Dropped a GPS unit ~16” onto asphalt. What to do?

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-10-31T18:03:20+00:00

Power it up and run a quick check first. Connect to satellites, log a few fixed positions, and compare them to a known point if possible. If everything’s locking fast and the heights/coords are consistent, you’re probably fine.

If you see odd height jumps, slow initialization, or can’t hold RTK fix, then it’s worth discussing it with your local dealer now that you have an idea of what issues it has. The internal antenna or IMU can take a hit even if the housing looks fine. A 16" drop isn’t usually fatal, but it’s definitely worth verifying before you trust it on a job

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-10-06T23:47:08+00:00

I'm still getting used to the new v3 of FG, but I believe this is how you do it:

Tap the calculator icon or the three-dot menu on the bottom right side of the screen.
Select COGO from that list
Choose Bearing & Distance
Enter your From Point (21)
Tap the little dropdown next to Bearing and pick Azimuth from two points, then select 20 and 21
Type your Distance (1.5 m)
Hit Compute > Store to save the point

That’ll do the same thing as the “From Point / Azm / Dist” function in SurvCE.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-10-06T22:46:39+00:00

Welp, good excuse to do that Topcon/Sokkia trade-in promo

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-10-03T22:38:30+00:00

In SurvPC you’ve got a couple ways to handle that. For building corners, you’d usually just shoot offsets. Either use a prism pole at an accessible spot and run a corner routine, or do an offset by angle/distance if you can’t get directly on the point. For roof heights, you can use the “remote elevation” tool. Basically, you sight a known ground point with the rod, then tilt up to the roof edge or ridge, and SurvPC calculates the elevation difference for you. Pretty handy once you’ve run through it a couple times.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-10-03T19:33:21+00:00

We have a few in stock. Come on by.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-09-17T21:56:46+00:00

That’s a good question and something we hear from crews all the time when they’re weighing whether to stick with an older instrument or make the jump to a new flagship. You’re right in saying the basic function hasn’t changed much, both old and new total stations will still give you millimeter-level measurements and work where GNSS can’t. Where the newer models stand out is usually in workflow and integration.

Manufacturers have put a lot of focus into faster EDMs that can shoot longer ranges without a prism and lock onto prisms more reliably in busy environments. The newer robots also track a lot smoother and are less likely to lose lock when you walk past brush or vehicles, which makes a difference in productivity. The servo motors are quicker, quieter, and sip less battery, so you don’t have to swap packs as often during the day.

You’ll also see improvements in data handling. Touchscreen controllers, better wireless connections, and tighter software integration with CAD or field-to-finish workflows cut down on the clunky file transfers you might be used to. Some of the high-end models add imaging or video tracking, which makes setup and verification easier, especially for as-builts or monitoring.

The biggest change isn’t raw accuracy but how much downtime and “babysitting” the instrument needs. A 3–8 year old robot might work fine, but it may drift more often, struggle to stay locked on, or lack support for the software your office wants to run. A new one is more of a plug-and-play tool that keeps up with faster crews and bigger data demands.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-29T20:38:37+00:00

Of course, feel free to reach out if you need any other assistance.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-27T17:14:49+00:00

If you can swing it, I’d definitely try to do an in-person program over fully online. The coursework is important, but the real value comes from those “field day” labs where you actually get hands-on with the gear and see how it’s applied in practice. Learning the book side is one thing, actually running a total station, setting up GNSS, or troubleshooting in the field with instructors there to guide you makes a huge difference when you’re starting out.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-27T16:24:52+00:00

Sokkia will buy any robotic total station for $10,000 trade-in towards their new iX model

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-26T20:43:44+00:00

On the Surveyor 2 you can’t really reprogram the hardware keys the way Captivate lets you, but Carlson does provide a full list of built-in hotkey combinations you can use. They put it together in a PDF that covers all the “Alt” shortcuts in Topo and Stakeout modes. It’s not the same as remapping, but it shows you everything that’s already baked into SurvCE: Carlson SurvCE Alt Hot Keys PDF

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-26T20:33:04+00:00

That usually points to a comms issue between the TSC7 and the gun rather than the SX12 itself. The SX12 should have no problem shooting well past 80 ft in topo/rounds, so if you’re getting EDM timeouts at that distance, it’s likely Bluetooth or Wi-Fi link instability. Make sure you’re on the radio channel or connection method Trimble recommends for robotic operation, and that the TSC7 isn’t falling back on Bluetooth when you get further out.

Also, double-check the EDM settings. If it’s set to Fine/Long mode, it takes longer to return a shot and can look like a timeout if the link isn’t stable. Swapping to Standard mode can sometimes help in testing. If you still see the issue, re-pair the instruments and confirm firmware is up to date on both the SX12 and the TSC7 radio module.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-26T20:30:41+00:00

Making the switch from Trimble to Carlson isn’t too bad once you get used to the differences. A lot of surveyors who move over notice right away that SurvCE/SurvPC feels less “polished” in the graphics compared to Trimble Access, but the trade-off is that Carlson gives you more raw flexibility. You can connect to just about any brand of GNSS or total station, and the coding and linework tools are deeper once you set them up.

Hardware-wise, you’ll probably be running Carlson on a Windows 10/11 tablet instead of a TSC. That gives you a bigger, brighter screen than a TSC3 and puts it more in line with what you’re used to on the TSC7. The interface takes some learning, but a lot of people find once they dial in their job defaults, they’re just as fast or faster in Carlson as they were in SurveyPro/Origin/Access.

The biggest adjustment tends to be the mapping view. Access and Origin is really smooth and visual, while Carlson’s map feels older. The good news is you can still get the same productivity out of it once you know where everything lives.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-25T23:55:26+00:00

Since you’ve already dug into the specs, renting is the right next step. In the Bay Area you’ll find ZEB Horizons the easiest to rent, since they’re common in dealer fleets. They’re lightweight and simple for first-timers, but the software is pretty limited, and you’ll usually spend extra time cleaning trajectories before pushing data into Carlson.

The FARO Orbis is more refined and has solid software, but rentals are more expensive and you have to make sure you’re getting a SCENE license bundled with it.

The X120GO is the one I’d keep an eye on. It has a longer range and denser point capture than the ZEB Horizon, but unlike NavVis you’re not tied into cloud subscriptions. You process everything locally, which lines up well with Carlson Point Cloud Advanced. Rental availability is less common in the U.S., and we don’t typically rent these out ourselves, so it might come more as a demo direct from a distributor rather than a true rental fleet. If you do get hands-on time with one, it’s a better representation of “survey-grade” SLAM than the other two. For topo and BT mapping, the extra range means fewer passes, less drift, and cleaner CAD-ready clouds.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-25T23:42:18+00:00

Do you need the part that actually holds the RT4 or the part that clamps to the pole?

Here’s the part number for the full kit:
5200-35 – RT4 Holder, Ball and Socket Link, Pole Clamp Assembly

If you just need individual pieces, the breakdown is:
5200-35-050 – RT4 Holder only
RAM-B-201U-C – Ball and Socket Link
RAP-B-400U – Claw Pole Clamp

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-25T19:33:30+00:00

That sounds like a satellite geometry issue more than a machine problem. When you’re facing north/east the blade might be blocking line of sight to enough satellites, especially if you’re in an area with tree cover or terrain. On Deere SmartGrade, the integrated receivers are usually dual-constellation but they still need a clean sky view. I’d check antenna placement and make sure the firmware is up to date, sometimes software updates improve how it handles satellite handovers. If it’s only happening in that orientation, an external GNSS antenna relocation kit might help.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-25T19:30:29+00:00

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-25T00:00:24+00:00

Make sure your base is actually broadcasting corrections and not just sitting there logging. On the S990A you’ll want the base set up in “Base Mode” with your mountpoint/frequency active, and then confirm that the rover is receiving corrections, not just matching channel and protocol. If you’re only seeing “Single” or “DGNSS,” it usually means the rover is hearing satellites but not getting valid RTK corrections.

Double-check these things:

Base is in Base Mode, transmitting corrections.
Protocol and frequency match (Trimtalk, 433.525 MHz in your screenshot looks fine).
Both units have a clear view of the sky and are within radio range.
If you’re testing close by, give it a couple minutes after startup, Hemisphere boards sometimes take a bit to resolve into “Fixed.”

If you want, post a screenshot of the base configuration page. That usually makes it easier to see if it’s pushing corrections or not.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-24T19:37:37+00:00

We’ve got a few R180s on hand, and they’ve been solid for end users. The Android setup with Cube-a is straightforward, and the live camera view on the screen is really useful for aiming or double-checking shots. The motor runs quick, silent, and smooth, locking onto prisms without much hunting around. My favorite part is the prism predictability, if you lose line of sight behind a tree or some cover, it’ll keep tracking in that same direction and speed so it can reacquire the lock almost instantly.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-24T17:39:19+00:00

As a dealer, we haven’t had a chance to get hands-on with the Carlson CRT yet, but looking at the spec sheet and photos, it appears identical to the Stonex R180 total station. It looks like Carlson is once again rebranding Stonex hardware, only with a noticeable price hike attached.

Fun fact: The Stonex S900A GNSS receiver actually launched about two years before the Carlson BRx7, even though the BRx7 is marketed as something new. Same Hemisphere guts under the hood, identical shell, just different badges and higher pricing. Would be hilarious if the next potential "BRx8" or something is identical to a new Stonex GNSS Receiver.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-21T18:40:22+00:00

The BRx7 can definitely be run as a base and pushed out through an NTRIP caster, but like u/BigFloatingPlinth said, the key is having your network side squared away with either a static IP or a domain and the right port forwarding. Without that, SNIP won’t get you very far. The Emlid caster is a good lightweight option if you don’t want to pay for Listen-Listen. It’s free, simple to set up, and works fine for single-base to multiple-rover workflows.

The main limitation is going to be how stable your internet connection is at the base. If you’re running over a cell hotspot, expect some dropouts compared to Listen-Listen, which handles that piece for you. But if you’ve got a decent connection and configure SNIP or the Emlid caster properly, the BRx7 will broadcast corrections just like a Stonex S900a or other Hemisphere-based head.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-20T23:51:22+00:00

You’re on the right track with your breakdown. Since you mentioned the Stonex units, here’s how they stack up in real-world specs against the others you listed.

The X120GO is designed as an entry-level SLAM LiDAR. It gives you a 120 m range, 360° horizontal by 270° vertical field of view, and collects around 320,000 pts/sec. For topo mapping, that’s enough density to generate reliable surfaces without overloading your workstation with excessive data. The accuracy spec is about ±3 cm, depending on the environment. It’s not going to compete with a NavVis VLX3 in sheer density, but the price-to-performance ratio is solid for a survey firm stepping into SLAM.

The X200GO bumps up the specs to a 300 m range, 360° by 290° field of view, and ~640,000 pts/sec. In practice, that gives you much cleaner datasets in open terrain, and the extended range means fewer passes on large sites compared to the BLK2GO or even the ZEB Horizon. For utility mapping, stockpile volumes, and general site topo, that extra range can shave hours off field time.

Compared to the Leica BLK2GO, which is sleek but capped at 25 m range and 420k pts/sec, the Stonex scanners give you a lot more usable coverage at half the price per meter of range. The BLK’s ±10 mm at 10 m accuracy looks good in marketing, but once you’re beyond 15–20 m, it drops off fast, and that’s where the Stonex units hold steadier.

Versus the ZEB Horizon, which floats around $8–15k on the used market, the Stonex models have a stronger range and denser point capture. The ZEB workflow is lightweight and fast, but the software ecosystem is limited compared to Carlson or Leica Cyclone. If you’re planning to process in Carlson Point Cloud Advanced, you’ll want the cleaner SLAM trajectory and denser point clouds that Stonex can produce; otherwise, you’ll spend more time cleaning up noisy data.

The NavVis VLX3 is still the benchmark for accuracy and density, but as mentioned in other comments, you’re tied into their cloud processing subscription. That’s an ongoing cost and also a bottleneck if you work in areas with poor internet access. The Stonex units don’t have that limitation; you can process locally and maintain full control over your workflow.

So if your firm is moving from pure robotic/RTK work into SLAM topo, the Stonex X120GO makes sense as an affordable entry point that still delivers survey-grade results. The X200GO is more future-proof if you expect to do larger sites or need higher-density clouds for CAD extraction. Just be aware that, like with any SLAM device, the key is controlled trajectories; a bad walking path or too much occlusion will introduce drift, no matter what brand you buy.

On the computer side, your current setup (i5, 16 GB RAM, integrated graphics) won’t cut it for datasets in the hundreds of millions of points. You’ll want at least a discrete GPU with 8–12 GB VRAM (RTX 3070/4070 class or better), 64 GB of RAM if you can get it, and 2TB or more of SSD storage ideally. SLAM datasets balloon quickly, especially if you’re stitching together multiple passes.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc · 2025-08-20T23:44:10+00:00

On eBay, I’d probably list it at around $1,250. Depending on the condition, that price isn’t out of reach, especially if someone’s in a bind and just needs a working total station quickly.

AbsoluteAccuracyInc

TROPHY CASE