PLC Tablet First-Time Setup Checklist

Setting up your PLC tablet correctly before beginning work helps ensure that the tablet, Hilti Construction Layout (HCL), and your layout tool are configured for your workflow.

Use this checklist when setting up a new PLC tablet or preparing a tablet for a new user.

Plug in your tablet, press the power button, and follow the steps below.

1. Complete the Initial Windows Setup

Create your Windows password

PLC tablets require a user-defined Windows password during initial startup. While possible to also leave the password blank, this leaves risk of data being taken from the tablet without a user's knowledge.

Allow Panasonic Drivers to Install (Automatic)

You may see Panasonic Driver installation automatically begin. Let this process complete before you proceed with any next steps.

2. Understand the Desktop Icons

The Desktop arrangement will showcase several automatic icons:

Hilti PSA 200 Monitor

Please disregard this application for Digital Layout applications. This application is not related to total station use, but rather to Hilti's PS 300 ferroscan and PS 1000 radar scanner.

Hilti Construction Layout

This is the HCL software that you will need to run your total station.

Panasonic PC Hub

This is the main location you will go to update general settings for your tablet. See this article for more information.

3. Connect the Tablet to Wi-Fi and Run Updates

To ensure all further updates are installed, it is important to connect your tablet to a Wi-Fi source.

Run Windows Updates

As the below screens indicate, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update >Check for Updates. While on Wi-Fi, run these updates, restart the PC when prompted, and repeat the process until all the updates are installed.

Note: Windows updates will be rare after the initial setup, but it is wise to check whenever time permits. There may be critical driver updates that ensure the tool, tablet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are all functioning properly together.

Run Panasonic PC Hub Updates

Now open the Panasonic PC Hub:

Navigate to System Updates > Check for Updates, and "select all," then "install:"

These system updates verify the Panasonic-specific drivers and software are up to date for the tablet itself. These also could be critical to ensure the tool, tablet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are all functioning properly together.

Run HCL Updates

Now open Hilti Construction Layout:

When prompted agree to the terms and conditions:

When prompted, select your choice in regards to data collection:

Navigate to Settings > System Info > Check for Update and select "Download and Update" when prompted:

This article reviews in full how to ensure all updates are installed for your software and firmware for the tool, for more information.

4. Adjust your HCL Settings

The HCL settings are completely customizable for your needs. Please refer to this article to review the various settings that are available.

The most important setting in this initial phase, however, would be to select the correct tool (or, head unit) that you will be using with the tablet and to prepare to set the correct PPM settings (air pressure and temperature).

Navigate to Settings > Tool and Connection > Tool Type, and select the tool that you will be using with the tablet.

Navigate to Settings > PPM and adjust the Pressure Units and Temperature units to the units of your choice (Fahrenheit / Celsius, etc.). These settings will be adjusted once the tool is in use on site. See this article for more information on PPM.

5. Establish "Programable Actions," or your "Hot Buttons"

Re-open the Panasonic PC Hub and navigate to "Programmable Actions."

The hot buttons on your tablet (A1, A2, and A3) can be customized to your needs (see below). See this article for deeper information. In this phase, you may prefer to change a short - or long - press option to "Display Off."

6. Adjust your "Touch Input" Settings within Panasonic PC Hub

This section allows you to adjust how you prefer to interact with your tablet, depending on your conditions. See this article for more information, but the suggestion here is to change from "touch" to "glove" or "water" if you are using work gloves, or if you are working in wet conditions:

7. Install your Pen and Tether

Your tablet comes with a pen and tether. To install, attach one end of the tether to the ben, and the other to the tether slot on the tablet. The ben will then snap into place along the side of the tablet:

8. Adjust Date and Time

Your tablet should have the correct date and time, so that projects and information within HCL are time-stamped properly. While connected to the internet, navigate to the date and time settings and "sync" to your location. Verify it is correct before proceeding.

9. Review Relevant Accessories

Please see this article for more information on accessories overall. For this section note that Panasonic offers extra tablet batteries (POA 41) and a multi-bay charger (POA 40) that can be used for improved productivity and less downtime.

Additional accessories in screenshot below:

10. If you Need Help

Remember that there are options to get assistance. Please see this article for more information.