TOTAL STATION USER GUIDE. Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software

Transcription

1 TOTAL STATION USER GUIDE Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software

2 NORTH AMERICA Trimble Construction Division 5475 Kellenburger Road Dayton, Ohio USA (Toll Free) Phone Fax EUROPE Trimble GmbH Am Prime Parc Raunheim GERMANY Phone Fax ASIA - PACIFIC Trimble Navigation Australia PTY Limited Level 1/120 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 AUSTRALIA Phone Fax

3 TOTAL STATION USER GUIDE Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software Version 2.50 Revision A February 2009 F

4 Contact Information Trimble Navigation Limited Engineering & Construction Group 5475 Kellenburger Road Dayton, Ohio USA (toll free in USA) Phone Fax Support Offices For registered product users: SOS 4 TAC (USA-based support) Trimble_support@trimble.com Legal Notices Copyright and Trademarks , Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, Autolock, BladePro, SiteVision, Terramodel, Tracklight, and TSC2 are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited, registered in the United States and in other countries. VRS and SiteNet are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Trimble Navigation Limited is under license. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Mobile are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The Trimble SCS900 Site Controller software is covered by the following U.S. patents: , , , and other patents pending. Release Notice This is the February 2009 release (Revision A) of the SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide. It applies to version 2.50 of the SCS900 Site Controller software. Product Limited Warranty Information For applicable product Limited Warranty information, please refer to Legal Notices in the Release Notes, or consult your local Trimble authorized dealer. 2 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

5 Safety Information Before you use the Trimble Site Controller software, make sure that you have read and understood all safety requirements, as well as all equipment and job site safety requirements. Warnings C WARNING This alert warns of a potential hazard which, if not avoided, can cause severe injury. Cautions C Always observe safety instructions that are presented in the following format: CAUTION A Caution alerts you to a possible risk of damage to the equipment and/or loss of data. A Caution describes how to protect the equipment and/or data from this risk. Vehicle safety C WARNING When you select the Vehicle mode, the following warning message appears: Do not interact with the touch screen, keyboard, or software in any way while the vehicle is moving. While the vehicle is moving, the software provides a continuous display of position and data that can be seen at a glance. Operating the device or interacting with the software while the vehicle is moving can be a distraction for the operator, and may result in collision causing property damage or personal injury. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 3

6 Safety Information Servicing Do not attempt to repair a Trimble ACU, TSC2, or Trimble CU controller. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. To arrange for a controller to be serviced, please contact your Trimble dealer. Accessories C CAUTION Use only approved accessories with this equipment. In general, all cables must be high quality, shielded, correctly terminated, and normally restricted to two meters (6.56 feet) in length. AC adaptors approved for this product employ special provisions to avoid radio interference and should not be altered or substituted. Unapproved modifications or operations beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use may void authorization by the authorities to operate the equipment. 4 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

7 Contents 1 Safety Information Warnings Cautions Vehicle safety Servicing Accessories Introduction About the SCS900 Site Controller Software Related information Technical assistance Your comments Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller Starting the SCS900 software Connecting to a total station Leveling the total station Correcting for atmospheric conditions Selecting the external battery type Setting up the controller Units and Formats option Instrument Setup Tolerances option Data Output Options Creating a Site and a Work Order Organizing data Sites Designs Work orders Global data Creating a new work order and a new site Opening an existing work order Completing a work order Main Menu Structure Work Orders menu Measurement menu Stakeout menu Settings menu Volume & COGO menu System Setup menu Setting up Control Points Types of control points SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 5

8 Contents Entering control point coordinates Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment)41 Setting up at an arbitrary location Setting up on a known point Reading station setup data from the total station Completing a station establishment where the height of the setup point has not been determined Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control Using the ATS or SPSx30 UTS for machine control applications Using Basic Mode Icon panel Total Station Basic mode DR EDM mode Tracklight Level Turn-to Autolock mode Search Laser Joystick Set HA HD/VD or VA/SD mode Advanced Features Stockpile scan Profile scan Automated measurement Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation Starting with the controller connected directly to the total station Starting with the controller connected over the radio to the total station Rechecking the System Setup Checking a control point using a prism Checking a control point without a prism Measuring a Control Point Measuring a new point Measuring an existing control point Measuring Modes Measuring modes Standing mode SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

9 Contents Walking mode Vehicle mode Averaging mode DR Single Point mode DR Scanning mode Changing the measuring mode Other Total Station Settings and Functions Target height and target type settings from the map view DR Target Settings dialog Stakeout Settings menu General Stake Placement & Marking Auto Aim Option COM Port Data Output Option Instrument Functions menu External Battery Type Settings option Atmospheric Corrections option Instrument Settings option DR/IR target settings option Radio Settings option Adjusting the Total Station Types of checks Mechanical checks Electronic system checks Electronic/software driven checks Compensator Calibration HA VA Collimation test Trunnion Axis Tilt test Tracker Collimation test SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 7

10 Contents 8 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

11 CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1 This SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide covers all aspects of the SCS900 software that relate to total station operation. For measurement and stakeout operational guidelines that are common to both total station and GPS systems, please refer to the other SCS900 guides that are available (see Related information). About the SCS900 Site Controller Software The SCS900 software can be used with the following systems: Total stations The software can be used either with a total station using Servo, Autolock, Robotic, or Reflectorless technology. Precision GPS Covers centimeter GPS positioning techniques including Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) using a site base station (over radio), local base station (off-site over the Internet, cell phone, or rebroadcast radio), or a VRS network (VRS over the Internet, cell phone, or rebroadcast radio). For more information, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Precision GPS User Guide. Location GPS Covers decimeter to submeter GPS positioning techniques including Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) (such as WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS), DGPS (reference station and rover operations), OmniSTAR VBS, XP, or HP services, and Location RTK (decimeter-level RTK positioning). In addition, it includes moving baseline operations to determine both position and heading of a moving vessel providing the ability to rapidly position objects such as piling rigs, marine dredgers, or bridge sections in real time. For more information, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Location GPS User Guide. The software is operated using a tablet PC ( for the SCS900 Tablet Edition software), a Trimble ACU, TSC2, or Trimble CU controller. The SCS900 software supports the following total stations: Trimble 5600 Total Station ATS Total Station SPS610 Total Station SPS700 Total Station SPS710 Total Station SPS630 Universal Total Station SPS730 Universal Total Station SPS930 Universal Total Station SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 9

12 1 Introduction Related information The following documents are available from the SCS900 Documentation folder on SCS900 Site Controller Software Office Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Location GPS User Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Measurement User Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Precision GPS User Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Road and Side Slope Stakeout User Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Stakeout User Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide SCS900 Site Controller Software Release Notes SCS900 Site Controller Software Product Registration Form BTip For convenience, Trimble recommends that you install all documentation from the website to the hard drive of the office computer. Each total station system has its own user guide containing instrument specific information. Use this manual with the material contained in those guides. Technical assistance If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation, contact your local Trimble dealer. Your comments Feedback about the documentation helps us to improve it with each revision. Please your comments to ReaderFeedback@trimble.com. 10 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

13 CHAPTER 2 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller 2 In this chapter: Starting the SCS900 software Connecting to a total station Setting up the controller This chapter guides you through the following actions you must do before you start working in the field: 1. Start the SCS900 software. 2. Check that the controller is connected to the total station. 3. Level the total station. If you enable the compensator inside the total station, it automatically corrects for instrument mislevel. 4. Correct the total station for atmospheric conditions. 5. Select the type of external battery that the total station is using, so that the battery can be characterized (SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 only). 6. Select your preferred choice of units and formats. 7. Specify the instrument setup tolerances. 8. Select options for how you want data to be output. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 11

14 2 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller Starting the SCS900 software To start the SCS900 software on your controller, do one of the following: Select Start / Programs and then select SCS900 from the icons that appear. Double-tap the SCS900 software icon on the desktop. The SCS900 software starts and the main menu appears: Connecting to a total station When you start the SCS900 software, it automatically looks for a connection to the total station through a cable connection (TSC2) or through a direct connection (Trimble CU). When the connection is made, the Level Compensator dialog appears: Note If you use a Trimble CU controller in GPS mode and then attach it to a total station, the controller will not automatically connect to the total station unless you are in Total Station mode (select System Setup / Switch to Total Station Setup). If you leave the controller in GPS mode, it cannot find the connection even if it is connected directly to a total station. 12 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

15 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller 2 If you are using Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to the total station (SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 only), you must first turn on the total station and enable Bluetooth (using the face 2 display menu), and then manually force the connection to it. If you are using a radio to connect to the total station, you need to manually force the connection to it. For more information, see Chapter 10, Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation. To force either a radio or Bluetooth wireless connection: 1. Select System Setup. The System Setup Menu Instrument appears. 2. Select Connect Instrument. The Connect Instrument menu appears. 3. Select either Connect via radio or Connect via Bluetooth. 4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Leveling the total station The compensator inside the total station provides dual-axis correction for any mislevel of the instrument during operation, for a working range of up to 6' of arc. The display enables you to level the total station accurately using the foot-screws on the tribrach. To level the total station: 1. Align the front face of the total station with two tribrach foot-screws. 2. Adjust the horizontal bubble in the display using those same two foot screws. 3. Adjust the vertical bubble using the third foot screw. 4. Once level, tap OK. Note You can disable the compensator, however, only do this in extreme working conditions such as when working: in close proximity to a piling rig, vibratory compactor, or other source of extreme ground vibration which would continuously affect the compensation effect on the total station on a mobile platform where the level is continuously changing, but where all measurements are needed in the reference frame of the platform itself, for example on a marine vessel or oil platform in extremely windy conditions where wind buffet on the total station is significant, and again would continuously affect the compensation of the total station. If the compensator is switched off, the total station stops correcting for instrument mislevel. In these situations, watch and adjust the level on a regular basis. At this point, Trimble assumes that the total station is set up accurately over a known point or that you have set it up in a convenient location, and will establish its position using the arbitrary location method (also known as free station or resection). For more information, see Setting up at an arbitrary location, page 43. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 13

16 2 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller Correcting for atmospheric conditions The following dialog appears, if the Show corrections on start up check box was left selected during a previous operation: B Tip Alternatively, open this dialog from the Instrument Functions menu (see page 133). When measuring distances, the total station s Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) is affected by the temperature and pressure at which the instrument is being operated. Accurate entry of the ambient air temperature and barometric pressure correctly adjusts the EDM measurements for the PPM (parts per million) error associated with this effect. The Trimble SPS610, SPS700, SPS710, SPS730, and SPS930 total stations automatically detect the pressure, but you have to enter the temperature. For high accuracy work or long range measurements, you should measure the temperature using a thermometer. For normal site work, estimating temperature or getting it from a weather forecast is normally sufficient. You must also enter the pressure on the Trimble 5600 total station and the Trimble ATS total station; it can be taken from a weather forecast or measured with a barometer. Note When working at high altitudes, your barometric pressures will be considerably lower than if you are operating at sea level, which can have a significant effect on the PPM errors. Average daily changes in temperature have a far less impact on the PPM error and if estimated to within a few degrees are adequate for the normal operating ranges of the total station (<500 m, <1500 ft). When working at the maximum ranges of the total station (5,000 m, 15,000 ft), use more accurate values, as the errors become more significant with extended range of operation. 14 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

17 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller 2 Selecting the external battery type The Instrument External Battery Type dialog appears, if the Show screen on start up check box was left selected during a previous operation: B Tip Alternatively, open this dialog from the Instrument Functions menu (see page 133). Select the type of external battery that is to be used by the SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total station. Enter its specifications to characterize the battery. Characterizing the battery does two things: It protects the battery from the total station taking its voltage too low thereby prohibiting damage It ensures that the total station can maximize the use of the battery assuring the longest operational time from the battery For more information, see page 134. Setting up the controller From the main menu, select Settings: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 15

18 2 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller The settings that you should set up now are: Units & Formats Instrument Setup Tolerances Data Output Options These settings will then be used in every site and every work order created and opened. Units and Formats option The first time that you use the SCS900 software, you need to set the units and data formats correctly before you take a measurement or associate a design with a site. It is important that you do this before you take a measurement or associate a design with the site. All files that relate to a single site must be stored and operated with the same units. Once a measurement has been taken, or a design has been selected, you cannot change the units. Set up the SCS900 software to operate in your units and formats of choice and to operate in the correct coordinate system. From the Settings menu, select Units & Formats: Field Distances Angles Stationing Description Distance units supported include Meters, US Survey Feet, and International Feet. The distance units are applied to all imported data, computed information, and measured positions. Select the setting appropriate to your region of operation. Angle units can be measured in Degrees or Gons. The specified angle units are applied to all computed and displayed angular information. Select the setting appropriate to your region of operation. Stationing (also known as chainage) formats currently supported include 0.000, , and The selected stationing format is applied to all measured, computed, and displayed station (chainage) values. Select the setting appropriate to your region of operation. 16 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

19 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller 2 Field Coordinate Order Grid Coord Azimuth Description The order in which coordinate values will be interpreted within control point and stakeout point files can be either P,N,E,Z,D or P,E,N,Z,D where: P = Point Name or Number N = Northing E = Easting Z = Elevation D = Description or Point Code The selected coordinate order dictates the way that those point files will be read and used, and how coordinates will be entered, displayed, and recorded by the software. Note Reading a control points or stakeout point file where the data items are actually in a different order to that defined by this setting causes the software to incorrectly use the values in the file. Supported grid (Cartesian) coordinate systems include that where the axes of increasing positive coordinates extend north and east, and that where they extend south and west. The Grid Coord field dictates the direction of increasing coordinate values. In most regions, coordinates typically increase to the north and east direction. However, in a few countries the coordinates increase in a different direction, for example in South Africa, the coordinates increase to the south and west. Select the setting appropriate to your region of operation. Azimuth direction options currently include north or south. Azimuth direction in most regions has its zero origin direction as true north. However, in some countries the origin or zero direction is set to a different direction, for example in South Africa, a zero azimuth is in the direction of the south axis. Select the setting appropriate to your region of operation. Instrument Setup Tolerances option From the Settings menu, select Instrument Setup Tolerances: When setting up the total station, and while measuring or staking points, the total station checks the values measured against a set of entered tolerances for operation, and notifies you if the measurements are in or out of tolerance. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 17

20 2 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller Setting tolerances too low results in failure to generate appropriate warnings; setting tolerances too high results in frequent warnings. You should ensure that the values that you enter for the tolerances are: accurate enough for the work being carried out within the capabilities of the total station For example, if stakeout has to be achieved to an accuracy of better than 5 mm (.016 ft), do not set the stakeout or instrument setup tolerance to 15 mm (.049 ft). If the total station in use has a horizontal angle accuracy of 5" arc, do not set the instrument setup tolerance to 1" arc as this will never be achieved. The following table shows the specified accuracy of the supported total stations: Total station Horizontal angle Vertical angle Distance 5605 DR mm +/- 2 ppm ATS mm +/- 2 ppm SPS mm +/- 2 ppm SPS mm +/- 2 ppm SPS mm +/- 2 ppm SPS mm +/- 2 ppm SPS mm +/- 2 ppm Data Output Options The last settings to consider are what data you want to store during operation and then output on completion of a work order. From the Settings menu, select Data Output Options: To record raw measurement data (HA VA SD) along with all computed positions etc, select the Store raw data to Record.txt file check box. Raw data will be stored with each measured or staked location. 18 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

21 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller 2 To add a 3D Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) surface model to the DXF CAD file output, select the Surface in DXF 3D Faces format check box. On completion of a work order, the software optionally creates a CAD compatible DXF file of all the measurements and stakeout records taken during execution of the work order. The Measurements in DXF format and the Surface in DXF 3D Faces format options enable you to add the following output to the DXF file: measurements only (points, lines, areas, boundaries measured, and staked locations) surface only (that is, the triangulated model of the surface) measurements and the surface The resulting DXF file comprises a number of layers, depending on the options selected. It includes the following: Surface-Data (measurements) Surface-Faces (3D TIN surface model) Surface-Boundary (outer boundary of the model) Survey-Data (site features i.e., non surface data) COGO (computed points) Staked-Points (as-staked locations) SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 19

22 2 Connecting to a Total Station and Setting up the Controller 20 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

23 CHAPTER 3 Creating a Site and a Work Order 3 In this chapter: Organizing data Creating a new work order and a new site Opening an existing work order Completing a work order All SCS900 operations are carried out on a specific site. Work orders are associated with that same site. Before you can begin work, you need to create a work order or open an existing work order. A work order contains a record of every measurement or stakeout operation completed. Work orders also allow tasks to be monitored in terms of progress towards completion, and allow different types of tasks to have different settings and tolerances. Work orders also record every setting and change of setting made while you work. Many tasks such as setting up a new site, design, or work order, and the settings or operational parameters for those operations can be established using the SCS900 software or the SCS900 support utilities ( for example, the SCS Data Manager, the Trimble Business Center software, or the Terramodel Field Data Module) and then transferred to the controller. Establishing these tasks and settings in the office enables the supervisor to control and manage the quality of all the operations. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 21

24 3 Creating a Site and a Work Order Organizing data Data is organized by site. Within each site, data is further divided into designs and work orders. Sites An SCS900 site is a project that contains records of all activities that a crew does on a jobsite. The site contains the following: all settings and information that would be considered a requirement for the execution of any type of task (known as a work order) a background map a control points file the GPS site calibration information a geoid model for GPS operations all software settings that would be considered applicable as the default settings for any task executed on the project Site information is available to all work orders carried out on the site. Storage of sites SCS900 sites are stored in the Trimble SCS900 Data folder or root folder. If you are using a controller that runs Windows CE.NET ( for example, the TCU), then the root folder is \Disk\Trimble SCS900 Data. If you are using a controller that runs Windows Mobile Pocket PC, ( for example, the TSC2), then the root folder is \<StorageCard>\Trimble SCS900 Data. If you are running the SCS900 Tablet Edition on a laptop or tablet PC, then the root folder is \Trimble Synchronizer Data\PC\Trimble SCS900 Data. In this way, if you synchronize other SCS900 controllers with the tablet PC using Trimble Office Synchronizer, they will be added as additional devices beneath the \Trimble Synchronizer Data folder so their information can easily be seen and reviewed using the SCS Data Manager. Designs A site can contain one or more designs. Each design contains all the information relating to a specific aspect of the construction of the project, for example, original ground, finished grade, utilities such as sewers, electrical, gas, water, pads, roads, and other similar groupings. A single SCS900 design for example, can comprise a CAD drawing, one or two surfaces or roadway models, and a stakeout point list. 22 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

25 Creating a Site and a Work Order 3 Information stored at this level includes foreground maps, stakeout data, and a design surface or road model. Work orders A work order is a job or task (or a set of tasks) that needs to be carried out on a particular site. The following are typical tasks: checking grade on a completed surface staking out a parking lot measuring a stockpile volume measuring a progress volume The Trimble SCS900 Site Controller software is task-oriented. When you open a work order, the software automatically retrieves the data that you need to complete that work order. A work order defines the site. It can also, but does not have to, reference: a design, which has the data needed to carry out the task an underlying surface design, which has any previously-measured, saved surfaces that can be used for material thickness checking For a material thickness check, only an underlying surface design is required. For a grade check and material thickness check, a design and an underlying surface design are required. Two surfaces can be used to display cut/fill when using Location GPS with a poor vertical precision. The cut/fill values are the difference between a recent topo survey of the surface and the desired design surface. A work order can also include basic written instructions to the operator that outline the requirements for the task. Tasks such as setting up the base station, carrying out a station establishment with a total station, carrying out a measurement of the original ground levels for a site, and so forth, do not require the work order to have a referenced design. Tasks such as carrying out a grade check of a finished surface, carrying out any stakeout operation, or displaying real-time cut and fill around the site require the work order to have a referenced design. There can be many work order subfolders within the main work orders folder. Each work order subfolder contains: An initialization file called <Work Order Name>.ini that references the relevant design files and define the settings for the work order. An Output folder that contains all data stored or output during the execution of the work order. This includes the data collected in the field, computed by the SCS900 software, or generated during field operations. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 23

26 3 Creating a Site and a Work Order The following files are continually updated and stored in the Output folder: <Work Order Name>-Record.txt Contains a record of every point measured or staked out, and includes station establishment and control point measurement records. <Work Order Name>-Report.txt Contains a record of every function used and every result reported on-screen during the execution of a work order. This is effectively a log file of activities and the results generated. The following file is created when you complete a work order: <Work Order Name>-Measure.dxf An optional work order instruction file called <Work Order Name>.txt. Global data The following data is used by all sites: Lists of feature codes Lists of operator names Geoid files Creating a new work order and a new site Before you can set up the SCS900 software to use with a conventional system and collect site measurements, you must create or open a work order. Every SCS900 field operation requires a work order, or task-related folder, into which field results are written. You can create work orders in the following ways: In the office Using the SCS Data Manager or the Terramodel Field Data Module, you can assign it to a field crew and then use the Trimble Office Synchronizer utility to transfer the work order to a controller. For information about these utilities, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Office Guide. In the field Directly on the controller by the crew in the field, as and when required, for example, to carry out a site measurement task. 24 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

27 Creating a Site and a Work Order 3 To create or open a work order in the field: 1. From the main menu, select Work Orders: 2. To start a new work order on a new site, select New: B Tip If you are working on a site that already exists, select the site from the list and then tap Next. Then go to Step Tap New Site: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 25

28 3 Creating a Site and a Work Order 4. Enter the name of the site ( for example, Road Job 2) and then tap Next: 5. Confirm or change the unit settings for the new site. These values default to the ones that you have already set up (see page 16). Note Always set the distance units correctly before taking a measurement or associating a design with the site. All files that relate to a single site must be stored and operated with the same units. Once a measurement is taken, or a design is selected, you cannot change the units. 6. Tap Next: For this example, the following items are not available: a site background map (provides a reference map for the site in all work orders), a site calibration file (used for GPS operations), or a control points file (needed to set up the total station when known control points exist). 26 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

29 Creating a Site and a Work Order 3 7. Tap Finish: B Tip 8. Enter a name for the work order and then tap Next. Give work orders a meaningful name to make it easy to identify them when multiple work orders are created for a particular project. If you are using the total station only for machine control work, that is, no site measurement or stakeout operations, then name the work order something like Daily Total Station Setups. If you are staking, for example, a sewer line, then name the work order Stake Sewer Line. If relevant, you can also add the date to the name of the work order so you know when the task was started, for example Stake Sewer Line The following dialog appears: B Tip 9. The dialog lists all designs associated with the opened site. At this stage, you only want to establish the total station position and carry out a site calibration; you do not have a design requirement (typically needed for stakeout or grade checking operations). Select <No design needed> and then tap Finish. The software enables you to select a maximum of two design surfaces. Use the Primary tab to select the main design surface and use the Underlying tab to select the secondary design surface. If you require only one design surface, select <No design needed> on the Underlying tab. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 27

30 3 Creating a Site and a Work Order Note With every task, the operator s name is stored with the task as a part of the recorded information. The work order is now open on the new site. Opening an existing work order To open a work order that was created in the office, or previously created in the field: 1. From the main menu, tap Work Orders / Open. The Select a Work Order dialog appears. It lists all the work orders for the current site. To choose a work order from a different site, tap Change Site. 2. Select the work order from the list and then tap Next or press the Enter key =. 3. Review the information that appears on the screen. Check the site name, the work order name, and any design(s) associated with the work order. Tap Confirm or press = to continue. Completing a work order On completion, the work order contains the following: Reference to the site that it was carried out on. Reference to the design data that was used in completing the task (surface, CAD drawings, road models, or stakeout point data). A record of all the settings and tolerances that were used in the execution of the task. A record of all measurements made, all in-field reports generated, and a log of all activities carried out to complete the task. Optionally, an output CAD (.dxf) file containing all of the measured, COGO, and as-staked information. It may also contain a 3D faces model for the surface created from the measurements made. On completion, the results from a work order can be reviewed and analyzed using the SCS Report Utility, viewed in the SCS Data Manager, or imported into the Trimble Business Center software HCE software, the Terramodel software or the SiteVision Office software for more in-depth analysis. 28 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

31 CHAPTER 4 Main Menu Structure 4 In this chapter: Work Orders menu Measurement menu Stakeout menu Settings menu Volume & COGO menu System Setup menu The SCS900 software is a menu-driven system, for ease of use and learning. When you open the software, the main menu appears, providing access to six submenus: Once set up, whether being used by GPS or by a total station, there are two main functions: 1. Measurements This function enables you to measure and record the location, or as-built location, of features or surfaces or objects on a project, or to collect information that allows you to create a surface model, from which you can make volume computations, and grade or material thickness checks. 2. Stakeout This function enables you to stake or relocate any aspect of the site including point features (such as manholes), line features (such as curbs, foundations, and footings), planar surface features (such as pads), or surfaces (such as site terrain models, side slopes and catch points, or road surface models). SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 29

32 4 Main Menu Structure Work Orders menu The Work Orders menu contains the tools to create, open, and complete work orders. The menu also provides the capability to change the design referenced by the current work order, and output new design data from the current work order, for example, the original ground topographic measurements. This menu also provides the ability to export measured information or selected design information to a CompactFlash card for use in the GCS900 Grade Control System or the SiteVision machine control systems. Command New Open Change Design Complete Work Order Export/Import Data (TCU and TSC2 controllers) Save surface as design Description Create a new work order in the field as required for a requested task, for which no work order has been provided. The SCS900 software creates a new work order that references a specific site and design. Open an existing work order. This can be: a new work order, created by the supervisor, which you are to carry out an in-progress work order, which you need to retrieve data from or add data to a previously completed work order, which you need to reopen to retrieve information or to add information to Select a different design, which provides different information to that currently loaded, as a result of a change in the design for the project, or a request to do something within the current work order that requires different design data. Complete the currently open work order and write the Work-Order Measure.dxf file. Write the surface data that was measured in the field to a new design surface; export the site calibration file to a CompactFlash card; export a design to a CompactFlash card for use with the GCS900 Grade Control System, save site calibration data to a memory card; and send or receive files from intelligent s. Write the surface data that was measured in the field, to a new design surface. 30 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

33 Main Menu Structure 4 Measurement menu The Measurement menu contains all site measurement functions. With the dedicated functions, you can check grades and material thickness, take topographic measurements to create surface models ( for example, volume computations), take site feature measurements to record the location of non-surface features, and provide real-time cut/fill information against a selected design model. Before you enter this menu, set up the system using the System Setup menu. If you do not, when you select an option in this menu, the software automatically puts you through either the station establishment process ( for a total station) or the rover setup (for GPS). Command Check Surface Grade Check Grade of Roadway Check Material Thickness Measure Surface Measure Site Features Display Real-Time Cut/Fill Intelligent Scanning Description Check the grade of a surface against a selected design.this option is available only when the current design is not a road. Specify a high or low tolerance for the finished grade and check whether or not the grading operations have achieved tolerance. This option is available only when the current design is a road. Check the thickness of laid materials against the specified thickness. Measure a surface: points, break-lines, volume boundaries, and the site boundary. Measure site features not used in the creation of a surface. Check current cut and fill at any location on the project against the original ground, finished design, or any other surface. Scanning options for use with total stations, specifically for scanning stockpiles or recording profile lines of objects like quarry walls or high walls. For information about how to use the site measurement functions, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Measurements User Guide. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 31

34 4 Main Menu Structure Stakeout menu The Stakeout menu contains all SCS900 stakeout functions including staking points, lines and alignments, planes, surfaces, side slopes, catch points, and road features. Before you enter this menu, set up the system using the System Setup menu. If you do not, when you select an option in this menu, the software automatically puts you through either the station establishment process ( for a total station) or the rover setup (for GPS). Command Point Line Side Slope & Catch Point Plane Surface Road Enter/Edit Stakeout Points Description Stake individual point data. The software guides you directly to the point. Stake lines and alignments or offsets to lines using station and offset methods. The software guides you directly to the line. Stake an earthwork operation that involves a tie to the current ground surface. Create and stake out a level plane, a sloping plane, or a 3-point plane. The software guides you directly to points on the plane. Stake out from a design surface. The software guides you directly to points on the surface. This option is available only when the SCS900 road module is not installed. Stake roadway features, sideslopes, and catch points or any point on the surface. This option is available only when the SCS900 road module is installed. Add, edit, or delete any stakeout points that are in the current design. For information about how to use the site stakeout functions, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Stakeout Guide, or if you have the Road module installed, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Road and Side Slope Stakeout User Guide. 32 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

35 Main Menu Structure 4 Settings menu The Settings menu contains all the SCS900 system settings that control the units of measurement, how the software operates, and what tolerances the software will use for different functions during operation. The settings provide control over Internet connectivity for VRS or remote base station GPS operations. The settings also control what data is recorded during operation and then exported when a work order is complete. Command Page 1 of 2: Units & Formats GPS Precision Settings Internet & VRS Settings Instrument Setup & Adjustment Stakeout Settings Data Output Options Page 2 of 2: COM Port Data Output Option Radio Baud Rate Description Specify the measurement units and the order of coordinates. Specify GPS measurement and site calibration tolerances. Configure your Internet connection for use with intelligent functions, a VRS system, or create a new connection with the New Connection wizard. Specify horizontal, vertical, and angle setup tolerances and the type of corrections to apply to the measured distance. Specify stakeout methods to be used, stake writing information, stakeout tolerances, and auto-aim controls for use with a total station. Select map view options. Specify.dxf file output options (surface measurements and/or 3D faces). Specify whether or not raw data will be output with each record. Enable the controller to output the instrument measurement data through a COM port. Change the receiver to radio baud rate for third-party and Trimble PDL 450 radios. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 33

36 4 Main Menu Structure Volume & COGO menu The Volume & COGO menu contains a number of calculation (area, distance, bearing, slope) and point generation functions ( free point, offset points, radius point) that can be used to generate points for stakeout operation from CAD data in the currently loaded design. The menu provides access to the contour generation function, which you can use to review a measured surface before you use the Compute Volume option, to determine stockpile or progress volumes. The menu also provides access to review and edit functions for editing breaklines and deleting points or lines to resolve surface modelling problems. Command Review & Edit Surface Review Design Features Compute Distance & Area Create Stakeout Points Create/Edit Road Data Description View or delete point and lines, add breaklines and boundaries, contour surface and calculate surface volumes (stockpiles) or periodic progress volumes. Calculate volumes based on the design data, and calculate distances and areas. Compute areas, distances, and angles from measured or stakeout data. Create points by a variety of methods including free point, radius, and offset to a line. Free points can be created by tapping the screen or entering coordinates. Enter a roadway and perform COGO functions based on a road. This option is available only when the SCS900 road module is installed. 34 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

37 Main Menu Structure 4 System Setup menu The System Setup menu contains the control and system setup functions for GPS or total station operation: For total stations, use the menu to connect the instrument and carry out station establishment to establish the position and orientation of the instrument. The menu provides access to all total station control functions and calibration procedures. For GPS, use the menu to start the base station, start the rover receiver, and then carry out the site calibration process. General functions include being able to enter and edit control point information, measure new control points for the project, and recheck the system setup on a control point. The menu also provides the ability to switch between GPS and total station operations. Command GPS Set up Base Set up Rover Calibrate Site Recheck System Setup Enter/Measure Control Points Switch to Total Station Setup Total Station Connect Instrument Description Set up and start a Precision GPS base station. Set up and start a GPS rover. Perform or resume a single-point, two-point, or multi-point site calibration. Check an existing site calibration on a known control point. Edit and enter control point coordinates. Access the Total Station System Setup menu. Connect to the total station using a radio for robotic operation or using Bluetooth wireless technology for Servo, Autolock, or Reflectorless operation. Set up Total Station Position Set up the total station and establish its position and orientation on the site using the known point or arbitrary location (also known as free station or resection) methods. Instrument Functions Menu Provides access to all total station specific functions and settings in addition to calibration procedures for angle collimation, tilt axis, and tracker collimation errors. Recheck System Setup Check the current instrument setup on a known point location. Enter/Measure Control Points Edit and enter control point coordinates; measure new control points. Switch to GPS System Setup Access the GPS System Setup menu. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 35

38 4 Main Menu Structure 36 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

39 CHAPTER 5 Setting up Control Points 5 In this chapter: Types of control points Entering control point coordinates A control point is a location on site that is clearly and permanently marked with a peg, nail, target, or other permanent feature. Typically, it is in a location that is unlikely to be disturbed or destroyed. A qualified surveyor should establish the known coordinates of a control point. Each day when you set up the total station, you will do one of the following: Set up over a known control point and observe to one or more known control points to establish the position, elevation, and orientation of the instrument in relation to the site coordinate system. Set up in a convenient but arbitrary location and observe to two or more known control points to establish the position, elevation, and orientation of the instrument in relation to the site coordinate system. Before you establish the total station s position and orientation on the project in order to carry out a site calibration, you first need some control points and their coordinate values stored in the control points file for the site. Control points are also required when you recheck the system setup. For more information, see Chapter 11, Rechecking the System Setup. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 37

40 5 Setting up Control Points Types of control points The control point file is available every time you open any work order on a site. Control points can be one of the following: 1D Elevation only ( for example, a benchmark) 2D Horizontal position only 3D Horizontal position and elevation Note A 1D point appears only in the control point list and is not shown in the graphics of the map view because its position is not known. A 2D or 3D point appears in the control point list and in the graphics of the map view. A control point is marked with a black triangle and you can control its visibility in the map by using the Map Display options. Entering control point coordinates After you create a new site, add the control point coordinates to a control points file. To do this: 1. From the main menu, select System Setup: Note If your System Setup Menu does not look the same as that shown above, you are currently in GPS mode. To change to Total Station mode, select Switch to Total Station Setup. 2. Select Enter / Measure Control Points: At this stage, you should have a list of control points for the project. Control points are normally marked on the plans or provided as a list by the project surveyor. 38 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

41 Setting up Control Points 5 3. Select Enter / Edit Control Points: 4. Tap Add: 5. In the Add a New Point dialog, do the following: a. Enter the control point name (which might commonly be a point number): For 1D points, select the Elevation check box and then enter the elevation for the point. For 2D points, select the Northing check box and then enter the northing and easting for the point. For 3D points, select both check boxes and then enter the northing, easting, and elevation for the point. b. Enter a code to identify what type of point it is, for example, Nail, Peg, Target. c. Once you finish entering the data, tap OK. 6. Repeat this process for all the control points provided. Once all points are entered, tap Save. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 39

42 5 Setting up Control Points The control points that you entered are added to a file called Control.csv, which is stored in your Site folder. These coordinate points are always available on this site. You can add more control points at any time, or measure new control points (see ) as required. You can also create the control point file in the office and then transfer it to the controller. 40 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

43 CHAPTER 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 In this chapter: Setting up at an arbitrary location Setting up on a known point Reading station setup data from the total station Completing a station establishment where the height of the setup point has not been determined The total station position and orientation is necessary if the instrument is to be used for site measurement, stakeout, or machine control operations where the positions computed are related to a site coordinate system. There are two methods of establishing the position and orientation of the total station: Arbitrary location (also known as free station or resection) Known point Once the station has been established, the total station can be used for measurement, stakeout, or machine control operations. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 41

44 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 1. From the main menu, select System Setup. The following menu appears: Note If you have not established the position of the total station and you select a measurement or stakeout function, the software automatically forces you into this process when connected to a total station. Note If you have not entered any control point data for the site, the station establishment process will only allow you to set up at a manually entered coordinate location and orientation of the angle system to in a chosen direction. This method is acceptable only if you are measuring a new site that has not been measured before and provided that you are not trying to measure or stake anything from a loaded design. In most cases, you should have control points available. 2. Select Set Up Total Station Position. The following menu appears: 42 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

45 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 Setting up at an arbitrary location The arbitrary location setup allows you to set up the total station at a location that is convenient for the operation to be carried out (and not over a known point). It measures the angle and distance to two or more known points to determine the total station s position and orientation. To set up a total station at an arbitrary location: 1. Select Set up at an arbitrary location. The map view appears: 2. Pick the first point using one of the following methods: tap the point (marked with a triangle) tap the list icon and then select the point from the list that appears if you need to add or edit a control point at this stage, tap and then enter or edit the control point (see Step 2 on page 39) When you select the point, it is highlighted with a blue circle as shown. 3. Tap Next. The Measure Control Point dialog appears: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 43

46 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 4. Select the Use averaging mode check box to make multiple observations to the target in face 1 and face 2 and then tap Measure: 5. In the Measurement Sets field, enter a value for how many measurement sets you want to make. For example, entering 3 results in three measurements in face 1 and three measurements in face 2. Set the standard deviation tolerance for the Angle and Distance fields. Select the Turn On Autolock check box to use the Tracker for measurements in both faces. Leaving this box unselected means you need to manually sight the instrument for all rounds in both faces. Tap OK. 6. Enter the target height and target type for the point being measured. Point the total station at the target. 7. Tap Measure to measure the first control point. On completion of the measurement, the software shows you that one point has been measured and the precisions of that measurement. The blue circle changes to a green circle. 8. Repeat Step 2 through Step 7 to select and measure a second control point. Once you have measured two points, you have a solution and at least some redundancy of information. At this point, you are informed if you are in or out of tolerance, based on the settings entered earlier for total station instrument use: 44 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

47 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 9. Select from one of the following options: Option Description If the setup is OUT of tolerance Retake or take a new point Allows you to measure another point or remeasure a point, if for example, the measurements to date are out of tolerance and you suspect that you have measured the wrong point or measured incorrectly. Complete instrument setup Allows you to accept a failed tolerance if it is "close enough" for what you are doing. This overrides the tolerance setting for the system for this specific setup. Edit setup components Allows you to view all the measured points, and to review the errors in horizontal and vertical components for each point. The most suspect observation is highlighted, and allows you to select, deselect, or reselect components for use in the position computation. Cancel instrument setup You can cancel the total station setup and restart the station establishment process or move to another location and try again. If the setup is IN tolerance Retake or take a new point Allows you to measure another point or remeasure a point, if for example, the setup is within the tolerance specified, however you think the precision could be improved by eliminating or remeasuring a point or point component. Complete instrument setup You can complete the station establishment process and store the computed station position and orientation, and then move on with measurement or staking operations. Edit the setup components Allows you to view all the measured points, and to review the errors in horizontal and vertical components for each point. The most suspect observation is highlighted, and allows you to select, deselect, or reselect components for use in the position computation. Cancel instrument setup You can cancel the total station setup and restart the station establishment process or move to another location and try again. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 45

48 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) As each point is measured, the software recomputes and displays the error analysis, providing the same options: Unless there has been a gross error, for example, observing the wrong point, Trimble recommends that you measure as many points as you can before you try to resolve any out of tolerance issues. The only exception is if you are moving long distances between points, and you believe that you should remeasure a point before moving to the next one because it may be suspect. 10. If the computed position is in tolerance on completion of all point measurements, then you have achieved the set instrument setup tolerance (see page 17). Do one of the following: Select Complete instrument setup If you feel that you can improve the accuracy of the computed location by manipulating some of the measured points, select Edit Setup Components. The following dialog appears: This screen shows all the measured control points and the computed errors associated with each point. 46 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

49 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 a. Enable or disable a complete point, or just the horizontal distance or the vertical distance component to see what effect it has on the solution. b. When you are satisfied with the solution, tap Save. The following message appears: 11. Tap Yes to save the computed position as a new control point in the control point file. Note If you tap No, the point is not stored in the control point file, and is not available to you for later use. The following dialog appears: B Tip 12. Enter the code, point name, and the instrument height, so that the software can compute the true ground elevation of the point before storing it in the control point file. When using an SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total station, enter the instrument height either as a vertical height to the upper marking (at the telescope height) or as a slope height to the lower marking near the base of the total station on the side cover (easier to measure). To change how the total station height is measured, click Change. The software then computes the vertical height. 13. Tap OK. You are returned to the System Setup menu. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 47

50 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) If you are using an ATS or SPSx30 total station, you can proceed with site measurements or continue the setup for machine control (see Chapter 7, Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control). Setting up on a known point This allows you to set up the total station over a known control point location and then measure to one or more reference control points to establish its position and orientation on the jobsite. In most cases, a single reference control point may be all that is required. In other cases, where the accuracy of the work is higher, measuring more than one reference control point can provide better control over the orientation of the total station and a further check that the control point at the total station position or any of the measured reference control point locations has not moved. To set up a total station on a known point: 1. Select Set up on a known control point. The map view appears: 2. From the map view, select the control point over which you are set up. Pick the point using one of the following methods: tap the point (marked with a triangle) tap the list icon and then select the point from the list that appears if you need to add or edit a control point at this stage, tap and then enter or edit the control point (see Step 2 on page 39) When you select the point, it is highlighted with a blue circle as shown above. 48 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

51 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 3. Tap Next. The instrument icon appears at the selected location in the map, indicating that it is the instrument setup point: 4. Select the first reference control point to be measured in the same way. The reference control point is now highlighted with a blue circle: 5. Tap Next. The following dialog appears: 6. Select the Use averaging mode check box to make multiple observations of the reference point in face 1 and face 2. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 49

52 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 7. Enter the instrument height and the target height and then select the type of target that will be used at the reference control point location. If you intend to measure more than one reference control point, you should measure all points (but you are not forced to) using a complete angle and distance. If you only want to orientate the total station to any of the reference control points and not measure the distance to it, before you take the measurement select the Shooting angle only check box. The shooting angle only function measures a horizontal and vertical angle to the reference point only. 8. Tap Measure. If the Use averaging mode check box is selected, the following dialog appears: B Tip 9. In the Measurement Sets field, enter a value for how many measurement sets you want to make. For example, entering 3 results in three measurements in face 1 and three measurements in face 2. Set the standard deviation tolerance for the Angle and Distance fields. Select the Turn On Autolock check box to use the Tracker for measurements in both faces. Leaving this box unselected means you need to manually sight the instrument for all rounds in both faces. Tap OK. Unlike the arbitrary location method, once you measure a single reference control point, the information shown below appears on the screen. You can follow similar steps to those used in the arbitrary location method of station establishment. To set the instrument s angle measurement system orientation to a value other than , add two control points to the control point file that will generate the required orientation when used for a known point establishment. When using the known point method, select the Shooting angle only check box since you will not have a real control point to use as a reference. For example, to set a reference angle of ( gon) enter two coordinate points, the first one (point A) at, for example, 1000 N, 1000 E, 100 Elv, and the second one (point B) at 1100 N, 1100 E, 100 Elv. In the known point setup process, set up at point A and use point B as your reference. The computed orientation along the reference line used will then be degrees ( gon). 10. Tap Measure to measure the reference control point. On completion of the measurement, the software shows that one point has been measured and the precisions of that measurement. 50 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

53 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 B Tip 11. Tap Next. The Set Up Instrument Position dialog appears, which shows that you have measured one control point. Click Next. To add extra points, select Retake or take a new point and then repeat Step 4 through Step 10. When the map view appears, the first measured point is highlighted with a green circle, which indicates that it has already been measured. On completion of the reference control point measurements, the following screens appear if the measurement is out of tolerance: 12. Select from one of the following options: Option Description If the setup is OUT of tolerance Retake or take a new point Allows you to measure another point or remeasure a point, if for example, the measurements to date are out of tolerance and you suspect that you have measured the wrong point or measured incorrectly. Complete instrument setup Allows you to accept a failed tolerance if it is "close enough" for what you are doing. This overrides the tolerance setting for the system for this specific setup. Edit setup components Allows you to view all the measured points, and to review the errors in horizontal and vertical components for each point. The most suspect observation is highlighted, and allows you to select, deselect, or reselect components for use in the position computation. Cancel instrument setup You can cancel the total station setup and restart the station establishment process or move to another location and try again. If the setup is IN tolerance Retake or take a new point Allows you to measure another point or remeasure a point, if for example, the setup is within the tolerance specified, however you think the precision could be improved by eliminating or remeasuring a point or point component. Complete instrument setup You can complete the station establishment process and store the computed station position and orientation, and then move on with measurement or staking operations. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 51

54 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) Option Edit the setup components Cancel instrument setup Description Allows you to view all the measured points, and to review the errors in horizontal and vertical components for each point. The most suspect observation is highlighted, and allows you to select, deselect, or reselect components for use in the position computation. You can cancel the total station setup and restart the station establishment process or move to another location and try again. 13. If you feel that you can improve the accuracy of the computed location by manipulating some of the measured points, select Edit Setup Components. The following dialog appears: This screen shows all the measured control points and the computed errors associated with each point. 14. Enable or disable points that contribute to the solution, and see what effect it has on the solution. 15. When you are satisfied with the solution, tap Save. The following screen appears: 52 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

55 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 B Tip B Tip 16. Select Complete instrument setup to set the correct orientation of the total station. You can either proceed with site measurements or set up the total station for use with machine control (ATS, or SPSx30 only) (see Chapter 7, Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control). If you do not know the name of the reference point being selected when carrying out either station establishment process, simply move the target to the point that you want to measure, or point the total station at an already established target. The target indicator moves in the map to that location, making it easy to identify and select the correct point from the map view. When selecting the third or subsequent point in either station establishment process, an Aim button appears in the display. To turn the total station to the selected point location, tap Aim. The total station turns directly to the selected point. Reading station setup data from the total station After you have performed a station establishment, the total station stores the information in its memory, so that other controllers running the SCS900 software can access it. Subsequent users can save time by simply retrieving the station setup information from the total station s memory without setting up at an arbitrary location or on a known control point again. A machine control system can also retrieve the position and orientation of the total station, so that the machine can be correctly positioned. To use the total station s position and orientation as established from the last performed total station establishment, select Read station setup data from instrument: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 53

56 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) Completing a station establishment where the height of the setup point has not been determined If the height of the total station has not been established at the end of the station establishment process, the software prompts you to either enter a known height for the setup point or to height from a known benchmark location defined as a 1D or 3D point. This occurs when: setting up at an arbitrary location, the reference control points measured were all 2D points setting up a known point, the known point and reference control points selected were all defined as 2D points The benchmark point is measured in the same way as any other control point. It is used in combination with the target height and instrument height to determine the setup point elevation. When you tap Complete instrument setup where Height has not been determined, the following dialog appears: 54 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

57 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) 6 To measure a 1D or 3D control point to transfer the elevation to the setup point: 1. Select Measure a benchmark to transfer elev.: 2. If the control point does not exist in the control point file, enter the elevation of the benchmark elevation and the target height to be used. Go to Step If the control point is in the control point file: a. Tap Select: The control point list shows all 1D and 3D points. 2D points are excluded. b. Select the point from the control point list and tap OK. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 55

58 6 Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) The Measure Benchmark dialog now shows the elevation of the selected control point: c. Enter or accept the target height and the type of target. 4. Tap Measure to take the measurement. To enter the elevation of the instrument setup point to provide elevation to the instrument setup: 1. Select Enter elevation of the instrument point: 2. Enter the elevation of the total station and then tap OK. The instrument 3D setup is complete. 56 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

59 CHAPTER 7 Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control 7 In this chapter: Using the ATS or SPSx30 UTS for machine control applications This chapter describes how to set up the Trimble ATS (Advanced Tracking Sensor), or SPSx30 total stations with the SCS900 Site Controller software for use with a Trimble machine control system. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 57

60 7 Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control Using the ATS or SPSx30 UTS for machine control applications Having completed the ATS or SPSx30 total station setup, you can now complete additional steps to prepare the instrument to work with machine control (Trimble BladePro 3D grade control system, GCS900 Grade Control System, and the SiteVision software). 1. From the following screen, select Setup for use with machine control. The following dialog appears: If you are tracking a machine and the target becomes lost for any reason, the total station continues to turn at a constant horizontal and vertical speed for a short period, in the expectation that the target will appear on the same trajectory when it clears the obstruction. A line-of-sight obstruction, a passing vehicle, or simply losing the target because of movement speed ( for example, speed that is too high at short range) can cause the total station to lose the 58 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

61 Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control 7 target. When the target is lost, that is, the above method failed to reacquire the target, the total station searches for the target. The total station has two search modes: Mode Quick Search Full Search Description Initiated as soon as the target is lost. This search is centered on the last known location, and inside a window defined by a horizontal angle width (e.g., 15 ) and a vertical angle width (e.g., 15 ). The machine control software sets the values for the search window. This search looks inside a larger window, defined by the dialog shown previously. When the Quick Search mode fails to locate the target, the Full Search mode is initiated. 2. Set the window for the Full Search mode; do the following: Accommodate the fact that the prism can be mounted on an electric mast, and that the window of operation at close range will be higher or lower than at longer ranges. Ensure that you set the window of operation to cover the extents of all grading operations to be completed from that location (instrument setup). Ensure that if the machine is taken outside that window, to turn around or to bench on a known height point, those locations are also included in the search window. 3. You can define either the upper left/lower right extents of your search window or the upper right/lower left extents of your search window. Ensure that you take a good look at any high or low points in the area where you will be working and then define your search window to what most closely resembles the actual working area in front of you. Do one of the following: Point the total station to an upper left location and then to a lower right location; tap the appropriate Set button at each pointing. B Tip Point the total station to an upper right location and then to a lower left location, tapping the appropriate Set button at each pointing. As soon as the first corner is defined, the only option available in the software is to define the opposite corner. For example, if you define the upper right extent first, the lower left corner is only made available to define. If the lower right corner is set first, then the upper left corner is only made available to define. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 59

62 7 Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control The total station measures the horizontal and vertical angles to those locations using its angle sensors, and the gray circle changes to green to indicate that the location has been accepted: 4. Tap Next: A single SPSx30 total station can be shared by multiple machines and a single SPS robotic rover pole at, for example, at a bridge structure. Only one user can use the total station at a time, but when not in use, it continually scans a predefined list of radio channels assigned to different machines and the last used site positioning system channel in sequence, looking to see if anyone needs access to the total station. When a machine or site positioning system calls the total station, it connects and provides a positioning service. When completed, the total station returns to standby mode and becomes available to the radio channels previously loaded to the instrument. To facilitate this process, in the set up for machine control process, you can create a list of machines, each with a name and a specified radio channel, for example: CAT 140H Grader SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

63 Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control 7 CAT D6 Dozer 1 34 Tap Add Edit machine list Delete Get machine list to create a new radio channel/machine name pair entry to the machine list. The machine list can contain a maximum of 10 entries. Each radio channel can be used only once in the machine list. change the entry that is currently highlighted. delete the entry that is currently highlighted. get the current machine list from the total station s memory to review and edit it. Tip B Tip Ensure that all assets in the machine list have the same network ID. The machine list is scanned sequentially whenever the total station is placed in standby for machine control. The more entries in the list, the longer the scan takes to complete a full cycle and therefore the slower the initial connection will be with the total station. If you are not continually using the entries in the list in earthmoving operations, delete the entries from the list to speed up initial connection times. 5. Enter the name of the total station and then tap Finish. The following dialog appears: 6. If you are operating at the total station, point it at the MT900 target on the machine. When the machine connects to the total station, this speeds up the initial search and lock-on process for the total station as it instantly sees the target and locks to it. The total station goes into standby mode for machine control and then it scans the machine list in chronological order until a machine is found calling the instrument on one of the channels. 7. Tap OK. The SCS900 software now disconnects from the total station. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 61

64 7 Setting Up an ATS or SPSx30 Total Station for Machine Control 8. Move to the machine and initiate connection to the total station. Do one of the following: If you are operating the ATS with an external SNB900 radio for compatibility with the on-machine radio system (SiteNet 900 radio or SNR900 radio-modem), detach the controller from the total station and then connect the SNB900 radio-modem. If you are using an ACU controller, the radio can be connected at all times. For details of how to configure and set up the system for use with the SNB900 radio, refer to the SNB900 User Guide, version 1.20 or later. 9. Tap OK. 62 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

65 CHAPTER 8 Using Basic Mode 8 In this chapter: Icon panel Total Station Basic mode When connected to a total station, an icon panel appears at the bottom of the screen. To access frequently used total station functions, tap the icons. The icons in the panel change based on the current operation mode and the status of the total station. The Basic mode is available from all menus and all map screens during measurement or stakeout. The Basic mode enables you to make simple measurements and to quickly access frequently used functions. Some items may be unavailable or disabled because of the current settings. Trimble recommends that you use the measuring mode to control the operational characteristics of the total station and that you use Basic mode only when necessary. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 63

66 8 Using Basic Mode Icon panel Basic mode. For more information, see page 65. Side view of the total station the total station is locked to the target. Front view of the total station the total station is not locked to the target. The black line indicates that Autolock technology (the tracker) is switched on and is locked to the target. A red line indicates that the laser pointer is switched on. * indicates that the total station can see the prism or target and can measure a distance. No * means that the total station is not getting a return signal from the prism or target and cannot measure a distance. External power source when using the Trimble CU controller on the total station. Internal power level of the total station. Note When working in Robotic mode, the panel shows the total station battery level while working at the rod. The current total station measurement mode: T for Tracking (TRK) mode S for Standard (STD or Single shot) mode Battery shows the strength current of battery the controller level of the when handheld working robotically. controller (TSC2) Note The laser pointer and Autolock functions are mutually exclusive. The Autolock and DR Reflectorless modes are also mutually exclusive. Turning on Autolock automatically turns off DR mode and the laser pointer. Turning on DR mode automatically turns off the Autolock function. 64 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

67 Using Basic Mode 8 Total Station Basic mode Tap the instrument icon to open the Basic mode. See page 66 See page 66 See page 66 See page 67 See page 67 See page 68 See page 71 See page 70 See page 69 See page 71 See page 72 Figure 8.1 Basic mode functions The following functions enable you to change the default behavior of the total station or access specific tools: EDM mode Tracklight Level Electronic level and dual axis compensator Turn-to Turn the total station to a specified location Joystick Use to reacquire the target after a loss of lock when working in Robotic mode For example, when staking a point, the default EDM mode is TRK. For more accurate work, you may want to change the default mode to STD. Using Basic mode allows you to change the default behavior of the total station. However, changing the EDM mode does not change the EDM mode for navigating to and locating a point; it only changes the behavior when you tap Record to record a shot or tap Stake to stake a point. While moving around the jobsite between points, the total station is always in TRK mode so it can provide a real-time map update of your position. The measuring modes described in Chapter 13, Measuring Modes are how the performance settings of the total station are typically selected ( for example, Standing, Walking, Vehicle, DR, or DR Scanning modes). These modes directly control the use of the DR mode, Laser Pointer, Autolock, and EDM mode as shown below: Action EDM mode Autolock mode Laser pointer DR mode Standing STD or TRK On (if available) Off only Off only Walking TRK only On only Off only Off only Vehicle TRK only On only Off only Off only DR STD or TRK Off only On or Off On only DR Scanning TRK only Off only On or Off On only SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 65

68 8 Using Basic Mode DR Controls whether or not the total station can measure without a reflector to a target using the system s DR Reflectorless capability. EDM mode The options are: STD (Standard also known as Single Shot mode) TRK (Tracking also known as Continuous Measurement mode). This is the default mode. In STD mode while working with Autolock or in Robotic mode, the total station averages the HA and VA angle readings for a period of time before measuring the distance. A complete measurement takes approximately three seconds. The averaging of the HA and VA allows for more accurate measurements to be achieved to a handheld pole. Distance accuracy in STD mode is higher than in TRK mode. Tracklight Use the Tracklight mode to provide a visible guide light for stakeout and robotic operations. The next time the total station is turned on, the last used setting becomes the default setting. The light is a split-field red and green light. You will see a red or green light depending on where you are standing referenced to the instrument s pointing. When operating at longer ranges or in very bright sunlight, select the High intensity option to increase the visibility of the tracklight. While working at the rod, a glance to the total station indicates whether or not it is tracking you. If the total station is turned towards the desired location while staking, you can navigate into the correct line using the tracklight. 66 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

69 Using Basic Mode 8 Level The electronic level appears when you start the total station (see page 12). Use the electronic level to check and relevel the total station, and to change the status of the compensator. In most scenarios, the compensator should always be enabled. However, where the total station is used on a platform that is moving, or if it is set up near a source of heavy vibration ( for example, near compaction, piling, or drilling equipment), you may need to turn off the compensator. By default, the compensator is turned on each time you start the system. Turn-to Use the Turn-to function to automatically aim at a specified location. There are three ways to specify the location: Turn from last tracked position Enables you to pace out the distance while moving past an obstruction such as a parked vehicle, and then turn the total station to an estimated location based on the estimated horizontal and vertical distances moved and in the last known SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 67

70 8 Using Basic Mode direction of movement. The distances entered are used to compute the angle change based on the last known measured position to bypass the obstruction. Turn to point Enables you to select a previously measured or staked out point in the map view and then turn the total station to that location. This can be used to send the total station to a point that can easily be located on the ground such as a curb corner, and then quickly navigate to that position to continue operation. Turn to specified angles Enables you to enter a horizontal and vertical angle, or to step the current angles by an even increment from the last known location to bypass an object, beyond which work can continue. Step the last measured angle reading using the arrow keys beside the angle values, or simply enter new values to which to turn the total station. Tap OK. The total station turns to the selected location. When working in Robotic mode or with Autolock technology, walking into the total station s line-of-sight causes it to automatically lock to the target. Use the tracklight to define the current line-of-sight to make it easier for the total station to reacquire the target. Autolock mode Autolock technology enables the total station to lock onto the target and track it while moving about the jobsite. For total stations equipped with Autolock technology, the default mode is on when not using the system s DR reflectorless capability. For Walking and Vehicle modes, the total station must be equipped with the Autolock technology and Autolock will always be switched on. 68 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

71 Using Basic Mode 8 Search When the target is lost (the total station cannot see the selected target type), the total station search functions are automatically initiated during all operations. In the search view, tap anywhere on the map to automatically turn the total station horizontally to point at that location. The current pointing direction for the total station is displayed as a red line connected to the instrument location icon (as shown above). When using a TSC2 or Trimble CU as your field controller, the spider key is active when the software is in the Search view: To turn the total station using the spider key, you must deselect the pan and zoom keys. The spider key will work in joystick function. To pan the map view using the spider key, select the pan or zoom keys. Access the search control settings through the Trimble Key icon in the top right of the search view: Use the settings in this screen to define the default search window. Define the horizontal range and vertical range of your search window. The total station then uses the search window whenever it initates an automated search. This happens when loss SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 69

72 8 Using Basic Mode B Tip of lock occurs while working. The joystick is available from the search window, so that you can manually steer the total station to your location if, for example, the total station has not yet been oriented and a standard automated search would not work. Tap to open the Turn-to dialog (see page 67). Use this dialog to turn the total station to a location defined by a horizontal and vertical distance moved, to a measured or defined stakeout point, or to a specified horizontal and vertical angle. Tap Start to initiate the search function based on the current pointing of the total station. The search function is executed within the currently defined search window. The best way to use the search function is to turn the total station horizontally to your current location using estimated screen taps to get the total station close, then use the vertical movement arrows to get the total station pointing close in 3D (you typically know that you are now above or below the last measured location, so moving the total station up or down accordingly is relatively easy to do). Once you are close, walk and place the target in the total station s line-of-sight, or tap Start to initiate the search process at the current total station pointing location. Laser Use the laser pointer to provide a visible red spot at the current pointing location of the total station. The laser pointer should be coaxial with the cross-hair of the telescope; adjust it if necessary. For more information, refer to your instrument manual. Typically, the laser pointer is used in combination with DR reflectorless mode to highlight the point to be measured, so that viewing the point through the telescope is not always necessary. The laser pointer allows heads up pointing of the total station without needing to look through or to focus the telescope on the point. The icon changes to show either Laser ON or Laser OFF. The default is Laser ON when DR (see page 66) is on. 70 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

73 Using Basic Mode 8 Joystick Use the joystick to quickly steer the total station to the current location, for example, after loss of lock. Tap the outer arrows for fast movement or tap the inner arrows for slower or finer adjustment of the total station pointing. The arrow keys are also mapped to the arrow keys on the Trimble CU controller or to the spider key on the TSC2 controller. Set HA Use the Set HA function to set the angle reading to a temporary value. This function is available only in Basic Mode. For example, you can point along a specific line, set the horizontal angle to and then use the Turn to function to turn out a right angle. Setting the HA in Basic mode does not affect the orientation of the total station for main measurement or stakeout operations. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 71

74 8 Using Basic Mode HD/VD or VA/SD mode The HD/VD and VA/SD functions simply change the displayed data values after measurement in Basic mode only. HD/VD mode Displays HA/HD/VD (shown above left) VA/SD mode Displays HA/VA/SD information (shown above right) Abbreviation HA VA SD HD VD Definition Horizontal Angle Vertical Angle Slope Distance Horizontal Distance Vertical Distance In TRK mode, the total station automatically measures and updates the above values. In STD mode, tap Measure to trigger a distance measurement. Measurement can be made using a target or using the total station DR reflectorless mode to measure to any surface in range. 72 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

75 CHAPTER 9 Advanced Features 9 In this chapter: Stockpile scan Profile scan Automated measurement Direct reflex (DR) technology is included in your 5600, SPSx10, SPS700, and SPSx30 total stations. This technology offers many advantages such as: Stockpile scanning for accurate volume calculations. Creation of profile lines for applications, like monitoring quarrying walls for movement, as-builts of deep cuts such as side slopes along highways, as well as monitoring high walls. The range varies depending on the total station you are using: The SPS610 total station offers DR Standard technology, which allows you to measure reflectorlessly, to a maximum distance of 150 m (492 feet). The 5600 total station features DR200+ technology, allowing reflectorless measuring up to 200 meters (656 feet) from the instrument. The SPS700, SPS710, and SPSx30 total stations offer DR300+ technology, allowing reflectorless measurement of objects up to 300 meters (984 feet) from the instrument. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 73

76 9 Advanced Features Stockpile scan B Tip The Stockpile scan is designed to collect very accurate data for reporting on the volume of material that you have or that you have excavated. By scanning the stockpile or excavation, the need to place a worker in potentially unsafe conditions is eliminated. Reflectorless measurement technology enables you to set up the total station and measure to surfaces without using a target or prism. Given the line of sight restrictions when using a total station, you need to perform a minimum of two station setups to collect all sides of the stockpile. From your first setup, measure new control points around the stockpile in locations that will give you the fewest setups and the best vantage points to scan the largest surface area of the stockpile. This enables you to collect all sides of the stockpile and have the surface points correctly related to each other. Once the whole stockpile has been scanned, define a volume boundary in the Volume & Cogo menu by tapping the points to be used to define the boundary, and then perform a volume calculation in the field. To set up stockpile scanning: 1. From the main menu, select Measurements: 2. Select Advanced Features: 74 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

77 Advanced Features 9 3. Select Stockpile Scanning. The SCS900 software sets the instrument to DR Mode, and opens the following dialog: 4. Define the shape of your stockpile. Start by tapping the gray dot at the highest point of the stockpile image on the screen. The map view appears: 5. Manually sight your instrument to the highest point of the stockpile and then tap Measure. The following dialog appears: 6. You are then asked for an optional point code and point name. Enter values at this screen and then tap OK. The Stockpile Scanning Setup screen reappears. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 75

78 9 Advanced Features 7. Repeat Step 4 through Step 6 to define the bottom left, bottom right, and bottom most points of your stockpile. Once successfully measured the points appear green: 8. Tap Next: C 9. Define your minimum and maximum distances. Proper use of these settings helps you collect only relevant points in the field. The software will default to the recommended Timeout value depending on which instrument is being used. CAUTION The values stored in Step 9 are overwritten by the min/max values set in the DR Target Settings dialog (Chapter 14, Other Total Station Settings and Functions). Ensure that you check the values set in the DR Target Settings dialog to eliminate confusion by another operator when they are setting the Stockpile Scan settings. Setting the minimum distance to 2 meters (6.56 feet) and maximum distance to 300 meters (984 feet) in the DR Target Settings dialog will eliminate any errors when setting the Stockpile Scan settings. 76 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

79 Advanced Features 9 B Tip When working at the maximum ranges of the DR technology, the Timeout Setting should be increased. When adjusting the timeout settings, be aware the material being measured affects the strength of the response signal. Also, the instrument's technology affects the time it takes to record each individual point. Tap Next. The following dialog appears: B Tip 10. Enter a point name and code and set the distance intervals. Setting the distance intervals low results in more measured points; setting the distance intervals high results in fewer measured points. Keep the size and shape of the stockpile in mind when entering these values. 11. Tap Next: The Scanning Area Estimates screen displays the total number of points to be collected as a result of the dimension and distance intervals previously entered and an estimation of the time it will take to record the points. This time is an estimate only and the reflectivity of the material, distances involved, and type of instrument used will alter the total time once the scan has started. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 77

80 9 Advanced Features 12. Either tap Esc to go back and change any settings before starting the scan or tap Start to start the scan. A grid is displayed as the scan proceeds: Scan time remaining is displayed in the Estimated Time Remaining field. If you need to change the minimum and maximum distance settings tap Pause and then tap. Change the minimum and maximum settings and then tap Next. The scan will resume. Tap in the lower left to display the map view so you can see the points being collected. To obtain an explanation of the different grid sector colors, tap in the upper right of the screen: 78 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

81 Advanced Features Once scanning is complete, the Points Recorded field reports how many points were collected: 14. To rescan any cells tap OK to return to the measured cells display. Tap the associated grid sectors with your stylus. Selected sectors turn blue. Once the selection is made, tap Rescan. Repeat the rescan function until results are satisfactory and then tap Finish. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 79

82 9 Advanced Features Profile scan The Profile Scan collects very accurate profile lines of features like quarry walls, high walls, and steep side slopes where deep cuts are designed in highway construction. Using reflectorless technology the areas can be measured without sending staff to a location that could be unstable or impossible to access. To set up profile scanning: 1. From the main menu, select Measurements: 2. Select Advanced Features: 80 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

83 Advanced Features 9 3. Select Profile Scanning. The SCS900 software sets the instrument to DR Mode, and then opens the following dialog: 4. Define the high point and the baseline of the wall or steep slope. Start by tapping the gray dot at the highest point of the image on the screen. The map view appears: Manually sight your instrument to the highest point of the object being measured and then tap Measure. The following dialog appears: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 81

84 9 Advanced Features 5. You are then asked for an optional point code and point name. Enter values at this screen and then tap OK. The Profile Scanning Setup screen reappears. 6. Tap the bottom dot to define the baseline: 7. From the map view create a new line segment by tapping. At the prompt enter a name for the line and then tap OK. To define the baseline of the wall you want to measure, point the instrument at any point of tangency on the base of the wall so that the wall's base is accurately represented in the software. The baseline can be defined by an irregular line made up of multiple points. The line appears on the screen and you will hear a tone to indicate the line was created succesfully: 82 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

85 Advanced Features 9 8. Tap Esc to go back to the profile scan: 9. The line you just defined is already selected. Tap OK: 10. Decide how to determine the 3D elevation of the line. Either: Select Use the line s 3D elevation to use the lines current elevation. Select Enter an elevation to manually enter an elevation and then tap OK. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 83

86 9 Advanced Features 11. The shape of the object you are scanning is now defined. The color of the dots marking the top and bottom are now green. Tap Next: C B Tip 12. Define your minimum and maximum distances and then tap Next. Proper use of these settings will help you collect only relevant points in the field. The software will default to the recommended Timeout value depending on which instrument is being used. CAUTION The values stored in Step 9 are overwritten by the min/max values set in the DR Target Settings dialog (Chapter 14, Other Total Station Settings and Functions). Ensure that you check the values set in the DR Target Settings dialog to eliminate confusion by another operator when they are setting the Profile Scan settings. Setting the minimum distance to 2 meters (6.56 feet) and maximum distance to 300 meters (984 feet) in the DR Target Settings dialog will eliminate any errors when setting the Profile Scan settings. When working at the maximum ranges of the DR technology the Timeout Setting should be increased. When adjusting the timeout settings, be aware the material being measured affects the strength of the response signal. Also, the instrument's technology will affect the time it takes to record each individual point. 84 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

87 Advanced Features 9 B Tip 13. Enter a profile line name and set the distance intervals: Defining the Station value determines how many profile lines you have once the scan is complete. For example, if your baseline length is 10 meters (~33 feet) and the Station Interval is set at 1 meter, you will have 10 profile lines when the scan is finished. A shorter station interval results in more profile lines, and the scan will take more time to complete. The Vertical value determines how many points vertically you record along each profile line. A flat surface requires fewer vertical points, an uneven surface requires more. Enter a larger variable for flat surfaces, a smaller variable for uneven surfaces. The Station Tolerance field defines how close to the projected profile line each point is recorded. With the Station Tolerance set to.1 meter the instrument continually adjusts as it scans each profile line until every point collected is within ±.1 meter of the line. 14. Tap Next. The Profile Scan routine can be used for performing as-builts of side slopes. Defining the high point and baseline of the side slope, and then setting the station tolerance to a very loose value will create profile lines that are not true vertical and will give a very good representation of a side slope. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 85

88 9 Advanced Features 15. The Profile Scanning Estimates screen displays the total number of lines and points to be collected as a result of the dimensions and distance intervals previously entered and the time it will take to record the points. This time is an estimate only and the reflectivity of the material, distances involved, and type of instrument used will alter the total time once the scan has started. 16. Either tap Esc to go back and alter any settings before starting the scan or tap Start to start the scan. 17. A grid is displayed as the scan proceeds: Scan time remaining is displayed in the Estimated Time Remaining field. If you need to change the minimum and maximum distance settings tap Pause and then tap. Change the minimum and maximum settings and then tap Next. Tap in the lower left to display the map view so you can see the points being collected. To obtain an explanation of the different grid sector colors, tap in the upper right of the screen: 86 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

89 Advanced Features Once scanning is complete the Points Recorded field reports how many points were collected. 19. To rescan any cells tap OK to return to the measured cells display. Tap the associated grid sectors with your stylus. Selected sectors will turn blue. Once the selection is made tap Rescan. Repeat the rescan function until results are satisfactory and then tap Finish. 20. Once the scan results are satisfactory, tap Finish. Automated measurement Automated measurement with total stations is a useful tool for many applications where the specifications of the project require that certain objects such as retaining walls, bridge sections, or fly walls are continually measured over a defined period of time to make sure that they do not move. This enables you to set up a total station, set out some targets on the object you want to watch for movement, and then leave the system to observe the object. If you also use the built-in capabilities, the system s you if pre-defined tolerances are exceeded. You can also enable other notifications such as a low battery warning. This frees you to work on other site tasks, and eliminates the need for you to manually sight the instrument at each target you want to measure. To setup Advanced Measurement: 1. Establish the total station establishment as normal either Known Station or Arbitrary Location. See Chapter 6, Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment). 2. From the main menu, select (2) Measurements SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 87

90 9 Advanced Features 3. Select (6) Advanced Features: 4. Select (3) Automated Measurements: 5. When prompted, select the points to measure and then tap Add: B Tip At this time, set up the targets or prisms used to measure object movement. This reduces the time needed to measure the prisms locations the first time, as you can remain at the instrument and then simply turn it to each target and record its location. 88 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

91 Advanced Features 9 6. At the map screen, tap the New icon : 7. Once the total station is locked to the target, tap Measure: 8. Code the point and name it according to your company's conventions. Tap OK. 9. Repeat step 7 and step 8 until you record all the required targets. 10. Once finished, tap Esc from the Measure Points screen. The screen that appears shows the measured points: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 89

92 9 Advanced Features 11. Tap OK and then tap Next in the dialog that appears: 12. In the dialog that appears, do the following: a. Set the tolerances. The Horizontal Tolerance and Vertical Tolerance relate to the allowable threshold before the software reports that a point is out of tolerance. b. Set error reporting as ΔHD, ΔVD, ΔSD or as ΔE, ΔN, ΔZ. c. To set the time between rounds of measurement, enter a number and then select either minutes or hours from the drop-down list. d. If required, select the Averaging Mode check box, which results in a more accurate point measurement. See Averaging mode, page 124. e. Tap Next: 13. In the dialog that appears, do the following: a. Enter your address. b. Select to be ed when there is an error (a measured point lies outside tolerances), or for a general progress report. c. Set the frequency for receiving a progress report. 90 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

93 Advanced Features 9 d. If not already done so, configure the settings. e. Tap Next: B Tip For an explanation of the error reports you will receive, tap the question mark: The Internet connection is tested for you; once verified, the summary screen appears. Tap Next: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 91

94 9 Advanced Features 14. When prompted in the dialog that appears, select the default target height and type for standing mode and then tap Next. Note The default target type for standing mode is where you define the target type you used for the targets you mounted to the object to be monitored. You must use the same target type for each point. Otherwise, the prism constant applied to some points will not be correct and the resulting data is unreliable. The total station now starts to automatically measure to each point you recorded earlier, at the time interval and with the tolerances you set up. A status screen shows the following information: Column Information 1 Point name 2 Point status 3 Number of the last round completed 4-6 Changes from the original measured value in HD, VD, and SD (as specified during the setup) 15. Tap Map to open a screen that shows a plan view of the points and the total station position, as well as changes from the originally stored values for the point at which the instrument is currently aimed: 92 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

95 Advanced Features Tap Log to open a screen that shows a list of actions that occurred on that data collector, as well as results of each round of automated measurements: If a measured point does not meet the specified tolerances, the system notifies you by that the point has moved: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 93

96 9 Advanced Features If you chose to receive a progress report, that is also ed at the selected interval, and includes the battery life of the data collector and the instrument. This assists you to plan when to change the batteries: Note If the system failed to send an , the progress screen shows an icon in the upper right of the screen. Once an is successfully sent, this icon disappears: 94 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

97 Advanced Features 9 Once you finish watching the points for the intended time period, you can synchronize your data collector with your laptop and then view the Report.txt file in the SCS Report utility. You can save this concise record of the measured points as an Excel spreadsheet file for delivery to the project authority: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 95

98 9 Advanced Features 96 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

99 CHAPTER 10 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation 10 In this chapter: Starting with the controller connected directly to the total station Starting with the controller connected over the radio to the total station When working in Robotic mode, the total station is connected to the controller using the integrated radio. You can start the system in Robotic mode in two ways: with the controller connected directly to the total station with the controller connected over the radio to the total station SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 97

100 10 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation Starting with the controller connected directly to the total station B Tip In this method, you first connect the controller to the total station, follow the procedure outlined below, then move the controller to the rod and reconnect to the total station over the radio. This method is typically used at one of the following times: When the station position and orientation needs establishing first, while at the total station position using the total station as a Servo, Autolock, or Reflectorless system, before starting robotic operation When the instrument station is used for machine control operation (ATS and SPSx30 only) You can carry out station establishment for robotic operation either while at the total station, or after the total station has been put into Robotic mode from the rod. In either case, the station establishment process described in Chapter 6, Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) is the same. This method of operation involves the following basic steps: 1. Set up and level the total station. 2. Switch on the total station and the controller. When a Trimble CU controller is connected directly to the total station, it will also power on when the total station is turned on. Note If the SCS900 software was last used in GPS mode, it will not automatically detect the total station. Select System Setup / Switch to Total Station Setup to automatically dectect it. 3. Start the SCS900 software and allow the controller to make the connection with the total station: For the ATS and 5600 total stations, the controller is connected through a cable (TSC2) or through the keyboard attachment plate (ACU). For an SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total station, when connected through a cable (TSC2) or the keyboard attachment plate (Trimble CU), the controller automatically connects to the total station. However, if you use Bluetooth wireless technology (TSC2) to connect to the total station, you will need to force the connection to the total station (select System Setup / Connect Instrument / Connect via Bluetooth). Note If the SCS900 software was last used in GPS mode, it will not automatically detect the total station. Select System Setup / Switch to Total Station Setup to automatically dectect it. 4. Once connected, fine level the total station. See page Initiate the compensator (ATS and 5605 total stations only). See page Set the atmospheric corrections. See page SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

101 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation 10 B Tip If you intend to do more than initiate the robotic functions of the system, for example, perform a station establishment, then follow the instructions in Chapter 6, Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment). If you simply want to initiate robotic operation, then continue with this procedure. 7. From the main menu, select System Setup / Set up Robotic. 8. Set the radio channel and network ID to the required values, and then tap Next. If you are not sure what values the total station s radio channel and network IDs are set to, check the face 2 display on the total station to observe the current values. For use with the GCS900 system, make sure that the selected radio channel and network ID numbers match with those set up by the GCS900 system radio on the machine to be used. At this time, the total station and controller radio settings are established, which subsequently allows for robotic operation. 9. Set the search window size: Trimble recommends the values shown for site positioning applications. 10. Select the appropriate target type, and where applicable, the Target ID value as shown: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 99

102 10 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation The Check ID button allows the total station (SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 only) to scan the target to identify the currently set target ID value: a. Point the total station at the target. b. Switch on the Target ID. c. Enable the appropriate channel for the ID and then tap Check ID. The total station scans the target ID number displayed in the RMT ID list. If the target you are aiming at is set to the same value, the software informs you that the target is correctly set. If the target ID is set to a different value, you are informed that target ID x could not be found. For the SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total stations when using the Target ID function, also select the appropriate use of the RMT ID. The options are: Searching In this mode, the total station checks the target ID presence only during search procedures. At all other times, it ignores the target ID. This means that the total station will check that it locks to the correct target only while searching, and not at any other times. If it happens to see an alternative target while in a process other than a search, the total station could switch targets without warning the operator. Searching and Measuring In this mode, the total station checks for the presence of the target ID while searching, and also when measuring to the prism and recording a position measurement. If the target ID is not seen at any time, the Target Lost message appears and you are guided through the search process to reacquire lock. Note The total station will see the Target ID as missing if it is switched off, has low power levels, is set to the wrong channel, or if it is pointing away from the line-of-sight by more than 15 degrees. Before initiating a search, or measuring or recording data, always ensure that the target ID box is pointing towards the total station. At all times In this mode, the total station not only checks for the presence of the target ID during search, measure, and record operations, it also uses the target ID as an active target for horizontal tracking only. The total station s tracker tracks and follows the signal emission from the target ID box in the horizontal, and uses the prism optical center for vertical tracking. If the Target ID box is turned away from the line-of-sight, is switched off, or set to the wrong ID, the total station will no longer track the target. 100 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

103 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation Tap Next. The Setup Robotic screen appears: 12. Follow the instructions shown. The intent here is that you now leave the total station and walk to where you want to start work. Point the total station to where you intend to start work point in both horizontal and vertical to where you expect the prism to be (at the target height above the ground). Before leaving it when you walk to that location, the total station either automatically locks on to the prism as it comes into view, or with a quick search it quickly locates the target, to enable you to start work. To continue robotic operation, you must detach or disconnect the controller from the total station and move it to the rod. The controller and total station type dictates the configuration of the robotic rod. For an SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total station, the radio is in the Trimble CU holder or in the TSC2 controller. For the ATS and 5600 total station, the controllers (TSC2 and ACU) use an external radio connected to the controller through the bracket or cable. 13. Switch on the controller. The following message appears: 14. Tap OK. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 101

104 10 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation 15. Radio connection between the total station and controller is initiated. Once complete, the electronic level is displayed. The instrument level should still be correct. 16. Tap OK. The compensator is initiated. Enter the atmospheric corrections as normal. You have completed robotic setup. The display that is normally shown at the total station is now shown at the rod. You can start to measure, stakeout, or perform a station establishment. For more information about measurement and stakeout operations, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Getting Started Guide or to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Road and Side Slope Stakeout Guide. To establish the position and orientation of the total station on the jobsite coordinate system, see Chapter 6. Starting with the controller connected over the radio to the total station In this method, you do not connect the controller to the total station first. You simply switch on the total station, thereby placing it in Standby mode ready for robotic operation. Then you start the controller and the controller software and then connect directly to the total station over the radio. Once the radio settings for the controller and total station have been matched, this method can be used every day for all operations. The quickest and simplest method of establishing the matching radio settings is to follow the instructions in Step 8 on page 99. However, if you know the radio channel and network ID settings currently set in the total station, you can still start using this method since it allows you to manually set those parameters. Station establishment for robotic operation can be carried out while at the total station, or after it has been put into its Robotic mode of operation from the rod. In either case, the station establishment process described in Chapter 6, Establishing the Position and Orientation of the Total Station on the Jobsite (Station Establishment) is the same. This method of operation involves the following basic steps: 1. Set up and level the total station. 2. Switch on the total station using one of the following: the trigger key (SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total stations) the single black button in the face 2 position (ATS and 5605 total station only) the single black button in the center of the keyboard attachment plate cover for the total station (ATS and 5605 total station only) 102 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

105 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation Once switched on, the total station is in Standby mode. The internal radio is awake and waiting for the robotic controller to make its connection. The total station remains in Standby mode for two hours waiting for the connection. 4. Set up the controller on the rod, and make all necessary radio connections. The configuration of the rod depends on which total station and which controller you use. 5. Switch on the controller. 6. Start the SCS900 software and do one of the following: If you use the Trimble CU, ACU, or TSC2 controller with external radio, the radio is automatically detected and connected to the total station. If you use a Trimble CU or TSC2 controller with integrated radio and the SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total stations, you will need to force the total station connection. To do this, select System Setup / Connect Instrument / Connect via radio. You can set the total station radio channel and network ID to match that of the total station before making the connection. The software makes the connection with the total station and displays the electronic level information and atmospheric correction input, before returning you to the main menu. The robotic setup is complete. The display that normally appears at the total station now appears at the rod. You can start to measure, stakeout, or perform a station establishment. For more information about measurement and stakeout operations, refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Road and Side Slope Stakeout Guide. To establish a station, see Chapter 6. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 103

106 10 Setting up the Total Station for Robotic Operation 104 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

107 CHAPTER 11 Rechecking the System Setup 11 In this chapter: Checking a control point using a prism Checking a control point without a prism While you use a total station, the most common source of error is movement of the total station during operation. The following conditions can move the total station: Heavy ground vibration Thawing of the ground Wet ground conditions Passing traffic Wind buffet Intense sunshine on the tripod Poorly adjusted tripod or tribrach Heavy handedness Tripod settlement If the total station moves, this can result in poorly staked positions or in poorly located point measurements. Good total station practice includes regularly checking a reference control point to ensure that any movement during measurement is detected. The more regularly you check the reference control point, the less likely that you will need to redo work as a result of a moved total station. To recheck the system setup, have the total station measure from its known position to a reference control point. The rod person can occupy the reference control point, or a prism or acrylic target can be established at the reference control point so that the rod person need not visit the point to carry out the check procedure. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 105

108 11 Rechecking the System Setup Measuring from the total station s known position to a reference control point, enables the software to check both the orientation and distance between the total station and the target. If the total station moves, this is reflected in the check measurements as an angular or distance error. If the check measurement shows a minimal or acceptable change to the zero error desired, work can continue. However, if the errors are unacceptable, the total station needs to be reset and work restarted. With a total station, there is no way to tell when the movement occurred. You can only tell that movement has occurred and the magnitude of the movement. It is your responsibility to make sure that equipment is well adjusted and that the system setup is checked as often as is suitable for the work being carried out. To recheck the system setup at any time: 1. From the main menu, select System Setup. The following menu appears: 2. Select Recheck System Setup. The following menu appears: The recheck function provides the following two methods: A check on both orientation and position A check on orientation only 106 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

109 Rechecking the System Setup 11 Checking a control point using a prism Use this option to aim the total station towards a selected reference control point, measure the angle and distance and then report the orientation and distance errors to that point. 1. Select Aim at a prism or reflector. The map view appears: 2. Select the control point to check and then tap Next. The following dialog appears: 3. Select the Use averaging mode check box to measure multiple rounds to the same reference point. Using this method results in multiple measurements to the same point in face 1 and face 2, which increases the accuracy of the final averaged measurement. 4. Enter the target height and target type for the reference control point location and then tap Measure. The total station is servo driven so you can automatically aim it to the reference control point location; you do not need to manually point and focus the telescope. Because the total station is equipped with Autolock technology, when it locates the reference point, it automatically sees and locks to the prism at the reference point, eliminating the need to fine point the telescope. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 107

110 11 Rechecking the System Setup The following message appears: 5. Tap Yes to turn the total station to the reference point. Tap No to manually point the total station. The map view appears: 6. Tap Measure to initiate measurement to the target. The measurement is done in STD mode. The angles are averaged over one second before taking a distance measurement to the target. When the measurement is complete, the errors for horizontal angle, horizontal position, and vertical position are shown. These errors are compared to the total station setup tolerances (See minstrument Setup Tolerances option, page 17) and flagged as in or out of tolerance. If the control point has no elevation 108 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

111 Rechecking the System Setup 11 component, only the horizontal angle and horizontal position error are reported: 7. Tap OK. The software then allows you to automatically return the total station to the location where it was before performing the Recheck System Setup function: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 109

112 11 Rechecking the System Setup Checking a control point without a prism Do not select this option from a remote location while working robotically and remotely from the total station. This option is basically the same operation as in the previous section. The only difference is that the total station neither locks to a target at the check point, nor measures a distance to the target, so the system can only carry out an orientation check. Because the total station does not lock to the target, view the target through the telescope to ensure that the total station is looking at the correct location. 1. Select Aim at a non-reflective target for measuring angles only. The map view appears: 2. Select the control point to check and then tap Next. The following message appears: 110 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

113 Rechecking the System Setup Tap Yes to turn the total station to the reference point. Tap No to manually point the total station. The following screen appears: 4. Once the total station is pointing at the correct target, tap Measure to take the angle only measurement. The horizontal angle error is displayed: 5. The angle error is compared to the total station setup tolerance to test whether it is in or out of tolerance. Tap OK. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 111

114 11 Rechecking the System Setup 6. On completion of the measurement, tap Yes to turn the total station back to where it was pointing at the start of the recheck process: 112 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

115 CHAPTER 12 Measuring a Control Point 12 In this chapter: Measuring a new point Measuring an existing control point You may need to measure control points in convenient locations around the jobsite such as in the following: Total station equipment depends on line-of-sight between it and the prism at the point being measured. On most jobsites, lines-of-sight can be obscured, for example, by trees, vehicles, structures under construction, ground terrain, and material stockpiles. To fully cover the area to be measured, the total station often needs moving several times, for example, during a site topographic measurement. For most practical applications, the maximum range of coverage for a total station is 700 m (2,296 ft). As a result, you need to have more control points around the jobsite for total station use than is required for GPS use. Site vehicles or machines often destroy control points, requiring replacement control points to be established. You may want to measure a control point that has already been recorded in situations such as: Completing a network of observations Completing a traverse When combining GPS and total station equipment on the same site, you can create control points by measuring with one technology and then use them later with the other technology. This chapter describes how to measure and create control points using a total station. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 113

116 12 Measuring a Control Point Measuring a new point 1. From the main menu, select System Setup. 2. Select Enter / Measure Control Points: 3. Select Measure Control Points. The Measure Control Points screen appears. 4. Create the control point location using a stake, a hub, or a road nail as required and then mark the stake with the name for the control point, for example, STNQ. 5. Set up the total station rod and prism over the point and hold it steady using a bipod. The software displays the current rod position on the map: 6. Check that the target height is correctly set to ensure that the new control point elevation is computed correctly. 114 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

117 Measuring a Control Point When you are ready to take the measurement, tap Measure. The measurement process takes approximately three seconds to complete. 8. When completed, the following dialog appears: 9. In the Point Name field, enter the station name that was written on the stake, for example, STNQ. 10. In the Code field, enter the type of station for the point code, for example, Stake, Hub, or Nail. 11. Tap OK to complete the addition of the new control point. 12. The software repeats the process for multiple control point measurements. To complete the measurement process, tap Esc. When each control point is measured, the software stores the control point data position in the control point (Control.csv) file for the site, and also records the measurement data into the record and report files for the work order. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 115

118 12 Measuring a Control Point Measuring an existing control point 1. From the main menu, select System Setup. 2. Select Enter / Measure Control Points: 3. Select Measure Control Points. The Measure Control Points screen appears. 4. Set up the total station rod and prism over the point and hold it steady using a bipod. The software displays the current rod position on the map: 5. Check that the target height is correctly set to ensure that the control point elevation is computed correctly. 116 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

119 Measuring a Control Point At the Measure Control Points screen, tap the Measuring mode icon. The Change Measuring Mode menu appears. Select Averaging mode. The following dialog appears: 7. Change the settings, if required, and then tap OK. The text in the upper right of the map view provides access to a shortcut menu: 8. Tap. The Switch Measurement Type menu appears. 9. Select Existing Control Points. The shortcut menu changes to show. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 117

120 12 Measuring a Control Point 10. From the map view select the control point you want to measure (either tap the point on the screen or select it using the point list ) and then tap Measure. After the total station has measured for the defined number of rounds in face 1 and face 2, SCS900 displays the results of the measurement: 11. Tap Accept. The differences are displayed from the original measured values versus the values observed when the point was remeasured. 12. If the results are within your desired tolerances, tap OK. If you want to, for example, adjust the setup to gain better results, tap Cancel and then remeasure the point. 118 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

121 CHAPTER 13 Measuring Modes 13 In this chapter: Measuring modes Changing the measuring mode For most measurement and stakeout operations, you will run the SCS900 dedicated measurement and stakeout functions. In all operations, these operate from the map view. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 119

122 13 Measuring Modes Measuring modes The measuring mode controls a number of functions for the total station. Depending on the type of total station, there are five modes available: Standing mode Walk to a point, place the rod tip on the ground and then take a single measurement to that specific location before moving to the next location. The target height is the elevation of the prism on the rod: Walking mode Walk continuously between points, holding the rod steady and ensuring that the rod tip never touches the ground. Points are stored based on the horizontal distance moved or elevation changed; parameters that you can define. The target height in this mode is the elevation of the prism on the rod, plus the elevation of the rod tip above the ground: B Tip To record an additional point at any time while walking the jobsite, tap Manual or press =. The distance moved and elevation changed counter will then be reset. 120 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

123 Measuring Modes 13 To start recording information: 1. Go to the first point and hold the rod above the ground. 2. Tap Start or press = to initiate measurement. Once measurement has started, points are recorded based on distance moved or elevation changed. To stop recording data or to temporarily pause recording, tap Stop. To restart measuring, tap Start to restart measuring at any time. C Vehicle mode WARNING When you select the Vehicle mode, the following warning message appears: Do not interact with the touch screen, keyboard, or software in any way while the vehicle is moving. While the vehicle is moving, the software provides a continuous display of position and data that can be seen at a glance. Operating the device or interacting with the software while the vehicle is moving can be a distraction for the operator, and may result in collision causing property damage or personal injury. Drive around the site in a vehicle such as a pickup truck or ATV, ensuring that the rod tip never touches the ground. Points are collected and stored based on the horizontal distance moved or elevation changed; parameters that you can define. The target SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 121

124 13 Measuring Modes height in this mode is the elevation of the prism on the rod plus the elevation of the rod tip above the ground while mounted on the vehicle:to define the target height (also known as benching): 1. Select Vehicle mode. 2. Drive the vehicle onto a known elevation surface. The following dialog appears: 3. Do one of the following: If you know the target height, enter it in the Target Height field and then tap OK. 122 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

125 Measuring Modes 13 If you do not know the target height, tap Measure. The following dialog appears: B Tip 4. Do one of the following: If you know the actual ground elevation, enter it in the Ground elevation field. If you do not know the actual ground elevation, tap Select. The map view appears. Select a point that is located on the surface under the vehicle. This eliminates the need to know the elevation of the selected point as it is already a known point. When you have selected the point, tap OK. You are returned to the Measure Antenna Height screen. 5. Press Measure. The total station measures to the target on the vehicle, subtracts the actual ground elevation and then displays your target height. 6. Tap OK. To record an additional point at any time while driving the jobsite, tap Manual or press = to record an additional shot (pause the vehicle while tapping the key or touch screen). The distance moved and elevation changed counter will then be reset. To start recording information: 1. Go to the first point and pause the vehicle. 2. Tap Start or press = to initiate measurement. Once measurement has started, points will be recorded based on distance moved or elevation changed. To stop recording data or to temporarily pause recording, pause the vehicle and then tap Stop. To restart measuring at any time, tap Start. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 123

126 13 Measuring Modes Averaging mode The total station will measure in face 1 and face 2, for up to six rounds. The software records the raw data from each measurement, but then displays an averaged calculation of the X,Y,Z position of the point being measured or staked. Measuring in both faces and for multiple rounds results in a more precise output from the total station. DR Single Point mode You point the total station at a location from which you want to measure, and use the total station s DR reflectorless capabilities to measure the point location. The target height in this mode is normally set to DR Scanning mode You manually track the total station across a surface that you want to measure. Points are measured and stored based on distance moved or elevation changed; parameters that you can define. The measurements are made in the TRK mode using the total station s DR reflectorless capabilities. The target height in this mode is normally Changing the measuring mode A measuring mode icon in the top left corner of the plan view map shows which mode is in use. The target height is shown to the right of the icon. To change the measuring mode, tap the measuring mode icon: 124 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

127 Measuring Modes 13 The Change Measuring Mode dialog appears: A mode is unavailable if it is not configured in the total station that you are using. Changing the measuring mode automatically changes the operational settings. Autolock, DR, Laser Pointer, and EDM mode will all be set to the appropriate settings. Each measuring mode has its own target height setting, which eliminates the need to change the target height manually. When using the ATS or SPSx30 total station, the ATS synchronized low latency data mode is selected when the operator selects Walking or Vehicle mode, so high accuracy measurement can be maintained while using a moving target. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 125

128 13 Measuring Modes 126 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

129 CHAPTER 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 14 In this chapter: Target height and target type settings from the map view DR Target Settings dialog Stakeout Settings menu COM Port Data Output Option Instrument Functions menu This chapter covers some additional total station specific settings and operational functions. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 127

130 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions Target height and target type settings from the map view To change the target height or target type settings at any time: 1. From the map view, tap the value displayed for the target height: 2. Select Target Type and Ht from the list that appears. Note When you are operating in DR Single Point mode or DR Scan Mode, the menu shows this option as DR Target Settings. The Target Height for <Name of> Mode dialog appears: Note The change in target height affects only the currently selected measuring mode, not all measuring modes. The software remembers the target height, so if you switch from Standing mode to Walking mode and then back to Standing mode, you do not need to re-enter your target height for Standing mode. 128 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

131 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 14 DR Target Settings dialog When in DR mode, the Target Type and Target Height Settings option becomes DR Target Settings, enabling you to set the properties of the DR reflectorless measuring functions: B Tip For DR mode, the Target Height field defaults to 0.0. The Weak Signal function allows the total station to report distance measurements even when the return EDM signal strength is below its minimum threshold value. This allows for less accurate measurements to poor reflective surfaces, or reflective surfaces at extreme ranges or at very oblique angles to be achieved, allowing measurement to be provided where otherwise it would be rejected. The Distance Restrictions group enables you to set up a range gate within which the total station reports measured distances. This enables you to specify a known range within which the measured points will lie, thereby eliminating any possibility of erroneous measurement to an object outside that range. The minimum and maximum values can be entered manually or be measured from objects directly. The settings entered in the Distance Restrictions group are used for both the stockpile scan and profile scan. Setting the distance restrictions to a very narrow window restricts your ability to scan in stockpile scan or profile scan. The Standard Deviation field can be set to ensure that the reflectorless measurements, averaged from a thousand measurements per second, deliver a measurement with a standard deviation better than the designated value. The total station measures continuously until the standard deviation threshold is achieved. Setting this value to a low (tighter or more stringent) number results in longer measurement times and, in some cases, the inability to measure. Setting this to a higher (looser or less stringent) number shortens the measurement time, extends the range of the system, and also generates measurements in tougher reflectorless circumstances. As a rule, select the Weak Signal check box and enter a higher (looser or less stringent) number in the Standard Deviation field for longer range and shorter measurement times, but less accurate results. Clear the Weak Signal check box and enter a lower (tighter or more stringent) number in the Standard Deviation field for shorter range and longer measurement times, but more accurate results. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 129

132 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions Stakeout Settings menu Stakeout settings enable you to define some of the parameters that control stakeout operations. Stakeout settings enable you to define some of parameters that control stakeout operations. From the main menu select Settings / Stakeout Settings: General Stake Placement & Marking Use this dialog to define the tolerance for all stakeout operations: When you tap Stake during a stakeout operation to record the staked position, the measured location is compared to the design location and the difference is compared to the stakeout tolerance. If the difference is: less than the tolerance value, the point is stored and flagged as in tolerance greater than the tolerance value, the point is stored and flagged as out of tolerance The Elevation reference method list allows you to define how you will stake and write the stake information. The options are: 130 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

133 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 14 Ground Surface You will navigate to the stakeout location and then tap Stake to record the point. The stake marking information will be referenced to the ground location, for example, Come up the stake by X.X to give a Cut of Y.Y. Top of Stake You will navigate to the stakeout location, tap Stake, pound the stake and then measure to the top of the stake. The stake marking information will be referenced to the top of stake, for example, Come down the stake by X.X to give a cut of Y.Y. Measured Point You can tap Stake wherever you want. The stake marking information is referenced to the measured location only, for example, Cut Y.Y only. For more information about other stakeout settings, please refer to the SCS900 Road and Side Slope Stakeout User Guide. When you tap Stake to record the staked position, the measured location is compared to the design location and the difference compared to the stakeout tolerance: If less than the tolerance value, the point is stored and flagged as in tolerance If greater than the tolerance value, the point is stored and flagged as out of tolerance The Elevation reference method list allows you to define how you will stake and write the stake information. The options are: Ground Surface You will navigate to the stakeout location, and then tap Stake to record the point. The stake marking information will be referenced to the ground location, for example, Come up the stake by X.X to give a Cut of Y.Y. Top of Stake You will navigate to the stakeout location, tap Stake, pound the stake, and then measure to the top of the stake. The stake marking information will be referenced to the top of stake, for example, Come down the stake by X.X to give a cut of Y.Y. Measured Point You can tap Stake wherever you want. The stake marking information is referenced to the measured location only, for example, Cut Y.Y only. Auto Aim Option The Auto Aim Option enables you to define how the total station will turn to the selected stakeout location when using any stakeout function. Once the stakeout location is selected, an Aim button appears in the map view. Tap Aim to turn the total station to the selected stakeout location. In most cases, turning the total station only in the horizontal direction is practical. However, in some cases, turning the total station in both the horizontal and vertical directions to point at the true 3D location is useful, especially when using DR modes with the laser pointer for staking out fixtures and fittings inside buildings or on structures. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 131

134 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 1. From the Stakeout Settings menu, select Auto Aim Option: 2. Do one of the following: Select the HA & VA option for the total station to turn in 3D Select the HA Only option for the total station to turn in the horizontal only For information about the other stakeout settings (Grade Stake Marking, Catch Point Marking, and Lightbar Options), please refer to the SCS900 Site Controller Software Road and Side Slope Stakeout User Guide. COM Port Data Output Option In some applications, it is useful to have the controller deliver the raw measurement data or the computed coordinate data to the serial port of the controller, so that other software, for example hydrographic positioning applications, can pick it up and use it. To set up the COM port: 1. From the main menu, select Settings / More / COM Port Data Output Option. The following dialog appears: 2. To enable data to be sent to the serial COM port of the controller or total station, select the check box at the top of dialog. 132 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

135 Other Total Station Settings and Functions In the Output Format list, select either HAVASD raw data or XYZ coordinates: Raw data format Coordinate data format = HA 37 = Northing 8 = VA 38 = Easting 9 = SD 39 = Elevation The first line of data is always a 0, which is a status tag indicating a complete measurement record. Each line of data is terminated with a carriage return and line feed. 4. In the Output Mode list, select either After recording (every time you tap Record) or Continuous (every time the total station has a new measurement). 5. In the COM Port list, select the controller port through which to send the data. 6. In the Baud Rate list, select the rate in bits per second that you want to send the data to the COM port. Note Parity is set to 0 (No Parity), data bits is set to 8, and stop bits is set to 1. You cannot change these settings. 7. Tap OK. Once the connection is established, and measurement commences, the data will be sent to the selected COM port in the format you selected in Step 3. Instrument Functions menu The Instrument Functions menu provides access to most of the functions described in earlier sections. It also provides access to the routine calibration checks that you should carry out to keep the total station in adjustment so that it delivers the best possible measurement results. To access the Instrument Functions menu: From the main menu select System Setup / Instrument Functions. The following menu appears: SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 133

136 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions External Battery Type Settings option Use this option to characterize the external battery to be used by an SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30 total station. The total station can be powered by a Trimble internal battery or a set of up to three Trimble batteries in an external battery cradle. To use an alterative battery source such as a 12 V car battery, select the custom battery type and then enter its characteristics, so that the total station knows how to interact with it. For more information, see Selecting the external battery type, page SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

137 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 14 Atmospheric Corrections option Use this option to enter the current temperature and pressure so that the ppm (parts per million) corrections can be computed for EDM distance measurements. For more information, see Correcting for atmospheric conditions, page 14. Instrument Settings option Use this option to view the current total station type and firmware version, and in addition to set the following values: Reticle illumination When operating in dark conditions such as at night or in a tunnel, you can illuminate the cross-hair of the telescope so that they can be seen by the operator. It is likely that you will also need to illuminate the face of the target in order to operate efficiently. Note Reticle illumination only works when there is little or no ambient light. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 135

138 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions DR/IR target settings option The DR/IR target settings are the same as those described on page 128. Depending on the current settings of the total station (Prism or DR mode), the function shows the target type and height settings or DR target and DR Measurement mode settings. For DR mode, the target height defaults to 0.0 m/ft and allows you to specify how the DR measurement function is used. For more details on the DR function controls, see DR Target Settings dialog, page 129. For Prism mode, there are a number of different prism types that can be used, all shown below. Each prism selection has an associated set of parameters including: Prism constant Vertical or tiltable type of target Target IDs and how the Target ID is used Select the correct prism type to ensure accurate measurements. Any prism constants or corrections that need to be used are automatically applied when you select the appropriate prism type. For third-party prisms and accessories, use the Custom target type and then apply the correct prism constant for that prism. 136 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

139 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 14 Tap Set Target ID when the MT900 is connected to the controller in, for example, ATV applications through the junction box (Trimble P/N ). In this case, the software transmits the ID to the MT900 target directly using the junction box. The junction box is used to provide both a controller connection and external power to the target. When you tap Set Target ID, the Configure MT900 dialog appears. Radio Settings option The Radio Settings option enables you to set the radio channel and network ID of the total station radio for robotic operation. These are requested on each robotic connection. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 137

140 14 Other Total Station Settings and Functions 138 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

141 CHAPTER 15 Adjusting the Total Station 15 In this chapter: Types of checks Compensator Calibration HA VA Collimation test Trunnion Axis Tilt test Tracker Collimation test All total stations require regular and routine checks and adjustments to deliver optimum results. All Trimble total stations allow fully accurate measurements to be made with a single pointing to a target. To achieve that, the total station stores its current adjustment values internally, and corrects all measured data accordingly. For accurate measurements to be made, the current adjustment values need to be determined and stored in memory. Total station adjustments are required because of the optical mechanical design of the instrument. The following conditions can move the optics and mechanics out of adjustment: Shipping and handling Bumps and knocks Temperature and pressure changes Storage conditions General wear and tear of mechanics To start the tests, select System Setup Menu Instrument / Instrument Functions menu / Adjust Instruments. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 139

142 15 Adjusting the Total Station Types of checks The three types of checks that you should carry out on the total stations on a routine basis are mechanical, electronic system, and electronic/software. Mechanical checks For details of the mechanical checks that you should regularly perform, refer to your instrument manual. These checks include: Tribrach or instrument optical plummet Tribrach locking mechanism Tripod leg adjustment/tightness/condition Tripod head rotation Tripod head warping and condition Laser pointer adjustment Telescope optics cleaning Telescope cross-hair adjustment Horizontal and vertical axis bearing condition Electronic system checks For details of the electronic system checks that you should regularly perform, refer to your appropriate instrument manual. These checks include: Battery status, life, and conditioning Angle measurement system Distance measurement system Electronic leveling and compensator calibration Electronic/software driven checks There are three main system checks that you should carry out regularly and before any task that requires the highest system accuracy. Trimble recommends that you create a System Maintenance site and work order to store the results of these checks. Open the work order before carrying out the checks. This allows all the checks to be stored along with date, time, operator, and the results to perform a quality assurance trail on the total station maintenance operations. The four main checks are: Compensator Calibration HA VA Collimation Trunnion Axis Tilt Tracker Collimation 140 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

143 Adjusting the Total Station 15 Compensator Calibration The SPS family of motorized total stations are all equipped with a dual-axis compensator. The compensator is active when the total station is switched on. You should calibrate the compensator periodically to adjust for any minor changes in the total station caused by normal wear and tear, as well as shipping or temperature variations. It is extremely important to perform this calibration when you are working within a very tight tolerance range. You should also perform this calibration whenever the highest accuracies are needed. You must manually calibrate the SPS610, SPS700, SPS710, SPS730, and SPS930 total stations. This calibration can only be performed through the face 2 display on the total station itself. For directions, please refer to the SPS Series User Guide included on the CD in your instrument case. C CAUTION It is important that this calibration is performed before the HA VA Collimation, Trunnion Axis Tilt, and Tracker Collimation. The compensator does not need to be calibrated every time the other three collimations are performed, but if the Compensator Calibration is performed, you should immediately perform the HA VA Collimation, Trunnion Axis Collimation, and Tracker Collimation. Performing the Compensator Calibration negates the validity of the values of the errors found from previous HA VA Collimations, Trunnion Axis Collimations, and Tracker Collimations. The ATS600 and 5600 total stations calibrate their compensators when they power up, so you do not need to manually calibrate them. SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 141

144 15 Adjusting the Total Station HA VA Collimation test You should perform this test to a target that can be easily bisected with both the horizontal and vertical cross-hair, placed at a location at least 100 m from the total station, and at approximately the same elevation as the total station telescope. The target can be any object including a road sign, window frame, or an adhesive prism target. The test involves taking a series of HA VA measurements to the target in both instrument faces, to generate a mean or averaged pointing in face 1 and face 2, from which the difference between face 1 and face 2 readings can be determined. The difference between the two face readings is known as the collimation error. In the horizontal axis, the collimation error has little affect on measurements. However in the vertical axis, if not corrected for, the collimation error will result in erroneous elevation values for all measured points. The collimation test computes the collimation error, stores the error inside the total station and then corrects all subsequent measurements for that error before displaying them on the screen or storing them in memory SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide

145 Adjusting the Total Station 15 Trunnion Axis Tilt test You should perform this test to a target that can be easily bisected with both the horizontal and vertical cross-hair, placed at a location at an elevation angle at least 15 to the horizontal. Below 15, the Trunnion axis tilt is hard to measure, and has little influence over measured positions. The target can be any object including a road sign, window frame, or an adhesive prism target. The test involves taking a series of HA VA measurements to the target in both instrument faces, to generate a mean or averaged pointing in face 1 and face 2. From the measurements made, any misalignment of the axis around which the telescope rotates in relation to the instrument s level can be determined. This misalignment is known as the Trunnion axis tilt error, and, if not corrected for, affects the computed position of measured points at steep sight lines from the total station. The Trunnion Axis Tilt test computes the error, stores the error inside the total station and then corrects all subsequent measurements for that error before displaying them on the screen or storing them in memory. Note The Trunnion Axis Tilt test can only be carried out after an HA VA collimation test has been computed SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide 143

146 15 Adjusting the Total Station Tracker Collimation test You should perform this test towards a prism (SPSx10, SPS700, or SPSx30) or active target (ATS or 5600), set up at a distance of around 100 m and at approximately the same elevation as the total station telescope. Ideally, perform the test at the approximate range that subsequent measurements will be made. The test involves the total station locking onto and measuring an average position over a period of time in both faces to determine any misalignment of the tracker in relationship to the telescope cross-hair. If not corrected for, this error results in erroneous position determination in both horizontal and vertical axes, and also between measurements made with and without Autolock technology. Once measured, the error is stored in the total station, and is used to correct all subsequently measured positions. 1 2 Note There can be two reasons for significant change between old and new values: The total station has received a knock or bump in transit that may need a service correction. There has been an observation error. If you suspect an observation error, repeat the process. If the values are repeated, you may want to contact an authorized Trimble Service Center for advice. When the values exceed a certain level, you will be advised to send the total station to an approved Trimble Service Center for recalibration. Note The values displayed when new will be close to zero, but over time these are expected to change. Non-zero values are no cause for alarm; however, sudden large changes should be cause for concern because they indicate misuse, abuse, or transportation problems. For full details of the instrumentation errors, refer to your instrument manual. For details of measurement, stakeout, or other SCS900 software functions, and GPS equipment usage, please refer to the appropriate SCS900 user guide. 144 SCS900 Site Controller Software Total Station User Guide