As far as I know there are no tracking lights when you have the video thing.
Chr.
We use the Q6 with a Carlson Plus data collector, go to the Equip tab, then total station, in the settings tab you have an option for Guidelights, I only turn then on when cutting line.
I don't have the option for guide lights, but I do have the 'laser' option which will likely help. If I don't fry my retina first.
Let us know how that works out for you. BTW I would wear some mirror sunglasses if I were you.
I don't think this laser business is the way to go for me. I accidently shined the damn thing in my eye for a millisecond and I'm seeing stars. Now maybe if I could just dial it up to 11 in intensity, I could just burn a hole through the brush.
Not sure about the S6, but I think it has a laser light too that you can turn off and on. Of course seeing it hitting on a surface is sometime difficult especially as you get farther and farther away from it. It all just a bag of tricks to get those shots. Around here you have to be careful about yanking out the stihl to make an open. These tree huggers get upset if you start busting out a opening.
:good:
What Robot and DC are you using?
I use TDS and I second Geolock if it's available to you. Geolock is a Trimble thing, but it works with my Geodimeter, the 5600s, and Spectra "Focus 10/30 robots. Not sure if it works with other brands. I have a Ranger 3 with the GPS built in, and it works great.
I think Carlson has it built in now, but they call it something different.
Before Geolock, I used to "guess the angle" if I was in a tight spot and the robot wasn't looking close enough to me for a search to work. In TDS, it's under "remote", then turn to angle. I have my search set up to +/- 30 degrees, I can usually guess the angle from the backsight to my foresight that closely ... then I search.
BTW, does anyone know if Geolock still works on the S6? I'd assume it does, but I've never used an S6.
Yeah!!! That's the one I want! Set the angle, turn on the burning laser, and it burns right through trees, and houses, and fenceposts!
I'm using a 2" S6 w/ Vision being run by Access on a TSC3. I don't think I have 'geolock' but 'autolock'. What I've been doing is similar to what you describe, taking a WAG as far as the angle right from the back sight and turning the gun by joy stick to get in the ball park and using the video to try and find myself. Then maybe hit the 'search'. Problem is when I'm 99% obstructed by vegetation and I'm searching for that pin hole window for a shot, it's a real pisser finding the target. In the days of old I'd walk out into the open to let my gunner get on me then have him follow me into the thick where he'd catch glimpses of me and the rod and direct me up down, left right to find that window for a shot. Robots apparently really suck at this. I'm going to experiment with a high intensity LED light mounted atop the active prism to where I might catch a glimpse of my target through the video and be able to tell the gun where to search. So far only thing I can think of. I'll do some more research into the Geolock thing. Maybe talk to the new Trimble people in town, since I managed to get the last bunch run off.
I run my 5603 as a directional instrument. I occupy a point and set the azimuth of the back-sight on the plates in place of 0.0000. Then when I am in that tight spot I use my hand compass and read the azimuth to the gun, convert to forward azimuth and tell the gun to turn to that azimuth. I set my search to 1 degree horz. and 5 degrees vert. It will pick up the target quickly. Also use a clinometer if the vertical relief is substantial.
> btw: Many moons ago I lived in HI; worked from the concrete isle doing a massive mapping/asset project for the telco (GTE at the time). Good memories, but some bad ones climbing phone poles (that had been pumped so full of resin as to make it hard to set spikes) to add new tags. Some wonderful countryside; especially in the rural areas of the less visited isles. Have been enjoying your posts on your adventures in learning surveying. Cheers...G
Aloha, G:
Hawaiian Tel is their new name. Just remember the good memories 🙂
Next time you visit Kauai be sure to email me...will give you private tour of the monastery.
I truly enjoy and appreciate all the guidance I constantly receive from all of you here. That made my surveying adventures part of my good memories!
Have a great evening G.
Laser gun for you Nate!
> Yeah!!! That's the one I want! Set the angle, turn on the burning laser, and it burns right through trees, and houses, and fenceposts!
Aloha, Nate:
You asked...here is one for you. You just have to find away to duct tape it to your TS:-D
http://www.laser-gadgets.com/laserguns.php
Williwaw, sorry for the hijack! 😉
Not gun specific and probably old hat but I carry a pair of binoculars to scope out the gun, a compass to give a forward AZ for searching and or for offset shots.
I take a shot as soon as I get lock if it is going to be touch and go and use that pt to stake to get lock.
I also carry some mule tape and bungee cords to tie back shrubs and what not when brushing is not appropriate.
I have always wanted a monster tripod that could handle extra high set ups to see over obstructions, with a robot a eyeball dependent HI is not needed.
As a general course I do not chase after the Hail Marry shots the way I used to, sometimes you just have to move up.
That's brilliant. Why didn't I think of that? I'm constantly using my compass. Shoot a bearing to the gun, flip it and turn the instrument to the azimuth. Thanks Chef.
> a compass to give a forward AZ for searching
One of the very nifty things about the now-orphaned DC50 was the compass routine. You provide the DC with a compass reading to the instrument once per setup, and anytime thereafter at that setup you can punch in the compass reading and it'll turn to you. I used it a lot.
