Leica Captivate v8.50 Software Release Notes

Introduction

These Release Notes contain important information about new features and bugfixes.

General information

Leica Captivate v8.50 is released for the following hardware:

• Field Controllers: CS20, CS30, CS35, CC200
• Total Stations: TS10, TS13, TS16, TS60, MS60, TM60
• GNSS Sensors: GS18 T, GS18 I, GS18

Customer Care Product (CCP) dates

The Leica Captivate software version 8.50 can be loaded onto all CS Field Controllers, GS18 GNSS Sensors and TS/MS Total Stations with a CCP valid until at least 01.06.2024.

Jobs, Coordinate Systems, Working Styles, RTK Profiles and other objects

All Leica Captivate "objects" (such as Jobs, Coordinate Systems, Working Styles, RTK profiles etc.) created or used within previous Leica Captivate versions can be used in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Compatibility between Leica Captivate versions

Compatibility between Leica Captivate versions is guaranteed if the instruments run the same major version. For example, when using a version 8.x on a Leica Captivate GS Sensor or TS Total Station, the CS20 Controller or CS30/CS35/CC200 Tablet must also run an 8.x version to be compatible. For the new Leica Captivate v8.50, all Leica Captivate GS Sensors and TS/MS Total Stations must be updated to a version 8.x to be compatible with a CS20 Controller or CS30/CS35/CC200 Tablets running v8.50 and vice versa.

Compatibility between Leica Captivate and SmartWorx Viva versions

The table below shows the compatibility between Leica Captivate and SmartWorx Viva versions:

Security Update

Due to a security update related to license keys within the firmware, it is not possible to downgrade a total station to a lower version once Leica Captivate v8.50 is loaded in the instrument.

New Software Features

Tools - Regional configurator

In previous versions of Leica Captivate, configuring and preparing devices with regional-specific files and settings was done during pre-delivery customization or by transferring user objects from a storage device. If objects were updated or new ones were needed for different projects or regions, sourcing and transferring them often required support.

From Leica Captivate v8.50 onwards, a new Regional configurator tool provides direct access to regional-specific files and settings shared via the HxGN GeoCloud storage drive. This includes user objects and resources like working styles, RTK profiles, codelists, coordinate systems, and stylesheets. With an internet connection, objects can be accessed and downloaded directly to the field device. The Regional configurator is found within the Tools panel and requires no specific license or HxGN GeoCloud account.

Within the tool, regions with downloadable objects are listed as folders. Any listed region can be accessed. The content of each region may vary and can be organized into sub-folders. Downloadable objects can be navigated, selected, and downloaded.

Folders can be selected, and their entire contents downloaded. Once a download starts, the transfer status can be checked. The Regional configurator tool supports and recognizes all Leica Captivate objects, automatically placing them in the correct location for direct use. This tool simplifies configuring a Captivate field device with region-specific files, ensuring devices are up-to-date and users have access to local objects and configurations regardless of the region.

3D Viewer - Snapping functionality

Previously, attaching reference files (like CAD or IFC data) to a job allowed users to stake out or check points of interest only after importing the entire object. Importing complex objects could lead to many unnecessary points and lines, making it difficult to select the desired point.

Leica Captivate v8.50 introduces a new snapping tool to easily extract specific points of interest from attached reference files. In the map view, the snapping tool can be activated from the selection toolbar. Tapping near a point of interest on a reference object creates a temporary snap marker. Using the context menu, snap markers can be imported as points into the database or used for functions like COGO or Stake apps. Two snapping tools are available:

• Snap to end/corner point: Snaps to the start/ends of lines or line segments, and to the corners of solid objects (polyface meshes, 3D faces). This facilitates creating individual points at corners of polylines (e.g., building corners) or solid objects (e.g., walls).
• Snap to arc/circle centre point: Snaps to the center point of an arc or circle, enabling the creation of individual points at the center of circular objects (e.g., columns).

Points created with the snapping tool automatically include reference data layer information in the Point code and GUID as an annotation for IFC data. The snapping tool is available in all map views supporting multiple object selection, including the 3D viewer, View & Edit data, and Measure apps, making reference data work more efficient.

Stake/Measure to line - Selection of a new working line within the app

In previous Leica Captivate versions, selecting a line for the Stake or Measure to line app required navigating back to the Define line panel. This often meant stopping tilt initialization when using an AP20 with tilt compensation.

Leica Captivate v8.50 introduces the option to select a different line directly from within the Measure or Stake panel. All lines from any active job are shown in the 3D viewer and are selectable. The context menu option "Set as line to use" allows setting a selected line as the new reference line. This feature prevents interruptions to field tasks by eliminating the need to change panels or stop measurements.

Map view – Minimum zoom distance to an object

In previous versions, a minimum zoom distance limitation in the 3D view meant that small or complex objects could not be viewed in sufficient detail, hindering selection. Leica Captivate v8.50 decreases this minimum zoom distance, allowing closer views of objects for more detail and easier selection of small or complex elements.

Import ASCII

Previously, using the Import ASCII data tool required entering the settings panel to view import configurations. Leica Captivate v8.50 displays an example of the data format based on configured import settings in the main import panel, allowing easy checking of current settings before proceeding with the import.

GS Specific Features

GS18 T/I - Tilt strength indicator bar

When measuring or staking with tilt-compensation using the Leica GS18 T or GS18 I, the sensor requires initialization through pole movements. If movement stops, tilt compensation quality degrades. Previous versions lacked an indication of current tilt strength.

Captivate v8.50 introduces a tilt strength indicator bar that graphically represents current tilt initialization strength. A low bar indicates decreased quality, requiring further pole movements. This feature enhances user awareness, improves productivity, user experience, and measurement quality by ensuring tilt initialization is maintained.

RINEX update

Leica Captivate v8.50 updates RINEX support to include modernized navigation message files. This accommodates new navigation messages from all GNSS constellations and system data messages like ionospheric corrections, earth orientation parameters, and system time offsets. The new RINEX format is available in both Captivate v8.50 and GS Webserver.

Updated PPP reference frame database REFRMSET.DAT

The PPP reference frame database, containing default PPP reference frame transformation parameters, has been updated in Leica Captivate v8.50. It now includes additional reference frames and the most recent publicly available parameters. This database will be included by default in new field controllers. For existing controllers, it can be downloaded via the Regional configurator tool. The updated database is available in a sub-folder named "ReferenceFrames_NewGlobal2024". The REFRMSET file can be ticked and downloaded.

The file downloads automatically and stores in the device's internal memory for direct use of the new PPP reference frame transformation parameters.

Multipath reduction option enabled by default

The Multipath reduction option, introduced in Leica Captivate v6.50, improves GNSS signal quality, especially in harsh environments. Based on market feedback and field tests, this option is now enabled by default in Leica Captivate v8.50. This automatic configuration occurs once, allowing users to set their preferred status. Future updates will not overwrite this setting if it has been manually changed.

Support of Satel HPR4 radio profile

Leica Captivate v8.50 introduces a new radio profile supporting the HPR4 high power radio, including all its power, channel spacing, and radio protocol options. If HPR4 options are not visible by default, navigate to Fn then Default to update the list.

Updated Measurement Engine firmware to v7.901

The Measurement Engine firmware has been updated to version 7.901 with Leica Captivate v8.50. This version improves Precise Point Positioning (PPP) performance in environments affected by ionospheric scintillation, enhancing availability and accuracy. It demonstrated up to 60% PPP horizontal accuracy improvements during peak scintillation events. These improvements are attributed to multi-constellation and multi-frequency configurations in GNSS receivers and HxGN SmartNet Global corrections.

This new firmware version will be automatically installed on GS10, GS16, GS25, and GS18 with OEM7 boards. For GS07, a manual update via Captivate is required.

Software Improvements

AP20 workflow - Entering an offset interrupts the tilt initialisation

Previously, entering an offset greater than 0.2 meters in the Measure app with the AP20 interrupted the active tilt initialisation, requiring a re-initialization. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Stake to line - Changing to a different design job crashes Captivate

In earlier versions, changing the design job while using Quick line or Quick arc methods in the Stake to line app caused a crash. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Annotations - Last button not available for GNSS measurements

When working in GS mode and using annotations to measure points, the "Last" button for automatically using the previously entered value was not displayed. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

WMS - Simultaneous usage of Coordinate system and Geoid slows down Captivate

Previous versions exhibited slow response when displaying WMS images if specific coordinate systems and geoids were used concurrently. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Setup on the fly - Geometries disappear and Leica Captivate freezes

After finishing an open setup, if the job contained new linework from previous versions (e.g., 2 or 3 point circle/rectangle), geometries were lost, and Leica Captivate froze after the setup calculation. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

GeoCloud Drive - Wrong job size displayed

Earlier versions incorrectly displayed job sizes in upload workflows for jobs containing scans, images, or reference files. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Sorting the Mountpoint list by distance freezes Leica Captivate

Sorting a Mountpoint list by distance criteria, where the distance to the mountpoint was unknown (due to no GS sensor connection or known position), caused Leica Captivate to freeze. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Check tunnel - Leica Captivate freezes when checking the profile by scanning

In previous versions, if the setup was outside the tunnel section, Leica Captivate froze when entering the Check tunnel app with the Profile by scanning method selected. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Setup - Resection calculation does use the right triplet but the job export shows a different a wrong one

When performing a resection in the Setup app, if control points had multiple measurement triplets (averaged), the calculated solution used the correct triplet, but Leica Captivate wrongly stored information of the used triplet in the database and displayed incorrect information in the HeXML export. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Stake DTM - Leica Captivate freeze when changing the target type within the app

When changing the target type in the Stake DTM or Stake pts & DTM apps, Leica Captivate might lag, stakeout values might not update, or the software might freeze. This issue is fixed in Leica Captivate v8.50.

Issues when reading distances continuously with extremely low battery

Previous versions on Leica Viva TS16 and TS13 total stations experienced issues reading distances continuously with an extremely low battery state, due to behavior changes in electronic components. In Leica Captivate v8.50, affected total stations will stop reading distances when "Measure distance" is set to "Continuously" and the battery level is extremely low.

Obtaining and Loading New Software

5. Obtaining and loading the new software using the online update (CS Field Controller and TS/MS Total Stations)

It is strongly recommended to use the online update to load the new software onto CS Field Controllers and TS/MS Total Stations. Your instrument must be registered in Leica myWorld as a prerequisite. The online update is not applicable for GS18 GNSS receivers.

After registering your Controller or Total Station in myWorld, connect your instrument to the internet, preferably via WLAN. Open Leica Captivate, navigate to Settings > Tools > Update Software. The "Update software using" field offers the "Online update" option, available only when a new version is online. The instrument checks for new versions within minutes of connecting to the internet. An SD card is required for the firmware update.

Selecting this option and pressing F1(OK) triggers the firmware update. If the current CCP license is invalid for the new firmware, a license check is performed. Any new licenses, such as extended CCPs, available in Leica myWorld will be downloaded and installed first. Subsequently, the new firmware file and additional loaded apps are downloaded, and the installation process starts automatically upon successful completion.

6. Obtaining and loading the new software using manual loading (CS20 Field Controller, TS/MS instruments and AP20 AutoPole)

For those who prefer not to use the myWorld online update, manual loading of the new software is possible. Please read the following notes carefully.

Obtaining the new software

The new software, language files, and apps can be obtained from:

• The myWorld web site
• Your local Leica Selling Unit or Dealer

Files needed for upgrading a CS20 Field Controller

The following file is required: CS20LeicaCaptivate_v8_50.fw. This file contains all Leica Captivate and WinCE languages and apps.

Files needed for upgrading a TS/MS instrument

The following files are required: TSxxMS60LeicaCaptivate_v8_50.fw and TS10LeicaCaptivate_v8_50.fw. These files contain all Leica Captivate and WinCE languages and apps.

Files needed for upgrading an AP20 AutoPole

The following files are required: AP20H_ID_Firmware.swu (for AP20 H and AP20 ID) and AP20_T_Firmware.swu (for AP20 T and AP20). Note: There are no firmware updates for the AP20 in the Captivate v8.50 release.

How to load the Leica Captivate files to a CS20 Field Controller or TS/MS instrument

1. Insert your SD card or USB flash drive into your PC or card reader and copy the necessary file to the System directory of the memory device using Windows Explorer or similar software.
2. Insert the SD card or USB flash drive into the CS20 Field Controller or TS/MS instrument and turn it on. Ensure the battery is fully charged.
3. From the main menu, navigate to Settings > Tools > Update software.
4. In the "File to load" list, ensure the correct file name is visible. If not, verify the file was copied correctly to the System directory.
5. Press F1(OK). A message will appear reminding you that the controller or station will turn off and on. Press F6(Yes) to begin.
6. The loading process takes a few minutes, during which the device will turn off and on multiple times.

How to load the Firmware on an AP20 AutoPole

1. Download the suitable firmware file from https://myworld.leica-geosystems.com to your PC.
2. Turn on the AP20.
3. Connect the AP20 to the PC using a GEV284 cable.
4. Copy the firmware file to the root directory of the AP20 memory device.
5. Disconnect the GEV284 cable from the AP20.
6. Switch the AP20 off.
7. Switch the AP20 on.
8. The upload starts automatically; all three LEDs will flash consecutively. The update is complete when the Power LED is constantly on.

How to load the Leica Captivate files to a TS13 Total Station with a 4-button keyboard

1. Insert your SD card into your PC or card reader and copy the necessary file to the System directory of the SD card using Windows Explorer or similar software.
2. Insert the SD card into the TS13 Total Station.
3. Ensure the battery is fully charged.
4. Turn on the instrument; the firmware update starts automatically.
5. Check the power LED. A permanent green light indicates the firmware update is finished.

7. Obtaining and loading the new software using manual loading (GS18, GS18 T and I GNSS sensors)

The GS18, GS18 T, and I GNSS sensors can only be updated manually. Follow the instructions below.

Obtaining the new software

The new software, language files, and apps can be obtained from:

• The myWorld web site (manual download or automatic upgrade via myWorld)
• Your local Leica Selling Unit or Dealer

Files needed for upgrading a GS18, GS18 T and I GNSS sensor

The following file must be downloaded: GSxxLeicaCaptivate_v8_50.fw.

How to load the Leica Captivate files to the GS18, GS18 T and I GNSS sensors

1. Insert the SD card into your PC or card reader and copy the firmware file to the System directory of the card. (A USB stick cannot be used for GS18 T or GS18 I GNSS sensors).
2. Alternatively, download the firmware file to the PC from which you will update the GS18 T or I GNSS sensor.
3. Insert the SD card into the GS18 T or GS18 I GNSS sensor. Ensure the battery is fully charged.
4. Connect the GS18 T or GS18 I GNSS sensor to your PC via a USB cable. Open the web interface by typing 192.168.254.2 into the browser window.
5. Go to User > Load firmware to start the update. You can browse for the firmware file on your PC or check the box indicating the file is on the SD card.
6. Start the firmware update and follow the instructions in the web interface.

8. Obtaining and loading the new software using manual loading (CS3x and CC200 Tablets)

The CS3x and CC200 Tablets can also be updated manually. Follow the instructions below.

Obtaining the new software

The new software, language files, and apps can be obtained from:

• The myWorld web site (manual download or automatic upgrade via myWorld)
• Your local Leica Selling Unit or Dealer

Files needed for upgrading a CS3x/CC200 Tablets

The following file must be downloaded: LeicaCaptivate_CS3x-CC200_v8.50.zip. This file contains Leica Captivate languages and apps.

How to load the Leica Captivate files to the CS3x/CC200 Tablet

1. If the tablet has Leica Captivate installed (version prior to v8.00), uninstall it via Apps & features in Windows.
2. Extract the downloaded .zip file and run Setup_x64.exe on the tablet.
3. Follow the installation wizard instructions.

Note: When upgrading from a version prior to v8.00, existing jobs, data files, and settings from the "Leica Captivate" folder will be copied to a new folder called "Leica Captivate_x64". The folder location can be modified during installation.

Obtaining sample data

Leica Geosystems provides sample data for use with simulators or instruments to explore Leica Captivate features and apps. The sample data requires a separate installer. Before using it on a CS20 Controller or TS Total Station, it must be installed on a simulator first. During installation, you can select which simulators to install the sample data for (e.g., SmartWorx Viva CS simulator, Leica Captivate TS/MS simulator). The sample data installer and an installation guide are available for download from myWorld.