I have a question regarding an Elta DSL 70 Radio link

Question:I have a question regarding an Elta DSL 70 Radio link

I have enjoyed owning the Elta S20R robotic survey system for a number of years. I recently fell and the Zeiss DLS 70 radio hit the ground very hard. The internal battery broke loose inside. It worked intermittently but with a diminishing range. It finally worked only sporadically. I had the battery pack renewed, but no improvement. I speculated that the battery may have damaged some of the wires or connections (Some were badly creased or scarred). Using a microscope, I could see that a third of the connections on one of the integrated circuits was also damaged. I repaired the integrated circuit by replacing it with a new one from the same manufacture. The two red indicator LED's light but no others. It also fails to establish a radio link between the radio itself and the instrument. I am still thinking that the wires may have been damaged. I have searched for someone that can fix this radio in the United States, but no success. Shipping of both the instrument and the radio 1,000 of miles away, (for who knows how long) would leave me without the most important tool of my work. I have tried to rent other robotic instruments, but it is a steep curve trying to learn an different instrument and data collection system. I am hoping your company may still have in it's archives a copy of a service manual for the Zeiss DLS 70 radio, or know where I might obtain a copy of one. Actually being able to obtain a service manual for both the Zeiss DLS 70 radio and the Elta S20R instrument would allow me to have the instrument calibrated and tested on a regular basis. I hope that you can provide some assistance.

Marty's Response: 

Yes you have a challenge on your hands. One of the larger reseller of the Zeiss instrumentation was Stanley Trent out of Tennessee. He wrote a data collection software package that ran on the HP 48 called SMI. He was very successful with the Zeiss instruments and his software. So successful in fact that his company was bought by Eagle Point Software out of Dubuque, IA. Somewhere in the middle of all this a company called Spectra Precision (Geodimeter/Trimble) purchased the survey portion of Zeiss and then discontinued the product. Your best bet is going to be eBay or contact Eagle Point at PH 563-556-8392.

If you call Eagle Point and they are unable to help you ask them if anyone there knows the name Delbert Dale. He was a large Zeiss dealer years ago in the Midwest. I can’t remember the company Delbert owned but if Delbert or his company is still around they would be a good call.

Bottom line is that you’re on a “no outlet” road with the Zeiss instrument and eventually you will have to turn around and go another direction. When you reach the end of the road and would like to know your options I would be happy to show you some of the latest Trimble Robotic instruments and data collection solutions.

Good Luck,

Marty