I have a Wild T-2, Wild T-3, and a Kern DKM-2. What I would really like is a Kern DKM-3A, this was a "broken telescope" type of instrument where you look through an eyepiece on the side that is always at the same angle, hence you can look all the way to zenith without straining or using right angle eyepiece. The T-4 also has the broken telescope, but that monster is way too big and heavy to easily transport, as opposed to the DKM-3A which is slightly less accurate (like a T-3) but much more transportable.
I just ordered one of these toy's. You control it with an "i" whatever or anything android. Two cameras, a stabalizing gyroscope, auto take-off and land. It has first person view which shows up on your screen so you can "really" see where you are going and a camera pointing straight down. I bought it to chase squirrels. I'd bet "Big Help" would love it!
It's called a Parrot AR2 Drone ($300).
Have a great Wednesday! B-)
(I used the word "Wednesday" instead of "week" so as not to draw critisism from the farting cow....err His Holiness the Cow.;-)
But you can survey with a banjo and play music at lunch break.....:-D
The Surveyors Historical Society had it displayed at an event a few years ago.
R10
For sentimental reasons, I'd have to go with the T-16. I feel like I was one of the last on Earth to be lucky enough to use a T-16 on a regular basis. When I started, at least in my area, they were phasing out due to the new electronics. But none of those fancy new gizmos were good enough in comparison to laying out curb stakes with a T-16 and an HP-41CX.
In the following order for personal use:
T-2
T-3
Heliostat w/ clockworks
A Saegmuller style solar attachment. I would mount on both my K&E Paragon and my Wild T-16.
DDSM:beer:
Wild T-4
I would choose a W.&L.E. Gurley Solar Transit
I have one that I had "special built" in 1974. I had Gurley use a 30" vernier base, add an optical plummet and they used the scope from a standard solar transit for clearance due to the optical plummet raising the compass to set above the plummet. As far as I know, it is one of a kind and is close to being one of the last solar transits made by Gurley.
Just maybe, whatever Leica is springing on us in Vegas June 4. I won't be there going to Alaska.
I prefer things I can use today, not something old and useless other than to look at and wish I was young again.
