How do you determine if the unit is a high or lower power unit? I've searched here and the old ashtech board for post about the Z12's and have seen mention of high and lower power units but no explanation on how which I have. Thanks.
High power units have a blue case, low power units have a grey case. The model number is also an indication, but I have no way of checking except comparing to my units. The tag on the back also tells you how much ram is inside.
Since they are older technology be aware they can overheat in summer, I cover mine with terry cloth towels moistened with a water bottle. They can also be too cold in winter, I wrap them in a sweat shirt or jacket to keep the internal heat in. Hot or cold the units screen can go dim, but they keep working until the batteries run out. The problem with 12 volt batteries is that they can get below the threshold 10-11 volts. Since they were designed to work in airplanes they can tolerate 36 volt input. The power source for them when hooked to 110 AC outputs 24 volt DC. A fully charge 12 volt battery should start off at 14 volts.
Paul in PA
Paul, so which tag on the back determines the memory, the serial number tag? Also do you know the amp rating on the blue brick batteries?
I agree w Paul... blue is older high power, gray is newer low power. Also,it's my belief that the Topcon (yellow case) and Sokkia (gray case) branded Z12s are all the low power(lower power consumption), 2nd generation models. The battery life with the low power versions is probably at least twice as long.
BTW... Case color can be deceiving.... pretty simple to change out.
The part number on a low power Z-12 I have is 700845-6. The 6 means 6 megs memory, I think.
I don't have a high power Z-12, but I wonder if it has a different part number.
Paul?
> They can also be too cold in winter
Being from a moderate climate I certainly never ran into this, but given the amount of heat generated by the high-power units, I'm surprised to learn that they have a low-temp limit. The unit I had -- which I bought in 2001 from 2xcenter and sold several years ago -- kicked off heat like crazy.
Jim, thats funny I bought my first Z12 from 2zcntr, but only about a year ago.
P/N 700570-10 on a high power unit with 10 meg ram.
P/N 700845-3 on a low power with 3 meg of ram.
The serial number S/N begins with LPnnnnn.
I believe the Topcons were high power units. I have a Whopper antenna that is painted Topcon yellow.
The Sokkias I have seen for sale are in a grey case and do not have the Whopper antenna, so I assume they are low power units.
After the Z-12s the Z-Surveyors I believe had grey cases and then the Z-Xtremes came in blue cases.
The Ashtech ICGRS came in a blue case.
Paul in PA
