0226
   OPTICAL MICROMETER THEODOLITE  
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Maker

Kern & Co., Aarau (Switzerland)

Model

DKM2-AEM

Serial Number

271314

Dimensions

Telescope length 175 mm, Height 225 mm

Image

Kern DKM2-AEM

Description

This Kern DKM2-AEM is a one-second (1") optical micrometer theodolite of high precision suitable for triangulation, traversing, deformation measurements, precise layout work in building construction and sub-surface work, astronomical observations, optical tooling and photogrammetric control. 

It incorporates a trunnion axis micrometer which serves the same purposes as a striding level (also included in the collection), and is used to increase the accuracy and reliability of the horizontal directions at steep sights. The trunnion axis micrometer permits to measure the inclination component of the standards in the direction of the trunnion axis. From these measurements the inclination of the trunnion axis and the correction of the horizontal direction can be computed. The practical measuring range of the trunnion axis micrometer is approximately ±30" and the inclination of the trunnion axis can be determined to ±1".

The magnification of the telescope is 32x, the diameter of the objective lens of the telescope is 45 mm, and the shortest pointing distance is approximately 1.7 metres. Other features include maintenance-free vertical circle liquid compensator (working accuracy of 0.3" and range of 2'), upright telescope image, digitised circle reading, optical plummet with adjustable focus, two-speed (course and fine) azimuth and elevation tangent screws, cam controlled short-stroke levelling system and course-fine circle orienting drive.

The accuracy of the instrument is excellent since the scale interval of the micrometer is 1" and estimation can be made to 0.2". The diameters of the horizontal and vertical circles are 75 mm and 69 mm respectively, and one mirror caters for the illumination of both circles. The sensitivity of the plate level is 22" per 2 mm.

The instrument requires special 'Kern' centring tripods and is not compatible with any other brands. Centring with the tripod produces an accuracy of 0.5-1mm. The theodolite is provided with a metal carrying case, and the tool compartment in the base of the carrying case contains a hexagonal wrench with screwdriver, one adjusting pin and two Allen wrenches (1.5 mm) for the adjustment of the collimation error. 

History & comments

This is most likely the best theodolite of its class. The instrument was first shown at the ISP congress 1968 in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is a constructive masterpiece by Hans Koch who has been employed with Kern since 1960.

The basic design of the DKM2-AEM dual-axis liquid level sensor is now being used by most dual-axis level sensors in electronic theodolites.

Conservation

Metal carrying case (L 210mm, W 160mm, H 300mm)

Condition

Excellent condition

Remarks

  • The instrument can be combined with the Kern DM 501 Electronic Distance Meter (also included in the collection)
  • Weight of instrument and container is 6.2 kg and 2.4 kg respectively.
  • Upright telescope image
  • School store no: T144
  • Some comments are courtesy of the Kern Collection of the Aarau City Museum, Switzerland.
  • Catalogued by F. Pall

Dates

Catalogued in 2000

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