Repacking a vintage Hilger & Watts theodolite is a meticulous process focused on restoring smooth mechanical movement by removing aged, hardened grease and applying fresh lubricants. 1. Scope & Preparation
Step-by-Step Repacking Guide
: Position the telescope in a vertical orientation before lowering it into the case. Identify Alignment Marks : Most original cases have orange dots or alignment marks hilger watts theodolite manual repack
Hilger & Watts instruments, particularly the popular Microptic No. 1 and No. 2 series, are renowned for their precision glass scales and optical reading systems. Unlike modern digital units, these rely on highly polished metal-on-metal bearings that must be free of debris to maintain accuracy. General "Repack" Workflow
Digital Version of the Manual
The Historical Context of the Hilger & Watts Manual To understand the value of a manual repack, one must first appreciate the complexity of the instrument it describes. Unlike modern digital theodolites, which rely on software and electronic sensors, Hilger & Watts instruments are masterpieces of mechanical optics. They feature intricate circular scales, micrometer microscopes, and gravity-controlled vertical circles. The original manuals produced by the company were not merely instructional pamphlets; they were comprehensive treatises on geodesy and mechanical care. They detailed everything from the initial "centering" of the instrument to the delicate process of adjusting the plate levels and optical plummet. Over decades, these paper documents have suffered the ravages of time—becoming brittle, stained, or lost—creating a "knowledge gap" that threatens the utility of the surviving hardware.
Component Removal: Carefully extract the tangent screws (E1, E2) and the leveling footscrews. Repacking a vintage Hilger & Watts theodolite is
Once the theodolite is placed on the base plate of the case, engage the locking clips. If your model uses a threaded center screw to hold the base, ensure it is snug but not overtightened. The goal is to prevent lateral shifting while allowing the rubber mounts to absorb vertical vibrations.
: Ensure all parts are bone-dry before re-lubricating. Residual alcohol can cause new grease to fail. 4. Re-greasing (The "Repack") Lubricant Choice Identify Alignment Marks : Most original cases have