LIVERMORE, Calif. – Feb. 5, 2013 – Three years ago Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) introduced a revolutionary advancement in field controller technology with its FC-2500 instrument. The company’s new FC-2600 full-keyboard controller is now available with MAGNET™ Field software.

The FC-2600 is designed to give users the full keyboard, rugged, waterproof design they expect. And now the FC-2600 supports MAGNET Field, the latest field software solution from Topcon. MAGNET Field software has the ability to connect directly to the office for real-time collaboration. Simply connect the FC-2600 to the Internet through the built-in WiFi, and exchange data with MAGNET Enterprise.

The FC-2600 is designed to speed up data collection with 256MB RAM and 2GB flash storage memory. The FC-2600 also provides Topcon’s advanced field controller feature, a 5.17 megapixel camera and bar code reader and utilizes Windows® CE 6.0 operating system. The camera is a vital component in today’s field mapping and documentation process. Add photo notes directly to stored points and have a geo-referenced documentation process.

Scott Langbein, TPS director of product marketing, said, “The new FC-2600 provides the most rugged full keyboard controller solution on the market, and when paired with MAGNET Field it is both reliable and increases productivity. For grade management activities, Topcon’s Pocket 3D software can also be loaded on the FC-2600. It is the perfect pairing with Topcon machine control systems.”

With Bluetooth® and WiFi as standard components of the FC-2600, Langbein said, “The FC-2600 is an ideal complement to robotic systems and RTK receivers, that are used in harsh environments, whether you a running MAGNET Field or Pocket 3D.”

Additionally, the built-in digital camera doubles as a bar code reader. “Use the bar code reading functionality to associate positions in the field with bar codes on stakes, signs, and other assets you want to track.”

“We know that some land surveyors prefer an alphanumeric keyboard data collector,” Langbein said. “Like its predecessor, the FC-2600 provides them with a 55-key alphanumeric pad, plus an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use eight-way joystick button to control the robotic systems.” Langbein said the FC-2600 was designed to be “glove friendly. No matter the weather, no matter the conditions, the FC-2600 will allow you to get the work done.”

Added features of the FC-2600 include:
-- 624MHz XScale processor;
-- Add-on expansion pack;
-- 8 way directional arrow and enter key;
-- Easy access USB flash drive; and
-- Accessible, rechargeable and hot swappable batteries, ensuring as long as 50 hours of use.

Information on the FC-2600 is also available at http://www.topconpositioning.com/products/hand-held-devices/field-controllers/fc-2600.

Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS) designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932