While most people think of theodolites as surveying equipment, these handy optical devices actually come in several different forms and can be used for a number of tasks. At Warren Knight, our theodolites have been used for surveying, naturally, but also meteorology and navigation. Here’s a look at our theodolites, as well as some other interesting equipment we can provide.
Telemetering Theodolites
A telemetering theodolite is an integral part of the precision measuring system used by the FAA for calibration of navigation aids such as the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Microwave Landing Systems (MLS), Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR), Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) and VORTAC, which is a beacon with VOR and TACAN.
Let’s take a look at these navigational aids. ILS is considered the standard landing system in the United States at commercial airports as well as military airports. MLS acts as a supplement to ILS and is an especially important tool to use during a blind landing, which is when a pilot lands an aircraft using only instruments.
VOR is a navigation system that operates using the VHF band, a band of the electromagnetic spectrum with a frequency between 300 and 30 megahertz. While VOR is commonly used for civilian or commercial aircraft, TACAN is a navigational system primarily used by the military. VORTAC technology utilizes both VOR and TACAN, and these were combined to take advantage of TACAN’s distance measurement equipment, or DME.
Each of these complex navigational aids requires frequent calibration, and telemetering theodolites are one of the AVN-approved systems that can be used to aid in calibration tasks. With our WK-20-8350 Telemetering Theodolite, precise readings are continually transmitted to the aircraft receiver via the UHF telemetric unit.
Meteorological Theodolites
Meteorologists use a variety of tools to predict weather conditions, and theodolites can help them track pilot balloons to determine the angles of elevation and azimuth. The theodolites are similar to surveying transits or surveying theodolites and help meteorologists determine wind direction and wind speed at specific altitudes. This information not only helps predict future weather conditions, but is also helpful information for pilots.
We have several theodolites designed for meteorological use here at Warren Knight. Our WK-20-8403 Pilot Balloon Theodolite is designed to observe and measure angles of elevation and azimuth of weather balloons as well as aircraft, ships and other moving objects to distances of 20,000 meters or more with conditions of good visibility.
Our WK-20-9500 Series of electronic pilot balloon theodolites include an automatic power-down feature to eliminate unnecessary power drain. These theodolites also include an internal illumination system for low-light operating conditions. The mechanical system operates independently of the electronic system and will remain operational in the event of a power loss.
Surveying Theodolites & Surveying Equipment
When we first got started as the Warren Knight Instrument Company, back in 1908, our focus was mainly on manufacturing and selling precision surveying and charting equipment. As the years passed and technology changed, we expanded our market to design and manufacture precision instruments for many applications, serving a myriad of industries including aerospace, engineering, metrological and of course, the meteorological, nautical and surveying industries.
To make a long story short, we eventually incorporated into Warren Industries, Inc., which includes two divisions – Warren-Knight Instrument Company (this website) and the North American Survey Supply. While you will find a few helpful survey tools on this website, if you need high-quality surveying equipment, we have just about everything you might need at North American Survey Supply.
On the North American Survey Supply website, you can find theodolites, total stations, Abney levels, GPS, data collectors, digital levels, laser scanners, measuring tapes, marking supplies and much more. Our Warren Knight website includes items such as a forestry compass, surveyor compass and a Jacob’s staff.
Theodolite Rentals & Repairs
At Warren Knight as well as with our North American Survey Supply branch of the business, we also can provide you with rental equipment and repair services. If you need a quality theodolite for a special project, it can be cost-effective to simply rent this equipment rather than purchase it.
We offer theodolite and total station rentals, and our inventory includes more than 600 pieces of rental equipment, providing you with just about anything you might need. If you decide you like the equipment, you can even purchase it and get credit towards your purchase.
If you need repair services, we can fix just about any type of optical tool or instrument, and not just theodolites. We also keep all of our repair services in-house. As a manufacturer, we don’t need to wait for parts to come in from some distant location. If we need a replacement part for your instrument, we’ll just make it. Additionally, all instrument repairs include a complete disassembly of the instrument, complete lubrication and cleaning of all parts.
At Warren Knight, we’ve been designing and building theodolites, surveying instruments, leveling instruments, navigational equipment and optical alignment equipment for more than a century. Whether you need to purchase or rent a theodolite or other equipment, we are here to help. Take a look at the many products we can provide and contact us at any time about purchasing or rentals. If you don’t see precisely what you need, we may be able to provide you with a custom design.