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Shopping GPS units

I'm beginning to shop GPS units. I've been using Trimble, but have found them to just be too expensive. While I like the equipment, there comes a point at which I have to ask myself if I have been using an Infinity when I could've been using a Nissan (same car, just different name.....But infinity costs 50-70% more).
I've begun looking at the Spectras, Sokkia GSX2, and even a Carlson model due to the fact that I run a Carlson Surveyor data collector and like it.
I'd to hear from those who have experience with these units. I'm not interested in hearing from any sales people. You tend to only care about the products you sell. I want to hear from people who have actually had hands on experience. I do a lot of work in East Texas and west Louisiana so piney woods experience with any of these units is even better.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Louis Lykins on March 9, 2017 at 9:02pm

hello,

I use an epoch 50 with a spectra precision ranger 3

i have used some topcon hyper units and also an older trimble

i have found that the epoch 50 network rover gets better satellite lock than the other ones iv'e used in my limited experience. it definitely is the most expensive piece of equipment i own but has by far been the best investment of my life.

just my two cents.

also if youre going network rover go ahead and make the investment of a mobile hotspot. well worth it.

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Permalink Reply by Jarrod Antley on March 9, 2017 at 9:08pm

May I ask how much the unit cost?

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Permalink Reply by Louis Lykins on March 9, 2017 at 9:26pm

i bought mine used for 7500

the data collector was 3200

kinda pricey and i have to say the data collector has given me some minor problems but the receiver is great

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Permalink Reply by Jarrod Antley on March 9, 2017 at 9:03pm

I will check it out

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Messerich on March 9, 2017 at 9:28pm

I am starting out on my own and shopped around. I looked at a used Trimble R6. I have always used Trimble in the past but I agree they are pricey. I test drove a Champion TKO. It is supposed to have a Trimble board in the receiver. I'm not too sure what all that entails, but the datasheet compares well with the old R8 I used to run. The Carlson SurvCE is very easy to run. I received my new TKO and HC1 last week and will take it out for the first time tomorrow. I'll post later and let you know how it ran.

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Permalink Reply by dale elsen on March 9, 2017 at 9:51pm

Please let's keep this thread going, am just another guy out here that needs to make a decision on this.

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Permalink Reply by Philip Costa on March 10, 2017 at 8:21am

Hi I use the topcon hiper Sr with a carlson surveyor2 with this I use the CORS network to get my corrections over a cell network. My total cost was for both was $12k I use this for my control then switch to my total station. Had some problems with trees and buildings. just work around them with TS.

The carlson makes this all work seamlessly together.

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Permalink Reply by Scott A.Harter on March 11, 2017 at 5:33pm

I am shopping too and have come across the Geomax Zenith35 as a good option.

There is one individual in this group who has one and has responded positively.

I like the price but want to speak with a rep to learn more about it.

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Walters on November 21, 2017 at 7:37pm

I have been satisfied for several years using topcon GR5.

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Permalink Reply by Nimal Jayamaha on August 1, 2018 at 8:31am

Hi Friends,

Please beware clicking the link http://carlson.smiley.ph

in the thread. I got warnings from Microsoft being risk of stealing personal information and my computer got stuck when I tried to open it.

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Permalink Reply by Peter Fonseca on October 29, 2018 at 12:59pm

Just understand that if you're investing in GPS to be a Sayville then you're probably purchasing GPS for all the wrong reasons but if you're purchasing GPS to be an add-on to an existing inventory of survey tools then I would suggest investing in your workflow first so that you can utilize GPS later and be able to compare or see your return on your initial investment.

The investment starts with the user after you stablished what you have for a base of knowledge then you build from that if the user is not able to understand the differences of grid and ground then you're probably throwing money out the door because either they're going to be totally dependent on it or not use it at all... does that make sense?