In a simple definition, Calibration is the comparison of the Reference Equipment (Collimator) with the values of the Device Under Test (DUT) to obtain a measurement result (error, correction, and measurement uncertainty), you may or may not need to perform adjustment.
The process of calibration includes:
- Compare values of the DUT (Auto-Levels, Total Stations, GPS, etc.) to the readings of the Reference Equipment (Collimator). In order to compare, we calculate the error and/or correction.
- The measurement uncertainty is then calculated to determine the range where the true measured value lies.
- With the above results, we can determine the accuracy of the DUT.
- All these are reported in a Calibration Certificate.
The main goal in calibration, is to determine the Accuracy of the DUT. Accuracy will show us how close or far the measured value is to the standard equipment. But how is accuracy determined?
You can determine the accuracy by using the reference equipment and the DUT value that you acquire from the calibration results.
This calibration result will lead us to the value of the “error”, calculated during the comparison of the standard and the DUT.
In survey site conditions, there are various reasons for calibration. Examples of the most common reasons are:
- Accuracy of all measurements deteriorate over time
- Regulatory compliance stipulates regular calibration
- Quality System requires calibration
- Quality of the products produced
- Safety – of customers and employees
- Environmental reasons
- Various other reasons
WHAT ARE THE CALIBRATION PROCEDURES?
Auto-level Service and Calibration
All brands of auto-levels need to be checked and calibrated chronologically every 6 months so as to give accurate readings during survey. Auto-levels that come in for calibration to our Survey Service Centre will undergo the below procedures for a Complete Overhaul.
- Level Base service – Dismantling, Cleaning, Re-greasing with special grease and assembling
- Worm Drive – Dismantling, cleaning, Re-greasing with special grease, assembling.
- Focus Drive – Dismantling, cleaning, Re-greasing with special grease, assembling of Focusing tube, Pinion complete and cleaning all lenses.
- Compensator Check – Compensator check and adjustment if needed.
- External instrumental cleaning.
- Final Calibration on Collimator.
- Cleaning of Carrying Cases.
- Issue of Calibration Certificate for 6 months, wherein a Calibration warranty is also provided during this period.
Total Station Service and Calibration
Total stations need to be checked and calibrated chronologically every 6 months for the finest performance with precision, particularly due to the atmospheric conditions in the region. Total stations that come in for calibration will undergo the below procedures for a Complete Overhaul under regularly controlled temperatures to our Survey Service Centre.
- Tribrach service – Cleaning and confirming smooth rotation of Levelling Screws
- Hz Encoder system – Set the Hz Constants in Service mode for correct Hz readings in User mode
- V Encoder system – Set the Hz Constants in Service mode for correct Hz readings in User mode
- Focus – Dismantling, cleaning, Re-greasing with special grease, assembling of focusing tube and cleaning all lenses.
- External instrumental cleaning.
- Collimation check and adjustment on Collimator
- Horizontality check and adjustment on Collimator
- Alignment of EDM Laser beam to the Reticle of the instrument.
- Final Calibration on 4-target Collimator system
- Base Line checks to verify EDM constants.
- Cleaning of Carrying Cases.
- Issue of Calibration Certificate for 6 months, wherein a Calibration warranty is also provided during this period.
GPS/GNSS, Data Controller/Field Controller, Base Station Radio Service and Checks
Though GPS survey has not entirely replaced surveying field instruments, it is widely used in the region. Hence it is important to conduct periodic checks in our Survey Service Centre to confirm the satellite connectivity and upgrade the firmware version to stay updated.
- Satellite corrections receive checks
- RTK/VRS connectivity checks
- Base-Rover connectivity checks
- Base station Radio Rx/Tx Channel/Frequency checks
- Radio Link Rate check
- Radio Transmit Power and Signal Strength check
- Replacement of boards or connectors in case of any damages
- Data Controller Firmware and Software upgrades
- GPS Firmware upgrades
- External Cleaning
- Issue of Test Certificates for 6 months/1 Year
Cables and Connectors
Faulty or Damaged Cables and Connectors can extremely hinder the performance of GPS/GNSS receivers. Therefore, it is essential that these are in good condition with no damages or cracks in them. All cables and connectors are checked and damages repaired in case of any ruptures or breakages. Further they are checked again to confirm proper performance and connectivity.
WHY RISE GEO CONTROL SYSTEMS?
At RISE GEO CONTROL SYSTEMS, we believe that quality service and technical support are essential elements to get maximum precision and productivity out of your survey equipment and related accessories. We trust that unanticipated repair, service costs and interruption can be consequentially reduced through periodic Preventive Maintenance and Calibration wherein you benefit from equipment that is always in a flawless condition.
RISE GEO Service Centre is equipped with chronologically calibrated, exclusive 4-target Collimator system, to ensure that our customers’ equipment are maintained as per industry standards for the most precise accuracy.
We provide extremely competent service facilities with fully equipped high precision Tools, Factory Trained engineers for Repair, Calibration, Testing & Verification services for Surveying instruments namely GPS/GNSS Systems, Total Stations (Robotic and Standard), Theodolites, Auto-Levels, Digital Levels, Laser Instruments and Survey Accessories. All works within the Service Centre are executed in a regularly controlled environment as per manufacturer standards. Genuine Spare parts are purchased from Authorized Suppliers and maintained for all equipment brands.
All calibrated equipment are accompanied with a detailed Calibration Certificate which includes the equipment result specifications, date of Calibration and the recommended date for next Calibration. A fixed Warranty period of 6 months is provided for all calibrations done in the Service Centre.
At RISE GEO Service Centre, we also offer Annual Contract Plans for the full fleet of customers’ instruments, which will inevitably qualify for discounted prices for Service and Calibration.