Clinometer - questions about device

[Splitlight]

Hi,

There is a height measuring device called a clinometer, which has a dial with increments which you can read angles from, depending on how high or low it is orientated. Image -

What kind of liquid might be used in the sealed dial mechanism?

My google research has said liquid filled gauges commonly use glycerin-water or silicon oil as the liquid.

The device is used in outdoors environments and should never 'go bad' by degrading (over time or due to sunlight). Do the previously mentioned liquids fit that spec?

Thanks

 

[Mel769]

Just a guess but likely the same liquid used in compasses, the ones found on yachts for example

 

[Sideways]

I'd guess an oil.
I have the compass to match that clino in your picture.
It lives in the dark inside a soft case, so light shouldn't affect it but there are loads of liquid filled marine compasses out there and I think they have a long life before they finally die.
Heck, my dad owned a brass binnacle compass that I know is at least 70 years old and the oil in that is still clear and fluid.

 

[Orraloon]

Compasses were usually filled with alcohol. Reason being it would not freeze. I have heard stories of sailors so desperate for the grog that they drank the liquid. Oil would not likely freeze but would thicken up in the cold. Levels were also filled with alcohol as in ''spirit level''. The liquid in a compass is to dampen down the swing of the card so it turns with a smoother motion and settles on the direction quicker without swinging about too much. If you have ever tried to steer a boat with an old dry card compass you soon get why a liquid filled one is better.
Regards
John

 

[MikeJhn]

It's not a height measuring device, but for measuring the inclination of an object, can't see why it would need dampening with a fluid, certainly the ones I used professionally never did.

 

[Sideways]

That one is intended to be used handheld and sighted, just like the compass so I expect the oil filling is just as useful in stabilising the reading. I assume the use is for calculating the heights of trees, landform features, maybe buildings (?).
If you're (e.g.) a geologist who needs to measure the angle of strata, you can get a silva compass with an additional pointer and clino scale in it. Easier to read and no need for the sighting eyepiece if you are just setting it down on a sloping surface.
If you're surveying, presumably you'd use something much better and tripod mounted.

 

[Mel769]

You need to measure the dip & strike for inclination of an object. Two readings, one for dip, the other for strike. Easy done with a map compass dont need anything specialist !

 

[MikeJhn]

If you're surveying, presumably you'd use something much better and tripod mounted.

Back in the day (about 1980) it was a Wild Distomat.

 

[Richard_C]

Unless you are after a proper surveying instrument the free "bubble level" android app acts as both a spirit level and a clinometer. Good enough for things like tree heights.

 

[mudman]

These are used in combination with a tape and compass a lot in cave surveying. Surveying a passage, you select a spot along the passage from your current 'station', measure the orientation, inclination and distance, then got to that point and carry on with the next station. It can be very accurate.
What is the issue with your clino? The part that moves is actually a sealed unit. The way in to get it out is through the back. The circular bit with the angle stuff on the back is actually a cover that is recessed into the opening on the back. If you use a craft knife or similar, you can gently prise this out to reveal a sealed unit inside that holds the clino proper. This is held in place via a small grub screw on the front of the unit that is covered in red wax. Remove this and the clino unit will drop out of the housing. Of course, it is a long time since I did any clino surgery so it may have changed.