Trouble linking Nikon DTM-322 and Spectrum Precision Recon

If you're using a cable, try turning off Bluetooth in the Nikon.

Dave

Thanks Dave for your reply. I am using a cable but I see no reference to Bluetooth in my manual, for either the collector or the EDM. Sorry to be so clueless, but how does one turn off the Bluetooth? And do you know what model for the Recon best approximates the DTM-322?

Try Sokkia Set

It has been a number of years since I used Nikon Total Stations exclusively, so I might be talking out my butt...

If I remember when various software didn't provide for a specific Nikon model we use to pick the Sokkia Set series.

Just an old man's fleeting memory.

Try Sokkia Set

There used to be a setting in the Nikon guns where you could select Sokkia 2-way as the output option instead of Nikon; this made them behave like a Sokkia instrument when connected to an SDR-33. I'm not sure if that option is still there.

On the instrument you should have your output format set to Nikon and your device set to RS-232 (not Bluetooth). As long as the baud rate and parity match up it should work with the generic Nikon driver in SP.

Chances are it's the baud rates not matching.

I have an old DTM 420, and it works with a new Spectra TSC3 with Survey Pro, using whatever Nikon gun I choose on the DC, as long as the baud rates are correct.

Baud rate and/or parity... I just looked at the specs on that gun, I don't think it even has Bluetooth.

I used to use the NPL-332 all the time.
There is definitely no bluetooth!
Comms settings are menu 5 if I remember rightly.
Which Nikon models have you got listed? anything staring with a 3 should have the same comms.
I think the 5 series would be the same as well.
I never used it for a "live" connection to data logger though, only to up and download text files to the computer via RS-232 cable.

The baud settings look like they should be 4800-none-8-1
or 1200-None-8-1. I don't have my instument here now to take a look but one of those should work.

I have a Nikon NPL-362

Was told to use Nikon 500 in the transfer software. That works for me.

Gzr

WMR,

I used a Nikon a few years back. I forget the model number, but it looked kinda like the DTM-322. I looked inside my Recon with Survey Pro just now and I've still got the setting for that Nikon. I used the "Top Gun" setting.

Dave

Make sure your cable is good. It must a Nikon cable. (Sokkia and Topcon won't work). If won't communicate for a backsight; that's usually the problem.

First of all thanks to all for your many suggestions! I have tried all the possible Nikon models and made sure the baud rates are identical in machine and DC. I am leaning toward the last suggestion, that it may be the cable. I was supplied with a RS-232 cable with TDS imprinted on it. I gather I must have a Nikon equivalent? Anyone by chance know the part number?

WMR,

The part No. on the back of my Nikon cable is 148-CNTG with the TDS logo on the front.
My Topcon cable part No. is 148-CGTSSOK on the back with TDS logo on the front. Hope this helps.

BB

WMR -

The reply above is correct on the part numbers; if you have the correct one be advised that those cables are notorious for their high failure rate - it wouldn't shock me to see one that didn't work right out of the box.

Probably been said, but did you pick cable/port vs bluetooth on the DC?

After many frustrating hours of trying to connect my TDS Recon running SurveyPro 4.5.xx via cable to a Nikon DTM-322 here is what I came up with. On DTM-322 use the Set/4800/8/None/1 options in Settings>comm. In Settings/Rec use Store DB= raw+xyz Data Rec =Com. On the Recon use same settings for instrument. Brand Sokkia, Model:Set, Com1, 4800,none. In the backsight Setup display on the Recon you can only read the circle, sending gives an error message but you can zero manually on the instrument and read it and you are off. I had major issues trying to connect the two and only after uncustomizing the display on the DTM-322 back to where on display1/4 it showed HA/VA/SD. Someone had configured the instrument to display HA/VD/HD. After that good things happened. However I can't recreate the problem and instrument communicates fine even with a customized display. ..... I have just now discovered that they communicate using Nikon settings as well and allows one to send the circle as well. The more I think about it I think my trouble were caused by the customized display that was set on the DTM-322. I literally tore my hair out for over 5 hours and tried every configuration possible.

I assume you have your Nikon set to Total Station.
Any other mode and mine won't communicate to external DC.
I'm Field Genius
DC set to Sokkia Set Basic (think it, never go there once set and not near it to check)

Re cables. I balked at the extreme cost so decided to buy a cheap Chinese one. It is lot lighter construction but works okay.
I have a couple as spares. Without one you can't confirm 'it's not a cable problem' when they won't connect.