I bought a new robot today. My old Robot still works great and I'm keeping it as a back up.
I plan to try to use the old Robot maybe once a month on an easy job just to keep it in check. It has an onboard battery that lasts for years, but if it dies, it loses its onboard software.
So, any ideas on storage? It's a Geo600. Should I keep the batteries on charge all the time? It's the type of charger that maintains, I believe. Just recharge them the night before I intend to use it? Leave the DC charging all the time (Ranger 3)?
Thoughts?
Great post. I will be watching with interest. Still running my Leica TCA1100 I bought in 1998.
That reminds me, I need to break out the old back up and check it out.
Brad Ott, post: 379716, member: 197 wrote: Great post. I will be watching with interest. Still running my Leica TCA1100 I bought in 1998.
You got me beat. We bought this Geo600 in 1999.
The Pseudo Ranger, post: 379715, member: 18 wrote: It has an onboard battery that lasts for years, but if it dies, it loses its onboard software.
Note that the internal batteries are lithium primary cells and not rechargeable. In fact, they're isolated from the charging system as a protective measure. So you do need to have them replaced periodically, and if they aren't replaced before they die you lose the firmware.
send it to Jim or Pseudo. They will "Keep it alive for you!
This got me thinking...
I got out my T-2, and the batteries are still at 100%
They don't make them like they used to...
I suppose that I should check my GTS-3b too, it's been a while, but I think there's still a GOOD battery (and one not so good).
😎
I have a Topcon GPT3005LW. I might be convinced to part with it for enough money. I don't think I can stomach ever using a manual total station again now that we are into S7s with video.
Out of curiosity, what did you get? I love new toys!
Jim Frame, post: 379729, member: 10 wrote: Note that the internal batteries are lithium primary cells and not rechargeable. In fact, they're isolated from the charging system as a protective measure. So you do need to have them replaced periodically, and if they aren't replaced before they die you lose the firmware.
Yeah. That's why I intend to use occasionally. When you turn it on, it will give a warning that it's time to change the battery. It's actually just a timed message, like you get it every 3 years or something. My old boss left one in the closet for years and it lost it's firmware. But if you use it, you'll get the warning before it dies.
Jason Graves, post: 379739, member: 9531 wrote: Out of curiosity, what did you get? I love new toys!
I got a Focus 35. Kind of a low end model, but I just do small boundary and topo type jobs around town.
The Pseudo Ranger, post: 379813, member: 18 wrote: When you turn it on, it will give a warning that it's time to change the battery.
Okay, now I get the periodic turning on thing. The timer is very conservative, and the cost of battery replacement pretty high, but how far you stretch it depends on your risk tolerance.
You have survived the last 2 decades without a backup. Why, now that you have bought a new instrument, do you presume to need one now? Give yourself a few months to mourn, then turn that old thing into whatever cash you can. Someone in a 3rd world country will love that instrument as much as you have.