Topcon GM-55 - User Manual

This document outlines the setup, operation, and maintenance procedures for the Topcon GM-55 Total Station when used with a Topcon FC-5000 Data Collector, specifically for Maryland NRCS applications.

The Topcon GM-55 Total Station is a surveying instrument designed for precise angle and distance measurements, crucial for various land surveying and construction tasks. It integrates with the Topcon FC-5000 Data Collector, which runs MAGNET Field® software, to streamline data collection and management.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Topcon GM-55 Total Station, in conjunction with the FC-5000 Data Collector, is to accurately measure points in a survey area. This involves establishing a benchmark elevation, performing backsight measurements, and collecting general survey data points (sideshots). The system allows for the creation of new survey jobs, definition of instrument and target parameters, and configuration of measurement units and display settings. Data collected can be viewed on a map and exported into various file formats for further processing.

Setup and Initial Configuration:

Physical Setup: The process begins with setting up the tripod and leveling the base plate, followed by placing and leveling the GM-55 Total Station unit. This involves adjusting tripod legs, using thumb screws for fine adjustments, and rotating the total station to ensure the bubble is level at each stop.
Power On: Powering on the total station requires making fine level adjustments to center the digital level bubble and confirming with [F1] to select "OK".
Orientation: The total station must be aimed towards North to establish a 0° (degree) reference, using the "0Set" function.
Data Collector Connection: The FC-5000 Data Collector is powered on, and the MAGNET Field® software is launched from the Windows 10 home screen.
Connection Profile Setup:
- The Connections window is closed, and the "Configure" icon is tapped, followed by "Survey".
- Under "Optical Configuration", [Edit] is selected.
- Name: GM-55 TS
- Type: Conventional
- Under "Config: Instrument":
  - Manufacturer: Topcon
  - Model: GM-50/100(Topbasic)
- Under "Config: Conn Mode":
  - Initial TS Connection: Bluetooth TS
- Under "Config: Survey Settings":
  - Meas Method: Direct
  - Tolerances, Hz: 5.000
  - Tolerances, Dist.: 0.02
  - Tolerances, VA: 5.000
  - Measurement Type: HA/VA/SD
  - Target Type: Prism
  - EDM Mode: Coarse

Important Technical Specifications (Configurable):

Distance Unit: US Feet
Distance Precision: 0.123
Area Unit: Square USFeet
Volume Unit: Cubic USFeet
Measurement Angle Unit: DD.ddddd°
Measurement Angle Precision: 0.123°
Calculation Angle Unit: DD.ddddd°
Calculation Angle Precision: 0.123°
Norting/Easting Precision: 0.123
Lat/Lon Units: DD°MM'SS.s"
Lat/Lon Precision: 0°00′00.123"
Height Precision: 0.123
Temperature Unit: Fahrenheit (°F)
Pressure Unit: inHg
Coordinate Type: Ground
Plane Coordinate Order: Northing,Easting,Height
Geodetic Azimuth Origin: North
Direction: Azimuth
Display Slope As: Percentage (%)
Station Prefix: Sta.
CL Position: 12+34.000
Plane Coordinates Precision (Export): 0.000
Elevation Precision (Export): 0.000

Usage Features:

Connecting the Data Collector:
- Tap the "Connect" icon.
- Under "Connections", select "Optical" radio button, then "GM-55 TS" configuration.
- Check "Connect to last used BT device" and "Prompt for connection at startup".
- Tap [Connect].
- Select the GM-55 Bluetooth device from the list, tap [Select], uncheck "Require PIN", and tap [Connect]. A successful connection is indicated by a beep from the Total Station and the appearance of the Bluetooth symbol on its screen, along with a sound from the FC-5000.
Creating a New Survey Job:
- From the main menu, tap "Job", then "New Job".
- Enter Name, Created by, and Comments (all <user-defined>).
Entering Occupation Point Data (HUB):
- Tap "Edit", then "Points".
- Tap [Add].
- Under the "Point" tab, enter:
  - Point: 1
  - Code: IP
  - North: 5000.000
  - East: 5000.000
  - Elevation: 0.000
Establishing Benchmark Elevation:
- Tap "Setup", then "Benchmark".
- Under "Benchmark" window:
  - Occupy: 1
  - Code: IP (should auto-populate)
  - HI: <user-defined height of instrument>
- Under "Benchmark: Normal" window:
  - Elevation: 100.000 (toggle between [Point], [Elevation])
  - Prism (icon): <user-defined rod/prism height>
- Tap the "measure/read" icon to take a measurement.
- Review data and tap "save" icon.
- Review benchmark data on "Benchmark: Results" and tap [Accept]. If point "1" already exists, tap "Update Height?" radio button.
- Tap the checkmark icon to update instrument hub elevation.
Backsight on Benchmark Point:
- Tap "Backsight".
- Under "Occupation Point", verify/enter:
  - Point: 1
  - HI: <user-defined height of instrument>
  - Scale: 1.000000000000
- Under "Backsight Point":
  - Azimuth: 0.000 (toggle between [Point], [Azimuth])
  - Prism (icon): <user-defined rod/prism height>
- Under "Backsight: Normal" > "Set Circle to":
  - Tap the menu icon, select "Get from Instr".
  - Verify reading matches "HR:" angle on GM-55 display.
  - Tap "Set" icon.
- Tap "Yes" to store the measured backsight point.
- In "Store Point As...", enter:
  - Point: 10 (use preferred numbering rule, not above 99)
  - Code: TBM
- Review backsight data and tap the home screen icon.
Collecting General Survey Data Points (Sideshots):
- Tap "Survey", then "Topo".
- Under "Sideshot-Direct: Normal" window, enter:
  - Point: 100 (range 100 – 2999)
  - Code: <user-defined; pick from drop-down list>
- Tap the "measure" icon and "save" icon, or "measure + save" icon to move to the next measurement.
- Continue as needed, then tap the home screen icon to return to the main menu.
Viewing Survey Data Map:
- Tap the "Map" icon.
- Use stylus to drag/pan, toolbar for features, side toolbar for zoom/layer settings.
- Tap "Map Properties" icon for settings:
  - Map Font: Bold, Small
  - Entities: Show Points, Names, Codes, Heights
- Tap checkmark icon to return to map, then home screen icon when finished.
Exporting Survey Data File:
- Tap "Exchange", then "To File".
- Under "To File" window:
  - Data: Points
  - Format: Text Custom Report (*.txt)
- Under "To Text Format" window:
  - Type: Text Files (*.txt)
  - Filepath: C:\Users\USDA\Documnts\MAGNET Field PC\IEFiles (users can browse to other folders or external USB devices)
  - Name: <user-defined file name>
- Under "Text File Format" window:
  - Delimiter: Comma
  - Header in first row: uncheck
  - File Style: Name,N(Lat),E(Lon),Elev,Codes
- Under "Coordinate System", tap [Next >>].
- Under "Units Format" window:
  - Plane coordinates precision: 0.000
  - Elevation precision: 0.000
- The "Export Status" window should read: "Export successfully finished." Tap [Close] or the home screen icon.

Maintenance Features:

Shutdown: When finished, close the MAGNET Field app by tapping the "close" icon. Press and briefly hold the power button on both the FC-5000 data collector and GM-55 total station to shut down each device.
Storage: Disassemble and pack up equipment. Ensure the leveling pegs (heightwise) on the GM-55 are centered and rotation-lock knobs are loose during storage to prevent damage.

This comprehensive guide ensures proper handling, configuration, and operation of the Topcon GM-55 Total Station with the FC-5000 Data Collector for accurate surveying tasks.