember, just remember it really pissed me off) to run Carlson with it.
The new Geomax Zoom 90 acts just as the TS15, I don't have any problems with firmware or cleaning/calibration as I am in the Atlanta area. It's rugged, reliable and I have had a great experience at every turn in getting help from a local dealer.
I am in no way knocking Leica, obviously it's a great product. I would just say for the money , if you just went off that. Buy the Geomax and run a Carlson surveyor 2, it has been smooth sailing and about 30% less upfront cost.
David Kendall, post: 454124, member: 12659 wrote: Do you get a radio link between DC and gun at that range? I??m seeing robots limit out around 1000?? with TopconQS (with RC4) and similar with Trimble SX10. I??d like to know which setup gets the best range, I??m noticing the prism starts to be a factor around 1/4 mile as well, the 360 prisms and peanuts don??t cut it.
I??m making an argument for going back to a Leica instrument.
I am a little surprised by you only getting 1000?? from a QS with an RC-4. We have had Sokkias with RCPRs 3,4and5 every one has easily shot over 1500??. The longest shot we have gotten was around 2500?? with the 360 prisim and radio still connected.
I recently sprung for the Geo-Max Zoom 90 2" Robot and the Carlson RT3 Tablet. I see no difference between the Leica and as others habe said it will probably be a model behind the Leica Free line of instruments.
I used a Leica 1201 for a decade and loved it and the Geo-Max is a significant improvement over that. And the tablet is great.
I ran a Leica TCRP 1205 and a TS12 with Viva. I currently run a Leica TCRP 1203+ with Carlson and also have a Geomax Zoom 90 with Carlson.
My Geomax is the latest generation and the Leicas I used are a from a few years back, but I honestly prefer the Geomax. It's newer and seems to track slightly better and turn slightly faster.
A brand new Leica may be slightly better but it's way more expensive. In my opinion the small difference in performance is not worth the difference in price.
