AndroTec METOR User manual

Operator's Manual
Handheld Laser Receiver

Thank you for purchasing AndroTec METOR. Your handheld laser
receiver is a premium quality tool that has been designed and
manufactured to provide years of precise and reliable performance.
IMPORTANT: This manual is an important part of your purchase as
it will familiarize you with the unit and explain the numerous features
that have been designed into it. Please read this manual thoroughly
before use.
Please contact your AndroTec dealer or the AndroTec factory
should you have questions regarding specific applications or if you
require additional information.
IMPORTANT: Fill out the warranty registration card and return it to
AndroTec GmbH within six weeks after purchase to obtain the full
three year guarantee.
Please record your information below for future reference.
MODEL: ________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER: ________________________________
DATE OF PURCHASE: ________________________________
PURCHASED FROM: ________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
PHONE: ________________________________
V1.0 EN 22.08.2007
1
Table of Contents
1Included in delivery 2
2General Description 3
3 Front View 4
4Rear view 5
5Installing the Batteries 6
6Keypad 7
7Secondary Key Functions 8
8Display 9
9Advanced Functions /Memory 13
10 Menu Functions 15
11 Rod Clamp 19
12 Specifications 20
13 Warranty 21
14 Maintenance and Safety 22
15 Disposal 23
16 CE Declaration of Conformity 24

2
1Included in delivery
The retail pack contains:
 AndroTec METOR Laser receiver
 Rod clamp
 Two AA batteries
 Operator’s manual
 Warranty registration card
Optional available accessories:
 Data transfer cable (METOR to PC)
 Wireless interface for communication with another METOR or a
PC
 Bubble vial kit for rod clamp
3
2General Description
AndroTec METOR is a handheld laser receiver, designed to receive
and to display reference elevation information from red and infrared
rotational lasers. A large 127mm vertical reception window captures
the laser beam using AndroTec’s patented X²L sensor technology.
Elevation information is output via two Liquid Crystal Displays
(LCDs) on the front and rear and three bright LEDs on the front side.
A beeper also emits an adjustable audible tone.
The LCD’s indicate elevation information graphically with arrows and
bars and numerically. Aproportional growing arrow graphic indicates
high, low, or on-grade. A numeric elevation display indicates on-
grade and how far the laser receiver is from on-grade.
Accuracy levels, units of measure, sound levels and various other
user options are selectable to meet a variety of job requirements.
METOR was specifically designed for use in harsh construction en-
vironments. Strobe rejection technology, over molded housings, re-
cessed windows, waterproof design and durability are incorporated
into every AndroTec METOR.
A general-purpose clamp is included and designed to mount the de-
tector on various grade rods and staffs. A secondary offset mounting
location provides additional versatility in certain applications. A pa-
tented reversible wedge on the clamp allows sure grip mounting to
round, oval, square, and rectangular rods, as well as various sizes
of wooden staffs.

4
3Front View
1 - Keypad: Power, Accuracy, Me-
mory and Volume switches. Refer to
page 7.
2 - LED’s: Easy to see Light Emit-
ting Diodes show position of
METOR relative to the laser beam.
Green for on-grade and Red for high
or low.
3 - Beeper:Fast audible signal is too
High, lower to get to on-grade. Solid
signal is On-grade. Slow signal is
too Low; raise to get to on-grade.
4 - Bubble Vial: Aids in keeping
METOR level for accurate readings.
5 - Anti-Strobe-Sensor: Detects
strobe lights and rejects their input
on laser reception.
6 - X²L Sensor: Window must be
directed towards laser.
7 - Display: Shows elevation information, receiver settings and
status. Refer to page 9.
8 - On-Grade Mark (for center on-grade position)
5
4Rear view
9 - Battery Door and Latch:
Waterproof housing holds two
"AA" batteries.
10 - Marking notch for center on-
grade position. Top of detector is
80mm from marking notch.
11 - Captive Screw Thread -for
center on-grade position.
12 - Captive Screw Thread -for
offset on-grade position. Refer to
page 12.
13 - Clamp Guides (3): Dimples
align rod clamp.
14 - ID Label with Serial number
15 - Rear LCD: Refer to page 9.
16 - Rubber over mold: Protects
the receiver from accidental drops.

6
5Installing the Batteries
1. Open the battery door using a coin or similar pry device to release
the battery door tab.
2. Insert two AA batteries noting the plus (+) and minus (-) diagrams
inside the battery housing.
3. Close the battery door. Push down until it "clicks" into the shut
position.
7
6Keypad
1 - Power Key: Press the power switch to turn
power ON. All LED's, the LCD and the beeper
will come on momentarily. CAL will be dis-
played and LED's sequenced as the unit goes
through a self-calibrating procedure for
approximately three seconds.
NOTE: Do not power up the unit in a laser
beam or strobe. If detected, the unit will revert to the previous cali-
bration (E200 is displayed).
Press and hold the Power switch for 2 seconds to turn power OFF.
2 - Memory Key: Refer to page 13.
3 - Volume Key: Pressing the switch cycles LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH
and OFF. One beep is emitted at the selected volume when
changed. When sound is OFF, a single beep will signal that a laser
beam has been detected.
4 - Accuracy Key: Press once to numerically display current
accuracy setting on the LCD. Press again while the accuracy is
displayed (within one second) to change the current selection.
Subsequent presses will cycle through five accuracy options
(ULTRA FINE, SUPER FINE, FINE, MEDIUM, COARSE). Refer to
page 20 (Specifications).

8
7Secondary Key Functions
5 - LED-Brightness: Pressing the Memory
and Volume keys simultaneously enables
the selection of LEDs' brightness. Press
together to cycle through OFF, DIM and
BRIGHT. The LEDs will display the current
level of brightness selected as the
switches are pressed. The light bulb
symbol on the LCD will also change to
display the selected setting.
6 - Menu: Pressing the Accuracy and Volume keys together enables
entry into the Menu functions. Refer to page 15.
6a: In Menu mode, the up arrow (Accuracy key) scrolls the menu up,
the down arrow (Volume key) scrolls the menu down.
6b: In Menu mode, the enter arrow (Memory key) enters or selects
the available options.
7 - Hold key (= Power key): Freezes the last measurement. Refer to
page 13.
9
8Display
1 Grade indication arrows
2 Battery status indicator
3 Laser out-of-level / laser low battery
4 LED brightness
5 Beeper volume level
6 Timer
7 Units of measure
8 Numeric elevation / Menu text display
9 Menu text display
10 Accuracy (Deadband) indicator
11 Offset on-grade clamp location
12 Center on-grade clamp location
1 - Grade indication arrows: Ten individual levels of grade
information for above and below grade. Arrow size increases as
distance away from on-grade increases. Arrow bars can be selected
to represent the selected deadband or can be proportional to the
vertical reception range. Refer to page 16 for details. Horizontal bar
indicates on-grade.
Out-of Beam display -a sequence of arrows will indicate if the
receiver has moved beyond the vertical reception range and will
indicate in which direction to move to get back to the laser beam.
Refer to page 16.

10
2 - Battery Status: Indicates four levels of battery status. Battery life
is approx. 60 hours with fresh batteries.
3 - Laser Out-of-Level and Laser Low Battery warning: Certain
laser transmitters can signal warnings by changing the rotation
speed (RPM) of the laser. When enabled, the transmitter outline is
displayed with the appropriate out-of-level or low battery symbol.
If a laser out-of-level is detected, the bubble vial symbol will
blink. Additionally, the beeper will emit an alternating hi-low
tone as a distinct warning, even if the beeper has been turned off.
No elevation information will be displayed.
If a laser low battery warning is detected, the battery symbol
will blink. Elevation information will be displayed normally.
Refer to page 17 for details on enabling these warnings.
4 - LED Brightness: The Symbol indicates if LEDs are OFF, DIM or
BRIGHT. No display indicates LEDs are OFF.
NOTE: Switching the LEDs off extends battery life.
11
5 - Beeper Volume: indicates if selected beeper volume is LOW,
MEDIUM, LOUD or OFF. No symbol represents OFF.
6 - Timer: This Symbol indicates an activated timer function. Refer
to page 13.
7 - Units of measure: Indicates if centimeters (cm), millimeters
(mm), inches (in), or feet (ft) is selected.
8 / 9 - Numeric Elevation / Menu text display: When in
the normal operating mode, the four-character graphic
displays numeric elevation. Resolution and the decimal point will be
determined by the units of measure and the accuracy selected.
Refer to page 20 (Specifications) for details.
Dashed lines across the display indicate the numeric
vertical reception range has been exceeded.
The numeric display may also be turned off. Refer to page 16 for
details. When in the MENU mode, the menu function text
abbreviations will be displayed. Refer to page 15 for
details.

12
10 - Accuracy Indicator: Indicates five levels of accuracy selec-
tions: ULTRA FINE, SUPER FINE, FINE, MEDIUM and COARSE.
Refer to page 20 (Specifications)for the specific values for each
accuracy selected. No center bar is displayed for calibration mode.
Refer to page 14. This mode is intended only for calibration of
rotational lasers and not for normal operation.
METOR allows two different mounting positions for the rod clamp
which are detected automatically.
NOTE: Other clamps than the original METOR clamp can not be
detected by METOR and can lead to measuring errors in offset
position.
11 - Offset on-grade clamp position: Clamp position is sensed
automatically and displayed. Offset clamp position moves the
on-grade location to allow more grade information to be
displayed above grade. This is useful in applications where going
below grade is not required, i.e. driving stakes down to grade.
This symbol is blinking if a user defined on-grade position is set.
Refer to page 13.
12 - Center on-grade position: Clamp position is sensed
automatically and displayed. Standard center position displays
an equal amount of information above and below grade.
See chapter 11 for further information about the rod clamp.
13
9Advanced Functions / Memory
Capture / Timer: The Capture function is used to obtain a
single reading and keep it displayed. This may be useful
when the unit may not be visible and grade information needs
to be obtained.
When in the laser beam and power on, momentarily press the
Power/Capture switch. The current elevation reading will be saved.
A flashing display will confirm the reading has been captured. Press
any switch to return to normal operation.
When out of the laser beam and power is on, momentarily press the
Power/Capture switch. A short intermittent beep and 'WAIT'
displayed on the LCD confirm the Timer mode. (The beeper will turn
on to Low if it was turned off.) Place the receiver in the beam. The
beeper will chirp rapidly after approximately five seconds confirming
beam capture. A flashing display will also confirm the reading has
been captured. Press any switch to return to normal operation.
Memory: Memory key allows storing and displaying stored
measurements.
After pressing the Memory key while displaying a
measurement (while in beam or with a captured measurement), the
Slot number will blink below the measurement value. The slot
number can be scrolled with the arrow keys (Accuracy and Volume
keys). The measurement is stored to the selected slot by pressing
the Memory key a second time. CAUTION: potentially existing
measurement in this slot will be overwritten. Power key cancels
storing procedure.
Pressing the Memory key while no measurement is displayed,
shows the contents of memory (stored measurement and slot
number). Pressing Memory key for two seconds deletes the current
slot ("DEL" is displayed).
Pressing the Memory key for two seconds outside memory display
jumps to Memory menu (refer to page 17).

14
User defined on-grade level: Any arbitrary level within
30mm above or below the marking notch can be used as
on-grade level. The user defined on-grade level is set by
pressing the Accuracy key for two seconds while in beam or while a
captured height level is displayed. The actual height will be used as
on-grade level and the offset on-grade symbol blinks.
Pressing the Accuracy key for two seconds while out of beam will
reset the on-grade level to default.
Calibration Mode: Pressing the Power and Accuracy
switches together when the unit is off enables entry
into a laser calibration accuracy mode. This accuracy is
designed to be used when calibrating a laser. It is not
recommended for field use.
Calibration mode will be confirmed on the LCD by the accuracy
indicators without the on-grade bar.
Press the Accuracy key or cycle power to exit the calibration mode.
15
10 Menu Functions
NOTE: The Menu functions can be used to edit various options. For
most applications the factory defaults are the best choice. We
recommend to change settings only in special applications.
The Menu screen is accessed by pressing the Accuracy
and Beeper switches together for approximately two
seconds. "MENU" will appear in the numeric display area.
After two seconds the first line displays the menu function.
The second line is the current setting for that function. The
remainder of the LCD will be clear. No elevation
information will be displayed while in the menu screens.
Menu items are selected by scrolling up or down with the Accuracy
and the Volume keys, indicated by the small blue arrows ().
Menu items are entered by pressing the Memory key (blue
enter symbol ). Once entered, the current setting will blink.
To change the current setting, use the blue scroll arrows to
scroll through the options for that function. Press the blue enter
arrow (Memory key) to confirm selection.
To exit the menu scroll to EXIT, and press enter. Alternatively, the
Power switch can be used to back up one step or exit the menu.
SENS -Sensitivity (LO / MD / HI): Selects reception sensitivity to
laser and other light sources.
LO (Low) is used if outside sources are disturbing elevation
readings.
MD (Medium) is used for most applications and is default setting.
HI (High) can be used when working with a weak laser beam or if
the beam needs to be picked at very long distances. NOTE: Refer
to the laser's specifications for accuracy and distance information.
AVG -Numeric and Arrow Averaging (LO / MD / HI): Averages
laser beam strikes to improve arrow display performance at long
distances. Averaging is also affected by laser RPM and accuracy
setting.

16
LO (Low) uses minimum averaging to display laser strikes.
MD (Medium) is default setting and used for most applications.
HI (High) can be used in windy conditions, when the laser beam
may be unstable, or when working at long distances. NOTE:
Refer to the laser's specifications for accuracy and distance infor-
mation.
D.R.O. -Digital Read Out (OF / DB / HI): Turns the numeric display
ON (DB) or OFF (OF) or selects high resolution display mode (HI).
Default setting is ON (DB).
UNIT -Units of Measure: Centimeters (CM), millimeters (MM),
inches (IN) or feet (FT). Default is MM.
ARRW -Arrow Display (DB / PR): Adjusts how the off-grade arrow
and bars are displayed. Default is DB.
DB (Deadband): each bar represents the deadband or accuracy
setting. NOTE: For larger deadbands, not all bars may be
displayed.
PR (Proportional): Each bar represents the available vertical
reception range divided by the number of segments.
O.O.B -Out-of-Beam Display (ON / OF): When ON a sequence of
arrows is displayed that indicates when the receiver has moved
beyond the vertical laser reception range. The sequence will indicate
which direction to move to get back in the laser beam. The display
remains on for approximately 25 seconds. Default setting is OF.
GRD.A. -Grade Alarm (ON / OF): Special application function that
when turned ON, disables the audible signal when on-grade. When
moved out of the on-grade deadband, the beeper activates as
normal. Default is OFF (OF).
17
A.S.O. -Automatic Shut Off (OF / 0.5 / 24): Selects automatic
shutoff time from last laser strike.
OF: Automatic shutoff turned Off.
0.5: 30 minute shutoff. Default setting.
24: 24 hour shutoff.
TX.O.L. -Transmitter Out-of-Level (OF / 2.3 / 2.7 / 3.3 / 5.0 / 6.7):
Special Application used with transmitters which communicate to the
receiver that the laser is out of level. The lasers change their rotating
speed when they are out of level. When enabled, the receiver
senses this change and alerts the user. Grade display information is
disabled when activated. NOTE: Refer to page 20 for RPM
equivalents. Default is OFF (OF).
TX.L.B. -Transmitter Low Battery (OF / 2.3 / 2.7 / 3.3 / 5.0 / 6.7):
Special Application used with transmitters which communicate to the
receiver that the laser has a low battery by changing their rotating
speed. When enabled, the receiver senses this change and alerts
the user to a laser low battery condition. NOTE: Refer to page 20 for
RPM equivalents. Default is OFF (OF).
INFO -Information (RPS / VER / MODL / S/N): The symbol ""
indicates a sub menu. Press the Memory key to enter ().
RPS: Displays laser Revolutions Per Second for current laser
strikes. NOTE: Refer to page 20 for RPM equivalents.
VER: Displays software version
MODL: Displays model information
S/N: Displays serial number

18
MEM -Memory (SEND / CLR): The symbol "" indicates a sub
menu. Press Memory key to enter ().
SEND: Transfers stored values to a PC. An optional data transfer
cable is required. The data is stored in a CSV file for further
processing with a spreadsheet program.
CLR: Clears stored values.
NOTE: Menu settings will be retained when METOR is turned off.
19
11 Rod Clamp
1 - Captive Rod Clamp Screw attaches to the back of detector.
2 - Alignment Points (two): Help secure and align rod clamp.
3 - Magnet: Allows METOR to detect which clamp position is used.
4 - Clamping Screw Knob: Secures clamp to rods by moving the
traveling jaw.
5 - Reference Bar: Top of bar is aligned with the detector's on-
grade location for both standard center on-grade and offset on-
grade clamp locations.
6 - Traveling Jaw with reversible face: Slanted face is used to
tightly grip round and oval rods. Flat face is used to grip rectangular
and square rods.
7 - Optional Bubble Vial Kit: Aids in keeping rods plumb when
taking rod readings.
NOTE: Other clamps than the original METOR clamp can not be
detected by METOR and can lead to measuring errors in offset
position.

20
12 Specifications
Working radius: 1 m–300 m (Laser dependent)
Sensor: X²L-Sensor, Length 127 mm
Numeric Readout Height: 102 mm
Accuracy (Deadband): In ft mm cm
Ultra Fine 0.02 0.002 0.5 0.05
Super Fine 0.05 0.005 1.0 0.10
Fine 0.10 0.010 2.0 0.20
Medium 0.20 0.020 5.0 0.50
Coarse 0.50 0.050 10.0 1.00
Calibration Mode 0.01 0.001 0.1 0.01
Reception Angle: ± 45°
Detectable Spectrum: 610 nm ... 790 nm
Beeper-Volumes: Loud 110 dBA
Medium 95 dBA
Low 65 dBA
LED Grade Indicators: Green: On-grade,
Red: above / below
Power Supply: 2 x 1.5 V Batteries, Size AA
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Automatic Shut Off: Selectable: 30 min., 24 h, Off
Environmental: Waterproof, Dustproof to IP67
Weight without clamp: 371 g
Dimensions without clamp: 168 x 76 x 36 mm
Operations Temp: -20°C ... +60°C
Storage Temp: -40°C ... +70°C
Conversion table RPS RPM
Laser Rotation: 6.7 400
5.0 300
3.3 200
2.7 160
2.3 140
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
21
13 Warranty
AndroTec METOR and clamp are warranted to be free of defects in
material and workmanship according to the statutory warranty regu-
lations.
The user of the product is expected to follow all operating, main-
tenance and care instructions. Any evidence of misuse, alteration, or
an attempt to repair products by unauthorized personnel, or use of
parts other than those provided by AndroTec GmbH automatically
voids the warranty.
In addition AndroTec GmbH grants an extended warranty for a pe-
riod of three years if within six weeks from the date of purchase the
warranty registration card is filled out and returned to AndroTec or
the product is registered via Internet at www.androtec.de+. Please
make sure that the registration is filled out properly and on file with
AndroTec GmbH.
This warranty period is thirty-six months from the date the new pro-
duct is delivered from the dealer to the purchaser or is put into ser-
vice by a dealer as a demonstration unit or rental unit. Competitor
purchased and tested units are excluded from this warranty.
AndroTec GmbH may choose to repair or replace, at its discretion,
any METOR, in the event of a failure for any reason, during the
warranty period. In case of awarranty claim, return the product and
a proof of purchase to the factory.
AndroTec's liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or re-
placing any product returned to its factory for that purpose. The fore-
going states the entire liability of AndroTec GmbH regarding the pur-
chase and use of its product and they shall not be held responsible
for any consequential loss or damage of any kind. This warranty is in
lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and constitutes all
of AndroTec GmbH liability with respect to merchandise sold by it.
Warranty is strictly related to repair or substitution of defective parts
according to AndroTec's discretion. The warranty does not cover
any other damage that may occur directly or indirectly using
defective parts.

22
14 Maintenance and Safety
CLEANING: Do not wipe dust or dirt off the detector reception win-
dow or display windows with a dry cloth or other abrasive material
as scratching could occur, reducing visibility through these windows.
A soft cloth and mild soap and water are effective. The unit may be
submerged under water or sprayed with a low pressure hose if
necessary. Do not use any other fluids than water as they may
attack polymer components.
TRANSPORT: Use the original carton or a laser instrument case to
transport the detector.
STORAGE: If the detector will not be used for a month or more, it is
recommended to remove the batteries.
BATTERIES: It is recommended to use only high quality alkaline or
rechargeable batteries.
INTENDED USES OF DETECTOR: METOR is designed and
suitable for detecting a rotating laser beam.
PROHIBITED USES:
 Operation other than the intended uses
 Opening the detector, except the battery compartment
 Modification or conversion of the detector
 Use of non-original METOR accessories
 Operation without instruction
PRECAUTIONS: The person in charge of the detector must have
read and understood the instructions in this manual and ensure
other users do also.
Periodically carry out test measurements, particularly after the de-
tector has been subjected to abnormal use (e.g. accidental drops)
and before and after important measurements.
23
15 Disposal
Disposal of batteries via domestic waste is prohibited! The user is
liable to recycle worn batteries. In many countries, batteries can be
returned free of charge to communal collecting points or battery
dealers.
Dispose of the detector which can no longer be used (irreparable) in
accordance with the valid legal regulations. This product shall not be
treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handled over to the
applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and elec-
tronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly,
you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the envi-
ronment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by in-
appropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of mate-
rials will help to conserve the natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please
contact your local Civic Office or your household waste disposal
service.
WEEE registration number of manufacturer: DE37015608

24
16 CE Declaration of Conformity
Application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC
Name and Address of Manufacturer:
AndroTec GmbH
Hauptstraße 186
D-67714 Waldfischbach-Burgalben
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
http://www.androtec.de
Model number:
AndroTec METOR
Equipment Type / Environment:
ITE, commercial, light industrial
Harmonized Standards Applied:
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC),
EN 61326:1997 +A1:1998 +A2:2001 +A3:2003 Class B Annex A
EN 550022:1998 +A1:2000 +A2:2003
EN 61000-4-2:1995; EN 61000-4-3:1996; EN61000-4-8:1993
We herewith declare, in exclusive responsibility, that the instrument
conforms to the above mentioned directive including their
amendments up to the date below.
Waldfischbach-Burgalben, 6. August 2007
Dr.-Ing. Klaus-Werner Jörg
(Managing Director)
With us you get to the point
AndroTec GmbH
Hauptstraße 186
D-67714 Waldfischbach-Burgalben
Germany
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Internet www.androtec.de