I used to like the Crain Composolite and Alumolite poles. I guess they went away when Crain sold out.
JPH, post: 436533, member: 6636 wrote: I used to like the Crain Composolite and Alumolite poles. I guess they went away when Crain sold out.
Second. I want some more Crain Alumalite poles.
I don't know what the equivalent is today. I have not had an opportunity to touch one that is the same. My everyday staking pole is starting to wear out through.
I have a carbon fiber one, and don't care for it. I used to have one for the GPS, and didn't like the balance of the setup, and the longevity was horrible. The one I have now is a special height for my Triumph, and that is all it gets used for - and only when elevations are important.
Bring back the Alumalite!
Shelby H. Griggs PLS, post: 435764, member: 335 wrote: Leica poles are a once in a life time purchase with moderate care, mine is now 22 years old. The place I worked from 90-95 had several that were where many years old and severely abused that were still working good, of course if you need something other than a Leica style mount, that may not be a good choice. Not sure if they offer in a version with 5/8" x 11 or not?
SHG
Mine is only 18.
Jim Frame, post: 436076, member: 10 wrote: Here you go:
Finding the proper aluminum tubing to use was not especially easy. There are MANY different sizes, thicknesses, and material characteristics of aluminum tubing. However, I think I have found a good match. I measured three of my prism poles, including 2 that are aluminum and 1 that is composite, and the outside diameter of each averages about 1.26".
A 12" piece of the tubing linked below is available on Amazon for about $10. It has an outside diameter of 1 3/8" and an inside diameter of 1 1/4". It seems to be a good match.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014GXM3UG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Jim Frame, post: 436076, member: 10 wrote: Here you go:
Good idea. I typically just use a little flagging
Big Al, post: 436594, member: 837 wrote: Finding the proper aluminum tubing to use was not especially easy.
But the good news is that as long as it's not hardened its diameter, once split, can be adjusted to fit the rod. The piece shown in the photo was much smaller than the rod; the reason there's a big gap between the edges is because I had to open it up and adjust the diameter using a hammer and a piece of pipe as a mandrel.
You could use PVC or something similar in 'plastic' type of compound.
I've used PVC okay.
Some high density water pipe? Tough as guts. But easily cut, slit lengthwise.
It doesn't have to be a perfect fit as illustrated by Jim's example.
It only has to spread the load.
Jim,
Seco's 'Claw' series of clamps will not allow you to crush the carbon fiber rods.
lsitnj, post: 435693, member: 7876 wrote: I'm looking to get new prism pole. What do you guys use? Thanks.
We have Incite 12' Graduated Poles with the Leica Style Top. Bought in 2006 and they are by far the best rods I have ever used. Has two quick releases. Doesn't slip like some of the quick releases I have used. Not sure if they are made anymore, but they are awesome.
Because I have used Topcon and Sokkia instruments for many years now, I have never used the Leica style prism poles with the Leica bayonet tip. But several users here seem to like them. I suspect those advocating for the Leica prism poles are typically Leica instrument users. And, I am intrigued, because I believe the prism poles that I have been using are not great on quality.
That said, while I could theoretically use a Leica prism pole with my 0/30 prisms, I have not been able to find an adapter that would convert the Leica tip to a male 5/8-11 thread that might fit into the bottom of my prisms. There seem to be plenty of adapters available for the other way around (adding a Leica tip to a pole which has 5/8-11 threads). In addition to this, even if such an adapter could be found, I suspect it would add vertical height to the prism that would make the graduations on the rod no longer accurate, or require an offset.
Another alternative would be to simply use a Leica prism on a Leica pole. However, I prefer to work with prisms all having the same offset. I typically work with -30mm offset. My understanding is that the actual Leica offset is something like -24mm. So, practically speaking, investing in a Leica prism pole would push me to also invest in a complete Leica prism set. While I'm at it, I suppose I should buy a new Leica instrument. Nah.
It is surprising to me that Topcon/Sokkia and the like would not spend more time on the design of their prism poles, and offer something better, because to me Leica has the upper hand in that department right now. Were I to start over again purchasing equipment, I might be inclined overall to go with Leica. I've been impressed with the quality of their equipment.
There are a number of different adapters that go from a Leica quick-release to a male 5/8"x11 thread. I use one regularly to mount my RTK receiver on my prism pole.
Maybe they aren't being made anymore - I haven't looked around. But I think at least one of mine is from Trimble, so I would expect that they're available used if not new.
Big Al, post: 436737, member: 837 wrote: That said, while I could theoretically use a Leica prism pole with my 0/30 prisms, I have not been able to find an adapter that would convert the Leica tip to a male 5/8-11 thread that might fit into the bottom of my prisms. There seem to be plenty of adapters available for the other way around (adding a Leica tip to a pole which has 5/8-11 threads).
don't need it. Leica make poles with 5/8 threads.
Another alternative would be to simply use a Leica prism on a Leica pole.
very good/accurate option
However, I prefer to work with prisms all having the same offset. I typically work with -30mm offset. My understanding is that the actual Leica offset is something like -24mm.
-34.4mm
So, practically speaking, investing in a Leica prism pole would push me to also invest in a complete Leica prism set.
doesn't have to. just buy a leica 5/8 pole.
Brad Ott, post: 436014, member: 197 wrote: I don't know my Leica pole model number but I have made the 4.5' to 6.5' range work for me.
But I do miss the early nineties' Geodimeter pole setups where you could run the glass almost anywhere down low (in the 0.5' to 4.0' ish range).
Brad,
FYI, SECO now makes a Geodimeter style pole. It's got alot of great features. I just ordered one, and I hope it'll be as good on the ground as I think it is.
Big Al, post: 445083, member: 837 wrote: Brad,
FYI, SECO now makes a Geodimeter style pole. It's got alot of great features. I just ordered one, and I hope it'll be as good on the ground as I think it is.
Sweet. Keep us posted. Maybe share a link or some photos?
Brad Ott, post: 445116, member: 197 wrote: Sweet. Keep us posted. Maybe share a link or some photos?
Brad, here is a link to the pole system I just ordered:
And here is a video demonstrating the capabilities of the system:
https://www.surveying.com/en/videos/geodimeter-style-telescoping-prism-pole-pole-only-gt-grads
