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Need help connecting Leica cs20 data collector to TCRP1205 robot.

 
Strictly Surveying
Last Post by DriftingSand 5 years ago
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 DriftingSand
(@driftingsand)
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Hello friends, I hope the evening finds you all well. My company recently bought a Leica cs20 data collector for use with a Leica GS16 GPS unit. This equipment was all purchased brand new. It works great with that gps unit and there is no issues on that side of things.
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We also have an old Leica TCRP1205 robot from 2003. If I understand correctly, the Leica cs20 data collector first came out in 2015 or abouts, so these instruments are roughly 12 years apart.
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Currently, we have an aging Allegro data collector that runs a 2007 version of SurvCE which is Carlson's software, if I recall correctly. This collector works fine to control the robot and there are no issues there. The data collector is so old, it does not even have a usb port. It requires transfer of data with a 9-pin cable.
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Now, I would love to use the cs20 data collector with the robot. I think the Captivate software is better, and I love the user customizable hotkeys which the Allegro does not have. The screen on the cs20 is also much better. I have read some rustlings online of other people saying they have gotten a cs20 to work with the old 1200 series of total stations from Leica.
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My only options that seem relevant in the data collector cs20 menus are:
Manufacturer: Leica
Model: TPS1200
Connect Using: Long-range TS
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I have exhaustively gone through all the options in regards to how to connect to a total station while in the TS mode, and it always fails to find the robot on the cs20 data collector. My first guess was maybe the Leica people sold us a gimped data collector that had the radio abilities taken out of it for some reason. Maybe they wrongly thought we would only ever need bluetooth because we bought it with a gps unit. I've heard of trimble doing this, not sure if Leica also plays that game.
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I do have an external radio connected to a big battery pack that then connects with a wire into the total station. It says "TCPS27B" on the sticker from the external radio. The battery also has a sticker and identifies it as a "GEB171" battery.
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Would any of the very knowledgeable people on this wonderful forum be so kind as to try and help me figure out how to connect this cs20 data collector to the tcrp1205 leica robot? What option am I missing? What menu should I be in to fix this?
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I just find it ironic that the ancient Allegro collector from like 2003 is able to work, but the shiny new cs20 leica collector is giving me so much trouble.
 
Posted : 10/03/2020 11:03 am
 cameron-watson-pls
(@cameron-watson-pls)
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Your problem is at the TS end.?ÿ The CS20 uses long range bluetooth to communicate with the robot, not a radio frequency like with the 27B.?ÿ That's why it isn't connecting.?ÿ After confirming your CS20 has the LRBT pick yourself up a RH16 for the TS and you'll be in business.?ÿ You'll probably be able to cover the cost of the RH16 by selling the Allegro/27B setup.?ÿ That's a popular combo.?ÿ?ÿ

 
Posted : 10/03/2020 12:06 pm
 squowse
(@squowse)
Posts: 1004
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I believe it needs to be a 1205+ not a 1205. Also I'm guessing you will need the correct firmware on the 1205 to match the version of Captivate. You certainly do on the newer instruments?ÿ

 
Posted : 10/03/2020 12:36 pm
 cameron-watson-pls
(@cameron-watson-pls)
Posts: 589
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I just tested it with a non + model 1203 and a CS20 running Captivate v4.5 and it connected up just fine.?ÿ The TPS1200 robot does need to have the Bluetooth logo on the side with the door for the CF card.?ÿ Without that I do know that it isn't going to work with a CS20 or a CS15 with CTR cap for that matter.?ÿ I also don't think that the firmware version matters on the robot because it will be running Viva on board and Captivate can control any version of Viva.?ÿ The software maintenance date for Viva on the TPS1200's is November of 2011 so if you've ever had an active CCP on the unit in the last 9 years you can upgrade to the most recent firmware without issue.?ÿ Hope that helps.

 
Posted : 10/03/2020 3:02 pm
 Eric Kara
(@eric-kara)
Posts: 167
Estimable Member Registered
 

@cameron-watson-pls

Just confirming what Cameron posted is 100% accurate. 

You need an RH16(very common) if your 1203 can accept radio handles. Or you need a TCPS29(rare) if your 1203 can't except radio handles. You will also need version 8.5 SmartWorx for the drivers for the radios. 

 

 
 
Posted : 11/03/2020 7:36 am
 DriftingSand
(@driftingsand)
Posts: 7
Active Member Registered
Topic starter
 

I am humbled by the very helpful replies given, again thank you everyone very much for your aid. I am glad we were able to confirm that it was not just a simple software setting somewhere. I am extremely impressed how knowledgable you guys are with the older leica equipment!

It seems we are just going to buy a new robot at the end of this year. The Leica TCRP1205 we have is so old, it does not even have reflectorless abilities either, which is kinda sad.

Also, Leica still does not seem to have any battery powered prisms yet. Both Trimble and Topcon do have those. Really helps in dense wooded, brushy areas. Also stops the robot from locking onto other reflective surfaces like street signs, windows, mirrors, and even the backsight.

Again, thank you all for your time! Please have a nice rest of the weekend!

 
Posted : 13/03/2020 5:48 am
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