Topcon used the recent World of Geomatics exhibition to unveil the revolutionary new GR-3 GNSS receiver to the UK public.

Based on Topcon’s patented G3™ technology, the GR-3 is the most advanced receiver of it’s kind in the world, capable of tracking all current and proposed signals from all current and proposed GNSS constellations.

The new GR-3 is the result of years of development of the next generation of GNSS receiver, with many features implemented as a result of user feedback.

From it’s advanced design bringing the centre-of-mass in to the pole, to the hot-swappable Li-Ion batteries and exclusive battery unit that uses off-the-shelf AA batteries, the GR-3 is truly state-of-the-art. Furthermore, the magnesium I-beam structure is tested to withstand a 2m pole drop, and with the circuit boards inside encased in a gel bumper, it even retains lock on satellites.

The integrated Digital Signal Processing (DSP) radio modem technology leaves old analogue radios behind, plus with a GSM/GPRS modem with SIM slot behind the battery, there’s no need for cables or bolt-on modems.SD cards also offer unbeatable flexibility and ease of use for logging hours and hours of raw data.

There’s even a Quick-Snap connector which screws onto a standard 5/8” thread, plus it’s a nice round number at 50mm tall! Additionally, the receiver may be configured as either a base or rover, ensuring full flexibility.

Of course, the GR-3 is not just about receiver design features. With the Paradigm G3 chip inside, the GR-3 is the only receiver of it’s kind capable of tracking GPS, GLONASS and the future Galileo signals.

72 Universal Signal Tracking channels allow any combination of current an proposed signals on all channels. Plus the latest processing power provides even faster results.

Please refer to: www.topcon.co.uk/img/pdf/pdf_GPS/Leaflet%20GR-3_A4%20English-low_final.pdf

Topcon 3DXi GPS+ Excavator at show

The crowds gathered to see Topcon’s latest 3DXi GPS based excavator indicator system at the recent SED show.

With the largest live demo area of it’s kind at the show, Topcon as part of its global alliance with Komatsu demonstrated a 3DXi system on a 21T Komatsu PC210LC.

The design DTMs were created in the accompanying 3D-Office software for loading into the GX60 in-cab display box. Then, the excavator operator simply follows the on-screen display to “see” how his bucket compares to the design model.

The system completely eliminates over and under-excavation, ensuring correct grade is achieved first and every time. Add to this, the associated benefits of less fuel consumed, less machine wear and tear and the stake-less jobsite and it becomes clear why this system is so attractive!

Topcon also offer entry level 2D solutions based around tilt sensors and/or lasers in a scalable system capable of later upgrade to full 3D capability by adding GPS+.

Topcon mmGPS dozer system at Hillhead

Teaming up with Komatsu again, Topcon demonstrated the latest 3D Machine Control system with live-action demos at Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire between June 26th-28th.A Komatsu D65PX bulldozer equipped with the latest mmGPS technology for fully automatic machine control attracted the crowds over the three days.

In unfriendly GPS work sites such as tunnels, Topcon also now offer the updated LPS (Local Positioning System) with the latest in Total Station control, ensuring complete mm accuracy and flexibility to the end user.

Topcon’s exclusive mmGPS benefits include:

• Ease-of-use
• On-grade first time
• Stake-free jobsite
• Round-the-clock operation
• Reduced fuel consumption
• Reduced machine wear and tear
• Free firmware/software updates
• Multiple users off one base station/LaserZone

Topcon at work on the World’s Largest Road Construction Project.

Construction is underway on what is touted as the world's largest public works project: an Algerian East-West highway linking the country with Tunisia and Morocco, scheduled to be completed by 2010. Topcon’s G3™ technology, which drives the precise positioning industry's first commercial multi-constellation receivers, has been chosen to direct project layout and construction for a major section of the roadway. Topcon software and instruments were selected by the consortium (COJAAL), which is made up of five Japanese construction companies.

Topcon's portion of the bid includes the sale, training and support for approx. 100 3D-Machine Control (3D-MC) systems with 40 already confirmed; the transaction marking the single largest 3D-MC equipment sale in the world. The 3D-MC machine control systems will be used on bulldozers, graders, excavators, trenchers and other machines used in the project, with a split of 80% Caterpillar and 20% Komatsu. The bid also included 50 rover systems.

Divided into three phases, the $11.2 billion, six-lane highway project attracted worldwide attention in the construction industry, with project bids being presented by 64 global companies. The total highway project will stretch more than 755 miles (1,216 km).

The Japanese companies forming the COJAAL coalition - Kajima, Taisei, Hazama, Nishimatsu and Itochu - won the bid over companies like Bechtel of the USA, Razel-Vinchi of France, and an Italian bid featuring four large contractors.

Ray O'Connor, President and CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems, said, "It is an honour for Topcon to be selected to provide equipment, software, training and applications for this mammoth highway project. On a project of this size, ease of use, accuracy, effectiveness and the saving of time is paramount to maintaining schedules and maximizing profit margins. "This highway project is being watched by companies and governments all over the world and we are gratified that Topcon was chosen to be a part of it."

A spokesman for COJAAL said one of the main reasons for the Japanese group’s win was that Topcon received the highest evaluation in the "reliability" category for 3D-MC systems.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, the bids were awarded on the coalitions' "construction ability and experience," particularly on massive highway projects. The bid was awarded by a selection firm representing the Algerian government.

The highway is a landmark engineering infrastructure development for Algeria that will meet transport needs, improve road safety and help create a profitable new socio-economic region capable of attracting investments.

Topcon’s upgraded Windows® CE.net field controller software TopSURV version 6.11.01 has been released and boasts the following GPS+ functionality:

• GR-3 receiver added
• Enhanced DXF/DWG import/export
• Global Code Library supports layers
• Improved LandXML format supported

Plus improved total station and digital level functionality also added.

Current TopSURV users may upgrade existing modules free of charge.
Download from: www.topconsurvey.co.uk/gps

Come and visit Topcon at the Annual Conference of RSPSOC between 11th and 14th September.

Held at Newcastle University’s Civil Engineering and Geosciences department, Topcon’s experts will be on hand to demonstrate the latest innovative close-range photogrammetry software solutions

See www.ceg.ncl.ac.uk/rspsoc2007 for further details.