FIELD

CALIBRATION OF
INSTRUMENTS.
 Introduction

Douglas Churchill, PLS
– Geospatial Sales and Support
– dchurchill@keypre.com

Lou Desimone
– Service Technician
– ldesimone@keypre.com
 About KPI

Founded 1989

5 Offices With Service Centers
(VA-ME)
– HQ Allentown, PA
– NY Office, East Syracuse

Trimble Geospatial
– Infrastructure

VRS Network (KeyNetGPS)
– Tools
– GC/CM Field Solutions
– Spectra Precision
 OVERVIEW

Definition

What needs field calibration

When should a calibration be completed

Benefits of calibrating Equipment

Compare
– Field Calibration
– Service Calibration

Procedures

Accessory part availability

Benefits of a Maintenance program

Schedule

Tips
 Doug’s Definition

Field Calibration- is the practice of
performing “function checks” and
adjusting equipment in the field and
office to account for the
environmental and performance
variables.
What equipment needs a Calibration/Maintenance

Total Station

Prism Pole

Tripod

Tribrach

Auto Level

Lasers

Why / When / How

 Comparison
Field Calibration -vs- Service Calibration

Field Calibration
– Can be completed by the End User
– “Functional Test”
– Adds user offsets to the instrument’s current offset values
which helps to calculate out most
of the angular errors

Service Calibration
– Cannot be completed by the End User
– “Testing All Functions and alignments”
– Adjusts the factory offset values of the instrument to the
original manufacture specifications
– Certificate of Calibration
Observe!
Total Station-

Are your bubbles consistent?

OP Adjustment

Instrument calibration routines

Antenna’s?
Accessories

Prism Pole

Tribrach

Traverse Kits
Auto Levels-

Are your loops closing
Laser-

Rotating lasers.
Robotic Total Station Calibrations. Trimble S6 Example.
HA/VA Collimation.

If current values are 0’s

Then collimation has not been done.
Tracker Collimation.

If current values are 0’s

Then collimation has not been done.
Using Tribrach Adjustors.

Place the tribrach on a tripod. Put the adjustor on the tribrach. Place
the to be adjusted on top of the adjustor so that it is upside down
looking at a target on the ceiling. The distance between the tribrach
and target should be 4-5 feet.

Using the leveling screws of the bottom tribrach, put the crosshair of
the tribrach being tested on the target.

Rotate the tribrach being adjusted 180 on the adjuster. If the

crosshairs stay on the target you are good to go.

After the 180 turn if the crosshair does not stay centered on the target,
half the error needs to be corrected for. Use the adjustment screws on
the tribrach to do this. NOTE: Adjustment screws and techniques do
vary by tribrach manufacturer.

Repeat the second two steps shown above until you get to the point
where the crosshair stays on the target.
Peg Testing your Levels.
What about GPS?

-Accessories

Rover Pole

Tribrach’s?

Tripods.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Calibrating the Tilt Sensor and E-
E-Bubble.
Adjustment tools.
• Tribrach adjusting cylinders'.

• Prism pole jigs.

• https://www.loink.com/category/surveyingo
ptribrachadjustingsupplies
Part Availability- Accessories
• Trimax
• 90550
• Tripod
• 22217
• Bi-Pod
• 5217-04-XXX
• Prism Pole

Low Dollar repairs. Why?

Technical Tips!

http://www.surveying.com/Video/Tech-Tip-Videos.aspx
 Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule/Plan
– Ex: My Trimble Protected

http://www.trimbleprotected.com/

VIDEO
– Free Rentals for Units under Support

Peace of Mind

Planned and budgeted maintenance expenses

Avoid surprises, lost productivity, downtime

Stay up-to-date and consistent on Firmware &
Software

Fleet management support

No more “bad news” moments
Field Calibration Checklist
 Additional Tips
– Tripod

Tighten up loose screws

Make sure clamps are secure

Points are tight (use a point that fits
your needs, use never sieze)

Feet- secure

Straps- secure and complete

Etc
– Instrument Storage

Never Put away WET or COLD!

Always put in the case to transport
(even short distances)

Wipe down once a week with a damp
cloth (avoid optics)
– Firmware and Software Updates!

Latest versions can be downloaded
from manufacturers web sites.
www.facebook.com/Keystone
PrecisionInstruments
QUESTIONS?

Sales- sales@keypre.com
Service- service@keypre.com
Rental- rental@keypre.com
www.keypre.com