Topcon makes a number of electronic total station devices. Total station access combines a telescope with recording devices to calculate measurements. All of these devices work to collect data and offer real time 3-D views. The telescope works within different distances depending on the model. How the data is recorded varies by model, as well. Scientists can track things more accurately as well as track moving options in the sky with more consistency than hand logging. The station can work calculations to predict where stationary and moving objects will be in relation to the change in the Earth's position.
GPT-7000 Series
The Pulse Total Station GPT-7000 series is an all-in-one non-prism total station. This device mounts with a Windows based data collection function. It features a large color display with a touch panel. You can access real-time 3D view. The machine can interface through a C card, USB or RS-232C. The machine requires Internet to send and receive data including email. The total length of the telescope is 150mm and the magnification is 30 times. The minimum focus distance is 4.29 feet. The battery life when distant measurement is being used is 5 hours and up to 10 hours with angle measurement only. These specs apply to all the GPT-7000 series, which as of 2010 runs from 7001 to 7005. The main difference between the models within the 7000 series is the accuracy, the 7001 being the most accurate, within one inch and the 7005 within 5 inches. The 7005 is the only one that has a one-sided display unit.
GPT-3000 Series
The Total Station GPT-3000 series is laser beam based with a non-prism platform. It comes with a stable pulsed laser. The telescope size is 150mm with 30 times magnification. The minimum focus distance is 4.29 feet. In low light conditions the range is from 5 to 820 feet. In prism mode it can go up to 9,900 feet. This series does not come with a processor, so it does not send data via the Internet. It can last up to 4.2 hours with distant measurements and 45 hours when measuring angles only. These specs run for the range of GPT 3002-3007.
Again, accuracy is the biggest difference, ranging from 2 inches to 7 inches. The ending number of the model matches the inches of accuracy. The 3002 is accurate within 2 inches and the 3007 within 7 inches. The detecting system also varies in this model. The 3002 measures with two sides on both the H and V axis. The 3003 has two-sided detection on the H axis and one side on the V. The 3007 has only one side on each axis.
GTS-820 Series
The GTS-820A series offers a CCD tracking system and works with at least one prism. The equipment features nine total prisms and you can use 1, 3 and 9. The total length of the telescope is 166mm and it magnifies up to 30 times. The minimum focus distance is 1.3 meters. This unit does not run on the Windows platform but rather an MS-DOS operating system.
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