How can I secure the PLT 400 to limit its exposure to vibrations?

Why is it important to limit the PLT 400 to vibrations?

The PLT 400 regularly performs its own self leveling and field calibrations. However, when there is significant vibration to the tool, these leveling and calibration events will occur more frequently and, potentially, could cause the tool to require re-stationing. Vibrations, simply put, frustrate and interrupt the layout experience. As total stations use highly sophisticated Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM) technology, extra care by the user is required to keep the tool secure and accurate.

How do I secure the tool to the tripod and area I am working?

The tripod generally allows for the quickest way to set up the tool, but also requires care, as the tool will now be vulnerable to the vibrations and movement of the ground it rests on. Take all realistic measures to make sure the tripod legs and feet are secure from slipping and sliding before using the tool.

If you are using the tripod and are on solid ground like wood or concrete, make use of the tripod star, PUA 41 (1) to secure the feet of the tripod from sliding. Notice the various holes within the tripod star to screw into the surface you are working on for extra stability.

If you are using the tripod and are on dirt, make use of the spaded feet of the tripod PUA 36 (2) to fasten it securely and deeply into the ground.

After securing the tripod, it is always a good practice to at least eye-ball level the top of the tripod to ensure the PLT 400 does not have to compensate greatly as it performs its self-leveling calibration on start up.

How do I secure the tool without using the tripod?

It is always good practice to set up the tool on some sort of stand (like a “Lally Mount”) or column mount like the POA 106 (3) if vibration exposure is a large concern.

These mounts allow the end user to nearly eliminate the vibration (and traffic) from the ground, keeping the tool secure elsewhere, away from jobsite traffic, but with optimal jobsite visibility.

The obvious limitation of this set up, compared to using the tripod, is that moving the tool to a new location can be cumbersome. The stability, however, is typically much improved using a mount set-up rather than a tripod set-up.