Question about Trimble S6 TS

Wow, I did not know that they sold S series instruments without a radio.

I dont think the TDL will work for you - it might, but really its intended for controllers that dont have a radio

I think your best bet would be to get a radio module added to the S6 - they are a service part that your dealer should be able to get for you

Posted by: @mk93

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I also read online about the Parani SD1000 setup which people were using for the older Trimble series robots so not sure if that will work with this newer equipment. 

The Parani system is a serial cable replacement -- a pair of them *should* look like a serial cable to both the S6 and the TSC3, unless Trimble has figured out a way to defeat that (like maybe checking for latency), assuming also that the S6 offers a serial connection.    They're cheap enough that you could try them and not be out much if it doesn't work.

Keep in mind that the Paranis require their own batteries, either internal or external, and those have to be kept charged.  (The TSC3 datasheet indicates that it has a DC power port, which could probably be used to supply power to the Parani at that end.)

I used Paranis to connect an Allegro CX to a Leica TCRA1102 for several years, then to connect my present setup (Carlson Surveyor+ to GeoMax Zoom 80) for the last 10 years.  In open-field conditions I can work well over 1/4 mile from the gun, a bit less if the corridor is very narrow or there are a lot of obstructions.  Max distance for me is around 2,000 feet, but the connection gets slow and a bit glitchy that far out.

I believe you will need firmware as well to make it robotic the S6. What you have is a total station version. I have seen people set up long range Bluetooth but it does still not have full robotic capabilities. This was done with the old 5600 series as well. Auto lock capability but not a robot so if and when it does loose lock you will have to manually turn it to your location. I would call your local dealer and see about buying a warranty if the S6 is even possible at this point and add the radio module and update to unlock the robot capabilities. 

you can buy S series as robot it total station so someone bought it a s a total station I bet. I have no idea why that’s an expensive total station even for that time frame.

@jim-frame The S6 does work over Serial. I have a Trimble cable that i can connect the 6 pin side to the S6 and 9 pin side to TSC3 and it works.

@olemanriver When i connect a RS232 cable between the total station and the TSC3, i have full control of the total station including turning it. The Bluetooth serial adapters shouldn't change anything honestly, it would act as an extension cord. The same goes with using built in Bluetooth connection, full control of total station works. I am just skeptical of the serial Bluetooth adapters because i haven't seen anyone do it for the newer S Series total stations and i am sure Trimble did something to prevent it from working but i guess i will just have to try it myself.

@jimcox Yeah from my research it seems like the TDL external radio connects to DC. I just dont know how you would connect it to the S6 via Bluetooth since the S6 doesn't have much onscreen options. All you really can do is turn on/off Bluetooth from the S6s on screen controls. There is no option to add connections.

@mk93 yeah the long range Bluetooth has worked with the older total stations pre s series. I don’t know if it will work for the S series though. But the latency of Bluetooth might cause some issues at the long range. They use the 2.4ghz radios for a reason. But even they can have some latency on them as well. I think a dealer or eBay might have an old radio and such just to get it right and upgrade to robot.  But who knows. Give it a whirl. I have seen some crazy things in my day so I never say it will not work. Who knows the cost difference.