I'm trying to run my HP48GX with my Topcon 802A (RC-2H), can't find an instrument man so I have to try to run the robotic myself. It's been 7 years since I used the robotic and I thought it would read me in real time when staking out a point but I can only get it to turn to the point or shot the rod and tell me the left or right and the come or go. I want it to continuously read me so I can walk to the stake out point in real time, anyone know the settings I need to set or if this can even be done with my equipment?
I have SMI Cards: 48 DC/CVCE, DCE GPS/Robotic, CVCE GPS/Robotic and DCE GPS/Robotic.
If a 48 is capable of controlling a robotic instrument, that's news to me. When we got our first robot, we switched from the 48 to the Recon. I would be surprised to learn even that you could use it in conventional mode.
You may be thinking of the MACH and SURV options under the "shift left INFN" command
These toggle between machine mode and survey mode.
also
The "LIVE" update in the Instrument Positioning "shift right SETUP" command is not available when connecting directly to the instrument using the Tocon STD screen.
and
If the cable connection option of "External Link" is used, the data collector will behave just like it does when connected thru the radios.
Typically the commands are:
Real-time Side Shot "shift right RSIDS" (the Q key) and the default minimum distance is 10. To change the default Minimum distance, type it in before pressing "shift right RSIDS" (the Q key).
Real-time Stakeout "shift left SHOT". Everytime a new measurement is complete the GO/COME & LEFT/RIGHT values are updated. To stop measurement, press ON or CANCEL twice.
Ths info and Everything else from Chapter 9 of the Ver7 User Guide
It will but you have to hit purple shift key and shot for realtime shots. Yes the HP 48 & SMI will run robotics on that instrument. It'll even run GPS! Those are great DC's and I'm still using them today. Sadly, I'm seeing that the end may be near for my 48's. How unfortunate nobody kept this platform b/c my experience w/CE DC's has been for crap! Let me know if that doesn't work, but it should.
Thanks for the replies, I'll try it soon, I actually found a person today to run the gun, crossing my fingers he shows up tomorrow.
Yes, the HP48 is a decent reliable DC. Getting kind of hard to find them tho. I miss the 41cx as a calculator everytime I have to use the 48 for manual calcs.
I wrote some powerful programs for the 41, and hoped there would be an emulator so I could use them. No such luck.
CE was bad but Windows Mobile is much better.
I'm not pointing the finger at anyone here but I am intrigued as to why surveyors tend to hang on to old equipment (and spend a lot of time (therefore money) and energy doing so).
The ease of use of new software leads to greater productivity in the field. I do calcs, adjustments, etc in the field using the controller software that would take soooooo much longer doing it with a calculator and entering it back in to the controller to set out or for further calcs.
I do appreciate the view that if something is working, why replace it and I'm certainly not advocating "newest is best" as a rule but there is a lot to be gained from not falling behind and out of the technology race.
The OP seems to be stuck in two worlds with a robotic and a HP48. Do yourself a favour and have a trial with a new controller and software to see the difference.
Our first robot was a Zeiss with an SMI HP48. It was good for its day.
