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Topcon Systems

MDS41

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2020
Messages
8
Location
PA
Happy New Year all,
We are looking in to the topcon gps systems and have been talking to a couple different salesmen. We are just a small family excavating business however we get involved in all size projects and certainly see the benefits of the gps systems. We are just looking to get started with the base and rover set up to find topo lines, drainage structures, set stakes, etc. not looking at machine grade controls at this time but want to have the option of using our base and rover set up with a rental machine that may be set up with the grade controls. The salesmen are trying to sell us on the new Hiper VR system however that comes at a large price tag, when i questioned one of them on the Hiper SR system they said that it would not work with integrated grade controls. Again i dont know much about the systems but i am assuming that to be a lie since the VR system only came out a little over year ago and I know that other contractors have been using grade controls for over 10 years. If anyone would be able to give me any information or guidance it would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance
 

nerdstick_joe

Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2019
Messages
11
Location
Sacramento, CA
@MDS41 The key difference between the SR and the VR is the use of radio boards. Whoever you're talking to is right that the SR will not work with machine control devices such as the MCR3, which drives the automatic valve. The SR was designed to be used in conjunction with an indicate machine control system on an excavator. Instead of a radio board, the SR utilizes a LongLINK bluetooth; making its range about 300m. Compare that to a Hiper VR using a UHF radio with a range of 1-2 miles. If you're planning on renting machines that are indicate only, meaning they are not tied into any valve control. Then I think you'd be ok with running an SR. However, they are very rare to find because of their limited use. I haven't seen one in the field, and my local dealer hasn't sold any in the last few years. I would recommend also taking a look into used GPS equipment... the Hiper Vs and GR5s are both great units. The only caveat with those is that Topcon has stopped production so they only guarantee support until 2024, but they may run out of parts before then...
 

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MDS41

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2020
Messages
8
Location
PA
@MDS41 The key difference between the SR and the VR is the use of radio boards. Whoever you're talking to is right that the SR will not work with machine control devices such as the MCR3, which drives the automatic valve. The SR was designed to be used in conjunction with an indicate machine control system on an excavator. Instead of a radio board, the SR utilizes a LongLINK bluetooth; making its range about 300m. Compare that to a Hiper VR using a UHF radio with a range of 1-2 miles. If you're planning on renting machines that are indicate only, meaning they are not tied into any valve control. Then I think you'd be ok with running an SR. However, they are very rare to find because of their limited use. I haven't seen one in the field, and my local dealer hasn't sold any in the last few years. I would recommend also taking a look into used GPS equipment... the Hiper Vs and GR5s are both great units. The only caveat with those is that Topcon has stopped production so they only guarantee support until 2024, but they may run out of parts before then...
Thank you very much for the information. Like I said I don’t really know anything about the gps stuff so everything helps. So basically the Hiper VR , Hiper Vs and the GR5s will work for machine controls without adding an external radios or anything else to them? And obviously the parts will be available for the vr for the longest time.
 

MDS41

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2020
Messages
8
Location
PA
Also the dealers were quoting an oaf+,226 CH, all sig. 10Hz radio + LL RTK for both the base and he rover increasing the price over $8000. Is that something that is required in order to make the system work or is it something that could be added in the future as satellites change if you are not receiving adequate service?
 

nerdstick_joe

Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2019
Messages
11
Location
Sacramento, CA
@MDS41 Yes, the Hiper VRs, Hiper Vs, and GR5s do not require the addition of an external radio to work. Those three systems are also able to "talk" with any machine control system whether it's an MC-i3/4 indicate or MCR3 full auto system. You are also correct that service parts will be available for the VRs the longest at this point. As for the OAF question, they are for sure necessary. And each unit requires one. The benefit is that each unit is able to run as either a base or a rover. From what I understand, Trimble has only rover units and base units; not ones that can interchange. The OAF (option authorization file) is the "key" to unlocking all the potential of what the Hiper VR can do. Specifically that as of right now, it is the only GNSS system that can track all 5 available satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS. From what I know, Trimble has only in recent years added on GLONASS; so they're behind the times. Topcon utilizes about 30 satellites making it able to work better under tree coverage, along building, and any other place where GPS signal may be inhibited. As well as, faster up times if you lose your connection because you set the unit on the ground or took it inside the cab of your truck or machine, or whatever. I should note that the Hiper Vs and GR5s only track GPS and GLONASS (some might track GALILEO). This is because of their outdated GPS boards. The OAF is also what allows the unit to perfrom RTK corrections; without it you just have a couple of yellow paper weights on a pole lol. Long story short, the OAFs are required to utilize the Hiper VRs to their fullest potential. They're some of the best units out there at the moment. Couple that with Pocket 3D software and your guys should be producing work in the field like you've never seen! I don't know what your salesguy is quoting you but I know its normal for brand new VRs to go for the mid-$30,000s.
 
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