I have a Topcon PS-101A robotic total station, paired with a Sokkia RC-PR5 remote controller. When operating remotely, I use a Carlson RT4 tablet running Carlson SurvPC paired by bluetooth with the remote controller. I've been using this setup for several years now. The problem I describe below is new, and to the best of my knowledge was not caused by any changes that I made.
Recently, this setup began having problems. I initiate a remote search (left or right), and the command is received by the instrument, and the total station begins turning. However, despite a clear line of sight to the remote pole, the instrument fails to "find" the remote prism. If the total station telescope is pointed to the prism, and the prism falls within the field of view of the telescope during a "standard search", the total station will find and lock on to the prism.
I've made a short video about it (about 5 min long - I'm sorry it could be shorter but I'm not good at editing). I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and what if anything can be done to correct it. I suspect the remote controller is not working correctly, but I suppose it could also be the total station, or less likely, Carlson's software.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
I found the manual for the Sokkia RC-PR5. It can be viewed at:
Starting on page 11 (section 4), the manual indicates the following:
The Remote Control System works as follows. A laser is emitted from the laser projection port on the Remote Controller. The total station rotates until its beam detector receives this beam. In this way the total station is able to detect the position of the Remote Controller. This operation is called "Turning".
So it would seem likely to me that either the laser is not being emitted from the laser projection port (a failure of the RC-PR5) or the laser is being emitted, but is not being received by the PS-101A total station (a failure of the PS-101A).
I found the following troubleshooting steps related to failure of the turning operation. I will check these.
Is there a simple test that can be used to determine whether the laser is being emitted? I think you're not supposed to look at the laser, so ideally a sensor?
Suggestion 1 (which you have probably already done): Reboot everything - collector, RC unit, and station.
Suggestion 2: Unscrew the handle from the top of the unit and use an eraser or similar mildly abrasive item to clean the contacts at the bottom of the handle and the top of the instrument. Make sure to lift the handle straight up off of the instrument.
Jon, thanks for the suggestions. This condition has occurred on several days in the field. Unless you mean by “reboot” something more than turning off and then on again, I’ve already done this. As for suggestion number two, I did try that as well, but I’ll give it another try just to be sure I haven’t done it wrong.
This afternoon, I learned that using the front facing camera on my phone, I should be able to take a video and view the infrared light emitted by the RC-PR5, normally invisible to the naked eye.
It is possible that the emitter on the RCPR5 is bad but in my experience the more likely is a bad RC handle on the instrument. I have seen this many times on the PS series. I don’t believe the RC handle is still available but I will double check. You can bypass the RC unit and pair the RT4 directly to the Robot and run from rod, but range will be limited.
Jon,
I used my phone's front facing camera, which unlike the rear facing camera does not have an infrared filter, to make a short video of the laser projection port while initiating a turning operation (RC right). The video clearly shows the infrared light, and I concluded that the remote controller is doing what it is supposed to do.
https://youtube.com/shorts/3XXWKt55pFI?feature=share
I next turned my attention to the total station and focused on cleaning the contacts between the handle and the main body of the total station. I cleaned them as thoroughly as I could. I also paid more attention to the physical connection of the handle, noticing that in addition to the four contact points which I cleaned thoroughly with an eraser, there is also a vertical push connector that is integrated into the handle and body. When re-assembling the handle to the TS, I made an extra effort to push the handle securely onto the body, and firmly tighten the thumb screws. The location of the screws, under the handle, is a little difficult to access.
Whether it was the cleaning of the contacts, the pushing down of the handle, or the tightening of the screws, I don't know, but I am pleased to report that the system is now successfully turning to the remote controller as it was designed to.
Hopefully this thread might help someone else diagnose a similar issue.
Thanks again for the help,
Al
Awesome, it's nice when the problem is as simple as a loose screw.
