Calling all MAGNET experts

I can only answer 1 question fine s is distances to 3 (.001)decimals single shot fine r is distances to 3 decimals average of last 3( I think shots) rapid is 2 (.01)decimal measurements and tracking is 1 (.1)decimal.
There is a difference in the shot time tracking is very fast but I don't see an appreciable difference between rapid and fine time wise.

Now you know why I use Trimble Access... sorry, I couldn't help it. :whistle:

MS SURV, post: 369814, member: 10318 wrote: I am a novice survey crew member that has been asked to learn MAGNET Field on our TESLA for use with ES-103, PS-103 robotic, and a pair of Hiper V's. This process has been difficult to say the least. Any help, advice, experiences are appreciated. I know some of these issues have been addressed in earlier posts but I am still encountering them from time to time even with update to 3.2. Thank you all in advance!!

We have encountered numerous issues with the MAGNET field software on our TESLA Data Collector. I will list the biggest ones first. We are running MAGNET Field Version 3.2 (build 207526).
- Anytime we export the raw data, it changes the point coordinates and elevations.
- Additionally, some coordinates are rounded/truncated to 4 or less decimal places.
- RAW data always reports BS checks as near perfect (.002-.007 US Ft) and does not report the correct values seen in the field. This was supposedly fixed in a previous software update (it‰Ûªs not!).
- When performing Set Collections, the last point shot appears in the points list of the TESLA but does not export with the RAW Data.
- In set collections (traverse selected for measure) when I choose to NOT ‰ÛÏmove instrument now‰Û, in order to take Sideshots from that occupy point, and then return to Set Collections it does not prompt me to move instrument. Have to start over for each new set.
- When using Magnet on our TESLA with a PS-103 Total Station and the RC-5, the connection is lost everytime the instrument is turned off in order to move to a new occupation point. In order to access the connections menu you have to return to Home Screen. This forces you to exit out of functions you may be in the middle of (such as Set Collections).
- Regarding the PS-103, what is the difference between Fine‰ÛS‰Û and Fine ‰ÛÏR‰Û measurements?
- Is there a way to display more than 4 decimal places in the points list?
- Between first and second set (when shooting 2) sometimes 90 degrees is added to the Horizontal Angle. This makes it IMPOSSIBLE to run an accurate Traverse.

[hl]I'll try and answer a couple of them with the info you provided- current version 3.3.1[/hl]

First off- connection issues. There is a selection in Magnet Configurations to reconnect to the last BT device upon start up. The RC and the PS are paired and there should not be an issue- turn the RC and the PS on and they will connect. Connecting to the RC with the Tesla should happen automatically once you turn everything back on if it is configured properly. Magnet relies on good configurations to make your instrument perform optimally. Take the time to learn how to make customer configurations and it will pay off in in the field.

EDM Modes - Fine Single and Fine REPEAT. There is also a selection for Fine AVG- FIne Average.

SET Collection- This is a configuration issue in SET Collection. IF you simply want the angle to repeat you need to set it up that way. If you want multiple positions turned in accordance with the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee procedures 90 degrees would be added to the second position or set. We added Orders to the process and procedure.

If you are switching from SET or Side Shot Traverse to Side Shot Direct you can make that selection under the M in the upper left corner of the screen.

You can send me the raw data for a look if you want but unless I know the formats selected etc- that is almost impossible to address in this forum.

4 decimal places is max on the edm. The fourth decimal place of a coordinate in feet is 10 thousandths and in metric is 0.1mm. The selection for the number of decimals in the coordinates is in the Job Creation configuration. Lat and Long can be set to 5 decimals but N/E can be set to 4 max.

I would suggest a training class or at least the quick guides on Topcon Total Care for a training resource. Contacting your local dealer for training is a great place to start since most of your concerns listed would be easily addressed in a half day of training and then you'd be off and running. I hope this little bit helps.

MS SURV, post: 369814, member: 10318 wrote: RAW data always reports BS checks as near perfect (.002-.007 US Ft) and does not report the correct values seen in the field. This was supposedly fixed in a previous software update (it‰Ûªs not!).

It seems this is an issue going back to Topsurv 8. When I do a backsight it in Topsurv 8 it shows the error in the ENZ but when I do a backsight check immediately after it shows 0 error all round.

mvanhank222, post: 369822, member: 8673 wrote: I can only answer 1 question fine s is distances to 3 (.001)decimals single shot fine r is distances to 3 decimals average of last 3( I think shots) rapid is 2 (.01)decimal measurements and tracking is 1 (.1)decimal.
There is a difference in the shot time tracking is very fast but I don't see an appreciable difference between rapid and fine time wise.

Thank you. Any idea if this is driven by the TESLA or the PS-103? For example if PS-103 is set to Fine "r" but I take a "Precise" shot on TESLA that is set to Fine Average (1), will that essentially be the same as a Fine "s" shot?

pmoran, post: 369852, member: 8922 wrote: [hl]I'll try and answer a couple of them with the info you provided- current version 3.3.1[/hl]

First off- connection issues. There is a selection in Magnet Configurations to reconnect to the last BT device upon start up. The RC and the PS are paired and there should not be an issue- turn the RC and the PS on and they will connect. Connecting to the RC with the Tesla should happen automatically once you turn everything back on if it is configured properly. Magnet relies on good configurations to make your instrument perform optimally. Take the time to learn how to make customer configurations and it will pay off in in the field.

EDM Modes - Fine Single and Fine REPEAT. There is also a selection for Fine AVG- FIne Average.

SET Collection- This is a configuration issue in SET Collection. IF you simply want the angle to repeat you need to set it up that way. If you want multiple positions turned in accordance with the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee procedures 90 degrees would be added to the second position or set. We added Orders to the process and procedure.

If you are switching from SET or Side Shot Traverse to Side Shot Direct you can make that selection under the M in the upper left corner of the screen.

You can send me the raw data for a look if you want but unless I know the formats selected etc- that is almost impossible to address in this forum.

4 decimal places is max on the edm. The fourth decimal place of a coordinate in feet is 10 thousandths and in metric is 0.1mm. The selection for the number of decimals in the coordinates is in the Job Creation configuration. Lat and Long can be set to 5 decimals but N/E can be set to 4 max.

I would suggest a training class or at least the quick guides on Topcon Total Care for a training resource. Contacting your local dealer for training is a great place to start since most of your concerns listed would be easily addressed in a half day of training and then you'd be off and running. I hope this little bit helps.

pmoran- I am investigating Topcon University, quick guides, etc. but we do not currently pay for this support. I sent these questions to Topcon Support and they replied that they only provide support to authorized dealers. I am working with my instrument company but they have thus far just provide "helpful" (not at all) responses such as "This is normal hardware behavior. Nothing broken here. Just DON‰ÛªT shut down the robot. And move it by hand from one spot to the other.".... Great solution if you only use survey equipment in sales demos, but when you have to use it on a job site this is not even remotely viable.

We run survey pro and the shot precision is run by the collector so I would assume it holds true in magnet as well.

MS SURV, post: 369814, member: 10318 wrote: I am a novice survey crew member that has been asked to learn MAGNET Field on our TESLA

We have encountered numerous issues with the MAGNET field software on our TESLA Data Collector. I will list the biggest ones first. We are running MAGNET Field Version 3.2 (build 207526).
As Pat Moran mentioned. The current version of Magnet Field is 3.3.1, and it has fixed several of you comments. Suggest updating to that first and foremost.

- Anytime we export the raw data, it changes the point coordinates and elevations.
If you are exporting coordinates, then that is NOT raw data. What format are you exporting to?

- Additionally, some coordinates are rounded/truncated to 4 or less decimal places.
User defined parameter, can be changed when exporting coordinate data.

- RAW data always reports BS checks as near perfect (.002-.007 US Ft) and does not report the correct values seen in the field. This was supposedly fixed in a previous software update (it‰Ûªs not!).
I do NOT see a problem with backsight checks in current version. There was a problem a few versions back, and maybe v3.2.
Example from a current job w/ v3.3.1 units in UsFt:
--Backsight HR:5.110
--BS check 106 - 392:ZE90.49250,SD277.120,HD err= 0.028,VD err= 0.007
--BS Circle Check : horizontal angular err= 0.00150, vertical angular err= 0.00050
--Backsight HR:5.110
--BS check 106 - 392:ZE90.49300,SD277.040,HD err= 0.100,VD err= 0.001
--BS Circle Check : horizontal angular err= 0.00050, vertical angular err= 0.00000

- When performing Set Collections, the last point shot appears in the points list of the TESLA but does not export with the RAW Data.
Need more information here. Have looked at the report fort angle SET? Again need to know what raw data format you are exporting. I export to a *.RAW file format.

- In set collections (traverse selected for measure) when I choose to NOT ‰ÛÏmove instrument now‰Û, in order to take Sideshots from that occupy point, and then return to Set Collections it does not prompt me to move instrument. Have to start over for each new set.
This is user defined, and may not be an option under SET collection. I know it is an option in Survey >Topo, then Toggle on TRAVERSE mode.

- When using Magnet on our TESLA with a PS-103 Total Station and the RC-5, the connection is lost everytime the instrument is turned off in order to move to a new occupation point. In order to access the connections menu you have to return to Home Screen. This forces you to exit out of functions you may be in the middle of (such as Set Collections).
As Pat mentioned, be certain toggle on the option during "Connect to Last BT" option.

- Between first and second set (when shooting 2) sometimes 90 degrees is added to the Horizontal Angle. This makes it IMPOSSIBLE to run an accurate Traverse.
This is a user defined option. On older procedures it was common to use a different position on the instrument plate, to reduce instrument error.

Most, if not all of these "issues" are not software or hardware related. They are due to user mis-understanding and lack of support or training. Topcon support has a top down structure, which often fails. There are a few You-Tube videos, but known address what you have described. The manuals are not up to date with current versions. We the "end-users" can NOT get direct support from Topcon, we are re-directed back to the local dealer first. Whom often does not understand the issue enough to transfer it up the latter.

I paid the $500 for year subscription of Topcon University, online support through their website. Not much help their either, and would not recommend it.

Where are you located?

I own the same equipment you describe and use it everyday. See my website for contact info.

MS SURV, post: 369873, member: 10318 wrote: pmoran- I am investigating Topcon University, quick guides, etc. but we do not currently pay for this support. I sent these questions to Topcon Support and they replied that they only provide support to authorized dealers. I am working with my instrument company but they have thus far just provide "helpful" (not at all) responses such as "This is normal hardware behavior. Nothing broken here. Just DON‰ÛªT shut down the robot. And move it by hand from one spot to the other.".... Great solution if you only use survey equipment in sales demos, but when you have to use it on a job site this is not even remotely viable.

Who is your local dealer? Have you asked them for training? Look on Youtube- one of our guys has posted a number of how-to type videos. Always turn the instrument off and transport it in the case. Reconnection is very simple once you learn Magnet- like you said you are an admitted novice but with the required training you will work your way up the ladder and become an experienced operator and crew chief.