I used KERN Instruments/tripods for 9 years on USFS Cadastral. The only time I didn't like using it was if I had to set up on a point that was higher than the rod would allow clearance for. The worst setup I recall was a very tall rock Section corner in a rock mound on the side of a steep mountain. My partner and I spent 3 hours building platforms of rock stable enough to set the legs on and stand next to the instrument. We were able to shoot the 1/4 corner to the south direct and saved a day (or more) of traversing. The rodman did have to cut down 10 lodge pole pines to see the 1/4 corner, it gave him something to do while were building our flat top pyramid 😉 .
The rod is removable, is it not? Of course, then you'd need a plumb bob attachment I suppose...
Jim Your adaptor looks a lot like mine. Made it out of aluminum stock. I have 7 working Leica tripods with the Kern centering rods. All have the aluminum and none have failed. I presumed that you had the centering rod, locking handle with the concave washer that would go against the aluminum. The handle has a convex face that nestles into the washer in most cases.
Using a Leica on the tripod and needing to set on a point that protrudes out of the ground more than the shortest length of the centering rod (or visa versa, deeper that the centering rod will extend, allows me to unscrew the centering rod and use the laser plummet.
Jim
If you are looking for a set of legs I may be able to help.
I think I have about a dozen or so in the shed.
Let me know.
Email is good.
Jim in NH
> If you are looking for a set of legs I may be able to help.
Email sent.
I had some photos to post of the completed conversion, but Picasa crapped out during the import process and failed to store them on my computer. It did, however, manage to erase them from my phone. What kind of dimwit designs something that makes that possible?
