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Adjusting a staff compass

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(@big-al)
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I have a Dietzgen staff compass, same as shown in the following picture. The sights seem slightly misaligned and I don't particularly like the action of the needle lifter. Any of you know where I can get a operation and/or service manual for this compass? Thanks.

 
Posted : May 7, 2012 11:07 am
 jud
(@jud)
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Call the place where you send your total station to be cleaned and adjusted. They may have someone on staff that works on compasses, if not they can tell you where to go, revision, where to get it repaired.
jud

 
Posted : May 7, 2012 11:24 am
(@big-al)
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Thanks, Jud. I picked up this compass for about $50, so I'm not inclined to spend hundreds repairing it, rather was thinking I'd fiddle with it myself, and for that reason was seeking a repair manual.

 
Posted : May 7, 2012 11:29 am
(@big-al)
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I found an older thread on the same compass, and reference to "Compass Land Surveying" by Sipe. Not sure if it'll have much detailed info on the adjustment and maintenance of a compass, but sounds like an authoritative text nonetheless.

 
Posted : May 7, 2012 6:56 pm
 jud
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Thanks for the info. I have a Gurley Transit with a large magnetic compass haven't been out of the box since returned from cleaning and adjusting about 10 years ago. Also have an old Leopold cruisers compass, hinged lid abut 4" in diameter and painted a light green.
jud

 
Posted : May 8, 2012 7:19 am
(@big-al)
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Good 2 page article on adjusting a staff compass

 
Posted : May 8, 2012 7:37 am
(@big-al)
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At the moment, I'm trying to get my Dietzgen staff compass working properly, mount it on a Jacob's staff, and use it together with my Leica Disto and data collector (both also mounted on the staff) for survey reconnaissance efforts in the woods. Aiming for quick and light, and I realize that my precision will be less than might be obtained using tripod mounted instrument like Gurley. By the way, does the Cruiser Compass by Leupold mount on a staff or is it hand held?

 
Posted : May 8, 2012 7:43 am
 jud
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Hand held.
jud

 
Posted : May 8, 2012 7:58 am
(@a-harris)
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RMFAOTFLOL Your compass is gonna point at all your tech equipment.

 
Posted : May 8, 2012 8:10 am
(@big-al)
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I don't think so, but I'll check.

 
Posted : May 8, 2012 8:22 am