
General notes on the LiDAR PC and the use of third party software.
• The LiDAR contains a PC, running Windows XP or 7. It is an embedded, ruggedised unit, which controls the
LiDAR and acts as a storage system for the collected data. We would encourage users to treat the PC as a
sophisticated embedded controller, and not as a general use PC. For example – the USB ports are for
attaching a keyboard and mouse, and not for charging mobile phones.
• Each LiDAR is shipped with a suite of software that has been tested and found to be stable and Halo
Photonics can only guarantee trouble free operation of the system’s control software and PC as long as no 3rd
party software is installed.
• If additional software is needed for security reasons, then it should be fully tested before the LiDAR is left
unattended.
• For remote connection to the Internet, we would advise the use of SIM-based modems that simply present
RJ45 connectivity to the LiDAR – which means that there is no need for additional software. USB broadband
dongles have been known to cause problems both from the software, and because of the amount of power
that they draw from the USB port.
• The PC should be allowed to boot straight to the desktop without user intervention. If accounts are set up that
require a password to be entered, then the LiDAR won’t be able to run any software contained in the Windows
startup directory when recovering from a power cut for example.
Windows settings:
Windows auto-updates are disabled.
Windows firewall is on
Windows anti-virus is off
Windows time syncing is disabled
Daylight saving adjustment is disabled
Video resolution is 1280 x 1024
BIOS settings:
The PC is set to come on with power.
The PC will come on at 12:20 PM if it is powered, but is off (after a shutdown for example)
General settings:
IP address for RJ45-X (192.168.0.1) – please do not change this setting.
IP address for RJ45-BB – This can be fixed if needed. The default is to auto-assign.
General handling notes regarding the LiDAR.
• No part of the LiDAR is to be removed or modified in any way without the written permission of Halo
Photonics. The removal or changing in any way of components or software will void the system’s warranty.
• If the handles need to be removed, then it is important that they are fully screwed back on before lifting. The
long handles screw onto the connector panel end, and the short ones go on the scanner end.
• If the scanner is moved manually whilst the LiDAR is un-powered, or when the motors are disabled (using the
scanner utility software), then it must not be rotated at more than 30 degrees per second.
• When adjusting the legs, care must be taken to ensure that the telescopic inner part of the leg does not
protrude more than 10cm (4”). If further adjustment is needed, then the opposite leg(s) can be wound in.
• Do not over-tighten the leg clamps. The 3 turned regions of the legs provide a suitable hard stop that will
prevent the clamps sliding.
• The system must not be stored or left in conditions where there is a risk that the ambient temperature could
fall below -20°C. During cold deployments, the system must be stored at room temperature prior to
deployment for at least 10 hours. Power must be maintained at all times during sub-zero deployments.