SDR 20 vs. SDR 33 Format

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 SDR33 configuration. With the Numeric (4) format specified, the user can only enter numeric point numbers in the point number fields of the SDR33 program. The maximum field length is restricted to 4 characters, therefore the highest available point number would be 9999.

The Alpha (14) format relates to what is called the "SDR33 format" and outputs a column delimited text file that differs quite significantly from the original SDR20 format. With the Alpha (14) format specified, the user can enter point numbers that contain both letters and numbers up to 14 characters in length.

It is recommended to use the original SDR20 Numeric (4) format as the input and management of point numbers as required by the SDR33 program is much simpler and logical compared to the SDR33 or Alpha (14) format. In using the Numeric (4) format, the SDR33 will auto-increment the point numbers from shot to shot, thus relieving the user of managing the point numbers throughout the survey. Starting with a particular numeric point number value, the SDR33 in Numeric (4) format will increment each consecutive shot by 1. A more critical issue regarding the use of the Numeric (4) or SDR20 format is that many CAD software packages, such as MicroSurvey, will only accept numeric values in the point number fields. Therefore using the alpha characters in the point number fields, is not allowed.

The selection of Numeric (4) or Alpha (14) format designations are set in the Create Job option. Select the Job option in the FUNCtionsmenu, then press F1 NEW to create a new Job.

The following Create Job screen is displayed ..

Use the  keys to move the cursor down to the Point id field.

Use the  keys to toggle between Numeric (4) and Alpha (4).

The selection is active for the new job and will remain at this setting until changed by the user.

NOTE:Numeric (4) format is recommended.

The operation of the SDR33 Topography program remains consistent regardless of the Point id setting. The only apparent difference is the designation of point numbers as required throughout the program. The user should also note that the Numeric (4) setting outputs what is commonly known as the Sokkia SDR20 format . this differs from the Alpha (14) or SDR33 format. When selecting the SOKKIA SDR33 or PowerSet device in the MicroSurvey program, the program is actually referring to the format of the file and is expecting at first, an Alpha (14) or "SDR33" format. The MicroSurvey program will identify the proper format automatically from information in the file header. When the SDR33 or PowerSet device in MicroSurvey is used to download a SDR20 or Numeric (4) format file, MicroSurvey will prompt the user with a warning dialogue that it has detected the SDR20 format instead of the Alpha (14) format designated by using the MicroSurvey SDR33 device setting. Since both Numeric (4) and Alpha (14) are processed properly within the MicroSurvey program, the user may safely proceed with the download without incident.

This note was written and supplied to us by Gary Wright, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

 This should help clear up some of the confusion over the SDR topic.