For years I've been using a Geodolite 504. It has done all that I've needed it to do.
Last week, when I turned it on, the dispaly read "Error 54." The manual does not address this error number. Looking on the internet did not produce desired results.
Does any one have reliable information about this error and how to get the instrument back into operation?
Maurice,
I found this on the Martin Instrument web site. They have shops in Austin and San Antonio. I don't know how old the question is and whether they still service them, but it sounds like it may cost more than a few dollars.
https://martininstrument.com/faq/
I own a an old (circa 1995-6 Spectra Physics Geodolite 504 total station) that has been in storage for 17 years in it's original case without a battery in it. When I fired it up the screen reads "ERROR 54" and none of the key-pad keys work. What is the issue? Any assistance would be appreciated and if service is required, can you do it and get the instrument back to normal working order?
That instrument has an internal battery that protects the programming and memory. This battery is completely dead. To correct it we need to do a limited overhaul which replaces the batteries, calibrate the instrument, and reload all the software and firmware. After this the instrument should be good as new.
Gene
Thanks for providing informational response.
The gentleman at Martin Instruments who talked to me on the telephone did not even remember the Geodolite 504. He vaguely remembered the name Geodimeter but, said something to the effect he didn't remember the instruments. Some people may remember that Geodimeter was bought by Spectra-Physics in the early 1990's. They continued to sell the Geodimeters but, for the construction industry, they painted some of them yellow and sold them as Geodolites.
I'm thinking, unless I find some hidden source, that my Geodolite has reached or exceeded its time of obsolescence.
Your welcome, Maurice. As I said in my reply, the FAQs page did not mention when that question was posted. From their response, you may have some luck if you can find an old Geodometer tech somewhere that still knows how to work on your TS.
Good luck.
AGA Repair in Arvada, Colorado used to be the place to send Geodimeter/Spectra Precision instruments. Don't know if they are still in business or have changed names.
Found this old PDF document at my PC (see attachment)
seems to be the same codes like here:
http://www.usatfne.org/officials/electronic/manuals/trimble/geodimeter-system-600_ATS_info_codes.pdf
Maybe this will help
MLSchumann, post: 420975, member: 471 wrote: I'm thinking, unless I find some hidden source, that my Geodolite has reached or exceeded its time of obsolescence.
I am not looking forward to that day.
Thanks Mike1202
I used the URL you provided and obtained a pdf file. Lots of good useful information I've never had the opportunity to see prior. Too bad the instrument is now NOT useful.
Brad Ott
If your car battery failed, you'd be able to buy and install a new battery and your car would be ready to go. Pretty much the way business goes - although, for how long? I've never had to trade in a vehicle just because a battery failed.
I purchased the Geodolite 504 years prior to Geodimeter & Spectra-Precision acquisition by Trimble. Had I known about this acquisition prior, I would not have purchased the Geodolite.
I did make contact with a shop that repairs Trimble equipment and they knew about the Geodolite-Geodimeter problem. Their only, and insistently repeated solution, was "you can trade it in." Why would one trade in an instrument just because a battery failed knowing that he or she would get the same treatment on the new instrument?
Planned Revenue Stream through planned obsolescence!
MLSchumann, post: 423788, member: 471 wrote: Planned Revenue Stream through planned obsolescence!
Yes indeed. I have enjoyed my 1998 vintage Leica robot for a long time now. Tick. Tock.