Carlson VS+ User manual

VS+ user manual H-5914-9502-A-02 December 2020
VS+
Underground void surveying system
User manual

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Contents
1Customer information.............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Dear customer .............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 User manual ................................................................................................................................................................................5
2VS+ system ...........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 System overview..........................................................................................................................................................................6
3VS+ hardware ........................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 VS+ Probe ...................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Laser ...........................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Yoke and horizontal housing ........................................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Power connectors ......................................................................................................................................................................10
3.5 Internal battery...........................................................................................................................................................................10
3.6 Prism and prism mounts ............................................................................................................................................................14
3.7 Transit case ...............................................................................................................................................................................15
3.8 Carlson Scan .............................................................................................................................................................................16
4Optional accessories............................................................................................................................................................................17
4.1 Boom .........................................................................................................................................................................................17
4.2 Adaptor for legacy carbon fibre Void Scanner booms.................................................................................................................23
4.3 Tripod bracket............................................................................................................................................................................24
4.4 Customised deployment devices................................................................................................................................................25
5Power management.............................................................................................................................................................................26
5.1 Internal power ............................................................................................................................................................................26
5.2 External power...........................................................................................................................................................................27
5.3 Hot swapping power sources .....................................................................................................................................................28
6Data communication ............................................................................................................................................................................29
6.1 Data channels............................................................................................................................................................................29
6.2 IP address .................................................................................................................................................................................32
7Using the VS+......................................................................................................................................................................................33
7.1 First-time use – Power ...............................................................................................................................................................33
7.2 First-time use – PC compatibility ................................................................................................................................................33
7.3 First-time use – PC set-up..........................................................................................................................................................33
7.4 Connection with PC ...................................................................................................................................................................35
7.5 Carlson Scan .............................................................................................................................................................................35
8Maintenance and care of the VS+ ........................................................................................................................................................37

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8.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................37
8.2 In use.........................................................................................................................................................................................37
8.3 Cleaning the VS+.......................................................................................................................................................................37
8.4 Storage and transportation.........................................................................................................................................................38
9Laser safety .........................................................................................................................................................................................39
9.1 VS+ laser module with red dot laser pointer ...............................................................................................................................39
10 VS+ Specifications...............................................................................................................................................................................40
11 Product information..............................................................................................................................................................................42

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1 Customer information
1.1 Dear customer
The VS+ system is designed to be easy to operate. However, we would ask you to take the time to read these
operating instructions carefully before using the system, and to keep the manual with the instrument at all times.
For any feedback or comments, or if there are questions about the VS+ system which are beyond the scope of this
manual, contact the product support department at Carlson, or your local Carlson representative.
Alternatively, for information on your local Carlson Software-approved service centre, visit our website at
www.carlsonsw.com.
To ensure best service, please make a note of the serial number. This can be found on a label on the instrument.
1.2 User manual
It is important that you read this manual carefully before using the instrument.
There are two manuals available with the VS+ system:
1. This VS+ hardware manual which describes the VS+ probe and all accessories supplied with a standard
system;
2. A Carlson Scan software and operations manual;
It is essential that the accompanying Carlson Scan software and operations manual is also read and understood.
As well as describing the software, that manual gives a brief overview of a typical deployment. Some troubleshooting
guidelines are also offered which address the most common problems and questions that arise from users of the
VS+.
This manual has been compiled with care. However, should you discover any errors, we would be grateful if you
could contact Carlson directly.
Reproduction in whole or in part, including utilisation in machines capable of reproduction or retrieval, without the
express written permission of Carlson is prohibited. Reverse engineering is also prohibited.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

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2 VS+ system
2.1 System overview
The VS+ is a development of Carlson’s Void Scanner. Both units are ruggedised laser scanners designed to
produce fast, efficient 3D models of underground voids where access is limited, dangerous or prohibited. The VS+
can be mounted on booms, tripods or user-customised deployment devices. The small, lightweight size of the VS+
gives flexibility in the nature of the deployment and means that volumes and dimensions which have previously
been guessed or estimated can be accurately quantified.
The VS+’s laser employs the ‘time of flight’ technique to measure ranges to rock faces and other objects without
the need to place reflectors on the target. This allows measurements to be taken from a safe distance. Two hundred
such measurements are made every second, up to a range of 150 m.
Information from internal accelerometers are collected in addition to the scan data. The accelerometer data allows
scans to be correctly levelled, whichever way the VS+ is inclined or rolled.
A surveyor observes to a prism on the VS+ and a prism on the back of the deployment boom. This establishes the
coordinates and azimuth of the VS+ which ensures scans can be geo-referenced. Multiple scans observed from
different locations can then be stitched together. The scan data can be plotted against design drawings or as-built
data to help build an invaluable picture of the project site.
The VS+ incorporates an internal battery and Wi-Fi controller which means it is a completely self-contained,
cableless system. The unit is controlled remotely from a PC or handheld device running Carlson Scan software
which plots the data on-screen in real time. Carlson Scan allows the finished scan to be analysed, edited,
transformed, combined with other datasets and exported to third-party software.
Figure 1 VS+ unit

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The VS+ is just one of many laser systems that have been designed by Carlson. Other products such as the C-
ALS, Quarryman and Boretrak have all been proved over many years of demanding use around the world. These
products complement the VS+ and provide a wide range of advanced measurement solutions within the mining,
quarrying and geotechnical industries.

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3 VS+ hardware
This section details the range of components supplied with a VS+ system.
Various models of the VS+ have been produced and supplied, and the technology is constantly evolving and
improving. Therefore, some components described below may not feature in your VS+ system or may differ in some
way.
3.1 VS+ Probe
The VS+ instrument consists of a laser module held between two pivots on a yoke. The yoke itself is held on the
end of the horizontal housing. The horizontal housing contains the battery that powers the system and the Wi-Fi to
communicate with a PC.
3.2 Laser
The laser module houses the optical and electronic components that allow distance measurements to be recorded
to reflectorless targets up to 150 m from the instrument. The laser rotates vertically within the yoke.
Figure 2 Component parts of the VS+
Laser module
Yoke
Horizontal housing
incorporating battery,
accelerometers and
Wi-Fi module
Internal battery
connector, power
switch and fuse
Front prism
mount
Rear prism mount
5/8” thread on
base for boom &
tripod adaptors
Carlson
‘pyramid’ logo

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Two large lenses are visible in the laser module. These are the transmitting and receiving optics. The infrared
measuring laser is fired through the transmitting optics. Its reflected light is then received back into the instrument
through the receiving optics. A smaller window protects the visible red dot laser pointer which can be switched on
to assist tracking of the VS+ distance measurement laser. The pathway of the visible and infrared lasers is co-linear,
but not co-axial.
3.3 Yoke and horizontal housing
The yoke which holds the laser module contains the vertical motor. This motor drives the vertical rotation of the
laser module between the pillars of the yoke. The yoke also houses the vertical encoder which measures the angle
through which the laser is rotated.
The yoke is attached to the horizontal housing. The horizontal housing contains the horizontal motor which drives
the rotational movement of the yoke. The horizontal housing also houses the horizontal encoder which measures
the angle through which the yoke is rotated.
The combination of the two axes of rotation gives the VS+ a view encompassing 360° horizontal and 270° vertical
rotations respectively. The yoke itself prevents the laser from viewing a 90° sector of the vertical rotational sweep.
Both motors are protected with clutches. This means that if the unit is rotated by hand or
prevented from moving by an obstruction, the motors will not be damaged. It is advisable,
however, to minimise any manual movement of the unit and to keep the instrument away from
potential obstructions so the motors may turn freely. Nevertheless, the possibility of finger or
clothing entrapment exists. Users should not obstruct the operation of the motors or allow
clothing to come into contact with the device.
Accelerometers are also contained within the horizontal housing. These sensors automatically record the inclination
and roll of the VS+. This ensures that all scans are correctly levelled in Carlson Scan software. Information from
the accelerometers, when combined with coordinate and heading information, helps to georeference the scan.
Red dot pointer
Transmitting
optics
Receiving optics
Figure 3 The VS+ laser module

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The ‘top’ of the horizontal housing is marked by a Carlson pyramid logo. This side of the VS+ incorporates two M6
threads which provide positions to mount the supplied prism. These are the ‘front’ and ‘back’ prism positions referred
to in Carlson Scan software.
On the ‘underside’ of the horizontal housing is positioned one M6 thread. This thread is used for securing the VS+
to optional jigs and adaptors, but is not required for standard operations using a Carlson-supplied boom.
The base of the VS+ horizontal housing incorporates a 5/8” thread. This is used for securing the VS+ to the Carlson-
supplied boom, and also to optional jigs and adaptors. This thread can also be used to attach the VS+ to a tripod in
a vertically upright position.
3.4 Power connectors
The VS+ is powered by an internal battery. Where necessary, the VS+ can also be powered by an optional external
battery.
On opposite sides of the probe, there is a separate connector, power button, and fuse holder for internal and external
power.
An information sticker on the underside of the probe indicates which side of the probe relates to the internal and
external power sources. The sticker also outlines VS+ power information.
3.5 Internal battery
The VS+ incorporates a 14.4 V lithium-ion battery. The battery can power the VS+ for at least 6 hours of scanning.
If the battery is charged, press the Internal Power Source button to power on the VS+. The button illuminates with
a blue light to indicate that the unit is powered on. Press the Internal Power Source button again to power off the
VS+.
Figure 4 Information sticker

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The battery is charged through the black, 4-pin female connector labelled Internal Power Source.
A fuse located next to the Internal Power Source button is dedicated to the internal battery circuit. The fuse holder
carries a 3.15 A time-delay fuse: T3.15 AH 250 V.
See section 5.1 for further details about the internal power source.
3.5.1 Battery charger
A battery charger is supplied with the VS+ to charge the internal lithium-ion battery.
Connect the battery charger to the 4-pin connector on the side of the VS+ labelled Internal Power Source. Plug the
battery charger itself into a mains power supply. The battery charger is supplied with a selection of plug types to fit
mains sockets around the world.
The battery charger only charges the internal battery if the Internal Power Source button on the side panel is toggled
OFF.
The battery charger can also be used to charge an external battery. In this case connect the battery charger directly
to the connector on the external battery.
An LED on the battery charger shows the status of the charging process:
Internal power
button
Fuse for
internal power
Co
nnector for
charging
internal power
Figure 5 Power button, charger and fuse for the internal power source
Figure 6 VS+ Battery charger (left) connected to the VS+ (right)

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•Green flashing light: charging is in progress.
•Solid green light: charging is complete.
•Red flashing light: there is a fault with the battery charger. Contact Carlson for advice.
•No light: there is no power to the battery charger or no connection with the battery.
A fully discharged battery requires around three hours to completely recharge from the mains supply.
WARNING: Only use the supplied battery charger to charge the internal or the external battery.
The battery charger is not intended for outdoor use.
3.5.2 External lithium ion battery (optional accessory)
The VS+ contains an internal lithium-ion battery. This can be supplemented with an external, Carlson-supplied
lithium-ion battery which has the same power specifications as the internal battery. The external battery may be
required on a particularly long job, or where there is no access to a mains power supply to charge the internal
battery.
Note that a separate panel of power controls for external power is on the opposite side of the VS+ probe from those
which control the internal power source.
A dedicated cable is required to connect the external battery to the VS+.
External
power button
Fuse for
external
power
Connection for
external power
Figure 7 Power button, charger and fuse for the external power source

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On this cable, the 2-pin female connector attaches to the connector on the VS+ labelled External Power Source.
The black, 4-pin connector attaches to the external battery.
To power the VS+ with the external battery connected, toggle the External Power Source power switch ON.
See section 5.2 for further details on working with the external battery.
Figure 8 External lithium-ion battery (left) and external battery cable (right)
Figure 9 External battery connected to the VS+

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3.6 Prism and prism mounts
The VS+ is supplied with a 360° mini prism. This prism can be used to position and orientate the scanner when the
instrument is deployed on a boom or tripod. The prism has an M6 thread on one end. This matches with two M6
threads on the top side of the VS+ horizontal housing.
The top of the horizontal housing is marked by a Carlson pyramid logo beside the front prism mount.
A surveyor can observe to the prism on the VS+ to establish the position of the unit. A second prism may be attached
to the back end of the deployment boom. Observing to both prisms can then give the azimuth of the deployment.
If the VS+ is mounted on a tripod rather than on a boom, two prisms can be fixed to the VS+: one in the front mount
and one in the rear mount. In this case the front prism can be used for position and the azimuth obtained from the
bearing from the rear prism to the front prism.
Figure 11 Prism attached to front prism mount (top) and rear prism mount (bottom)
Figure 10 Top of the VS+ horizontal housing

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Functionality in Carlson Scan software assists with the azimuth calculations.
In Carlson Scan software, enter the position where the prism has been mounted on the VS+ together with the
coordinates of this position. In addition, the azimuth can be entered or computed.
The origin of all angle and range information from the VS+ is a position in the centre of the vertical axis of rotation
inside the laser module. Carlson Scan computes this position with reference to the entered information and the
inclination and roll of the VS+ - values which are read from the unit’s internal accelerometers.
See the Carlson Scan manual for further details.
3.7 Transit case
Figure 12 The Station setup window in Carlson Scan
Figure 13 VS+ in transit case

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The VS+ system is supplied in a rugged transit case designed to transport the instrument, surface unit, boom
adaptor, battery and cables.
The case helps to protect the instrument from minor shocks and from the environment. Always use the transit case
when transporting and storing the equipment.
Take care to dry the VS+ probe and accessories before packing them into the transit case.
3.8 Carlson Scan
Carlson Scan is loaded onto a Carlson USB drive supplied with the VS+.
The software provides full control over the VS+, real time visualization of collected data, and post-processing tools
for analysis and editing.
Software updates can be downloaded directly from the ‘Downloads’ section of the Carlson website. Enter your name
and e-mail address in the downloaded page to ensure you are alerted if there is a new version of the software.
Carlson Scan is also designed to be used with legacy Void Scanner units and all varieties of C-ALS scanners.
A full description of Carlson Scan software is included in the Carlson Scan manual which accompanies the VS+
system.

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4 Optional accessories
4.1 Boom
Carlson supplies an optional boom which is designed to hold the VS+ and to deploy it into a stope or other hazardous
area on a mine. The boom is carbon fibre and telescopic for convenient storage and transportation.
A Carlson adaptor screws on to the base of the VS+ with a long, captive 5/8” bolt. The adaptor itself then slots into
the boom and is fastened onto the thread on the end of the boom with the wide, threaded collar nut.
A removable set of wheels is also available. These can be attached to the boom just behind the VS+. This allows
the boom to be pushed into the bottom of a stope without exposing personnel to any risk.
Figure 14 Carlson boom adaptor connecting to the base of the VS+
Figure 15 VS+ attached to a retracted boom

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4.1.1 Boom assembly
To make shipping easier and more cost-effective, booms are dispatched from Carlson’s factory with fixtures and
fittings removed. Therefore, on receipt of a new VS+ boom, some initial assembly is required.
The steps to make the boom ready for field use are outlined below.
A new boom is shipped with an accessory box. Within the box there are:
1. 1 x large captive screw
2. 16 x M4x20 cap head screws
3. 4 x small captive screws and base assemblies
Figure 16 Packaged accessories
Figure 17 Packaged accessories

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Unscrew one of the small captive screws so it is loosened from the captive screw base assembly.
Insert four M4x20 screws into the captive screw base.
Figure 18 Captive screw base with captive screw
Figure 19 Four M4 x 20 screws inserted into the captive screw base

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Apply Loctite 243 to the base of each of the M4 x 20 screws.
Place the captive screw base against one of the blue joints on the boom. The tip the of captive screw should sit in
the large hole. The M4 x 20 screws should be aligned with the four pre-drilled threaded holes.
Figure 20 Locations for applying Loctite thread locker
Figure 21 Attaching the captive screw base to the boom joint