Chapter 6. OPTICAL EQUIPMENT

TM 750-245-4

CHAPTER 6

OPTICAL EQUIPMENT

only to provide a safer storage place for the instruments,

6-1. Introduction

but to provide a central distribution point from which to

Optical equipment used with missile systems normally

supply the instruments.

Always be sure that an

has a specific function and is separately identifiable,

instrument is placed in its case in the proper position.

such as theodolites and optical trackers. Due to this

specificity, detailed maintenance and inspection

instructions

are

usually

included

system

6-3. Visual Inspection

documentation. Accordingly, this chapter will treat the

a. Optical Surfaces.

inspection procedures in a general manner. Only visual

(1) Smears

inspection procedures are presented. It is assumed that

(2) Fingerprints

the inspector has some knowledge of the optical

(3) Chips

equipment applications and is properly aware of the

(4) Fractures

delicacy of the items and the importance of accuracy.

(5) Grayness

(6) Stains

6-2. Care and Handling of Optical Instruments

(7) Coating

b. Paint.

a. The useful life and continued accuracy of optical

(1) Chipped

instruments and accessories depends upon the extent to

(2) Loose

which they are properly cared for and handled. An

(3) Corrosion present

instrument inspector must realize this fact and acquaint

(4) Bare spots

himself with recommended practices pertaining to each

c. Rubber Eyeshield.

instrument and accessory he uses.

(1) Securely molded

b. When transporting optical instruments, extreme

(2) Cracks

caution should be exercised to prevent damage. If a

(3) Damage

mobile unit is used, it should be especially equipped for

(4) Deterioration

that purpose. Upon arrival at a destination, if optical

(5) Mounted properly

instruments are not be used immediately, they should

d. Data Plates.

be stored in such a manner as to prevent their falling,

(1) Clearly defined

bumping, or jarring accidentally. They should remain in

(2) Mounting adequate

their cases until needed.

(3) Condition good

c. Always be sure that an instrument is properly

(4) Legible

mounted and secured but never overtighten a clamping

e. Eyepiece.

screw as this could damage the instrument. Be sure the

(1) Dirt

proper clamping screw is loose before the instrument is

(2) Scratches

to be revolved about an axis. It should also be noted

(3) Smears

that leveling screws need not be overtightened. Snug

(4) Gouges

tension is sufficient.

(5) Condensation

d. Always remove an instrument from its stand

(6) Fungus

before moving the instrument or the instrument stand to

(7) Chips

a new location. Failure to adhere to this procedure

(8) Fractures

could result in serious damage to the instruments due to

(9) Cement separation

excessive bumps and vibrations. Protection should be

f. Sealing.

provided for instruments set up in aisles or where traffic

(1) Leaks

is excessive by setting up barricades or guard rails.

(2) Openings

Instruments mounted on stands should be protected with

g. Illuminating Windows.

plastic covers when not in use. Never leave an optical

(1) Broken windows

instrument with a lens pointing upward without a

(2) Cracked

protective cover over the objective end of the telescope

as foreign matter could collect and damage the lens.

e. After optical instruments have been used in the

shop, return them to their proper place. This is done not

6-1