Target control settings

Configure settings for locking onto targets in the Target controls screen.

To access the Target controls screen, tap the Instrument icon in the status bar and then tap and hold on the Autolock or Search button.

The fields shown in the Target controls screen depend on the selected Target lock method and the connected instrument.

Select the method for locking onto the target. See Enabling Autolock.

Select Snap to target to automatically lock on to a remote target if one is detected.

Select Autosearch to automatically perform a horizontal search when lock is lost to a remote target.

In normal use the software does not allow both the laser and Autolock to be switched on at the same time. For example, if you switch on the laser when Autolock is switched on then the laser switches off. If you want to use the laser again then when you switch on the laser Autolock switches off.

The LaserLock method enables you to alternate between using the laser and Autolock automatically. This is especially useful when locating a prism in dark environments.

To use LaserLock, enable the Laserlock checkbox in the Target controls screen and switch on the laser by tapping the Laser tile in the Instrument functions screen. Use the laser to help you locate the prism. When you measure to the prism the software automatically disables the laser and switches on Autolock. When the measurement is complete the software switches off Autolock, and switches on the laser ready to help locate the next prism.

Use the Predictive tracking time setting to pass behind a temporary obstruction and have the instrument continue to turn, based upon the target's horizontal trajectory, when lock to the prism is lost.

If the trajectory is consistent and the prism re‑appears from behind the obstruction within the defined Predictive tracking time interval, the instrument will be aimed directly at the prism and lock is automatically regained.

If the prism does not reappear after the specified time interval, the software reports that the target is lost and then takes corrective actions based on the current settings. The instrument turns to where the target was last seen and then acts as follows:

  • If Autosearch is On and the Autolock method is set to Snap to target, the instrument locks on to any target in the field of view.

    If there is no target, a search starts based on your search window settings

  • If Autosearch is On and the Autolock method is set to Snap disabled, the instrument ignores any visible targets and starts a search based on your search window settings.

  • If Autosearch is Off and the Autolock method is set to Snap to target, the instrument locks on to any target in the field of view or waits until a target comes into the field of view and then locks onto it.

  • If Autosearch is Off and the Autolock method is set to Snap disabled, the instrument ignores any targets in the field of view and does not start any search until you prompt it to do so.

  • For standard robotic usage, Spectra Geospatial recommends the default setting (1 s).

    This enables you to pass behind anything small blocking the line of sight between the instrument and the target (for example, trees, electrical posts, or vehicles) and then automatically regain lock.

  • In environments with a number of reflective objects, you could set the predictive tracking time to 0s.

    With these settings, you are immediately informed if the line of sight to the correct target is obstructed. You can then ensure that you regain lock to the correct target.

  • In environments where your target may be blocked for a few seconds at a time, you can use settings of 2 s or 3 s.

    This enables you to pass behind larger objects blocking the line of sight between the instrument and the target (for example, small buildings) and then automatically regain lock.

If the instrument fails to regain lock onto the moving target, it returns to the location where it first lost lock and the predictive tracking began.

The search window settings control the size and center of the window the software uses when searching for targets.

Configure the tolerance window Horizontal range and Vertical range.

Select Autocentered search window to use the current horizontal and vertical angle of the instrument to set the center of the search window, and the horizontal and vertical range to calculate the extents of the window. These extents are sent to the instrument each time it performs a search.

If the Autocentered search window check box is not shown, then the software behaves as if the check box is selected.

To configure the top left and bottom right extents of the search window:

  1. Clear the Autocentered search window check box.
  2. Tap Set win.
  3. Aim the instrument to the top left corner of the search window. Tap OK.
  4. Aim the instrument to the bottom right corner of the search window. Tap OK.

To use a GPS/GNSS receiver to help point the instrument when searching for targets, see GPS Search.

If the measurement is likely to be interrupted, for example, when measuring in traffic, enable Interrupted target measurement and enter the Interrupt timeout value. See Interrupted target measurement.