How do I connect the tool to a prism or target?

How can I use the HCL software to find my prisms and targets?

The camera function will allow you to search for your prisms and targets. If you are using Bluetooth (also defined as “radio”), you will not be able to get a video feed, but the tool turning and prism searching functions will remain.

Using the camera to find prisms and targets:

Once your tool is connected to the HCL software, opening the camera app is as simple as pressing the camera icon in the top menu. You will see a red exclamation point (1) if you are not locked onto a prism or target, or, you will see a pad lock icon (2) if you are locked onto a prism or target.

Note that when using a laser only without prism locking, it will always have the padlock icon, indicating it is ready to measure.

What do the various icons do within the camera mode?

1.  See your CAD view. If you are already stationed, you will also see a dotted red line indicating the direction your unit is looking, for reference.

2. Joystick option for precision alignment. Arrows with end lines move slightly further than those that do not have end lines.

3. Drag and pull “smart targeting” option. Drag this icon to the location of your choice and the total station will align to the location you take it.

4. Focus Distance and manual focus side bar. The focus distance number allows you to manually adjust the distance you need to focus the camera in very small increments, while the focus bar allows you to drag your focus more quickly to your desired location.

Use the auto focus button (a) or the zoom extents button (b) as additional help icons to discover/lock onto the prism or target you are searching for.

5. Open the side bar menu to adjust brightness (a), adjust picture resolution (b), and enable autolock (c). Note that auto-lock means that the tool will lock onto the prism without you needing to press the “prism search” icon (d) if it is within the camera window. Regardless of whether auto lock is turned on or off, the “prism search” icon can always be used as an option to find the prism if it is within the window.

In addition, enable point and line overlays from your CAD file for an augmented view (e), and select the specific lines you need to see overlaid in your camera view. The “Show Smart Target” option (f) simply turns the smart targeting option from point 3 on or off.

Below is what the overlay could look like with points and lines overlaid:

Will the tool accidentally lock onto something that is not a prism?

Yes. While it shouldn't be often, reflector vests and glass could interfere with the prism connection. Please be aware of these as you search for your targets, ensuring you are looking at and connecting to your actual targets.