Reference Material

A survey grade tripod is required with the ScanStation scanners. The weight of the scanner and the ability for it to stay stable in windy conditions or as temperatures alter, the stability of the scanning platform require a heavy and extremely stable tripod.

Standard survey grade tripods are equipped with a 5/8" 11 threaded mount. A tribrach is used to fine level the scanner after being attached to the tripod.

A metal base using a 5/8" 11 thread adapter can be used with all scanners for stable low capturing of data.

Tripod Star -

The GST4 Tripod Star is used to keep the legs of Survey Tripods from either slipping outward on slick surfaces like tile or sinking into semi soft-soft surfaces like hot roadway asphalt. It additionally guides the new user to the optimal leg width for stability.

The center hole allows for centering the scanner over a PK Nail (Control Point) when needed.

The Tripod Star can be folded up and inserted into the closed legs of many Survey Tripods for transport.

Tribrach -

Survey tripods use a mounting device called a Tribrach to attach survey equipment. The Tribrach has three legs with adjustable elevation adjustments and a bubble level so the tripod can be setup perfectly level. There are two general types of Tribrachs; the most common for 3D scanning is a Tribrach with a hole in the center mounting threads that allows for a plummet laser to be projected out of the bottom of the scanner or total station.

The other type has an optical viewing lens that allow you move the Tribrach when mounted to the tripod to position sensor exactly over a known marked control point on the ground.

The Tribrach has a 5/8" 11 thread mount.
The scanner or total station must be removed from the Tribrach before moving the tripod to a new position.
Never invert a scanner while mounted in a Tribrach.

RTC360 - GST80 Tripod

The RTC360 scanner has many users appreciating the light weight GST80 Carbon Fiber tripod that comes with the RTC360 kit for portability and ease of moving the scanner from location to location. For the majority of scanning applications this is a fantastic tripod solution.

Parts: https://www.gitzospares.com/

Maintain - Cleaning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt6gw38B5-I

GITZO - GT5543XLS Optional Tripod

The Gitzo GT5543XLS can go taller than the GST80 tripod. As an option it is easy to work with at normal human height settings but can be opened just a bit higher when working on roadways or outdoor scenes. The increased incident angle of the scan data on the surrounding ground improves the scan data but a larger circle under the scanner of no data will be created. The GT5543XLS 78" or GT5563GS that goes taller to 109.4" - both require a GAD122 to mount to the tripod's stock 3/8" 16 top threads. The GAD122 will need a 5/8" 11 to 3/8" 16 internal bushing so the RTC360 can be used with these taller tripods. The bushing part is displayed lower on this page.

Gitzo Site: https://www.gitzo.com/global/tripod-systematic-series-5-xl-4-sections-gt5543xls/

The two taller tripods can be used with a Tribrach and the RTC360 Tribrach GAD120 mount. This is not so desirable since one would need a ladder at every station position to see the bubble level!

BLK360 G1 and G2 Scanners can benefit from elevated capture as well. The BLK360 GAD Adaptor can have the 1/4" 20 Bushing removed and it can directly mount to these tripods. Use of a Ball Head of some kind with a quick release plate would be a more preferred mounting option to allow angling the BLK360 to be horizontal during capture when desired.

Alternate tripod Options

There are a number of manufacturers and types of tripods. In general there are two types:

Survey Tripods are made for daily use in the field for heavy equipment, designed for use in harsh elements and windy conditions. The mount uses a 5/8" 11 thread size. RTC or BLK units require an adaptor of some kind to mount.

Photography Tripods come in a huge assortment of low cost consumer to professional grade and offer variable height models. The mount typically uses a 3/8" 16 thread size. Ball heads and adaptor are mounted to this tripod thread size and then quick release plates usually use a 1/4" 20 thread size that is typically found on the bottom of cameras.

Recommendations

For BLK360 G1 G2 field operations rapid setup, stable use in wind make a professional heavy tripod a valued scanning platform. Manfrotto offers a center elevating geared column tripod with an optional rapid leg opening feature on the 058B model. Elevated scanning ability is important to capture the tops of large cars and capture more data in open roadway areas.

Tripod Heads for BLK360 G1 and G2 Scanners have hundreds of options. A rapid ability to adjust the ball head to visually adjust the scanner to level is desired. A standard ball head will work. The Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Ball Head with Quick Release Plate offers an easy to see bubble level. The pistol grip style ball head offers rapid adjustment to level the scanner when moving from station to station position.

Optimally Two BLK360 Adaptors would be obtained. One BLK Adaptor stays mounted to a Manfrotto RC2 plate and the second BLK Adaptor would be mounted to a Manfrotto 035 / 2909 Super Clamp allowing the scanner to be moved from tripod to the SuperClamp quickly for inverted or horizontal capture.

How much should I budget for my mounting hardware?

Below is a July 2024 Price from online Manfrotto for the three recommended BLK360 G2 tripod and mounting options. Other vendors like B&H Photo may offer the items at various different prices. Budget out $1000 for a solid tripod. Do not risk your $25,000 scanner investment to lightweight tripods when working in conditions where the scanner can blown over. Note: There are $2000.00 tripod options that go higher, carbon fiber and the Gizzo ones for RTC360 could be used for your BLK360 G2.

Option: Lighter Tripod
Gitzo GT2542L is also a very nice Carbon Fiber tripod great for using with the BLK360. This tripod is approximately $1300.

BLK360 G2 Equipment Package Recommendation

Above are tripod and parts for a BLK360 G2 package. The BLK Adaptor is listed below along with a recommended items to get for your laser scanning documentation kit. I suggest skipping an offered Mission Kit addition and getting 3 additional batteries and 2 BLK Adaptors along with your Cyclone Register 360 Plus software for the BLK Edition. 1 Year Subscription Cost + Budget this expense for a renewal in Year 2, Year 3... etc.

Elevating Tripods - Pxx / RTC / BLK

An assortment of elevating or extension tripods are offered on the market by various manufacturers. Elevating a scanner above a roadway, inverting or running it out a window are mounting options that normal tripods are not designed to do. A European company specializes in self leveling, elevated and laterally held scanner tripod equipment for laser scanning.

A link is offered for viewing a variety of elevating tripods or mobile platforms offered on the market. https://www.scan-go.eu/en/categoria-prodotto/products/

Twin Target Pole Tripod

The 1 m Twin Target Pole comes with a short aluminum tripod. When a short tripod is needed the scanner can be mounted to this tripod with a GAD adaptor mounted to the 5/8" 11 survey head of the tripod.

Tripod Mounting Adaptors RTC360

There are three Leica GAD adapters to mount the RTC360 and RTC360LT scanners to a variety of tripods. GAD### is used in the product code for a variety of adaptors to connect one item to another.

GAD122

The GAD122 RTC360 mount has a 5/8" 11 female thread on the bottom allowing it to be mounted securely to any standard survey tripod. When deploying the RTC360 in windy areas, unstable terrain or harsh environments where one would not want to use their light weight carbon fiber tripod; the GAD122 adapter is the best option. RTC360 Cases have a pre-molded slot to store the GAD122.

RTC360 & Standard Photography Tripods:

The GAD122 can be modified with the addition of a bushing to reduce the 5/8" 11 female mount to a 3/8" 16 thread size - allowing the RTC360 scanner to be mounted to variety of standard photography tripods.

Most professional quality tripods have a 3/8" 16 male thread used for mounting a tripod ball head.

IMPORTANT NOTE & WARNING:

E-Z Lok makes a threaded insert with the required thread sizes. (Part #335-6) Users MUST remove the red locktite adhesive from the threads if they desire to remove the adapter easily allowing the GAD122 to be used on both Survey Tripods and Photography Tripods. E-Z Loc advises that you can request the distributor order the Loctite be removed before shipping.

Users that elect to use this adapter adjustment are doing this as a modification and it is not officially endorsed as a manufacturer tested adapted use of the GAD122. A warning is offered to be aware that the adapter must be fully inserted and can easily rotate out and potentially fail to secure the RTC360 to the tripod. This mounting adjustment is done at your own risk of potential fall damage to the scanner.

A hex head driver should be kept with the E-Z Loc 500-5 Drive Tool to tighten and remove the threaded adapter from the GAD122.

Inverted Bushing
Your co-worker, "Butters" will invariably invert the bushing and get it stuck in the GAD122. A bushing removal tool should be put into your equipment bag.

A bolt is threaded into the bushing fully but not seated, the washer is seated on the edge of the bushing that extends out and bolts are tightened down. Unscrew the bolt to remove the bushing.

GAD120

The GAD120 must be mounted into a tribrach and offers fine leveling compatibility with existing survey tripods and is a desired mounting option when a tribrach is needed. This option would not be recommended for horizontal or inverted use of the RTC360.

GAD121

The GAD121 is a less commonly used mount that requires three bolts or screws to mount it to a surface. There is no female thread opening on the underside. For the building and construction trades this is an excellent option to hard mount the scanner to beams, walls, run inverted or capture multiple scans from a fixed position.

Inverted RTC360

Coverage in compact dense areas can be captured through inverted capture. A rule to follow when running a scanner inverted is to capture an upright level scan in the area to ensure the inverted scans can be registered accurately upright.

BLK360

The BLK360 has two adapters offered: The BLK360 Adapter has a 3/8" 16 female mounting hole for attaching to standard photography tripods.

A threaded reducing bushing is supplied to mount the adapter to 1/4" 20 thread size mounts commonly used with standard camera equipment and quick release plates.

This adapter is a required accessory for the BLK360 G1 or G2 Scanner.

GAD123

The GAD123 is a unique mounting option for the BLK360 and is used typically with a total station to capture HDS data from the same location as the TPS data. The mount requires a tribrach for use and offers fine adjustment leveling of the BLK360 and use of survey grade tripods when working in harsh or windy conditions.

Mounting Options - BLK / RTC / Targets

035 Super Clamp

Manfrotto manufactures a wide variety of photography tripods and adapters for mounting equipment. A very useful clamp for the BLK360 is the 035 Super Clamp.

Make sure to get the 037 Reversible Short Stud to attach the BLK360 Adapter to the Super Clamp. If a GAD122 for the RTC360 or GAD50 for a BW 4.5" target

The image has a 035 Clamp, Bushman HALO panoramic LED light and a BLK Adaptor, ready for the G2 Scanner.

243 Window Clamp

The window clamp mount has a fixed 3/8" 16 mounting bolt. The BLK360 Tripod Adaptor will fit. If using a GAD50 a 5/8" 11 to 3/8" 16 threaded bushing will be required. (See Bushing Info under GAD122)

The window clamp is used to mount paddle or sphere targets on a partially open stable car windows to assist in complex registrations of vehicle interiors when the vehicle is scanned in an outdoor low planar area vs an indoor building.

Disclaimers: Do not slam car door with scanner mounted to the window in this mount! Ensure stability of any mount and test using a non valuable equally weighted object to verify stability. Do not drop the scanner!

Targets -

Targets are being used less and less when free station scanning due to Cyclone registration software using overlapping planar surfaces in the scene as fixed surfaces to connect or register all the station positions. At times there are certain environments where targets are required. When in a forest or others scenarios like open roadways with no unique large planar surfaces targets are required. When working with limited planar surfaces simply adding targets can produce a more accurate registration and shorten the post production registration workflow.

There are two general types of targets.

Black and White Targets:

Usually these are a paddle that are flat and rotate 360 degrees to face the scanner at each setup position. These also come as a flat sticker or printed paper target that can be attached to a surface. The Black and White Target have a high contrasting cross hair center that the software can auto-detect. Know that depending on the type of scanner being used like the P20 or BLK360 scanners a Grey and White target provides superior results due to the wavelength of the laser.

When working with UAV-UAS data; Large Orange and Black targets can provide better contrast on the ground than a black and white target.

Black and White Target diameters range from 3" to 6" but the most commonly used are the 4.5" and 6"paddle targets. Know that the more scanning points you have on the face of either type of target center of the target is more closely going to be auto calculated.

Spheres:

A round sphere can be used as a registration target. With enough points across the curved surface the software can calculate the center position of the sphere. The sphere has the advantage of not having to be rotated to face the scanner like the paddle targets but are more fragile and larger to transport.

Spheres come in a variety of sizes. 4" to 10" are common sizes used. The scanners density settings will be critical in determining what size sphere to use. General rule is the sphere has to be larger for lower density scan data.

USE (overview):

At a minimum three targets need to be captured from each station position. This means from the first scan position three distributed targets must be within the range of the scanner and captured. Without moving these three targets they must also be captured in the data of the second scanner position. Targets should be distributed in the shape of a large triangle when possible with variable distances between each target and set at different elevations.

NB: Leica ScanStation Scanners C10, P16-P50 have a Dual Axis Compensator. With this highly accurate level and using Cyclone Register, a registration can be done with only two targets. Proper workflow is recommending 4-6 targets visible between each scanning position.

Target ADAPTOR GAD50

GAD50

The GAD50 adaptor is used to connect a Black and White 4.5" paddle target to a survey target pole or a magnetic base. The thread size is 5/8" 11 and has a grooved head for mounting a variety of survey equipment.

Public Safety Target Package

The majority of police agencies have a TTP (Twin Target Pole) for QA use. This dual faced target can be used with a series of 4.5" black and white target paddles to make post processing registration possible when no planar data is around the scene. The prime example might be a body in a grass tree enclosed space where there are no sight lines to cars, buildings etc to aid in registering the scene data. The following items are suggested as a lightweight target package to add if needed to work with a TTP. The parts all fit in the orange TTP bag.

Four 4.5" black and white target paddles
Five GAD 50 Target mounts
Five 5/8" 11 Magnetic Bases

One of the 4.5" targets from the TTP can be removed from the pole after a QA scan and used in target geometry by mounting it to one of the five magnetic bases and GAD50 mounts. Low cost cargo tie down straps, flex cuffs etc can be used to hold the magnetic bases to trees, aluminum poles, or just set them on the ground. These rotating targets are more accommodating than paper printed targets but most difficult low planar data scenes will use both the extra targets and flat paper targets.

LIGHTING

There are three main reasons to add lights to your scanner in low ambient or no light scenes:
1. VIS Tracking. The RTC and BLK360 G2 and Mobile BLK2GO Arc Scanners use photogrammetry to track their positions and these camera need visible light to track their positions as the scanner moves.

2. RGB Colors from Scanner. Ambient Low Light can cause less than desired colors in the panoramic images and is seen the colorization of the point cloud as well. usually a need to bring lighting to scenarios where there is no light for VIS technology to track the RTC360 or BLK360 G2 Scanners as they move. Adding a series of lights to a tripod can greatly speed up scanning by not having lost VIS tracking and will improve color scan data out to the distance the light can reach.

3. Safety. WIth a light source on your scanner tripod you can see where you are stepping and others around you can see you and the scanner and will be less likely to collide with the scanner.

Below are some options from very expensive lighting options to the best of the recommended low cost video lights that can be hand held to meet budget needs for your type of work. A diffuse lighting source is best, hotspots created by flashlights should be avoided.

Note: These are only offered as options for non Leica Geosystems produced aftermarket options that clients have used. If a price is not listed the item is very expensive. It a price is listed it is a 2025 estimate only.

MEANDRE TECHNOLOGIE

A Professional Lighting Solution that is can be researched: https://www.meandre-technologie.com/en/pages/page-4.html

FOxfury

FoxFury lighting is a well known lighting solution and they have a six light tripod mounted kit. The lighting option could be reduced to three lights but coverage is not as even.

https://www.foxfury.com/product/rugo-6-light-system-for-terrestrial-3d-laser-scanners/

Bushman Pano Halo Light

This panoramic light was designed for Ricoh Theta Panoramic cameras and has gained popularity in mounting under the BLK360 scanner. With a G2 scanner this light can assist in VIS tracking, low ambient light issues, and safety; see where you are going and letting people see you.

BLK2GO & BLK Arc users might be interested in this light! - Strength of light is not known to be capable of supporting 12lbs for RTC360 use. Mounting a GAD122 to a 1/4" 20 thread is not advised.
https://bushman-panoramic.com/products/halo-360-light

Pixel G1s RGB Video Light option

A number of lighting options are offered to get RGB colors captured in low ambient light. Video light portable light sources have been mentioned. Highly rated is the video light. Two or three of these lights can be mounted to the tripod to light your scene. A recommendation is to not have the light source too bright if surfaces are close to the scanner. Softer fill light will produce a superior image panoramic image and colorization of points.

The Pixel G1 Bi-Color RGB Video Light at $70 USD is one of the most affordable lighting solutions. Low cost round clamps with 1/4" Thread Mounts can be used to mount multiple lights to tripod legs.
A single light can be held behind the scanner's cameras and manually match the rotation of the scanner as the images are captured.

Vibration Reduction

Tungsten Rubber Pads - Placing a scanner tripod feet on anti vibration pads can significantly reduce ground vibrations in industrial areas.

DUST REduction

Scanners have fans and intake ducts to cool electronics. Scanners taken into very contaminated areas of floating particulate dust or exposed in highly dangerous radioactive controlled zones should apply a pre filter over the intake to catch large dust particles and minimize ingestion of the particulate dust.

3M Tape Vent Tap 394 can be applied over the intake cooling vents. Use caution and ensure your scanner does not overheat and the tape is removed when not required.

CONTROL

There are two general types of Control:

Local:

Local control are known locations within the area that have accurate coordinate positions for each known. This is commonly done with a Total Station and markers called PK Nails driven into the ground.

GeoRef Control

When working in a state plane coordinate system a variety of other data sets are able to be leveraged with HDS data to visualize the overall area. To get geographical reference coordinates a GNSS (GPS) unit is used to capture known control points that are given xyz coordinate values within a global or state region. These reference points need to be captured with the scanner using a target on or over the marked PK Nail.

Scanning a Control Point

The placement of a target on the control point is usually needed if the scanner cannot be placed within a few feet of the GCP nail. Poles, tripods commonly used mount a paddle BW 4.5" or 6" target or a sphere to an elevated visible space so the point below the target can be input into the point cloud data.

Rapid Control Option: No Ground Targets

With the release of REG360 v2025.x scanner positions can have a vertex (Target) placed at the (0,0,0) of the scanners mirror and this offers the ability to put a small GNSS (GPS) sensor on top of the scanner (RTC/ BLK) to capture the scanners global position. The Zeno Flex 100 Tilt uses RTK corrections from SmartNET and the network of GNSS satellites and can provide 2cm accuracy. There are many reasons to associate scan data to a global coordinate system.

https://voicethread.com/myvoice/thread/29522470

This VoiceThread link offers a detailed exploration of many tools and reasons to get your scan data associated with a global control position.

This simple GNSS 2 BLK G2 Adaptor fits over the top of the BLK360 G2 scanner and allows for an accurate pole offset obtain the scanners position. This is used with an IOS device (IPhone) using a Zeno Mobile One application.

The Zeno Flex 100 Tilt allows for collection of evidence outside.

GNSS to RTC adaptors are also offered.

BLK Arc Backpack

The BLK Arc comes in a Backpack from Scan & Go and has internal batteries that power it you capture data in a 360 walking view. There is a very important setup instructions that will prevent damaging the Electronics USB Board: Some people have worked out using a USB C power bank to supply power to the ARC and the danger is the USB C data cable to the Arc could be plugged into the power bank.

Connect power only to the round power cable. Ipad - Tablet connection only to the USB C Data Cable along with connecting to your computer to download data.

Virtual Training GoToTraining Catalog Test

SUPPORT - Troubleshooting Guides

RTC360 - Troubleshooting Guide

Checklist to Run Before Sending Scanner In for Service -

HDS Support will Ask you These Questions to Troubleshoot Scanner Operation Issues.

Summary of initial steps to assist in resolving scanner-related issues and information to be collected when creating/passing on scanner support cases to 2nd Level Support.

Troubleshooting in the field/ office:

Reboot scanner
Change batteries
Boot issue:
1. Reboot without USB drive inserted in scanner
2. If scanner boots ok, use second USB drive or format first USB drive (via scanner MMI or PC)
Scanning issue:
1. Clean laser rotating mirror and nadir (reference point below mirror)
2. Check tripod setup
  1. Tighten screws
  2. Use a wide triangular base (not too steep)
  3. On stable ground, avoid vibrations
  4. Use rubber foot caps on solid floor, remove to uncover spikes for usage on a soft ground
3. Use second USB drive or format first USB drive (via scanner MMI or PC)
4. Disable VIS
Cool down/ warm up scanner in extreme temperature. Allow time to adjust.
Update to latest firmware version . (NOTE: CCP On Cyclone Should Be Current to Ensure Data Can Be Imported.)
1. Execute forced firmware upgrade (RTC360 - How to Execute a Forced Firmware Upgrade)
2. DO NOT downgrade without checking with 2nd Level Support first.

If case cannot be solved;

information to pass on to 2nd level Support:

The more detailed your description is, the better / faster we can help you to resolve the issue.

Serial number:
Firmware version:
Is it a permanent or more a sporadic issue? (Operator Specific?)
When does it happen: Date and Time (NEEDED FOR LOG FILE EXAMINATION)
What does not work: Describe in detail incl. any error messages.
- Boot issue:
  - Results of troubleshooting steps 1) – 3) and 6)
- Scan/ imaging failure
  - Report results of troubleshooting steps 4) – 6)
  - Scan settings: Resolution / Double Scan / (Adaptive) Photos / VIS / GPS
  - At which point in the process does it happen (start / end)
  - Stand-alone or when using Cyclone FIELD 360 on tablet
  - "Upside-down" setup?
- Have any other settings been tried?
- Photos/videos showing the behaviour and setup of the scanner are very useful.
- Report if used in unusual environments; high temperature, condensing humidity exposure (Hot Wet Enclosed Box), stored wet after use in the rain in enclosed case, ultra cold storage prior to operation, etc.

Scanner logfiles:

ALWAYS supply the latest scanner log file for the service analysis.

DOWNLOAD: From the scanner display go to: Settings | Logfiles | Transfer (copies the logs to the USB drive).

Data quality issues:

Is it reproducible after Troubleshooting Step 4) has been done
Calibration issue: perform “Check and Adjust” (myWorld@Leica Geosystems (leica-geosystems.com))
Describe the issue in detail incl. screenshots
Compare to another scanner data on the same setup
Provide the RAW scan data for analysis!

Article Number000007097

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