Topcon ET-1 Error Codes

[subman]

I get an intermittent error code display of "F" when making adjustments in the vertical angle.

The ET-1 manual describes "F" as: "displayed when measuring vertical angle is impossible". Possible cause may be intrusion of dust, and servicing is necessary". If I look in the objective lens, I can see what appears to be dust particles on an internal lens type surface. Again, this is intermittent, I will get display readings showing the vertical angle, but as I turn the vertical tangent screw the angle display will turn to "F". Further adjustments of the vertical tangent screw will result in an angle display again. However, on occasion I have been unable to get a reading on a prism as I try to set the cross hairs on the center of the prism along the vertical axis because in order to get the "F" to disappear and return to an angle display, I am looking above or below the prism.

The batteries hold a good charge (just re-celled). The ET-1 appears to properly communicate with my FC-4 data collector and my DK-5 data entry keyboard. It pretty much falls into the lack of confidence category, where I am concerned the "F" error code display will pop up at a critical point of the survey and I will have to adjust the height of the instrument tripod or prism tripod to get out of the vertical range that triggers the error code.

Has anyone used an ET-1, experienced an "F" code error message and can give me an idea of how much it may cost magnitude wise to correct. Could I expect $300 or $1500+. Thanks in advance.

[pls7809]

Hey Dennis, sorry I don't know anything about Topcons, but I know if you post this on RPLS.com you will get help from all over the country. Not saying this forum couldn't help, but you would get a lot more eyes reading your problem.

[subman]

Thanks Ryan, I have posted on the Topcon forum there also.