Summary
If the physical bubble on the AT500 laser tracker head doesn’t match the digital bubble shown on the Radio Box (RB1) or tablet, this is normal. The digital bubble reading is the accurate reference for leveling the tracker during setup.
Symptoms
- The physical (mechanical) bubble level on the laser tracker head shows a different position than the digital bubble on the Radio Box.
Cause
Over time, the physical bubble on the AT500 tracker can drift slightly out of calibration due to normal wear, transport vibration, or environmental changes. The digital bubble, however, measures internal sensors and represents the true leveling of the tracker.
It is expected that the two bubbles will not perfectly match.
Resolution
- Always trust the digital bubble.
- The digital bubble displayed on the RB1 or tablet uses internal sensors calibrated to the AT500’s precision leveling system.
- The physical bubble is for rough reference only.
- If the bubbles differ significantly:
- Continue to level using the digital bubble until it shows centered.
- Avoid adjusting further based on the physical bubble reading.
- If the tracker fails to level or shows erratic readings:
- Power cycle the tracker and recheck the digital bubble.
- If the issue persists, contact Dusty Support to verify calibration status.
Best Practices
- Use both the physical bubble and the digital bubble to get the tracker roughly level, but trust and finalize leveling using the digital bubble. If the two readings differ slightly, the digital bubble takes priority.
- Ensure the tripod is stable on a firm, vibration-free surface.
- Stabilize and secure the tripod legs using the tripod base.