DIY vertical laser plumb

Reach Module / M+ / M2 Project share
1

How to make you self a vertical laser plumb.

  1. A laserpointer and drill a hole in the back
  2. Thin cord and fit this to the pointer.
  3. Do a vertical check to verify it do does a straight vertical point.

To calibrate i used smal pieces of tape on one of the laserpointers side. Have fun

20170201_201447.jpg2988×5312 1.71 MB
20170201_201424.jpg2988×5312 1.88 MB
20170201_201012.jpg1344×2390 743 KB
20170201_195450.jpg1344×2390 609 KB
20170201_195439.jpg1344×2390 655 KB
20170201_195806.jpg4249×2390 1.95 MB
20170201_195350.jpg4249×2390 2.21 MB
20170201_201224.jpg1344×2390 1.01 MB
20170201_201018.jpg1344×2390 1.01 MB
20170201_201720.jpg4249×2390 2.36 MB
20170201_200904.jpg1344×2390 1.01 MB
20170201_201323.jpg1344×2390 1.06 MB

5 Likes
2

Nice! I like the idea that the laser aligns by gravity.

I have some laser diodes for this same job, but was struggling to find a good way to mount and align them up inside the 5/8" thread in my DIY base stations. Plus, do it in a way that they are centered under the antenna and shining down perpendicular to the base of the container.

laser_diode_info.png948×802 128 KB

The above pic is just an example of what I have, I bought mine locally but it looks to be the same. The brightness could be better for use in the sunshine, so I thought about over driving the diode and pulsing short bursts with a 555 timer or similar.

Mine is just an idea. @TB_RTK has the finished product :wink:

2 Likes
3

Thanks.
Yes, you have a challenging design :wink:
I think placing and center antenna above the srew mount is a good starting place, from there whatever you srew under, like the image above, it will drop in a straigt line (parallel with the srew mount). Only thing left is to level antenna unit, but that could easily be done with a smal bubble.
Are you putting your idea on ice now that you have RS in the house ?

4

RS is priority #1 for sure. Just needing some time to get out and put it to work!

5

Very cool setup!
I find it hard to get an accurate height measurement when setup on a tripod.
Also, the height is always changing and it leaves room for human error when post-processing.
Typically, I just use a 2m fixed-height pole with a tripod to hold it level.
Simple, effective, and accurate :slight_smile:
http://www.geoshackdirect.com/Accessories-Supplies/Tripods/CST-QC-Aluminum-Tripod#.WJL1wvLzmLU
http://www.geoshackdirect.com/Accessories-Supplies/Gps-Poles/Sokkia-2m-Economy-GPS-Aluminum-Rover-Rod-2-Section-Sokkia-Green#.WJL1sfLzmLU
https://www.loink.com/product/145/32

1 Like