I use a Carlson Explorer. I like it, and from what I've heard the Surveyor plus is even better. Support has always been great.
Sokkia was recently bought by Topcon, so I would be afraid that support for Sokkia branded products could be negatively affected. Similar to the situation with TDS and trimble. I used to run TDS collectors and software and they were always good, but support suffered after the Trimble takeover.
I've been using the Surveyor+ since its inception and have been VERY pleased. One thing to note is that the Surveyor+ is built for Carlson by Juniper Systems which makes the Allegro and if you have ever owned/used a Allegro.....well case closed.
I have a Leica 1205 robot and will be purchashing a Allegro with a Leica internal radio and SurvCE installed later this year. When I purchased my robot in 2005 I had the option to go the Allegro route (which I wanted) but you had to lug around all of the external radio devices. That turned me away and went with Leica's RX 1250 controller which has been GREAT as well but am consolidating my business softwares (field to office) exclusively using Carlson products. Makes sense to create centerline, profile, template files, etc. and simply drag them to SurvCE. Makes field operations very easy.
I have to agree with the "be careful of Sokkia" comment. I used to be a big Sokkia fan until I started looking for a robot in 2004. Sokkia wasn't in the equation then and being bought by Topcon later botherd me as I have had a bad experience with a Topcon Hiper +. Switched to Carlson's GPS, at its inception, and haven't looked back!
Just my opinion based on my experience's. I'm sure others will endorse Topcon/Sokkia and other DC setups and rightly so based on usage. Each brand will make some warm and fuzzy and others not.
I have a great supllier who is really reasonable, great guy..even "pawned" some equipment over the last couple of rough years for short times to help me keep the electricity on etc etc etc He sells sokkia so thats what I went with. It is excellent equipment but there is no support from Sokkia..it is REALLY pitiful...I would be ashamed but I don't think they collectively possess that gene.............
Got a new job and I have to work in the field for a few hours each day and at my age...I HAD to get a robot, GPS and just traded in my old uber-reliable carlson Exp. 2 for a new Sokkia 2500SHC. It seemed like a good idea......get all new equipment made at the same time..all new - quick - modern etc etc.....This MAY have been a mistake....................
It is great hardware, but the software was written by high school students......unlike the manual says..it is NOT "intuitive"....the machine is (very) fast, but it doesn't work like a surveyor thinks....and I was "thinking" with a slide rule before I bought my first HP41c in 1981.........
Sokkia support IS NON-EXISTANT. They are now out-sourcing I guess because this one guy "has little english" if you know what I mean.....crimminy........it took 6 weeks to get the gps delivered.....different story each day of the week. It is hated. I love the robot and GPS...it is really great equipment. I am now looking a refund on their software so I can load carlson or TDS onto the new DC...........but don't hold your breath wanting help from these people, 'cause it ain't coming.....
Timothy L. Blackmon, PSM .....that's right Sokkia...the guy who emailed you LAST WEEK for a simple permission code to PRINT OUT AN OWNERS MANUAL AND STILL CAN'T BECAUSE HE HASN'T HEARD BACK FROM YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....AGAIN......
