This guide may be used for initial configuration, connection and basic operation of the Leica ScanStation PXX within SA. This includes the P30/ P40, and P50 scanners. For more details on instrument operation and configuration, please contact Leica directly.
Setup the unit following the manufacturer’s directions. The ScanStation requires an Ethernet connection to the machine running SA 2016.09.01 or later (The interface was updated to PxxScannerAPI v.3.0.184 in SA v2023.1). Be sure the Leica device power is on and that the batteries are charged.
No additional software installation is required on the computer. However, you must have a license installed on the Pxx to connect in SA.
Under Status>System Information>Options is a setting AP I Data Access which must be activated (it is deactivated by default). Contact your Leica Geosystems representative for more information.
To add a License. Plug a USB key into the scope with a license file in root directory and select tools>>license>>upload.
Select Instrument>Add and choose the Leica Geosystems ScanStation Pxx from the Add Instrument to SA dialog:
Now run the instrument interface module and connect using the Connect button . This will open the SA interface utility.
When the PXX Scanner Control dialog appears the connection to the scanner still needs to be established and the project initiated. To do so:
Enter the instrument’s serial number and click Connect Scanner. The scanner uses a DHCP connection so an IP address identification is not necessary.
Enter the Project Name and press Init Project. This will specify the directory for the scan data on the scope. When set this Project will be listed on the status bar at the bottom of the Control Dialog.
Specify a Projects Base Path. This directory is used for direct file transfer as well as temporary file transfer of scan data while importing into SA.
The Export Settings tab in the PXX Scanner Control dialog defines the scan filter definitions and the scan transfer location onthe local machine. The Export Path defines the location on the local machine where scan files will be transferred.
The advanced settings are master controls for filter options not typically changed for scans unless needed for a particular application.
Remove Intensity Overload Pixels. This option is checked by default and removes any pixels that have an overload intensity such as pixels taken from a mirror or reflector. The location of the pixels are typically incorrect.
Remove Mixed Pixels. This option is checked by default. It removes pixels that have a mix of return intensities indicating that the target is not reliable, typically occurring on edges of surfaces.
Remove Low Quality Pixels. This option is unchecked by default but allows you to receive pixels with a low quality return.
Mixed Pixel Filter. This is considered Leica’s “Intelligent Area Filter”. It will smooth out the data based upon the relative position of adjacent points in the scan. The degree that this is done is based upon the slider setting. To turn it off, slide the Area Filter slider to Min.
The Scanner Control tab defines the scan and controls (start/stop/pause/resume). There are 3 horizontal tabs on the left. Start with the Range Scan tab to create an initial scan and preview.
Scan Resolution. This setting defines the density of the cloud. You can chose from 7 preset scan resolution settings defined as the distance between adjacent scan points at the distance specified. This represents the angular spacing of individual points. The points will be closer together at a closer distance and wider at a great distance based on this angular setting. The default setting when connecting to SA is the lowest resolution.
Scan Quality. This setting defines accuracy for a particular point. Higher accuracy results in an increase in the overall measurement time.
Scan Sensitivity.
Double Scan. This option enables scanning with both front and back sight.
Range Filter. Enables a range limit.
Start Scan. Initiates a new Scan.
Get Last Preview. Will retrieve a preview of the last scan.
After performing a Range Scan and the Preview is visible, switch to the Target Scan (horizontal tab).
Set the Name, Target Type, Diameter, etc. and then press [Pick Target] to click on the target location in the scan.
Be sure to set the target’s Name. This name will be shown in the Scanner Data under your Project, and the name that will appear in SA for the Target Center Point.
Repeat for all desired Targets in the scan (Set the Name, then Pick the target location in the preview).
The Scanner Data tab provides a view of scan data on the instrument. It offers a tree view on the left and details on the selected item on the right as well as a preview of that scan.
In order to send data to SA:
Ensure that the Collection name and Cloud / Group name are set as desired on the Export tab.
Select the item you would like to import from the tree on the left here in the Scanner Data tab. This will display a preview and update the summary information.
Right-click again on the item of interest in the tree and select the desired option such as “Send Scan to SA as pt cloud“.