We have a Leica DNA10 digital level and need a new rod. Our "guy" quoted me $796 for a Sokkia rod that he says will work with our Leica. Will a Sokkia rod work with the Leica gun and what about the price? I looked at prices on line and they were anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars depends on what you get. I know the Invar rods are more expensive but the lower priced ones seem to cheap.
David,
I have some used Leica level Rods I got with some NA2002 units. I am not sure they would work with your level, but here is the info.
3 piece bar code rod with cloth carry case.
Part numbers are 559-587, 559-588, & 559-589.
call me if interested.
Thad King
GeoShack Direct
972-918-5300
Invar is always crazy expensive.
If I remember correctly the Leica invar rods (made by Nedo, if I'm not mistaken) were priced in the $1,000 - $1,500 range, and you could pretty much double that number if you wanted them calibrated and certified. So it wouldn't surprise me if Sokkia could make a rod for $796.
However, regarding the "works with a Leica level" part - only if Sokkia uses the identical bar code pattern; I would advise you to test that thoroughly before committing to a purchase.
David,
As far aa I have seen each vendor basically has there own rod. I have not heard of any rod except a Leica rod working with the DNA or older NA levels. I am with Lee... you better get them and test them before you buy them. I doubt they work.
If you need any information on the Leica fiberglass or invar rods I will be happy to email the information I have to you.
I have been informed that the digital levels have the rod's bar code image programmed into the instrument's memory, and when you take an observation, the image received is compared with the image in memory and the resultant reading is then recorded.
I do not know if all level rod bar codes are the same as found on Nedo rods.
I do know that (in the 1950s-1970s) the Swiss and the Germans designed their mapping camera lenses with opposite distortions so that you could NOT mix cameras and photogrammetric plotting instruments. You had to buy everything from the same manufacturer. What are the chances that they are now cooperating among Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Taiwan, and China?
Slim to none, and Slim just left the building.
I think you can get a 16' fiberglass rod that will work for about $150.
I have a leica sprinter 100m and that's about what they cost for it, and I am almost positive that all leica levels will read it. The level files are the same, too.
Heck, you should be able to buy the level and rod for around 1k.
I'm amazed on how good the thing closes, usually less than a half a hundredth for a short loop.
Unfortunately the rod for the Leica Sprinter only works with the Sprinter. The DNA series will not read it.