Trimble Total Station Collimations

 

On a Trimble S Series instrument, you must perform the HA VA Collimation and the Trunnion axis tilt adjustments together. To start the adjustment wizard, select Instrument / Adjust / Collimation & Trunnion axis tilt.

 

Note - Instrument / Adjust is not available during a survey. End the current survey to perform an instrument adjustment.

 

 The HA VA collimation, Trunnion axis tilt, and Autolock collimation instrument adjustments can be performed using Trimble Survey Controller, or on the Trimble S Series instrument through the Face 2 menu display. For more information, refer to the documentation for your instrument.

 

HA VA Collimation and Trunnion axis tilt adjustments

1. Set up the instrument on a stable surface and follow the prompts to complete the test.  Current adjustment values appear for each test (Horizontal collimation, Vertical collimation, and Trunnion axis tilt). Press the keys lightly to avoid bumping the instrument.

 

2. Aim at the target and take the first measurement.

 

3. Turn the instrument away and then re-aim.

 

4. Take the second measurement.

 

Note - Do not use Autolock during Collimation or Trunnion axis tilt tests.

 

 Position the instrument as follows:

1. Collimation - at least 100 m from the target.

 

2. Collimation - less than 4°30’ (5 gon) from the horizontal plane.

 

3. Trunnion axis tilt - at least 13°30’ (15 gon) from the horizontal plane (for the 5600) or from the VA measured during collimation (for the Trimble S Series).

 

4. You must take a minimum of one observation on each face.

 

 5. Final collimation values must be within tolerance of standard values. If not, the instrument needs to be adjusted mechanically.

 For more information, contact your local Trimble dealer.

 

 

 

Autolock collimation

This option is available only for instruments with Autolock, and should be performed after the HA VA Collimation adjustment has been completed.

 

1.  Set up the instrument on a stable surface and follow the prompts. Press the keys lightly to avoid bumping the instrument. Ensure that there are no obstructions between the instrument and the target, which should be at least 100 m apart.

 

Compensator calibration

-The dual axis compensator in the Trimble S Series instruments does not require initialization every time the instrument is leveled. However, Trimble recommends that you calibrate the compensator periodically, especially before you take precise measurements.

 

1.  On a Trimble S Series instrument, calibrate the compensator through the Face 2 menu display. The instrument handle must be attached and the Trimble CU must be unattached.

 

 For more information, refer to the documentation for your instrument.

 

 1. To calibrate the compensator in a 3600 instrument:

Select Instruments / Adjust / Compensator calibration.

When prompted, turn the instrument 180° to 0°.

Tap Accept.

 

Note - This option is not available for the 5600 because the compensator is calibrated when the instrument is leveled.