Today our GPT 9000A with RC3 prism assembly decided that it's doesn't want to search or track the prism. It will turn to a point so I know it is communicating with the data collector. I am pretty sure that I have the setting right. It did this to me once before a couple of weeks ago. I eventually took the battery out of the gun and put it back in and then it worked like normal. That didn't work today.
One thing I notice is that the screen on the instrument is not working like it should. The only way I could get into the settings was by using the arrows and enter key on the instrument's keypad. The other day, I noticed that a qwerty keypad came up on the screen for no reason. It was when it was set to External Link and I was using the data collector. Taking the battery out of the instrument and putting it back in solved the problem once again. Does anyone have an idea of what the problem is? Any suggestions? Is there a hard reset for the instrument? It almost acts like a Windows CE problem. The data collector is a Sokkia SCH2500 (same as a Topcon 2500) with Topsurv Ver 8.2.3
I would remove the RC3 handle and clean all the contacts..if that doesnt work, id try the hard reset
Good idea with cleaning the RC3 handle contacts. Thanks. I have some Deoxit contact cleaner that I can use.
How do you do a hard reset?
Maybe check the connections that are open. There should be a few channels to chose from. Maybe try a few different channels. and see if you have a WiFi connection open (don't know about that DC) slowing things down...my guess.
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I went through the settings several times today so I don't think that's the problem. But I'll play with it again tonight. Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks rambleon. The contact cleaner did the trick. It's now searching, tracking and collecting data.
BTW. I used an old toothbrush and CRC non residue contact cleaner that you can buy at Home Depot. Deoxit is really good stuff, but leaves a oily film that attracts dust. The CRC stuff dries up and leaves no oily film to attract dust.
I had the same problem. Solution was to keep putting in and removing battery in the RC. I would like know more about this problem also
Problem solved. Remove the handle and clean the electrical contacts. Dust gets in there and the contacts may corrode somewhat over time. Once cleaned, reattach and tighten it firmly, but don't clamp down on it. That handle has the sensors for the laser pointer and if it's not making an electrical contact, it won't respond to your laser pointer from the prism-end. See the above post.
I usually just use a pencil eraser to clean them off. It happens about once every few months or so. I have gotten in the habit of hitting the dog whistle before I get too far from the gun. I need to get my unit in for cleaning/calibration soon. I am not sure on the hard reset. Different data collectors/software will be different. Glad it worked for you, its frustrating.
