Launching STAR*NET using a Windows scheduled task

STAR*NET Ultimate can be launched to perform a specific adjustment using Windows task scheduler.  

This can be valuable for a number of reasons:

• A STAR*NET adjustment can be configured so that it runs as a regularly scheduled task at a set schedule
• It may be necessary to run STAR*NET in a specific user account.  Using Windows task scheduler and a batch file allows this configuration.

See below a guide showing how to run the example project found in:     .\Documents\MicroSurvey\StarNet\ExamplesTutorial01-Trav2D.snproj using the Auto Adjust option:

• We've added an additional step that allows you to trigger the scheduled task using a batch file.

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Step 1: Create the Scheduled Task

hit the Windows key and type Task Scheduler and click on the icon that appears in the search results (taskschd.msc).

Right click on "Task Scheduler Library" and select Create Task (not "Create Basic Task").

On the General tab:

Name: STARNET_Adjustment

Description: Runs STAR*NET adjustment

Select Run whether user is logged on or not

NOTE: This is important when you need STAR*NET to run in a separate user account.  Permissions may need to be adjusted.

Check Run with highest privileges if needed.

Optional: Click Change User or Group... and select the user account you need this to run in

NOTE: STAR*NET must have been run once in this User account and license credentials manually entered

Click OK.

NOTE: You will be prompted for account credentials for the chosen User or User Group if you have selected an account other than the one you are working in.  If you see an error message, permissions may need to be adjusted.

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Step 2: Add a Dummy Trigger

Task Scheduler generally requires at least one trigger.

Go to Triggers.

Click New.

Set:

Begin the task: On a schedule

NOTE: In this example we're going to use a batch file to trigger the task, but if you wish you can set a schedule for running the task and skip to Step 3 in this guide:

One-time date far in the future (for example January 1, 2099)

Enabled: Yes

The task will never naturally run, but it can still be started manually.

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Step 3: Configure the Action

Go to Actions.

Click New.

Set:

Action: Start a Program

Program/script: C:\Program Files\MicroSurvey\StarNet XX\StarNet.exe 

...(where XX = Version)

Add arguments: "Tutorial01-Trav2D.snproj" /AUTOADJUST 3 1 15

Start in: (Required) C:\Users\<Your login>\OneDrive - Hexagon\Documents\MicroSurvey\StarNet\Examples

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Step 4: Modify Settings

On the Settings tab I recommend enabling:

Allow task to be run on demand

Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed

If the task is already running, then the following rule applies:

Do not start a new instance

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Step 5: Test the Task

In Task Scheduler:

Right-click the task.

Select Run.

Verify that STAR*NET launches and performs the adjustment by looking at the timestamps of the Tutorial01-Trav2D.lst file or look for a newly created Tutorial01-Trav2D.run file

NOTE: allow 2 minutes for updates

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Additional Option: Triggering the Scheduled task using a batch file:

Create a new text document

Name it "Test Scheduled task.bat"

Include the following instructions in the batch file:

schtasks /run /tn "STARNET_Adjustment"

Save the text file.  Double click to run the batch file and verify that the adjustment is run by:

1. enter "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" and check that STAR*NET appears in the "Background processes" section of task manager
2. verify that the timestamps of the .lst and .run files updates about 2 minutes after triggering the task