Hello Everyone,
Has anyone out there had success is using an alternative antenna to the standard rubber ducks to extend the range or improve the reception of their 5600 series TS (red light - 900 mhz)? We are getting a lot of radio disconnects while working on a remote project. Tried different controller cables and just had the TS serviced with new internal batteries with the hope that might solve the problem but no luck.
We evaluated the Bluetooth Parini option but ruled it out because of the proprietary issue with initializing the TS with a direct connection before going robotic.
Any help would be great.
Thanks!
Have you tried changing the Channel and Address settings ?
I loved my Trimble 5603, but finally retired it. Finally got fed up with all the battery, radio, cable issues. Bought a Carlson CR2 Robot (Geomax Zoom 90) Total Station with the Mesa2 data collector and now it is fun to survey again.
Have you tried just putting a fresh antennae on it? I had trouble with a 5603 once that came to a head when the radio board burned out. Happened because the antennae was damaged.
We didn't use the Trimble branded antennae thereafter (with the blessing of the Trimble techs) because they were very expensive. We did make a habit of replacing the antennae every year or so with a generic "rubber duck" that was an inch or so longer than the Trimble part, but about 1/10th the price.
