Over the years we have noted which communication parameters allow customers to connect with their Nikon or Sokkia Instruments in FieldGenius or Evidence Recorder when they are using a serial cable. We makes notes when we have success in our "Supported Hardware" resource you can link to here.
But if you can't find notes about your specific instrument, here are the steps to follow:
*Note that this guide will help when you are using a Serial cable, NOT Bluetooth, a USB cable or a serial<-> USB adapter*
1. Ensure that your cable is Nikon for Nikon, non-Nikon for Sokkia
2. determine which Port number your data collector uses to connect by cable. By default this is 1 but you must consult the data collector documentation or contact the data collector support team to be sure.
3. Open up the instrument control panel on the total station and check:
-find EXT COMM. It will be set to either Nikon or SET, take note of that
-find the Communication Parameters (COMM settings) and take note of the baud rate.
-any other communication settings will probably be the same as the defaults in FG or EVR (ie: parity none, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit) we won't change them unless we have to
4. back out of all menus on the instrument so it is displaying HA,VA, SD etc
5. tumble the scope vertically 360 degrees and ensure the instrument is level
6. Open FG or EVR and create a new instrument profile. Pick "Edit" and proceed to "Model and Communication"
If EXT COMM you noted in step 3 was "SET," select the Sokkia make and start at step 7
If EXT COMM you noted in step 3 was "NIKON," select the NIKON make and start at step 8
7. For Sokkia Instruments:
*ensure EXT COMM is set to "SET" and that you are using a non-Nikon cable before proceeding*
a. select "SET advanced" model
b. set the Port determined in step 2
c. set baud rate to match the instrument
d. note if communication parameters in FG or EVR differ from those set on the instrument before you change anything. Record them
e. set communication parameters in EVR or FG to match those that were set on the instrument
f. test a connection
g. if it fails, select "SET Basic" model
h. repeat steps 7b through 7f
i.If this fails, return to the instrument control panel and change the settings back to those you recorded in step c. Repeat steps 7a to 7h (excluding 7d) but use the comm settings recorded in step 7d rather than the FG or EVR default settings. Ensure that settings match on both the instrument and FG or EVR program before every test.
j.If this fails, proceed to step 8 (BUT still use a non-Nikon cable)
8. For Nikon Instruments:
*ensure EXT COMM is set to "NIKON" and that you are using a Nikon cable before proceeding*
a. select "New Series" driver
b. set the Port determined in step 2
c. set baud to match the instrument
d. note if communication parameters differ from those set on the instrument before you change anything. Record them
e. set communication parameters to match those that were set on the instrument
f. test a connection
g. if it fails, select "Old Series" model
h. repeat steps 8b through 8f
k.If this fails, return to the instrument control panel and change the settings back to those you recorded in step 8d. Repeat steps 8a to 8j (excluding 8d) but use the comm settings recorded in step 8d rather than the FG or EVR default settings. Ensure that settings match on both the instrument and MicroSurvey program before every test.
l.If this fails, go to step 7 (but still use a Nikon cable) and attempt to connect by treating the instrument as a Sokkia
James Johnston
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