My Javad LS + Went to San Jose

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
It had a problem with the EXTERNAL UHF antenna. I have been using it in rain, shine, and all that good stuff. I think it got real wet, and the metal stud in the Antenna Portion, got STUCK to the female part, in the external jack, of the LS, as a little tube came OUT of the LS.

It left Arkansas on 2/24/2023. And, is scheduled to be here on or before Monday 3/27. So, in all it is taking just over a month to get a repair.

During the time it has been gone, I borrowed another LS, but it is a REGULAR. I do have a T-3 on base though.
This has given me opportunity to compare.
In the wide open, it is essentially the same performance.
In the woods though, the LS+ is WAY better than the Regular. MOST of the time, just walking through the woods, it is GIVING me the right answer. WITHOUT pressing start. This is enormously helpful, when staking line.
Also, I found out WHY some of you with the T-2-LS Regular LOVE the RTPK feature. There were a NUMBER of times when it finished on RTPK, 3 iterations.
And, I also used RTPK with 1 minute of time, most of the time.

With this setting, I spent close to hour, trying to get one shot. I was able to set the rebar, but with poor confidence. Next time on this job, I changed it to 2 minutes, and shot it 3 times more. (This means each shot consisted of 3-2 minute observations, that agreed) This confirmed that I had INDEED set it correctly, (+ - 0.05')
So, I have this to say, going back to a LS Regular, has given me more understanding on the RTPK. But, I did manage to get it to lie to me by 0.60', for one shot (Thats 3-2 minute iterations). (I was pushing it hard, where there was HUGE virgin pine forest overhead. ) So, being kinda pedantic, I was being SURE.

Anyway, for those of you holding back, the T-3, LS+ combination will save you 2 hrs a day, in the tough stuff.
I recommend it.
Waiting on Fed Ex 2 day........ drumming my fingers on the desk....

God Bless all you, who try real hard to "Do it right".

Thanks to Adam Plumley, for getting my RMA on the spot...

Nate
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
Update: it's on the Fed Ex. System. Scheduled to arrive Friday, Mar 24. Sometime before 8 pm. So, that's probably around noon, or afternoon.
(I occasionally see the Fed Ex waggon around this area at that time).
Every glitch can either be an opportunity to expand your knowledge, or doom you.
I now have a refreshed LS plus, Scheduled, and a renewed knowledge of RTPK, and a pile of ideas to go to a welding shop, to build a protector for the antennas on the side of the LS.
Hopefully, I won't get so busy, that it gets neglected again...
You done good. Carry on!
N
 
I hope today is the day for you. My LS+ is still in San Jose for the antenna connector to be replaced but I have another LS+ I am renting so no changes for me. Search the forum for the very cool protector John Thompson designed and printed on a 3d printer. I can assure you I will never be in the field without it again. If you have access to a 3d printer (a lot of libraries have them), the file is even available for free. I can't believe everyone doesn't have one.
 

David M. Simolo

Well-Known Member
Hey Nate, I'd be real tempted to take John up on that gracious offer. I know very little about radios and antennas but when you say welding shop I get worried something might interfere. Then again, it might just help, I sure don't know.

Good luck
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
Well, I DPOS and upgrade via the LAN connection on the left side, middle port.
I don't yet know how to use the cloud.
So, this would require a modification.
That seems like work. I also use thumb drive, and USB on the right.
So, if he graciously made me one, I'd have to remove it, often.
So, I'm working on a style and design that fits on the bottom of the LS.
Thanks David.
I may ask John anyway, but then seek to modify it.
Nate
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
Hmmm. The Left hand side of the LS is where the trouble is.... Ie, those antenna connectors hang up in the woods. So if I can learn to use WiFi, then I can solve the other side later.
Ok, sounds good to me. I gotta do something.
Nate
 

Corey F

New Member
Google Drive is great for transferring files between your LS and a computer (if you have a cell data plan or wifi connection). The only time I use a thumb drive is if I need to export points in the field to use on another data collector.
 

Phillip Lancaster

Active Member
Same here. Get Google drive or Dropbox. Very simple and you will use it as a backup. I clean out my LS and backup to Gdrive. It is always there if I am in the field and need an old job.
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
wire.JPG
Here I have a pic of what I just bought. I am dreaming of making an aluminum plate, kinda thin, and to protect my LS. I want to EXTEND the port, and then put the antenna on it, so it is all protected. I am planning to try this, because in my mind, we all want to be able to reduce the vulnerability of my LS, and extend the range.
I will share pics.
N
 
Nate, where did you order that pig tail? It looks like it might be VERY helpful in eliminating what I consider one of the few weak links in the LS system. That flexible cable would certainly make the antenna hook-up less prone to breakage.
That elbow fitting and side port for the external antenna is a bad design on what is otherwise an elegant product.
I think it would be a better design if it was configured to screw straight in (no elbow) to a recessed, & covered port on the bottom side of the LS (protected and out of the way), or maybe even a stubby antenna that could "pop" in & out from the bottom of the unit. In 7 years of use, I've not noticed a significant difference in performance whether the LS antenna is pointed up or down.
Thanks for the post.
 
Hmmm. The Left hand side of the LS is where the trouble is.... Ie, those antenna connectors hang up in the woods. So if I can learn to use WiFi, then I can solve the other side later.
Ok, sounds good to me. I gotta do something.


Left side is where the trouble is. I honestly never thought to use a LAN cable. Hooking up to wifi is pretty straightforward. Ask your children for help. They will have it done in moments. I can't tell you how much I love John Thompson's custom mod. Very professional looking, perfect fit, and in my opinion, essential. He has posted the file also so if your library has a 3D printer as many do, you can print one out for yourself.
 
Top