Mapping and GIS Solutions Community

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

We have 15 Geo 7x handhelds with the external lasers mounted under the receiver and have used Trimble units for 20+ years. We have always loved the accuracy, simplicity and versatility the 7x offers. For a few years now, we keep getting encouraged to jump in and replace what we have. We are concerned with buying the new units that are recommended because of the need of multiple components that need to be taken into the field instead of a single device and now we see the ability to collect accurate points in canopy may be an issue. 

Our team of data collectors use on a regular bases the range finders to collect locations and store attributes on many features in our line of work. Some are on sidewalks collecting points on features that are hard to access or just not safe to stand over or access. Some data collectors are in boats collecting points on features on land. Some of our collectors even collect data on estimates of how tall a trees are by using the laser. When it comes to collecting consistently accurate points, the 7x is perfect for that even with the tree canopy using the floodlight technology. You cannot beat the ruggedness of the 7x. We do not get them wet. I am not sure how well they will stand up to that but we have had them dropped on asphalt and still work fine.

We are hoping soon that a company can offer a unit that is a true all in one and comparable with the 7x (including a laser that is integrated or mounted under the receiver) on accuracy and performance level. It is clear to me there is a need still for a unit that can perform and compete with the Geo 7x handheld.

I wonder if the DA2 has issues collecting as accurate and consistent positions as the 7x under canopy?

------------------------------
David Hames

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2023 07:14
From: Wayne Randall
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

Thanks for posting your message regarding the 7x.  The DA2 works great and doesn't have issues like the 650.  The problem with that is you have to connect a battery and connect to a device.  It is not the all in one like the 7x and 650.  

We have 15 Geo 7x handhelds with the external lasers mounted under the receiver and have used Trimble units for 20+ years. We have always loved the accuracy, simplicity and versatility the 7x offers. For a few years now, we keep getting encouraged to jump in and replace what we have. We are concerned with buying the new units that are recommended because of the need of multiple components that need to be taken into the field instead of a single device and now we see the ability to collect accurate points in canopy may be an issue. 

Our team of data collectors use on a regular bases the range finders to collect locations and store attributes on many features in our line of work. Some are on sidewalks collecting points on features that are hard to access or just not safe to stand over or access. Some data collectors are in boats collecting points on features on land. Some of our collectors even collect data on estimates of how tall a trees are by using the laser. When it comes to collecting consistently accurate points, the 7x is perfect for that even with the tree canopy using the floodlight technology. You cannot beat the ruggedness of the 7x. We do not get them wet. I am not sure how well they will stand up to that but we have had them dropped on asphalt and still work fine.

We are hoping soon that a company can offer a unit that is a true all in one and comparable with the 7x (including a laser that is integrated or mounted under the receiver) on accuracy and performance level. It is clear to me there is a need still for a unit that can perform and compete with the Geo 7x handheld.

I wonder if the DA2 has issues collecting as accurate and consistent positions as the 7x under canopy?

------------------------------
David Hames

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2023 07:14
From: Wayne Randall
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

I see what you are saying Wayne. We agree, 100%. I am curious about the DA2 incase they make these 7xs inoperable. We are really hoping someone comes out with a device that is truly competitive with the 7x very soon. If we have to buy a device like a 650, we would rather just bring our cell phones and not buy the 650s because we can still utilize a rangefinder, even though it is mounted to a pole and we are less invested with Trimble. We would be more willing to consider the 650s if they have a laser that is internal or mounted external like the 7x.

Thanks for posting your message regarding the 7x.  The DA2 works great and doesn't have issues like the 650.  The problem with that is you have to connect a battery and connect to a device.  It is not the all in one like the 7x and 650.  

We have 15 Geo 7x handhelds with the external lasers mounted under the receiver and have used Trimble units for 20+ years. We have always loved the accuracy, simplicity and versatility the 7x offers. For a few years now, we keep getting encouraged to jump in and replace what we have. We are concerned with buying the new units that are recommended because of the need of multiple components that need to be taken into the field instead of a single device and now we see the ability to collect accurate points in canopy may be an issue. 

Our team of data collectors use on a regular bases the range finders to collect locations and store attributes on many features in our line of work. Some are on sidewalks collecting points on features that are hard to access or just not safe to stand over or access. Some data collectors are in boats collecting points on features on land. Some of our collectors even collect data on estimates of how tall a trees are by using the laser. When it comes to collecting consistently accurate points, the 7x is perfect for that even with the tree canopy using the floodlight technology. You cannot beat the ruggedness of the 7x. We do not get them wet. I am not sure how well they will stand up to that but we have had them dropped on asphalt and still work fine.

We are hoping soon that a company can offer a unit that is a true all in one and comparable with the 7x (including a laser that is integrated or mounted under the receiver) on accuracy and performance level. It is clear to me there is a need still for a unit that can perform and compete with the Geo 7x handheld.

I wonder if the DA2 has issues collecting as accurate and consistent positions as the 7x under canopy?

------------------------------
David Hames

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2023 07:14
From: Wayne Randall
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

Hi David,

You can integrate an external rangefinder with the TerraFlex software in combination with a DA2 who uses the ProPoint technology from the high end model R12i.

Kind regards,

Denis Snauwaert

Application Engineer AllTerra-BeLux

------------------------------
Denis Snauwaert

Original Message:
Sent: 09-18-2023 05:11
From: David Hames
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

I see what you are saying Wayne. We agree, 100%. I am curious about the DA2 incase they make these 7xs inoperable. We are really hoping someone comes out with a device that is truly competitive with the 7x very soon. If we have to buy a device like a 650, we would rather just bring our cell phones and not buy the 650s because we can still utilize a rangefinder, even though it is mounted to a pole and we are less invested with Trimble. We would be more willing to consider the 650s if they have a laser that is internal or mounted external like the 7x.

------------------------------
David Hames

Original Message:
Sent: 09-18-2023 04:30
From: Wayne Randall
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

Thanks for posting your message regarding the 7x.  The DA2 works great and doesn't have issues like the 650.  The problem with that is you have to connect a battery and connect to a device.  It is not the all in one like the 7x and 650.  

------------------------------
Wayne Randall

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2023 08:11
From: David Hames
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

We have 15 Geo 7x handhelds with the external lasers mounted under the receiver and have used Trimble units for 20+ years. We have always loved the accuracy, simplicity and versatility the 7x offers. For a few years now, we keep getting encouraged to jump in and replace what we have. We are concerned with buying the new units that are recommended because of the need of multiple components that need to be taken into the field instead of a single device and now we see the ability to collect accurate points in canopy may be an issue. 

Our team of data collectors use on a regular bases the range finders to collect locations and store attributes on many features in our line of work. Some are on sidewalks collecting points on features that are hard to access or just not safe to stand over or access. Some data collectors are in boats collecting points on features on land. Some of our collectors even collect data on estimates of how tall a trees are by using the laser. When it comes to collecting consistently accurate points, the 7x is perfect for that even with the tree canopy using the floodlight technology. You cannot beat the ruggedness of the 7x. We do not get them wet. I am not sure how well they will stand up to that but we have had them dropped on asphalt and still work fine.

We are hoping soon that a company can offer a unit that is a true all in one and comparable with the 7x (including a laser that is integrated or mounted under the receiver) on accuracy and performance level. It is clear to me there is a need still for a unit that can perform and compete with the Geo 7x handheld.

I wonder if the DA2 has issues collecting as accurate and consistent positions as the 7x under canopy?

------------------------------
David Hames

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2023 07:14
From: Wayne Randall
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

------------------------------
Wayne Randall
------------------------------

Thanks for posting your message regarding the 7x.  The DA2 works great and doesn't have issues like the 650.  The problem with that is you have to connect a battery and connect to a device.  It is not the all in one like the 7x and 650.  

We have 15 Geo 7x handhelds with the external lasers mounted under the receiver and have used Trimble units for 20+ years. We have always loved the accuracy, simplicity and versatility the 7x offers. For a few years now, we keep getting encouraged to jump in and replace what we have. We are concerned with buying the new units that are recommended because of the need of multiple components that need to be taken into the field instead of a single device and now we see the ability to collect accurate points in canopy may be an issue. 

Our team of data collectors use on a regular bases the range finders to collect locations and store attributes on many features in our line of work. Some are on sidewalks collecting points on features that are hard to access or just not safe to stand over or access. Some data collectors are in boats collecting points on features on land. Some of our collectors even collect data on estimates of how tall a trees are by using the laser. When it comes to collecting consistently accurate points, the 7x is perfect for that even with the tree canopy using the floodlight technology. You cannot beat the ruggedness of the 7x. We do not get them wet. I am not sure how well they will stand up to that but we have had them dropped on asphalt and still work fine.

We are hoping soon that a company can offer a unit that is a true all in one and comparable with the 7x (including a laser that is integrated or mounted under the receiver) on accuracy and performance level. It is clear to me there is a need still for a unit that can perform and compete with the Geo 7x handheld.

I wonder if the DA2 has issues collecting as accurate and consistent positions as the 7x under canopy?

------------------------------
David Hames

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2023 07:14
From: Wayne Randall
Subject: Geo7x vs TDC 650

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

We have been using the Geo 7x for several years with ESRI ArcPad and have had no issues getting the submeter accuracy we needed in heavy canopy.  We purchased a TDC 650 early summer of 2023 and have had continuous issues with both the SBAS accuracy and even when using the post processing, we still cannot get the accuracy down to submeter most of the time.  

We have had several discussions with our Trimble rep and tried to figure out the best answers.  I just think the built in antenna is not as good as the GEO 7x.  If we rent a unit from our local Trimble dealer, they give us an older Geo 7x.  The problem is that they have to download the data for us because we can't connect it to a 64x windows computer. 

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

If you are interested in floodlight tech and tree coverage, check out the new R580. Pole mounted, but does work with any iOS/Android (BYOD). Just food for thought... same long lasting batteries as the R-series. 

R580

Kara

We have been using the Geo 7x for several years with ESRI ArcPad and have had no issues getting the submeter accuracy we needed in heavy canopy.  We purchased a TDC 650 early summer of 2023 and have had continuous issues with both the SBAS accuracy and even when using the post processing, we still cannot get the accuracy down to submeter most of the time.  

We have had several discussions with our Trimble rep and tried to figure out the best answers.  I just think the built in antenna is not as good as the GEO 7x.  If we rent a unit from our local Trimble dealer, they give us an older Geo 7x.  The problem is that they have to download the data for us because we can't connect it to a 64x windows computer. 

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!

We have been using the Geo 7x for several years with ESRI ArcPad and have had no issues getting the submeter accuracy we needed in heavy canopy.  We purchased a TDC 650 early summer of 2023 and have had continuous issues with both the SBAS accuracy and even when using the post processing, we still cannot get the accuracy down to submeter most of the time.  

We have had several discussions with our Trimble rep and tried to figure out the best answers.  I just think the built in antenna is not as good as the GEO 7x.  If we rent a unit from our local Trimble dealer, they give us an older Geo 7x.  The problem is that they have to download the data for us because we can't connect it to a 64x windows computer. 

I just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the TDC 650.  My general thoughts our that it is less superior than the Geo7x.  I am very disappointed in the accuracy of the 650 in tree cover and the ability to get good reception.  The Geo7x had the floodlight technology, and I am not sure why they wouldn't make the 650 with it.  I thought it worked great under canopy and it stinks that it had to be on a Windows platform and it is getting phased out.  We are seeing major issues with the accuracy of our data and our extremely unhappy with purchasing the units at this point.  The 650 is fine and doing what it is supposed to do, it is just really disappointing that it doesn't work as well or better than the Geo7x under tree canopy....

Anyone have similar results that has used both regularly?  Also, are there any other units on the market similar to these?

Thanks!