| Windows CE-based handheld controls surveying equipment |
Mar. 05, 2008
 Topcon has introduced a Windows CE 5.0-based handheld computer designed to control surveying equipment. The FC-2200 field controller includes a 3.5-inch QVGA display, 802.11b/g wireless networking, Bluetooth 1.1, barcode scanner, five megapixel camera, and optional remote-control modules, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of Topcon's FC2200)
Shaped with an integral hand grip, the FC-2200's case is shock-resistant and sealed against water and dust to the IP65 standard, according to Topcon. The device has a 53-key keyboard, five-way controller, and six status LCDs. Also included is a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 (QVGA) resolution.
 The device's primary mission is to control robotic surveying equipment, such as Topcon's own IS and GPT-9000A (shown at right) total stations. To that end, it features optional 2.4GHz Futaba RS-3 radio modules, which piggyback on the rear of the device. Other available radio modules include a CDMA cellular modem and a GPS receiver, according to the company.
The FC-2200 includes an imager that is capable of reading 1D and 2D barcodes. Using dual red lasers, it operates at distances up to 2.5 inches, according to Topcon. The imager further doubles as a five megapixel digital camera, with shutter speeds up to 1/500th of a second, and picture resolutions up to 2048 x 1944 pixels.
The FC-2200 is based on a Marvell PXA270 processor clocked at 624MHz. It comes with 128MB of RAM and 2GB of flash storage. While an internal SD slot is not provided, Topcon has included a USB host port that can be used for temporary connection of a flash drive.
In addition to the remote control capability mentioned above, the FC-2200 includes 802.11b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 1.1. With WiFi, Bluetooth, and the RS-3 radio module all active, battery life is approximately four hours, doubling to eight hours with the radios off, Topcon claims. The unit is powered by six alkaline or rechargeable AA cells.
Finally, it's worth noting that while the FC-2200 is based on Windows CE 5.0, it has a custom user interface created by Topcon. The UI provides functionality and icons designed specifically for surveying purposes, plus configuration tools and a calculator.
Features and specifications listed by Topcon for the FC-2200 include:- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 running at 624MHz
- Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 2GB of flash
- Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution
- Imager:
- 1D and 2D barcode scanner
- Dual red lasers
- Manual or automatic focusing, from 2.5 inches to infinity
- Shutter speeds to 1/500th of a second, aperture F8.0 or F2.8
- Five megapixel sensor, offering selectable 2048 x 1944, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, and 320 x 200 resolutions
- Wireless interfaces:
- WAN -- CDMA cellular modem (optional)
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 1.1
- 2.4GHz RS-3 radio control (optional)
- GPS receiver (optional)
- Other I/O:
- 1 x USB 1.1
- USB On-the-go host/client
- 1 x serial (9-pin, RS232C)
- Dimensions -- 9.9 x 4.8 x 1.8 inches
- Weight, with battery pack -- 2 pounds
The FC-2200 appears to be on sale now, though pricing and availability was not addressed by Topcon.
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