Skip to main content

A magnet for building work

Sokkia has launched its new FX reflectorless total station – said to come with the construction industry’s most complete package of innovative technologies. The FX includes on-board Magnet Field application software, the TSshield telematics-based communications module, and a long-range wireless communications system using Bluetooth Class 1 technology.
June 21, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
1090 Sokkia has launched its new FX reflectorless total station – said to come with the construction industry’s most complete package of innovative technologies.

The FX includes on-board Magnet Field application software, the TSshield telematics-based communications module, and a long-range wireless communications system using Bluetooth Class 1 technology.

Said to contain the most accurate and powerful electronic distance measurement (EDM) in its class the Red-Tech EDM, another feature of the FX total station, is said to be a long-established, reliable technology from Sokkia, improved by the firm to allow the FX to produce a tight beam signal and strong returns from the most difficult dark and wet surfaces.

The TSshield feature of the FX, said by Sokkia to be the survey industry’s only security and maintenance system, enables owners to receive on-board notices of available firmware updates. If the instrument is lost or stolen, it will allow the owner to send a coded signal virtually anywhere in the world to the instrument, to locate the instrument as well as disable it.

The wireless communications module, when connected with an external data collector, records data for codes and remote rod position. The remote operator can record data at the pole, eliminating many common errors. For stakeout, the operator can view in real time the directions required to find the stake point.

Teams using the FX can function in a similar way to those using a robotic system, by placing the field controller at the prism, the instrument operator only needs to aim the EDM.

Further features of the FX series include Windows CE6.0 on-board with MAGNET Field, a non-prism operating distance of 500metres (4,000metres with a prism), and an advanced angle measurement system. The total station is also said to have a waterproof, rugged and operator-friendly design.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Trimble’s innovative technology at Conexpo 2014
    January 17, 2014
    The Trimble Quantm alignment planning system allows road designers to reduce planning time and deliver projects with minimal environmental and social impact at a lower construction and operating cost. The system, on show at Conexpo 2014, analyses millions of alignment alternatives and returns a range of options to the planning team for consideration. When new data becomes available the Quantm system can quickly recalculate more alignment options.
  • Machine Control sector is the place for acquisitions
    January 22, 2014
    The machine control sector has been lively in recent months with a major acquisition, the unveiling of new software innovation and landmark testing of new technology to monitor paving temperature. Guy Woodford reports The state road construction authority in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt (LSBB Saxony-Anhalt) has become the first nationally to test MOBA’s new PAVE-IR Scan temperature measurement system at a works site.
  • GPS machine control boosts road surface quality
    February 14, 2012
    The use of GPS machine control on sub-base has improved final rideability on a major highway reconstruction project. Innovative construction techniques have helped to upgrade a 9.6km stretch of the 307km long I-96 highway in the US state of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project was initiated in the third quarter of 2009 and was completed in the fourth quarter of 2010. Interstate Highway Construction acted as general contractor on the project, which included widening the shoulder
  • Data collection key to software developments
    February 13, 2012
    The collection and handling of data are key technology drivers in the software sector. New methods of data collection and manipulation are driving significant developments in software at present. The latest technology allows designers and engineers to collect, store and manipulate ever larger amounts of data. Growing use of mobile field equipment for both data collection and field management is driving interactive systems. And in an interview this month Autodesk senior vice-president for the construction an