Hybrid backsight

I can't speak as to what gear you're running, but my Trimble VX robot will allow me to manually sight anything, place that point number in the field, and orient to that point, without a prism. I use it infrequently but in a situation like yours, where I have measured that distance, directly between the points, I have done what you're talking about. What it won't do is give you an active backsight.

You could, if you had an extra prism, just rig up something on the bracket under the tripod and screw it in upside down. The only downside would be that the prism is approximately 5' off the ground and the legs of the tripod for the base station could become an issue so placement of the legs would be more critical.

This is what we use.

https://www.hayesinstrument.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2189

Gregg

That's great until your robot is on the other side and the robot can't see the prism, just the black background.

With a fixed height tripod you could also probably site the point and get a reflectorless shot on it. But I'm with Kris if you know the coordinates of the base and the robot just measure the angle. If you want an additional check have a third point available as a check on both the RTK and the robotic setup.

GMPLS, post: 424067, member: 8404 wrote: This is what we use.

https://www.hayesinstrument.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2189

Gregg

Thanks that is the one I was looking for and its on the way. Guess from the images on google this morning I was picturing that one as being a complete rod set up, didn't dig deeper to just the mount by itself.

Kris Morgan, post: 424068, member: 29 wrote: That's great until your robot is on the other side and the robot can't see the prism, just the black background.

In a Hybrid survey his robotic instrument most likely will always be able to see it's backsight- for checks etc. I think the prism suggested above is a good idea. Let me know how it works out.

pmoran, post: 424076, member: 8922 wrote: In a Hybrid survey his robotic instrument most likely will always be able to see it's backsight- for checks etc. I think the prism suggested above is a good idea. Let me know how it works out.

So he has to walk to the backsight each time and spin the prism when he's on the back side of the base and it's facing away? Or am I missing something?

Not sure why, since in Hybrid mode you actually would not need to setup a back sight. The prism pole with Hybrid GPS is your backsight and foresight.

For about the same price as Gregg's suggestion ($170) you could purchase an ATP1 360å¡ from China. I have several, and they work well. A bit heavier than the OEM.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topcon-Sokkia-Style-360-Degree-Prism-Total-Station-Reflector-Replace-ATP1-/291850139170?hash=item43f39fb622:g:C-EAAOSwuxFYtN4L

I have been using a Seco mini prism (6405-01-FLY) successfully in this situation for decades.

leegreen, post: 424082, member: 2332 wrote: Not sure why, since in Hybrid mode you actually would not need to setup a back sight. The prism pole with Hybrid GPS is your backsight and foresight.

Can you expound on that, its certainly beyond the demo scenario we got in the parking lot.

I wrapped reflective prismsatic tape around a stub pole and made a 360* BS

Fredh, post: 424089, member: 12570 wrote: Can you expound on that, its certainly beyond the demo scenario we got in the parking lot.

The idea is that you establish your RTK base and then use the rover to establish points for robotic setups and backsights. If I was at a new location and didn't have any extant control, I would:
1) Set the RTK base and have it log static data
2) Set a nail with a 3 minute shot and then set up the robot over it
3) Set a second nail also with a 3 minute shot and use it as my backsight
At some point before leaving the site I'd try to re-measure the nails under different satellite conditions. Of course, you need software on the back end that can make sense out of all of that.

The real beauty of an integrated survey (Trimble's term) is that if you have a gun like the new SX10 you can be running scans with the gun and topo with the RTK simultaneously from one collector.

OK, that's more familiar, than what I first thought you were describing; which was somehow due to RTK'ing the TS would know where you were, w/o a BS.

Fredh, post: 424111, member: 12570 wrote: OK, that's more familiar, than what I first thought you were describing; which was somehow due to RTK'ing the TS would know where you were, w/o a BS.

Actually that is how Hybrid work's.

1. Set up the Robotic any where on unknown point, it can even be inside a building or under canopy.
2. Set nail #1 where you can see both the Robot and open sky. Using resection, locate the nail with Robot and GPS (same occupation w/ pole)
3. Set nail #2 where you can see both the Robot and open sky. Using resection, locate the nail with Robot and GPS (same occupation w/ pole)
4. Done. Robot is now setup on point #3. The backsight would be to point #2

Fred, where are located? What state/city?

leegreen, post: 424120, member: 2332 wrote: Actually that is how Hybrid work's.

1. Set up the Robotic any where on unknown point, it can even be inside a building or under canopy.
2. Set nail #1 where you can see both the Robot and open sky. Using resection, locate the nail with Robot and GPS (same occupation w/ pole)
3. Set nail #2 where you can see both the Robot and open sky. Using resection, locate the nail with Robot and GPS (same occupation w/ pole)
4. Done. Robot is now setup on point #3. The backsight would be to point #2

Fred, where are located? What state/city?

So. NH & I get what you are describing, but think we are on to apples and oranges. My scenario is doing road detail, I got 2 known points, 1 has good sky view as the other LOS to under canopy. Plan to RTK but switch to the TS to fill in where I can't get a fix. I like having a standing B/S that I can check zero periodically during the process. Approaching it as k.i.s.s. figured the best way was to slap the base on top of the B/S, as opposed to another setup on a different point. Basically just trying avoid hauling more equipment out of the truck to a 3rd point.....

Fredh, post: 424125, member: 12570 wrote: Basically just trying avoid hauling more equipment out of the truck to a 3rd point.....

Hmmmm sounds counter productive. Why would have the Base so close your backsight and your robot on "road detail". My Base is often on a fixed point thousands of feet away. With Hybrid I carry only the robot (in back pack) along with prism pole (360 prism and GPS attached).

I'd like to make arrangements for me to come show you.

leegreen, post: 424139, member: 2332 wrote: Hmmmm sounds counter productive. Why would have the Base so close your backsight and your robot on "road detail". My Base is often on a fixed point thousands of feet away. With Hybrid I carry only the robot (in back pack) along with prism pole (360 prism and GPS attached).

I'd like to make arrangements for me to come show you.

This long-link bluetooth only has 1000' +/- range, so its basically an on-site unit.

At my old firm we had pac crest radios and could get out 4-5 miles.

Looking into cell modems for these guys, for base to rover & we are close enough to Mass it might be possible to work off their RTK network.

Ouch, then it is counter productive. Who's idea was that?

Sounds like you have Hiper SR's w/ longlink. At 1000ft, it's not much more useful than the robot alone. Then I would try using a VRS/Network or cell modems on both Base/Rvr.

I'm almost afraid to ask. What are you using for a controller?

I know, but it was already ordered and on the way when I got here.

Magnet, which is another thorn in my side. And then on the office end I'm trying get from land 2009 to civil 3d..........