I have read many of the "what is your favorite tripod" threads, but have never seen sensitivity to temperature change discussed.
I work in a dry climate subject to wide temperature variation. I am sure many if you do too.
We have one tripod in particular that drives me nuts. It seems this thing will go out of level with just a few minutes of sunshine. I suspect it is the metal portion of the tripod head that causes this. In my opinion, the fact it is painted black doesn't help.
Which tripods (specific brands/materials/style) have you used that are most stable under temperature change?
Physics doesn't allow for material stability to be 100% static, but I want to minimize the effects as much as possible.
The Crain Trimax has been the most stable tripod I have used.
I agree. I have always gotten great service from a Trimax. I have researched this at times past, though, and
I seem to remember seeing a study that revealed that the top of the line Leica tripods were more stable. I think Mike Falk may have linked to it on the old board.
I have heard good things about the Dutch Hill composite tripods as well.
I've had great luck with Dutch Hill composite tripods. We can go from 70-110 from morning-evening, during the summer. At the end of the day I've noticed a slight difference on my base.
My experience is that the Leica GST20 is very stable. Never have used aluminium legs, but suspect those are bad. The worst tripods I have used as far as vibration and thermal expansion was a couple of different vintages of Dutch Hill tripods, hopefully the newer ones are better, the ones from the mid 80's through mid 90's were very poor for stability. They were good as far as working in wet weather, BUT that is about it.
SHG
I have only used aluminum tripods for short level runs. I sure wouldn't set a total station or back sight that would be out all day on an aluminum tripod.
The most endearing characteristic of an aluminum tripod is light weight 🙂
Aluminum work fine on short level loops, but useless for other work.
Agreed.
I take that back. They may work well at holding my umbrella on hot/rainy day..B-)
Survey tripods - white paper
Here is a link for the tripod "white paper":
I do have a couple of concerns about the results. First is was done in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, by a couple of college students and published by Leica. I'm not accusing anybody, but bias is a possibility.
The Crain Trimax they used was not the one with bottom clamps along with the lever lock.
So, enjoy the read, but remember the source and that it is now several years old.
Or used for GPS radio antenna... as long at it isn't windy! 🙂
If the wind is under 15mph here, we consider it a calm day.
We have settled on that's Leica GST20 Tripod for normal work. We have 5 Dutch Hill tripods that we use for GPS observations when we are going to leave a receiver running for several days or if we want a little extra height. We bought the first 2 Dutch Hill tripods one year with end of year money after I found out how strong they were. I got an old used one for my personal collection. I had to replace the locking handle on it. To test if I had the tension tight enough, I put about 60% of my body weight on the tripod head. It did not slip. That was WAY more than the weight of any 5 total stations you can imagine.
We like the Dutch Hill OK but they are not compatible with the Leica Height Hook on our GPS so we only use them in special instances. We have 14 GTS20 and 5 Dutch Hills in inventory. We got 3 new Dutch Hills last year, but only because the price was right. 2 of them are still in the box
My suggestion is that you get a demo of the model that you are thinking of purchasing and give a good workout. If it works for you get more of them. I am considering getting a set of 3 extra tall Tri Max tripods for the Robot. They have a model that you can set up with about a 7' HI, so you can see over obstructions.
For normal surveying, any of the 3 brands, properly maintained will provide acceptable accuracy.
Survey tripods - white paper
When speaking of errors, these students need to understand the capabilities of the equipment they're using to measure the deflection.
Survey tripods - white paper
FWIW I believe this is the original published version
http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2009/papers/ts08c/ts08c_eichhorn_etal_3208.pdf
Great insight Steve. Thanks.
since we are doing a clinic on tripods, don't forget to take the loaded stress out of the legs.
the feet have an angle of penetration that tends to bow the first two legs anchored when you sink the third. so, after planting all three, give a small push in on each of the legs to take the pressure off the feet....then reach in the truck and throw your aluminum legs away.
Great advice.
Thankfully we don't have an aluminum tripod.
We used to use Wild Aluminum tripods for ALL work. We got 1:20,000 to 1:30,000 traverse loop closures with them, but you had to be watching it regularly.
We now use Crain Trimax which are only slightly more heavy, and much less than wood, and I think as good, if not better, than wooden tripods.
Count me in for another Trimax fan.
I had the same experience with the older Dutch Hills - very unstable, IMO.
We've been happy with our Crains ever since we ditched the Dutch.