Haglof Vertex III V1.5 User manual

HAGLÖF SWEDEN AB
Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual AprilJanuary 2007, v.1.5
Users Guide
Vertex III V1.5
and Transponder T3

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 2
Users Guide
Vertex III and
Transponder T3
2007-04-27
Haglöf Sweden AB
Box 28 • 88221 Långsele • Sweden
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.haglofsweden.com

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 3

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 4
Contents
CONTENTS...................................................................................................................... 4
VERTEX III ....................................................................................................................... 6
FUNCTIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.................................................................................. 6
DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................... 7
KEYS ............................................................................................................................... 7
THE ON KEY FUNCTION............................................................................................... 7
RED CROSS AIM .......................................................................................................... 8
LOUD SPEAKERS......................................................................................................... 8
BATTERY....................................................................................................................... 8
MENU OVERVIEW......................................................................................................... 9
SETTINGS........................................................................................................................ 11
SETUP....................................................................................................................... 11
METRIC/FEET.......................................................................................................... 11
DEG/GRAD/% .......................................................................................................... 11
P.OFFSET (PIVOT OFFSET)........................................................................................ 11
T.HEIGHT (TRANSPONDER HEIGHT).......................................................................... 11
M.DIST (MANUAL DISTANCE) ................................................................................... 12
BAF BASAL AREA FACTOR ........................................................................................ 12
CALIBRATE............................................................................................................. 13
DISPLAY................................................................................................................... 13
CONTRAST .............................................................................................................. 13
CROSS HAIR SIGHT................................................................................................ 13
HOW TO USE THE VERTEX III.............................................................................. 14
HEIGHT..................................................................................................................... 14
HEIGHT MEASURING WITH TRANSPONDER .................................................................. 14
HEIGHT MEASURING WITHOUT THE TRANSPONDER.................................................... 14
HEIGHT MEASURING FROM HORIZONTAL LINE ............................................................ 15
INCLINATION (ANGLE).............................................................................................. 16
DISTANCE MEASURING (DME) .................................................................................. 16
Distance Measuring with the Adapter for 360 Degrees........................................ 16
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE MEASURING (DME) ............................................................. 17
BAF –SMALLEST DIAMETER ..................................................................................... 18
DIAMETERS IN LEANING TERRAIN ............................................................................... 18
TRANSPONDERT3........................................................................................................... 19
HOW TO USE THE T3 TRANSPONDER........................................................................... 19
IR.................................................................................................................................... 20
SIGN FORMAT IR ........................................................................................................ 20
DATA FORMAT............................................................................................................ 21
Height Measuring.................................................................................................. 21
Distance Measuring .............................................................................................. 21
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION................................................................................ 22
FAULT DETECTION.................................................................................................. 23
QUICK START GUIDE .............................................................................................. 24
HEIGHT MEASURING WHEN USING THE TRANSPONDER................................................ 24
HEIGHT MEASURING WITHOUT USING THE TRANSPONDER .......................................... 24

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 5
HEIGHT MEASURING HORIZONTALLY.......................................................................... 24
ANGLE MEASURING.................................................................................................. 24
DISTANCE MEASURING (DME)............................................................................... 24
TURN ON AND TURN OFF THE TRANSPONDER T3......................................................... 24

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 6
Vertex III
Functions and Construction
Congratulations to your choice of height measurer! The Vertex III is the
markets most modern instruments, carefully tested and approved to be
your reliable companion for years to come.
The Vertex III is primarily designed to measure the height of standing
objects, and most often trees. The instrument can also be used to
measure distance, horizontal distance, angle and inclination. The Vertex
instrument has with its ultrasonic measuring technique proved to be
especially useful in dense terrains with thick undergrowth, where
conventional methods such as measuring tapes, laser instruments and
mechanical height measurers are difficult to use.
To define a reference point in a secure and reliable way, the Vertex III
works with the transponder T3. The Vertex III communicates with the
transponder. This communication eliminates in an efficient way any mix-
ups of signals from other instruments or places (echoes). A measuring
operation will not in any significant way be disturbed by objects in
between the Vertex III and the Transponder T3. The reference point, i.e.
the T3, is used as a sight mark for height measuring and can be placed
at optional height, where visibility is the best in for example thick
vegetation. The reference point height is set in a special menu in the
Vertex instrument and automatically added to the measured height.
The Vertex III uses ultrasound to measure distances. Unlike for example
measuring tapes and laser instruments, ultrasound can be used also
when there is no free aim to the reference point. The ultrasound will not
pass through an obstacle, but looks for the shortest way around it.
Heights are calculated trigonometrically using the variables contained
when measuring angle and distance. The Vertex III automatically
assumes that the measuring object is perpendicularly positioned to the
ground.
With the Vertex III, an unlimited number of heights per object can be
measured. The instrument display can show the 4 lastly measured
heights per object at a time.
When using a relaskopic method to measure, an in-built BAF function
(Basal Area Factor) can be used for the Vertex III instrument to control
the minimum diameter for trees. The function is useful when some trees
in an area are covered by other, making the decision whether to include
the tree or to exclude it from the area difficult. By simply measuring the
distance between the tree and the plot centre, the Vertex III can calculate
the minimum diameter the tree should have in order to be included into
the counting.
Data can be sent through IR or and results can be stored and processed
in for example the Digitech Professional caliper, other PC or handheld
computer.

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 7
Description
Keys
The Vertex III has three keys: Two arrow keys and one ON key.
Function of the Arrow Keys
Use the arrow keys primarily to scroll through the menu and to change the
settings in the SETUP menu. By pressing down both arrow keys at the same
time, the Vertex III is turned off. Automatic turnoff time is set to approximately
25 sec.
When the Vertex III is turned off, the DME position can be activated with left
arrow key. The Vertex III turns into a distance measurer.
Right arrow key (IR) is used to transmit data through IR (Infrared light). Data
can only be sent after having made a measuring.
The ON Key Function
The ON key is used to start the Vertex III, to confirm a value and as a trigger
when measuring heights and angles.
Batter
y
li
d
IR
Aim
Display
Ke
y
s
Loudspeaker/microphone
Ultrasound
Temperature
giver
Lense
Si
g
nal element

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 8
Red Cross Aim
The red dot cross hair sight simplifies spotting the target and holding the
instrument straight when measuring heights, for best possible accuracy.
For best possible visibility, the light can be adjusted with the left arrow key
when aiming.
Loud Speakers
The Vertex III is equipped with a built-in signal that will beep when an angle
or a height has been registered.
Battery
The Vertex III uses an alkaline or a rechargeable battery of 1,5 V AA. The
battery is placed under the battery cap, plus pole + down.
The remaining battery tension is featured as an icon in the display of the
Vertex III.
A battery will in normal cases last for weeks or even months.
Battery full
Battery>1.2v Battery empty
Battery<1.0V
Battery satisfactory
1.1V< Battery<1.2V Battery tension low
1.0V< Battery<1.1V
HEIGHT HEIGHT HEIGHT HEIGHT

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 9
Menu Overview
HEIGHT
M.DIST 34.5
23ºC 74ºC
DEG -17.9
GRAD -19.9
% -32.4
SD 34.5
HD 32.3
DEG -17.9
H1 29.5
CALIBRATE 
DME
23ºC
74ºC
10.00M
SETUP
METRIC DEG
P.OFFSET 0.3
T.HEIGHT 1.3
M.DIST 034.5
CONTRAST ANGLE BLUETOOTH
CONTRAST 48
23ºC 74ºC
DEG -17.9
GRAD -19.9
% -32.4
CODE12345
BLUETOOTHON

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 10
Important Facts on your Vertex III Instrument
The Vertex III uses ultra sonic signals to determine distances. Humidity,
air pressure, surrounding noise and, above all, the temperature can
affect the range and extension of the ultra sonic signals. The Vertex III
has a built-in temperature sensor that automatically compensates for the
divergence caused by variations in temperature.
In some cases, distances of 50 meters/yds and greater can be measured
without problems, and in other cases, the maximum distance can be
shorter than 30 meters/yds.
To increase and optimize the measuring accuracy, the instrument should
be calibrated on a regular basis. When calibrating, it is of utmost
importance that the instrument has been given enough time to stabilize at
ambient temperature.
If, for example, the instrument is carried in an inner pocket, it can take up
to 10 minutes before it has adjusted to current outdoor temperature. The
measurement inaccuracy pending on temperature is app. 2 cm/C.
An example: Your inner pocket holds +15 C/59F. Outdoor air
temperature is -5 C/23F. The measurement result will show 10,40 m/34
ft and not the correct 10,00 m/32.8 ft.
The measuring fault can be made permanent if the instrument is
calibrated before reaching the correct current temperature.
-Check your instrument daily and recalibrate if necessary
-Do not touch the temperature sensor at the front of the instrument (the
metal knob between the sight and the loudspeaker)
-Never calibrate the instrument before it has reached ambient temperature
When measuring heights, it is important to hold the instrument as straight as possible.
Correct Wrong
The trigonometric functions calculate the height based on two (2) angles
and one (1) distance. The distance can be measured manually with a
tape, or automatically by using the T3 transponder. If using a tape, the
distance has to be input in the Vertex before starting (angle-) and height
measuring.
Detg år inte att v isa d en länk ade bilde n. F ilen kan ha fly ttats, fått ett n ytt namn eller tagi tsb ort. K ontro llera att län ken p ekar
pår ätt fil och plats.

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 11
Settings
SETUP
All settings to measure heights, distances and angles and BAF Factors are made in
the SETUP menu. Choose between metric or feet, degrees or percentage, pivot
offset, transponder height and manual distance.
Start the Vertex III by pressing ON. Press any of the arrow keys and ON to go to
settings. Step to the parameter using ON and change values with the arrow keys.
METRIC/FEET
Choose if height and distance values should be featured in METRIC or FEET. Shift
with the arrow keys and confirm your choice with ON.
DEG/GRAD/%
Select Angle unit as Deg (degrees 0.360), GRAD (gradients 0..400) or %
(percentage) by pressing the arrow keys. Confirm by pressing ON.
P.OFFSET (Pivot Offset)
Change the value with the arrow keys and
confirm your choice with ON. The value is
shown in Metric/Feet
The”Pivot offset” is equal to the distance
between the front side of the instrument to the
aimed point where the prolonging of the sight
line from the transponder and the top of the tree coincide.
The imagined point is located somewhere behind your neck and the value
should in normal cases be set to 0,3 m (1.0 feet).
Since the Vertex III will presume that the transponder T3 is placed directly
under the aimed height of the measuring object (when the object is equal
to a tree), a half of the objects diameter should be added to the Pivot
Offset. This compensates for the diminishment of the tree top. When
measuring tree heights, it is recommended to add half the average
diameter in the area, for improved accuracy.
T.HEIGHT (Transponder height)
Change the value with the arrow keys and confirm with ON. The value is set in
metric/feet. T.HEIGHT is the height where the transponder is set, the reference
height for the measuring unit. The Vertex III adds the preset T HEIGHT to the
measured height. Normal breast height value is set to 1,3 m (4.5 ft).
SETUP
METRIC DEG
P.OFFSET 0.3
T.HEIGHT 1.3
M.DIST 034.5

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 12
DME DIAMETER
MEASURING
BAF 5
M.DIST (Manual distance)
This function is useful when measuring without
the transponder. Change value with the arrow
keys and confirm with the ON key. The value is
shown in metric or feet. M. DIST is the manual
distance to the reference point on the object
where the height is measured. Make sure that
the T.HEIGHT is correctly set, i.e. the height to the chosen reference point.
BAF Basal Area Factor
Working with relaskopes or prism can sometimes offer difficulties when in
the forest some trees cover others. The poor sighting can prevent a
correct diameter measuring. With the Vertex built in BAF function, the
minimum tree diameter for trees to be included can be featured.
By measuring the distance from the tree to the plot centre with the Vertex
III the instrument can calculate the minimum diameter for a tree to be
included in the plot.
These BAF factors are available in the Vertex III:
0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (m2/ha)
or
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 (ft2/acre)
The Vertex III can compensate for an inclination in the terrain when
calculating the minimum diameter, see next chapter.

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 13
CALIBRATE
Use a measuring tape to measure the exact distance of 10.0 m (32,8 feet)
between the transponder and the Vertex front.
Press ON to start the Vertex instrument. Step in the menu to CALIBRATE and
press ON. The instrument will calibrate to 10 m and automatically turn off when
ready.
It is important to give the instrument approximately 10 minutes to set to the
correct temperature before calibrating.
DISPLAY
Set the display contrast for best possible visibility using the arrow keys.
CONTRAST
Start the instrument with ON. Step to CONTRAST and press ON. Change the
contrast with the arrow keys for best possible visibility.
CROSS HAIR SIGHT
Change the light in the cross sight by looking into the sight when measuring and
using arrow keys to increase or decrease the light intensity.
If the sun (back-light) makes it difficult to see, use both eyes when aiming,
and put a finger in front of the sight.
CALIBRATE 
DME
23ºC
74ºC
10.00M
CONTRAST
CONTRAST 48

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 14
How to Use the Vertex III
HEIGHT
Height measuring can be performed in different ways depending on type of
surroundings and operation. Heights, distance and angles can be transferred to
for example the Digitech Professional Caliper or other computer device for
storage/processing with IR by pressing right arrow key. For height measuring,
the 3 last measured heights with angle and distance can be transferred.
Height measuring with transponder
Start the transponder T3 and place it on/towards the object to measure. Note that the
transponder should be placed at the T.HEIGHT /(transponder height) that has been
set in the settings menu. Walk a suitable distance from the object – for optimal result
accuracy, a distance equal to the approximate height.
1. Press ON to start the Vertex and aim at the transponder. Keep pressing ON until
the cross hair sight goes out momentarily. Now release ON. The Vertex has
measured the distance, the angle and the horizontal distance to the transponder.
2. Aim at the height to measure with the sight cross blinking. Press ON until the
cross hair disappears. The first height is locked and displayed. Repeat until all
heights on the object are measured.
Height Measuring without the Transponder
Height measuring without the transponder can be performed in two ways, both using
manual distance (M.DIST). Note that aiming must be made on the same height as
the preset T.HEIGHT.
1. Press ON to start the Vertex III and HEIGHT is displayed.
2. A quick press on ON and M.DIST is featured. Change this value if incorrect,
using the arrow keys. Press ON when the value is set and the angle window is
featured.
3. Aim at the height that T.HEIGHT is set to and press ON until sight cross
disappears. Release ON. The Vertex displays the angle and the horizontal
distance to T.HEIGHT.
4. Aim at the height you wish to measure with the cross hair blinking. Keep pressing
ON until the cross disappears. The first height is displayed. Repeat until all
heights on the object are measured (see above).
HEIGHT
M.DIST 34.5
23ºC 74ºC
DEG -17.9
GRAD -19.9
% -32.4
SD 34.5
HD 32.3
DEG -17.9
H1 29.5

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 15
Height measuring from horizontal line
Height measuring from a fixed distance and 0-set reference angle is a useful function
to measure for example power line heights.
1. Press ON to start the Vertex and HEIGHT is displayed.
2. Press ON and M.DIST is featured. Change
this value with the arrow keys and press ON
when the correct distance is reached. Press
right arrow key and ON at the same time to
zero-set the angle.
3. Aim at the height of the object, with the cross
hair sight blinking. Push and press ON until the
cross disappears. The first height is locked and
displayed. Repeat for more heights (see
above). Note that the T.HEIGHT is added to
the measured height over the horizontal line.
The T.HEIGHT can, for example, be set at the
operator’s eye height.

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 16
Inclination (ANGLE)
The Vertex III is an excellent instrument to measure inclination and angles in
the terrain.
1. Start the Vertex III with the ON key and step with the arrow keys in the
menu to ANGLE. Press the ON key.
2. The ANGLE window is displayed. Aim where you need to measure the
angle. Press and keep ON pressed until the red aim cross goes out.
Read the measured value in the display.
The angle is presented in DEG (degrees 0.360), GRAD (degrees 0..400) and
percentage.
Note that the angle should be measured with the cross hair sight. This
implies that it is not possible to use the outside of the Vertex III to measure
an angle of, for example a flat table surface.
Distance Measuring (DME)
To measure a distance, press the DME key (left arrow key) when the Vertex
III is turned off. The result, the distance between the Vertex III and the
transponder T3, is presented in the Vertex display. Data can be transmitted
through IR by pressing the IR key.
Distance Measuring with the Adapter for 360 Degrees
With the adapter, the ultrasound is spread and it is possible to
measure from any direction. This is particularly useful when
working in circular sample plots, where the distance from the plot
centre to objects within a defined circle should be measured.
Note that the ultrasound has to travel approximately 1 inch (2,5cm)
extra in these cases and that the distance reading should be made
from the upper part of the display frame on the Vertex III
instrument when Vertex is calibrated as in page 13.
ANGLE
23ºC 74ºC
DEG -17.9
GRAD -19.9
% -32.4
DME
23ºC
74ºC
10.00M

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 17
Horizontal Distance measuring (DME)
The Vertex can be used as a horizontal distance measurer (DME). The display text
will rotate 90º to simplify reading the results when measuring horizontal distances.
1. Press ON to start the Vertex and go with the arrow keys to ANGLE and push
ON.
2. Aim at the point where you need to know the angle. Push and press the ON until
the red cross goes out.
3. To measure a distance, now push the left arrow key. The Vertex III presents the
horizontal distance in the display.
DME arrow key –
trigger for
distance
measuring

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 18
BAF – Smallest Diameter
Working in dense forest with relaskopes or prism can sometimes offer difficulties
and accurate diameter estimation hard to make.
When using a relaskopic method to measure, an in-built BAF function
can be used for the Vertex III instrument to control the minimum diameter
for trees. The function is useful when some trees in an area are covered
by other, making the decision whether to include the tree or to exclude it
from the area difficult. By simply measuring the distance between the
tree and the plot centre, the Vertex III can calculate the minimum
diameter the tree should have in order to be included into the counting.
Basal Area Factors: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (m2/ha)
or: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 (ft2/acre)
Diameters in leaning terrain
The Vertex III can compensate the calculated minimum diameter
also when the terrain is leaning. Measure the angle from the tree to
the plot centre. Activate the distance measuring function by
pressing the DME key (left arrow key).
The horizontal distance and the calculated minimum diameter is
presented in the display.
DME
23ºC
74ºC
23.5
15.54M

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 19
TransponderT3
The T3 transponder is an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver that communicates
with the Vertex III instrument. The T3 transponder can be used both for direct
measuring (60º), and in 360º when used with the “360 adapter” – for example
when working in circular sample plots.
The T3 is equipped with an audible signal that tells if the transponder is
activated or not.
The T3 has no switch and the Vertex and/or DME is used as a remote
control to turn off and on. When turned on, the T3 Transponder stays
activated for app. 20 minutes.
T3 uses 1 alkaline 1,5 voltage AA battery placed under the battery lid.
To measure in a 360circle with the transponder, the T3 is
attached to the adapter. The adapter spreads and receives the
ultrasound in a full circle. The adapter can be mounted onto the
custom plot center staff.
How to use the T3 Transponder
To perform any of the operations described below, keep the measuring unit
loudspeaker towards the T3 loudspeaker.
Function
Turn on Press meas.unit DME trigger until 2 signals beep
Turn off Press meas.unit DME trigger until 4 signals beep (transponder)
Ultrasonic
loudspeaker
and
microphone
Battery lid
Battery comp.
NOTE: plus-pole
(+) no spring
1-2 cm
Hook to
fasten to a
stem

Vertex III and Transponder T3 manual v.1.5 eng
© 2007 Haglöf Sweden AB 20
Ex. Sending data to the
Di
g
itech Professional cali
p
e
r
IR
Heights can be sent through IR to the Digitech Professional caliper
or to a special made IR receiver that can be placed in a serial port
(RS232).
Note that the Vertex III has to be
positioned within 10 cm/4” to the
receiving device for a transmission
to be successful.
Sign Format IR
When sending data through IR every sign is transmitted with a
parity bit added, if the number of bits in the sign is uneven. The
parity bit is used to control that the sign has been received
correctly, and has to be removed. When transmitting data with IR,
baud 1200bps, 7 data bits and even parity and 1 stop bit are used.
A special made receiver for handheld computers and PC can be
ordered separately.