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Robotic
This section describes how to create an optical configuration for a Robotic type instrument. The scenario is as follows:
- Select the Robotic configuration type.
- Select the instrument.
- If necessary, configure peripherals.
- Select connection mode.
- Select the tracking mode and adjust its settings.
- Configure survey settings.
- Select prism configurations; customize or create your own, if necessary.
- Configure additional survey settings.
- Set up auto-topo parameters.
- Specify parameters for a monitor routine.
- If required, configure communication settings.
- Configure data output parameters.
- If required, configure communication settings.
- Configure stake settings.
- Specify stake marking.
- Configure additional stake settings.
- Choose staked point icon.
- Configure point naming.
- Configure miscellaneous parameters.
Instrument
Select the total station that will be used in the survey:
- Select the Manufacturer of the instrument.
- Select the Model of the instrument. Note that the models shown in the list correspond to the chosen type of survey.
Specify default values for prism rod height and instrument height:
- Foresight HR - rod height for the foresight prism.
- Backsight HR - rod height for the backsight prism.
- HI - the instrument height (measured from the instrument height mark to the ground point).
Note that height parameters you defined here can be changed later from any Survey or Stake dialog by clicking
in the title bar.
Click Peripherals to configure available peripherals in the respective dialogs.
Note: To simulate a survey, select Simulator in the Manufacturer field.
Peripherals
If you want to use a cable locator or depth sounder when performing a survey:
- Select the Depth Sounder check box.
- Click the Parameters button to specify device settings.
Depth Finder
Note: If needed, select Simulation Mode to test and demonstrate depth
sounder functionality. No real data will be measured with the depth finder when using simulation mode.
Configure device parameters:
- In the Device Type drop-down list, select the desired device: Cable Locator or Depth Sounder.
- Configure parameters that are specific to the selected device type.
Click the item below to expand the details:
Cable Locator:
- Select the Model of the cable locator.
- Specify Connection setting - Bluetooth or COM. In case of a COM connection, specify necessary port, parity, data, baud and stop rates to connect to the device.
Note: Learn, how to configure the SPX RD8000 cable locator.
Depth Sounder:
- Select the Model of the depth sounder.
- Set the Max Depth Age in seconds. This value shows the age of the depth measurement which will be used in the future positioning calculation together with optical measurements.
- Configure Connection setting: Bluetooth or COM. If a COM connection is selected, additionally specify:
- COM port number,
- baud rate,
- frame parameters: Parity, Stop and Data bits.
When the configuration is used, the depth sounder icon (
) will appear on the status bar of any measurement dialog.
Connection Mode
Specify how the instrument - a total station (TS) - communicates with the field controller and to a remote controller (RC).
-
Initial TS Connection: Select one of the following connection types:
- Cable
- Radios
- RC3 Only
- RC4 Only (SS Wireless)
- Bluetooth TS
The set of available values depends on the instrument model. For example:
- Topcon DS-i (Live Video) supports connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Topcon PS Series supports connection via Bluetooth with Remote Control system (the RC Bluetooth option).
- Topcon PS, DS and GT series support the Bluetooth TS via GNSS connection. This connection type assumes, a GNSS reciever's LongLink™ module acts as a proxy modem to connect to TS extending connection range. Note that only receivers that features the LongLink™ communication can be used for this connection type. Learn, how to connect to TS via GNSS receiver.
Note: If you selected the IS Robot (Live video) or DS-i (Live Video), make sure that the total station is configured in the External link mode. Learn, how to connect an FC-5000 / FC-6000 controller to a DS-i (Live Video).
-
RC: The field is displayed for specific models only.
Specify how a remote controller is connected:
- None
- RC3 Cable
- RC3 Bluetooth
- RC4 Cable
- RC4 Bluetooth
The set of available values depends on the instrument model.
-
RC Channel: Specify the channel for the remote controller.
The field is not displayed is RC is set to None.
-
IS Password (optional): specify a password for the robotic station's ad-hoc network.
The option is displayed for IS Robot (Live video) model only.
Note: Learn, how to pair RC-5 remote control unit with Bluetooth enabled robotic total station.
Cable
Configure the settings necessary for your instrument to communicate with an external device connected via Cable:
- Baud rate.
- Data frame parameters: Parity, Stop and Data bits.
Click Default to reset communication port parameters to default ones.
Radio
Specify the communication parameters if the Total Station is connected via Radios (selected in Connection Mode dialog):
- Select the Type of the radio: Satel, Pacific Crest, or Generic.
- Configure Radio Communication Settings: Baud (baud rate), Parity, Data (number of the data bits), and Stop (number of the stop bits).
- If Satel or Pacific Crest is selected, click the Configure Radio button to configure the parameters of the radio.
Configuration: Radio Param
Configure the parameters for the radio modem. Note that the set of parameters depends on the radio modem type selected in the Radio dialog.
Satel:
- Model: choose the radio modem model.
- Channel: select the channel number.
- Frequency: if required, specify a custom frequency to override the default value set by selected Channel.
The option is not displayed if the 2Asx model is is selected
- PCC Mode: select modulation type defined by the modem type and selected protocol:
- No PCC - use Satel 3As modulation.
- PCC 4-FSK - use PDL 4-level FSK modulation.
- PCC GMSC - use PDL GMSK modulation.
- Auto - modulation type will be selected by modem.
- FEC: enable or disable forward error correction. To use modem's current value, select Do not set.
To reset configured parameters for the radio modem and return to its default settings, click Default.
Pacific Crest:
- Specify Channel number and Sensitivity.
- To reset configured parameters for the radio modem and return to its default settings, click Default.
Search/Track
Configure tracking settings for the total station. Depending on the instrument selected, the following sets of options are available:
- Set of options #1
This set applies to Sokkia total stations and specific Topcon models: MS1A/MS05A, MS05AX II, PS Series, DS-AC Series, DS-AC+ Series, DS-i, DS-i (Live Video), GT-500, GT-1000, GTL-1000).
- Set of options #2
This set applies to other Topcon total stations. Note that some of the options are available for specific models only.
Set of options #1
- Search Area - the angle of searching or tracking, in degrees, for the vertical (Vert) and horizontal planes (Hz).
- Turning Speed of the total station in degrees per second.
- Tracking Measurement - available to specific models only. This option sets the angle display for auto tracking:
- Fixed Averaging - during auto tracking, the angle value is averaged and then fixed. It remains fixed until the target moves again. This mode is recommended when measuring an object at rest.
- Standard - during auto tracking, the angle value is constantly corrected by the image sensor. This mode is recommended when measuring an object in motion.
Set of options #2
- Search Area - the angle of searching or tracking, in degrees, for the vertical (Vert) and horizontal planes (Hz).
- Turning Speed of the total station in degrees per second.
- Start Search After - the delay between the loss of the signal and the start of searching.
- Pattern - the rotating method of telescope and instrument to find the target prism in search mode:
Pattern 1 - this mode can be selected to search the prism at the point where the prism is lost. The instrument searches in up and down directions gradually from the point where the prism is lost. The searching continues until the prism is found.
For specific instruments - for example, AP-L1A and GRT-2000 - this mode is displayed as Normal.
Pattern 2- in this mode, the instrument tries to locate the prism in a very short time, searching it from up to down. The searching continues until the prism is found or a maximum of six attempts.
For specific instruments - for example, AP-L1A and GRT-2000 - this mode is displayed as High.
Note: The auto tracking mode changes to manual mode when the prism cannot be found within six attempts, and returns to the point where the prism was lost.
- Trk Speed - the speed of tracking according to the mode of measurement:
- Survey - for fixed point observation;
- Machine Control 1, 2 - to control construction machinery;
- Slow, Medium, and Fast - for real-time surveying of various moving objects with specific models only (for example, AP-L1A and GRT-2000 total stations).
- Sensitivity - the power level of the accepted signal. It can be low, medium or high. Available for specific models only (for example, AP-L1A and GRT-2000 total stations).
- Scan Range - the range of the tracking signal. It can be Narrow, Middle or Wide. Available for specific models only (for example, AP-L1A and GRT-2000 total stations).
- Predict Time - available for specific models only. It is the time for how long the total station should predict the location of the prism during short interruptions of the line of sight. These interruptions can be caused by unwanted objects - trees, road signs, etc.
Survey Settings - 1
To configure settings for an optical survey:
- Measurement Method: method of side-shot measurements: Direct or Direct/Reverse.
-
Tolerances panel: set the acceptable deviation values for the horizontal and vertical angles and the distance in the current units:
- Hz - horizontal angle in angular seconds;
- Dist. - distance in meters
- VA - vertical angle in angular seconds.
-
Measure reverse distance: this check box enables the reverse distance measurements in conventional and reflectorless surveys. These are used for the reduction of the distance measurement errors.
The option is available when the Direct/Reverse measurement method is selected.
Note: Every survey parameter you defined here can be changed later from any Survey dialog in Optical mode by clicking
.
Survey Settings - 2
To continue configuring settings for an optical survey:
-
Continuous Distance (Reflectorless): select the check box to continuously measure the distance using the reflectorless EDM technology. (Available for specific instruments only.)
-
Select the Auto Target: select the check box to enable automatic searching, locking and saving the measurements. These steps will be performed after clicking the Save button during the survey. (Available for specific instruments only.)
Note: Every survey parameter you defined here can be changed later from any Survey dialog in Optical mode by clicking
.
Select Targets
To view and manage target configurations available for selection and usage and to add and delete custom targets.
- To review target configurations and to select a new target configuration to use in measurements:
- The list displays available target configurations based on available types of targets: Prism, reflective Sheet, reflectorless Non-Prism, long reflectorless Long Non-Prism (supported target types depend on the configured instrument model):
- predefined prisms configurations of specific prism models (ATP1 360, (ATP2 360, A6 360, A7 360, Builder Series 360), generic prisms configurations (0 Offset, -30 Offset);
- predefined sheet configuration with 0 Offset;
- predefined non-prism configuration with 0 Offset;
- predefined long non-prism configuration with 0 Offset (available for IS / QS / GPT / GTS Series total stations);
- user-created (custom) configurations of any target type.
- Every target configuration stores the target specific parameters:
- Name - the model name for predefined specific prism configurations, the target type for predefined sheet and reflectorless configurations, or the user entered name for custom target configurations.
- Constant (prism constant, or P.C.) - the parameter of the Prism characterizing the difference between the reflection plane and the center of the prism. Prism constant is a given property of the particular prism model; the value is specified on the prism body or in prism's instruction manual. For Sheet, Non-Prism, and Long Non-Prism targets, the added offset distance in mm along the observation line from the physical surface of the target to the actual target point.
- Hybrid Positioning™ antenna offset - is the offset between horizontal optical axis of the prism and antenna reference point (ARP).
- Height Type - the method how the height of the prism is measured in MAGNET Field.
- Center Offset - the distance from bottom of prism to its center.
- 360 Prism - indicates if a 360-degree prism is used in this configuration (Yes or No status).
- Aperture - the value for the Prism or Sheet reflector's aperture size in mm.
- The currently used target configuration is marked with
near its name.
- Click on a target configuration to highlight it and select it to use in measurements.
- Click
or
to change the position of selected target configuration in the list.
- To view, add, edit, or delete specific target configuration:
Note: Predefined target configurations are non-editable and can't be deleted; you can only view target details.
- Highlight a target configuration and click the View / Edit button to open the Edit Target dialog and view the details of predefined target configuration or view and edit the target parameters for custom target configuration.
- Click the Add button to open the New Target dialog, enter parameters of a new user-defined target and create a custom target configuration.
- Click the Delete button to delete a highlighted custom target configuration from the list.
Click
to save the current target configuration choice and return to the previous dialog. Click
to close the dialog without saving changes.
Edit Target Configuration
To review detailed information about the selected target; to create a new custom target, or to modify parameters of an existing custom target.
- Review detailed information about the selected target:
- Name - the name of the target configuration.
- Target Type - the type of target used in this configuration, either Prism, reflective Sheet, reflectorless Non-Prism, long reflectorless Long Non-Prism (supported target types depend on the configured instrument model).
- Constant (prism constant, or P.C.) - the parameter of the Prism characterizing the difference between the reflection plane and the center of the prism. Prism constant is a given property of the particular prism model; the value is specified on the prism body or in prism's instruction manual. For Sheet, Non-Prism, and Long Non-Prism targets, the added offset distance in mm along the observation line from the physical surface of the target to the actual target point.
-
Hybrid Positioning™ antenna offset - the offset between horizontal optical axis of the prism and antenna reference point (ARP). See the figure:
Note: Review the detailed information on how to set the antenna height in a single equipment setup ready for both, Hybrid Positioning™ and standard GNSS surveys.
- Height Type - the option specifies the method how you will measure the height of the prism for your routines:
- Center of Prism - in a survey, you will enter the direct height from the pole tip to the center of the prism (measured manually, e.g. by a tape). If the Center of Prism method is used, the Center Offset field is disabled.
- Top of Pole - in a survey, you will enter only the pole's height. The fixed value of prism's center offset (the distance from bottom of prism to its center) will be automatically added to this height. If the Top of Pole method is used, you must specify this offset value in the Center Offset field.
- 360 Prism - if this check box is selected, it indicates that a 360-degree prism is used in the configuration.
- Aperture - the value for the Prism or Sheet reflector's aperture size in mm. Make sure the correct value is entered in this field. If incorrect aperture size is specified the tracking algorithms may produce errors.
- Create or edit a custom target configuration:
- Specify the Name for a new target configuration.
- Select the Target type for this target configuration.
- Enter or modify the selected target type related parameters (described above) as necessary.
- Click
to save the target configuration and return to the Targets dialog. Click
to close the dialog without saving changes.
Survey Settings - 3
Configure the presets for the Precise and Quick modes to be used in a survey performed with a Robotic instrument.
Set up the measurement modes parameters as necessary:
- In the Precise panel, configure storing positions:
- From the EDM Mode drop-down list, select the sensitivity to use for the distance measurements. The actual choice of values depend on the TS connected. By default, it is set to the value producing the most accurate measurement.
- Select the Meas Continuously check box to log measurements continuously and stop them manually when required.
- The Average field allows you to set a specific number of measurements for logging and average them for storing the position. If required, you can change the default number of measurements.
- If Meas Continuously is enabled, the logging immediately stops to store the point.
- If Meas Continuously is disabled, the Average position is calculated to store the point.
- Select the Auto Store check box to enable auto-storing positions for the average mode.
- In the Quick panel, configure fast auto-storing positions:
- From the EDM Mode drop-down list, select the sensitivity to use for the distance measurements. The actual choice of values depend on the TS connected. By default, it is set to the value producing the quickest result.
- In the Average field, if needed, you can change the default number of measurements required for storing positions.
Note: Every survey parameter you defined here can be changed later from any Survey dialog in Optical mode by clicking
.
Auto Topo
Set up the parameters for an auto-topo survey:
- Method: specify the method according to which the points measured in auto-topo survey will be automatically saved. Available options are By Time, By Hz Dist, By Slope Dist and By Elevation.
- Interval: specify the saving interval for selected method:
- in seconds for the By Time method; the default value is 1 second.
- in meters for the By Hz Dist, By Slope Dist and By Elevation; the default value is 15 meters.
Monitor Options
Configure the parameters to be used in a Monitor routine:
- Log To: select None, File, or COM for data output.
- Output Type: specify the type of data to be written to output (Raw Data or Coordinates).
- Output Format: specify the format for data output:
- FC-5, FC-6/GTS-7 or GTS-6 for raw data output;
- GGA and Text for coordinates output.
- If logging to a COM port is selected, click
next to the Comm Settings field to configure the port settings in the Comm Setting dialog.
- If logging to File is selected, you can change the location and name of the output file by clicking the
button next to File Name.
The default file name is Monitor, and the extension depends on the output format you have selected.
- Search After Turn: select the check box to if you want the instrument to search for a prism after the instrument automatically turns to the next point in a monitor routine.
- Meas Method: choose measurement method for a monitor routine: Direct or Direct/Reverse.
- Sets: specify the required number of Direct/Reverse measurements. Each measurement set consists of one direct and one reverse measurements.
Select the Store As Check Point check box to store the measurements as Check Points to the original points in the monitor list; otherwise, they will be stored as normal points.
Topo Output Config
To configure the data output parameters in Topo and Auto Topo surveys.
- Log To: select None, File, or COM for data output.
- Output Type: specify the type of data to be written to output (Raw Data or Coordinates).
- Output Format: specify the format for data output:
- FC-5, FC-6/GTS-7 or GTS-6 for raw data output;
- GGA and Text for coordinates output.
- If logging to a COM port is selected, click
next to the Comm Settings field to configure the port settings in the Comm Setting dialog.
- If logging to File is selected, you can change the location and name of the output file by clicking the
button next to File Name.
The default file name is Topo, and the extension depends on the output format you have selected.
Stake Settings - 1
To configure settings for stakeout performed with the total station:
- Horizontal Distance Tolerance and Vertical Distance Tolerance: enter the distance tolerance values when the graph switches to a bull's eye in stakeout.
- Compass Orientation: to be used during the stakeout:
- Instrument Reference - the reference set in the instrument will be used;
- North - the top of the screen is oriented to the north during the stakeout session;
- Moving Direction - the top of the screen is oriented to the direction of moving during the stakeout session;
- Moving Dir + North - is similar to the Moving Direction option, but the screen will be oriented to the North direction when you are within three meters of the design point;
- Point / Azimuth (Bearing) - if you select this orientation type, the Orient Pt / Orient Az (Orient Brg) toggle button will be displayed in the Stake Point dialog or the Reference Info dialog will be opened before stakeout. Here you can define a point or a direction to orient the screen top.
- Display Reference: select an object from the drop-down list, and the direction to this object will be indicated with the icon
in compass as a reference orientation during the stakeout.
- Include previous staked design points: if the check box is selected, you can select in stakeout not only a design point which was not staked yet, but also a design point for which a stakeout was already made.
Stake Settings - 2
To continue configuring settings for stakeout performed with the total station:
- Turn to Design Point: select the method for turning toward the design point.
Display options:
- Display HA only or Display HA/VA: the total station will display the computed values of angles to design points, and you will turn the instrument by these angles.
Grade Stake Marking
This dialog allows you to mark the grade stake with the skyward rounding of the cut/fill decimal values to an even number of feet (or meters).
To configure the marking settings:
- In the Working stake length field, enter the working length of the stake.
- In Top spacing field, enter a value of top reserve part of the stake for marking.
- In Bottom spacing field, enter a value of bottom reserve part of the stake for marking.
- In Cut/Fill interval field, enter an even number you want the cut/fill to round to.
Example:
If the cut is 0.8 and the bottom spacing is 0.5, we will round up to a cut of 2.0 (assuming the 1.0 interval) and place the mark at 1.2 above the ground; see below:

Stake Settings - 3
Configure the presets for the Precise and Quick modes to be used in a stakeout routine performed with a Robotic instrument.
Set up the measurement modes parameters as necessary:
- In the Precise panel, configure storing positions:
- From the EDM Mode drop-down list, select the sensitivity to use for the distance measurements. The actual choice of values depend on the TS connected. By default, it is set to the value producing the most accurate measurement.
- Select the Meas Continuously check box to log measurements continuously and stop them manually when required.
- The Average field allows you to set a specific number of measurements for logging and average them for storing the position. If required, you can change the default number of measurements.
- If Meas Continuously is enabled, the logging immediately stops to store the point.
- If Meas Continuously is disabled, the Average position is calculated to store the point.
- Select the Auto Store check box to enable auto-storing positions for the average mode.
- In the Quick panel, configure fast auto-storing positions:
- From the EDM Mode drop-down list, select the sensitivity to use for the distance measurements. The actual choice of values depend on the TS connected. By default, it is set to the value producing the quickest result.
- In the Average field, if needed, you can change the default number of measurements required for storing positions.
Note: Every survey parameter you defined here can be changed later from any Stakeout dialog in Optical mode by clicking
.
Staked Point Icon
Define how staked points will be displayed on the map.
Check the Use icon for staked point box to enable a special icon for staked points to display them on maps. Clear the box to disable the use of special icon for staked points.
If the use of special icon for staked points on maps is enabled, select an icon symbol and color:
- Click the Icon button to open the Select Symbol dialog and choose a special icon for staked points on maps.
- Check the Use tolerance colors box to select different icon colors for staked points that are inside and outside of the distance tolerance threshold defined in the Stake Settings dialog for GNSS configuration or in the Stake Settings dialog for Optical configuration. Clear the box to use a single color for all the staked points.
- Click the respective
button(s) to open the Select Color dialog and choose either the desired Color for all staked points or different colors for staked points In Tolerance and for staked points Out of Tolerance.
- Displayed icon and color(s) for staked points on maps reflect entered settings.
Point Naming
Specify the parameters for naming a new point. When adding a new point, its name can be formed by using an increment or decrement to its sequential number, and adding prefixes or suffixes. You can form the names for all points in such a way, except for stacked points.
To configure point naming and other parameters, use the Point panel:
- Increment Point Number: the increment / decrement value. If you select "0" in the field, the next point number will remain unchanged. The Point Check dialog will be opened for saving such point. You can save this point as a check point
- Prefix/Suffix: a prefix or suffix to form the name of a point. If your job does not have predefined values of the prefix or suffix, you can create these values in the List of Suffixes / Prefixes dialog and use in other projects. To open this dialog, click
in the Prefix/Suffix field.
Example:
The number in the Point field of the Topo dialog is 200. You specified "-1" in the Increment Point Number field and use "_MGN" Suffix. The number of the next point will be "199_MGN".
- Measure nearest point: if this check box is selected, then the following will occur during a survey:
- When measuring a point within the specified range, the Objects near selected point dialog will be displayed listing all the points within the range.
- On attempt to measure a point out of specified range, a respective warning will be shown. A user will be asked to choose whether he wants:
- to measure and store such a point or
- to cancel the measurement at current position.
The desired range is specified in the Range field.
To set parameters for storing staked points, use the Staked Point panel:
- In the Name As field, select a method to set the number for
the first staked point. The initial point name can be set to:
- Design Point name.
- Next Point name.
- Design Pt Prefix (for example, "stk_01", where "stk_" is the prefix). The choice of the default prefix appears only when the corresponding item is chosen from the drop-down menu.
- Design Pt Suffix (for example, "01_stk", where "_stk" is the suffix). The choice of the default suffix appears only when the corresponding item is chosen from the drop-down menu.
- Design Pt+Constant. A specified numerical constant can be added to automatically generate the staked point name. For example, if the constant specified is "1000", and the design point number is "100", the staked point would be named "1100" (that is, 100+1000). If the design point number is alphanumeric, the constant is appended to the name. For example, for a design point named "ALPHA", the corresponding staked out point will be named "ALPHA1000".
- Range Start. Any start value of a range can be selected.
-
The Note can be set to either Design Point name, Design Pt Prefix, Design Pt Suffix, Station & Offset or None. If the Station & Offset option is selected, an edit box for entering an alphanumeric prefix is displayed, pre-filled with the default value:
- for the United States, this prefix is "Sta.";
- for the international markets the prefix is "SP.";
- for the Korean/Japanese markets the prefix is "NO."
With the Station & Offset option selected, depending on the choice of the prefix, MAGNET Field automatically generates one note for each stakeout point: "Sta.5+5.5R5.0", "SP.505.5R5.0", or "NO.5+5.5R5.0", respectively.
Miscellaneous
Customize the user interface configuration and program behavior during a survey:
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