I just purchased a Surveyor2 and I'm having an issue with the Bluetooth range to my robot. In the past I've used a paired Parani SD1000s connected to my DC and Leica robot with the 5dbi antennas on both and I can get out >1000'. I got that setup working with my new collector, however, I would prefer not to have the Parani hanging off the DC. So, I got the DC pair with the Parani connected to the robot. I have communication to the robot but my distance is limited to <300'. My comms are set up as Bluetooth, Windows Mobile and the paired device for the instrument configuration. I'm not sure if I've got something wrong in the DC or it just won't reach beyond 300'.
Does anyone have experience with this type of configuration and might have a suggestion to increase the range of the DC Bluetooth?
I imagine the range on the data collector is limited but I would be curious to see if you can get the range further any way. I would like to have the Parani SD not hanging off the data collector also but I think it's necessary (Topcon FC-2500)
Dave L, post: 390418, member: 12092 wrote: Does anyone have experience with this type of configuration and might have a suggestion to increase the range of the DC Bluetooth?
I have the Surveyor+, and found the internal BT range to be unusable. I quickly switched to a Parani that I mounted in a small protective box attached to the underside of the Surveyor+.
Jim Frame, post: 390465, member: 10 wrote: I have the Surveyor+, and found the internal BT range to be unusable. I quickly switched to a Parani that I mounted in a small protective box attached to the underside of the Surveyor+.
The Surveyor+ has a full magnesium housing which limits wireless range, whereas the Surveyor2 eliminated the magnesium housing. This is one of the major upgrades with the Surveyor2, which is rated as a class I BT device and should provide >1,000' of range when communicating with another class I device.
As for the original poster, it seems that you have the Surveyor2 and Parani set up correctly, and as stated above, you should be achieving 1,000' of comms. Just to verify, you are using the 5dBi antenna on the Parani? And you have the Parani programmed correctly to accept pairing? Other than those factors, I can't think of anything else you might be doing incorrectly..
Another work around is to cable your Parani from the Surveyor2 and attach it to your pole with one of these:
Yes I am using the 5dBi antenna on the Parani. The one thing I didn't mention is the Surveyor 2 is the Geo model so it has the built in GPS. I have the GPS turned off but I'm not sure if there might be interference from the internal GPS with the Bluetooth. I'm trading some emails with Carlson tech support to see what the issue might be.
Odd. We always use Geo models and have never had a problem using a Parani with your configuration. Keep us posted on the response from Carlson tech support.
Sounds like you might be using the regular Bluetooth and not the long range. I can go over well 1,000 ft with the internal LR BT P the surveyor 2.
You might want to go into the Windows settings and see if you have more than one Bluetooth device on the unit and make sure you're using the right one. If there are two maybe try the other one. Mine worked out of the box so I didn't have to troubleshoot this problem.
Dave L, post: 390657, member: 12092 wrote: Yes I am using the 5dBi antenna on the Parani. The one thing I didn't mention is the Surveyor 2 is the Geo model so it has the built in GPS. I have the GPS turned off but I'm not sure if there might be interference from the internal GPS with the Bluetooth. I'm trading some emails with Carlson tech support to see what the issue might be.
The only thing I can think of is that you have the LR BT of the Surveyor2 paired with a Class II BlueTooth radio of the instrument. What kind of robot are you using?
To follow up on some of the previous comments.
I checked to see if there was maybe a second Bluetooth install on the collector. There is only one installed that I could find.
The paranis are speced to be class 1. I've set one up in my kitchen and take the other outside, down the road and had good signal going through my house, the neighbors garage and a stand of trees out to 500'. I previously tested the Parani in the wide open and got out to well over 1000', So I don't think my issue is with the Parani.
I'm using a Leica Robot with the older radio handle that worked with the radio pod on an AllegroCX. Needed a replacement because the display was going bad and needed a backup DC anyways hence the new data collector.
The recommendation from Tech support via email I got at 8:40 tonight was I'm sorry to say a little disappointing and leave it at that.
For those that have done this before I have a question, Under the comms tab on the instrument set up what did you choose for the "BT Type"? I have three options. Windows Mobile, Generic or Microsoft.
So, for the time being I'm going to just work with a parani hanging off the data collector and when I have some time I'll try and re-bond the Parani and the Surveyor2 and see if I have better results.
I just use the surveyor2 with my grx2 setup. When paired with mh rover, i have to make sure the lights on the receiver face my dc or else i risk losing bt connection........500/1000' i would be dancing in the streets
I don't think it has anything to do with the GPS feature on the Surveyor 2. GPS uses a very sensitive receive only antenna so it shouldn't interfere with anything. If I remember correctly it's the Windows Mobile option you want to use.
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Dave L, post: 390715, member: 12092 wrote: To follow up on some of the previous comments.
I checked to see if there was maybe a second Bluetooth install on the collector. There is only one installed that I could find.
The paranis are speced to be class 1. I've set one up in my kitchen and take the other outside, down the road and had good signal going through my house, the neighbors garage and a stand of trees out to 500'. I previously tested the Parani in the wide open and got out to well over 1000', So I don't think my issue is with the Parani.
I'm using a Leica Robot with the older radio handle that worked with the radio pod on an AllegroCX. Needed a replacement because the display was going bad and needed a backup DC anyways hence the new data collector.
The recommendation from Tech support via email I got at 8:40 tonight was I'm sorry to say a little disappointing and leave it at that.
For those that have done this before I have a question, Under the comms tab on the instrument set up what did you choose for the "BT Type"? I have three options. Windows Mobile, Generic or Microsoft.
So, for the time being I'm going to just work with a parani hanging off the data collector and when I have some time I'll try and re-bond the Parani and the Surveyor2 and see if I have better results.
I believe you'll want to use the Windows Mobile option and follow the Quick Steps guide located at:
http://www.senanetworks.com/download/qsg/qsg_parani_sd1000.pdf
On the Leica robot, you'll want to set it for COM1 communications (e.g. the serial port) and I believe you'll want to set the COM parameters of the SD1000 to match thosr established in the instrument.
Dave L, post: 390715, member: 12092 wrote:
I'm using a Leica Robot with the older radio handle that worked with the radio pod on an AllegroCX. Needed a replacement because the display was going bad and needed a backup DC anyways hence the new data collector.
Ah ha! That's your problem. You need the latest and greatest handle. It will work with the internal Bluetooth on the Surveyor 2 and you won't have to bother with the Parani or any other external device at all. Not sure of the cost of just the handle though since mine came as part of the package....
I just checked the web and an RH16 Radio handle is $1600 with no guarantee I'll be able to get much further than my DC to Parani connection.
I have a good used one I'll sell you for $995. If it doesn't help you can send it back for a refund as long as you pay for shipping both ways. Let me know.
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