Quick Answer
What is the Leica CS20 field controller?
The Leica CS20 is a rugged Android data collector built for survey and construction field work. It features a 5-inch sunlight-readable display, IP67 protection, a 5MP camera for site documentation, and runs Leica Captivate software for full integration with Leica GS GNSS receivers, TS total stations, and the Leica Captivate Apps ecosystem.
Leica CS20 Field Controller — Complete Specs & Guide
The Leica CS20 is Leica Geosystems' compact rugged Android field controller, designed to give professional surveyors and construction layout crews a lightweight yet fully capable data collection platform. At roughly 400g with its battery, the CS20 is one of the more manageable rugged controllers on the market — a meaningful difference during long range pole sessions or when climbing in and out of excavations.
Running Leica Captivate, the CS20 operates as the control center for the complete Leica field portfolio: GS series GNSS receivers (GS07, GS14, GS18 T, GS18 I), TS and MS series total stations, and the full suite of Captivate Apps including Roads, Tunnels, and BIM. Its integrated 5MP camera is particularly useful for site photo documentation linked directly to measurement data within Captivate workflows.
Full Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.0-inch IPS LCD, 1280 × 720 resolution, 700 nit sunlight-readable |
| Operating System | Android (Leica-managed version; specific release varies by CS20 generation) |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex, 1.4 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB internal; microSD expandable to 128 GB |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive multi-touch; glove and rain-compatible mode |
| Battery | 4,400mAh Li-ion, approximately 8–10 hours typical field use |
| Charging | USB-C; full charge approximately 3–4 hours |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Cellular | 4G LTE with integrated SIM slot |
| USB | USB-C (data + charging) |
| Camera | 5 MP rear autofocus with LED flash; used for georeferenced site photos in Captivate |
| Environmental Rating | IP67 (dust-tight, immersion to 1m for 30 minutes) |
| Drop Resistance | IEC 68-2-32 (1.0m drop to concrete) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| Humidity | 95% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Weight | Approximately 400g (0.88 lbs) with battery |
| Dimensions | 152 × 81 × 19 mm |
| Primary Software | Leica Captivate (survey, layout, roads, BIM) |
| Instrument Compatibility | All Leica GS series GNSS receivers; TS, MS, and TM series total stations |
Compatible Accessories
- Leica GHT62 Holder — Range pole cradle bracket designed specifically for the CS20; attaches to standard 25mm survey poles
- CS20 Vehicle Charging Kit — 12V/24V vehicle power adapter for charging during transit
- GHT56 Tripod Clamp — Mounting clamp for attaching the CS20 to a tripod leg or instrument tribrach carrier
- Spare Battery (GEB331) — Compatible Li-ion replacement pack; allows full day swap-in-the-field for extended operations
- Leica Captivate Apps — Add-on licensed modules: Captivate Roads, Captivate Tunnels, Captivate BIM for IFC model stakeout
- USB-C to USB-A Adapter — For connecting USB radio modems or USB storage devices
Common Error Codes
The CS20 is a data collector, not a measurement instrument, and does not generate standalone instrument error codes. Errors displayed in Leica Captivate originate from the connected GS GNSS receiver or TS total station. The CS20's own hardware errors (memory full, battery low, Bluetooth communication fault) are displayed as system notifications in Android rather than numbered instrument codes. For connected instrument errors, refer to the relevant Leica instrument troubleshooting pages:
- Leica GPS E-01 — No Satellite Lock
- Leica GPS E-03 — RTK Initialization Failed
- Leica Total Station E-01 — Leveling Error
Why Buy the Leica CS20 from Express Tools
Express Tools is an authorized Leica Geosystems dealer offering the CS20 with Leica Captivate pre-installed and licensed. We stock CS20 units and the common accessories — GHT62 pole brackets, spare batteries, and vehicle chargers — so you can order a complete kit without hunting across multiple suppliers.
We can also advise on Captivate Apps licensing and help you determine which modules match your project types. If you're deciding between the CS20 and the newer CS35 tablet controller, we'll walk you through the key differences (form factor, screen size, processing power) so you get the right tool for your workflow. No pressure, just straight answers.
Track your CS20 in Gradelog's Equipment Registry — calibration history, software versions, crew assignments, and site photos all in one place. Free at gradelog.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What software runs on the Leica CS20?
The CS20 runs Leica Captivate as its primary survey application — Leica's unified field software platform for GNSS data collection, total station layout, stakeout, road alignment, tunnels, and BIM/IFC model workflows. Captivate is modular: the base package covers survey and layout, with add-on Apps for Roads, Tunnels, and BIM purchased separately. Because the CS20 runs Android, it can also install compatible Android apps for productivity, CAD viewing (DWG True View for Android), and cloud storage access.
What GNSS receivers is the Leica CS20 compatible with?
The CS20 is compatible with the complete Leica GS series GNSS receiver line via Bluetooth or cable through Leica Captivate: GS07 (single-frequency), GS14 (dual-frequency multi-constellation), GS16 (tilt compensation), GS18 T (tilt sensing), and GS18 I (inertial measurement tilt). It also communicates with older GS10 and GS12 receivers for customers with legacy equipment. Total station compatibility covers all current Leica TS and MS series instruments.
Does the Leica CS20 have a camera?
Yes — the CS20 includes a 5MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash. In Leica Captivate, photos taken with the CS20 camera can be linked directly to survey measurements and stakeout points, creating georeferenced site documentation that lives alongside coordinate data in the job file. This is particularly useful for as-built documentation, deficiency recording, and job handover packages where photo evidence is required. The 5MP resolution is sufficient for site documentation though not professional photography quality.
How long does the Leica CS20 battery last?
Approximately 8–10 hours under typical survey field use with Captivate running, Bluetooth active, and the display at moderate brightness. LTE cellular active for NTRIP corrections adds some draw, typically reducing runtime to 7–8 hours in that configuration. The GEB331 spare battery allows field replacement without tools — a 60-second swap to extend into evening hours without needing a charger.
