Carlson CRx Series Robotic Total Station with Automatic Prism Tracking

The Carlson CRx Series is a range of professional robotic total stations designed for high-precision surveying, engineering and construction work. The instruments combine automatic prism tracking, motorised operation, reflectorless distance measurement and integration with Carlson SurvCE and SurvPC field software.

The series consists of the Carlson CRx-1, CRx-2, CRx-3 and CRx-5. The model number represents the instrument's angular accuracy: 1, 2, 3 or 5 arc-seconds. The models share the same main robotic technologies and workflow, allowing users to select the angular accuracy required for their application.

The CRx Series can be used for applications including topographic surveying, construction layout, setting out, as-built surveys, boundary and cadastral fieldwork, engineering surveys, road and infrastructure projects, monitoring, control surveys and other work requiring precise angle and distance measurements.

Yes. The CRx is designed for robotic surveying, allowing a surveyor to operate the instrument remotely from the prism position using a compatible field controller running Carlson SurvCE or SurvPC. Automatic prism search, aiming and tracking technologies help support efficient one-person survey workflows.

A manual total station normally requires an operator at the instrument to aim at the prism for each measurement. A robotic total station such as the Carlson CRx can automatically search for, aim at and track a prism while being controlled remotely. This makes single-person surveying and continuous stakeout workflows possible.

The CRx-1 provides 1-second angular accuracy, followed by 2 seconds for the CRx-2, 3 seconds for the CRx-3 and 5 seconds for the CRx-5. Higher angular accuracy is especially important for precision engineering, control and longer-distance measurements, while 3- or 5-second instruments can be suitable for many general surveying and construction applications. The appropriate model depends on the accuracy requirements of the project.

For measurements to a standard prism, Carlson specifies typical accuracy of 1 mm + 1.5 ppm in standard mode, 2 mm + 1.5 ppm in fast single-measurement mode and 3 mm + 1.5 ppm during continuous measurement. The maximum specified prism measurement range is up to approximately 3,500 metres under suitable conditions.

Yes. The CRx Series supports reflectorless distance measurement using Carlson's accXess EDM technology. Depending on the configuration, reflectorless ranges of up to approximately 500 metres or 1,000 metres are available, allowing measurements to surfaces that cannot conveniently be occupied with a prism.

accXess is the electronic distance measurement technology used by the CRx Series for reflectorless measurements. Carlson specifies reflectorless accuracy of approximately 2 mm + 2 ppm under suitable conditions, enabling precise measurements to buildings, structures, façades, inaccessible points and other suitable surfaces without placing a prism directly on the target.

Scout is the CRx Series' opto-electronic prism search system. It is designed to quickly locate a passive prism when the robotic total station has lost the target or needs to acquire it. Carlson specifies a Scout search range of up to approximately 300 metres when using a round prism.

Carlson specifies automatic prism tracking at distances up to approximately 800 metres with a round prism under suitable conditions. The tracking system is designed to follow a moving prism during surveying and stakeout operations.

Yes. The CRx includes automatic fine-aiming technology that uses image processing to precisely aim at a round prism. Carlson specifies an automatic aiming range of up to approximately 1,000 metres and an aiming accuracy of 1 arc-second under suitable conditions.

Yes. The CRx Series is designed specifically for use with Carlson SurvPC and SurvCE field software. These applications provide the surveying and stakeout routines used to control the robotic total station, collect measurements, calculate coordinates and manage field projects.

Yes. Carlson provides the option to install SurvCE Basic directly on the CRx for onboard operation. The instrument has a 5-inch colour touchscreen and full alphanumeric keyboard. For full robotic surveying workflows, a separate field controller running Carlson SurvCE or SurvPC is commonly used.

Yes. The CRx Series is compatible with the Hybrid+ module available for Carlson SurvCE and SurvPC. Hybrid+ allows a robotic total station and compatible GNSS receiver to be used within the same field workflow, making it easier to switch between optical and GNSS measurements as site conditions change.

Yes. With Carlson's Hybrid+ workflow, the CRx can be used together with a compatible GNSS receiver such as a Carlson BRx7. GNSS can be used where satellite visibility is suitable, while the robotic total station can be used around buildings, beneath obstructions or wherever an optical measurement is preferable.

The CRx provides internal Bluetooth connectivity and supports a long-range Bluetooth radio handle for remote robotic operation. It also provides interfaces including serial, USB, external power and WLAN connectivity for supported data-transfer and field workflows.

The CRx has approximately 2 GB of internal memory and supports removable storage using an SD card and USB memory device. When the instrument is operated with Carlson SurvCE or SurvPC on a field controller, project data can also be managed directly through the field software.

The CRx Series has a 5-inch WVGA colour touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution and LED backlight. It also includes an illuminated full alphanumeric keyboard, providing both touchscreen and physical-key operation in the field.

X-MOTION Hybrid Drives are the motorisation technology used by the CRx robotic total station. They provide the movement required for automatic turning, prism searching, aiming and tracking, helping the instrument respond quickly during robotic surveying and stakeout.

The Carlson CRx uses a removable 4.4 Ah, 7.4 V lithium-ion battery. Carlson specifies operating time of up to approximately 8 hours under suitable conditions. Actual battery life depends on factors such as robotic motor use, tracking, wireless communication, temperature and measurement frequency.

Yes. The CRx Series is designed as a rugged professional field instrument and has an IP55 protection rating against dust and water. Carlson specifies an operating temperature range of approximately -20°C to +50°C and a storage range of -40°C to +70°C.

Depending on the configuration, the CRx weighs approximately 5.0 to 5.3 kg without the battery and tribrach. The complete field setup will weigh more once the battery, tribrach and other required accessories are installed.

The listed package includes the Carlson CRx robotic total station, long-range Bluetooth radio handle, rechargeable 4.4 Ah lithium-ion battery, tribrach without optical plummet, charger and USB cable. The exact configuration, model-specific equipment and optional accessories should always be checked when ordering.