Years ago,I would carry my Wild T-1A over my shoulder and also carry my machete and the chain.
When the HP3800 came out,Wild T-1A over my shoulder,the case for the HP3800 was like a big suitcase,and the battery,which was relatively heavy.
Once internal edm came in,always in the box.
Now,with my Trimble S6 robot,no question,always carried in the box.
Ice
:good: :good: :good:
I always loosened the tangent screws once in the box. However, the manual for my Nikon D-50 topgun says to do just the opposite. So now I lightly tighten the tangent screws once in the box. Doesn't seem right. But I can't argue with the manufacturer.
Also, I remove the instrument from the tripod before "stabbing" the tripod legs in the ground. I never liked the jarring the instrument takes during set-up if left on the tripod.
Results
nah, an engineer would never look down their nose at a surveyor............
I've done that on smooth terrain for short distance. It hurts!
However, the S6 instrument has a handle for a reason, there is no need for the box to be out of the truck.
We've been doing that for 30 years and don't have a problem.
What do you mean this isn't the 70's? Are you trying to tell me Jimmy Carter isn't president?
Back in '91 I dropped my first and last instrument. Red Mini off the top mounts of Sokkisha theodolite.
I will carry an instrument on the shoulder. It gets carried vertically with my shoulder planted in the crotch of the tripod.
This, though, depends on numerous factors that you can only observe while at the site. Otherwise it's two hands on the instrument at all times 'til it's secured, either onto the tripod, or into the box.
I'll move the gun a few feet on the tripod, making sure it stays vertical, sometimes with the tripod legs spread over the shoulders. Anything more than a few feet .... back in the box. I'm solo, but I will always follow that rule, damm near beat into me on the slope!
-JD-
Ditto except for the 30 years.
I had a Topcon GTS 225 that was carried on the tripod all the time for 6 years. With regular check-ups at Hayes, it was never far out of adjustment. With even more regular checks in the field, it was consistently in very good adjustment. This instrument was semi-retired when I purchased a 3005 to be used with a second crew for a summer.
Then the 3005 Topcon became a 'replacement' for the 225 and was used in the same manner for 7 years with equally fine results. No issues in all of that time.
Now I have a PS 103A. It is not carried on the tripod for two reasons -
the weight is enough that I suspect it would be problematic
it cost just a little more than the 225 or 3005 instrument
I donated the 225 and the 3005 to the nearby university for their survey program. They are both still in great operating condition. The 225 is around 14 years old and the 3005 is around 8 years old.
On the other hand - In the past, I started work at a company that carried that way also. The first time I saw the instrument they had, I asked why the faceplate was cracked. Turns out that if you are not paying attention and are holding the instrument/tripod OVER not against your shoulder, it does not hold up well in a fight with a tree.
| to / okay to carry some instruments if you are careful and paying attention
- not okay to carry any instrument
About a year into a job, I put the Seco backpack on, but just one arm through one strap... Everyone did it that way.
One step down, and the rotten attachment point gave way, and a sickening thud. One dead instrument.
Now, most guys still use one strap, but I check the attachment point, and use both straps.