Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2015.04.02
- Made by: Hewlett Packard
- Model: 3800A
- Serial Number: 1225A03097
- Date Made: Circa 1970.
- Approximate size: 33 cm length, 26 cm width, 15 cm height.
- Accessories: The orange case contains a 200 cm black cable with two metal 12 pin (male) connectors and a yellow 8.5 metre 12 volt power cord with battery clips.
- Condition: Good
Commentary:
The HP 3800A used an infrared light beam to measure distances. It is capable of measuring distances up to 3000 metres with a triple prism during ideal conditions. It has an accuracy of +/-(.01 feet+Distance/100,000) within a temperature range of +15F to 105F. The infrared light beam is transmitted to one to three prism reflectors, and returned to the instrument. The more reflectors the greater the distance that can be measured. The transmitter lens and the receiver lens are located at the front of the Instrument. The transmittter lens is located inside the receiver lens. A sighting telescope is located at the top of the instrument.
This HP 3800A was used by Hamilton and Olsen Surveys for control and oilfield work thoughout Alberta and for coal development survesy in southern Alberta in the community of Blairmore and town of Bow Island areas.
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. Hewlett Packard Brochure “3800A Distance Meter” in the AGHS hardcopy file.
Description by: Ed Titanich, October 4, 2024 and Gordon Olsson, November 26, 2025.