Uploading/Downloading from a Nikon DTM400 data recorder
The data recorder file nikondtm400.dr is supplied in the SSI_ETC: directory.
Note: The following instructions were prepared using a Nikon DTM310.
Instructions for other models in the 310/400 series may differ. Check your instrument reference manual for details.
Communications Settings on the Computer
The following parameters are set using the Data Recorders Configuration function described previously.
I/O Port : user selectable
Baud Rate : 9600
Parity : none
Data Bits : 8
Stop Bits : 1
Flow Control : hardware
Timeout : 5
Communications Settings on the Instrument
You can only set the baud rate on the DTM310/400, all other communications settings are fixed as follows:
Parity : none
Data Bits : 8
Stop Bits : 1
Flow Control : hardware
The following instructions describe how to set the recommended baud rate of 9600 bps on the instrument.
1. Press the FNC button
2. Press the 5 button to select Set
3. Press the 6 button to select Others
4. Press the ENT button twice to scroll through to Baud Rate menu
5. Press the 4 button to select 9600
6. Press the ENT button to return to Function Menu
Down Loading Data from the Instrument
1. Ready the software to receive the data as described in Data Recorders Down Load To File
2. Press the FNC button
3. Press the 7 button to select Comm
4. Press the 1 button to select download
5. Press the ENT to begin download data from the instrument
6. Press APPLY in the software to accept the data
Uploading Setout Points to the Instrument
1. Process your point data ready for uploading as described in Data Recorders Upload coordinates
2. Press the FNC button
3. Press the 7 button to select Comm
4. Press the 2 button to select upload
5. Press the ENT button to ready the instrument to receive data
6. Press APPLY in the software to begin the transfer.
Data Format Notes
The NIKON DTM400 data recorder is a programmable data recorder and can output data in almost any format. The acceptable data formats are restricted to 3 distinct types for simplicity.
Record type '0' contains instrument station details, height of instrument and the backsight station identifier and reference azimuth. There is no special start of job record type for the NIKON DTM 400 so during processing, each time a record type '0' is encountered, you are prompted to create a new string file. If the data from each setup should be saved to the same file you simply need to choose the append option to ensure that the points from the different setups are saved together.
Record type '2' contains observations data including vertical and horizontal angles, slope distance and point identifier and point description.
Record type '3' contains calculated co-ordinates for an observed point. These values will be saved directly to the string file which is created.
The string number may be present in the first part of the point code field. This may then be followed by a point description. If the string number is undefined then the point is assigned to the last defined string number and if a string number has not been defined then all points will be assigned to string 1.
Uploading/Downloading from a Nikon AP700 data recorder
The data recorder file nikonap700.dr is supplied in the SSI_ETC: directory.
Note: The following instructions were prepared using a Nikon DTM750.
Instructions for other models in the 700 series may differ. Check your instrument reference manual for details.
Communications Settings on the Computer
The following parameters are set using the Data Recorders Configuration function described previously.
I/O Port : user selectable
Baud Rate : 9600
Parity : none
Data Bits : 8
Stop Bits : 1
Flow Control : software
Timeout : 5
Communications Settings on the Instrument
The communications settings are set as part of the download and upload procedures. It is recommended that you use COM1 port on the instrument which is the lower serial port.
Down Loading Data from the Instrument
1. Ready the software to receive the data as described in Data Recorders Down Load To File
2. Press the 8 button to select communications
3. Press the 2 button to select download
4. The download options screen is now displayed. Using the cursor arrows on the instrument select the following options:
Destination:COM1
Data Format:NIKON
Type of Data:Raw Data
Time Stamps:None
Press the ENTER button to select options
5. The Communications settings screen is now displayed. Select the following options:
Baud Rate:9600
Parity:NONE
Data Length:8
Stop Bits:1
Press the ENTER button to select options
6. Press the ENTER button to begin download data from the instrument
7. Press APPLY in the software to accept the data
Uploading Setout Points to the Instrument
1. Process your point data ready for uploading as described in Data Recorders Upload Coordinates
2. Press the 8 button to select communications
3. Press the 1 button to select upload
4. The upload options screen is now displayed. The AP700 software allows you to select various different comma delimited formats. You must use the following format with GEOVIA software:
Point, Northing (Y), Easting (X), RL (Z), Code (Description)
Using the cursor arrows on the instrument select the following options:
Data Fields:PT N E Z Code <*blank>
Source:COM1
* There is room left for one additional field. It is important that you make this field blank.
Press the ENTER button to select options
5. A message describing the instruments memory capacity is now displayed. Press the 1 button to continue.
6. The Communications settings screen is now displayed. Select the following options:
Baud Rate:9600
Parity:NONE
Data Length:8
Stop Bits:1
Press the ENTER button to select options
7. If the selected job contains data then you have the option to add your data to the end of the existing job or delete the points in the job.
If this is a new job then proceed to step 8 otherwise make your selection
8. Press the 2 button to select Other points. The instrument is now ready to receive data
9. Press APPLY in the software to begin the transfer
Data Format Notes
The NIKON AP700 data recorder software outputs data using the following format.
Record type 'ST' contains instrument station details, height of instrument and the backsight station identifier and reference azimuth. There is no special start of job record type for the NIKON AP700 so during processing, each time a record type 'ST' is encountered, you are prompted to create a new string file. If the data from each setup should be saved to the same file you simply need to choose the append option to ensure that the points from the different setups are saved together.
Record type 'CP' and 'SS' contain observations data including vertical and horizontal angles, slope distance and point identifier and point description.
Record type 'UC', 'UP', 'MC', 'MP', and 'CC' contain calculated co-ordinates for an observed point. These values will be saved directly to the string file which is created.
The string number may be present in the first part of the point code field. This may then be followed by a point description. If the string number is undefined then the point is assigned to the last defined string number and if a string number has not been defined then all points will be assigned to string 1.