What I would like to see is the Leica style tilt compensator on their TPS systems.?ÿ It would make obscured mapping shots a lot simpler.?ÿ As for construction layout, most of my time per point seems to be getting close enough the the point to think about driving a hub.?ÿ If I did not have to worry about keeping the rod plumb at that stage it would be a great savings in time.
I agree, this function would be great to have on total stations. The Leica INS system requires GNSS tracking to work, and the magnetometer might work but could be bulky/heavy and need more frequent calibration.
Trimble has the "dual-prism offset" method, but it requires an additional prism, or taking the prism off the top and mounting it further down the pole, as well as measuring the distance which tends to be tedious. Not to mention you have to hold the pole in the same position for the duration of observations.
It would be nice to have a standard prism pole with a fixed peanut-size prism mounted midway down the pole, face flush with rod surface. That way the distances and offsets are known ahead of time and all the operator would have to do is invoke the offset routine and let the TS run through the observations...
I've seen a rod with 2 prisms. Shoot 1; shoot the other calculate to the point. Is this what your looking for? I've never used one, but seems like it would be fairly accurate.
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I haven't read all the responses to this post, forgive me if it's been answered; but, how does it know what direction it's tilting? Isn't that just as important as angle of tilt?
Dougie
The direction is why you need to calibrate it. However, it tends to lose the calibration quickly and needs to be done again.?ÿ
When we first got the unit, we tested it simply by measuring it tilted twice on a point oriented in different directions, then measure the point plumb. I have to say those three points will be in a .02' circle.?ÿ
But like many things it has a drawback which is the time it takes to calibrate, so when you pull out the rod you aren't going to bother for two points, you will simply offset them like you did before and move on. We use it sometimes, when we have a number of monuments under and tight to fences. And even then we will eyeball a plumb point if possible or do a quick offset as a check.?ÿ
This has been our experience as well. I suppose for certain jobs it would be worth the time to calibrate regularly.
For our purposes, the best use of the tilt is its ability to auto-measure when the unit gets within tolerance. Great for getting ground shots on an open site, can just about walk normal pace without stopping while measuring...
Trimble already used and IMU (as in the GS18T) in their latest construction grade receiver, so I??m confident this survey grade receiver will have an IMU sensor inside.
only the compass based tilt receivers (R10 & Javad) needs frequent calibration due to magnetic interference.?ÿ
the newer IMU systems do not get disturbed bij magnetism, tilt function is almost instantly available, as l9ng as the rover keeps in motion. You lose tilt functionality when you keep the pole fixed for a certain time, when you start moving again, tilt function is available in seconds.
@rover83 Leica has a similar setup for hidden points.?ÿ The prisms are separated by one of several fixed distances.?ÿ The system would be great for monument and other features just out of view but would not speed up layout.?ÿ I've been thinking about getting one but just have not brought myself to pull the trigger.?ÿ Its about $500 for the pole and prisms plus I think you need to add a program to the gun.
As noted before in another thread, there appears to be an advertiser on this site, advertising calibration-free product.