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I have a Berger 20X Builder’s level (not transit, level only) that is out of calibration and I’d like to get it tuned in. I read somewhere that this can be done by using a 100′ steel tape in a parking lot, measuring the differences and doing some trigonometry to make corrections.
Can anyone describe this procedure for me?
Also, I hope this isn’t too stupid of a question, can levels be calibrated to the horizon of the ocean? or any other large body of water?
Thanks in advance!
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Replies
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contact Berger and buy a new instruction manual for your model..they never go out of print
there will be a section in the manual about calibration ...
i've still got my manuals from 1975 for my K&E Builder's Transit -Level
...i don't know about using the horizon.. but i guess you could if you correct for horizon below instrument
*Jim, I mentioned this before, but here is a very easy method that works. Go find a nice smooth paved parking lot or something similar. Mark two spots about a 100 feet apart. It doesn't have to be exact. Set up over one and measure carefully the distance from the ground to the center of your eyepiece. Record that reading. Have someone hold a rod or tape on the other spot and take a shot on it. Record the difference in elevation between the two spots. Now pick up the level and reset it over the second spot and do the same procedure looking back at the first spot. If they record the same difference in elevation, your level is correctly adjusted. If there is a difference between the two readings (say one-half inch) ,then adjust the level screw on your level until you adjust for one-half the error (1/4") while still looking at the rod. Your instrument should now be properly adjusted.
*Jim, I mentioned this before, but here is a very easy method that works. Go find a nice smooth paved parking lot or something similar. Mark two spots about a 100 feet apart. It doesn't have to be exact. Set up over one and measure carefully the distance from the ground to the center of your eyepiece. Record that reading. Have someone hold a rod or tape on the other spot and take a shot on it. Record the difference in elevation between the two spots. Now pick up the level and reset it over the second spot and do the same procedure looking back at the first spot. If they record the same difference in elevation, your level is correctly adjusted. If there is a difference between the two readings (say one-half inch) ,then adjust the level screw on your level until you drop one-half the error (1/4") while still looking at the rod. Your instrument should now be properly adjusted.
*Wouldn't you have to have awfuly long arms to do that horizon trick ?
*I believe the method for correcting this tool's adjustment is as follows. Set up the tool and adjust so that the bubble is centered, and the tool head parallel to one of the small adjusting mechanisms. Then turn the head 180 degrees. Use the small adjustment screw to correct one half of the amount that the bubble is out, then swing 180 again and refine your adjusment. then turn 90 degrees and repeat the whole procedure. Hope this helps.
*My method was similar to G.'s but I did it in my cellar on an auto level...We disussed this in the archives too a few months ago...If you have a simple bubble that is adjustable then I think the other poster's idea is needed somehow...near the stream,ajand yes I used my lake to double check the accuracy of my level by looking at the far shore at a part of a dock that was at the height of my level...The Earth surface is a curve and it will mess you up if you don't take that into account...In twenty five thousand miles it curves away an infinite amount and then back to itself...How much does the Earth curve across an average building lot?
*Thats what I do, Larry. It usually fixs it with the first adjustment. I lost the little tool that came with it, so the 4 penny nail will have to do.blue
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I have a Berger 20X Builder's level (not transit, level only) that is out of calibration and I'd like to get it tuned in. I read somewhere that this can be done by using a 100' steel tape in a parking lot, measuring the differences and doing some trigonometry to make corrections.
Can anyone describe this procedure for me?
Also, I hope this isn't too stupid of a question, can levels be calibrated to the horizon of the ocean? or any other large body of water?
Thanks in advance!