Quick Answer
What is the Sokkia CX-50?
See also: Sokkia E004 Error
See also: Sokkia E003 Error
See also: Sokkia E001 Error
The Sokkia CX-50 is a 5-arc-second construction total station combining motorized drive, 500m reflectorless EDM, and onboard data collection in a durable housing. It's the workhorse for commercial building layout, utility stakeout, and control surveys where survey-grade accuracy and contractor-level durability are both required.
Sokkia CX-50 — Complete Specs, Manual & Guide
Category: Total Station | Brand: Sokkia | Model: CX-50
The Sokkia CX-50 is a 5-arc-second construction total station combining motorized drive, 500m reflectorless EDM, and onboard data collection in a durable housing. It's the workhorse for commercial building layout, utility stakeout, and control surveys where survey-grade accuracy and contractor-level durability are both required.
Sokkia CX-50 Full Specifications
| Angular accuracy | 5 arc seconds |
| Distance accuracy (prism) | 2mm + 2ppm |
| Distance accuracy (reflectorless) | 3mm + 2ppm |
| Reflectorless range | 500m (white surface) |
| Prism range (standard) | 3,000m |
| ATR range | 1,000m |
| Telescope magnification | 30× |
| Compensator type | Dual-axis |
| Compensator range | ±6 arcmin |
| Display | Dual-face, 5" color touchscreen |
| Data storage | Internal + USB |
| IP rating | IP66 |
| Battery life | ~9 hours |
| Weight | 5.3 kg |
Accessories & Part Numbers
- Sokkia RC-PR5 — Wireless prism/remote control
- Circular prism CP01 — Standard circular prism
- Mini prism — For confined space work
- SHC336 / SHC500 — Field controller — Sokkia layout software
- Tribrach DT-1 — Optical plummet tribrach
Error Codes Quick Reference
| E001 | ATR fault — target out of view or direct sun on prism |
| E003 | EDM failure — clean lens, check prism face, avoid sun |
| E004 | Compensator out of range — re-level with footscrews |
| E005 | Motor drive fault — check manual rotation, charge battery |
| E006 | Memory error — backup data, restart |
Frequently Asked Questions — Sokkia CX-50
What is the angular accuracy of the Sokkia CX-50?
5 arc seconds — standard for most commercial construction layout. For survey-grade control work requiring higher accuracy, Sokkia's 2-arc-second CX-101 or the NET series are the step up.
What is reflectorless EDM on the Sokkia CX-50?
Reflectorless EDM allows distance measurement to any surface without a prism — concrete, brick, steel. Range is 500 meters on white surfaces. Useful for measuring to structures, verifying facades, and locating points where a prism can't be placed.
Does the Sokkia CX-50 have automatic target recognition?
Yes — the CX-50 has ATR (Automatic Target Recognition) with a 1,000-meter range. ATR automatically finds and measures the prism without manual aiming.
What controller works with the Sokkia CX-50?
The Sokkia SHC336 or SHC500 field controllers running Sokkia LandLogger or compatible survey software. Third-party controllers running field software that supports the Sokkia communications protocol also work.
What is the difference between Sokkia CX-50 and CX-101?
The CX-50 is 5 arc seconds; the CX-101 is 1 arc second — survey grade. For construction layout (column stakeout, grading, utility work), 5 arc seconds is fully adequate. For control surveys and monitoring networks, 1-2 arc second instruments are preferred.
Log total station setup records, backsight residuals, and stakeout results with Gradelog. Every layout session documented. Free to start at gradelog.com.
