Hay all. I've been working with this level I picked up for $50 at a yard sale (I know). As I'm just learning and no budget it's the best I can do for now. Will upgrade later once I can get decent numbers with less than quality equipment. It's a Sears Craftsman (yes I know)?ÿ with two spirit levels on the axis affixed below the optics. Using a hand level I'm able to get the tripod level at the point of connection to the transit. The zenith degree marker is set to zero. The transit it pointed between the axis of the tripod. Once I have the Y axis spirit leveled and the X axis spirit leveled, I then turn the transit 90?ø. Adjust the spirits again and turn 90?ø. This continues in a perpetual circle never leveling out. Does it effect the readings if the transit is level in the direction you're looking, but not when turned to a new point? If I just relevel on the new point will it cause a discrepancy in the add up?
?ÿ
Does that unit use four leveling screws?
If it is four screws, try to level by moving alternate screws by the same amount as you get the bubble centered.?ÿ It has been a VERY long time since using one like that, but it seems that moving one screw more than another pushed the other axis out of level.?ÿ So it is a little different from the 3 screws that seem more prevalent now.
Turn the level parallel to two screws, center the bubble, if it is off center the bubble is out of adjustment but you can still use it. Turn the foot screws so the bubble goes halfway back to the center. It is an iterative process until the bubble does not move. Then turn roughly 90 and do this again.
?ÿ
I've never done it so I might be wrong. Try this. Align the level so it points over the NE screw and the SW screw. Move both screws the same amount but turn them towards each other or away from each other. When the vial reads level turn the level so that it points over the NW screw and the SE screw again move both of these screws equally, but turn them in opposite directions( towards each other or away from each other). This is an iterative process but it shouldn't take more than the full process being done 3 times to get it level. You should feel that it is closer to being level in a full circle after completing the process just once. If you still end up chasing your tail, then shame on me, I was completely wrong.
Using a hand level I'm able to get the tripod level at the point of connection to the transit.
How do you do that?
Eyeball leveling is good enough for the tripod.
The goal for the plate level is for it to remain in the same place as the transit is rotated.?ÿ If the level vial is out of adjustment that same place will not be in the center.
Adjust for a centered reading, rotate 90 and adjust the other screws, then180, and make half the adjustment indicated. Notice where the bubble is, and see if it remains there when your rotate.
After you get it so the bubble stays put, you can then adjust the screws that hold the tube so it does read centered. Recheck all again.
Yes, I was setting the axis over the s/w and n/w screws, leveling both spirits to center than turning the transit 90?ø over the opposite axis screws and re leveling. But, then it is no longer level on the n and s/w axis. Just runs in a circle.
There are 4 screws, two for each spirit level. I can try adjustment these.
WOW! Has it been that long since we used a transit with 4 screws leveling. I bet most of us old timers could do it in our sleep. I looked on youtube for a video. None out there. I take it you don't have a base spirit level vial. so you're going the have to center the scope?ÿ as you did. Then watch this video at about 9 minutes. The guy has it down pretty good. I know! Not the best video, but it does give the idea of moving the thumbs in the right direction.
I'm sorry. At about 2:46 is where they level the transit.
Got it. Thanks. I leveled on one axis then turned, then leveled the levels using the screws. Now it's perfect. ????ÿ
Last time I leveled a 4 screw transit was in the 90s in college. Had a hard time doing it. Correct me if I am wrong but you don't center the bubble using 2 screws. It's more like center it the 1st time then use the other 2 screws and bring it 1/3 to center, then rotate 90 then bring it 1/3 centered. Or maybe it's the process to calibrate the bubble level. Not sure anymore.
The 1/3rd per 90?ø seems about right for this gizmo. No matter how I set it up it would be off on one axis. Since I adjusted the spirit screws it is just right.
Last time I leveled a 4 screw transit was in the 90s in college. Had a hard time doing it. Correct me if I am wrong but you don't center the bubble using 2 screws. It's more like center it the 1st time then use the other 2 screws and bring it 1/3 to center, then rotate 90 then bring it 1/3 centered. Or maybe it's the process to calibrate the bubble level. Not sure anymore.
That's to calibrate are to adjust to bubble. Maybe? I remember centering the bubble, if it only had 1 vial, the turn 90 degrees and center again. Turn and do it over again until the bubble stayed centered no mater where you turned it. I know that video was a little strange, but that one guy had a good touch. I don't know about all those hands on the transit. That would have sent my party chiefs over the deep end. Would me too! It was the only one that showed how to use your thumbs in and out.
Now to hang a plumb bob and center the transit over a point.
