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Instrument Orientation Tool

Instrument cover photo.
This documentation covers part number 10-0000016.

Overview

If you’ve ever deployed a seismometer or other magnetic instrument in the field, you’ve likely been frustrated with how difficult it is to measure it’s orientation. You can’t get your compass close, but you want to take a measurement. The inexpensive solution has been to use a straight edge top-hole that is visually aligned with the seismometer and measure that. It’s not that accurate, can be time consuming, and is subject to the bias of the technician. The other options are gyrocompasses that can run into six figures or determining the orientation with time consuming post-processing. This tool makes the process simple, fast, and inexpensive with results of reasonable accuracy for most seismometer, tiltmeter, and other geophysical instrument deployments at the surface of in shallow post-holes.

Other than its low cost - one of the major advantages of the tool is that it is in no-way a controlled technology. It utilizes a standard pocket transit and a laser with a prism similar to that found in laser pointers used for presentations. This makes transport of the device easy for international travel.

Components

Components of the instrument orientation tool.

What's in the Box?

  • Instrument Orientation Tool

Operation

  1. Verify that your pocket transit is set to the desired magnetic declination or to zero for declination corrections to be applied after the deployment.

  2. Ensure that the two brass thumb screws projecting into the compass pocket are backed out until they are not protruding any into the compass area.

    Ensuring the thumbscrews for the compass pocket are loosened.

  3. Insert your pocket transit with the pointer facing away from you if you're holding the instrument with the text and logo upright.
    Insert the pocket transit into the tool

  4. Gently tighten the thumb screws to secure the transit into position.

  5. Turn on the laser by pressing and releasing the power button. CAUTION: Do not look into the laser or point it at other people's eyes.

  6. Stand over the instrument and looking past the narrow section of the tool, align the green laser line with the orientation mark on the instrument (commonly a North arrow).

  7. Shift your focus from the instrument to the level on the device and adjust to make sure it is centered. Repeat ths focus shift until you are aligned and level.

    Operation of the orientation tool.

  8. Read the transit or using your right thumb depress the lock button on the transit and read it then. Some transits seem to shift the reading by a few degrees when pressed while others do not. Verify that yours does not or determine by how much it does and correct for it when using this method.

  9. Turn off the laser and proceed to the next installation.

Maintenance

The instrument orientation tool requires very little maintenance. Occasional wipes with water (slightly soapy if very dirty) will help keep to looking good. Just be sure to not submerge the instrument as it is splash resistant, not water proof.

Replacing the Batteries

  1. Remove the five (5) brass screws holding the left side cover of the instrument down with a number 2 Phillips screwdriver. Remove the cover.

  2. Remove and replace the two (2) AA batteries in the holder. We recommend standard alkaline cells from any of the major battery manufacturers.

    Battery compartment of the tool.

  3. Replace the cover and snug the screws.

Alignment Calibration

If you believe your instrument to be out of alignment, it can be re-sighted with just a couple of tools in about 5-10 minutes.

  1. Find a flat surface such as a table and verify that it is flat end-to-end (i.e. not twisted). Level does not matter as long as the table is self-consistent. Ideally 6-12 feet of length works well.

  2. Turn on the laser being careful to avoid direct eye contact. Set the tool on its side (the side without the compass screws).

  3. Move a square (carpenters, speed, or machinists will all work) into the beam at the opposite end of the table. If the laser does not follow the edge of the square, it needs to be realigned.

    Example of a badly misaligned laser.

  4. Remove the nine (9) screws holding the right side cover down on the instrument with a number 2 Phillips screwdriver and remove the cover.

  5. Slightly loosen the laser set screw with an allen key and grasping the laser body, turn it. Check the alignment with the square and continue to refine it until the laser exactly traces the square's profile.

    Loosening the laser set screw.

  6. Gently secure the laser with the set screw and re-check the alignment.
    Aligning the laser to a square.
  7. Once aligned, reinstall the top cover and nine (9) screws.

Troubleshooting

No laser showing - Common causes include dead batteries or a broken wire between the laser, switch, and batteries. Open the battery cover and check all connections. Replace the batteries.

Readings are incorrect - Common causes include proximity to magnetic/ferrous materials or mis-alignment of the tool. Verify that all magnetic materials are removed from the immediate measurement area and that the alignment of the tool is correct.

Revision History

Date Changes
September 2024 Initial Release