I mentioned earlier today that i occasionally reformat the memory on the Trimble R8's that i use. I also have a 5700 and a 4700. The 5700 is easy, you can connect to it via GPS configurator (same as the R8's), or take out the CF card and format it on a PC.
But, the 4700 is not supported in GPS configurator. So, the way I used to format the memory on a previous 4700 was to hold the power key down (I think) for 60 seconds. But that unit was stolen many years ago. Doesn't work on this one. And I cannot run remote controller, I get an error message on an old XP machine, and it won't install at all on windows 7. I wonder if it will install in windows XP mode? According to the manual, remote controller can be used to change settings on the unit, and I believe it will format the file system as well. But, I cannot get it to run (or connect on the XP machine).
Any workarounds I am missing? I can erase the files in data transfer, but I know on the newer units (R8) that only erases the directory entry, not the actual file.
I don't think it is a problem on the 4700, as it has not yet had the problem where it wouldn't log data because the directory table is full. But, there must be some way to connect to it and be able to configure it.
Have you tried Configuration Toolbox?
That program works with receiver models older than those covered by GPS Configurator.
Not sure why holding the power button is not working to force a reformat of the internal memory, are the LEDs behaving as described in these instructions for resetting receivers?
BTW, if the file names seen in Data Transfer are full of strange characters (not just a few # signs) that means the internal lithium memory-backup battery is depleted.
GB
Glenn: no, the lights do not behave as expected. If it is on, and I hold it down, it simply shuts off. If it is off, it just turns on. I have done this a number of times with other receivers, and I was surprised when this unit didn't do that. The manual (from 1998) said it should. I imagine the firmware is newer than 1998, but I don't think they would have changed that functionality.
I will try the configuration toolbox, i forgot about that.
"that means the internal lithium memory-backup battery is depleted"
My 4700's are 14 years old. Are you saying they are going to die some day (probably soon). I didn't know they had these batteries and they have never been replaced!
Will somebody even replace them at this point?
I knew the 4800 had this problem, wasn't aware that the 4700 had internal batteries.
Anyway, Glenn, thanks. Configuration toolbox is exactly what I needed, and it ran just fine in windows 7.
Trimble 4700 memory-backup battery
Unless you were unlucky enough to encounter a Trimble 4700 with sub-par memory chips (abnormally high current draw) you would never know that model has an internal battery.
The Trimble 4700 started shipping in September 1998 and in the vast majority of receivers the memory-backup battery is still going strong. The current draw of up-to-spec memory chips is teeny tiny.
Replacing the 4700's internal battery is pretty simple. The only part required is the battery, which is readily available (at least it was last time I checked) from several sources.
On a somewhat related note, beginning with the Trimble 5700 in 2001 and continuing at least through the Trimble R8 Model 3, none of the later-model Trimble survey receivers have internal batteries.
GB
i got these problem...
https://surveyorconnect.com/community/attachments/gps-jpg.4322/?temp_hash=c2f84e532c978c6117b72acacc4dc834&apos ;">
I have a 4700 that won't log data; I wonder if resetting the file system will fix it. I'll see if the Configuration Toolbox thing will work.
not...
recently lost a port 3(burning), i try to conect but all is bad...
repair port 3 (1 month waiting for lemo conector)
soon all is ok...