We're using our Trackers/FieldGenius 2005 collectors with Sokkia/Lietz SET4A instruments. The Instrument setup we're using on the FG05 is
Make: Sokkia
Model: SET Basic.
We're able to connect to the instrument.
We're doing topo work, setting up on one control point and backsighting a second one. We orient correctly. The SET4A is set to Basic Mode so it can measure distances. So far, generally, so good.
But we've been randomly experiencing problems as we do the side shots.
(1) The most common is "Angle measurement error." Pressing the shot button starts the measurement, but then it kicks out with the error statement.
(2) Another common error is not measuring a distance. Pressing the shot button starts the measurement, but no distance is measured. I can manually measure the distance with the SET4, but it won't work through the Tracker.
Generally, the angles are read correctly if we put the SET4 in the Theodolite mode - no Angle measurement errors. But it doesn't measure distances in Theodolite mode. Problems reappear as soon as we go back into Basic Mode.
We've tried a couple of things:
- Exit & then re-enter the project.
- Swapped cables,
- Shut down & restarted the SET4
Most of the time we're able to restart the data collection, but then we start encountering problems.
We're also periodically dropping communication between the SET4A and Tracker. I've swapped cables, jiggled connections, etc, but it doesn't appear to be systematic.
We started out with 5 field crews today - only one didn't experience any problems. One crew got to the point where they couldn't get past the "Angle measurement error" no matter what we did. Of course, later on I was unable to duplicate the problem with their equipment and it all worked fine.
Does anyone else out there use the FG05 with a Sokkia/Lietz SET4A (or similar) instrument? If so, have you experienced (and solved) problems like this?
J. Mahun
Madison Area Technical College