Carlson SurvCE Robotics/Recon 400/5600 Trimble
Working on a large boundary today when suddenly radio signal wouldn't work unless pretty close to the instrument, like within 100'. Sometimes I could get it to follow me back out to a few hundred feet before complete loss of signal again. Every time I could just get close to the instrument again and it would re-initialize with no problems so I can't see it being the cord, connections, etc. I even tried fresh batteries in everything to no avail. The antennas and everything else seems to be fine as well.
Anyone experienced this problem before or any suggestions?
I am not familiar with your setup, but I would be looking at the possibility of interference from a stronger transmitter nearby.
Try switching the antennas between the radio and the instrument. Also, did you try changing your radio settings?
I wish that was the problem Stephen but this is literally in the middle of nowhere and I've also tried it in another rural area with exactly the same problem.
I'm almost convinced it's something internal.
I've tried changing the channels within Carlson to no avail. Are those the settings to which you refer?
You will have to change them on the instrument and at the collector.
Also, Is this a common problem or is only at this particular site?
It's happening on every site, and it's never occurred before.
I would recommend changing your radio channel< station id, and address on the instrument (Menu 1, 5) and then matching those setting on your controller. If that does not work you may have to send it in. Where are you located? I may be able recommend someone.
Either one of your radios needs to be "re-tuned". I've had that happen to me with a Geodimeter610. I forgot what the technician said the term was, but it's sounds like the radio is going out.
Jason
I was told one of the difference between the 2.4 radios and older style "red light" radios is that the 2.4 radios can't be "tuned".
The older radios with the BNC antenna connector needs the transmit and receive voltages checked and/or adjusted about once a year. It is part of a full calibration.
The 2.4 radios have a TNC antenna connector and they do not have any service adjustment.
Make sure your settings match between gun and receiver radio, also try new antennas if you can get access to them. I have seen the antenna cable that goes from the radio side cover on the gun down to the radio inside the unit go bad over time, just changed one out on a 600 radio today. You can remove the screws on the radio side cover and look inside while the gun is on and see if the blue light is coming on, but I have seen plenty that light up and they won't transmit or receive anymore.
Otherwise your radio module on either end could have died, it is a simple procedure to change out but kind of expensive if you don't have an extended warranty.
Could be that something inside the radios has died.
Don't be to quick to believe it is not the cable from the DC to the radio. That is the problem 90% of the time with that system.