How to Set Up a Transit Level
Transit levels measure difference in elevation. Once the transit is level, you can look through the eyepiece to observe a target measuring stick. The measuring stick is then moved to a different location, within sight of the transit, and another reading is taken. By subtracting the two measurements, you can tell the difference in elevation between the two sight locations. Improper setup of the transit will give serious errors to any elevation reading. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose a location this is relatively level. Spread the legs on the tripod so the bottoms are at least 2 feet apart from each other. Set the spike ends of the transit legs into firm soil. Placing the transit on a concrete or hard surface may cause the legs to slip. Some tripods have special covers for hard surfaces. Get the top transit platform as close to horizontal as possible.
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Attach the transit to the top of the tripod platform using the screw attachment. Turn the screw thread in a clockwise direction to secure the transit to the tripod platform. Hand tighten it only.
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Lower the four adjustment screws on the base of the transit until they touch the tripod platform. The four adjustment screws are set exactly 90 degrees from each other. Turning the adjustment screws in a counterclockwise direction will lower the screws.
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Turn the transit eyepiece tube so it aligns with one set of screws. Watch the bubble level mounted in the top center of the transit eyepiece tube. Adjust the two screws until the bubble is exactly between the two level lines.
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Rotate the transit so the eyepiece tube is located over the other two adjustment screws, 90 degrees from the first location. Level the transit in the same manner.
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Spin the transit slowly on its axis. Watch the bubble in the level. The bubble must remain stationary as the transit is rotating about its own axial point. If the bubble moves from the center position of the two level lines, readjust the leveling screws.
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Focus the eyepiece lens by looking through the tube. Turn the focusing knob until the object you are looking at is crisp in the eyepiece. The transit is ready to use. Do not move the transit until all readings are taken. Each time the transit is moved to a new location, the transit must be releveled.
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Tips & Warnings
Using a transit generally requires two people: one person to hold the measuring target stick and the other to sight that stick through the transit eyepiece.
