Tips for Maintaining Your Total Station

It's essential to maintain your total station properly to ensure accurate measurements and prevent costly repairs. In this article, we will provide you with some tips to maintain your total station.

Total Station Calibration

Calibration is a crucial step in maintaining your total station. Calibration ensures that the instrument is measuring accurately, and any errors are corrected. Here are some tips to ensure proper calibration of your total station:

• Use a calibration baseline to test the accuracy of your total station. A calibration baseline is a distance between two points that are well-established on the ground. Measure the distance between the two points with your total station and compare it to the actual distance. This will help you determine the accuracy of your instrument.
• Check the calibration of your total station regularly, at least once a year. The accuracy of your instrument can change over time due to normal wear and tear, temperature changes, and other factors. It's essential to check the calibration of your instrument regularly to ensure that it is measuring accurately.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for calibration. Different total stations may have different calibration procedures. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that you are calibrating your instrument correctly.
• Keep a record of your calibration results. Record the date of calibration, the baseline distance, and the accuracy of your total station. This information will be useful if you need to troubleshoot any problems in the future.

GlobalPos offers professional Total Station Service and Calibration for all Total Station brands, GlobalPos Calibration Certificates give our customers assurance their instrument has met the highest possible testing standards – Check out our service and calibration page for more information.

Clean and Service Your Total Station

Cleaning is essential to prevent damage and maintain accuracy. Here are some tips for proper cleaning:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the instrument. Avoid using rough or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the surface.
• Use a lens brush to clean the lenses. Gently brush away any dust or debris on the lenses. Be careful not to scratch the lenses with the brush.
• Avoid using water or solvents to clean the instrument. Water and solvents can damage the sensitive electronic components of the total station. If you need to remove stubborn dirt or grime, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a clean, dry cloth.
• Clean your total station after every use. This will help prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can lead to damage over time.

GlobalPos offers professional instrument cleaning and servicing to ensure your Total Station in in top condition - Check out our service and calibration page for more information.

Total Station Storage

Proper storage techniques are necessary to prevent damage or loss of your total station. Here are some tips for storing your total station:

• Store the instrument in a dry, cool place. Moisture and heat can damage the sensitive electronic components of your total station. A dry and cool place will help prevent damage.
• Avoid exposing the instrument to extreme temperatures. Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the instrument to expand or contract, which can affect its accuracy. Avoid leaving your total station in a vehicle on a hot day or exposing it to freezing temperatures.
• Store the instrument in a case to protect it from dust and debris. A protective case can help prevent damage from impacts and keep the instrument clean.
• Remove batteries before storing the instrument for an extended period. Batteries can leak and cause damage to the instrument if left inside for too long.

Contact GlobalPos if you require a hard case for your Total Station

Total Station Maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the continued reliability and accuracy of your total station. Here are some tips for routine maintenance:

• Check for loose screws and other parts and tighten them as necessary. Over time, screws and other parts can become loose due to vibration or normal wear and tear. Regularly checking for loose parts and tightening them can prevent damage and ensure accuracy.
• Inspect the instrument for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or cracks. If you notice any damage, address it promptly to prevent further damage or accuracy issues.
• Check the instrument's battery level regularly and replace the batteries as needed. Low batteries can affect the performance of the instrument and lead to inaccurate measurements.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Different total stations may have different maintenance requirements. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help ensure that your total station is properly maintained.

Total Station Battery Maintenance

Proper care and replacement of batteries are crucial to ensure reliable operation of your total station. Here are some tips for battery maintenance:

• Use only the recommended batteries for your total station. Using the wrong type of battery can cause damage to the instrument and affect its accuracy.
• Replace the batteries before they run out to avoid damage to the instrument. Low batteries can cause the instrument to shut down unexpectedly, which can cause data loss or other problems.
• Store the batteries in a dry, cool place. Exposure to heat or moisture can damage the batteries and cause them to leak or corrode.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing the batteries. Different total stations may have different procedures for replacing batteries. Following the manufacturer's instructions can help ensure that the batteries are replaced correctly.

Contact GlobalPos if you need replacement batteries your Total Station

Environmental Effects

Environmental factors such as weather, temperature, and humidity can affect the accuracy of your total station. Here are some tips to minimise the impact of environmental effects:

• Avoid using the instrument in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. Moisture can damage the electronic components of your total station and affect its accuracy.
• Allow the instrument to acclimate to the temperature of the environment before using it. If the instrument is exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to adjust to the temperature of the environment before using it. This can help prevent accuracy issues caused by thermal expansion or contraction.
• Use a rain cover to protect the instrument from water damage. If you must use the instrument in wet conditions, use a rain cover to protect it from moisture.
• Store the instrument in a dry, cool place. Extreme temperatures or humidity can damage the electronic components of your total station and affect its accuracy. Storing the instrument in a dry and cool place can help prevent damage.

Transporting Your Total Station

Safe and proper transportation of your total station is necessary to prevent damage. Follow these tips for transporting your total station:

• Use a protective case for transportation. A protective case can help prevent damage from impacts and keep the instrument clean during transport.
• Avoid shaking or dropping the instrument. Any sudden movements or impacts can damage the electronic components of your total station and affect its accuracy.
• Secure the instrument in the vehicle to prevent movement during transport. Secure the instrument with straps or other restraints to prevent it from moving around during transport.
• Avoid exposing the instrument to extreme temperatures during transport. Extreme temperatures can damage the electronic components of your total station and affect its accuracy.

Total Station Repairs

Identifying total station problems early and seeking professional repair services can prevent future more costly repairs. Here are some tips for identifying problems:

• Inspect the instrument for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any scratches, cracks, or other damage to the instrument, address it promptly to prevent further damage or accuracy issues.
• Check the calibration of the instrument regularly. If you notice any changes in the accuracy of your measurements, check the calibration of the instrument. If the instrument is not measuring accurately, it may need to be recalibrated.
• Seek professional Total Station repair services if you are unsure of how to fix a problem or if the problem is beyond your ability. Attempting to fix the instrument yourself can cause further damage and lead to costly repairs.
• Contact us if you require help with your repair.

By following these tips, users of total stations can ensure that their instrument remains reliable and accurate for years to come. Taking care of a total station is not just a matter of basic maintenance but also an investment in the quality and precision of your surveying work.