Self-Guided Learning: Automet FAB
Welcome to the automet® FAB Training Path
This area of the Wiki allows you to get to grips with automet through a designated, structured path.
Looking at a full technical guide can be overwhelming when you are just starting out. We have curated this journey for those who want to be guided from the basics of hardware setup through to advanced data analysis.
Why use this path?
- Efficiency: Skip the trial and error phase
- Confidence: Use the built-in self-checks and quizzes to ensure you are ready for the field.
- Structure: Go from a box of equipment to a completed survey report in five logical steps.
Training Path Overview
| Step | Module | Key Learning Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Getting Started | Hardware setup, licensing, and laptop connection. |
| 2 | Design Input | Creating .DES files manually or via IDF/PCF import. |
| 3 | Survey Setup | Positioning the instrument and preparing the spool. |
| 4 | Execution | Capturing flanges, supports, and pipe ends. |
| 5 | Analysis | Interpreting results and performing "what-if" scenarios. |
Note: If you are an experienced user looking for a specific technical reference rather than a tutorial, you may prefer the Full Documentation Index.
Ready to begin?
Step 1: Preparation is key.
Before we touch the software, we need to ensure the hardware is ready.
Section 1 – Getting Started
Estimated time: 15 minutes
Firstly, you need to get everything set up and ready to survey. This involves preparing the physical hardware and ensuring the laptop can communicate with the instrument.
1.1 Hardware Preparation
- Charging: Ensure the Leica instrument battery is fully charged and inserted correctly.
- Power: Turn the instrument on and allow it to complete its initialisation.
- Licensing: Ensure your instrument has a GeoCom licence.
- Note: This is a one-time activation from Leica. Without it, automet cannot communicate with the hardware. If you are unsure, contact your local Leica representative.
1.2 Connectivity & Installation
- Bluetooth/Cable: Connect the instrument to your laptop.
- Software: Install the latest version of automet from www.mltech.co.uk using your user and password information provided by MLTech.
- The Dongle System:
- You receive two dongles from MLTech.
- The Active dongle must be plugged into the laptop to run the software.
- The second is an Inactive Backup for emergency use only.
- Verification: Start automet and check the connection status in the bottom status bar.
> Watch the Video: | Click here to watch the full Setup Guide
Section 1: Self-Check
Before moving to the next section, ensure you can:
- [ ] Turn the instrument on and off.
- [ ] Charge and change the instrument battery.
- [ ] Switch between Bluetooth and cable modes.
- [ ] Successfully launch automet with the active dongle inserted.