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Topcon GTS301D EDM E-69 Question
I recently acquired a Topcon GTS301D on Ebay. I recelled the battery with 1.2v NICAD C size x 6 to replace the old set of (7.2V) and everything works on the theodolite angle measurement section. I successfully level the instrument, and it has nice H and V electronic compensators.
However in the EDM section, when I press “Measure”, the whirring / crackling /motor running sound turns on, the ‘*’ (Asterisk) turns on, but the measurement does not show. I used a mini-prism 3m away and also a few inches away from the objective. I tried to also see the amount of signal reflected back in the PrismConstantMenu, and there is no signal. However, if I look in the telescope from the ObjectiveSide backwards, I do see a dim LED light, so maybe it is sending out lights. At this point if I press Measure (twice or three times) E-69 shows up. Its worth mentioning if I turn on the lights via the light button, the LCD lights up, and the Telescope also lights up — giving the whole view through it green ‘translucent’ view, instead of a clear telescope view (when viewed at night in a flourscent ligthing lit room)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i6BQoKQ628
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/th77el34v2lk58d/AACXhlOEzXrh4EdzXq13yCf1aThe Local Topcon does not have parts for the GTS301D anymore;
** Was wondering if anyone knows or has been through this, what is possibly damaged, or is it the reflector? Any thought greatly appreciated!
** Also appreciate if anyone has a copy of the Repair Manual of the Topcon GTS301D!
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10 Replies
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I saw your video and it does not appear you are tilting the scope up and down to get the vertical reading to then stabilize.
Secondly I have never used a red prism with a 301, use a clear one. Set the prism 3m away and focus on it.
If I recall correctly (from 12 years go) E69 indicates insufficient power. The distance measuring requires much more power than reading the angles.
The 301 would constantly measure if the measure button where pressed in a certain manner, (do not recall sequence). This was used to drain the battery before recharging. Get a users manual.
Paul in PA
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This error generally means bad EDM board. Fairly common as they get older. I would be surprised if you could find a replacement for it.
It can also mean weak batteries and/or a bad CPU board. Those are less likely.
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Thanks Paul, CWLawly!
I did check that the battery I used is Nicad 7.2 V for the Handle-Type-Battery, and NiMH 8.4V for the external battery — each connected separately, not at the same time. I note that the battery did show 2 out of 3 lines when the EDM was working, but with a fully charged battery, the EDM shows 3 out of 3 Lines full.
Here is another additional video and I wonder whether it is the cause of the ‘Inability to Measure DIstance’. I turn on the light in the telescope, and this is what I see! Is it some muck preventing the transmission of light through to the target? Please reference this video: http://youtu.be/-5xkCxP4pDY
Thank you very much!
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I’ve had similar issues with the same model in the past, which I now have stored as a backup instrument. I found that when it hasn’t been used in a while it takes a while for the instrument to take it’s first couple of readings, but once it gets those in it’s relatively fine, almost as if it has to warm itself up.
Maybe try using a standard Topcon/Sokkia/Trimble prism at a distance of 5m or more away may work better as you should get a much more reliable return signal from the bigger prism.
The green light in the scope, and the blemishes you see are nothing to worry about. The green light is there for night work, and I’ve never had any issues arising from the blemishes.
I have a copy of the instruction manual in the office which I can scan and send to you if it will help at all, Give me a hoy if you do.
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I can email you a PDF of the GTS series 300 which I believer covers the 301. I think I found it online somewhere but I haven’t been able to find out where this afternoon.
jerry
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Don’t know if this can help you. According to my GTS301 Manual, E69 is “Displayed when data transmission inside the instrument is disabled. Repair is necessary.”
Jim -
JL Wahl, thank you very much I have a Users’s Manual in PDF I found online as well — its a photocopied PDF I think! Would you happen to have the PDF of the “Repair Manual”? Might shine more light into E69 🙂 Thanks!
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Hi Zammo!
Thanks for your offer on the Manual! Would you also happen to have the ‘Repair Manual’?
Have you had experience of using smaller prisms on the Topcon GTS301D? I tried 4ms yesterday, and the results were the same — EDM sounded though it works, red light seen if viewed through objective,but just ‘C’ comes up when I measure in EDM mode 🙁
Thanks!
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Thanks for your reply Paul — I was wondering is there any difference between White and Red Prisms? [ Sorry I learned surveying 20 years ago but never got a chance to use a Total Station so have no practical experience ]. Small Prisms and Larger Prisms (at 3m range). Does the Telecscope Reticle have to be exactly somewhere specific for the a reading measurement to come out?
Thanks very much!
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I have a Topcon GTS-304 and my EDM has stopped working.
I can hear something inside trying to work when try to measure a distance, but it never measures a distance and it’s not even making the red light that actually shoots the distance.
It worked fine last time I used it (2012), and it’s just been sitting since then.
Although I’m licensed, I’m not a practicing land surveyor and I just want to use it for unofficial surveying on my own property.
Can anyone help me out please??
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