This article primarily applies to PLT 400 Wifi topics, but the principles also apply to the PLT 300. If using the PLT 300, you will not have the option of choosing the WiFi channel you prefer - instead, the PLT 300 will always automatically find the best WiFi channel on its own.
What are WiFi channels and how do I choose the right one?
The total station operates by connecting to Wi-Fi channels by default. Under settings (1) > "Tool and Connection" (2), you will see a WiFi channel selection box (3). Use this as needed to find the best WiFi channel for your total station to use with your tablet. The tool attempts to find the best channel when connecting, but you can also change the channel manually if another channel seems appropriate. "Auto (2.4 GHz)" is the WiFi channel option the HCL software originally defaults to.
2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz - What is the Difference?
2.4 GHz is a standard high-range channel, while a 5 GHz channel has more stability, but much shorter range. Note: not all channels are available in every region due to legal restrictions. Also note: updating your tool and tablet to the most recent firmware and software will ensure you have the most updated technology for WiFi connectivity.
2.4 GHz Explained:
As a standard, the tool will always attempt to connect to the tablet via a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection. 2.4 GHz is designed to have a longer range of use and good video quality. However, potential downsides from a 2.4 GHz connection is that it can be glitchy because of its widespread use. For instance, in dense urban areas, a 2.4 GHz channel could have heavy traffic making it hard for any device on that channel to maintain a stable connection.
5 GHz Explained:
With a 5 GHz channel, you likely will find more stability (less wide-spread use), but your range of connection to the tool from the tablet will be much more limited. Given the size of your layout area, or the conditions of your other WiFi options, a 5 GHz channel may be the ideal option. In smaller, urban jobsites, a 5 GHz channel has generally been selected more often as a back up than, perhaps, a rural area.
Is there an app or a tool that will help me see which channels in my area are ideal?
Yes. Several smart phone and PC apps exist that inspect the WiFi channels in the area. They are generally known as WiFi analyzer apps. These apps can help you find the least congested network configuration when you are in a pinch.
What about the environment can affect WiFi connection?
Many factors beyond just the tool hardware or software can affect a WiFi connection. These include:
- Humidity
- Dust
- Presence of steel or glass near the tool
- Other WiFi networks in the area
- Radio signals in the area
- Poor line of sight from the tablet to the tool
Sometimes, simply moving the tool or tablet to a new location (away from steel or glass, away from other WiFi routers, etc.) or waiting for the weather to improve is all that is needed to improve connection.
Important note:
The WiFi channel the tool connects to when first connecting to the tablet will be the same channel it uses until it must reconnect again. If you notice the WiFi is struggling as you are working with the tool (such as the connection starting to slow down), it may be a good option to reset the connection. Close the software, reopen the tool connection page, and connect again. The tool will auto connect to the channel that it finds to be the strongest in the new location, potentially improving your experience.
What if nothing seems to be working and the WiFi signal remains poor?
Option 1: "Stop Video"
For the PLT 400, you have the ability to "stop video" within the "Tool and Connection" settings window.
To understand why this option exists, remember that the video feature on the PLT 400 uses significant bandwidth as it is running continuously in the background to support features like "layout view," and other views that allow you to see the camera while working.
The "stop video" function tells the software to stop running the video feed in the background. This should increase your range and hopefully improve your connection. The downside is that when you do need the camera in an application, it may take a few moments for the feed to appear as the camera needs a few moments to start up again.
Option 2: Use a Bluetooth Connection
For the PLT 400, Bluetooth can be a great option if you:
- Want a very stable connection,
- Do not need a video feed,
- Need more range distance.
No video can be sent over Bluetooth at this time, but the possible range distance between tablet and head unit is greater.
To be able to use Bluetooth, however, you first need to purchase a Bluetooth extender (known as the POA 68). This is not available in all areas - please reach out to your sales person to inquire.
Option 3: Move the tool to several different locations to troubleshoot
Remember that the tool is essentially acting like a router. If your tool is not connecting well, simply adjusting it to another location could help. This troubleshooting step is frustrating, but, simply moving the tool 1 meter from its location could solve a WiFi connectivity problem. Try as many locations as practical to set up the head unit to see where the WiFi is connecting the most consistently.
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