FUJI TECOM PL-AP User manual

Application of Data Collection for PL series pipeline & cable locator
PL-AP OPERATION MANUAL
PL-G MAX Receiver
FOR THE PL-G PIPE LOCATOR
FOR ANDROID 9 AND BELOW

2
INTRODUCTION
This is the operation manual describing the Android application PL-AP that connects
with the PL-G-MAX pipeline & cable locator, to collect data, and create reports.
This manual details the many features of the PL-AP application. There are
accompanying videos for each chapter of the manual. The PL-G-MAX pipe locator
may also be referred to as the RECEIVER in this manual.
The Android device may also be referred to as the DEVICE in this manual.
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Supported Android Versions are currently: Android 6 up to Android 9 Smartphone
or Tablet.
1. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionality is required to fully benefit from this PL-AP
2. A USB Connection Cable is needed to connect to an external PC for data
collection
3. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is used for reading data
4. Bluetooth: Bluetooth is used for reading data
5. Once the PL-AP Application has been installed on an Android Device, the Device
can Pair with the PL-G-MAX Receiver .
PL-G-MAX Operating Instructions Detailed Operating Instructions for the PL-G-MAX
can be found in the separate publication: PL-G-MAX OPERATION MANUAL.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Understanding The Basics ……………….…………………….….…. 5
1-1. Understanding the tablet ……………………………………….……….. 5
1-2. Understanding Android OS ……………………………………….…..… 6
2. Installing The PL-AP App ……………………………………………… 7
2-1. Installing the PL-AP app ………………………………………….…..… 7
2-2. Enabling PL-AP app permissions ……………………………..…….… 8
2-3. Understanding the PL-AP app ..…………………………………..….... 9
3. Using The PL-AP App and PL-G Receiver ………………...….... 10
3-1. How to connect and use a device with the PL-G receiver …….….… 10
3-2. How to access collected data within the PL-AP app ……………..…. 12
3-3. How to delete collected data within the PL-AP app ……………….... 13
3-4. How to create reports of collected data ……………………...……….. 14
4. Modifying Report Files On Android ….………………..…...….….. 15
4-1. How to access report files on Android …...…………………...…….... 15
4-2. How to transfer/share report files on Android ……………..……….... 16
4-3. How to rename report files on Android …………...……….……….… 17
4-4. How to delete report files on Android …………………….……….….. 18
5. Modifying Report Files On PC ………………………..……….….…. 19
5-1. How to access report files on PC …………..…………..………...…… 19
5-2. How to transfer/share report files on PC ……………..…………...…. 21
5-3. How to rename report files on PC ………………….……………….… 22
5-4. How to delete report files on PC ………………….……………….….. 23
6. Understanding The Report Files …………….………..……..……. 24
6-1. Understanding the types of report files …….….…………….……..... 24
6-2. Understanding the contents of report files ….…...………...….…….. 25
Contents continues on next page...

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7. Troubleshooting ……………………………………………………….... 27
7-1. PL-AP app GPS error message ………………………………..….…. 27
7-2. PL-AP app Bluetooth error message ……………………………....… 27
7-3. PL-AP app not showing any receiver ID’s in reports/delete .……… 28
7-4. PL-G receiver not appearing in Bluetooth search ………….………. 28
7-5PL-G receiver keeps saying failed connection …………...….……… 29
7-6. Android device not displaying USB notification PC ………………… 29

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1. UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
1-1. UNDERSTANDING THE TABLET
This section of the manual only applies to to those using a Samsun Galaxy
Tab A, the tablet used by Fuji Pipe Locators. For those using their own
Android device, please skip to section (1-2) of the manual.
The tablet is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019). Below is a diagram
displaying its various buttons and their corresponding functionality:
4 SIM Card Tray
○
1 Power Button
○
3 Charging Port
○
2 Volume Buttons
○
5 Audio Jack
Functionality
○
1 - The power button controls the power of the tablet. press to sleep / wake
the device, or hold to shut-down / turn-on the device.
○
2 - The volume buttons control the volume of the tablet.
○
3 - The charging port is where you plug the charging cable into. You can
also use this to connect to external devices, such as a Windows PC.
○
4 - The SIM card tray is where you can insert a SIM card for the device. It
is not necessary to have a SIM card installed to use the PL-AP app.
○
5 - The audio jack is used for external audio devices such as a headset.

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1-2. UNDERSTANDING ANDROID OS
This section of the manual will briefly go over the Android operating system
(OS) and how to use it.
The App Drawer
The App drawer is where all your installed Apps can be found. Apps from
the App drawer can be added to the home screen and organized in any
way.
Home Screen
To find an installed App, open up the App drawer and enter the App
name into the search bar at the top.
App Drawer
Bluetooth Settings
Bluetooth is a wireless connection method that connects two devices
together.
To access this, find the Settings app on your Android device, then look for
“Bluetooth”. Some brand’s have Bluetooth already accessible from the
main Settings page, while other brands place the Bluetooth setting inside a
“Connections” page or similar. The Bluetooth settings allows you to
enable/disable Bluetooth, and choose which device to connect to via
Bluetooth.
Navigating Android
Most Android devices use three buttons for navigation. These buttons are
usually found at the bottom of the screen. The order and design may vary.
The button in the center is the home button.
The button that looks like an arrow is the back button.
The remaining other button is the app-view button.

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2. INSTALLING THE PL-AP APP
2-1. INSTALLING THE PL-AP APP
The PL-AP app is pre-installed on Tablets supplied directly by Fuji Pipe
Locators. Those using their own Android devices will need to download and
install the PL-AP application (app).
In order to download the app, you will need to have access to a Google
account (e.g. Gmail).
The PL-AP app will only work on ANDROID 9 OR LOWER.
1. Open the app drawer and search for the Play Store app. Open it. To
learn how to search for apps, refer to section (1-2) of the manual.
2. If prompted, sign into your Google account. Then, search for “PL-AP”
in the search bar up top.
3. Select the PL-AP app from the list of results.
4. Select the Install button on the PL-AP app.
It may take a short while to install. Once it has been installed, you will be
able to find the PL-AP app in your app drawer.

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2-2. ENABLING PL-AP APP PERMISSIONS
The PL-AP requires access to certain permissions for it to function correctly.
Please ensure you perform the following instructions accurately.
When opening the app for the first time, you will be prompted to give PL-AP
access to your device’s location. Select Allow.
Why Does PL-AP Need This?
GPS information is needed for PL-AP because it needs to know where you
are scanning for pipes. This data is also used in the reports.
File access is needed for PL-AP because it needs to access your storage in
order to create reports.
Then, you will be prompted to give PL-AP access to your device’s media
and files. Select Allow.
Ensure that you select Allow for these permissions. Selecting Deny will
result in the app not functioning properly, and you will need to re-install the
PL-AP app.

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2-3. UNDERSTANDING THE PL-AP APP
This section of the manual will only briefly go over the app and its
functionality. The manual will explain how to fully use the app in later
sections. Please refer to the contents page for more details.
The PL-AP app is the companion app to the PL-G-MAX receiver. This app
allows the collection of data from the PL-G-MAX Receiver when
Connected/ Paired, and lets the user share this data via Reports that can
be created within the app.
Home Screen
To the right is the main screen of the app.
The four buttons are for accessing different
functionalities of the app.
The PL-X is currently not available.
PL-G: This button is used to connect the PL
-G-MAX Receiver and collect data in real-
time.
REPORT: This button is used to view the
collected data and generate Reports.
DELETE: This button is used to delete data.
Accessing The Buttons
To access the PL-G button, the Tablet must be connected to the PL-G
receiver via Bluetooth. (refer to table of contents for instructions)
To access the REPORT button, the app must have collected data to view.
This button will remain blocked if there is no data to view.
To access the DELETE button, the app must have collected data to delete.
This button will remain blocked if there is no data to delete.

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3. USING THE PL-AP APP AND PL-G RECEIVER
3-1. HOW TO CONNECT & USE A DEVICE WITH THE RECEIVER
Connecting
The PL-G-MAX Receiver will begin operating immediately after connecting
with the Android device.
1. Open Bluetooth settings on your Android device and have it ready.
Make sure it is still OFF in this step. Refer to page 6 to learn how to find
the Bluetooth settings.
2. Turn on the PL-G Receiver by pressing the red power button, and wait
until “Processing” is complete.
3. Hold down the “Depth” button on the PL-G until it says “<<Bluetooth>>
Wait Connection”.
4. Quickly, on your Android device, turn your Bluetooth on and connect
to “PL-G.MAX” as soon as it appears. If prompted, confirm the
connection by selecting PAIR or OK.
5. Quickly find and open the PL-AP app and select “PL-G”.
6. Quickly Select the “Data Transfer” button. This button should then turn
into a “Stop Transfer” button
7. The PL-G receiver will now say “Established Connection”, and you will
be instructed to immediately begin operating the Receiver.
Important Note
You must complete steps 4-6 within 60 seconds of completing step 3.
This is because the PL-G Receiver only gives you 60 seconds to perform
the connection process. The connection will fail to connect otherwise.
Go to the next page for measuring multiple times without disconnecting.

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Using The Receiver With Bluetooth
Once connected to an Android device, the PL-G receiver will immediately
begin operation in Depth mode.
The PL-G receiver will automatically connect to it’s most recently
connected Android device automatically on start-up (as long as the
Android Device has been Bluetooth enabled). This means that next time you
connect to the Receiver, you may only have to enter Bluetooth pairing mode
on the Receiver. Open the PL-AP app and select the “Data Transfer” button.
Measuring Multiple Depths
The PL-G receiver can only measure the depth once per connection. To use
the PL-G receiver multiple times consecutively without disconnecting from
the Android device, follow these instructions:
1. Directly after your first measurement using Bluetooth (page 9), ensure
the PL-AP app is open and still on the PL-G screen, and the button still
displays “Stop Transfer”.
2. Restart the PL-G receiver by pressing the power button to turn it off
and then on again.
3. Hold down the “Depth” button on the PL-G Receiver until it says
“<<Bluetooth>> Wait Connection”. It should soon automatically change
to “<<Bluetooth>> Established Connection” if step 1 was performed
correctly.
4. The PL-G receiver will be ready to perform another measurement.
If you do not need to measure the depth multiple times consecutively
without disconnecting, perform the instructions on page 9 instead.

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3-2. HOW TO ACCESS COLLECTED DATA WITHIN THE PL-AP APP
To find where the data is stored in the app, find and open the PL-AP app
and select the “REPORT” button. You will then see the screen below.
Ensure this is set to “PL-G”. This ensures
correct formatting of the report when generated.
This is a list of ID’s representing PL-G Receivers
that have connected to the device and gathered
data. To find the ID number of your PL-G receiver,
look below the receiver’s handle.
This is a range of dates that you can modify by
pressing the calendar icons. Only data collected
within the range of dates will appear.
Ensure the range of dates is correctly set to the dates you want. Then, tap
on the PL-G Receiver you want to view the data from, and then tap “Select”.
This will take you to a screen where you can view
the data collected within the range of dates you
selected from the chosen receiver.

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3-3. HOW TO DELETE COLLECTED DATA WITHIN THE PL-AP APP
To DELETE data collected, find and open the PL-AP app and select the
“DELETE” button. The screen below will be displayed.
1. Select the Range of Dates of the Data
you want to Delete.
2. Select the Receiver you want to Delete
data from.
3. If you want to delete all the Data
collected from that receiver, select
“Delete Data”.
4. If you want to delete specific Data from
that receiver, select “Select”. This will
lead you to the screen shown on the right.
5. Select the specific data you want to
delete by tapping it (you may select
multiple), and then select “Delete” on the
bottom left.
Ensure Model is set to either “ALL” or “PL-G”.
This ensures data from a PL-G Receiver shall be
displayed.
This is a list of ID’s representing PL-G Receivers
that have previously been connected to the
Device. Each PL-G has a unique ID pairing-
number associated to your PL-G-MAX Receiver
This is a range of Dates that you can modify by
pressing the calendar icons. Only data collected
within the range of dates will appear.

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3-4. HOW TO CREATE REPORTS OF COLLECTED DATA
To find where the data is stored in the app, find and open the PL-AP app
and select the “REPORT” button. You will then see the screen below.
1. Select the range of dates of the data you want to
have in the Report.
2. Select the Receiver of the data you want to have
in the Report
3. If you want to create a Report of all the data
collected by that specific PL-G receiver, select
“Creating”.
4. If you want to create a report using specific
data from that PL-G receiver, then select
“Select”. This will lead you to the screen shown
on the right.
5. Then, select the specific data you want added to
the report by tapping it (you may select multiple),
and then select “Filing” at the bottom.
Ensure this is set to “PL-G”. This ensures
correct formatting of the Report when generated.
This is a list of ID’s representing PL-G receivers
that have previously connected to the Device and
gathered data. To find the ID number of your PL-G
receiver, look below the receiver’s handle.
This is a range of dates that you can modify by
pressing the calendar icons. Only data collected
within the range of dates will appear.

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4. MODIFYING REPORT FILES ON ANDROID
4-1. HOW TO ACCESS REPORT FILES ON ANDROID
This section will show you where to find the generated Report files on your
Android Device. To learn what these files are, please refer to section (6).
Every Android device has a File Manager app. The app name differs from
device brands, but are often named “My Files”, “Files”, or “File Manager”.
To learn how to search for apps, refer to section (1-2 Pg. 6) of this manual.
For Samsung devices, look for the app named “My Files”.
1. Find and open your file manager app on your Android device. Below
are examples of what the app may look like, depending on the brand:
2. If there is an “Internal Storage” or “Storage” option, select it. Below are
examples of what this option may look like, depending on the brand:
3. Then, find and open the “PL_AP” folder.
4. Lastly, open the “Report” folder. This folder contains all report files.
Every time a Report is created, the app will generate two files as shown:
To learn what these different files are and how to use them, please
refer to section (6) of the manual;
Understanding The Report Files (Pg. 24)

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4-2. HOW TO TRANSFER / SHARE REPORT FILES ON ANDROID
This section will show you how to transfer/share report files on an Android
device. To learn how to access these files, refer to section (4-1 Pg.15) of
manual. To learn what these files & contents are, refer to section (6 Pg. 24)
of manual. After following the instructions in section (4-1 Pg. 15), you will be
able to see the report files, such as the screenshot below.
Keep in mind that different device brands have different types of android, so
specific instructions/screenshots may vary slightly.
1. Press and hold down the file you want to share. After a couple
seconds, checkboxes will appear next to the file names.
2. Once the checkboxes appear, select any additional files you want to
share. You may select multiple files.
3. Some Devices, such as Samsung devices, will allow you to share the
file(s) once the checkboxes appear. If visible, select the share option.
4. If your Device does not display a share option, tap on the triple-dot
icon on the top right of the screen, and then select share. You can
choose your sharing platform of choice.

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4-3. HOW TO RENAME REPORT FILES ON ANDROID
This section will show you how to rename report files on an Android device.
To learn how to access these files, refer to section (4-1 Pg.15) of manual.
After following the instructions in section (4-1 Pg.15), you will be able to see
the report files, such as the screenshot below.
Keep in mind that different device brands have different types of android, so
specific instructions/screenshots may vary slightly.
1. Press and hold down the file you want to rename. After a couple
seconds, checkboxes will appear next to the file names.
2. Some devices will allow you to modify the file name once the
checkboxes appear. If visible, select the “Rename” option and type in
your desired file name.
3. If your device does not display a renaming option, such as Samsung
devices, tap on the triple-dot icon on the top right of the screen, and
then select “Rename”.
Important Note:
Do not change any letters after the period. For example, if a file is named
“PLG02172021.csv” do not modify the “.csv” or else the file will break.

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4-4. HOW TO DELETE REPORT FILES ON ANDROID
This section will show you how to delete the report files on an Android
Device. To learn how to access these files, refer to section (4-1 Pg.15) of
manual.
After following the instructions in section (4-1 Pg.15), you will be able to see
the report files, such as the
Keep in mind that different device brands have different types of android, so
specific instructions/screenshots may vary slightly.
1. Press and hold down the file you want to delete. After a couple
seconds, checkboxes will appear next to the file names.
2. Once the checkboxes appear, select any additional files you want to
delete. You may select multiple files.
3. Some devices, such as Samsung devices, will allow you to delete the
file(s) once the checkboxes appear. If visible, select the delete/trash
option to delete the chosen file(s). This button may be anywhere on
the screen.
4. If your device does not display a delete option, tap on the triple-dot
icon on the top right of the screen, and then select delete.

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5. MODIFYING REPORT FILES ON PC
5-1. HOW TO ACCESS REPORT FILES ON PC
This section will show you where to find the generated report files on your
Android device using a Windows PC. To learn what these files are, please
refer to section (6 Pg.24). This manual assumes you are using Windows 10
To access files from your Windows PC, you will need your Android charging
cable. Keep in mind that specific instructions may vary for different brands.
1. Use your Android device’s charging cable and connect your Android
device to your PC.
2. Once connected to your PC, swipe down from the home screen of your
Android device, and look for a notification that starts with:
“Android System USB ...” Select and open the notification.
3. Then, select “File transfer” or similar. This will allow your PC to access
your Android device’s files.
4. Now, go to your Windows PC and search “file explorer” using the
search bar on the bottom left. Open it, this should open a window.
Instructions continue on the next page...

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5. In the file explorer, select “This PC” on the left sidebar, then open your
Android device. This manual uses a Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet.
6. Open the first inner folder, and then find and open the “PL_AP” folder.
The first inner folder will vary in name due to different devices/brands.
7. Lastly, open the “Report” folder. This folder contains all report files.
rst
second
To learn what these different files are and what they contain, please
refer to section (6 Pg.24) of the manual;
Understanding The Report Files
Table of contents