Leica FlexLine Instruments

(This functionality is available with the Input / Output module)

Data transfer between the FlexLine Total Stations and the system

You can connect the FlexLine instruments to the computer via the serial port, Bluetooth or the USB Memory Stick.

When using the Field Transfer/ Input/Data Recorder or the Field Transfer/ Output/Data Recorder commands with a FlexLine device selected, ensure that the selection for the Comms Settings are the same on the instrument and the computer.

The FlexLine instruments utilise a user definable data format file to define the format of the data downloaded to the computer. There is a default format file called FlexLine.frt installed in the default User folder . This file is set up to define a format suited to the system. You may create your own format file using the Leica FlexOffice format manager, and replace the existing file with a different format of the same file name.

Operation Code Support

The Leica FlexLine supports all the LEICA/WILD Operation Codes . You may use the Leica FlexOffice tools to create a Code List and upload it to the instrument. The Code List must be created to match the format file used. For the default format file, (FlexLine.frt), use the Code List file (FlexLine.CLS) located in the default User folder .

FlexLine.CLS
This is a FlexLine code list which contains alpha feature codes and LISCAD Operation Codes. This code list can be used on the instrument to record feature codes and operation codes in conjunction with the instruments ALL & REC buttons.

To achieve the best user experience, the following settings are recommended when using the FlexLine.CLS code list. These settings are accessed via the Main Menu/(5)Setting/(1)General pages on-board;

  1. Assign USER Key 2 to CODE. This will give quick access to the Code page at all times.
  2. Set the "Code" to "Reset after Rec". This ensures that codes are only recorded when required.
  3. Ensure that codes are recorded in the order required by LISCAD. Certain operation codes require the code to be recorded before the observation and others after the observation.

    4. Refer to the LISCAD Help Topic "Leica/Wild Field Operation Codes"
  4. All operation codes are prefixed in the code list with a '.' character. To search for specific operation codes, enter '.*' in the "Find/New" field on the Code page.
  5. When reducing data into LISCAD, ensure the Code Definition "Field Transfer/Settings/Code Definition" is set to Alpha with a code definition of CCCCSS.

Transferring observations from FlexLine Instruments.

Ensure that you have carried out the appropriate steps in the procedure for Processing a Field Survey up to the step for initiating the transfer of the data. Then, carry out the following.

Using Serial Cable

  1. If the format file on the instrument is not the one that was previously uploaded by LISCAD.
    1. Select a format file from the dropdown list (Available format files are in your user folder).
    2. Select the format slot on the instrument into which you wish to load this format file. If a format slot is selected that already contains a format file, this will be overwritten.
  2. Select the job whose observations you wish to download.
  3. Press OK to commence the data transfer.

Using Bluetooth

  1. Ensure that you have carried out the appropriate steps and have a Bluetooth connection between the Instrument and your PC (Refer to the FlexLine user manual).
  2. If the format file on the instrument is not the one that was previously uploaded by LISCAD.
    1. Select a format file from the dropdown list (Available format files are in your user folder).
    2. Select the format slot on the instrument into which you wish to load this format file. If a format slot is selected that already contains a format file, this will be overwritten.
  3. Ensure that the COM port selected is the Outgoing COM port.
  4. Select the job whose observations you wish to download.
  5. Press OK to commence the data transfer.

Using USB Memory Stick

  1. If the format file is not on the Instrument, copy the format file (FlexLine.FRT) from the LISCAD User Folder into the Formats folder on the memory stick.
    1. On-board the Instrument, ensuring the memory stick is inserted, transfer the format file from the memory stick to the Instrument
      2. .
    2. From the Main Menu select "Transfer" (4)
      3. .
    3. Select "Import Data" (2)
      4. .
    4. Set "From: USB-Stick", "To: Instrument" and "File: Single File" and press OK
      5. .
    5. Navigate to the "Formats" directory and press Enter
    6. Select the format file and press "F1 : OK" and then "F4 : OK"
  2. Transfer the job from the Instrument to the memory stick
    1. From the Main Menu select "Transfer" (4)
      2. .
    2. Select "Export Data" (1)
      3. .
    3. Set "To: USB-Stick", "Data Type: Measurements"
      4. .
    4. Select the single job to export or all jobs and press "F4 : OK"
      5. .
    5. Set the Dest. Folder to "Jobs" and press "F1 : OK"
      6. .
    6. Set "Format: LCFJAN09" and enter a File Name and Extension and press "F4 : OK"
      7. .
    7. This file can now be reduced into LISCAD by selecting "Field Transfer/Resolve/Create Field File"
      8. .
    8. When prompted, ensure that the Data Recorder selected is set to the "Leica FlexLine"
      9. .
    Note: Internal name of format file will vary depending on the LISCAD version that you are using.

Transferring co-ordinates to FlexLine Instruments.

Use the Output/Data Recorder command to put LISCAD in a ready state to send co-ordinates to the instrument.

Using Serial Cable

  1. A dialog box should be displayed asking if the data recorder is ready to receive data. Press OK.
  2. A new dialog box will be displayed indicating that correct communications are being established. This may take a few seconds as existing job names on the instrument are listed.
  3. Select the job slot into which to upload the co-ordinates. Press OK. If a job slot is selected that already contains data, this will be overwritten.
  4. A few seconds will elapse as the new job name is set and data transfer will then commence.

Using Bluetooth

  1. Press "Configure" and ensure that the port selected is the Outgoing COM port.
  2. A dialog box should be displayed asking if the data recorder is ready to receive data. Press OK.
  3. A new dialog box will be displayed indicating that correct communications are being established. This may take a few seconds as existing job names on the instrument are listed.
  4. Select the job slot into which to upload the co-ordinates. Press OK. If a job slot is selected that already contains data, this will be overwritten.
  5. A few seconds will elapse as the new job name is set and data transfer will then commence.

Using USB Memory Stick

Firstly, the GSI file with the co-ordinates for setout needs to be transferred onto the USB memory stick;
  1. Insert the USB Memory Stick into one of the USB ports on your PC.
  2. Press "Configure" and ensure that the port selected is set to "File".
  3. A dialog box should be displayed asking which points you wish to upload. Press OK.
  4. A new dialog box will be displayed asking for a file name and location.
  5. Type in a name and ensure that you give the file a .gsi extension and that the file is saved into the "Jobs" folder on the Memory Stick. Press Save
The file now needs to be transferred from the USB Memory Stick to the Instrument;
  1. From the Main Menu select "Transfer" (4)
    2. .
  2. Select "Import Data" (2)
    3. .
  3. Set "From: USB-Stick", "To: Instrument" and "File: Single File" and press OK
    4. .
  4. Navigate to the "Jobs" directory, select the file and press "F1 : OK".
  5. Type in a Job Name and press "F4 : OK"