Trimble Field Link - Prism and Laser Layout

Trimble FIeld Link and our fleet of Trimble Robotic Total Stations offer the ability to perform layout in both the traditional pole and prism mode as well as a visible laser. Though not all of our tools have the onboard visible laser the majority do.
In this video we demonstrate the process of performing layout work using both options.

[@LouckyHorgan]

I use fieldlink and always used a prism. I recently got a trimble rts873 so I could use the green laser to layout points on the ground. When I select a point to layout the instrument turns and then aims up and gives me an error message. Even when I aim the laser on the ground within a few inches of the point is still turns up. Am I doing something wrong?

[@mr8balla269]

What does it mean when it says “point beyond furthest control point used in instrument setup” ? Also, will the layout beyond this point still be accurate or does it require a separate setup?

[@BuildingPointMANA]

That is a great question. When you shoot your resection for the "setup," the software and instrument will calculate your residuals (accuracy). It does so by creating a working diameter based on your longest shot. If your residual was 1/8" and the longest shot was 200', the residual can increase outside of that circle. Once you shoot one point outside of that radius and hit "OK" it will not warn you again.
If you are nearby, there will likely not be an issue. However, further away are the residual compounds (1/4" at 400').
We hope this helps, and thank you for asking the question.

[@THE_PUNISHER730]

When using “laser” for layout how do you adjust the elevation?

[@BuildingPointMANA]

That all depends on the attributes of the point you are trying to shoot. If I assume that elevation is set to zero for all of your file points, there is a tool within FieldLink called "Point Transfer" which appears on the bottom of the screen while in the mode (measure/layout) and in laser mode. This will allow you to measure the deck or ceiling above and will transfer those points form the floor to the ceiling in the correct X&Y orientation.

[@Felipe302GT]

When laying out with the laser on a slab how can tell you determine your point position if the laser it’s self becomes elongated? Seen this after you are about 10’ away from the RTS 655.

[@BuildingPointMANA]

The angle of the instrument from the point in laser mode does elongate the laser, The higher you can place the instrument above the slab the less this affect is. However, you can always use a stick ruler or tape measure to measure the elongation and then mark the half point of that measurement (i.e. the laser measures 1.5" mark the 1/2 point at 3/4". The only RTS head we offer that solves this problem is the RTS873 which has a focusing laser pointer. However, many of our customers use the method identified above.
I hope this helps, best of luck and thank you for reaching out.

[@spacerace885]

How can I layout on just line, not holding a specific point. Just holding either a northing or easting??

[@BuildingPointMANA]

Depending on the version of the software you are using there is a layout to a line feature which may work out well for you. If using version 5.9, select Measure then layout and at the bottom left there should be 4 icons (a point, a line, an offset line and a curve). Select the line and then you can select two points and the program will create a layout line between those points along with set intervals. This will show you deviations along that line horizontally and vertically.