Futura MCR3 User manual

Laser Receiver
Model MCR3
Operator's Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Futtura product. Your receiver is a premium
quality tool that has been designed and manufactured to provide years
of precise and reliable performance. The system has been specifically
designed for use in harsh construction environments.
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 using your
receiver.
Please contact your dealer should you have questions regarding specific
applications or if you require additional information.
Please record your product information below. This will assist you if
there are any questions regarding warranty or service.
PRODUCT: _______________________
SERIAL NUMBER: _______________________
PRODUCT: _______________________
SERIAL NUMBER: _______________________
DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________
PURCHASED FROM: _______________________
PHONE: _______________________

Contents
Machine Control / Display Laser Receiver
Contents ....................................................................................... 1
Safety ........................................................................................... 2
System Description ...................................................................... 3
Controls and Displays ................................................................... 4
Battery Installation / Charging ...................................................... 6
Operation - Primary Functions ..................................................... 8
Installation
General ...........................................................................11
Grading .......................................................................... 12
Excavating ..................................................................... 13
Operation - Secondary Functions ............................................... 19
Maintenance and Care ............................................................... 21
Specifications ............................................................................. 22
Warranty ..................................................................................... 23
P/N 040078 Rev D

Safety
Meaning of Symbols:
WARNING: Indicates a potential hazardous situation, which
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which
could result in a minor or moderate injury and/or material,
financial, or environmental damage.
NOTE: Important information to enable the product to be used
in a correct and efficient manner unrelated to safety.
The user of this product is expected to follow all operating
and safety instructions of this manual and of the machinery
operator's manual. Perform periodic checks of the product's
performance. The manufacturer or its representatives assume
no responsibility for results of the use of this product including
any direct, indirect, consequential damage, and loss of profits.
Check your work frequently.
WARNING: When working near construction or agricultural
machinery, follow all safety precautions as described in the
machinery's user manual.
WARNING: When excavating, follow all excavation and trench
safety regulations and practices
CAUTION: Be aware of all overhead obstructions and electrical
power lines. The receiver and mast may be higher than the
machinery. Remove when transporting machinery.
CAUTION: Do not disassemble any part of the receiver other
than to replace batteries. The receiver is to be serviced by
authorized service center personnel only.
2

3
System Description
The laser receiver is a rugged, multipurpose, electronic receiver that detects
laser light generated by rotating laser transmitters. The unit works with nearly
all models of rotating lasers and will detect both visible and invisible beams.
When installed, the operator is given visual indication of the reference plane of
laser light’s position relative to the cutting edge or digging depth of the machine.
The receiver can also be installed with a Control Box for automatic control on
certain grading machines.
The operator can adjust the settings of the receiver to meet job site requirements.
Settings are provided for adjusting the dead-band size or accuracy, on-grade
location for grading or excavation, display brightness and more.
The ultra-bright, built-in LED display provides up to 8 channels of grade
elevation position, plus high and low lost beam indications.
Built in plumb indication allows for quick and accurate grade checks. The new
Angle Compensation for Excavators (ACE) mode also allows grade checking
at extended dipper arm swing angles once a simple set-up procedure is
completed.
A tough sealed waterproof housing is designed to work in the tough machine
mounted environment. The electronics are isolated from the rest of the unit
by internal rubber shock-mounts, protecting the unit from shock and vibration
damage.

Controls and Displays
1. Aluminum cast upper and lower
housings.
2. Polycarbonate housing - protects
the electronics.
3. Receiving Windows - four sets of
photocells equally spaced to allow 360
degree reception.
4. Ultra-bright LED array - highly visible,
graphically displays blade or bucket
position. Green on-grade LED's and
red off-grade LED's for quick visual
indication.
5. Set-up length scale - used for initial
set-up in wide Angle Compensation for
Excavation (ACE) mode.
6. Power Switch - turns the unit on and
off. Also operates as a "shift" key for
secondary receiver functions.
7. Liquid Crystal Display - Indicates
current receiver settings and battery
status.
8. Touchpanel Switches - allow adjust-
ment of settings.
9. Mounting Knobs - large knobs at-
tached to stainless steel clamps allow
for quick and easy installation to mast or magnetic mount.
10. Access screws - allow easy access to battery compartment for
replacement of batteries.
11. Accessory Connector and Dust Cap - connector accepts the cable
to the optional remote display, machine power cable, or automatic
control box. Connector also accepts Ni-MH battery charger. Dust
cap helps keep the connector clean.
4
1
3
2
7
6
5
8
9
10
4
11

5
Controls and Displays
Power Switch
Laser Out
of Level
Selection
Plumb Selec-
tion
Averaging
Selection
Center / Offset
On-Grade
Selection
Accuracy
(Deadband)
Selection
Display
Brightness
Selection
Communication
Link (Not Used)
Touch Panel
Lock
Touch Panel
Touch Panel
Lock
Out of Level,
RPM Indication
Averaging
1-2-4
Display
Brightness
Selection
Accuracy
(Deadband)
Selection
Center or
Offset
On-Grade
Plumb
Selection -
Standard,
Wide (ACE), Off
Battery Status
Communication
Radio Link
(Not Used)
LCD
LCD

6
Battery Installation / Charging
Battery Installation: Remove the BULLSEYE from its carrying case. Hold the
unit so the accessory connector is pointing upwards. Remove the dust cap
from the accessory connector. Loosen the two thumb screws and remove
the battery access cover. Install four batteries as shown on the label diagram
inside the battery compartment noting the (+) and (-) terminals.
Replace the battery access cover. Firmly tighten the two thumbscrews. Ensure
the battery access cover is aligned and fully engaged into the battery housing.
Use a screwdriver if necessary. Replace the accessory connector dust cap.
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries: Batteries are initially shipped fully
charged but the charge may decrease over time prior to first use. They may
require 2 or 3 charging cycles to obtain maximum battery life. To charge, remove
the dust cap from the accessory connector. Insert the cannon adapter into the
receiver accessory connector aligning the slot and connector key. Insert the
charger female barrel connector into the cannon adapter.
Assure the proper AC prongs are on the charger. To change the prong
configuration, press the tab release in the arrow direction and remove the existing
prong adapter. Insert proper adapter and release the tab.
Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet. Do not operate the receiver when
it is charging.
Battery installation diagram /
Serial number label
The batteries may also be charged with a 12-volt auto lighter adapter.
Cannon
Adapter
Charger
Prongs
Tab
Release

7
Battery Installation / Charging
Built-in overcharging protection prevents damage if the unit is left on charge
after being fully charged. There is also protection to prevent charging alkaline
batteries.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to charge alkaline or other
disposable batteries.
NOTE: Do not charge Ni-MH batteries when ambient temperature
exceeds 113° F (45° C) or is less than 32° F (0° C).
The rechargeable battery electronics include a charge status and charge error
indicator located on the back of the housing.
Charge Status Indicator: The LED will remain solid when the unit is charging.
The LED will blink when fully charged. When charged, unplug the charger from
the outlet and remove the cannon adapter from the accessory connector.
Charge Error Indicator: If the batteries seem to be in a totally drained state
initially, the charge circuit will try to gradually charge the batteries. If charging
is unsuccessful after approximately 20 minutes, the LED will turn on solid
indicating an error with the internal battery connection, improper battery
insertion, the wrong type of battery, or a dead battery cell.
A blinking charge error LED indicates the unit is too hot or too cold to charge.
Charging will automatically start when the temperature is within the above
noted ranges.
Battery Replacement - Remove dust cap, loosen thumbscrews, and remove
battery access cover. Remove old batteries. Install new batteries as described
on previous page.
Refer to your local requirements for the proper disposal of batteries.
(Located on lower rear of polycarbonate housing)
Charge Status Indicator
Solid - Charging
Blinking - Charging Complete
Charge Error Indicator
Solid - Battery Problems
Blinking - Temperature
out of limits

8
Operation
Primary touch panel switch operation, battery status and out of beam indication
follow. Secondary switch operation begins on page 19.
Power Switch: Press the power switch on the touch panel to turn
the unit on. All the LED's will light and then each row will light from
top to bottom. The LCD will cycle its symbols. If the receiver is out of
the laser beam, the center green LED will flash and the LCD will be
on to confirm power is on. If the receiver is in a laser beam, a corresponding
LED grade display will be indicated.
Plumb Switch: Three position switch - off, standard, and Angle
Compensation for Excavation (ACE) mode. Plumb indication is generally
used during excavation operations. Press the switch once to change
between standard plumb mode and plumb off. The standard plumb is
preset to a range of ± 2.5°. The LCD will show no plumb symbol when
it is turned off and will show the standard plumb indicator when the standard
plumb mode is selected. The grade indication LED's will flash quickly when the
mast and receiver are extended beyond the plumb range and will flash slowly
when retracted beyond the range. The display will be solid when the mast and
receiver are within the plumb range.
Angle Compensation for Excavation (ACE) mode: The receiver displays
grade information at wide swing angles of ± 10° to 30°. To enter this mode,
press and hold the Plumb Switch for approximately 2 seconds. The on-grade
location will automatically switch to the center on-grade and the wider plumb
angle symbol will appear on the LCD. A single or pair of LED's will be lit. These
LED's correspond to the set-up length that is input using the scale on the front
label of the display area. A set-up procedure is required to compensate for
the dippe r arm swing arc. To determine this length and for more installation
information, please refer to the instructions beginning on page 11.
Standard Plumb
Indicator
Angle
Compensation
Indicator

9
Operation
Center / Offset On-Grade: Center on-grade or "grading mode" is
selected when grade information is useful both above and below
on-grade, as with typical grading operations. Offset on-grade or "ex-
cavator mode" is selected when using a backhoe or excavator. The
excavator mode gives more information and a larger display above on-grade.
Press the switch to cycle between the two options. The LCD will indicate which
mode is selected and the LED's will display the appropriate pattern. The center
on-grade has 7 display channels plus 2 out of beam indications. The offset on-
grade has 8 display channels plus 2 out of beam indications.
Deadband (Accuracy): Four deadbands are available in the grading
and excavating modes. The LCD indicates which mode is selected. 2
deadbands - fine and standard - are available in the angle compensa-
tion (ACE) mode. The smallest deadband is used for receiver set-up.
Selections are then made to fit job requirements. Please refer to the
specifications on page 22 for specific deadbands. To change the deadband,
press the deadband selection switch. The deadband and corresponding LCD
symbol will change and cycle with each press.
Center
On-grade
LED's
Offset
On-grade
LED's
Offset
On-grade
selected
Center
On-grade
selected
Set-Up Fine Standard Wide

Operation
Display Brightness: The brightness switch controls the LED bright-
ness. Bright, Dim, and Off are the options. Use Dim for normal and
lower light conditions and Bright for sunny daytime operation if
necessary. Display Dim will conserve battery life by approximately
50%. Press the Display Brightness switch to cycle through the three options.
The selection will be indicated on the LCD.
Additional Features
Battery Status Indication: Battery status symbol is depicted on the LCD
when the unit is powered by batteries. Three levels are displayed. The
battery symbol is full when the batteries are good. The battery symbol
is half full and blinking when the batteries are low. The receiver will still
operate for a short period of time. When there is an outline only, the batteries are
drained and must be replaced. The battery symbol outline and the four corner
LED's will flash to indicate the batteries require replacement or charging.
Out of Beam Indication. The LED display will indicate if the receiver has moved
beyond the vertical laser reception range. A sequence of LED's will indicate
which direction the implement must be moved to pick up the beam. The out of
beam indication will continue for approximately two minutes.
Out of Beam Indication Disable: The out of beam indication can be turned off
if desired. Press the two outer switches (Plumb Selection and Brightness) at the
same time to disable. The receiver will display the out of beam LED sequence
in reverse order from both top and bottom. When disabled, the receiver will
indicate out of beam by flashing the center LED. Press the two outer switches
again to enable the indication. The receiver will remember the out of beam
display state at the next power up.
Display Bright Display Dim
Battery
Status-
Good
Battery
Status-
Low
Battery
Status-
Replace
10

11
Installation - General
Set up the laser in a convenient, safe location. Please refer to the laser operator's
manual. Ensure the laser is on a stable tripod. On windy days it may be advis-
able to tie down the tripod for a more stable laser beam.
Operating distances are dependent upon the rotating laser power. The receiver
can pick up the beam from all directions (360°), but requires a clear line of sight
between the laser and receiver.
If your laser has selectable rotation speeds, select a high rotation speed. The
receiver can process speeds up to 1200 RPM.
To mount the receiver on the mast, turn both the top and bottom knobs coun-
terclockwise until the mounting clamps in back open enough to fit around the
mounting mast. Place the receiver on the mast. The receiver will mount to
round tubing that has a 1.66" to 2.00" outside diameter (42 to 50 mm) or to 1
1/2" (38 mm) square tubing. Turn the knobs clockwise to tighten. Loosen the
two clamps to remove the receiver from the mast.
For excavation, the receiver may be set up in the trench or above ground.
Please follow all safety precautions per the machines operator's manual and
follow all excavation and trench safety requirements and practices.
Angle Compensation (ACE) mode - the horizontal grade checking width
will be wider as the receiver set-up length is decreased. For example, the
closer the receiver is mounted to the bucket, the wider the grade checking
range will be.
The most accurate and repeatable method for checking grade is with the
bucket cylinder fully retracted. The mast must be mounted so it points to
the bucket teeth in this set-up.
Checking grade with the bucket levelled or other positions provide for faster
rough excavation. The receiver indicates level at the bucket pivot pin in these
positions. It is important to take grade readings only when the bucket is in the
original set-up position.
The LED display must be in the direction of the opera-
tor and be perpendicular to the direction of the dipper
arm swing.
For all excavation operations, always take a sample
reading with the bucket "on-grade" and check to ensure
the elevation is correct.

12
Installation - Grading
Position the machine so the blade can be set to the desired finished elevation.
Typically on a benchmark or hub stake.
Set the laser up in an appropriate location for receiver visibility and efficient
machine operation and turn it on.
Turn the receiver on, select center on-grade (grading mode) and select the
smallest deadband.
Mount the receiver to the mast.
Slide the receiver up or down until on-grade is indicated. It may be necessary
to adjust the height of the laser.
Alternatively, if the height of instrument (laser beam) to finished elevation length is
known, the receiver can be set by measuring this distance from the cutting edge
of the blade to the center on-grade mark on the back of the receiver label.
Face the LED grade display toward the operator and tighten the clamps.
Select the desired deadband and brightness.
The LED grade display will direct the operator which way to move the blade
using the machine's controls to maintain an on-grade reading.
Make a sample pass with the blade "on-grade" and check to ensure the
elevation is correct.
Laser Center
On-grade
Finished Elevation
Benchmark

13
Installation - Excavating
Angle Compensation for Excavation (ACE): Use the length determined by
the set-up procedure described on pages 14 to 17.
Press and hold the plumb switch to enter the ACE mode and the set-up length
entry mode.
The on-grade location will automatically switch to the center on-grade and the
wide plumb (ACE) symbol will appear on the LCD.
Single or pairs of LED's are lit and cycled up the scale as the switch is held.
Release the switch when the LED's are closest to the set-up length. An LED
blink will confirm the settings in approximately 2 seconds.
Example: If the set-up length measurement was 84 inches, the switch would
be released when the pair of LED's are lit between the 80 and 100 inch marks
on the right side scale. (If the set-up measurement was 2.13 meters, the switch
would be released between the 2.00 and 2.50 meter marks on the left side
scale.)
The LED's will blink briefly to confirm the setting selected.
If the set-up number is passed, simply continue to press the switch until it
is cycled to the correct number again. The number may also be selected by
pressing and releasing the switch while in the set-up length entry mode. The
LED's will change one increment each time the switch is pressed. Release the
switch for to accept the displayed set-up length. An LED blink will confirm the
settings in approximately 2 seconds.
If the set-up length measurement is exactly a number on the scale, simply set
to the next higher number on the scale.
100 inch mark
80 inch mark2.00 meter mark
2.50 meter mark
Set-up length between
80 and 100 inches
Set-up length between
2.00 and 2.50 meters

Installation - Excavating
In Trench Set-Up - Bucket Extended
Position the machine and
dig to the desired finished
elevation.
Fully retract the bucket
cylinder and place the
bucket teeth at the finished
elevation.
Set the laser up and turn
it on.
Standard Plumb: Mount
the mast on the side of the
dipper arm.
Turn the receiver on and select standard plumb mode, offset on-grade, (center
on-grade may be used) and the smallest deadband.
Place the receiver on the mast, tighten, and adjust the dipper arm so the receiver
is within the standard plumb range.
Slide the receiver up or down to get an on-grade display then tighten.
Select the desired deadband and begin to excavate.
Take grade readings with the bucket retracted and the LED's solid.
ACE mode: Mount the mast on the side of the dipper arm so it points to the
bucket teeth as illustrated above.
Turn the receiver on and select standard plumb mode, center on grade, and
the narrowest deadband.
Mount the receiver to the mast, adjust the dipper arm to plumb, and slide the
receiver up or down to get a solid on-grade display.
Safely measure the distance from the bucket teeth to the center on-grade
mark on the back of the receiver. This is the set-up length.
Enter the ACE mode. Press and hold the plumb switch to scroll up the set-up
length scale and release the switch when the lit LED is closest to the measured
set-up length. The LED will blink to confirm the setting.
Select the desired deadband and begin to excavate.
Take grade readings with the bucket fully retracted and LED's solid.
14

Installation - Excavating
In Trench Set-Up - Bucket Levelled
Position the machine and
dig to the desired finished
elevation.
Level the bucket and place
the bottom of the bucket at
the finished elevation.
Set the laser up and turn
it on.
Standard Plumb: Mount
the mast on the side of the
dipper arm.
Turn the receiver on and select standard plumb mode, offset on-grade, (center
on-grade may be selected) and the smallest deadband.
Place the receiver on the mast, tighten, and adjust the dipper arm so the receiver
is within the standard plumb range.
Slide the receiver up or down to get an on-grade display then tighten.
Select the desired deadband and begin to excavate.
Take grade readings with the bucket levelled and the LED's solid.
ACE mode: Mount the mast on the side of the dipper arm so it points to the
bucket pivot pin as illustrated above.
Turn the receiver on and select standard plumb mode, center on grade, and
the narrowest deadband.
Mount the receiver to the mast, adjust the dipper arm to plumb, and slide the
receiver up or down to get a solid on-grade display.
Safely measure the distance from the bucket pivot pin to the center on-grade
mark on the back of the receiver. This is the set-up length.
Enter the ACE mode. Press and hold the plumb switch to scroll up the set-up
length scale and release the switch when the lit LED is closest to the measured
set-up length. The LED will blink to confirm the setting.
Select the desired deadband and begin to excavate.
Take grade readings with the bucket levelled and LED's solid.
15

16
Installation - Excavating
Out of Trench Set-Up - Bucket Extended
Fully retract the bucket cylin-
der and position the machine
so a measurement can safely
be obtained on the dipper
arm.
Set the laser up and turn
it on.
Determine the distance from
the laser to the bottom of the
trench (L). This is the set-
up length. The length is the
height of the instrument (HI)
plus the depth of cut from the
benchmark to the bottom of
the trench (C).
Standard Plumb: Mount the mast on the side of the dipper arm so it points
to the bucket teeth as illustrated above.
Position the receiver so the set-up length L is the distance from the bucket
teeth to the offset on-grade symbol on the back of the receiver. (Set up to the
center on-grade symbol if center on-grade will be used).
Turn the receiver on and select standard plumb mode, offset on-grade, and the
desired deadband. (Select center on-grade if set to center symbol).
Begin to excavate. Take grade readings with the bucket retracted and the
LED's solid.
ACE mode: Follow the procedure above except the set-up length is the dis-
tance from the bucket teeth to the center on-grade symbol on the back of
the receiver.
Enter the ACE mode. Press and hold the plumb switch to scroll up the set-up
length scale and release the switch when the lit LED is closest to the measured
set-up length. The LED will blink to confirm the setting.
Select the desired deadband and begin to excavate.
Take grade readings with the bucket retracted and LED's solid.

17
Installation - Excavating
Out of Trench Set-Up - Bucket Levelled
Level the bucket and
position the machine
so a measurement can
safely be obtained on the
dipper arm.
Set the laser up and turn
it on.
Determine the distance
from the laser to the
bottom of the trench (L).
The length is the height of
the instrument (HI) plus
the depth of cut from the
benchmark to the bottom
of the trench (C).
Standard Plumb: Mount the mast on the side of the dipper arm so it points
to the bucket pivot pin as illustrated above.
Position the receiver so the set-up length L is the distance from the bucket
bottom to the offset on-grade symbol on the back of the receiver. (Set up to
the center on-grade symbol if center on-grade will be used).
Turn the receiver on and select standard plumb mode, offset on-grade, and the
desired deadband. (Select center on-grade if set to center symbol).
Begin to excavate. Take grade readings with the bucket levelled and the LED's
solid.
ACE mode: Follow the procedure above except the set-up length is the finished
elevation to the center on-grade symbol (L) minus the bucket height length
(B). (Set-up length = L - B)
Enter the ACE mode. Press and hold the plumb switch to scroll up the set-up
length scale and release the switch when the lit LED is closest to the measured
set-up length. The LED will blink to confirm the setting.
Select the desired deadband and begin to excavate.
Take grade readings with the bucket levelled and LED's solid.

18
Installation - Excavating
NOTE: For all excavation operations, always take a sample reading
with the bucket "on-grade" and check to ensure the elevation is
correct. For all grading operations, make a sample pass with the
blade "on-grade" and check to ensure the elevation is correct.
Magnetic Mount Installation - For excavators and backhoes,
determine where the mount will be located on the machine so
that when the receiver is attached, it will intersect the laser
beam. Refer to the previous installation instructions if the Angle
Compensation for Excavation (ACE) is to be used. Ensure the
area of the machine is clean and free of oil and grease. Angle
the mount so the top edge of the top magnet will be positioned
first. Holding the mount by the pipe with both hands, place the
top edge of the magnet on the machine. Slowly move the bottom
magnet towards the machine so the mount remains plumb or in
the necessary set-up position.
CAUTION: Strong magnetic field; Do not position fingers next
to magnets.
To remove the magnetic mount, first remove the receiver from the
mounting pole. Use a scrap piece of wood or other long object as
a pry bar if necessary. Insert the pry bar in between the magnetic
mount pole and the machine. Pry the mount sideways to loosen the
magnetic hold. Once the magnetic hold is loosened, the mount can be easily
taken off the machine by hand.
NOTE: For extendable dipper arms - if the mast is mounted
to the dipper arm section that moves with the bucket, grade can
be checked with the dipper arm extended to any position. If the
mast is mounted to the dipper arm section that does not move
with the bucket, grade can only be checked when the dipper arm is in the exact
set-up position.