Sokkia IM-50 Series Reflectorless Total Station
W-9 and vendor pack with every quote
Shipped direct from the manufacturer
The iM-50 is Sokkia's hand-aimed total station in two accuracy classes, 2 or 5 arc-seconds; this listing prices the iM-55, and it carries no motor for one-person robotic work.
01
The iM-50 has no motor: every angle is aimed and read by hand, with no automatic target tracking
Every shot means turning the telescope by hand and sighting the target yourself. Sokkia builds no motor into this instrument, so there is no automatic target recognition, no prism tracking, and no one-person robotic operation. If you need a robotic total station that finds and follows the prism on its own, this is not that instrument. Neither is its own pricier sibling, the iM-100; Sokkia files both under Manual Total Stations, aimed by hand every time. This listing prices the iM-55 variant by default, the 5 arc-second model with Bluetooth and a laser plummet; three other configurations sell under the same series.
02
Two accuracy classes are sold here, and one measuring-time figure does not agree across Sokkia's own sources
Sokkia builds the iM-50 in two accuracy classes, tested to ISO 17123-3:2001, the standard for angle measurement. The iM-52 reads to 2 arc-seconds; the iM-55, the model this listing prices by default, reads to 5. Distance runs 1.3 to 4,000 meters to a standard prism, or 0.3 to 500 meters without one, under conditions Sokkia itself defines as average. Reflectorless accuracy loosens with range. From 0.3 to 200 meters it runs 2 millimeters plus 2 parts per million. From 200 to 350 meters that widens to 5 millimeters plus 10 ppm. Beyond that, out to 500 meters, it is 10 millimeters plus 10 ppm. One figure does not settle cleanly. Under good conditions, Sokkia's own brochure and its 228-page operator manual agree on a fine measurement under 1.5 seconds, then a reading every 0.9 seconds. Sokkia's own live web page, on both its US and EU sites, states a different fine measurement instead, 1.7 seconds then every 0.9. One independent dealer repeats the web page's figures; a second repeats the brochure's. Both are Sokkia's own words, on Sokkia's own pages, and we have not resolved which one it stands behind. Call us if this figure decides your purchase and we will walk through both sets.
03
Sokkia's pricier iM-100 costs more and reaches further; it is not a robotic step up from this instrument
Sokkia's iM-100 series sits in the same Manual Total Stations category as the iM-50, aimed by hand for every shot, not a robotic upgrade. Per Sokkia's own brochures, the extra cost buys a wider reflectorless range, 800 meters against this instrument's 500. It also buys a longer single-prism range, 5,000 meters extending to 6,000 under good conditions, against this instrument's 4,000. Two more accuracy classes join the range too, 1 and 3 arc-seconds, added to the 2 and 5 this listing carries. Battery life roughly doubles, 21 to 28 hours against this instrument's 10 to 14. A factory-order Low Temperature model, rated to -30 degrees C, is available on the iM-100 only. SDRbasic field software, the IACS angle-calibration system, and IP66 sealing ship on both instruments. None of those three are a reason to choose one over the other.
04
SDRbasic runs onboard at no extra cost; a separate data collector is not included
Sokkia builds SDRbasic, its own on-board field software, into the touchscreen at no separate cost. Both of Sokkia's current product pages, and every dealer we checked, confirm it ships standard. What the package does not include is a data collector, the handheld or tablet device a surveyor runs field software on over Bluetooth or a cable. Sokkia's own manual states the instrument is always the Slave device and the paired collector the Master. That language only makes sense if the collector is bought separately, so budget for one before you head to the field.
05
Bluetooth reaches about 10 meters; USB and RS-232C carry the wired connection
The iM-50's Bluetooth, Class 1.5, reaches about 10 meters, a figure Sokkia states for pairing with its own SHC500 collector and repeats independently in its brochure. A wired RS-232C serial port and a USB 2.0 Type-A port back it up; the USB port takes flash memory only, not a computer link. Onboard storage holds about 50,000 points, and external USB flash memory extends that to 32 GB. The display is a graphic LCD, 192 by 80 dots, with a backlight you can switch on or off.
06
IP66 sealing and a -20 to 60 degree C range; Sokkia has no Low Temperature model for this instrument
The iM-50 carries an IP66 rating against dust and water, tested to IEC 60529:2001, and runs from -20 to 60 degrees C without condensation. Sokkia does not offer a Low Temperature model for this instrument on any surface we checked, unlike the pricier iM-100, which does. At 5.1 kilograms with battery and tribrach, the single-display iM-55 body measures 183 by 174 by 348 millimeters; the dual-display iM-52 runs a few millimeters wider. The BDC46C battery runs about 10 hours in standard mode or 14 in EDM eco mode. Its CDC68A charger refills one battery in about 2.5 hours at 25 degrees C.
07 FOR UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
My Surveying Direct accepts purchase orders from universities, colleges and government agencies
My Surveying Direct is an authorized Sokkia reseller, and every iM-50 ships direct from the manufacturer. No source we checked, not Sokkia's own pages, its brochure, or its 228-page manual, publishes a confirmed itemized packing list for this series. Sokkia's manual does name the BDC46C battery, the CDC68A charger, and a power cable as standard, which covers the power kit only. Warranty length is not stated on any surface we checked either. Call us at +1 888 850 6533 and we will confirm exactly what ships with your order, and the warranty terms, before you buy.
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REFERENCE
Specifications
Angle measurement
| Accuracy (ISO 17123-3:2001) | 2" or 5" by variant: iM-52 at 2" (0.0006gon), iM-55: 5" (0.0015gon). This listing's two variants |
| Detecting method | Rotary absolute encoder, 2 sides on iM-52, 1 side on iM-55 |
| Independent Angle Calibration System (IACS) | Provided |
| Tilt compensation | Liquid dual-axis tilt sensor, working range +/- 6' (0.1111gon), automatic compensator can be switched on or off |
Distance measurement
| Measuring method | Coaxial phase-shift EDM, red laser diode (690 nm) |
| Prism range (standard prism, single) | 1.3 to 4,000 m |
| Reflectorless range | 0.3 to 500 m under average conditions (slight haze, about 20 km visibility, sunny periods, weak scintillation), per Sokkia's own footnote definition |
| Accuracy, prism, fine measurement | (1.5 + 2ppm x D) mm |
| Accuracy, reflective sheet, fine measurement | (2 + 2ppm x D) mm |
| Accuracy, reflectorless, fine measurement | (2 + 2ppm x D) mm for 0.3 to 200m, degrading to (5 + 10ppm x D) mm from 200 to 350m and (10 + 10ppm x D) mm from 350 to 500m |
| Measuring time | Fine measurement less than 1.5s then every 0.9s or less; Rapid measurement less than 1.3s then every 0.6s or less; Tracking less than 1.3s then every 0.4s or less, under good conditions. These are the figures in Sokkia's own controlled manual. Sokkia's own live web specification block states a different set of figures for the same instrument. |
| Laser safety | Class 3R when measuring reflectorless (the beam used for measurement is injurious to the eyes and skin; Sokkia's own manual instructs seeking immediate medical attention from a licensed ophthalmologist after any eye exposure). Drops to the safer Class 1-equivalent output when the target is a prism or reflective sheet. The separate laser-pointer is also Class 3R; the optional laser plummet is Class 2 |
Where this sits in Sokkia's manual total station range
| Category | Sokkia's own site files this instrument under Optical Instruments > Manual Total Stations. Its own higher-priced iM-100 Series sits in the same Manual Total Stations category, not a separate robotic category; both are aimed by hand for every shot |
| What the extra cost of iM-100 buys, per Sokkia's own documents | A wider reflectorless range (0.3 to 800m vs this instrument's 500m), a longer single-prism range (1.3 to 5,000m, 6,000m under good conditions, vs 4,000m), two additional accuracy classes (1" and 3", against this instrument's 2" and 5" only), roughly double the battery life (28 hours Eco / 21 hours regular vs this instrument's 14 hours Eco / 10 hours regular), a factory build-to-order Low Temperature model rated to -30Ā°C, and a dedicated guide light (green/red LED). None of these figures is this instrument's own; every one belongs to the iM-100. |
| What is shared with iM-100, not a differentiator | SDRbasic on-board software at no separate cost, IACS, IP66 rating, and an external Bluetooth/RS232C-connected data collector on both instruments |
Operating system and software
| Operating system | Linux, running onboard the instrument's own touchscreen |
| Field software, included | Sokkia's own current iM-50 Series product page states the instrument is 'armed with... SDRbasic on-board software so you have everything you need to get the job done out in the field.' Standard, at no separate cost, running onboard. Both current Sokkia product pages say the same thing |
| External data collector | Not included. A separate field controller ('companion device') connects over Bluetooth or RS-232C; Sokkia's own manual states the instrument is always the 'Slave' device and the paired data collector the 'Master.' None of the three independent dealers' box-content signals include a data collector |
| Display | Graphic LCD, 192 x 80 dots, backlight on/off selectable |
Connectivity
| Bluetooth | Class 1.5, usable range about 10 m, stated by Sokkia's own manual specifically for pairing with its SHC500 collector, and independently by Sokkia's own brochure ('Operating range: up to 10m') |
| Wired interfaces | Serial RS-232C, USB 2.0 (Type A, for USB flash memory only) |
| Internal storage | About 50,000 points |
| External storage | USB flash memory, max. 32 GB |
Mechanical
| Size, single-display model (iM-55) | 183 x 174 x 348 mm (W x D x H), with handle |
| Size, dual-display model (iM-52) | 183 x 181 x 348 mm (W x D x H), with handle |
| Weight | 5.1 kg (11.3 lb) with battery and tribrach |
| Dust and water protection | IP66 (IEC 60529:2001) |
| Operating temperature | -20 to 60Ā°C (-4 to 140Ā°F), no condensation. Sokkia's iM-50 product pages, its brochure and its operator's manual list no Low Temperature model for this instrument; Sokkia does list one for the iM-100 |
Power
| Battery | BDC46C rechargeable Li-ion, 7.2V nominal, 2,430 mAh |
| Operating time | About 10 hours at 20Ā°C in standard mode, about 14 hours in EDM eco mode, both with fine measurement repeated every 30 seconds, using the BDC46C battery |
| Charger | CDC68A, 100 to 240VAC input, about 2.5 hours to charge one BDC46C battery at 25Ā°C |
Ordering
| Dealer status | Authorized reseller |
| Purchase orders | Accepted from universities, colleges and government agencies |
| Shipping | Shipped direct from the manufacturer |
| Speak to us | +1 888 850 6533 |
What it automates
| Motorisation | no motor. The telescope is aimed by hand for every angle and every shot; there is no automatic target recognition, no prism tracking and no one-person robotic operation |