When I begin to log data I receive the following message "NO EXTERNAL ANTENNA. NO LOGGING CAN TAKE PLACE."
When I swap out to another antenna the unit logs data just fine. With a little investigation I found the unit initially starts to log on the first setup of the day and then quits and posts the above message. The antenna, it appears, does not like to work in temps below 30 to 35 degrees.Once the equipment reaches outside temperature it quits working.
I have used the units in warmer temps and it worked fine.
Has anyone else had problems with the antenna be sensitive to temperature?
Check physical connection......wiggle etc.
W
James,
I would try another switch, keep the same antenna, but try a different cable, which ties in with Wayne's post. The Nap100 antenna operating specs are -40 C to + 70 C.
BTW, pls check our ftp site and know the most current PM3 f/w is 2.16 w/ GPS f/w P010.
They can both be found here:
ftp://ftp.magellangps.com/Land%20Survey/PM3/PM3V2_1/North,Central,South%20America/
-Ben
I have had the same experience as Wayne. The problem was a bent centre pin at the PM3 end of the aerial cable. I suggest you have a close look at your cables.
Ian
I've been working for the past month at temps below freezing and as low as -10 degrees F.
My PM3 performed very well at those temperatures.
The PM2s as expected and as experienced over seveal years used batteries much more quickly, and the displays don't work well in sub zero conditions. Creative use of mittens, chemical hand warmers, and duct tape solves the frozen display problem. Sorry, no photos. I haven't figured out how to use my digital camera through a mitten, yet.
Cold does have a way of pointing out which equipment needs maintenance.
Hi everybody I`m new to this forum.
When it gets very cold I also make it a point not to wrap the cables too tightly in a small radius loop when handling them and putting them away in the case. On the PM2 it pulled the center wire back from the end through the inside when the cable is cold and inflexible. Same with the old total stations etc.,the PM 2s do go through batteries but I usually use lithium disposable AA on those days and they usually last as long as I do - at least before I need to warm up.
Ken
..oops i prressed enter too fast
I`m PM3 user from Poland.
and I also had this "NO EXTERNAL ANTENNA.." message problem. In my case it started to show so often making usage of PM3 set imposible ( and no cable or antenna switch helped). It happened only to one unit. I sent it to my dealer (they posted it to France) and got it back replaced. They said that it was no connection but the unit software problem. (please forgive my english - i find my knowledge of english only basic)
Check and see that when using the MobileMapping application, the "no external antenna message" does not appear...
And Reference Station mode for recording raw data can be used as a work around solution, in order not to leave the field empty handed...
Dude, it like, never gets that cold in France.
Ah yes, but it does in Moscow :)
Good point on trying it using the PM3's other s/w apps, Ioannis.
If no luck then James it's time for a RMA request for unit repairs...
magic marker the antennas "1, 2 & 3"
tie 1, 2 and 3 small pieces of ribbon on the cables.
Mix and match and keep track.