/PRODUCT REVIEW
The new way of survey
by Christian Martin Spannagel, Sales & Marketing Manager at LITEF
Has it always been your dream to hold a device in your hands that shows your exact orientation? Regardless of where you are and when? Unless you happen to be at either of the arctic poles, we can make your dream a reality. Outstanding tasks often drive technology development. At LITEF, we understand this very well. With almost 60 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of safety-critical inertial measurement systems, we are a proud pioneer, introducing new technologies, such as fiber-optic or MEMS-based inertial systems in avionic, marine and defense. Mining operators and civil construction engineers have long been looking for an easy-to-use surveying instrument. A reliable device, ready to operate anytime, anywhere without additional setups or equipment, simple to operate – yet safe and reliable. Especially in underground operations, it is important that the instruments work independent of environmental influences, such as magnetic disturbance, temperature variations, shock and vibrations. Now imagine a compact, hand-held device that meets all these requirements. A device that can be used for surveying, monitoring, alignment, adjustment and much more. We took up the challenge and converted one of our safety-proofed inertial measurement systems into a battery-powered North finder gyrocompass. The result: LITEF Portable Alignment Device, LiPAD®-100.
Drive for reliable independence LiPAD®-100 is designed as a hand-held stand-alone system weighing less than five kilograms (11 lb). Roll, pitch and north heading directions 22
are provided in real-time. It is designed for one-man operation in small or complex environments. No special skills, additional alignment equipment or survey setup are required. Alignment, built-in test, performance control - everything is done internally. In your hand, you hold the newest generation of navigational-grade fiber-optic gyroscopes and MEMS accelerometers. Combined, this advanced inertial system allows you continuous measurements - wireless and in real time - in environments where standard equipment is too bulky or GPS-dependent. The LiPAD®-100 offers Bluetooth® connectivity to communicate with your hand-held device. An Android-based software app (free download in Google Play online store) enables the operator to control the device and view the measurement data in real time. All data can be stored and shared along with the operator reference, project name, date/time, and - if available - GPS information of your current position. The base plate can be used for repeatable reference measurements as well as for attaching customized fixture mounts. The compact design enCoring Magazine #16
