Hi everyone. New to board. Have a question regarding preference for robotic prism pole/collector clamp/bipod legs. I have been using a Seco carbon fiber pole with Seco aluminum bipod legs. Pole is nice because of light weight, however, it does not hold up well to screw type clamp on legs (screw tends to crush pole). I have tried sliding a two inch piece of copper pipe over pole to help protect the integrity of pole, but this only works for a short while. I see Seco has a clamp for collector cradle that is a claw instead of screw type but have yet to see one offered for bipod legs. I use the bipod when traversing and setting or locating control, then take it off while doing topos or locations. Just thought I'd ask to see what you're using. Thanks in advance.
> I have tried sliding a two inch piece of copper pipe over pole to help protect the integrity of pole, but this only works for a short while.
I split a piece of aluminum tubing a bit smaller than the pole diameter and slid it onto the pole. It's been in use for a little over 2 years now with no apparent damage to the pole.
We had the same issues until we got this:
http://www.stakemill.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=542_759_777_783&products_id=985&zenid=7151a854538fa2ad10938b6dd3dbd5f7
I experienced the same problem, as to damaging the pole with to much pressure on the screw clamp. And with it backed off a little the data collector clamp and the bipod would spin around while carrying the rod. I solved it rather inexpensively by using some athletic tape I had from my other profession, I just wrapped the pole a couple times to get some padding built up, and now nothing moves and I don't have to have the screw that tight to stay in place.
Never sure what the pin is for on those type of carbon fibre poles?
> Never sure what the pin is for on those type of carbon fibre poles?
That pin is for keeping the rod from slipping down. There are corresponding holes in the top section of the rod, generally at 1/2 foot intervals.
Ah, I see. Is that type of rod prone to letting the inner rod slip down for some reason?
> Is that type of rod prone to letting the inner rod slip down for some reason?
Very much so. I know of no adjustable type that isn't.
> > Is that type of rod prone to letting the inner rod slip down for some reason?
> Very much so. I know of no adjustable type that isn't.
My experience has been that the twist-lock clamp is very secure. In 2 years of use I've only seen it slip once, and that was the result of an inadvertent very hard landing when I tripped. The slippage was on the order of 0.02', and since I almost always run at even-foot heights, it was immediately noticed.
I've never used the pin, and am thinking about removing it from its storage hole, since the pull ring sometimes lays on the bubble and partially obscures it.
I have been using one of these rods for 6.5 years. I have the same problem with the cracking of the rod where my garner rod rest clamps on the bottom.
I use the pin all of the time, just to make sure that there are no rod slips, but I agree with Jim. My rod has never slipped. A large part of my work is either construction layout, or design topos, so I did not want to take a chance.
I have some PVC that I plan on using to protect the lower portion of the rod, but I haven't had a chance to fix it yet.
It is the best rod that I have ever owned. It keeps level well, only having to adjust it once or twice since I bought it.
> I have the same problem with the cracking of the rod where my garner rod rest clamps on the bottom.... My rod has never slipped....
I prefer not to exercise my kung-fu grip on expensive carbon graphite fiber survey equipment. So I use the pin. But I've never crushed the rod with a dc clamp.
> I prefer not to exercise my kung-fu grip on expensive carbon graphite fiber survey equipment.
In this case the kung-fu grip would be on the aluminum inner pole, not on the graphite portion.
Leica Robotic Prism Pole
Norman, Leica Robotic Prism Pole does mot move
Leica Robotic Prism Pole
> Norman, Leica Robotic Prism Pole does mot move
If it is the sort I am thinking of, an all carbon fiber rod with bayonet mount on top and detent holes, with a spring loaded button to engage the detents, and a compression ring clamp, it will only not slip if the button is engaged with a detent hole. In principle it acts very much like the pin.
If we are talking about the all aluminum small diameter Leica rod, that type is more susceptible to sliding down than any other type.
Thanks for the tip Jim. I've located a bit of 1.25" OD stainless tube on ebay - normally used for mending car exhausts I think.
I may combine it with some of the tape mentioned below as well.
Never had a problem with pole crushing or clamps slipping on my steel pole but have just got a lightweight fibreglass pole to try to reduce the weight I'm carrying around, so it's good to be forewarned about crushing it.
I do fancy the seco claw clamp as well but again it's a lot dearer for us to get the seco bits in the UK. So this will be a good fix for the time being at least.
I like this solution. My pole is already cracked but this may extend the life anyway......I'm giving it a try. - Thanks
We just purchaced a carbon pole last spring. In early summer we had an intern working with us and he must have tightened our old style clamp down pretty hard because there was a 6" crack after he used it. The seco claw clamp can be tightened down pretty tight even with the crack. I highly recommend one.
Gregg