I posted a while ago looking for a Zeiss Elta R50 - Got one, from Poland no less (Ebay).
Took a while to figure out how to change the language to English...
One disappointment is that although SurvCE lists a
"Zeiss 50" and "Trimble 305" (which is one of the yellow versions), I can't get mine to talk to SurvCE.
I suspect the grey ones were the first, then they turned blue, then yellow as both Spectra precision and Trimble models, and the software changed along the way - and I guess my software version predates the SurvCE support.
I wonder what data collector software Paul or Kent are using with theirs? Anyone running a Elta R50 with SurvCE?
> One disappointment is that although SurvCE lists a
> "Zeiss 50" and "Trimble 305" (which is one of the yellow versions), I can't get mine to talk to SurvCE.
> I suspect the grey ones were the first, then they turned blue, then yellow as both Spectra precision and Trimble models, and the software changed along the way - and I guess my software version predates the SurvCE support.
> I wonder what data collector software Paul or Kent are using with theirs? Anyone running a Elta R50 with SurvCE?
That looks identical to my Elta 50, except it looks as if yours has the more desireable DIN-style spigot instead of the Leica-style three-prong mount.
At the moment, I'm still running mine from an SDR33 which supports various of the older Zeiss Eltas. I haven't had any problems with it for what I do (boundary and topographic surveying) and the Star*Net converter from SDR format data collector files works very well.
Just out of curiosity, how much did that instrument cost?
>
> Just out of curiosity, how much did that instrument cost?
Buy it Now was $749 plus $75 shipping from Poland.
It had only been on a few hours and I snapped it up.
The same seller has another one, but now he's asking more - probably surprised the first one went so quickly..
DIN style spigot and reflectoreless! You can buy this and dump that Sokkia you don't like!
And you got the highly desireable Zeiss two-part case, as well. Quite a score!
Mine Says Zeiss Elta 50 When It Powers Up!
But it is a Trimble 3306DR.
I use SMI Version 7 on an HP 48.
What Trimble options do you have in Surv CE?
For SMI the settings for the Trimble 3300 series and Elta 50/55 are
9600-None-8-1, Baud Rate-Parity-Data Bits-Stop Bits.
When mine went back for it's second repair at Trimble they loaned me an Elta 50.
I sent my 3306 to Trimble on my dime to have the filter motor replaced. It was in the factory foam lined carton that the carry case came in. While it was gone I rented and/or borrowed various instruments to do my projects.
On return Trimble put it in a regular cardboard box with foam peanuts for shipping. UPS managed to drop the box and break the carry case. After much hassle Trimble sent me the Zeiss Elta as well as a brand new carry case in factory shipping containers. I then returned my 3306 for checkup and never got a report if anything needed repair. I included in that shipment the return UPS insured shipping label that I purchased. I had learned after receiving a broken box that UPS only pays insurance to the shipper not the receiver.
Paul in PA
> One disappointment is that although SurvCE lists a
> "Zeiss 50" and "Trimble 305" (which is one of the yellow versions), I can't get mine to talk to SurvCE.
I assume that you've checked the communications settings to verify that they are :
Parity = None
Baudrate = 9600
Data Bits = 8
Stop Bits = 1
Mine Says Zeiss Elta 50 When It Powers Up!
What Trimble options do you have in Surv CE?
It has "Trimble 305", which isn't even right - The Spectra version was designated 305, though I guess it's all the same...
I figured either an SDR33 or HP48 were what I would need...That's so 90's:-P
>
I assume that you've checked the communications settings to verify that they are :
Parity = None
Baudrate = 9600
Data Bits = 8
Stop Bits = 1
Yes - I suppose I should confirm the cable isn't faulty, but I wouldn't know how to check it. Take it to an electronic/radio repair shop I guess.
I did email Carlson and they seemed to think it was the software version at fault (on the gun) and looking for software updates from Zeiss/Trimble seems to be a lost cause.
> I did email Carlson and they seemed to think it was the software version at fault (on the gun) and looking for software updates from Zeiss/Trimble seems to be a lost cause.
It seems a bit unlikely to me that Zeiss would have changed the communication protocol in different firmware versions. Very un-Zeisslike.
$750 is a steal for an instrument that is way better than my Topcon GPT3005LW.
The angles and distances could be booked, if the surveyor mainly does boundary it wouldn't make that much difference..
> $750 is a steal for an instrument that is way better than my Topcon GPT3005LW.
>
> The angles and distances could be booked, if the surveyor mainly does boundary it wouldn't make that much difference.
Yes, that was a very good deal for that Elta in the classic Zeiss two-part case. The case is so small that it easily fits into a pack for long carries.
It is always a shock to move from the logical world of Zeiss to the somewhat arbitrary arrangements that other manufacturers use. That Topkkia CX-series instrument I bought (and have used very little) requires the user interested in booking angle and distance measurements to scroll between two screens, which is a major failure in concept if the assumption is that the instrument will only be used with a data collector.
Mine Says Zeiss Elta 50 When It Powers Up!
> What Trimble options do you have in Surv CE?
>
>
> It has "Trimble 305", which isn't even right - The Spectra version was designated 305, though I guess it's all the same...
>
> I figured either an SDR33 or HP48 were what I would need...That's so 90's:-P
I'm pretty sure that the Elta 50 is listed as a supported instrument on some of the Trimble data collectors. I'll check, but it seems to me it's on the instrument list of the TSC1 I have.
It should be possible to customize the display to your needs so that you do not have to switch between screens on that CX.
> It should be possible to customize the display to your needs so that you do not have to switch between screens on that CX.
Yes, I agree. It SHOULD be. As far as I can tell, it isn't, though.
Here you may find another one:
http://olx.pl/oferta/tachimetr-zeiss-elta-r-50-CID619-ID4R6H3.html#9137e52fd4
I'm a seller Zeiss Elta 50 from Poland.
I hope so that the total station work well.
It's nice to see my old instrument at the other end of the world 🙂
Now I want to sell one more time total station Zeiss / Trimble.
It's Trimble 3603. below pictures.
best regards
Darek
Colin Frank, post: 299657, member: 7027 wrote: I posted a while ago looking for a Zeiss Elta R50 - Got one, from Poland no less (Ebay).
Took a while to figure out how to change the language to English...One disappointment is that although SurvCE lists a
"Zeiss 50" and "Trimble 305" (which is one of the yellow versions), I can't get mine to talk to SurvCE.
I suspect the grey ones were the first, then they turned blue, then yellow as both Spectra precision and Trimble models, and the software changed along the way - and I guess my software version predates the SurvCE support.I wonder what data collector software Paul or Kent are using with theirs? Anyone running a Elta R50 with SurvCE?
Colin Frank, post: 299657, member: 7027 wrote: I posted a while ago looking for a Zeiss Elta R50 - Got one, from Poland no less (Ebay).
Took a while to figure out how to change the language to English...One disappointment is that although SurvCE lists a
"Zeiss 50" and "Trimble 305" (which is one of the yellow versions), I can't get mine to talk to SurvCE.
I suspect the grey ones were the first, then they turned blue, then yellow as both Spectra precision and Trimble models, and the software changed along the way - and I guess my software version predates the SurvCE support.I wonder what data collector software Paul or Kent are using with theirs? Anyone running a Elta R50 with SurvCE?
They used to have them in the Universities across the country when I was still living in Poland... brings lots of memories..
I saw them, when they first came out... Was very curious.
They were so small and light.
I'm glad they are loved.
Sad, that they are not "in production by Zeiss" any more.
I loved the "small company" days.
I'm still wanting a wild t-0. Its a 1 minute compass. Maybe someday.
I love and appreciate good equipment.
