CMT - Surveyor's Assistant 2.2 FAQ

Q1 What are the main differences between SA 2.2 and SA 2.05?

In general, the user interface has been enhanced in SA 2.2.
In addition, SA 2.2 has these new features:

Accepts alphanumeric point ID
In order to permit entry of alphanumeric point ID, a ":" is added to the Figure definition syntax. For example, to define a Line Figure that goes from point 1 to point 2 to point 3, you would enter the Figure definition as L:1-3.
Provides space for entering coordinates with 8 digits + 5 decimal places.
Function to recalculate coordinates after user edits the raw data ("cAlc coord" function in VIEW JOB DATA screen)
Automatically averages the coordinates for a measurement set
Function to set up date and time Automatically changes the data based on the selected units
Offset Measurement using two-prism method
Elevation Stakeout
More sophisticated cross-section definition for Slope Stakeout
Always shows vertical and horizontal distances in stakeout.
Lets user pick from a list of existing points for COGO and Stakeout functions.
SA 2.2 runs on the MC5GT unit. All files are automatically saved to the built-in MC5GT RAM Disk (I:\DATA drive). The Mc5GT can reliably transfer files at 38400 baud to/from COGOCAD 2.3 BETA.

Q2 How can I upgrade my SA 1.x/2.0x to SA 2.05 or SA 2.2?

Surveyor's Assistant version B2.00 is the current version for the SA-BASIC program. The current version of SA-1 is SA 1.40.
The current version of SA-2 is SA2.05 for the MC5 handheld unit and SA 2.2 for the MC5GT handheld unit.

To upgrade your MC5 SA to the current SA 2.05, please call CMT to request the upgrade. We will ask you to send in your current MC5 SA modules along with a payment of $285 plus shipping and handling. When you receive the 3 EPROM modules programmed with SA 2.05, install them in the designated ports in your MC5.

If your MC5 is over 7 years old, it may be a good idea to trade it in for the new MC5GT system.

SA 2.2 runs on the MC5GT machine. It does not run on the earlier models such as MC-II, MC5Q, MC5N, MC5T, MC5E or MC5H. If you have an MC5GT machine with SA 2.05, please see A3 below.

If you have an MC-II, MC5Q, MC5N, MC5T, MC5E or MC5H with SA or any other surveying software modules, you may trade it in for a new MC5GT with SA 2.2. Trade in price is $985 per unit.

Q3 How can I update my MC5GT with the latest SA 2.2?
	No special hardware is required for updating the files in the MC5GT EEPROMS. The latest SA 2.2 program images and the update utility are available on the CMT web site. You can do it yourself to save time and money.

Q4 Can I transfer my old SA 1.x/2.0x jobs to MC5GT with SA 2.2?

Definitely. Get your free copy of the CMT COGOCAD 2.3 BETA from our web site.
Then take these 3 steps:

Transfer the SA 1.x/2.0x .HVD jobs to COGOCAD 2.3 BETA.
Save the jobs as .FLD files.

Transfer the .FLD jobs to SA 2.2

Following are some notes related to file transfer to/from COGOCAD.

Run COGOCAD, then use Utility/File Transfer/Settings to select the COM port and baud rate for your PC.

For a successful transfer, the baud rates need to match. Use 19200 between MC5/SA2.0x and COGOCAD.
(You may use 38400 baud between MC5GT/SA2.2 and COGOCAD.)

Use COM1 by default on MC5, MC5GT and PC. Activate the receiver/server side first.

In COGOCAD, click on "Change Dir" to specify the directory into which the received files should go. Similarly, use "Change Dir" to specify the directory from which files are to be sent out.

The following charts summarize the transfer control settings:

                                              SA 2.2                       COGOCAD 2.3 BETA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA2.2 to COGOCAD             OUTPUT (current job)           Recv/Serv

COGOCAD to SA 2.2            INPUT (server)                     Send (specified job)

                                              SA 2.05                    COGOCAD 2.3 BETA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA2.05 to COGOCAD             OUTPUT (current job)        Recv/Serv

COGOCAD to SA 2.05            INPUT (specify job name   Recv/Serv
                                                        without extension)

Please note that the file to be transferred may not have the same name as the currently open job in SA 2.05.

Larger files will take a longer time to transfer. An "Overwrite All" option is available for file transfer between SA 2.2 and COGOCAD 2.3 BETA.

After transferring a job from COGOCAD to SA 2.05 or SA 2.2, you will need to use View/edit figList to enter a list of figures to be displayed, if you wish to see them in the on-screen graph.

SA.COD is the global code file for SA 2.05.
SA2.COD is the global code file for SA 2.2.



Q5 How do I output the coordinates from my SA job to an ASCII file?

Following are two methods you can use to get just the ASCII coordinates from Surveyor's Assistant:

I. USER format output from SA 1.x, SA2.0x and SA 2.2.

Select the SA job of interest.

From the SA Main Menu, select Transfer.

Direction: Output
Format: USER1
Data: COORDINATE
Port: FILE    CHK HOLD (your choice)
PROTOCOL KERMIT

FILENAME (job name will be displayed here)

Press F2-USER and enter the following information:

Name: U1
SEQUENCE: PNEZCD
N&E-PREC: 2   Z-PREC: 2 (or higher precision)
DELIMITER: ,
END LINE: ^M^J
Leave the header and tail blank. (Do not press F3-HEAD and F4-TAIL.)

Press F1-SAVE to save this U1 format.

Press F1-GO. When the transfer is done, press F1-CONTINUE and then press ESC until you are out in the operating system.

Arrow down to the file that has the jobname without any filename extension. You may press F4-View to look at the contents of this file. It should include all the coordinates of the points in this job. If you have entered any codes or descriptions for the points, they will also be included in this file. (Specify the PZNED sequence to omit the codes from the transfer.) You may transfer this file to your PC by using KERMIT or the Windows Hyperterminal.

II. Using COGOCAD ASCII Transfer

A copy is available on the CMT web site, free of charge.

Transfer the SA job to COGOCAD as described in Q4 above.

Open the SA job in COGOCAD.

Select COGOCAD Utility/ASCII/Setup and add a format name. Enter "txt" as file extension. Use the default delimiters (Comma and CR LF). Select Point ID, Northing, Easting, Elevation and, optionally, Code Number and Description as items to transfer.

Click ExportPreview. If it looks OK, click on Export. Save the ASCII file in the appropriate subdirectory in your PC.


Q6 How do I move ASCII coordinates into SA?

Following are two ways to get ASCII coordinates into Surveyor's Assistant.

I. Transfer from CMT COGOCAD

Suppose you have a an ASCII coordinate file named c1.txt on your PC.

Select COGOCAD Utility/ASCII/Setup and add a format name.
Enter "txt" as file extension.
Accept the default delimiters (Comma and CR LF).
Select Point ID, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Code Number and Description as items to transfer.
Uncheck any item that is not included in your ASCII data file.
For example, if c1.txt does not have a "code number", then you should not mark the Code Number item for the transfer.
Save this format.

Click on "Import" and select the ASCII coordinate file (such as c1.txt) to import.

When the import function is completed, you should be able to see the points in the COGOCAD map area.

Click File/SaveAs. Select Save As Type: *.HVD if you intend to transfer the file to your MC5/SA 2.05.
Select Save As Type: *.FLD if you intend to transfer the file to your MC5GT/SA 2.2.
Enter a job name, then click "Save".

In COGOCAD, click on Utility and select File Transfer.

A. To transfer to SA 2.05, set the baud rate to 19200 on both sides.

In COGOCAD, select the SA 2.0 file type and switch to the directory in which you have saved the job to be transferred.
Click on "Recv/Serv". This puts your PC in server mode.
SA 2.05 will control which file to get from your PC.

From the SA 2.05 Main Menu, select Transfer.
Direction: Input
Format: SA
Data: ALL DATA
Port: COM1
PROTOCOL KERMIT
FILENAME Enter the job name without the filename extension.

B. To transfer to SA 2.2, set the baud rate to 38400 on both sides.

From the SA 2.2 Main Menu, select Transfer.

Direction: Input
Format: SA
Data: ALL DATA
Port: COM1
PROTOCOL: KERMIT

Press F1 (GO).

In COGOCAD, select the SA 2.2 file type and select the directory in which you have saved c1.txt. Select c1.txt then click on "Send".

Select the new job in SA 2.05 or SA 2.2 and use View/Edit Coordinates to look at the newly transferred coordinates.
II. USER Format Input from an ASCII file using Kermit on your PC

Suppose you have a file abc.txt that contains the ASCII coordinates in the sequence PNEZCD.

In SA, create a blank job (named abc) and select that job.

From Main Menu, select Transfer and set it up for INPUT, USER format, KERMIT protocol and FILENAME: abc.txt. Use F5-PORT to change or verify com port setup.

If you have not already done so, create a USER format as described in A5 above.

On the PC, go to the directory containing abc.txt and enter "kermit server".

In SA, press F1-GO and the transfer will start.

In SA, press F1-CONTINUE, then press [ESC] to return to Main Menu.

Use View/Edit Coordinates to look at the newly transferred coordinates.



Q7 How come I cannot read the job files output in SA format?


Outputs in SA format are not in readable ASCII text format. This format is for saving jobs to your PC for later downloading, for transferring to another MC5 data collector, or for transferring to the CMT COGOCAD.

Q8 How can I view the average angle for my measurement set?

SA will record all angles and distances in a set. To view the average angle, select "View/Edit" from the Main Menu.
Select "Filed data".
Go to a measurement set record.
Such a record will have data in the "Set" column, such as 1/1).
Press F1-Edit.
Press [ON] and then press F1-AVERAGE to see the average angle.

SA 2.2 will automatically compute the average coordinates based on the measurement set(s).

Q9 How come not all points in my SA job got transferred in Lietz format?


When SA outputs in the Lietz (SDR 2X) file transfer format, it checks the setting of the CHK HOLD field in the FILE TRANSFER screen. If this field shows YES, then only those points marked as HOLD points will be transferred. To transfer all coordinates, simply set this field to NO.

Use View/edit Coordinate to see which coordinates have been marked as HOLD points. SA automatically confers the HOLD status to the first Occupied Station and the first Backsight reference point. All adjusted points are automatically marked as HOLD points. You may manually change the HOLD status for any point.


Q10 How can I change my raw data records and have the coordinates recomputed?


In general, it is not a good idea to change your raw data directly, unless you know exactly what you are doing. In any case, you should make a backup of the original data files on your PC before attempting to change the raw data.

One legitimate reason for SA 2.05 users to edit the raw data is when you used the wrong units by mistake. In that case, you may edit the UNIT record in raw data so it shows the correct units. SA 2.2 users will not need to edit the raw data for this reason. They can simply change the units in the "sEtup" function and SA 2.2 will automatically update the data in the job to reflect the change.

After making a change to the raw data, SA 1.X and SA 2.0X users will need to run the "Adjust" function to re-compute the coordinates using the new raw data. SA 2.2 users may use the View/edit "cAlc coord" function to re-compute the coordinates.

The pre-requisite for making such a change is that the raw data be consistent. There likely will be cases where it is not possible to correct the data without redoing the job.

If all points created up to a certain point are correctly located and you have the correct measurement data to the remaining points, you could mask off the raw data records after the last good OS record, then re-enter the measurement data by hand. Again, it is not a good idea to alter your original data records.

If all the points have the correct relationship among them, but you just need to rotate or move the entire collection of points, you may use the COGO Scl/rot/tn function to do so. You may use the COGO iNverse function to find out the distance between any two points and the azimuth of the line joining the two points.


Q11 What's the correct procedure for using the "Adjust" function?


Certain rules must be followed when using the Surveyor's Assistant to do a closed-loop or an end-tie traverse on which adjustment will be performed later.

FIELD WORK

Last OS of closed loop traverse with internal BS must be the same as the internal BS.
Last OS of closed loop traverse with external BS must be the same as the first OS point.
End-ties traverse must have last OS at a control point.

Last FS of closed loop traverse with internal BS must be the same as the first OS point.
Last FS of closed loop traverse with external BS must be the same as the first BS.
End-ties traverse must end with FS to an azimuth mark.

ADJUST TRAVERSE

Specify the beginning and ending traverse points.
Last point for end-tie must be a control point.
Select adjustment options, then press RAWCLOSE to see the raw closure data.

RAW CLOSURE

If errors are large, use GRPH to check the data, use BAD to find bad angle, and use EDIT to fix the data.
Press ADJUST when closure is good.


Q12 How can I obtain a raw data file in ASCII format?


Select Print from the SA Main Menu, choose Field Data, and then direct the output to a file rather than a COM port.
If you transfer your SA jobs to COGOCAD, you can easily print quick traverse data, field data, coordinates, stakeout data, figure data and notes to a printer or a file.


Q13 How do I use SA data with AUTOCAD?


SA users can output data in USER ASCII format then import it into AUTOCAD.

To use the SA data with AutoCad SoftDesk Land Development Desktop Auto Line Work function, enter the Auto Line Code (such as BEGIN or B) into SA NOTE field, then transfer raw data in Lietz (SDR 2X) format to SoftDesk. Auto Line Work will automatically convert the data to field book format and draw the "polylines" based on the "figure" (different from SA figure).


Q14 How can I configure SA to use I: as default data drive?


SA 2.2 will automatically use I:\DATA as the default data drive. The following instructions pertain to SA 2.05 and earlier versions.

Before you may use the RAM Disk (drive I:) for the first time, it must be formatted. To format I:, enter the following lines from the MC5 operating system:
F:
FORMAT I:
Y (to confirm)

Note: Reformatting I: will erase its contents.
Do not reformat I: unless it has lost all data due to low power.

Prepare a text file named AUTOEXEC.S with the following contents:
KEYBEEP ON
B:
EDISK
I:
TSTATION.X
SA.X

Transfer the AUTOEXEC.S file to drive B: of your MC5 unit.


Q15 How do I output horizontal distances in the stakeout routine?


SA 2.2 will always use the Vertical Distance system for stakeout. The following instructions pertain to SA 2.05 and earlier versions.

From the Field Work Setup menu, select Units/sys, then select "Vertical Distance" for the Veritcal System field. Then go into the stakeout routine.


Q16 What Total Stations are compatible with SA?


Geotronics 400's
Geodolite
Geotronics 140
Kern E1, E2, 500 (discontinued)
Lietz SET2,3,4, SET500
Sokkia Set 5
Nikon TOP GUN SNG
Nikon TOP GUN SNG TRK
Nikon TOP GUN RPT TRK
Nikon TOP GUN SNG TRK METRIC
Nikon TOP GUN RPT TRK METRIC
Nikon DTM-5
Nikon DTM-512 (See Note 1 below.)
Pentax 10/II/III
Pentax PTS-5/10/V3/515
Pentax PCS Series
Topcon GTS-3&4 FINE
Topcon GTS-3&4 COARSE
Topcon ET2
Topcon GTS-300/600/800 Sereis (See Note 2 below)
Topcon GPT-1000 (See Note 2 below)
Topcon APL1A (in non-robotic mode)
Wild T1000
Wild TC1000-3000
Wild T/TC 1010-1610, TC-500
Leica TCA1103 (in RS-232 mode, not PCMCIA mode)
Leica TCR303 (in RS-232 mode, not PCMCIA mode)
Leica TC1800 (in RS-232 mode, not PCMCIA mode)
Zeiss E-Series

For Nikon DTM-512, set baud rate to be 1200 and select
the Lietz Set2,3,4 option.

For the newer Topcon total stations, if you have an earlier TSTATION.CFG file, please edit it as follows.

Use Kermit to transfer TSTATION.CFG from H: or D: drive of your MC5 Data Collector to your PC.

Open the file in a plain ASCII text file editor and look for the followig lines. Ignore the even record numbers such as <28>. These lines are long. Do not truncate or wrap them.

Change the parameter "60" (underlined here) to "160" for the odd records.

Change the parameter "60" (underlined here) to "600" for the even records.

<TOPCON GTS-3&4 FINE>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^60C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-<^7+^8+^-^C^/^60^F006^C>
<v 4 1 h 4 1> ----

<28>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z34093^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^60C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-?^9+^1-^7+^8+^- ^C^/^60^F006^C^60Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C>
<d 3 1 v 4 1 h 4 1> ----

<TOPCON GTS-3&4 COARSE>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^60C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-<^7+^8+^-^C^/^60^F006^C>
<v 4 1 h 4 1> ----

<30>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z32091^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^60C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-?^9+^1-^7+^8+^- ^C^/^60^F006^C^60Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C>
<d 3 1 v 4 1 h 4 1> ----

The result should be as follows:

<TOPCON GTS-3&4 FINE>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^160C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-<^7+^8+^-^C^/^60^F006^C>
<v 4 1 h 4 1>

<28>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z34093^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^600C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-?^9+^1-^7+^8+^- ^C^/^60^F006^C^60Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C>
<d 3 1 v 4 1 h 4 1>

<TOPCON GTS-3&4 COARSE>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^160C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-<^7+^8+^-^C^/^60^F006^C>
<v 4 1 h 4 1>

<30>
<1200,E,7,1,N,0>
<Z32091^C^/^-^F^-^C^/^600C067^C^/^-^F^-^C^-?^9+^1-^7+^8+^- ^C^/^60^F006^C^60Z12089^C^/^-^F^-^C>
<d 3 1 v 4 1 h 4 1>

Use Kermit to transfer the edited TSTATION.CFG to drive B: of your MC5 Data Collector. (Whenever your MC5 loses all power, you will need to transfer this file again to drive B: of the MC5.) The TSTATION.CFG in B: will override the TSTATION.CFG in drive H: or D:.

Try using your MC5 SA with your TOPCON total station.



Q17 How do I add an angle or a distance to a COGO field?


The following example illustrates how SA 2.2 lets you do this for the COGO INTERSECT function.

Open a Job that has a few points in it, such as Points 1, 2, 3.
In COGO INTERSECT, enter PNT: 1.   At the AZIMUTH field, press [SH2][F10] to call up the COGO INVERSE screen. Enter the FROM and TO points, such as 2 and 3, respectively. Suppose the AZIMUTH field shows: 200.

Now, enter 30 into the ANGLE+: field. When you press ENTER, the AZIMUTH has changed to 230. When you press F1-OK, 230 is returned to the AZIMUTH field for COGO INERSECT.

Similarly, from the DISTANCE or OFFSET field, you may press [SH2][F10] to call up the COGO INVERSE screen. Enter the FROM and TO points, such as 2 and 3, respectively. Suppose the HORZ DIST field shows: 120.

Now, enter 50 into the DIST+: field. When you press ENTER, the HORZ DIST has changed to 170. When you press F1-OK, 170 is returned to the DISTANCE field for COGO INERSECT.

If you want one half of the distance between points 2 and 3, then in the COGO INVERSE screen, you would use the RIGHT ARROW key to toggle to DIST* and then enter 0.5 into this field.

To subtract an angle or distance value, simply enter a minus sign before entering the value, such as "-50", into the ANGLE+ or DIST+ field.



Q18 How come my angle values get changed by transferring in Lietz (SDR) format?


The Lietz system only accepts angle data in decimal degrees and in the Zenith angle system. If the data was collected when the Field work units
were set to degree-minutes-seconds, then the angle data will be converted to decimal degrees. Similarly, the data will be converted to the Zenith
system if it was not collected in the Zenith system. If you wish to see the same angle values before and after the Lietz SDR data transfer, then
select the Zenith angle system and decimal degrees angle unit before collecting data. If you do not use the Zenith angle system or choose not to collect data in decimal degrees, then you should transfer just the coordinates and not the raw data to make your field book.



Q19 Can I use an existing point as my backsight point?


Yes. What you'll need to do is go to Setup -> Field work -> Backsight, then set "Distance" to Yes.

Press F1 to save this setting then shoot your backsight point..

Q7 How come I cannot read the job files output in SA format?
	Outputs in SA format are not in readable ASCII text format. This format is for saving jobs to your PC for later downloading, for transferring to another MC5 data collector, or for transferring to the CMT COGOCAD.

Q12 How can I obtain a raw data file in ASCII format?
	Select Print from the SA Main Menu, choose Field Data, and then direct the output to a file rather than a COM port. If you transfer your SA jobs to COGOCAD, you can easily print quick traverse data, field data, coordinates, stakeout data, figure data and notes to a printer or a file.

Q15 How do I output horizontal distances in the stakeout routine?
	SA 2.2 will always use the Vertical Distance system for stakeout. The following instructions pertain to SA 2.05 and earlier versions. From the Field Work Setup menu, select Units/sys, then select "Vertical Distance" for the Veritcal System field. Then go into the stakeout routine.