Our green T-2 tops are failing - HELP!

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
The first one, I dropped. (Not real hard, and not onto a hard surface), and it broke it up. Not real bad, but on a very hot day, there came up a thunderstorm, In the profuse rain, I think it cooled the T-2 real fast, and caused it to suck water into it. There were signs of water damage. The lights on it messed up, (Probably due to water damage)

I sent it in, and Javad and company replaced the Green Top. They also added bumpers to the 4 corners.

It now has broken corners. I glued the battery into place, with Silicone, so that it could not shift, and damage the connector, where the battery connects.
I also used silicone to fill in all the cracks around the corners.
The plain truth is that somehow, the material used to manufacture the green tops is just plain bad.

Now, I really do like my Javad setup. I think their gear is some of the most incredible out there. But, I don't want to ruin my T-2. It's all patched up, with clear silicone right now. It looks like a backyard patch job. I had to do something.

Here is what I'd like.
I'd like either a good fix from Javad and company. Or, some solid suggestions on what kind of plastic to use to fix it myself. I am willing to invent a proper top cover, independant of the company. But, to do this, I could use information. I especially cannot block signal to the T-2, in attempting to fix it. Paint on a GNSS antenna will interfere, I am told.

I'm real proud of my gear. But, mine LOOKS BAD.
So, I'm in this too. And, so is Javad. I'd like to keep using the T-2 for a while, and I don't want it to get more water inside. When I get a T-3, I can still do things with a T-2. I don't want it to be in such bad shape, that it simply goes in the trash can, due to water damage. A cracked top is simply not a MINOR problem.

Does silicone block GPS signals?
Is there a glue that you can recommend?
What kind of plastic can I use to fix it?
Placing a bag on top, is what I usually do.
But, I'd like a really good fix. And, I'm willing to buy a GOOD TOP COVER, if one becomes available. The Guts of a T-2 seem quite sound, and reliable.
It's like buying a new car, with tires that don't last more than 100 miles, Except I cannot find tires that fit it. And, that's the rub.
Please help us. I am willing to BUY a replacement top, but this time, make it a good one. I am not alone in my finding that the GREEN PLASTIC on the T-2 is very compromised, from the factory. Several others around here are cracked and broken. I have seen them. These have NOT seen rough treatment.

What about a clear plastic molded top, with a bottom, that screws together? And, can be added over the existing T2?
Again, I am not looking to be SOLUTIONS oriented.

I was out working recently, and it was a HOT day. Not a cloud in the sky. I did not put the plastic bag on the T2.
A thunder storm blew up, and I got SOAKED on my way back to the base. It seems that my Silicone patch job held. Nothing SEEMS wrong with my T2, but I am worried. Has it been compromised again?

Thank you,
Nate
 

Jim Frame

Well-Known Member
And, I'm willing to buy a GOOD TOP COVER, if one becomes available.

Me too, as I've grown tired of hearing the velcro-like sound and feel every time I pull my T2 out of its protective case. But I don't want to spend money on another one of the same material, knowing that it's going to degrade the same way.
 

Vladimir Zhukov

Well-Known Member
JAVAD GNSS
Hi Nate, Hi Jim

Your feedback about the experience of using TRIUMPH-2 is very much appreciated!

The latest revision of the top cover of TRIUMPH-2 made from new improved material, which was intensively tested for hard conditions before release and shall suspend environmental conditions, shock, and vibration much better versus previous versions.

Triumph-2 Top Cover Replacement Kit
is available here.

Regards,
Vladimir Zhukov
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
Is there a YouTube video on replacing it? Shawn Billings says that "Due to tight tolerances, getting it right can get dicey".

I have already been inside my T-2. While patching it up, the last time.
The foam rubber bumper, that keeps the battery away from the connector, is too soft. I removed that foam pad, and replaced it with silicone in there, so as to stabilize the battery. The battery is quite solid now, in that it won't shift, unless I deliberately cut the silicone. (No problem).
When I get my replacement top, I can take photos, and tell the story, as I go, but if anything exists now, I'd like to review how to replace.
Thanks!

Nate
 

Vladimir Zhukov

Well-Known Member
JAVAD GNSS
Hi Nate,

Shawn is right, it could be a little tricky.
We will see what could be shared.
Anyway if you already touched a battery it means you went successfully via the process once !! :)

Regards,
Vlad
 

Bryan Enfinger

Active Member
Mine has had minimal time in the woods due to being an office Surveyor, however I'm glad there's a new cover available. Mine is beginning to crack in various places but still looks prestine. I bought mine in 2015, my brother Buck got his in 2014 with LS. His looks like an old bucket ! I'll be ordering two for ours.

I've always had great curiosity and good comments from clients and observers when I do get to go out in the field with the T2 and Victor LS. Many ask where are the cables !? I tell them it's Javad magic !
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
Thank you Vladimir!!
So, re-use old gasket? Mine is probably gone at this time. I siliconed it together.... :)

My screws are gone, my bumpers are gone, and the corners are gone on mine.

And, a blob of silicone is on the TERMINAL end of the battery, to be sure it does not ever interfere with the battery connector.
That T-2 actual working parts, is TINY!! Mostly battery and air there!
Thank you again!
Nate
 

Jim Frame

Well-Known Member
My kit arrived today, and the changeout went smoothly. I found the video very helpful, thanks for posting that.

The old and the new:

t.jpg
 

Joe Paulin

Well-Known Member
This sounds very encouraging. Just as a side note, I don't see this for sale anywhere else other than this thread. I would assume it should be listed under "products", "accessories" on the website.

Also, as a T2 user, it would be nice to be notified, perhaps via email, about product upgrades such as this. Had it not been for this forum, I would have no way of knowing about this upgrade.

Keep up the great work, Javad Team!
 

Bryan Enfinger

Active Member
We haven't got ours yet, paid for them via Mayette Friday 10/02. Hopefully they'll ship out today and maybe we'll get them the latter part of the week. Looking forward to seeing the inards of the T2
 

Jim Frame

Well-Known Member
Looking forward to seeing the inards of the T2

Don't get too excited, there's not much to see: a battery and a little circuit board with antenna attached. It's not like wading through the layers of a Trimble 4000SSi (lots of machine screws, a big LCD display, RF shielding tape, multiple large circuit boards, 6 or so primary lithium cells, half a dozen Lemo sockets and some neat aluminum bits, plus the plastic case).
 

Nate The Surveyor

Well-Known Member
@Vahe Tadevosyan I'd guess that means "won't hurt anything, so we do recommend using it"?
Plastics that sit in the sun a lot, tend to discolor. Some break down a lot. It's a variable.
A base sits in sun, rain, frost, hail, for several years sometimes.
Is there a cover, you'd recommend? I've seen "antenna cones" for those who have permanent, or semi permanent base set up. When I move to a t3, I was thinking of setting up the t2 as a semi permanent base. I've also heard that such cones are real expensive. 1500 to 2500. Because they have to not interfere with the signals, from any angle etc.
Is there such a thing available and recommended?
Thinking ahead...
N
 
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