This sounds like a great feature....but if you are in BFE (anywhere) how do you communicate? I would assume that you would need good cell reception or satellite (which I doubt)? This is part of the reason that I don't see 3d in my future (poor cell reception, and I'm in heavily wooded, mountainous terrain).So, to add on to the first question, any thoughts on Leica IXE2 2D system? Got quotes from both Leica and Trimble. There are some features that I like about Leica, removing the display screen is easier. My plan is to set up a Takeuchi 257 and the Link Belt 160X4 at one time. I want to share screens at least for now. The Tablet/screen is about $4K of the price. Leica has two screen options, a 2D only which I don't really care for. However, the 3D ready screen is bigger/better and easier to navigate. If you go 3D you already have the screen necessary. Trimble's is 3D ready from the get go (but the pricing accounts for the upgrade in tablet) Leica allows you to share your screen with the sales guy/IT help. If there is a problem with you the operator or the software, it would be easier to address, especially in BFE Idaho.
Have you taken a demo with either of the auto systems? I recommend doing that before choosing a dance partner.I have used Sitech before, years ago on a grading box, and I was really happy with them. Money is essentially the same if I opt for the 3D ready screen from Leica. The difference comes if you go with the automatics. Leica uses a different valve and Trimble uses the valving on the machine. Leica's autos are about 5K more expensive than Trimble's. Leica says you can pull the valving off and put it on a new machine. Not sure I really care about that. The only machine I would put autos on would be the LB and it is new enough, by the time I rotated that out, there will likely be something better available anyway.
I have no direct experience with using either of the systems save for a little bit of demo on the Cat I'm purchasing. I did, however, (2) brand new, top of the line (C900) laser transmitters at the last Con-Expo. One of the nice things about the Leica is that they are warranted against defect AND damage (like if the tripod is knocked over) for a term (I think 2 years). This is great except that I had to use that warranty within the first couple months of using them. It was not a damage issue, it was the combo receiver not syncing with the transmitter (transmitter requires receiver to access all features other than off/on button). They fixed it but I had to go without the laser for 2-3 weeks. Very inconvenient and did not leave the impression of high quality. The receiver/combo unit also does not emit enough noise to use on a story pole above about 12'. Not a problem for some but we use poles up to 24' tall due to the sloped job sites we work on. Plus for Leica: They did give me another receiver (not a combo unit, but a standard unit) and the audible indicator on that was loud enough for what we do.Anyone have any experience running both of these systems? It is kinda like getting married, you have to dance with the one you pick. I wanna pick the right one. Thoughts?
I've had some issues trying to catch the laser on my Cat 325. Maybe it has something to do with what you are talking about here. What would you consider "high speed rotation"?I think I mentioned this before somewhere but let me restate it because it is so important. Catching the laser in the receiver on the boom can be a PINTA if your laser doesn't have a fast enough laser rotational speed. I have a TOPCON dual grade laser, it has a max speed of 800 rpm. I don't use that laser anymore. By chance, when I bought my Sharp Grade system after seeing the laser I had, suggested the GEO MAX 80 for best results. I bought it and it is perfect for this work. It will rotate up to 20 RPS this laser makes hitting the reciever on the stick immensely faster. It uses some battery spinning that fast, but way worth it. The laser in itself is way better than the TOPCON for most everything. I would say if you get a system like this, bite the bullet and get a laser that has high speed laser head capability.