I have been using a base/rover pair of 5700's for infrequent RTK surveys in support of research projects at the university where I am employed. These receivers were loaned by Trimble in 2000 or 2001 before I came to work here. Two weeks ago yesterday (Wednesday, Aug 14) the base receiver went into monitor mode (steady satellite LED, blinking logging LED) when I powered it up and the user manual indicated that this meant that a firmware upgrade was needed. I attempted to install firmware but was unable to get the receiver out of monitor mode even though Trimble's Winflash program indicated the install was successful. My assumption was that there was a hardware issue and that the 5700 base receiver was now a doorstop.
I was able to use a NetRS as the base and successfully conducted part of the survey this past Tuesday (August 28). The next morning (yesterday, Wednesday Aug 29) when I powered up the 5700 rover it went into monitor mode.
These receivers were running a relatively early version of the firmware (didn't note which one and am now unable to access the receivers to see) with a date of December 2001. The firmware I loaded onto the base receiver was actually an earlier version since Winflash told me I wasn't licensed for a newer version so technically I downgraded the firmware.
Before someone tells me I just need to be using newer equipment - yes, I am fully aware that these are older receivers using older technology but they have been lightly used and are sufficiently accurate for our needs. I am VERY limited in funds for equipment purchase. Did Trimble put a "bomb" into the firmware which only allowed a limited (10 or 11 years) use before the receivers ceased functioning unless a license was renewed (purchased)? Has anyone else run into this problem?
Greg~ not sure of your location, but being part of a institution of higher ed, I believe if you contacted a local trimble dealer, they would help you out and get the units running with none or minimal cost. But I can't make that call but it wouldn't hurt to call and ask. I've been using our 5700 with no problems. We had one of the first units out on the market. Some on this board are using older receivers (4000's). One other thought is to get GPS configurator and hook up to the receivers through that software package. Might be able to figure out what is going on.
Thanks Scott. I did speak with a technician at a Trimble dealer and he had never heard of the monitor mode - go figure! I'm in Texas and will be at our annual state society convention in a couple of weeks and am planning on talking to dealers then. Since we have a degree program in surveying and our students get hands-on time with equipment I'm planning on coming at them from that angle. After all, these students will be making decisions in the future on what equipment is purchased!
Just re-read my original post. I used a NetR8, not a NetRS as the base when the 5700 base crapped out. I have attempted connecting with GPS Configurator as well as WinFlash - no luck. I don't think you can even talk to the receiver unless you do a firmware upgrade first....
Good angle to go after those reps. As for the equipment... I am boggled you can not communicate with it. See if you can do a hard reset. Remove the CompactFlash card to protect the data files. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. This puts the unit back to factory settings. You might have to go back in and set up radios and all. But it ain't being used right now. Then you can try connecting with GPS Configurator.
Even a hard reset doesn't work. Tried numerous times.... But thanks for the suggestion!