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Reads directly to 1 minute of arc, can be estimated to 15 or 30 seconds.
The stamped on your theodolite (e.g., Microptic No. 1, No. 2, or a specific serial number code).
Older models utilizing mechanical vernier scales on brass or metal plates, requiring an external magnifying glass to read. 2. Anatomical Breakdown of the Instrument
Look through the and shift the tripod legs until the crosshairs are centered roughly over your ground mark. Step 3: Precise Leveling (The Three-Screw Method) hilger watts theodolite manual
Sites like eBay sometimes have original paper manuals.
. Turn the instrument 90 degrees and repeat until the bubble stays centered in all directions. Measurement
A "one-minute" instrument used for general construction and land surveying. It reads directly to 20 seconds of arc and is perhaps the most common model found today.
Extend the tripod legs firmly into the ground, ensuring the tripod head is as level as possible by eye. adjust the plate level screws [3].
Built into either the alidade or the tribrach base, used to center the instrument precisely over a ground station mark.
Search for "Hilger and Watts" theodolite manual . Several users have uploaded scanned PDFs of the Tavistock Model 3 instruction book. The quality varies (some are photographed by phone), but they are readable.
A vintage manual is an invaluable resource for "Field Adjustments." It provides step-by-step instructions on:
Always use the silica gel pack in the carrying case to prevent fungus growth inside the lenses [3]. but they are readable.
: The total angle is the sum of the main circle reading and the micrometer displacement 4. Maintenance and Care : Only use soft brushes or specialized lens tissue for optical surfaces
If the bubble moves when the instrument is rotated 180°, adjust the plate level screws [3].
Turn the main internal focusing knob until the target is clear. Move your eye slightly up and down; if the crosshairs appear to shift against the target, eliminate this parallax error by fine-tuning the focusing knob.
Original Hilger Watts manuals often have confusing "exploded parts views" that are hard to read.
Searching for "Hilger & Watts" on these platforms will connect you to a community of collectors and users who can offer practical advice and share tips.