← Gecko Programs
Gecko Golf Construction, Inc. · Costa Mesa, CA

Keiko's Topcon GPS
Starter Guide

FC-6000 · Dual HiPer Rovers

Part 1: English  â˜…  Part 2: 日本語

Click any character to trigger their sparkle! · Scroll down to read the guide ↓

↓ Scroll to start the guide ↓
SECTION 1

Your Devices at a Glance

FC-6000 Data Collector (The Brain)

Serial / PinS/N 291609  |  Pin 1034969-01
What It DoesConnects to rovers via Bluetooth, shows live elevations on screen
Battery / OSWindows 10, 8GB RAM · Up to 15 hrs with spare battery pack · IP68 waterproof (door MUST be closed!)
DurabilityMIL-STD-810G · Survives 4 ft drops · Works -4°F to 122°F

Rover #1 — 🟢 GREEN Tape Label

Serial / PinS/N 1064-16319  |  Pin 1000036-01
RoleYour proven original rover — use as the baseline reference for all comparisons

Rover #2 — 🟡 YELLOW Tape Label

Serial / PinS/N 1209-22219  |  Pin 1002399-01
RoleBrand new unit — test side-by-side against Rover #1 to confirm accuracy before use
SECTION 2

CheckList

SECTION 3

Power On — Always In This Order

StepActionWhy
1 — Rover FirstHold power button 3 sec. Wait for lights to settle (30–60 sec in open sky).Rover needs time to find satellites before the screen tries to connect.
2 — FC-6000 NextPress power 2 sec. Wait for Windows to load (~30 sec). Open the grade control software.If you power the screen first it looks for a rover that isn't ready yet.
3 — BluetoothConfig > Rover > Bluetooth. Select rover name. Tap Connect.Wait for RTK Fixed status before measuring.
POWER RULE: Rover ON first, then FC-6000. Always. Skipping this causes Bluetooth connection failures.
SECTION 4

Bluetooth Pairing — First Time Only

StepWhat To Do
1. Open Bluetooth SettingsFC-6000: Start > Settings > Connections > Bluetooth — make sure it's ON
2. Scan for DevicesTap "Add New Device" — the rover appears as a Topcon device (e.g. HiPer-XXXXXX)
3. PairTap the rover name. If asked for PIN: try 0000 or 1234 (Topcon default)
4. Connect in softwareConfig > Rover > Bluetooth — select rover — tap Connect
5. For Rover #2Repeat all steps. Name it differently: "Rover1-Green" / "Rover2-Yellow"
SECTION 5

Testing Rover #2 + What RTK Fixed Means

Goal: Do both rovers read the same elevation at the same spot? If yes — both are working correctly!

StepInstructions
Find a flat spotConcrete pad, cart path, or a known survey hub
Rover #1 firstSet on pole, level bubble, wait for RTK Fixed, record the elevation. Write it down.
Swap to Rover #2Same pole, same exact spot. Level bubble. Connect via Bluetooth. Wait for RTK Fixed.
Record & compareShould match within 0.02 ft (about ÂŒ inch). If they do — ✅ PASS!
Display ShowsMeaningAction
🟢 RTK FIXEDLocked to satellites — ready to measureStart work ✔
🟡 RTK FLOATNot fully locked yetWait 1–2 more minutes
🔎 AUTONOMOUSSky obstructed — bad signalMove to open area
CUT / FILL numbersHow much to dig (cut) or add dirt (fill)That's your grade check!
IMPORTANT: NEVER take grade readings until you see RTK FIXED. Float or Autonomous readings can be off by inches or feet.
SECTION 6

FC-6000 — Loading Your Design & Antenna Height

StepWhat To Do
1. Open ProjectFile > Open Project — find your project folder (named by course or job)
2. Load Design SurfaceLoad your .TP3 or .DXF design file — shows what finished grade should look like
3. ⚠ SET ANTENNA HEIGHTConfig > Rover > Antenna Height — measure ground to bottom of rover antenna. Enter EXACTLY.
4. Start Grade CheckingOnce RTK Fixed, position shows on map with CUT/FILL numbers in real time
ANTENNA HEIGHT WARNING: If this number is wrong by even 0.1 ft, ALL your elevations will be off by that amount. Measure it every day before starting work.
SECTION 7

Troubleshooting Quick Fix Guide

ProblemCauseFix
No Bluetooth connectionRover not on / BT offTurn rover on FIRST. Check Settings > Bluetooth is ON.
Stuck at RTK FloatNot enough open skyMove away from trees. Wait 2–3 min.
Elevations all off same amountWrong antenna height enteredConfig > Rover > Antenna Height — re-measure and re-enter.
Screen frozen / crashedLow memory or glitchClose the software, wait 30 sec, reopen. Soft reset if needed.
Rover #2 reads differentlyDifferent .CAL file loadedRun site calibration, save same .CAL file to BOTH rovers.
RTK won't fix at allRAM issue on receiverSetup > Receiver Mgmt > Info > Menu > Factory Reset
SECTION 8

Daily Care & Shutdown

DO THESE EVERY DAY ✔

  • Rover ON before FC-6000 every time
  • Wait for RTK Fixed before measuring
  • Check antenna height every single day
  • Charge all batteries after every use
  • Label rovers with tape (Green / Yellow)
  • Wipe units dry after use
  • Save project before shutting down
  • Shutdown properly — never yank battery

NEVER DO THESE ✘

  • Pull battery without shutting down first
  • Work under trees or near metal roofs
  • Skip checking antenna height
  • Store in a hot car trunk in summer
  • Mix up the two rovers without labels
  • Take readings while rover is moving
  • Update firmware in the field or mid-job
  • Ignore RTK Float — always wait for Fixed
SECTION 9

Quick Reference Card

GECKO GOLF CONSTRUCTION — GPS QUICK REFERENCE

FC-6000: S/N 291609  |  Pin 1034969-01

Rover #1 (GREEN): S/N 1064-16319  |  Pin 1000036-01

Rover #2 (YELLOW): S/N 1209-22219  |  Pin 1002399-01

POWER ORDER: Rover ON → 30 sec → FC-6000 ON → Software → Bluetooth → RTK FIXED → Measure!

RTK STATUS: 🟢 FIXED = Go!   🟡 FLOAT = Wait   🔎 AUTONOMOUS = Move to open sky!

ACCURACY TARGET: Both rovers match within 0.02 ft horizontal / 0.05 ft vertical

ANTENNA HEIGHT: Measure & enter every day — Config > Rover > Antenna Height

SECTION 10

Site Localization — The Most Important Step

This is what beginners miss most. Without Localization, your GPS reads world map coordinates that have nothing to do with your job site. Think of it like setting your watch to local time when you land in a new city — GPS gives you "satellite time," Localization converts it to "this golf course time."

StepWhat To Do
1. Get control pointsYou need at least 2 known points on the job (survey hubs with Northing, Easting, Elevation established by a surveyor). 3+ points is better.
2. Open LocalizationData > Project > Localization (or "Site Calibration")
3. Enter known coordsType in the Northing, Easting, and Elevation from your survey plan for each control point
4. Measure each pointWalk to each point with RTK Fixed. Set pole exactly on point. Level bubble. Tap "Measure".
5. Check residualsThe software shows "residuals" (error values). Under 0.03 ft = excellent. Over 0.05 ft = redo.
6. Save as .CAL fileSave the localization. This .CAL file MUST be loaded on BOTH rovers to match each other.
GOLDEN RULE: NEVER start grading work without a valid localization loaded. Without it, your GPS elevations are meaningless for construction.
SECTION 11

Getting Design Files From MacBook to FC-6000

MethodHow To Do ItBest For
1. USB Cable (Best)USB-A to USB-C cable. FC-6000 appears in Finder. Copy .TP3 to: Documents > Topcon > ProjectsMost reliable — no internet needed
2. USB Thumb DriveCopy file to thumb drive on MacBook. Plug into FC-6000 USB-A port. Open directly on FC-6000.Quick and simple backup
3. Sitelink3D Wi-FiTopcon's web service syncs files wirelessly via Wi-Fi or 4G LTEBest for larger projects
FILE FORMAT: The FC-6000 uses .TP3 files. If your designer gives you a .DXF or .DWG, it must be converted using MAGNET Office software on your MacBook first.
SECTION 12

Things You May Not Know — Pro Tips & Known Issues

Issue / Pro TipWhat You Need To Know
Battery Door = WaterproofingFC-6000 is IP68 ONLY when battery door is properly closed. Insert battery Side A first. Without the door latched — ZERO water protection.
New Battery + Old Firmware = Won't BootAdding a new battery to an outdated FC-6000 may prevent it from turning on. Fix: remove new battery, 20-sec hard reset, update firmware/OS, then re-insert battery.
GLONASS + Firmware = RTK Drop RiskKnown HiPer series issue: some firmware updates cause GLONASS (Russian satellites) to make RTK randomly drop to Autonomous. Fix: temporarily disable GLONASS, or roll back firmware. NEVER update firmware on a job day.
After Firmware Update — Sit 20 MinLet rover sit in open sky for 20 minutes after any firmware update so it downloads a fresh satellite almanac. Skip this and you may get poor RTK performance.
Factory Reset Fixes Stuck RTKIf RTK won't fix no matter what: Setup > Receiver Management > Info > Menu > Factory Reset. Clears RAM — fixes most stubborn lock issues.
No Product Recalls FoundAs of mid-2026, no safety recalls have been issued for the FC-6000 or HiPer series. Firmware updates are the main maintenance action Topcon issues.
Topnet Live = No Base StationTopcon's Topnet Live service delivers RTK corrections via cellular — giving you centimeter accuracy without setting up a base station. Great for smaller golf course jobs.
Register at myTopconRegister both rovers and FC-6000 at mytopcon.topconpositioning.com. Free account — firmware updates, support articles, and warranty tracking.
SECTION 13

How Good Is This Setup? — Honest Rating

Gary and Keiko have professional-grade GPS equipment — the exact same combination Topcon sells to licensed surveyors and grade contractors.

EquipmentGradeNotes
FC-6000 Data CollectorA — ExcellentWindows 10, IP68, MIL-STD rated, 15-hr battery. Best-in-class field controller.
HiPer Rover ReceiversA− — Very GoodSub-centimeter horizontal when RTK Fixed. Proven dual-constellation workhorses.
Dual Rover SetupA+ — Smart MoveTwo rovers lets you compare and verify. #1 = reference, #2 = working tool.
FC-6000 SoftwareA — ExcellentIndustry-standard grade checking software for the FC-6000.
Accuracy for Golf WorkA — More Than EnoughRTK Fixed: 0.01–0.02 ft horizontal. USGA green tolerance is ±0.1 ft. This is 5× more accurate than needed.
Overall SystemA — Professional GradeGecko Golf has the same equipment as professional survey firms. No need to upgrade — master what you have.
TOPCON SUPPORT

Support & Resources

ResourceContact / Details
myTopcon Portal (Free)mytopcon.topconpositioning.com — register serial numbers for firmware, support articles, warranty
Topcon USA Phone1-800-443-4567 — Technical support for FC-6000 and HiPer rovers
Topcon HQ7400 National Drive, Livermore, CA 94550 — same state as Gecko Golf!
Free Training Videosmytopcon.topconpositioning.com > Support > Events — free GNSS and FC-6000 training videos
( ◡◡ )
C(⊙⊙)D
ミッキヌ
「安く買え📈」
/\ /\
(●.●)
/~~⚡\
ピカチュり
「⚡GPS最匷」
(●  ●)
(○■○)
ドラえもん
「どこでもGPS」
(~~~)
(◖ ◗)
 /★\ 
アンパン
「元気100倍」
/\ /\
(◎◎)
(vvv)
トトロ
「山で枬量🌿」
✹ KEIKO IN THE FIELD — PRIVATE GREEN ✹
Keiko on the Private Green
Topcon HiPer HR Rover  Â·  FC-6000  Â·  🟢 RTK FIXED Gecko Golf Construction, Inc.  Â·  Costa Mesa, CA
🌲 KEIKO — FOREST TRAIL PLANNING 🌲
Keiko Forest Planning
🌲 Course & Trail Layout Planning Gecko Golf Construction, Inc.  Â·  Field Ready ✔
Opening save protection