> The Topcon AT-G1 was their flagship level in the 90s. 32X magnification and a magnetic compensator and sold for over $2000 new, hardly low end. I know of another surveyor who has one and speaks very highly of these instruments which is why I bought it. I was told over the phone by an Instrument Tech. in Vancouver B.C. that has a highly recommended repair shop that it probably just needs cleaning so hopefully it is a cheap fix. It is in pristine shape (unlike it's operator) with the plumb bob, rain hood and instruction manual still in their sealed plastic bags. My other level is a Wild NA28 which I bought new in '88 and has never let me down however it does go out of adjustment a bit on a regular basis. Easy to adjust. I'll agree with you that it is hard to beat Wild/Leica in my books but they're pricey.
I have one and use it with a paralell plate micrometer, I like it.
Ralph
Sounds in my AutoLevel
DHunter, I was wondering if you can help me with a 2nd Hand AZ-1 I recently bought.
The last time I used a level was 30 years ago, I do not think there was an autolevel at that time-- When I hold the Level up and carry it, I can hear like something loose moving, like metal rods slightly tapping glass -- but quite audible. I think this is the compensator, but I'm not sure whether its supposed to be loud --like hearing it 2-3 feet away.
May I ask whether this is normal?
> Sounds in my AutoLevel
I'm not familiar with the AZ-1, but every auto level I've used -- including digital -- has a compensator apparatus that can be heard from several feet away. If it's not making noise, it's probably stuck!
Dear Jim.,
Thanks very much for the reply!
I wonder if the Nikon AZ1 has some kind of travel lock... it sounds loose and audible. Wished there was some sticker saying "Its normal to hear loose glass and metallish springish sound" as the compensator rocks back and forth when I handhold the unit.
Is there any easy way to find out if there is any damage other than the normal 2 location test?
Thanks very much!
> Is there any easy way to find out if there is any damage other than the normal 2 location test?
A lot depends on what it's worth to you. Having a service tech inspect and test it will provide some peace of mind for a couple hundred dollars, but that's cheap compared to a lost day of field work due to unreliable equipment. Or you could open it yourself and see if anything looks amiss, but not everyone is comfortable doing that. In the end, using it in the field might be the surest way of convincing yourself that it works as expected -- loop closures will let you know if the compensator is working properly.
Thanks Jim! Hope its just noisy... Will give it a go -- after getting a bosch tripod and staff! Cheers.
