(This functionality is available with the Input / Output module)
The default communications settings are designed to work effectively if the Topcon FC-5 data recorder is set up as follows.
| Prompt | Uploading & Downloading | |
| Char. size | (7/8) | 8 |
| Stop bit | (1/2) | 2 |
| Speed | (300-9600) | 9600 |
| Parity | 1 No | 1 |
| 2 | Even | |
| 3 | Odd | |
| Protocol | 1 No | |
| 2 ACK/NAK2 | ||
| Duplex | 1 Full | 1 |
| 2 Half | ||
| Control Line Check | 1 OR mode | 1 |
| 2 AND mode | ||
| X-on/off | 1 Yes | |
| 2 No | 2 | |
| Format | 1 Computer | 1 |
| 2 Printer | ||
| Control-Z | 1 Yes | |
| 2 No | 2 | |
| Data Size | (1-250) | 128 |
On the FC-5, these parameters must be set using Function 5 - Set Protocol.
Recording Mode
This is a points based system and as such to obtain the greatest value from the Topcon FC-5, it is suggested that the following field procedures be set on the FC-5.
Set field proc. [FU][9]
- Set the recording mode to 1>3>4 which is PT#, PCODE & R.HT
- Set the measurement mode to 2 (i.e. Slope Distance). Modes 3 and 4 are also supported.
Modes 1 and 5 cannot be used for distance observation but may be used to record a backsight bearing after a station setup.
Connect the FC-5 to the computer only AFTER the computer has been successfully booted.
When the system is ready to accept data, on the FC-5 perform the following:-
- Select [OUTPUT].
- Select 1 Computer (COM1).
- Format 1 Computer. [Format supported by the system]
The FC-5 will now send the data with 'Sending' being displayed.
The data transferred includes all checksum information. Transmission errors are checked on reformatting.
NOTE: When uploading data to the FC-5, you must specify whether the data being transferred is two or three dimensional. Specify three dimensional (i.e. setting is 2) if the "transfer elevations" check box is active in the Data Recorder Output dialog box. If the Transfer elevations check box is not active, then the setting is 1.
The cable connecting the serial port of the computer to the FC-5 must conform to one of the following:
| Computer25 pin plug (DP25P) | FC-5 (DP15P) |
| 1 | 9 |
| 2 | 5 |
| 3 | 1 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 6 | 2 |
| 7 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 20 | 14 |
| Computer 9 pin plug (DP9S) | FC-5 (DP15P) |
| 1 | 8 |
| 2 | 1 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 4 | 14 |
| 5 | 9 |
| 6 | 2 |
| 7 | 6 |
| 8 | 3 |