Total Stations

[romegadave]

Realizing we have a few surveyors amongst us, I thought I might ask what total station you prefer. I may can garner a Leica (maybe the 1200+ but more likely the 400 or 800 series). My needs include the usual survey capability but also for mapping archaeological features (down to the cm). Anyone familiar with these? Would appreciate your thoughts on Sokkia, Topcon etc. Who is the cream of the crop? Doubt I will get robotic as I know these are the high end. Thanks for all replies.

*Will probably hear from BeaufortFj40 since I know he does some survey work---Appreciate it, Dave

**Edit--Should have mentioned that my interest is in a reflectorless T.S.

[romegadave]

Now I can narrow it down....the donation will be the Leica TCR120R aka the R300 (I will have to go to my work computer tonight and do research on its capabilities...too slow at home). Estimated worth around 7 grand so I am thrilled...fine company to make this happen...will have to get a local surveyor to help me understand how to operate. Anyone out there using this Leica or others. Still interested in those of you using Sokkia, Topcon etc and how happy you are with these laser transits. Thanks, Dave

*yet another edit---turns out it is the TCR120xR300...what is considered to be the 1200+ series. I'm stunned (and grateful) for what turns out to be a 12-15K piece of equipment. Looks like I will be using robotics after all.

[beaufort-fj60]

I'm not a huge fan of Leica total stations, but it's more of a USA-vs-Europe control issue. Europeans data collect with the control panel and Americans data collect with an external controller. Topcon and Sokkia are geared more toward the American way.. I personally like Topcon, but older sokkias are nice. Sokkias seem to have a cheaper "feel" in the action. The older sokkias had brass gears and the newer sokkias have some type of plastic gears that have to much play to my taste. For archeological use, any brand total station will do a good job.

any reflectorless total station would be good. The older ones shoot about 400 feet, which is just fine. I would not trust reflectorless over 400 if you are shooting something important.


FYI... robot guns are nice, but external controls can get spendy. Just the OEM robotic prism is $900+ (knock off is $500), I'm not sure how much the Leica controller or radios are.

[romegadave]

Thanks for your insight Beaufort--I've got the 1200 series in hand now (sans robotics...hey, I won't complain). Didn't realize that 400m was the extent. Guess I got caught up in the hype when they claim 1000m and a 2mm accuracy. They left a few things out so I may get a few more goodies (like the external data collector) but if not I still have the Trimble Recon unit.

I've been working too much at my other job (water treatment) and trying to get extra $$ to get my 55 going so I really have to set aside some time to start learning the ins and outs of this thing---------------------Thanks again, Dave

[beaufort-fj60]

a 1200 is nothing to sneeze at.. especially a free one. I bet you can get a manual from leica or these guys..

Allen Precision Equipment

[romegadave]

Beaufort

You were dead on with Allen Precision--they contacted me recently and were willing to act as the go between but I recently struck the deal with the manufacturer--BTW Leica has already sent the prism, pole, tripod, mem. card, etc when they were excluded from the original package. I have to say they are an
A-1 quality company for this donation. Big kudos to Allen Precision for stepping up when no one else would (Thanks for the suggestion). I have a full plate now between learning this technology, working on my 55 and the addiction to this website------Thanks so much, Dave

[beaufort-fj60]

wow.. leica donated it?, very nice. Just let me know when you want to sell it.

[Mendocino]

I'd suggest that you also take a look at Trimble (I work for Trimble).

Edit: I didn't see the donation bit; congratulations.

[beaufort-fj60]

Originally Posted by Mendocino

I'd suggest that you also take a look at Trimble (I work for Trimble).

Edit: I didn't see the donation bit; congratulations.

you guys make nice gps stuff... but your robots use more batteries than a whore house.

[romegadave]

LOL!!!!!! Trimble was fantastic on providing the Recon unit--Got the prism, pole, tripod etc today. Am doing a phone interview with Leica calling from Canada tomorrow. This is a big deal for our small museum. Besides the archaeo and the educational benefits, I hope it will bring more attention to the Cherokee people and a better understanding of the Trail of Tears.

[nspctr1]

Originally Posted by romegadave

LOL!!!!!! Trimble was fantastic on providing the Recon unit--Got the prism, pole, tripod etc today. Am doing a phone interview with Leica calling from Canada tomorrow. This is a big deal for our small museum. Besides the archaeo and the educational benefits, I hope it will bring more attention to the Cherokee people and a better understanding of the Trail of Tears.

Dave,
I know this is getting way off subject but first, you will like the Leica setup for sure but for my question. What info is it exactly that you are looking to retrieve from the "Trail of Tears"? I have some relatives on my mothers side that walked it and would be very interested in getting more information if you can share it...

Kevin