California Surveyors Forums

Does anyone remember the old cone sights that were a collar that fit on the top of a traffic cone and had tow arms that stuck out to hold a plumb bob string and target over a monument for a backsite?

If you do, do you know where I can find one today?

I want to get one for setting tags for 8771(b) Mon Pres CRS.

Thanks!

Ian

I don't remember the cone sight but you brought back memories or the old HADCO instruments "Ultra-Site" that consisted of telescopic steel tripod legs with flo orange rubber sight (no prisms) that could be roughly set at a height of 5-10'. The site was connected to a weighted rod that would hang between the legs that you would hang your plumb bob from. Move the legs in, out and up and down to get over the point. Back in the days when the "control crew" got the EDM, extra legs, tribrach and prisms and you were left with the inexpensive ultra-site back sight, t-16 and 300' steel tape to stake with. Way back when men were men :). Happy Friday, Jp

I had a cone sight years ago, but only used it a few times. I didn't like it -- I found it fussy to set up and not tall enough for most situations. Most of the time if I can see that far down I can see a paper target taped right on the point, and if I can't I can either stand up a lath and nail or just bite the bullet and set up a tripod, tribrach and prism.

Since going robotic I rarely set up a fixed backsight anymore, I just visit the backsight point as I would any other point.

I may still have the cone sight tucked away somewhere, if I come across it I'll let you know. I'd be happy to pass it along. But the state of my garage is such that I recommend not counting on me to find it!

Thanks, James!

I'm on my way to an old style hardware store to look for a few parts. I don't have a milling machine, but I can pull a "Frame" and build something that will work as a site for monuments in the roadway. I want it for the crews to use when setting tags and disks for 8771(b) Corner Record ties.