We have 2 Topcon base and rover setups for our sites. They’re incredibly useful and have treated us well on reliability etc. We need a third setup and I have seen that there are alternative brand gps units that are available at a lower price running on the same frequency we’re on which is 900mhz. I figure that we could get away with a cheaper unit functioning solely as a base on the jobs where they aren’t needing layout just a base for the machines to work off of after they’re localized. Does anyone know if we have to use a Topcon system or could we look at some alternatives like a Carlson or Sokia for example that have lower entry costs?
When it comes to base rovers, advanced licenses are the key. My Trimble base rover sees 29 satellites. The same setup without licenses gets 15 satellites at best. Topcon base will work with Trimble as long as the radio on the machine is the same frequency as the base. When you say a Komatsu system are you talking about the Komatsu branded gps? One thing to be careful of is cheap base rovers that don't see all the available satellites. If you went with Trimble, you could add licenses later when you need to. Great support not so sure on other gps companies. We currently have a customer who bought from an online retailer and the customer got a great deal. problem is nothing had licenses. all the licenses for receivers, base, rover, and machine can be in the price range of 30k. Good luck getting support after an online retailer has your money. This particular online dealer blamed the base system on the machine but that wasn't the case at all. if you're not worried about accuracy check out the deals. as soon as you drop below 12 satellites systems fail to work
I would have to agree with the above, I would buy from a local retailer that can support whatever product you go with. You can add a external radio to your base station to have options for frequencies, but you are adding more stuff to deal with. Sokkia is a Topcon product in a different wrapper so it will function in your existing ecosystem at a lower price point.
Sokkia GRX3 Base/Rover UHF 440-470 Sokkia (No reviews yet) Write a Review The Sokkia GRX3 is smaller, lighter, and packed with the most advanced GNSS technology in a design built to withstand the harshest field environments. All signals, all satellites and all constellations — in a compact, rugged design, with an integrated IMU and eCompass. Price does not include necessary options for RTK. With RTK options kit is $36,240.00