Sokkia SDR20 versus SDR33 | Back to User Tips

The stored format of data on the SDR33 can be configured in 2 ways.

The Numeric (4) format is the original SDR20 data format and is the default configuration. With the Numeric (4) format, the user may only enter numeric point numbers in the point number fields of the SDR33 program. The field length is restricted to 4 characters, therefore the highest available point number is 9999.

The Alpha (14) format is referred to as the "SDR33 format" and outputs a column delimited text file. With the Alpha (14) format, the user may enter alphanumeric point numbers up to 14 characters in length.

The original SDR20 Numeric (4) format is recommended as the input and management of point numbers is much simpler and logical compared to the Alpha (14) format. In using the Numeric (4) format, the SDR33 will auto-increment the point numbers by 1 from shot to shot, relieving the user of managing the point numbers throughout the survey. A more critical issue regarding the use of the Numeric (4) or SDR20 format is that MicroSurvey MapScenes, MapScenes Pro and MapScenes 2006 will only accept numeric values in the point number fields. 

SDR33 Configuration

In the SDR33, select Numeric (4) or Alpha (14) format in the Create Job option. Select the Job option in the FUNCtions menu, then press F1 NEW to create a new Job.

The Create Job screen is displayed:

Use keys to move the cursor down to the Point id field. Use the keys to toggle between Numeric (4) and Alpha (14). The selection is active for the new job and will remain current until changed by the user.

Downloading

When choosing to download the SDR33 using MapScenes, MapScenes Pro and MapScenes 2006, the program will identify the file format automatically from information in the file header. If the SDR20 format is detected, the program will inform the user that it has detected the SDR20 format. Simply accept the SDR20 format and proceed with the download.

 This note was kindly supplied to us by Gary Wright, Halifax, Nova Scotia and has been modified for this web page.