HP 3800B
electronic distance meter HP  3800B
record number: 92
instrument type: electronic distance meter
manufacturer: HP
serial number: 1226A00795
model: 3800B
weight: 8.90 kg
dimensions (l/w/h): 33/32/32 cm
year of manufacture: 1969
type of distance meter: phase-shift principle, middle range
instrument set up: plumb bob, circular level
precision: 5 mm; 7 ppm
range: 2300 m to 3000 m with three prisms
time of one measurement: less than 2 minutes
distance reading: analog, on the display – resolution 10 mm
light source: laser diode
carrier wave: 0.840 μm
measurement frequency: 15 MHz

The phase precision distance meter was made in 1969. Its range is between 2.3 km and 3 km (with three prisms on the reflector). The integrated light source is a laser diode that generates invisible IR light at a wavelength of 840 nm. The measurement frequencies are switched manually. It takes about 2 minutes to measure the distance, depending on the skills of the operator. The instrument, the first electronic distance meter at the Faculty, was a marvel of technology for generations of students in the 1970s, as before that time, lengths had been measured only optically and with measuring tapes.

The instrument is in the same condition as it was when it was originally taken out of service.