Delivering Survey Stakes in Florida

May 3, 2008

It has been 30 years since Stakemill started in Largo Florida to supply land surveyors with a quality stake. Quite a bit has changed since then, no one pulls a chain any more, data collectors have WiFi and Bluetooth, surveyors are just as accurate as when they were done with just a level, of course you can survey much faster now.  One thing that still remains the same is that Stakemill has maintained more of its core customer base than most other stake companies claiming to be the oldest or one of the longest established.  One hard hitting fact of 2008 is the diesel prices reaching over $4.00 a gallon, just five years ago they were under a buck fifty.  Lumber is a commodity and diesel fuel is needed to log the lumber, truck the lumber to the mill and truck it both to our production facility and back out to our customer.  What does this mean to the surveyor and contractor?  Be sure to use a centraly located producer of wood stakes, we can reach more major markets in two to three hours than any other producer that claims to have been established as long as Stakemill has.

We have mentioned this before, and seen it recently hit the Ft Myers market and are also seeing it start to take place in a market just north of us.  What is it you ask?  The drive time it takes to get to customers from the mill cannot exceed more than half the work day, truck drivers by law can only be on the road for a select amount of hours per day, so how can a supplier near the pan handle cater to customers below the Skyway bridge or near Orlando?  They simply cannot do this efficiently and without passing the costs onto the customer.  We maintain a fleet of newer diesel trucks that unfortunately only get single digit fuel economy and have adhered to a very effective delivery schedule around the state of Florida.  For those outside of our delivery area or those in need we can arrange lift gate service with UPS or FedEx delivery services for additional costs.  We have also implemented most markets to having two different days a week for delivery service, but we do ask customers take an amount that will hold them for at least a 2 week time period.

Will the delivery truck of the future be a small electric vehicle?  Only time will tell, but Stakemill plans on being your preferred supplier to today and of tomorrow.

Map of Florida


Omnidirectional Scanner Target by SECO now at Stakemill

April 24, 2008

SECO Laser Scanner ItemsLASER SCANNER TARGETS available with Male or Female 5/8-11 thread or a quick disconnect - see our web site www.stakemill.com for more details

Omnidirectional Scanner Target w/ Female 5/8 x 11 Adapter

The new omnidirectional ball or sphere target, for use with laser scanners, is now available from SECO.

This target is 6 inches round and is made of durable matte-white polyester.

The target height is 150 mm and it has a small center groove for measuring the height above the ground point.

This target is compatible with all standard surveying equipment; tribrachs, poles, etc.

The #6700-00 base features a female 5/8 x 11 adapter.

Accessories sold separately include: #6700-050 Quick Disconnect adapter; #8081-00-ORG padded bag, #8130-00-ORG padded bag (which holds target with tribrach and adapter); #2152-04-BLK optical plummet; #2070-00 tribrach adapter; #5507 series 150 mm height poles; #5218 series pole bipod or tripod.

It weighs 2.3 lb (1.04 kg)

 


Surveyors Magnetic Locator Theory of Operation

April 19, 2008

See model selections here - http://www.stakemill.com/

 Theory of Operation

All magnetic locators operate on the same basic principle; two fluxgate magnetometer sensors, securely mounted inside a rigid sensor support tube, measure the local magnetic field.

The two-magnetometer sensors are vector sensors, mounted 20” apart and each measures the average magnetic field component along their sensitive axis, i.e. the magnetic field component along the longitudinal axis of the sensor tube.

For a magnetic locator to work properly, the magnetometer sensors are aligned opposing so that the magnetic field measured by one sensor is the negative of the magnetic field measured by the other. The locator then sums the output of the two sensors. By summing the two output signals, you cancel any field common to both sensors, such as the Earth’s Magnetic Field, and leave only the differential magnetic field.

The differential magnetic field, the magnetic field detected by one sensor and not the other, is the magnetic field of interest and hopefully represents the magnetic field of your target and not the field of your pocketknife, watch or the steel arch support in your shoes. The drawing on the right shows the construction of a typical magnetic locator and the location of the two sensing elements.

Field Operation

Good instrument performance goes hand-in-hand with proper operation.  When searching for survey benchmarks or underground ferrous targets, the magnetic locator should be held in the vertical or near vertical position.  In this position the instrument audio output is facing the operator and the controls are readily accessible. The picture at the top of this page shows how to hold the instrument for optimum operation.

To pinpoint your target, rotate the instrument to the vertical and use and “X” or crossing pattern.  The audio output will peak directly over your target.

All Weather Operation

The sensor housing is waterproof and the electronics water-resistant.  Moreover, the circuit design and component selection ensures proper operation whether the ambient temperature is -20oF or 120oF.

Unparalleled Reliability

For added strength and reliability, the electronics package is made of impact resistant ABS plastic, while the sensor tube and base plate are made of 6061-T6 aluminum, welded together. Moreover, the two sensing elements are shock-mounted on there own individual support tube, inside the yellow sensor tube.  This added sensor isolation guarantees that the sensor alignment and overall instrument performance will withstand normal physical abuse and harsh weather conditions. In addition, all electronic components have been carefully selected for long life and harsh environment operation. 

With normal handling, this combination of quality electronic components, shock-mounted sensors, and robust package design, should ensure a lifetime of maintenance free operation from your DML2000 magnetic locator.

 

The engineers at Dunham & Morrow Inc. have over 35 years of experience designing and building magnetic sensing equipment for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and Gamma Ray Observatory, NOAA’s GOES weather satellites, the US Military, and the US intelligence community. That is why Dunham & Morrow back their locator with a full LIFETIME warranty. By following the same demanding design principles required of all satellite hardware, the DML2000 magnetic locator is practically indestructible and so easy to use, anyone can operate it.

Built “Space tough” right here in the USA, our DML2000 locators are known for their performance and durability. Users relax in the knowledge that our proven shock-mounted sensor technology safeguards the sensor’s mechanical integrity in the harshest of conditions. Compare the DML2000 magnetic locator against our competitor’s product before you buy. You’ll find that the DML2000’s performance, light weight, low cost and lifetime warranty make a truly winning combination.

  • Satisfaction Guaranteed 
    If you’re not convinced that this is the best magnetic locator you’ve ever used we’ll refund your money!
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY
    Covers Everything!
  • Unsurpassed Performance
  • Separate Power/Volume and Sensitivity Controls
  • Uses 4 - AA batteries
  • LOW Battery Indicator
  • All locators come with a, Carrying case, an Instruction Manual, and a spare set of Batteries.

Product Specifications
 

 

Dimensions:  42 ½” L x 3 ¾” W x 1 ¾” D
(
108 cm x 9.5 cm x 4.4 cm)
Low Battery Indicator:  Red, flashing LED
Waterproof Length: 36” (91.4 cm), base to tip of sensor tube Temperature Range: -20°F to 120°F,
(-29°C to 50°C)
Weight: 1.8 lb. (0.8 Kg) 

Audio Output: Variable frequency,
20 to 3,500 hertz
Operating Time:  up to 100 hours 

LCD Panel Meter: 0 to ± 1999 - DML2000-M only
Power: Uses four AA alkaline batteries

 

Soft Case    DML2000 

Face  Metered Unit

 

 

 

   

 

The success of locating a buried object depends on your familiarity with the magnetic signature of various targets and the corresponding response of the locator’s audio signal.

 

Locator’s audio signal responds to the magnetic signature of a survey marker.  

 

As the locator is moved over the target, the waveform depicts the increase in the frequency of the locator’s 20 Hz audio idling signal. The highest frequency occurs when the locator is directly over a vertical target, and over both ends of a horizontal target.

 

 

    The audio signal peaks over identical magnetic signatures at two joints of a cast-iron water line.

     

 

Locating a
survey marker in close proximity to a steel fence is no problem with the DML2000.

 

 

 

 

Manhole covers normally appear as short horizontal dipoles with the peak signal level occurring at the perimeter of the manhole cover.

 

 

 

   

 

Frequency peaking occurs directly over service connections and valve boxes.

 

 

Target Depth
Iron Marker (3/4” x 18”) Up to 9 feet
Cast-Iron Pipe (4” Pipe) Up to 10 feet
Manhole Cover Up to 10 feet
Well Casing Up to 18 feet
PK Nail (1½”) Up to 12 inches
Iron Valve Up to 10 feet
55 Gallon drum Up to 10 feet
Septic Tank (Handles) Up to 5 feet

 

INTRODUCING A PROVEN DEVELOPMENT IN TARGETS FOR AERIAL SURVEYS

April 19, 2008

Stakemill and Blue Max Flite Markers are proud to offer a quality precision fligth target.  With the assistance of civil engineers, land surveyors and certified photogrammetrists, the target was developed with the following features.

Blue Max Flite Marker

  • Economical
  • Reusable
  • Needs no Fabrication
  • Leight Weight
  • Centering Dot for Easy Positioning
  • High Strength Cotton for Permanent Placement
  • Conforms to Ground Contours
  • Easy Storage
  • Highes Resolution Beacuse of Its Blue Color
  • Targets are not recommended for flight scales over 1:3600 (1″=300′)
  • Targets are 4′x4′

Sold to thouands of satisfied users for over 32 years!


Stakemill becomes a AccuLine Pro laser levels Dealer

April 5, 2008

AccuLine Pro laser levels now offered online at www.stakemill.com and by special order at our Florida stake production facility.

PROFESSIONAL ACCURACY, HIGH-VISIBILITY LASER LEVELS

  With the introduction of AccuLine Pro™ laser levels, Johnson Level  & Tool redefines the feature/value equation for precision measurement devices. Packed with user-friendly features like scan modes, slope modes, and automatic leveling, AccuLinePro laser levels make quick work of any job site leveling task.

 

  

On select models, innovative Green-Brite® Technology - with  its signature green beam - introduces a new level of performance and value for professional users.  The ultra-visible beam (400% brighter than red beam laser levels) helps improve measuring  speed and accuracy when use for indoor applications

REGISTER your new AcculinePro Acculine Lasersproduct here.


Stakemill becomes a Dunham and Morrow Dealer

March 21, 2008

Stakemill becomes a Dunham and Morrow Dealer  

The engineers at Dunham & Morrow Inc. have over 35 years of experience designing and building magnetic sensing equipment for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and Gamma Ray Observatory, NOAA’s GOES weather satellites, the US Military, and the US intelligence community. That is why Dunham & Morrow back their locator with a full LIFETIME warranty. By following the same demanding design principles required of all satellite hardware, the DML2000 magnetic locator is practically indestructible and so easy to use, anyone can operate it.

Built “Space tough” right here in the USA, our DML2000 locators are known for their performance and durability. Users relax in the knowledge that our proven shock-mounted sensor technology safeguards the sensor’s mechanical integrity in the harshest of conditions. Compare the DML2000 magnetic locator against our competitor’s product before you buy. You’ll find that the DML2000’s performance, light weight, low cost and lifetime warranty make a truly winning combination.

  • Satisfaction Guaranteed 
    If you’re not convinced that this is the best magnetic locator you’ve ever used we’ll refund your money!
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY
    Covers Everything!
  • Unsurpassed Performance
  • Separate Power/Volume and Sensitivity Controls
  • Uses 4 - AA batteries
  • LOW Battery Indicator
  • All locators come with a, Carrying case, an Instruction Manual, and a spare set of Batteries.

Product Specifications
 

Dimensions:  42 ½” L x 3 ¾” W x 1 ¾” D
(
108 cm x 9.5 cm x 4.4 cm)
Low Battery Indicator:  Red, flashing LED Waterproof Length: 36” (91.4 cm), base to tip of sensor tube Temperature Range: -20°F to 120°F,
(-29°C to 50°C)
Weight: 1.8 lb. (0.8 Kg)Audio Output: Variable frequency,
20 to 3,500 hertz
Operating Time:  up to 100 hours

LCD Panel Meter:

0 to ± 1999 - DML2000-M only Power: Uses four AA alkaline batteries

Soft Case  Hard Case  DML2000  Face  Metered Unit


Using SECO Hand Levels

March 12, 2008

Convert Inches and Eigths to Decimals of a Foot

March 6, 2008

Convert Inches and Eigths to Decimals of a Foot - here is an easy to use chart for converting inches to tenths.

Stakemill conversion chartStakemill conversion chartStakemill conversion chart


The Rolatape® Product Line by Stakemill

February 29, 2008

Replacement Parts For Rolatape Now Available    Rolatape Replacement Wheels

Rolatape® Corporation specializes in the manufacturing of quality distance measuring wheels. Founded in 1950 by Donald Woolard, Rolatape® introduced to the world the first modern measuring wheels. From there we developed the market for this product category.

The Rolatape® name is synonymous with quality, accuracy, and durability.

ROLATAPE® PROFESSIONAL SERIES

Professionals in many fields count on the Rolatape® Professional Series to provide reliable measuring under the toughest conditions. Featuring all steel construction, a 5-digit ratchet counter, calibrated wide rubber tire and safety-glo powder coating, the Professional Series has set the standard for quality, accuracy and dependability since 1950.
MEASURE MASTER® COMMERCIAL SERIES

Introduced in the 1960’s the Measure Master® Commercial Series was designed to handle the needs of professionals and homeowners alike. While maintaining our focus on quality and accuracy, the Measure Master® Commercial Series features an axle driven counter that adds in forward and subtracts in reverse. The Measure Master® Commercial Series is priced right with quality that beats the competition.
ProMARKER® SERIES

New to the Rolatape® line the ProMarker® combines a measuring wheel with a unique marking wand. How many times have you found yourself using a measuring wheel and need to mark your locations? To this point you’ve had two options: (1) Carry a can of paint that requires bending to apply or (2) Carry a separate spray wand with paint can loaded. In both cases your hands are filled with no way to jot down your notes, other than to lay something down. Rolatape’s® answer is the unique ProMarker® series with wand and stand (patent).
Other Accessories from Rolatape®

To get more value out of your measuring wheel, consider protecting it with a carrying case or converting it to a marking/measuring wheel. And if you don’t have a spray wand, try Rolatape’s® unique ProMarker® Wand with stand (patent).

Free Trade Magazine Subscriptions & Technical Document Downloads

February 22, 2008

Free Magazines                          

Free Trade Magazine Subscriptions & Technical Document Downloads

Browse through our extensive list of free Construction magazines, white papers, downloads and podcasts to find the titles that best match your skills and interests; topics include contracting, civil engineers, land surveyors, HVAC, landscaping, roofing and buildings. Simply complete the application form and submit it. Remember to fill out the forms COMPLETELY. All are absolutely free to professionals who qualify.

Stakemill in conjunction with hundreds of publishing partners is able to offer you select publications pertaining to your industry for no monthly cost.  Sign up now, this won’t last forever.


Choosing the Right Surey Instrument

February 17, 2008

Choosing the Right Instrument

Will it be necessary to measure vertical angles?
For horizontal work only a level instrument will be adequate. If vertical plumbing, aligning or measuring is involved, a level-transit will be required.

How large is your job site?
The answer to this will determine what magnification is required, as well as the diameter-working range required.

What accuracy is needed?
All instruments have accuracy tolerances based on the instrument”s construction, magnification and distance involved. For very precise work, a high-powered instrument may be required even for short-range applications.

Is automatic leveling important?
Automatic levels are easier and faster to set up for leveling, which may be important if you have several setups on one job site.

Levels and Transit-Levels     

Model

Magnification
Leveling Accuracy
@ 75 feet
Horiz. Angle
Vertical Angle
Working Range
Up to
54-
135
20X
1/4″
——
——
200′
54-
136
20X
1/4″
——
——
200′
54-
140
20X
1/4″
15 min.
——
200′
54-
190B
20X
1/4″
15 min.
——
200′
54-
200B
20X
1/4″
15 min.
200′
54-
300B
22X
1/8″
5 min.
250′
54-
300LP
22X
1/8″
5 min.
250′
 
Specialty

Model

Magnification
Leveling Accuracy
@ 100 feet
Horiz. Angle
Vertical Angle
Working Range
Up to
56-
SCT1
20X
1/8″
1 min.
1 min.
250′
56-
DGT2
30X
1/16″
2 sec.
2 sec.
400′
56-
DGT10
30X
1/16″
5 sec.
5 sec.
400′
 
Automatic Levels

Model

Magnification
Leveling Accuracy
Horiz. Angle
Compensator Setting
Working Range
Up to
55-
CAL26
26X
1/16″ at 150′
±0.8″
325′
55-
PAL22
22X
3/32″ at 150′
±0.8″
250′
55-
PAL24
24X
1/16″ at 150′
±0.8″
300′
55-
PAL26
26X
1/16″ at 200′
±0.5″
325′
55-
SAL20N
20X
1/8″ at 100′
±0.8″
200′
55-
SAL24N
24X
1/16″ at 150′
±0.8″
300′
55-
SAL28N
28X
1/16″ at 200′
±0.5″
350′
55-
SAL32N
32X
1/16″ at 250′
±0.3″
400′

Lenker Rod Replacement parts for LaserLine Mfg DE Grade Rods

February 17, 2008

Lenker Rod Replacement parts for LaserLine Mfg DE Grade Rods

We have replacement parts for the LaserLine Mfg Lenker DE style grade rods - Order below

Laser Line Mfg DE Grade Rod Parts

Laser Line Mfg DE Grade Rod Parts

Laser Line Mfg DE Grade Rod Parts

Laser Line Mfg DE Grade Rod Parts


Stakemill offers TDS online support

February 17, 2008

Stakemill has created an way for our customers to check out the TDS forum and see what other users are doing for upgrades, tips and tricks and how they use their TDS Rangers, Recons and Nomads in the field.  <<Click Here>>

TDS Ranger, Recon & Nomad support


Magellan MobileMapper 6 Survey GPS

February 9, 2008

Taking orders for April shipping 

Highlights of the MobileMapper 6 is that it uses a Windows Mobile operating system. This will allow for  compatibility of third party software. Other features include a IPX6 waterproof, integrated camera, flashlight, barometer, compass and large SD storage capacity. We currently have three GIS field application with Post processing capability, Arcpad, Mobilemapper and Digiterra Explorer.

Magellan MobileMapper 6

The rugged design of the MobileMapper 6 is impact resistant and water- and dustproof for use in harsh and difficult field conditions. It is able to withstand a one-meter drop to solid ground and water submergence.MAGELLAN INTRODUCES RUGGED, ENTRY-LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL GIS AND MAPPING SOLUTION

Feature rich hand-held GPS/GIS receiver delivers 2-5 meter accuracy and low-cost for business users

Discover MobileMapper 6 video online at http://www.pro.magellangps.com

Magellan today introduced the latest addition to its MobileMapper GIS and mapping line of products - the MobileMapper 6. A rugged, waterproof, handheld GPS/GIS receiver, the MobileMapper 6 fulfills the requirements for low-cost, professional GIS field data collection. It fills a market gap in the data collection field between high-cost devices and consumer-grade products. It is expected to particularly appeal to forestry and other natural resource organizations, oil and gas, agriculture, utilities, government agencies, and businesses large and small that need a highly-rugged, robust GIS unit that can collect geographic data with 2-5 meter accuracy in real-time with SBAS corrections.

The MobileMapper 6 is a Windows Mobile 6 open platform, unlike competing consumer-type units, it offers full compatibility with popular GIS software to enable companies to select and use the GIS software of choice. In addition, unlike PDA devices, the MobileMapper 6 is highly rugged for rough-and-tumble business applications. The MobileMapper 6 offers the professional features associated with more costly high-end GIS/GPS units, yet it is price-competitive with consumer-grade GPS.

“The MobileMapper 6 is an economically, professional-grade GPS/GIS handheld receiver rugged-built for business applications,” said Francois Erceau, general manager of Magellan Professional. “With its low-cost, lightweight rugged design, and the ability to run virtually all GIS software, we expect it to become a favorite of businesses both large and small.”

Magellan Mapper 6It comes standard with an integrated 2-megapixel camera that can take photos, which can be tagged with the GPS location and used as a point description data in any GIS application, such as Magellan’s Mobile Mapping software, ESRI’s ArcPad or other third-party software. It also includes a built-in microphone to record and replay voice notes to enrich the collected data.

The MobileMapper 6 comes with Microsoft Windows Mobile version 6, along with a touch-screen and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The rugged design of the MobileMapper 6 is impact resistant and water- and dustproof for use in harsh and difficult field conditions. It is able to withstand a one-meter drop to solid ground and water submergence.

Weighing less than 8 ounces (224 grams) and measuring approximately 5.7 in x 2.5 in x 1.1 in (14.6 cm x 6.4 cm x 2.9 cm), the MobileMapper 6 is lightweight and compact for easy, convenient use. It provides excellent autonomy with up to 10 hours of operation on a set of two AA alkaline batteries, easily exchangeable in the field.

Data collection is enabled by 128 MB of non-volatile Flash data storage, and storage of large amounts of field date is made possible through a Secure Digital (SD) card slot that accepts SD cards with up to 4 GB of memory.

About Magellan
Magellan allows people to travel, work and play their way with leading portable navigation and positioning solutions across multiple consumer and business-to-business markets. Recognized as an industry innovator, the company is the creator of the award-winning Magellan RoadMate® series portable car navigation systems, MaestroTM, CrossoverGPSTM, the Magellan Triton outdoor handheld navigation devices, the Hertz® NeverLost® car navigation system and the ProMarkTM 3 and ProMark 3 RTK, the best-selling single frequency GPS survey product line on the market. Magellan is privately held and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif.


Anatomy of a Tripod by Dutch Hill Tripods

February 9, 2008

Anatomy of a Tripod
Parts Diagram
You can order replacement parts for all tripod models

GT2000 GT2000A

Click here for a printable PDF version of the Parts Diagram.
To download the most current version of Acrobat Reader, visit Adobe’s Website.
Accessories



Nylon Cordura Bag
Protect your 2000 model tripod in this Nylon Cordura Bag with adjustable carrying strap. Order #85700.
Nylon Cordura Cap
Protect your aluminum or composite head with this reinforced Nylon Cordura Cap with a Velcro Tab that attaches to battery hanger. Order #85600.
Quick-lock assembly strap
with stainless steel handle

New Standard Quick-Lock Stainless Steel Handle adds durability.

Magellan Promark Receiver

February 5, 2008

ProMark3 RTK

More …

More …

MobileMapper Office
MobilMapper™ Office software links the ProMark3 RTK receiver to the GIS database. Simply upload shape files and other GIS data to be updated in the field. Editing data and exporting .SHP, .MIF, .DXF and .CSV files is easy. Upload basemaps and vector background maps to the free memory or to an SD card.
More …

    Download the Datasheet

This product is supported by Magellan (formerly Thales Navigation)