Quick Answer
What does ERR-10 mean on a Topcon GPS/GNSS receiver?
Memory card full — the internal or external storage is at capacity. Data logging will fail until space is freed.
Topcon ERR-10 Error: What It Means and How to Fix It
Applies to: HiPer HR, HiPer V, HiPer II
What Does ERR-10 Mean?
ERR-10 on Topcon HiPer GPS/GNSS receivers means the internal memory or installed SD/microSD card has reached capacity and can no longer accept new data. When the receiver is configured for raw data logging — recording RINEX, TPS, or other raw observation files — it continuously writes data to storage. ERR-10 is the receiver's alert that this write operation is about to fail because there's no space remaining.
The HiPer HR and HiPer V have internal flash memory and an SD card slot for external storage. Raw GNSS data at typical logging rates (1 Hz) produces approximately 1-3 MB per hour of static data or significantly more during continuous kinematic logging. A 32GB card, which is the maximum officially supported size on most HiPer firmware versions, holds months of typical survey data — ERR-10 usually indicates either an undersized card, a card that's been accumulating data for a long time without cleanup, or a card that's nearly full from a previous high-rate data collection session.
ERR-10 does not affect real-time RTK positioning — coordinates are still output to MAGNET Field via Bluetooth or cable. The problem is specifically with raw data recording for post-processing. If you're doing only real-time RTK layout and not recording raw RINEX for post-processing, ERR-10 can be addressed after the current job. If you're doing static observation for control work that depends on raw data files, ERR-10 needs immediate attention.
Common Causes of ERR-10
- SD card or internal memory full from accumulated data files not deleted after previous jobs
- High logging rate (5 Hz or 10 Hz) generating far more data than expected — a 10 Hz session fills storage approximately 10x faster than 1 Hz
- Undersized storage card — using a 2GB or 4GB card for extended continuous logging campaigns
- Old data directories not cleaned up after office processing — survey files remain on the card from months or years of prior projects
- Corrupted file system on the SD card preventing the receiver from writing to all available space — appears full even if it shouldn't be
- RINEX files from a base station operation left on the receiver — base stations log large continuous RINEX files that can fill a card faster than rover operation
How to Fix Topcon ERR-10 — Step by Step
- Access the receiver's web interface via Wi-Fi (connect to the receiver's access point, then browse to 192.168.1.1) or the file management screen in MAGNET Field.
- Navigate to the internal memory or SD card file browser. Identify large or old data files that can be deleted.
- Download any data files you may need before deleting. Copy files to the field controller or office computer via MAGNET Field's download function or via the USB connection when connected to an office PC.
- Delete old project files after confirming they've been backed up. On the web interface: File Manager > select files > Delete.
- If possible, reformat the SD card on the receiver itself (not on a computer, which may use a FAT format version incompatible with the receiver) after backing up any needed files.
- Reduce the logging rate if high-rate logging isn't required for the current project. 1 Hz is standard for most survey work; only use 5-10 Hz for specialized high-accuracy kinematic applications.
- After freeing space, verify the receiver restarts logging correctly — check the logging indicator in the receiver's status display or web interface.
- Going forward, schedule a regular card cleanup — end of each project or weekly for continuous operations.
When to Send It In for Service
ERR-10 is a storage management issue, not a hardware failure. If the receiver shows ERR-10 on a freshly formatted card with confirmed available space, the SD card reader on the receiver may be faulty — this is a service center repair.
Preventing ERR-10 in the Future
Establish a data management routine: download and archive all job files at the end of each week, delete confirmed-processed files from the receiver, and check available storage before starting any new logging session. Carry a spare SD card in the field kit so you can swap quickly if the primary fills unexpectedly.
Related Topcon GNSS Error Codes
Topcon Gnss Error Err11 | Topcon Gnss Error Err20 | Topcon Gnss Error Err01
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