1.7 PortalCam Setup and First Scan
The PortalCam runs on a completely separate software pipeline from the L2 Pro and K2. This page covers everything from unboxing through your first complete 3DGS scan: hardware setup, LCC Scan installation, connection, and the field procedure.
What's in the Box and Initial Inspection
Open the PortalCam package and confirm each item. Regional packages may vary. If an item listed in your packing slip is missing, contact your distributor before use.
- PortalCam device
- 2 batteries (each rated approximately 60 minutes per charge)
- Tripod and phone mount
- Charger and charging cable
- USB-C data cable
- Carrying case
- LCC Studio Premium license card (Advanced package only; the Standard package uses the free Basic tier and needs no code)
- Quick start guide
The PortalCam battery has two specific cutoff behaviors. If a battery with less than 10% charge is inserted, the device will not power on. During scanning, if battery drops below 10%, the device will force-stop recording and save automatically. Below 5%, the device shuts down to protect itself. Always start a scan with a full battery and carry spares for sessions longer than 45 minutes.
Power On and Indicator Lights
The PortalCam uses the battery button for power on and off, and a separate device button for scanning operations. Both are distinct physical buttons.
Use the battery button to power on, not the device button. Pressing the device button from a powered-off state does nothing. Long press the battery button for 2 seconds to start the device.
The PortalCam emits audible alerts at startup, shutdown, when battery drops below 20%, and when battery drops below 10%. These alerts are the primary low-battery warning in environments where you cannot monitor the LCC Scan interface constantly.
Installing LCC Scan
LCC Scan is the PortalCam's field app. It is not interchangeable with LixelGO. If you use both a PortalCam and an L2 Pro or K2, you need both apps installed on your field phone.
iOS
Search "LCC Scan" in the App Store and install from the XGRIDS publisher listing. The app is free.
Android
Download the LCC Scan APK from the XGRIDS link provided with your device. Enable "Install from unknown sources" in Android security settings before running the APK installer.
Required Permissions
- Bluetooth, for device discovery and initial pairing
- Location, required on Android for BLE scanning
- Nearby Devices / Local Network, for WiFi communication with the PortalCam
Connecting Your PortalCam
The PortalCam supports three connection modes. Direct Connect is recommended for all standard scanning sessions.
Direct Connect Mode (Recommended)
The PortalCam connects to your phone's personal hotspot. This is the most reliable mode and is required for RTK/NTRIP configuration. Enable WiFi and Bluetooth on your phone, enable your personal hotspot, then open LCC Scan and tap the camera icon on the homepage. Select your device from the list and follow the on-screen prompts. After activation, the LED changes from yellow to green.
Bridge Mode
Both the PortalCam and your field phone connect to a shared WiFi network (hotspot from a secondary device or a local access point). Use this mode when the field phone has no SIM card. Network name must be simple: no spaces, no special characters. Complex network names cause connection failures.
Quick Connect Mode
Used only for device activation and RTK configuration. Not used during scanning.
First-Time Activation
Power On the PortalCam
Long press the battery button for 2 seconds. The LED will show slow-flashing blue during startup, then solid yellow if unactivated.
Enable WiFi and Bluetooth on Your Phone, Then Open LCC Scan
Tap the camera icon on the LCC Scan homepage. The app will scan for nearby PortalCam devices via Bluetooth and display them in a list.
Select Your Device and Follow On-Screen Prompts
The app will prompt you to join the device's network. Accept the prompt. The "Internet may not be available" warning that appears is expected.
Tap Activate When Prompted
After selecting your device, the app will prompt you to activate. Tap Activate. The app will automatically enter scanning mode upon successful activation. The LED changes from solid yellow to solid green. Activation is a one-time process per device. Any LCC Studio Premium license card included with the Advanced package is used separately when activating the LCC Studio desktop software (see 1.4 LixelStudio & LCC Studio), not during this step.
Processing PortalCam Data in LCC Studio
PortalCam data is processed in LCC Studio, which produces 3D Gaussian Splat models for visualization, walkthroughs, and spatial reference. It does not produce point clouds. If your project requires measured point cloud deliverables, the PortalCam and LCC Studio are not the right tools for that scope. Use the L2 Pro or K2 with LixelStudio instead.
System requirements and installation are covered earlier in Module 1, not on this page. Confirm your processing computer against 1.3 Computer System Requirements (an NVIDIA GPU is required; AMD GPUs are not supported). Then install LCC Studio, sign in to your XGRIDS account, set the project path to a dedicated SSD, and redeem a Premium authorization code if your PortalCam shipped as the Advanced package, all covered in 1.4 Installing LixelStudio and LCC Studio.
Your First Scan
The PortalCam initialization procedure is the same fundamental sequence as the L2 Pro and K2: place on a stable surface, wait through the static period, then begin moving.
Choosing a Practice Environment
A furnished room of 500 to 1,100 square feet is ideal for a first scan. Avoid large open exteriors for the first scan. Feature-rich environments with furniture, walls at multiple angles, and good lighting produce the best first-scan results.
The Initialization Sequence
Mount the PortalCam on the Tripod and Place It in the Initialization Position
Choose the center of the space, on a stable level surface, with features at 10 to 30 feet in multiple directions.
Power On and Confirm Connection to LCC Scan
Power on (2-second battery button press). Confirm the device appears connected in LCC Scan before starting the scan.
Name the Project and Tap Start Scan
Enter a project name in LCC Scan. Tap Start Scan. The device enters the static initialization phase; the LED flashes green.
Do Not Move During the 15-Second Initialization Countdown
The same rule applies as with the L2 Pro and K2. Any movement during the countdown corrupts the starting reference frame and requires a restart.
Hold for 15 Additional Seconds After Initialization Confirms
When the app confirms initialization is complete, hold position for another 15 seconds before picking up the device.
Pick Up and Begin Moving
Hold the PortalCam upright with steady, slow movement. Walk at about 1.5 ft/s or slower. Do not exceed about 3 ft/s. Do not tilt beyond 60 degrees from vertical. Walk routes that create loops and return near your starting point.
Scanning distance: Maintain approximately one arm's length from surfaces during general scanning. For highly reflective surfaces, increase distance to at least 3 ft.
Stopping the Scan
Return near the initialization position. Place the device on a flat, stable surface before stopping. Tap Stop in LCC Scan or double-press the device button. The LED will show fast-flashing green (saving). Do not power off during this phase. Wait for solid green before powering off or transferring data.
Data Transfer and Review
Reviewing in LCC Scan
After the scan saves, the LCC Scan project list shows the completed session with duration and a thumbnail preview. Tap the project to open the mobile viewer. Use single-finger gestures to rotate, two-finger pinch to zoom, and two-finger pan to inspect coverage. A coverage analysis overlay (green / yellow / red) shows density quality across the captured area. Address gaps while still on site.
USB Transfer to Computer
From Standby, Enter USB Mode
Single-press the device button. The LED turns white for up to 3 seconds. Single-press again during that window. The LED turns solid blue confirming USB mode.
Connect USB-C to Your Processing Machine
The device appears as an external drive. Navigate to the scan data folder. Copy the entire project folder to the project SSD on your processing machine.
Safely Eject and Disconnect
Use Windows safe eject before disconnecting. Verify the file size on the destination matches the source before deleting from the device.
Common First-Time Mistakes
- Inserting a battery below 10% charge. The device will not power on. Charge batteries fully before field use.
- Moving during the 15-second initialization countdown. Corrupts the starting reference. Restart required.
- Powering off during the fast-flash green save phase. Data is corrupted. Wait for solid green without exception.
- Expecting point cloud output. The PortalCam does not produce point clouds. The output is 3DGS only.
- Trying to process PortalCam data in LixelStudio. LixelStudio does not accept PortalCam data. Process PortalCam data in LCC Studio only.
- Using a WiFi network name with spaces or special characters. This causes connection failures in Bridge Mode.
- Not confirming GPU compatibility before installing LCC Studio. An NVIDIA GPU is required; AMD GPUs are not supported. See 1.3 System Requirements.
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