Askania bxx.
balloon theodolite Askania bxx.
record number: 63
instrument type: balloon theodolite
manufacturer: Askania
serial number: 369570
model: bxx.
weight: 2.65 kg
dimensions (l/w/h): 20/25/25 cm
year of manufacture: 1942
centering and leveling the instrument: plumb bob
toric level on the top of the instrument

The bxx. theodolite was made in 1942. It was used to observe balloons, which is why it is also called a balloon theodolite. The instrument design is adapted for fast measurement of vertical angles with minute precision. The instrument has two telescopes. The smaller one, with 3x magnification, is used to find the balloon, while the larger main one, with 16x magnification, is used to fine aim at the balloon and take measurements.

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

Characteristics
horizontal circle vertical circle
diameter: protected except for reading area, 12 cm unprotected semicircle, 12 cm
type of division: engraved division engraved division
limb implementation: metal bracket metal bracket
division: sexagesimal/sexadecimal sexagesimal/sexadecimal
unit:
Reading
number of reading points: 2 2
reading device: vernier vernier
number of units: 600 600
graduation unit: 6' 6'
repetition: no /
Telescope
diameter of objective: 40 mm, to search 13.5 mm
magnification: 16 x, to search 3 x
type: telescope with internal focusing
cross hairs/reticule: horizontal and vertical hairs