Topcon RC-5A User guide

RC-5A
Remote Control System
1010049-02-A
SYSTEM MANUAL

i
HOW TO READ THIS MANUAL
Thank you for selecting the RC-5A.
• Please read this System manual carefully, before using this product.
• The specifications and general appearance of the instrument are subject to change without prior
notice and without obligation by TOPCON CORPORATION and may differ from those appearing in
this manual.
• The content of this manual is subject to change without notice.
• Some of the diagrams shown in this manual may be simplified for easier understanding.
• This manual is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved by TOPCON CORPORATION.
• Except as permitted by Copyright law, this manual may not be copied, and no part of this manual
may be reproduced in any form or by any means.
• This manual may not be modified, adapted or otherwise used for the production of derivative works.
Symbols
The following conventions are used in this manual.
: Indicates precautions and important items which should be read before
operations.
: Indicates a cross-reference to refer to for additional information.
: Indicates supplementary explanation.
: Indicates an explanation for a particular term or operation.
[DIST] etc. : Indicates softkeys on the total station display.
{ESC} etc. : Indicates operation keys on the total station.
POWER etc. : Indicates Remote Controller LEDs.
Notes regarding manual style
• Except where stated, "total station" means Remote Control System compatible GT/PS/DS/MS
models in this manual. For details of the models, contact your local dealer.
• Screens and illustrations used in this manual are of GT (with RC handle).
• The Remote Control System adds remote control functions to the total station. Please read this
manual in conjunction with the operator’s manual for your instrument.
• The content of this system manual is mainly concerned with explaining the operation of the Remote
Controller RC-5A. For precautions and operating method, please read the operator’s manual for
your total station or data collector.
•Bluetooth®is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
• All other company and product names featured in this manual are trademarks or registered
trademarks of each respective organization.

ii
:This is the mark of the Japan Surveying
Instruments Manufacturers Association.
Li-ion S Li-ion

iii
CONTENTS
1. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION ................ 1
2. PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 4
3. LASER SAFETY INFORMATION ............................... 8
4. ON-DEMAND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS .... 9
4.1 Turning Operation Flow ................................................... 10
4.2 Measurement Flow .......................................................... 11
5. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION .................................... 14
5.1 Parts of the Remote Controller ........................................ 14
5.2 System Configuration of the Remote Controller .............. 16
6. SETTINGS FOR THE TOTAL STATION .................. 20
6.1 Settings for GT ................................................................ 20
6.2 Settings for PS/DS/MS .................................................... 26
6.3 Performing Turning from the Total Station ...................... 31
6.4 Turning Error ................................................................... 34
7. BASIC OPERATION ................................................. 35
7.1 Using the Battery ............................................................. 35
7.2 Configuring Bluetooth Connections to the Total Station . 36
7.3 Button Operations ........................................................... 38
7.4 Communication Status .................................................... 39
7.5 Calibrating the Electronic Compass ................................ 40
8. ERROR INDICATIONS ........................................... 43
9. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................. 44
10. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .................................... 45
10.1 Power Supply System ..................................................... 47
11. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................... 48
12. EXPLANATION ........................................................ 51
12.1 High Accuracy with the 360° Prism ................................. 51
13. BUTTON OPERATIONS LIST .................................. 52
14. REGULATIONS ........................................................ 53

1
1. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION
For the safe use of the product and prevention of injury to operators and other persons as well as
prevention of property damage, items which should be observed are indicated by an exclamation point
within a triangle used with WARNING and CAUTION statements in this system manual.
The definitions of the indications are listed below. Be sure you understand them before reading the
main text.
Definition of Indication
General
WARNING Ignoring this indication and making an operation error could possibly
result in death or serious injury to the operator.
CAUTION Ignoring this indication and making an operation error could possibly
result in personal injury or property damage.
This symbol indicates items for which caution (hazard warnings inclusive) is urged.
Specific details are printed in or near the symbol.
This symbol indicates items which are prohibited.
Specific details are printed in or near the symbol.
This symbol indicates items which must always be performed.
Specific details are printed in or near the symbol.
Warning
Do not use the unit in areas exposed to high amounts of dust or ash, in areas where
there is inadequate ventilation, or near combustible materials. An explosion could occur.
Do not perform disassembly or rebuilding. Fire, electric shock, burns, or hazardous
radiation exposure could result.
When securing the instrument in the carrying case make sure that all catches, including
the side catches, are closed. Failure to do so could result in the instrument falling out
while being carried, causing injury.
Caution
Do not use the carrying case as a footstool. The case is slippery and unstable so a
person could slip and fall off it.
Do not place the instrument in a damaged case or in a case with a damaged belt. The
case or instrument could be dropped and cause injury.
Secure handle to main unit screws. Failure to properly secure the handle could result in
the unit falling off while being carried, causing injury.

2
1. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION
Power Supply
When mounting the instrument on the pole, tighten the pole-securing knob securely.
Failure to tighten the knob properly could result in the instrument falling off the pole,
causing injury.
Do not carry the pole with the tip pointed at other persons. A person could be injured if
struck by the shoe.
Keep hands and feet away from the tip of the pole when fixing the pole in the ground. A
hand or foot stab wound could result.
Warning
Do not perform disassembly or rebuilding the battery or the charger or do not expose
those to heavy shocks or vibration. Sparking, fire, electric shock or burns could result.
Do not short circuit. Heat or ignition could result.
Do not place articles such as clothing on the battery charger while charging batteries.
Sparks could be induced, leading to fire.
Do not use voltage other than the specified power supply voltage. Fire or electrical shock
could result.
Do not use batteries other than those designated. An explosion could occur, or abnormal
heat generated, leading to fire.
Do not use damaged power cords, plugs or loose outlets. Fire or electric shock could
result.
Do not use power cords other than those designated. Fire could result.
Use only the specified battery charger to recharge batteries. Other chargers may be of
different voltage rating or polarity, causing sparking which could lead to fire or burns.
Do not use the battery, charger or AC (power) cable for any other equipment or purpose.
Fire or burns caused by ignition could result.
Do not heat or throw batteries into fire. An explosion could occur, resulting in injury.
To prevent shorting of the battery in storage, apply insulating tape or equivalent to the
terminals. Otherwise shorting could occur resulting in fire or burns.
Do not use the battery or battery charger if its terminals are wet. Resultant poor contact
or shorting could lead to fire or burns.
Do not connect or disconnect power supply plugs with wet hands. Electric shock could
result.

3
1. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION
Bluetooth wireless technology
Caution
Do not touch liquid leaking from batteries. Harmful chemicals could cause burns or
blisters.
Warning
Do not use within the vicinity of hospitals. Malfunction of medical equipment could result.
Use the instrument at a distance of at least 22 cm from anyone with a cardiac pacemaker.
Otherwise, the pacemaker may be adversely affected by the electromagnetic waves
produced and cease to operate as normal.
Do not use onboard aircraft. The aircraft instrumentation may malfunction as a result.
Do not use within the vicinity of automatic doors, fire alarms and other devices with
automatic controls as the electromagnetic waves produced may adversely affect
operation resulting in an accident.

4
2. PRECAUTIONS
Charging Battery
• The battery (BDC46C) was not charged at the factory. Charge the battery fully before using.
• Be sure to charge the battery within the charging temperature range.
Charging temperature range:0 to 40°C
• Use only the specified battery or the battery charger. Failures caused by using other batteries or
battery chargers are out of warranty including the main unit.
Warranty policy for Battery
• Battery is an expendable item. The decline in retained capacity depending on the repeated charging/
discharging cycle is out of warranty.
Precautions
• Protect instruments from heavy shocks or vibration.
• Never touch the Remote Controller laser projection port or the total station beam detector. The ability
of the system to perform Turning may be adversely affected.
• Turn the power OFF before removing the battery from the Remote Controller.
• Remove the battery when the Remote Controller is not used for long periods.
• Do not allow sand to come into contact with the battery cover catches. Otherwise sand particles
could jam the motion of the catches. In the event that sand has jammed the catches, hold the unit
so that the catches/button are facing downward and operate the catches/button several times until
the sand has fallen out.
Maintenance
• Wipe off moisture completely if the instrument gets wet during survey work.
• Wipe the Remote Controller laser projection port and total station beam detector with the wiping
cloth (total station accessory).
• To clean the Remote Controller, lightly moisten a soft cloth in a mild detergent solution. Wring out
excess water until the cloth is slightly damp, then carefully wipe the surface of the unit. Do not use
any alkaline cleaning solutions, alcohol, or any other organic solvents on the instrument.
• Wipe the slide pole for the ATP1SII with tissue paper or a cloth when prism movement along the
pole ceases to be smooth. Do not use lubricants.
• Store the instrument in a dry room where the temperature remains fairly constant.
• Check the Remote Controller for proper adjustment periodically to maintain the instrument
accuracy.
Precautions concerning water and dust resistance
The Remote Controller conforms to IP65 specifications for waterproofing and dust resistance when
the battery cover is closed and connector caps are attached correctly.
• Make sure that moisture or dust particles do not come in contact with the terminals.
Operating the instrument with moisture or dust on the terminals may cause damage to the
instrument.
• Make sure that the inside of the carrying case and the instrument are dry before closing the case. If
moisture is trapped inside the case, it may cause the instrument to rust.

5
2. PRECAUTIONS
Precautions concerning Bluetooth wireless technology
• Use of this technology must be authorized according to telecommunications regulations of the
country where the instrument is being used. Contact your local dealer in advance.
"14. REGULATIONS"
• TOPCON CORPORATION is not liable for the content of any transmission nor any content related
thereto. When communicating important data, run tests beforehand to ascertain that communication
is operating normally.
• Do not divulge the content of any transmission to any third party.
Radio interference when using Bluetooth technology
Bluetooth communication with the Remote Controller uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This is the
same band used by the devices described below.
•Industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment such as microwaves and pacemakers
• portable premises radio equipment (license required) used in factory production lines etc.
• portable specified low-power radio equipment (license-exempt)
•IEEE802.11b/IEEE802.11g standard wireless LAN devices
The above devices use the same frequency band as Bluetooth communications. As a result, using the
Remote Controller within proximity to the above devices may result in interference causing
communication failure or reduction of transmission speed.
Although a radio station license is not required for this instrument, bear in mind the following points
when using Bluetooth technology for communication.
●Regarding portable premises radio equipment and portable specified low-power radio
equipment:
• Before starting transmission, check that operation will not take place within the vicinity of portable
premises radio equipment or specified low-power radio equipment.
• In the case that the instrument causes radio interference with portable premises radio equipment,
terminate the connection immediately.
• In the case that the instrument causes radio interference with portable specified low-power radio
equipment, move away from said equipment and try again. If the problem persists contact your local
dealer.
●When using the Remote Controller in proximity to IEEE802.11b or IEEE802.11g standard wire-
less LAN devices, turn off all devices not being used.
• Interference may result, causing transmission speed to slow or even disrupting the connection
completely. Turn off all devices not being used.
●Do not use the Remote Controller in proximity to microwaves.
• Microwave ovens can cause significant interference resulting in communication failure. Perform
communication at a distance of 3m or more from microwave ovens.
●Refrain from using the Remote Controller in proximity to televisions and radios.
• Televisions and radios use a different frequency band to Bluetooth communications.
However, even if the Remote Controller is used within proximity to the above equipment with no
adverse effects with regard to Bluetooth communication, moving a Bluetooth-compatible device
(including the Remote Controller) closer to said equipment may result in electronic noise in sound
or images, adversely affecting the performance of televisions and radios.

6
2. PRECAUTIONS
Precautions regarding transmission
●For best results
• When using in conjunction with a total station, perform communication within a line-of-sight distance
of approximately 300m. The usable range becomes shorter when obstacles block the line of sight,
or devices other than total stations, such as PDAs or computers, are used. Wood, glass and plastic
will not impede communication but the usable range becomes shorter. Moreover, wood, glass and
plastic containing metal frames, plates, foil and other heat shielding elements as well as coatings
containing metallic powders may adversely affect Bluetooth communication and concrete,
reinforced concrete, and metal will render it impossible.
• Use a vinyl or plastic cover to protect the instrument from rain and moisture. Metallic materials
should not be used.
• The direction of the Bluetooth antenna can have adverse effects upon usable range. For best
results make sure that the antennas of both the Remote Controller and the companion device are
pointing towards one another.
●Reduced range due to atmospheric conditions
The radio waves used by the Remote Controller may be absorbed or scattered by rain, fog, and
moisture from the human body with the limit of usable range becoming lower as a result. Similarly,
usable range may also shorten when performing communication in wooded areas. Moreover, as
wireless devices lose signal strength when close to the ground, perform communication at as high a
position as possible.

• TOPCON CORPORATION cannot guarantee full compatibility with all Bluetooth product on the
market.
Exporting this product (Relating EAR)
• This product is equipped with the parts/units, and contains software/technology, which are subject
to the EAR (Export Administration Regulations). Depending on countries you wish to export or bring
the product to, a US export license may be required. In such a case, it is your responsibility to obtain
the license. The countries requiring the license as of May 2013 are shown below. Please consult the
Export Administration Regulations as they are subject to change.
North Korea
Iran
Syria
Sudan
Cuba
URL for the EAR of the US: http://www.bis.doc.gov/policiesandregulations/ear/index.htm
Exporting this product (Relating telecommunications regulations)
• Wireless communication module is incorporated in the instrument. Use of this technology must be
compliant with telecommunications regulations of the country where the instrument is being used.
Even exporting the wireless communication module may require conformity with the regulations.
Contact your local dealer in advance.

7
2. PRECAUTIONS
Exceptions from responsibility
• The user of this product is expected to follow all operating instructions and make periodic checks
(hardware only) of the product’s performance.
• The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for results of faulty or intentional
usage or misuse including any direct, indirect, consequential damage, or loss of profits.
• The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for consequential damage, or
loss of profits due to any natural disaster, (earthquake, storms, floods etc.), fire, accident, or an act
of a third party and/or usage under unusual conditions.
• The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for any damage (change of
data, loss of data, loss of profits, an interruption of business etc.) caused by use of the product or
an unusable product.
• The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for any damage, and loss of
profits caused by usage different to that explained in the operator’s manual.
• The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for damage caused by incorrect
operation, or action resulting from connecting to other products.

8
3. LASER SAFETY INFORMATION
Remote Controller is classified as a Class 1 Laser Product according to IEC Standard Publication
60825-1 Ed. 3.0: 2014 and United States Government Code of Federal Regulation FDA CDRH 21CFR
Part1040.10 and 1040.11 (Complies with FDA performance standards for laser products except for
deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No.50, dated June 24, 2007.)
Warning
• Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
• Never intentionally point the laser beam at another person. The laser beam is injurious to the eyes
and skin. If an eye injury is caused by exposure to the laser beam, seek immediate medical attention
from a licensed ophthalmologist.
Caution
• Perform checks at start of work and periodic checks and adjustments with the laser beam emitted
under normal conditions.
• When the instrument is not being used, turn OFF the power.
• When disposing of the instrument, destroy the battery connector so that the laser beam cannot be
emitted.
• Operate the instrument with due caution to avoid injuries that may be caused by the laser beam
unintentionally striking a person in the eye. Avoid setting the instrument at heights at which the path
of the laser beam may strike pedestrians or drivers at head height.
• Never point the laser beam at mirrors, windows or surfaces that are highly reflective. The reflected
laser beam could cause serious injury.
Laser beam is emitted
from here

9
4. ON-DEMAND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The Remote Control System works as follows. A laser is emitted from the laser projection port on the
Remote Controller. The total station rotates until its beam detector receives this beam. In this way the
total station is able to detect the position of the Remote Controller. This operation is called "Turning".
With the Remote Control System it is possible for a single operator to perform measurements,
unaided, at multiple measurement points.
The Remote Controller incorporates a Bluetooth unit which allows simultaneous communication with
both the total station and a data collector.
Electronic compass
The Remote Controller is equipped with an electronic compass. Using the Earth’s magnetism,
this compass can detect the Remote Controller’s horizontal angle from magnetic north.
The current angle is compared with that for the previous measurement to estimate the direction
in which the Remote Controller moved following the previous measurement. By then taking into
account the aspect of the telescope the Remote Controller can instruct the total station regarding
the quickest rotation direction to the prism.
The onboard electronic compass was calibrated before being shipped from the factory. A
function within the compass will automatically perform any necessary calibration in response to
changes in the magnetic field.
Auto Pointing and Auto Tracking
When Auto Pointing is performed, the total station analyses the image of the prism in the field of
view and moves the telescope to sight the center of this prism. When used in conjunction with
the Auto Tracking function, the total station will then "track" the prism as it is moved to the next
measurement point. When the prism has been "lost" due to an obstacle in the line-of-sight or
operation has been interrupted, the Remote Control System allows you to quickly resume
operation where you left off.

10
4. ON-DEMAND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
To perform Turning, follow the procedure below.
For measurement procedure, see "4.2 Measurement Flow"
1. Point the Remote Controller laser projection
port and prism in the direction of the total
station and instruct the instrument to start
Turning. A laser beam is emitted from the
projection port. At the same time, the
Bluetooth unit (COM 1) relays the instruction
to begin Turning.
2. The total station begins to rotate horizontally,
searching for the emitted laser beam. If it is
not detected by the end of the second rotation,
an error occurs.
3. Once the position of the horizontal direction
has been determined, the total station
telescope then begins to rotate along the
vertical axis searching for the position of the
prism.
4. Once the position of the vertical direction has
been determined an audio sounds and the
total station automatically sights the prism in
the field of view.
5. The total station tracks a sighted prism as it is
moved to the next measurement point when
Auto Tracking is set.
4.1 Turning Operation Flow

11
4. ON-DEMAND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

• The time limit for Turning is 60 seconds from the start of Turning operation. If the operation exceeds
this time limit, an error occurs.

• When Auto Tracking has been selected, the total station will start tracking a moving prism once
Turning to that prism has been completed.
This section explains the measurement procedure for a single operator working from the Remote
Controller. An operator working alone will need a data collector (available as an optional accessory).

• When reflected laser signal is strong (object with high reflection factor):
If there is an object with a high reflection factor, such as a window or standing water, in the vicinity
of the total station/prism, the laser beam may be reflected and Turning operation performed pointing
at the object instead of the Remote Controller. In this case the accuracy of measurement results may
be adversely affected.
• Fix the pole vertically over the measurement point.

• For communication settings for data collectors etc., see the operator’s manual for your respective
device.
PROCEDURE
1. Connect the instruments.
"5. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION"
2. Switch ON the power to the total station and
the total station should be ready to Bluetooth
communication.
4.2 Measurement Flow

12
4. ON-DEMAND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3. Set measurement settings for the total station
and select prism type.
"6. SETTINGS FOR THE TOTAL
STATION"
Prism selection: Operator’s Manual for
your total station, "EDM Settings"
4. Check that total station Bluetooth settings are
made and the instrument is ready for
communication.
"6. SETTINGS FOR THE TOTAL
STATION"
After completing the total station preparations
above, the next step is to prepare the Remote
Controller.
5. Press the POWER button to switch ON
the Remote Controller. ●POWER is Lit.
6. Fix the pole vertically over the measurement
point and point the laser projection port of the
Remote Controller roughly in the direction of
the total station.
If the distance between the total station and the
Remote Controller is over 100m (normal
atmospheric conditions)/150m (good
atmospheric conditions), set to Far Mode by
pressing the FAR button (●FAR is Lit).
For atmospheric conditions, see
"7.3.2 Setting Distance Mode"
7. When SEARCH button is pressed or
turning operationthe is instructed from the data
collector, the total station starts turning
operation.
8. Send an instruction from the data collector to
perform measurement.

• When returned laser signal is weak (object with low reflection factor):
Even if the laser beam received by the total station has been reflected off an unrelated object, or
sunlight has entered the beam detector, the total station still attempts to complete the stages of
Turning operation as far as Auto Pointing. When the total station judges that the laser beam has not
travelled directly from the Remote Controller to the beam detector, this position reading taken in
error is nullified and the total station automatically continues Turning operation at the next position.

13
4. ON-DEMAND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
However, the time limit for Turning is 60 seconds from the start of Turning operation and if the
operation exceeds this time limit, an error occurs.
• Using the total station guide light when performing Turning operation allows the operator to confirm
whether or not the total station has correctly located the Remote Controller laser beam. When a
work site contains highly reflective surfaces it is recommended that measurement is performed
using the guide light. If the total station has completed Turning operation pointing at the Remote
Controller, both the red and green guide lights are visible from the position of the Remote Controller.
There are some models which do not have the guide light.
For the total station guide light, see the Operator’s Manual for your total station.
• With data collectors it is possible to specify the rotation direction for Turning operation before
performing distance measurement.
 For operation procedure, see the operator's manual for your data collector.
Height difference and slope distance
The maximum measuring range depends on the height difference between the total station and
the Remote Controller.
The shaded area in the graph below represents the measurement range when set to Far Mode.
40m
20m
180m 250m 300m
Height difference
Measurement
range
Slope distance

14
5. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Use a total station that supports Remote Control System.
"HOW TO READ THIS MANUAL Notes regarding manual style"
●Remote Controller (RC-5A)

• COM1 is for communication with the total station. COM2 is for communication with the data
collector.
5.1 Parts of the Remote Controller
Control panel
Laser projection
Battery cover
Laser projection Control panel
side
port
Bluetooth
antenna
Blind cap
port side
FAR button
SEARCH button
POWER button
●COM1 ●COM2
Control panel
●POWER
●SEARCH
●FAR

15
5. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
●RC-Handle (RC-5RH)
The RC-Handle incorporates a circular level.
Adjusting the circular level
First attach the RC-Handle and 360° Prism ATP1 to the RC-5A, and then attach the RC-5A to
the instrument height adapter (AP41) etc. Holding the RC-Handle, keep the instrument level.
Check the position of the bubble of the circular level. If the bubble is not off-center, no adjustment
is necessary. If the bubble is off-center, perform the following adjustment. First confirm the off-
center direction. Use the adjusting pin to loosen the circular level adjustment screw on the side
opposite to the direction the bubble is displaced to move the bubble to the center. Adjust the
adjusting screws until the tightening tension of the three screws is the same to align the bubble
in the middle of the circle.
Circular level
Circular level
Strap
adjusting screws

16
5. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
For use with other prism types, contact your local dealer.
●Pin Pole Type
5.2 System Configuration of the Remote Controller
RC-Handle for RC-5A
Adapter Pin pole for
Pin
Pin pole point
AP66
SB184
360° Prism
360° Sliding Prism
RC-5RH
h1
ATP1
PP2
ATP1SII
Pin pole point
AP66
5 cm
5 cm
5 cm
h2
Pin Pole
example
pole
ATP1SII
Pin
pole
Pin
pole
Protector
RP3
Protector
RP3