What should a user do to check if the compensator on an auto level is functioning correctly?

To determine if the compensator on an auto level is functioning correctly, tapping lightly on the device or pressing the button release serves as a practical method. This action tests the compensator's responsiveness and can reveal if the internal pendulum is correctly stabilized. If the compensator is operational, sighting through the telescope should yield a stable line of sight, unaffected by minor movements of the instrument.

Calibrating the device is a more in-depth process that ensures the overall accuracy of the level but is not the immediate step to check the compensator's function. Adjusting the eyepiece is focused on the optical clarity for the user, not directly related to the compensator's operation. Changing the battery would apply only if the device is battery-operated and experiencing power issues, rather than specifically assessing the compensator's effectiveness. Thus, the method of lightly tapping or pressing the button is the immediate way to verify whether the compensator is functioning as intended.