Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2015.04.02
- Made by: Hewlett Packard
- Model: 3800A
- Serial Number: 1225A03097
- Date Made: circa 1970.
- Approximate size: 33.5 cm (l) (including eye piece and end of lens) X 29 cm (w) which include the two mounting pivots for the yoke and 15 cm (h)
- Accessories: The case contains 200 cm black cable with 2 metal 12 pin (male) connectors and a yellow 8.5 metre 12 volt power cord with battery clips. There appears an interface plug to connect these two cable missing.
- Condition: good
Commentary:
EDM is tan in color with an internal metal sighting scope mount on top. Front of EDM has black shrouds around both the lens and clear receiver ring (around the lens), a removable reflective lens filter, a rough sight opening and a front black insert marked with: “3800A DISTANCE METER HEWLETT- PACKARD, SERIAL NUMBER, 1225A03097 MADE IN U.S.A., PATENTS PENDING”.
The back of the instrument has the adjustable eyepiece (for sighting) and a tan insert that has 7 grey knobs used for determining the distance. Also on the tan insert there is a small metallic label that contains information regarding the calibration data for the instrument. There are two needle meters covered with clear plastic lenses as well as a black strip with 5 small windows to display the readings and a label “3800A DISTANCE METER HEWLETT- PACKARD”.
The bottom of the EDM has a 12 pin female receptacle for hooking the power cables a fuse receptacle. A grey metal yoke with a side locking knob is mounted under instrument. It has three pegs for insertion into a tribrach which affixes to the top of a tripod. The yoke consists of, vertical and horizontal clamps and tangent screws for locking and adjusting the motions of the instrument. The bottom of the yoke has a metal label stamped “0968 HEWLETT- PACKARD COMPANY”
The orange fiberglass case labelled with a metal tag “3800 DISTANCE METER HEWLETT- PACKARD” has sculptured foam inserts and is 62.5 cm (l) x 44 cm (w) x 22 cm (h). All dimensions include handles clasps and hinges. Both halves of the case are attached with a piano hinge and 2 metal clasps. There is a metal carrying handle between the clasps.
Source of Object: Donated by Hamilton & Olsen Surveys Ltd.
Notes: A second EDM, Hewlett Packard, 3800A is in the collection; ALSA 2016.04.02 donated by the Estate of Beverly Jack Cheetham.
References: Visit article The Competition Heats Up – More EDMs for additional information.
Description by: Updated by Ed Titanich, October 4, 2024.