Radio connections

To connect the controller to the instrument using a radio, you must configure the instrument radio settings to the same values as used on the controller.

In some countries, you must obtain a radio license before using your system on a working site. Make sure that you check the regulations for your country.

  1. To configure the instrument radio settings, if the instrument is:
    • a Trimble SX10 or SX12 scanning total station, connect the controller to the instrument using a cable or Wi‑Fi.
    • any other type of Trimble total station, configure radio settings using the Face 2 display on the instrument. Alternatively, connect the controller to the instrument using a cable or Bluetooth.
  2. Tap and select Settings / Connections / Radio settings.
  3. To avoid conflicting with another user, enter a unique radio channel and network ID.

  4. Tap Accept.

  5. If the controller is connected to the instrument using a cable, Bluetooth, or Wi‑Fi, the radio settings in the instrument are automatically synchronized to match the controller settings. To start the robotic connection, tap the instrument icon in the status bar and then tap Start robotic or tap Connections and then tap Switch to LR radio.

  6. If the controller is not connected to the instrument:

    1. Use the Face 2 display to navigate to the Radio settings and enter the same radio channel and network ID as you entered on the controller.

    2. On the instrument, select Exit from the Setup menu to return to the Waiting for connection menu.

      Because Trimble Access cannot communicate with the total station when the instrument's onboard software is in use, the instrument must be in the Waiting for connection state.

      The controller automatically connects to the instrument when both devices are on and within range.

When the instrument is suspended ready for robotic operation, it switches off to conserve power. The internal radio remains switched on so that the rover radio can communicate with the instrument.

You can connect a controller to an external radio and then use the external radio to connect to the following instruments:

  • Trimble VX spatial station
  • Trimble S Series total station
  • Spectra Geospatial FOCUS 30/35 total station

To obtain a robotic connection to the instrument through an external radio you must reconfigure the radio port setting on the controller:

  1. Connect the controller to the external radio using Bluetooth or a serial cable.

    If the radio is a Trimble Data Link Radio (TDL) 2.4 GHz radio, you must use Bluetooth.

  2. Tap and select Settings / Connections / Radio settings.
  3. Tap Options.
  4. Select the controller port that the radio is connected to. If you are using a Bluetooth connection, select Bluetooth.
  5. Tap Accept.
  6. Configure the Radio channel and Network ID to the same values as those set on the instrument.
  7. Tap Accept.