These screws facilitate fine movement. When they are dirty, they cause backlash, where turning the screw does not immediately move the telescope.
Thread the three leveling footscrews on the tribrach upward until they are uniform and near the top of their threads. This minimizes the vertical profile of the base. hilger watts theodolite manual repack
The larger (section 1: Vernier & Micrometer Theodolites) includes foreword, design notes, circle figuring, telescope graticules, and general specifications for all models, as well as details on the Ewing Stadi‑Altimeter and other surveying products. The company also published standalone manuals for telescope graticules (shelfmark Hil.429), explaining how to replace cross‑hairs and graticules in levels and theodolites. These screws facilitate fine movement
The Watts family of theodolites, particularly the later Hilger & Watts models, was known for improvements like the , which allows the user to read both the vertical and horizontal circles through a single eyepiece. This minimizes the vertical profile of the base
A Hilger & Watts theodolite is a masterpiece of design. By understanding the need for a thorough manual repack and regular maintenance, you can ensure that these vintage instruments remain operational for another fifty years. Proper lubrication and careful storage are the keys to preserving these important pieces of surveying history.
Carefully remove the microptic read-out eyepiece assembly. Watch for small shim washers behind the flange; these set the focal distance to the glass circles.