Topcon Field Controller for Advanced Data Collection

Topcon Positioning Group has introduced a new data controller – the FC-500 – with numerous features and benefits, including a large 4.3-inch touchscreen display and 5MP camera with built-in LED flash. The FC-500 is designed for professionals operating Topcon MAGNET Field, Site and Layout software or Topcon’s Pocket 3D.

Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products, said the FC-500 works with all Topcon GPS/GNSS receivers and total stations, and meets all field application requirements. Additionally, the FC-500 works with the new Topcon LN-100 instrument dedicated to BIM and one-person construction layout, simplifying workflow with the integration with the MAGNET suite of software solutions.

Kerwin added that with a sunlight readable screen, the controller is easy to use even in bright sunlight. The job site controller is designed to use in any condition (waterproof up to one meter, IP68 rating) and the large camera format with built-in LED flash and built-in 8GB flash storage allows the storing of hundreds of job site photos.

The standard model has both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, while the FC-500 GEO has Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS.  A third model comes with the addition of a 3.5G cellular modem that allows access to the MAGNET Enterprise Solutions suite, making the FC-500 a suitable field instrument for sending and receiving data files to the MAGNET cloud.

For the GIS professional using MAGNET Field software, the FC-500 has a geotagging feature that allows imprinting file information, including GPS location, directly on photos.