ACU Quick Start

Guide

2002 Tripod Data Systems, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
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.MAN-ACUQUICKGUIDE 10112002

2
Table of Contents
Getting Started ...................................................................................... 5
Manual Conventions ................................................................ 5
The ACU Controller ............................................................................. 7
Attaching the ACU ................................................................... 7
ACU Function Keys...................................................................................9
Power Supply...........................................................................................10
Charging the Batteries.............................................................................10
Battery Replacement ...............................................................................10
Screen ........................................................................................................11
Recalibrating the Touch Screen .............................................................11
Clock..........................................................................................................11
Storage Card.............................................................................................11
Rebooting..................................................................................................12
Caring for the ACU .................................................................................13
The IC Software .................................................................................. 15
Starting the IC ..........................................................................................15
Using the IC..............................................................................................15
Main Screen ..............................................................................................16
Readings Screen .......................................................................................16
Set Horizontal Angle Screen ..................................................................18
Settings Screen .........................................................................................18
Feedback / Units Settings Screen..........................................................19
Measurement Settings – Screen One.....................................................20
Measure Settings – Screen Two .............................................................22
Shot Results Screen..................................................................................23
Standard Deviation Error Screen...........................................................23
PPM Settings Screen................................................................................24
Correction Settings Screen......................................................................25
Restore Profile… ......................................................................................25
Save Profile…...........................................................................................26
Collimation Screen ..................................................................................26
Optical Collimation Screen.....................................................................26
Tilt of Horizontal Axis Screen................................................................27
Tracker Collimation Screen ....................................................................27
Remote Screen..........................................................................................28

3
Table of Contents

Info Screen ................................................................................................29

Bubble Screen...........................................................................................29
Trimble Survey Pro ............................................................................ 31
Starting Survey Pro and Creating a New Job ..................... 31
Configuring Survey Pro ......................................................... 33
Using Bluetooth with the Trimble ACU and 5800 ............. 36
Configuring the Bluetooth Settings.......................................................36
Bluetooth Limitations .............................................................................38
Recovering from Signal Loss .................................................................39
Bluetooth Error Messages ......................................................................39

4
Getting Started
This Quick Start Guide contains the following chapters:
• The ACU Controller hardware
• The Instrument Controller Software
• Configuring Trimble Survey Pro for use with the ACU

Manual Conventions
Throughout this manual, certain text formatting is used that
represents different parts of the software. The formatting used in the
manual is explained as follows:

Fields
When referring to a particular field, the Field Label, or its
Corresponding Value is shown with text that is similar to what you
would see in the software.

Screens and Menus

When referring to a particular screen, the text is underlined.

Buttons
When referring to a particular button, the text is shown in a
%XWWRQ )RUPDW , similar to that found in the software.

5
The ACU Controller
The ACU is the detachable hardware interface between the user and
the total station. It runs the familiar Windows® CE.NET operating
system. This chapter describes the ACU and how to use it.

Attaching the ACU

The ACU can connect to the Trimble 3600 or 5600 in any of the
following ways:

Warning Switch off the ACU when attaching it to the total station or
holder, or when changing the batteries in the holder with the ACU
attached. Otherwise, the on/off status of the ACU and the holder may
become unsynchronized.

Attach to the face of the total station

1. Hold the controller with both hands.
2. Fit the groove on the back of the ACU over the lower lip on
the front of the total station or holder.
3. Press down and rest the back of the ACU flat against the
total station or holder.

7
The ACU Controller

4. Gently release the downward pressure and guide the ACU so

that the teeth on the front of the mount fit into the notches
on top of the ACU.

Connect using Hirose cables

1. Connect the ACU to either port of an external Trimble power
source using a 4-pin Hirose cable. (This cable can attach to
the ACU using the built-in 4-pin Hirose connector on the left
side of the ACU, or by connecting the cable to a multi-port
adapter attached to the back of the ACU.)
2. Connect the total station to the remaining port on the
external power source using another 4-pin Hirose cable.

Note: The battery in this configuration will be passing the

communications signal between the ACU and total station, as well as
supplying power to each unit.

Connect using the ACU Holder with an external radio

This connection method is only available when using a robotic
Trimble 5600 total station:
1. Attach the ACU to the holder in the same way as it is
attached to a total station, described above.
2. Slide the top portion of the radio onto the top of the ACU
holder and be sure the Hirose connector built into the holder
connects to the port on the side of the radio.
3. Slide the lower portion of the radio (the battery) to the under
side of the ACU holder, directly below the top half of the
radio.

8
 The ACU Controller

ACU Function Keys

The table below describes the function of the ACU keys while running
the Instrument Controller and Trimble Survey Pro software.

Opens the Remote Shot screen when running Survey Pro

Switch Autolock on and start a search

Switch Autolock on or off

Turn the instrument vertically to a specific angle or

point

Turn the instrument horizontally to a specific angle or

point

Turn the instrument horizontally and vertically to a

specific angle or point

Change face

Take a measurement

9
The ACU Controller

Power Supply
Under normal operation, the ACU draws power from the device it is
attached to. It has an internal, rechargeable 4.8 volt 600 mAh NiMH
battery. If power is lost during operation the ACU automatically
switches over to this battery, which provides approximately one hour
running time when fully charged.
The ACU holder has dual 7.4V, 1.8Ah lithium-ion batteries. When
fully charged, these provide approximately 15 hours running time to
the ACU through the 7-pin backplane.

Charging the Batteries

The internal battery of the ACU is automatically charged when the
controller is connected to an external power supply.
To charge the internal battery:
• Connect the AC adaptor from the ACU 4-pin Hirose port to
the main power supply.
The ACU detects the following low power levels from the external
batteries:
• 10 volts (12V NiMH battery)
• 6 volts (Lithium-ion battery)
The ACU alerts you when power level is critically low. If this
happens, turn the equipment off and change the external battery.
Otherwise, the ACU will switch over to its internal battery. The
internal battery will power the ACU for up to one hour when fully
charged.

Battery Replacement
Do not attempt to change the battery or you may seriously damage
the ACU. Contact your local distributor for a replacement battery.

10
 The ACU Controller

Screen
The ACU reflective LCD screen can be viewed easily in direct
sunlight or in overcast conditions. It also incorporates a passive touch
interface for navigation. Tap elements on the display screen with a
stylus or your finger.

Recalibrating the Touch Screen

If the touch screen does not respond properly when you tap it,
recalibrate it as follows:
1. Tap | 6HWWLQJV | &RQWURO 3DQHO | 6W\OXV. The Stylus
Properties dialog appears.
2. Tap the Calibration tab and then 5HFDOLEUDWH .
3. Follow the prompts.

Clock
To change time and date settings on the ACU:
1. Select | 6HWWLQJV | &RQWURO 3DQHO | 'DWH7LPH.
The Date/Time Properties dialog appears.
2. Change the date and time as required. Tap 2. to accept the new
settings or Esc to cancel.

Note: When you connect the ACU to a GPS receiver or to your PC

using Microsoft ActiveSync, the date and time are automatically
updated.

Storage Card
The ACU has a built-in storage card for your data and programs. This
appears in the Windows CE files system as the \Disk folder.

11
The ACU Controller

Note: The system maintains several special files on the storage card
that contain information crucial to the correct operation of the ACU.
Directly modifying these files may result in the ACU failing to
operate correctly.

Rebooting
If the ACU fails to respond to keystrokes, perform one of the following
resets.

Soft Reset (warm boot)

The soft reset retains all data.
1. Select | 3URJUDPV | 8WLOLWLHV | 5HVHW | 6RIW 5HVHW.

The Reset Device dialog will appear.

2. Tap 2. to continue with the reset.

The ACU resets to the default Windows® CE.NET desktop.

Hard Reset (cold boot)

This method retains any data on the built-in storage card (the \Disk
folder). However, a hard reset clears the contents of the RAM
memory, including any desktop shortcuts that you have created.
1. Select | Programs | Utilities | Reset | Hard Reset. The
Reset Device dialog will appear.
2. Tap 2. to continue with the reset.

A hard reset can also be performed using the following steps:

1. Hold down .
After approximately 5 seconds, a countdown timer appears,
indicating that the controller will reset.
2. Continue to hold for another 5 seconds, then release.

12
 The ACU Controller

The controller briefly displays the boot screen and then resets to the
default Windows® CE.NET desktop.

Caring for the ACU

Trimble recommends the following to maintain your ACU during
everyday use, and to prevent potential physical damage or data loss.
Operating temperature: -20° C to +55° C
Storage temperature: -30° C to +70° C

Note: Do not expose the ACU to temperatures below -20° C (-4° F) or

above +60° C (140° F). Do not leave it in direct sunlight for extended
periods of time.

Note: The ACU is designed to withstand a MIL-STD-810E drop.

However, impact or pressure on the display screen may cause it to
crack. Protect the display from impact, pressure, or abrasive
substances.

Environment: The ACU is designed to withstand driving rain and

dust.
Cleaning the case: Clean the controller with a soft cloth dampened
with clean water or with water containing a mild detergent. If the
keyboard has dirt or grime on it, use compressed air or a vacuum
cleaner, or gently rinse it with clean water.
Care of the touch screen: Clean the touch screen with a soft cloth
dampened with clean water or glass cleaner. Do not apply any cleaner
directly to the screen. Apply the cleaner to the soft cloth and then
gently wipe the screen.

Note: Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Applying a screen protector: Use a screen protector to help keep

the touch screen clean and protected. Clean the screen thoroughly
13
The ACU Controller

and leave it slightly wet. Peel the backing from the screen protector
and then apply the protector to the screen. Use a soft cloth to squeeze
the excess water and air from under the screen protector.

14
 The IC Software
The Instrument Controller (IC) is the software interface between the
ACU and the total station. It is required for controlling all electronic
total station functions.
This guide explains the details of every screen in the IC program. A
step-by-step procedure is also included for the usage of some of the
more complex routines.
DR The graphic shown here appears where ever a routine is described
ONLY that requires the use of a Direct Reflex-capable total station.

Starting the IC
If the IC program in not running, you will see
the Windows® CE.NET environment. To start
the IC program, double-tap the icon on the
Windows® CE.NET desktop.

Using the IC
Navigating and making selections in the IC software is performed by
either tapping the buttons displayed on the screen or by pressing the
various hardware buttons on the ACU.
There are three types of buttons that are available from the various
IC screens:
• !6UROO %XWWRQV : Button labels that are preceded with a >
character are used to cycle the corresponding field to an
alternate value. For example, the corresponding field might
be able to be toggled between a slope distance and a
horizontal distance.

15
The Instrument Controller Software

• $FFHVV %XWWRQV« : Button labels that are followed by … are

used to access another screen.
• $FWLRQ %XWWRQV : Action buttons consist simply of the button
label and are used to perform a specific function.
Closing the current screen will return you to the previous screen.
Each screen can be closed until you eventually return to the Main
screen, described below.

Main Screen
The Main IC screen is the first screen you see
when the IC program is started. It consists of
several buttons that are used to access all of
the various screens, which control the total
station and its settings.

Readings Screen
0DLQ | 5HDGLQJV

The Readings screen is used to view the

measurements by the total station.
+$  =$: Displays the current horizontal and
zenith angles measured by the total station.
6': Displays the current slope distance
measured by the total station while the ('0
0RGH is set to 7UDFNLQJ.

+'  9': Displays the horizontal and vertical

distances, respectively, measured by the total
station.
3ULVP: Indicates that the total station is aimed at a prism.
16
 The Instrument Controller Software

1R /RFN : Indicates the total station’s Autolock is not seeing the

Remote Measuring Target (RMT).
$XWRORFNHG : Indicates the total station’s Autolock sees the RMT.

DR
ONLY /DVHU 3RLQWHU %XWWRQ
• The 9 indicates you will be shooting a vertical surface.
• The + indicates you will be shooting a horizontal surface.
This will then compensate for the offset difference between
the laser pointer and the DR laser as they aim toward a
horizontal surface.
• When the button graphic is darkened, the laser pointer is
off.

DR
ONLY 7DUJHW 0RGH %XWWRQ
• Distance measurements are performed via the total station’s
infrared transmitter reflecting off a prism.
• Distance measurements are performed via the total station’s
laser reflecting off any surface.
• Distance measurements are performed via the total station’s
laser reflecting off a prism for long-range shots.
 6' / +'9' : This toggles the distance measurements to be
displayed as a slope distance (SD) or separate horizontal and vertical
distances (HD / VD).
6HW +$« : Opens the Set HA screen, described below.

6HWWLQJV« : Opens the Measurement Settings screen, described on

Page 20.

17
The Instrument Controller Software

Set Horizontal Angle Screen

0DLQ | 5HDGLQJV | 6HW +$«
The Set Horizontal Angle screen is used to zero
the horizontal angle, or set it to any desired
angle.
+$ WR VHW WR: is where you enter the desired
angle to set as the total station’s horizontal
angle.
6HW : sets the angle entered as the horizontal
angle in the total station.

Settings Screen
0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV

The Settings screen provides access to all of the

total station and software configuration
settings. Some of the screens accessed from
the Settings screen are also accessible from
other locations within the IC software.

18
 The Instrument Controller Software

Feedback / Units Settings Screen

0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | )HHGEDFN8QLWV«

The Feedback / Units Settings screen is used to configure various

settings on the total station.
Signal Level: Adjusts the volume of the tone
that is generated when the total station is
aiming toward a prism. Checking the 0XWH
checkbox will mute the tone.
Reticle Illumination: Adjusts the brightness of
the reticle light. Checking the 2II checkbox
will turn off the light.

Distance Units:
• Meter: displays all distances in
meters.
• Feet: displays all distances in feet.
• US Survey Feet: displays all distances in US Survey Feet.
• Decimal Places: defines the number of decimal place beyond
the decimal point to display for distances. (All
measurements are processed internally with full precision.)

Angle Units:
• DMS: displays all angles in degree-minute-seconds.
• Grads: displays all angles in grads.
• Mils: displays all angles in mils.
• Dec. Deg: displays all angles in decimal degrees.

19
The Instrument Controller Software

Measurement Settings – Screen One

0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | 7RWDO 6WDWLRQ« or
0DLQ | 0HDVXUH | 0HDVXUHPHQW«

The Measurement Settings screen is used to configure the total

station settings related to taking measurements.
EDM Mode:
• Standard: Distances are measured
with high precision, requiring more
than 4 seconds for a single
measurement.
• Fast Standard: Distances are
measured with medium precision,
requiring 2 seconds for a
measurement.
• Tracking: Distances are measured
with low precision, but the
measurements are taken very quickly.
• DR Fine: When using a DR 200+ model total station, this
setting will set the total station to measure in Continuous
Standard mode. When using a DR Standard model total
station, this will set the total station to measure in Precision
mode.

Note: The EDM mode setting only affects shots that are taken using
the button. The distances displayed in the Measure screen are
always updated as fast as possible using the Tracking EDM mode.

20
 The Instrument Controller Software

Target:
• Prism: Distance measurements are performed via the total
station’s infrared transmitter reflecting off a prism.
DR • DR: Distance measurements are performed via the total
ONLY station’s laser reflecting off any surface.
DR • Long Range: Distance measurements are performed via the
ONLY total station’s laser reflecting off a prism for long-range
mode.

Track Light Intensity:

• Low: sets the track light intensity to dim.
• High: sets the track light intensity to bright.
• 2II / 2Q : toggles on or off the track light.

Target Offset (mm):

• Prism: is the target offset when 3ULVP is selected as the
7DUJHW.

DR • DR: is the target offset when '5 is selected as the 7DUJHW.

ONLY

DR • Long: is the target offset when /RQJ 5DQJH is selected as the

ONLY 7DUJHW.

6HDUFK« : opens the Search screen, described below.

0RUH« : opens the second Measure Settings screen, described below.

21
The Instrument Controller Software

Measure Settings – Screen Two

0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | 0HDVXUHPHQW« | 0RUH« or
0DLQ | 0HDVXUH | 0HDVXUHPHQW« | 0RUH«

The second Measurement Settings screen is used to configure

additional total station settings related to taking measurements.
Distance Meter Power Save:
• On: The EDM will enter sleep mode
after the total station is idle for
several minutes.
• Off: The EDM will continue to
measure distance even after the total
station has been idle.
RMT:
• Vertical: indicates the remote target is
always aligned vertically and
compensates for the difference in
vertical distance between the prism and the infrared
transmitter for when the prism and total station are at
different elevations.
• Tiltable: indicates the remote target can be tilted to always
face the total station perpendicularly.
DR:
• Min. Range: if a DR distance measurement is less than the DR
range specified here, it is automatically discarded and a new ONLY
measurement is performed.
• Max. Range: if a DR distance measurement is greater than DR
the range specified here, it is automatically discarded and a ONLY
new measurement is performed.

Note: The Min and Max Ranges are useful in situations where an
object may pass in front of the desired target, resulting in a false
distance to the desired target.

22
 The Instrument Controller Software

DR • Standard Deviation: DR distance measurements are actually

ONLY computed internally from many individual measurements.
If the standard deviation of these measurements exceeds the
value entered here, the Standard Deviation Error screen will
open asking you what to do as described below.
DR • 'HIDXOW : will toggle all the DR values to their default values
ONLY of 2m, 200m, and 0.003, respectively.
DR • 7XUQ 2Q / 7XUQ 2II : When turned on, the DR measuring
ONLY sensitivity is increased, making it easier to get distance
measurements from poorly-reflective surfaces, but with
potentially less accuracy.

Shot Results Screen

The Shot Results screen displays the
information measured by the total station after
a measurement is performed. A measurement
can be taken by pressing the button on the
ACU while in the Readings screen or the
Collimation screen. A measurement can also
be taken by pressing the round button on the
side of a Trimble 3600 or the raised rubber
button on the front of a Trimble 5600 total
station.

Standard Deviation Error

Screen
If the standard deviation is exceeded after 50
distance measurements, or 5 seconds, this
screen will appear displaying the current
standard deviation giving you the opportunity
to accept or cancel the shot.

23
The Instrument Controller Software

PPM Settings Screen

0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | 330«

The PPM (Parts Per Million) screen is used to

enter the local atmospheric conditions, which
are then used to compute a PPM value to
correct for errors introduced by atmospheric
conditions.
Air Pressure: is where the local air pressure is
entered. The units are selected from the
corresponding dropdown list.
Relative Humidity: is the local relative
humidity. (This field can only be modified if
+XPLGLW\ is selected in the 330 $GYDQFHG
settings.)
Wet Temp: is the local wet temperature. The temperature units are
selected from the corresponding dropdown list. (This field can only be
modified if :HW 7HPS is selected in the 330 $GYDQFHG settings.)
Dry Temp: is the local temperature. The units must match those
selected for the :HW 7HPS.
PPM Advanced:
• Wet Temp: Allows you to enter a local wet temperature
when selected.
• Humidity: Allows you to enter the local relative humidity
when selected.
• Off: The PPM is computed using air pressure and dry
temperature only when selected.
• Override: Allows you to enter the PPM value manually.
&DOF 330 : Calculates the PPM based on the data entered.

24
 The Instrument Controller Software

Correction Settings Screen

0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | &RUUHFWLRQ«

The Correction screen is used to configure any corrections that will be

applied to measured distances.
Scale Factor: Horizontal distances to all new
points will be multiplied by the value entered
here. (Elevations are not affected.)
Adjust for Earth Curvature: When 2Q, all
measured zenith angle and slope distances will
be adjusted for the curvature of the earth and
refraction.

Restore Profile…
0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | 5HVWRUH 3URILOH«
The 5HVWRUH 3URILOH« button opens the Open dialog box where a saved
profile can be restored using the 6DYH 3URILOH« button (below).

Warning: All information, including the PPM information is saved to

the profile. When restoring a saved profile, it is important to consider
the data entered in the PPM screen since much of that data changes
continuously.

25
The Instrument Controller Software

Save Profile…
0DLQ | 6HWWLQJV | 6DYH 3URILOH«
The 6DYH 3URILOH« button opens the Save As dialog box where all of
the settings in the IC can be saved to a file and can then be restored
later with the 5HVWRUH 3URILOH« button (above).

Collimation Screen
0DLQ | &ROOLPDWLRQ
The Collimation screen is used to access
screens that compute the sighting (optical) and
trunnion (tilt of horizontal axis) errors in the
total station and automatically apply a
correction for them to all measured angles.

Optical Collimation Screen

0DLQ | &ROOLPDWLRQ | 2SWLFDO &ROOLPDWLRQ
The Optical Collimation screen is used to measure the optical
collimation of the total station so a correction
can be applied to all measurements.

Procedure
1. The prism should be located
approximately 100 meters or more from
the total station and at about the same
elevation when measuring these errors.
2. Take as many shots in either face at

26
 The Instrument Controller Software

the target as desired, aiming away and back at the target

between each shot.
3. Flop the total station and begin repeating this process in the
opposite face. Once the same number of shots have been
taken as in the previous face, an error correction is computed
for you.

Tilt of Horizontal Axis Screen

0DLQ | &ROOLPDWLRQ | 7LOW RI +RUL]RQWDO $[LV
The Tilt of Horizontal Axis screen is used to
measure the trunnion (tilt of horizontal axis) of
the total station so a correction can be applied
to all measurements.

Procedure
1. Aim at any identifiable target that is
approximately 15º above the horizon.
Since no distance measurements are
taken for this routine, a prism is not required at the target.
2. Take as many shots in either face at the target as desired,
aiming away and back at the target between each shot.
3. Flop the total station and begin repeating this process in the
opposite face. Once the same number of shots have been
taken as in the previous face, an error correction is
computed for you.

Tracker Collimation Screen

0DLQ | &ROOLPDWLRQ | 7UDFNHU &ROOLPDWLRQ
The Tracker Collimation screen is used to measure the tracker
collimation of the total station so a correction can be applied to all
measurements. The routine is fully automated and only requires that
an RMT prism be at a stationary level position at least 100 meters
from the total station.

27
The Instrument Controller Software

Remote Screen
0DLQ | 5HPRWH
The Remote screen is used to put the system in
robotic mode. Once in robotic mode, the ACU
can be removed from the total station and data
collection can be performed remotely, from the
rod position, with Survey Pro running on the
ACU.
*HR5DGLR 6HWWLQJV: The three GeoRadio
settings must match those configured in the
radio that the ACU will be connected to after it
is removed from the total station.
*R 5HPRWH« : puts the total station in remote
mode.
7XUQ *XQ 2II : powers off the total station.

7XUQ *XQ 2Q : powers on the total station.

Procedure
1. Configure GeoRadio settings in the
Remote screen while the ACU is
connected to the total station.
2. Tap the *R 5HPRWH« button. The
dialog box shown here will appear.
3. Tap 2. . The total station will
activate its radio and enter remote mode.
4. Remove the ACU from the total station and connect it to the
external GeoRadio.
5. Exit the IC software and start Survey Pro. Survey Pro will
automatically be configured for use in remote mode.

28
 The Instrument Controller Software

Info Screen
0DLQ | ,QIR
The Info screen displays the ACU serial
number and the IC version number.

Bubble Screen
0DLQ | %XEEOH
The Bubble screen displays graphics of the
level bubbles that assist in leveling the total
station. When the total station is nearly level,
the bubble graphics will “zoom in” to show
more detail.
&RPSHQVDWRU: This feature will correct for
errors that are introduced if the total station is
slightly out of level.
• (QDEOHG: Enables the compensator
and a correction will be applied to
measurements taken when the total
station is not perfectly level.
• ,QLWLDOL]H &RPSHQVDWRU : Will flop the
total station twice to initialize the
compensator. The total station is
automatically initialized when the IC
is first started and should also be
initialized after each new set up.
• 'LVDEOH: Will disable the
compensator. When disabled, no warning or correction will
be made if the total station is not level.
29
Trimble Survey Pro
Trimble Survey Pro is a powerful set of surveying and data collection
tools. Survey Pro can be used to control and collect data from the
Trimble 3600 and 5600 total stations, and the Trimble 5800 GPS
receiver.
This chapter discusses the set up configurations for the hardware and
software to begin data collection.
For more detailed information on the use of Survey Pro, refer to the
full Trimble Survey Pro User’s and Reference manuals and the
Trimble Survey Pro GPS User’s and Reference manuals stored on the
installation CD.

Starting Survey Pro and

Creating a New Job
You can start the Survey Pro program by double tapping the icon
located on the desktop.
Survey Pro cannot start without a job being
open so the Welcome to Survey Pro screen will
ask if you want to open a recently opened job,
open an existing job, or create a new job. For
this example we will create a new job so you
can begin exploring the software.

31
Trimble Survey Pro

1. Tap the 1HZ« button. The Create a New

Job dialog box will open, which prompts
you for a job name where the current date
is the default name.
2. Either type in a new name or accept the
default name and tap 1H[W ! to continue.

3. Another screen will open where you select

some of the job settings. Select the settings
that you desire and tap 1H[W ! to
continue.

Note: When creating a new job, it is important that the Units for
Distances field be set to the correct units. This allows you to
seamlessly switch between different units in mid-job. Problems can
arise if these units are inadvertently set to the incorrect units when
new data is collected.

32
 Trimble Survey Pro

4. Since all jobs must have at least one point

to start with, the final screen displays the
default point name and coordinates for the
first point. Accept the default values by
tapping )LQLVK . This will create and store
the new job. You are now ready to explore
the software.

Note: The settings and values entered for a new job become the
default values for any subsequent new jobs with the exception of the
Use Scale Factor setting, which always defaults to off.

Configuring Survey Pro

The starting point in Survey Pro, which
appears once a job is open, is called the Main
Menu, shown here. All the screens that are
available in Survey Pro are accessed starting
from the Main Menu. Likewise, closing the
screens in Survey Pro will eventually take you
back to the Main Menu.
The Main Menu consists of two columns. The
left column contains all of the available menus
and the column on the right contains the
menu items associated with the active menu.
When a menu is selected from the left column,
the corresponding menu items will become available in the right hand
column. When a menu item is activated from the right hand column,
the corresponding screen will open. It is from these screens where
you do your work.

33
Trimble Survey Pro

There are three icons in the Main Menu’s title bar.

The first icon indicates which collection mode the
software is running in. When surveying with a
Trimble 3600 or 5600 total station, the icon should
be displayed and when surveying with a Trimble 5800
GPS receiver, the icon should be displayed.
Tapping this icon will open the Collection Mode dialog
box where the software can be switched to the other mode.
Once the correct data collection mode is set, the instrument or
receiver setting must be configured to match the type of hardware
that the ACU is communicating with.

When connected to a Trimble 3600 or 5600 total station

1. From the Main Menu, select -RE | 6HWWLQJV .

2. Select the ,QVWUXPHQW page.

3. In the %UDQG field, select 7ULPEOH 'LUHFW
&RQQHFW. (Do NOT select the “7ULPEOH”
driver.)
4. In the 0RGHO Field, select  $XWR
'HWHFW.

5. Tap 2. to continue. Refer to the Trimble

Survey Pro for Windows CE User’s and
Reference manual on the installation CD
for more information on the Survey Pro
screens.
Tapping the ,QVWUXPHQW 6HWWLQJV« button from this screen will open a
screen where several total station-specific settings can be configured
from a variety of different index card format screens. These cards are
essentially identical to the settings screens that are available from
within the Instrument Controller program and are explained starting
on Page 18.

34
 Trimble Survey Pro

When connected to a Trimble 5800 GPS receiver

1. From the Main Menu, select -RE |
6HWWLQJV .

2. Select the 5HFHLYHU page.

3. In the %UDQG field, select 7ULPEOH.
4. In the 0RGHO field, select 7ULPEOH .

5. Tap 2. to continue. Refer to the Trimble

Survey Pro for Windows CE User’s and
Reference manual on the installation CD
for more information on the Survey Pro
screens.

35
Trimble Survey Pro

Using Bluetooth with the

Trimble ACU and 5800
The ACU is able to communicate with the Trimble 5800 wirelessly
using the built-in Bluetooth technology as an alternative to using a
cable. This section explains how to configure the ACU running
Trimble Survey Pro to take advantage of Bluetooth and discusses its
limitations.

Configuring the Bluetooth Settings

1. Turn on the Trimble 5800 and the ACU. Make sure Survey Pro is
running on the ACU and it is set to GPS mode.
2. Set the 5HFHLYHU &RPPXQLFDWLRQ 6HWWLQJV to %OXHWRRWK.
• From the Main Menu in Survey Pro, select -RE | 6HWWLQJV |
5HFHLYHU| 5HFHLYHU 6HWWLQJV« | &KDQJH .

• Set Serial Port (GPS Receiver) to %OXHWRRWK and tap 2. .

• From the Receiver Communication

screen, tap 6HWWLQJV .

Note: If a Bluetooth connection has not yet been

established, two error messages will appear
when you try to access the above screens. (See
Bluetooth Error Messages below) Tap 2. to
these messages to continue.

36
 Trimble Survey Pro

3. Open the Microsoft® Bluetooth Device

Management applet. This is typically
accessed from the Windows® CE.NET
Control Panel. It can be accessed while
running Survey Pro in either of the
following two ways:

Method 1:
• While running Survey Pro, escape to the Windows® CE.NET
operating system by pressing Ctrl , Esc .
• Tap | 6HWWLQJV | &RQWURO 3DQHO and then double-tap the
Bluetooth icon.

Method 2:
• From the Main Menu in Survey Pro, select -RE | 6HWWLQJV |
5HFHLYHU | 5HFHLYHU 6HWWLQJV« | &KDQJH | 6HWWLQJV .

4. From the Bluetooth Device Management screen, check the

;(QDEOH %OXHWRRWK checkbox.

5. Tap 6FDQ . This will start a radio scan for all the Bluetooth
devices in the vicinity. Eventually, the 5800 and its
corresponding serial number should be listed in the 8QWUXVWHG
column. If any other Bluetooth devices are in the area, those will
also be listed here.
6. Tap the device that corresponds with your 5800 in the 8QWUXVWHG
list to select it then tap the ! button to move it to the 7UXVWHG
list.
7. Select 1R at the prompt asking if you want to
authenticate the device. The 5800 should now be
listed in the 7UXVWHG column.
8. After returning to the Receiver Communication
screen, tap 5HIUHVK and the new trusted device
37
Trimble Survey Pro

will be listed there.

9. Tap 2. to continue.

Bluetooth Limitations
Bluetooth can be thought of as a short-range radio link. As with any
radio link of this type, communications can be interrupted by a
number of reasons, including, but not limited to:
• The operating range between the devices is exceeded. (The
Bluetooth range is limited to approximately 10 meters.)
• Another powerful radio signal is broadcast near an active
Bluetooth device.
• An object, such as your body, physically blocks the radio
signal.
When the Bluetooth radio signal is lost, the results in the software
are not predictable and there is potential for a system crash,
requiring a hard reset. (See Recovering from Signal Loss, below.)
Because of these limitations, it is suggested that Bluetooth only be
used when the following criteria are met:
• Bluetooth should only be used during RTK GPS data
collection where constant communication between the
Bluetooth devices is least critical.
• Bluetooth should only be used while the ACU is physically
attached to the rod, which removes the possibility that the
range limitation will be exceeded.

Warning: It is not recommended that Bluetooth communication be

used during static GPS occupation, or while logging GPS data to use
for post processing. Both of these scenarios require constant and
reliable communications between the ACU and the 5800. In these
situations, a cable should be used for communication.

38
 Trimble Survey Pro

Recovering from Signal Loss

If Bluetooth communications failure occurs and the software is not
able to recover, you may need to uncheck and then re-check the
; Enable Bluetooth checkbox from the Bluetooth Device
Management screen. This screen is accessed from either of the
methods described in Step 3, under Configuring the Bluetooth
Settings, above.

Bluetooth Error Messages

Any of the messages displayed here will be
displayed whenever a screen is accessed that
looks for a Bluetooth connection and the
connection is not established. These errors are
normal if the connection has not yet been
configured and established as described above.
The error message shown here will occur after
a Bluetooth connection was established and
then is suddenly lost. Tapping 2. will dismiss
the dialog and return you to the current screen
without a connection. Tapping 6HWWLQJV will
open the Microsoft® Bluetooth Device
Management applet where you can uncheck
and re-check the (QDEOH %OXHWRRWK checkbox to
reestablish the connection.

39