| record number: | 87 |
| instrument type: | precise electronic distance meter |
| manufacturer: | Kern |
| serial number: | 357043 |
| model: | ME 5000 |
| weight: | 11.27 kg |
| dimensions (l/w/h): | 33/25/40 cm |
| year of manufacture: | 1988 |
| type of distance meter: | phase-shift principle, middle-long range |
| instrument set up: | optical plummet, toric level |
| precision: | 0.2 mm; 0.2 ppm |
| range: | 5 km with single prism; 8 km with 3 prisms |
| time of one measurement: | 90 seconds |
| distance reading: | digital, on the display – resolution 0.1 mm |
| light source: | helium – neon laser |
| carrier wave: | 632.8 nm |
| measurement frequency: | 475 MHz to 495 MHz |
The legendary precision distance meter was manufactured by Kern until 1990. Due to its high price, it was only produced for a decade. The Faculty bought the specimen in 1989. The distance meter is a reference for the precision of electronic geodetic distance meters. In former Yugoslavia, this was the only example of the instrument that even higher education institutions in wealthier western countries could not afford. The price of the instrument without accessories was approximately CHF 120,000 at the time of purchase (EUR 153,000 in 2021).
The precision of the measurements is exceptionally high, with the manufacturer quoting values of 0.2 mm; 0.2 ppm. The range with external control is 16 km. It takes about 90 seconds to measure a usual distance, but this time can be very long in poor environmental conditions, very short or very long distances. Measurements can take many minutes.
The instrument enabled the land surveyors at the Department of Geodetic Engineering to establish a number of international connections. They also used it to measure comparator bases and precision nets in Croatia, Italy and Austria, and regularly exchanged experiences with colleagues from the Technical University of Munich (Prof. Maurer).
The instrument is in the same condition as when it was originally taken out of service and is still fully functional.