Topcon Total Stations: Demystifying model names/numbers
@beuckie Are you also a construction layout guy? Topcon seems to accommodate that branch a little better than the other big players. I see lots of crews using Hilti... it's more expensive and less capable than most Topcon setups. A marketing rep usually convinces a manager to go that route. For people that want to learn as little as possible maybe that's the best choice. The contractors using Hilti were in situations where their layout wasn't critical, or they were a complete disaster and got away with all their layout mistakes because the general contractor was asleep and too dumb to care. Those I worked for/with that were actually skilled at layout used other stuff, including Topcon.
@rover83 The weird thing is that in my area, anything Spectra/Carlson/Geomax is quite expensive. For example, I'd probably be able to find a Leica total station for cheaper than a used Geomax, and the Leica would be a better performing model. I've also read that many service centers actually charge more to service a Geomax (I have no clue why but they do).
Maybe people have a tenancy to overvalue the stuff because it's rare here. And perhaps the same applies for the servicing.
I think the Geomax's are basically TPS1200's? Or at least one version of them? So if a deal popped up then for sure I'd buy it!
Yes, I agree that there are quite a number of models and I did not name all of them. Bear in mind that my list goes back to 1998 which is the year I began at Hayes Instrument Co.
As for the instruments that are motorized, the ones that have an “A” on the end of the model so that the GTS-801A would be the Auto-tracking model whereas one that does not have the “A” appended to the model name is servo only. I only remember one instance of that model that didn’t have the auto tracking feature. The State of New York bought several of them, perhaps to save money. But because people looking for that class of instruments were looking for one with the tracking feature those instruments were essentially worthless as trade in units because they were not equipped to track. .
After the GTS-800A series, there was the GTS-810A series featuring the same 1”&3” models and a 5” model, the GTS-815A was added. Near that time they added a GPT-8000A series with the same 1”,3”&5” models but featuring an EDM capable of reflectorless measurement. The last version of the series built on that frame included the GTS-820A and GPT-8200A series with the same 1”,3”&5” models.
That series yielded to the GTS-900A and GPT-9000A with the same 1”,3”,&5” models. There were quite a few changes with the frame being more compact, but the biggest difference was that these instrument featured a 2.4 GHz radio module built in to the gun as Topcon tried to convert everyone to running their TopSURV software with the then available hardware to use as field controllers. The final version of that series was the QS series with no non-reflectorless model available, with 1”,3”,&5” models all with the A appended so that the most popular model, the 3” version was the QS3A.
The last three series of auto tracking robots include the PS-100 series, the GT-500 & GT-1000, and the current GT-600 and GT-1200 series.
The PS and GT robots are not offered WITHOUT the auto tracking feature, nor was the PS100 series.
I’m pretty sure that does not help a whole lot, but October will mark 25 years at Hayes and I assure you, I have seen a lot of models come and go in that time.
@jerrys I can assure you that all that was helpful. Some of the model numbers are not listed in the extensive link listed above, in particular the QS series. I'll have a second read later to process that all.
Multiple reasons why it's helpful include the fact that many Ebay sellers list non-robotic models as "robotic". "Buyer beware" obviously applies to someone who doesn't even know that their total station is robotic (or not), but I guess it just highlights the importance of knowing which model is which. Note that I'll likely buy something locally but I use Ebay to gauge market values. Prices for used equipment vary wildly compared to actual worth.
Part of what should drive your decision is what software you want to run the robot with. The QS series worked well with Survey Pro and Carlson and well as the TopSurv that was the software that Topcon had at the time. (the current Topcon Magnet Field software is a relabeled and significantly advanced next generation of TopSurv)
The important thing to remember about the QS series is that the RC4R remote comm and search tool is valuable because the 2.4 GHz radio is in the RC-4R instead of being a module in the back of the collector. They are getting scarce and parts are not available for them.
The screaming deal on a Lecia 1200 looks like buying a Geomax zoom 95 (the same thing) and then use XPAD which is super easy for layout or survPC if you go the Carlson route (Carlson just rebadge the Geomax).
But as always you need a decent dealer for the great nearby!
@lukenz In short I'll just need a cheap robot (or two) in the future. Many Topcon robots are really inexpensive compared to Trimble/Leica stuff.
A topcon isn't inferior to other brands. Do you know how much Leica and Trimble put in their marketing? That has to be paid for.
@jerrys Am I confused if I were to say that the RC's are similar to what some of the guys here did with Parani SD bluetooth transmitters/receivers? Basically creating a wireless COMM link between the total station and their controllers. I've managed to do this successfully with a cheaper non robotic total station. If I can do the same with a Topcon it would be a bonus. The Paranis are only like $100 - 200. And their range should be plenty for anything I'd do in the foreseeable future.
The RC's, especially model number 3 and above, seem to be very expensive. Maybe the asking prices are out to lunch. I do like the idea of having everything "modular" so to speak; that is not having everything built into one unit, and having that unit break... If I ever get into things like 3D scanning for instance, the 3D scanner will most likely be an independent unit from my robot.
Come to think of it I've noticed the RC's in the field quite a bit but only know what they are now after starting this post.
The RC-3 would work with a QS. And the Parani Bluetooth device will work with any Topcon robot with the possible exception of the APL-1 and APL-1A. The advantage of the RC-4R is that it has the 2.4 GHz radio module in the remote unit that goes on top of the 360-degree prism. The communication range of the RC-4 is a bit longer than that of the RC-3. The RC-4R also has dual infrared beams for the quick lock function, so is a bit better at turning the instrument to you when you have lost lock or are bringing the total station out of standby.
As for the Parani, the SD1000 model is the one you need for the total station and they can be bought for a little over $100. But to get a day's work out of it, you should also purchase the extended capacity battery for it. That's another $40-$50. And to achieve the range you need for robotic operation, you will also need to find a higher gain antenna than the unity gain antenna that comes with the SD1000. That is another $40-$50. The standard antenna limits the effective range to 100 feet or thereabouts. Finally, you also need a Topcon instrument to data collector cable to connect the Parani to the total station. Those go for around $65-$100. So, you can expect to have about $350-$400 in a complete Parani rig to replace the radios, whether Satel or the 2.4 GHz of the GTS-900 or GPT-9000 or QS series.
Leica and Spectra Precision are the Trimble off brand
Leica has nothing to do with Trimble. That is a mis-statement.
Spectra Precision is owned by Trimble, and I can believe that there may be some shared technology in the two units, but they come off production lines in completely different parts of the world. Very little in common, I think.
In recent years I have had opportunity to use Trimble, Leica, and Topcon. If I were using a total station all day, every day, and didn't have to pay the bill, I'd want the Trimble.
I have long said that one should shop for the data collector and buy the instrument it runs best. I'm buying Leica.
