The following information describes the various options available for the Topcon 800/8000 total stations.

Carlson SurvCE supports the Topcon 800 series (800, 802, 800A, 8000, 8200), when running in direct mode (measurements taken from the instrument, no radio connection to the prism).  All 800 series instruments are motorized.  The Topcon 8000 is a reflectorless unit.  The Topcon 800A is motorized but not fully robitic.  The 800AR is motorized and robotic.  The Topcon 802 refers to a “2-second” version of the 800 series, for example.

To operate either direct or remote, press the Power button to turn the instrument on.  After you level, the instrument will go through a motorized self-test.  You obtain a 6-icon menu.  To run direct, press F2 for Standard.  This puts you in the measure screen.  Note that in Direct mode, the Topcon 800 typically expects 1200, E, 7, 1 for communication, but 9600, N, 8, 1 in Remote mode. Note that the Topcon 820 and 8200 are a new series of instruments, where Topcon 822 indicates a “2-second” version of the 820 series.  Running Direct, the Topcon robotic instruments that have the reflectorless option offer a handy, one-click reflectorless off-on icon at the top of the screen, as shown above in the discussion of the Leica TPS series where it also applies.

Direct

The following settings are presented by selecting the Topcon 800/8000 Direct instrument.

• Read Method: Choose between coarse, tracking, fine and reflectorless.
• Reflectorless Enabled?: This setting informs the software that the instrument being used has relfectorless capability. Reflectorless “ghosts” unless this option is selected.  Only the 8000 series has reflectorless capability, and only when running direct.
• Turn Method in Stakeout: A “tiered” method of turning to points is provided.  If you select “Turn to Point in Stakeout” for the robotic Topcon 800/8000, the option below “unghosts” allowing you to also require that it turn to the correct vertical position of the point.

• Use CR/LF: If set, this must match the settings on the instrument.
• Use Point Guide: Option to enable use of tracking lights.
• Auto Aim: This forces the instrument to lock onto the prism before a configured read.  This is particularly useful when turning robotic sets.  Auto Aim is not available in reflectorless mode. 
• Lock on Read: For the Topcon 800/8000 remote, there is a “Lock on Read” option which behaves similarly to the Auto Aim for direct mode, but is not as precise as Auto Aim.

Remote

This configuration works for the Topcon 800 series running in remote mode (radio link active, equipment operation driven from the prism). The optional RC2 unit, mounted on the prism pole, provides a “quick lock” feature for rapidly guiding the instrument to the prism.  Additionally, the RC2 provides an alternative to radios allowing limited remote communication between the data collector and instrument.  Be sure that the RC2 unit is pointed directly at the instrument before executing a “quick lock.”

To operate in remote mode, obtain the 6-icon menu, press F1 for Program, F6 for More, then F3 for External Link.  Press F2 to verify your currents settings, then hit Escape and press F1 to execute the remote settings.

The Parameters refer to the 3 ways of communicating robotically (Cable, RC2 and Radio Modem).  The Cable option implies 2 operators, one driving the instrument directly with SurvCE and one at the rod.  For the RC2 and Radio Modem options, SurvCE drives the instrument remotely from the rod. Note that the RC2 “quick lock” function has a maximum range of 1500ft, while the two way remote communication is limited to 800ft.

• Cable/Radio Modem/RC:  After pressing 1, the up/down arrows are used for menu selection (e.g. RC, Cable, Radio Modem Satel 2ASx, Radio Model Satel 3ASd).  For RC2, select RC.  If you are running the radio and RC2 together, select the correct radio and the RC2 will also work in conjunction.  Press Set, then Esc to return to the 4-item menu.
• Parameter Cable:  When using radios (and not exclusively RC2), choose Parameter Cable and set to the correct baud (typically 9600).  Press Set.  For end-of-text character, SurvCE prefers the ETX option.  Leave other items default.
• Parameter RC:  If you are using the RC2, you must set all items here.  On the RC2 itself, there are dip switches located in the battery compartment.  Set all 4 off for 2-way, optical communication and set to Channel 1 within Parameter RC. Also set Terminate to ETX, Retry to Standard, Rec-Type to Rec-B. To use RC2 with radios, set dip switch 3 On, others Off and the parameters do not apply.  However the radio parameters apply, which is next.
• Parameter (Radio Modem):  This lead to 3 sub-options:

1. Select Parameters and choose Rec-B
2. Set Frequency:  This will try to communicate with prism radio and display the current frequency.  Make sure you are on the same frequency (and channel) for instrument and remote radio.
3. Set Channel (3ASd):  The frequency only applies to the 3ASd.  There are 2 choices. Channel B is automatically set for 2ASx.  Default is Channel B.  Options are A through E and 0 through 9.

Topcon provides distinct cables for radio communication and RC2 communication.  The “Y” cable is used with radios and RC2 in combination, but is not required.  You can press the yellow button on top of the RC2 to initiate a “quick lock”.  The “Y” cable is not used for RC2 only communication.  The advantages of using both radio and RC2 are range (works remotely over 800ft), speed (faster reading), and ease of operation.

Within SurvCE, go to Equipment, select Topcon 800 Remote, use default port and baud settings.

Parameters
As shown in the following dialog figure, the left tab is for setting the Parameters.

The recommended settings are as follows:

• Tracking: 10mm
• Search Pattern: Normal
• Track Sensitivity: High (best with Quick Lock)
• Search Scan Range: Middle (applies to APL1 only)
• Tracking Speed: Middle
• Joystick: Middle (this changes the response of the arrow keys)

More Parameters

The right tab is for setting the More Parameters.

The recommended settings are as follows:

• Vertical Range: 10
• Horizontal Range:10
• Wait Time (how soon it starts searching when you lose the link): 3 to 5 seconds (low traffic areas) and 120 (2 minutes, in high traffic areas)
• Tracking Light Indicator: User choice
• Channel: Can be set to Channel (A-B, 0-9) or Frequency, where you enter the known frequency
• Model: Options are Satelline 2AS, Satelline 3AS, Cable, RC-2, PDL (Pacific Crest), RC-2/Sat-2AS and RC-2/Sat-3AS. 

Select Update to send these parameters to the instrument and the program will confirm with a “dling” sound.  Then pick OK.

SurvCE will track the prism in the fastest mode (10mm), then switch to configured reading when a shot is taken.  Note, configured reading was also set to Tracking 10mm, which will take a nearly instantaneous shot.  If configured for Fine (1mm), the shot will take 2-3 seconds.  Here we have taken a foresight to point 3 and have moved in tracking mode to a new position, ready for a configured reading on point 4.  “Configured Reading” shots are taken with Enter or R for Read.  The “S” button will take a “fast read” or Tracking Read, no matter what the Configured Reading mode.

If using RC2, Select QuickLock button.  Otherwise, use arrow keys to turn the instrument, look for the 2 blinking lights (if track lights are turned on) and then tap Search.  Above, we’ve set the vertical and horizontal search ranges to 10 degrees.  When you obtain lock, you will get 3 beeps from the RC2, and in all cases, SurvCE will say Tracking, meaning you are locked on.

Pressing QLOCK does an RC2 “quick lock” search and only appears as an option if you are configured for RC2 or RC2 with radios.  Standby let’s the instrument hold its position and stop tracking allowing you, for example, to place the rod on the ground and drive a stake, then get on line again and use QLOCK (RC2) or SRCH (non-RC2) to regain the link. 

With robotic total stations, commands such as Turn to Angle, Set Collection (choose “robotic” sets) and Check Backsight will turn robotically.

Set Collection Notes

Set Collection works best with radio linkage (radio alone or radio with RC2), but has limited functionality in RC2 only mode.  Robotic sets use BD-FD/FR-BR observation order.  Note, “non-robotic” sets can be done with a robotic total station.  The “Angle Only in Reverse Face” can be toggled on for faster Face 2 readings.  “Auto Turn,” available for all observation orders but Robotic Set, will turn the gun automatically to all known points. An hourglass will appear when Robotic Sets is selected, during which time SurvCE initiates constantly streaming data.  When in robotic Set Collection, an option to obtain the Robotic screen (search and joystick features) is available. After all sets are collected, the user is prompted whether to move to a new setup station, collect still more sets, or review the set data.  Close this dialog and Set Collection is complete for that backsight and foresight.

Topcon APL1

This is an older Topcon robotic total station with excellent tracking.

It’s a larger instrument often used in construction and machine control applications.  It communicates only by radio with the 2ASx type radios. You must set the Com parameters on APL1. You only have to do this once.

1. Turn the APL1 on.
2. Press <Menu>.
3. Press <F1> for Parameters.
4. Press <F3> for COM.
5. Press <F3> for Terminate.
6. Select ETX (ONLY) and press <Ent> to accept.
7. Select F2 for Transfer Speed.
8. Select 9600 and press <Ent> to accept.
9. Select F1 for Bit Format.
10. Set to BS, S1, and NONE, Press <ENT> to accept.

Putting the APL1 in the “Remote Mode”:

1. Turn the APL1 on.
2. Press <Menu>.
3. Press <F3> for Remote.
4. Press <F1> for Remote.

The total station is now in the Remote Mode.