Anybody tried covering a receiver with a zip log bag, or say a sheet of Saran wrap when working on a rainy day? I am very hesitant on having my receivers out on a rainy day, but looks like I may have to. Any tips from the expereinced would be appreciated!

Dave,
The Locus units are designed to be waterproof [wind-driven rain, NOT submersible]. There should be no problem using them in rain without a covering. Any cover could attenuate the signal, affecting results, so I wouldn't advise covering them. Whatever happened to the "good old days" when rain meant a poker or pool game instead of working in it?

BR,
---Brian

Dave .. I've left mine uncovered in the rain for hours... no problems yet..
I try to face to lights away from the wind

Steve G

Use mine in the rain all the time, in fact I use them for rain days to keep my guys working, they sit in the truck and watch the little lights blink. When ever you break down just wipe off with a dry towel.

Brian,

a 1 or 2 mil small plastic trash bag can really attenuate the signal ??

"Good old days"...heck I'm not in the field that much anymore so if I don't get to rainout....

Jimbo

Jimbo,
Yes, even thin plastic can attenuate the signal. The chemical composition of the plastic makes a difference also. You wouldn't believe how much research went into making birdsplat-proof domes for antennas for USCG, CORS, SCIGN, SWEPOS and other reference station applications. In any case, the units are waterproof, so there's no need to cover them. I know old habits die hard, I never would have left my Kern DKM-2 out in the rain, but GPS is a different animal.
---Brian

Brian,

I worked for an engineer (surveyor?) for several years in the 70's that had a Kern DKM -1A with a domed top tripod. If I remember it had a 0.1" scale. Was really overkill considering his method of chaining. I routinely had better closures with an old military Gurley one minute transit (and better chain crew). I do wish his widow would have given me an opportunity to buy the Kern though. One tough gun. How would the DKM-2 compare to the 1A?

J.D.

J.D.,
The Kern DKM-2 was a 1" theodolite. Typical Swiss instrument with smooth tangent screws and great optics. It was designed by the same instrument maker that designed the Wild T-2, so the Kern DKM-2 was considered an improvement on the T-2. The basic model had inverted optics and a coincidence bubble for zenith angles. the later -A [automatic] variant replaced the coincidence bubble with an internal compensator. The more common -AE had both the compensator and erect-image optics. All used the Kern center leg tripod, which worked well only if you took good care of it. I've turned a lot of angles with Kerns, they were damned fine instruments. Packing one up a mountain along with an MRA-101 Telleurometer [old microwave EDM] wasn't much fun, though.

---Brian
Modified By Brian D. Ewing, PLS on 4/26/2001 at 9:03 AM

To reply to Dave Huff's original post regarding Locus & rain.
The combined Locus receiver/antenna housing is waterproof.

We have had isolated reports of rain water seeping into the baterry compartment. If this water is left un-checked in the baterry compartment, electrolysis / corrosion can occur on the contacts between the battery and the power connection inside the Locus battery compartment.

To avoid this occurance, it's advisable to inspect the interior of the Locus battery compartment after the receiver has been exposed to a driving rain storm.

If moisture is found inside the battery compartment, simply use
a paper towel to absorb this moisture. You can also leave the battery compartment detached from the antenna/receiver hardware over night to allow any water/moisture to evaporate.

If the battery contacts have suffered from the mentioned electrolysis / corrosion, replacement Locus battery housing's are readily availble from Ashtech.

Br
Bob LeMoine
Ashtech Precision Products

Thanks Bob,

My receivers have been exposed to rain in the past, yet that was not a planned session, but rather the all too ususal MS thunderstorm 10 miles away.
After that event I did exactly as you suggested, in removing the batteries and drying things out. Only problem is that doing this resets the battery life settings to like new. Not a big issue to work around, and probably more hassle to redesign that part of the hardware than it is worth.
I'd still like to try a single cover of something like saran wrap over the top and down the sides. Think that would affect the receiver?
As far as the battery housings, I'll gladly swap you one gray one for a blue one to match my other two blue ones. A deal? And while we're at it, how about the black rubber part. One of mine says "Firesto.." oops I meant Sokkia.
Best Regards,
Dave

I bet if you bought 500 of them like Sokkia did, they'd make 'em any color you want, and put HUFF on the rubber too!