Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2013.05.01
- Made by: Hewlett Packard
- Model: 3805A
- Serial Number: 1440A03041
- Date Made: Introduced in 1969.
- Approximate size: 33.5 cm length (including eye piece and end of lens), 29 cm width (including the two mounting pivots for the yoke and 15 cm height.
- Accessories: Orange carrying case, lens cover, Ni-Cad Battery Pack model11441A, (Marked NO GOOD), Battery cable, Two coil bound operating manuals, one in poor condition. two 11/2 A – 240 V fuses in plastic bag, service information card.
- Condition: Fair
Commentary:
The Hewlett-Packard Model 3805A distance meteris an electronic distance measurement instrument that used infrared light to measure distances of up to two miles. It was lightweight and easy to set up.
From a Hewlett Packard ad in the publication California Surveyor, Issue No. 36, ” 1975 about the HP 3805 ” . . . it just happens to be our most popular distance meter. Probably because it has a built-in computer that averages 3,000 measurements in six seconds and a built-in battery that eliminates awkward cables and a display that lets you read distance in either feet or meters at the flip of a switch.”
It was used by Gordon Haggerty for legal and engineering surveys in Alberta.
Source of Object: Donated by Gordon Haggerty ALS.
Notes: This is the only HP3805A in the Societies collection.
References: MURPHY, JAMES SMITH. Electronics Based Innovation In A Niche Market: Distances Measured By The Speed Of Light: Murphy. Electronics Based Innovations
Description by: Ed Titanich, October 5, 2024 and Gordon Olsson November 26, 2025.