Satel Radio Problems - DIY Bluetooth setup

I built some bout 5 years ago ,i will post pics in the morning ....

See the bluetooth adapter thread that's going on now. I also remember from my Satel days that about once a year the 9 pin cable would start to go bad causing problems as you describe. I get the same problem with my bluetooth setup and seem to forget every time that cable only holds up for about a year.

Jimmy I got a pair of satels that I sell you if you want. Set of cables and radios. Bad batteries though.

Thanks guys.

I created this post before I saw the post below. There are alot of good ideas in that post, and I'm watching it.

Phillip, Thanks for the offer, but I think I am going to go another route. Getting the satel radios reprogrammed to be compliant with the new FCC regulations, is almost $800, and takes at least 3 weeks.

The cables that I am using are about 5 years old, and were used when I got them. I try to take pretty good care of my stuff.

Jimmy
My Satel Radios have been sitting on the self for years now. There is not much to it.
The cable from the TS in the picture is the same one I would use to plug the DC in at the TS. The SENA even came with the gender adapter for the 9-pin. If you check the links on the other thread you will see that some of the SENA Bluetooth come with built in batteries. I am using the one without, but it came with the black/red wires you see and the end to plug into the SENA. I just cut open the 12v wire going to the TS.

On the DC, you may want to go with the built in batteries, but mine is using 4-AA in a holder from Radio Shack. Again it came with the wires.
I like ps8182's setup in the other post, where he used the old radio bags for added protection from the weather and the brush.

There really is not much to it. Once you have power, you follow the instructions that come with them. Just have to change a few of the dip switches and turn on/off as described in instructions. Once they recognize each other the first time you are done. After that they automatically find each other. If you walk to far away a light blinks at you and when you get back in range it stays light. Give it a try, you will wonder why you have been messing with those Satels all these years. 🙂

Scott,

Is that a Topcon AP-L1 Robotic that you are running? If so, I have one as well and use it with the built in Satel Radio. The Signal Port on that model is like no other I have seen on a Topcon (3 pin female). I am assuming you had to make that cable and if so, do you have the wiring schematic for that cable?

Thanks,

The Bow Tie Surveyor

Here is what I built to hang on the tripod at the gun , The newer Robots will allow you to run in robotic in serial, bluetooth or radio so you may have to play with your gun seetings a little. I have used it with APL1a and 9000 also use it on my regular total stations if I have a green I-man so I can run the data collector.

the apl1a coord is made by topcon .

At the pole use the other pics you saw . Except I used the data collector usb port to power the Bluetooth unit . It comes with a usb power coord. then just velcro the unit to the pole .

You will need a null modem adapter at the data collector side , the box unit is wired backwards.

Thanks for all the information guys.

I will definitely be researching this type of setup, and moving forward.

A few quick questions:

1. Would you go with rechargable AA or 9 volt batteries, or the built in batteries?

2. djames, what type of box did you put the unit in, and is it weather proof? Where did you get them?

Thanks for all the information. It looks like I have a science experiment to work on.

Radio shack is were all the stuff came from , dont think 9 volt will work will not last long enough . I used 4 AA Rechargable will last you 3 or 4 days .
They do have a new SD Parani that comes with rechargable batteries built in the unit ,make sure you get the long range ones . Then all you would have to buy is some null modem adapters or cable and a box to put the radio in . If I had to do it again I would use a couple small clear Otter boxes to keep the radios in. This way you would not have to wire anything ...

How would you have secured/mounted them in the box?

Unless you feel like fabricating a setup using the sd100's, they most likely won't be that durable or water proof as the sd1000's utilizing the attached battery. They're compact, durable and pretty protected if you just put them in your old Satel Radio nylon cases. I started out using cell phone cases from Lowe's. Cell phone case: http://www.lowes.com/pd_70047-1492-1L-72412_4294707776__?productId=3138057&Ns=p_product_avg_rating|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_avg_rating%7C1&facetInfo=

If you cut a small slit in the bottom, you can put the radio in antenna first, attach the cable, flip the Velcro top over and hang on the tripod with the belt clip on the back. I have used this setup in the sun, rain and snow for 5 years and have never had a water issue.

You need 2 of the sd1000's radio along with the listed accessories from the following website: http://www.neteon.net/brands/sena/industrial-bluetooth/bluetooth-adapter/parani-sd1000-01.html

2 - Parani-SD1000-01 - Bluetooth-Serial Adapter-Class1-DIP, power supply included radios - $111/ea.
2 - BPC-G03 - Parani-BPC extended rechargeable battery Pack, require power supply to recharge the battery - $35/ea.
2 - DAT5-G01R - 5 dBi Dipole Antenna (Long Range) - $5/ea

Let me know if you have any questions.
Kelly

Otter box is 11 bucks and they come in clear so you can see the lights (key to knowing radio issues)
You could mount a short 9 pin cable in the box so not to much fab going on and would be water proof .

The Bow Tie Surveyor,

Wow, good detective work. That is a AP-L1, now you know why I wanted to light up the load. Great robot, but heavy.

Hi there, everyone!?ÿ This is my first post from the Philippines. I know that this topic is already old, but to me, it is my need, because I would like to revive my Topcon APL1, but this time, converting satel radios into parani bluetooth setup.?ÿ That is, if somebody out there?ÿ can help me in the setup.

@digong?ÿ Did you set up your APL-1a with Parani? I am trying to do this.

Henry Williams

Still trying to find the data and power connectors. I am not going to give up and will let you know the progress.

Henry