Geodimeter Software Tools 2.0
Tommye Hope
400/500/4000 series units are programmed and configured using special LabCard, this card is not manufactured anymore ( since 1988), and there are still few operating (at trimble service centers). But there is another way to program these stations. I have successfully replicated the protocol that these stations use. I am now able to program these station with data I want, enable programs I want, set serial number, coefficients.
@robots One idea would be if it is possible the modernize the 5600 code with a point cloud function? Sweep an area using servo and fire away thousands of measuring points. Would increase the usability and value of the units. Or are the storage capabilities too slow?
@bugg you can do that externaly with serial commands. Just do the math, how many points? 1000? 10000? 1000000? how long does it taoe for edm to calculate distance? Multiply it by how many points you want and you are screwed. It will not fit into your workday.
Hi robots, I am new to the site. Is there a way to upload this firmware to my Geodimeter 540n? If I get a serial cable to USB will it communicate with Windows 10? Thanks for your help and expertise you are a savior!
@timd1971 all geodimeter stations (since digital age) have battery inside. This battery makes memory inside of the station not forget stuff. By stuff i mean: Calibration constants for angular sensor, calibration for servo board (if there is one), tracker, various constants used in computations (in gdm210 all math constants).
@robots Thanks for the detailed explanation! I did not get this answer when I asked multiple repair shops, and all of them do not service these older units anymore. The person who sold the geodimeter to me failed to tell me that the internal battery was shot. I was getting error 54 (no internal communication). I was also told that I had a large paperweight and better off making this museum piece! Hoping I can revive this unit with your help, thanks!
I recently acquired the geodimeter 610(boat anchor) It is my first instrument. My CU says no GDM connected and my tds ranger cannot seem to connect to the instrument, the geodimeter powers on I can see the red laser inside the scope, but thats all I can get it to do, the vertical and horizontal knobs function as they should I noticed a spare tube style fuse and I am wondering if there is a blown fuse inside the deodimeter, does anyone know where the fuse would be located and or why the CU would say no GDM connected?
You can change the battery yourself, but, it is tedious. It is best sent to the dealer as they can copy the programs off and re-install them. If you do it yourself you have to maintain power throughout he entire process, so as not to lose the programing. If you lose the programming, the instruments are old enough that it might be hard to re-acquire. I remember seeing a video on YouTube on replacing the battery yourself, you might want to look for it. The battery announcements are timed and not triggered by voltage level just so you know.
Norm Larson, post: 414476, member: 7899 wrote: You can change the battery yourself, but, it is tedious. It is best sent to the dealer as they can copy the programs off and re-install them. If you do it yourself you have to maintain power throughout he entire process, so as not to lose the programing. If you lose the programming, the instruments are old enough that it might be hard to re-acquire. I remember seeing a video on YouTube on replacing the battery yourself, you might want to look for it. The battery announcements are timed and not triggered by voltage level just so you know.
The cu still has all of the programs, and the intrument will spin with turning the knobs, but for some reason the cu keeps saying no GDM connected. I wish I could figure out where the fuse goes thanks all for the input
JoeScarola, post: 414804, member: 12507 wrote: The cu still has all of the programs, and the intrument will spin with turning the knobs, but for some reason the cu keeps saying no GDM connected. I wish I could figure out where the fuse goes thanks all for the input
If the faceplate works and you clean and verify the contact between it and the instrument and you still get the error when it is attached to the instrument, the internal programs in the instrument are gone and will need to be factory re-installed.
The internal batteries in the faceplate and instrument are pre-scheduled to be changed out every three years. A message will come up telling you do so. I suspect they are good for considerable longer. The message can be postponed by simply changing the date in the faceplate. The big issue with sending it out to have the batteries replaced is the repair shop needs to have a DOS machine to run the old Geodimeter proprietary upload/download program so that your programs and data is not lost.
I did not give the procedure to do a hard reset above as without the Geodimeter factory program to re-install programs it is death. It involves sticking a paper clip in the little hole on the back of the faceplate
James Vianna, post: 415152, member: 120 wrote: The internal batteries in the faceplate and instrument are pre-scheduled to be changed out every three years. A message will come up telling you do so. I suspect they are good for considerable longer. The message can be postponed by simply changing the date in the faceplate. The big issue with sending it out to have the batteries replaced is the repair shop needs to have a DOS machine to run the old Geodimeter proprietary upload/download program so that your programs and data is not lost.
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Gone are the days of slope chaining, making corrections on the fly, and adjusting for tape stretch as the day got hotter. Do any of the up-and-comers even know how to use a plumb bob anymore? Do they even carry one? I think not.
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