Connect a controller

To use the instrument it must be connected to a controller running field software, such as the Trimble Access™ software.

When the instrument is started, it will automatically be available for a connection with a controller. The instrument can be set to connect to the controller with LRR (long range radio) and Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi HaLow radio and Wi-Fi. Alternatively, the supplied USB 2.0 cable can be used to connect.

Wi‑Fi password

When a controller is connected to an out-of-the box instrument for the first time, you will be prompted to set a new Wi-Fi password.

Set Wi-Fi password for connection to the SX12 total station

Instruments that have firmware S2.8.x or later installed are configured with a factory default password.

The first time you connect to a new instrument or to an instrument that has been upgraded to firmware S2.8.x, the field software prompts you to change the password from the factory default password to a password of your choice.

The password must have the following attributes:

• At least 8 characters long

• A minimum one numeric character

• A minimum of one symbol

The password you enter is stored in the instrument and in the software on the controller.

Tap Accept to set the defined Wi-Fi password to the instrument. The next time you reconnect to the instrument with the same controller, the connection is automatic and you do not need to re-enter the password.

If you connect to the instrument from a different controller, the field software prompts you to enter the Wi-Fi password that is saved to the instrument. Enter the password and tap Accept.

Change Wi‑Fi password

If an instrument password has previously been stored on the controller, go to the Wi-Fi settings on the controller and tap Forget password.

There are two ways to change the Wi-Fi password on the instrument:

• Press the Power button on the instrument

• Connect the instrument to the controller via a USB cable

Press the Power button on the instrument

1. Press the Power button on the instrument 5 times in rapid succession to reset the password stored in the instrument firmware to the factory default password.

2. The instrument's power button will blink rapidly, then the instrument will shut down.

3. Restart the instrument.

4. When you attempt to connect to the instrument, the controller software prompts you to change the password from the factory default password to a password of your choice.

   NOTE – The 5 button presses must be done in a rapid succession. If the time between button presses is too long (more than 0.7 seconds), the password reset will be unsuccessful and a change in radio will occur instead.

   NOTE – Instrument password functionality is not available when using the TDC600 Model 2 handheld. You cannot connect this type of controller to an SX12 that has a user-defined password set using Wi-Fi, unless you first reset the password in the instrument to the factory default password. To reset the password, use the Power button 5 press method.

Connect the instrument to the controller via a USB cable

1. Connect to the instrument using the USB cable.

2. On the controller, open the field software that you are using and change the password in the instrument settings. For example, in Trimble Access, the typical workflow is:

   1. Tap and select Instrument / Instrument settings.

   2. Tap the Password softkey at the bottom of the Instrument settings screen.

   3. Enter the instrument password. The password must have at least 8 characters, with a minimum of one numeric character and one symbol.

   4. Re-enter the password and then tap Accept.

   5. Wait for around 30 seconds while the password is stored.

   6. When the software confirms the password has been changed, tap OK.

      You will now be able to connect to the instrument using Wi-Fi.

Connect with long range radio

When LRR is used to connect to the controller, the LRR must be set in both the instrument and controller. To establish a connection, the radio channel and network ID settings must be the same for the instrument and controller.

To change the radio channel and/or network ID, the instrument must be connected to the controller using a cable or Wi-Fi.

To change communication from LRR to Wi-Fi, make a short press on the On/Off key. The On/Off key LED will flash with a high frequency. After the change is completed, the LED will short flash indicating it is waiting for a connection. If the controller and instrument have been connected previously and are set to automatically reconnect, they will do so and the LED will turn on solid.

To change communication to cable, connect cable from controller to the instrument COM connector.

Connect with Wi-Fi HaLow radio

Wi-Fi HaLow connects to the controller using the instrument's serial number as the device ID. Select the device to connect to the controller.

To change communication from Wi-Fi HaLow radio to Wi-Fi, make a short press on the On/Off key. The On/Off key LED will flash with a high frequency until the change is completed.

Connect with Wi-Fi

When Wi-Fi is used to connect to the controller, the instrument's serial number is used as the device ID. Select the device to connect to the controller.

It can take a while before the instrument appears as a device after the instrument has been started.

To change communication from Wi-Fi to LRR, make a short press on the On/Off key. The On/Off key LED will flash with a high frequency. After the change is completed, the LED will short flash indicating it is waiting for a connection. If the controller and instrument have been connected previously and are set to automatically reconnect, they will do so and the LED will turn on solid.

Connect with cable

When a controller is connected with a cable to the instrument COM connector in the base unit, it is automatically selected as the primary communication.

If the cable is disconnected, the instrument will start to search for the controller using LRR or Wi-Fi.

1

COM connector

2

To controller