Interfacing with Nikon DTM-300 series
Downloading Data (data goes from the Nikon into the computer)
Take appropriate measurements in the field. Make sure you also observe the following. When entering point numbers use only numbers not alphanumeric’s.
Make sure comm Icon not displayed otherwise data is being sent out comm. Port and data is not being saved.
First time check what the Nikon communication parameters are set to. My instrument was set to Nikon, 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.
To download job press menu key – the Comm(5) and Download(1). All the formats are supported but I used Format: Nikon, Data Raw. Once you press “ent” download starts. However before doing this we need to:
Connect Nikon to PC via cable. If you don’t have a parallel port there are at least 2 options – USB to serial adaptor cable or more rugged PCMCIA to serial card.
In Ezicad open up new job. Ie File – new – give it a name.
Need to run data collection program from Ezicad. From Entry – Data Collectors – Collect Raw Data.
First need to make sure serial settings match. From “Settings” – “Communications In”. Set Baud rate, parity, data bits and stop bits to match. Set Xon/Xoff.
We now set the data collection program running. Click on “Transfer” and “Data to Computer”. Data collection is now polling the serial port waiting for data.
Go back to the Nikon and set download running.
Back on the computer we should have some sort of indication that something is happening. If we are getting Hieroglyphics then most likely we have wrong baud rate or data bits etc. If nothing check whether cable is connected into the comms port or not the wrong one. Other option is that Nikon job is zero length.
Once download is complete press the “esc” key on the computer. This tells the software that download is complete.
Close down the data collection program. It will prompt for a name. This is were the raw data file is stored. I called my file job0001.nikonraw
Now prompts whether you want to import data into a stadia file. Say yes.
Program to input raw data pops up. If you can’t see it; it may be minimized and the icon will be along the task bar at bottom of computer.
Make sure you have Nikon set along left and select “Nikon AP-800 raw data at right” Click OK and data will be imported. It will ask whether you want Stadia displayed. Say yes.
This file gives us a spreadsheet view of the data we have collected.
View Eeastings and Northings and from Option button “Calculate Coordinates”
Do any modifications if appropriate.
From “Options” menu then “store data in database”
Operation completed
Uploading Data (data goes from the computer into the Nikon)
Open up appropriate job in Ezicad.
Go to “Entry” - “Data Collection” - “Export Raw Data”
Select data type of Nikon AP700 Coordinate Data Format
Fill in a name for the datafile. This is a file stored on your computer hard disk; and press OK. Set Point range for points to be exported.
Go to “Entry” - “Data Collection” - “Send raw Data to Data Collector”. This opens up communication program. Need to set the appropriate serial comms settings. This is the “Settings” and then “Communications Out”.
We need to open up the file to export. From “File” and then “Open”; you can then browse to the file.
File is displayed on the screen. It should be readable and in format pt,east,north,height,code
Make sure cable is connected to the Nikon.
On Nikon goto the menu and then comm. And then Upload XYZ. Put in either an existing job or create a new one.
When you are ready to upload make sure the format match's. You may need to change the order on the Nikon to N,E format.
Start Nikon up to upload. It will be waiting for data.
Go back to the computer and then “Transfer” - “Data to Data Recorder”
Data should disappear from the screen and Nikon should be telling us that it is reading some records.
Hit escape key on computer when finished.
We can now set out this data with the Nikon – Operation Completed