Laser Technology MapStar TruAngle User manual

© LTI 2014 MapStar TruAngle 0144849
Laser Technology, Inc.
MapStar®TruAngle®
User’s Manual

LTI MapStarTruAngle
User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Part Number 0144849
Copyright Notice:
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of Laser Technology, Inc. No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or
information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s
personal use, without the express written consent of Laser Technology, Inc.
Copyright (c)[2010
- 2014] Laser Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
First Edition: December 2010
Second Edition: January 2012
Third Edition: November 2014
Trademarks:
MapStar, TruAngle, TruPulse, TruSpeed, Impulse, UltraLyte and Criterion are registered trademarks of
Laser Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
Patents:
This product is covered by pending patent applications and
the following issued patent: 5,859,693
How to Contact LTI: Street Address: 6912 S. Quentin Street
Centennial, CO 80112 USA
Phone: [phone]
1-800-790-7364 (USA and Canada)
Fax: [phone]
Web Site: www.lasertech.com
Email: [e-mail]

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Table of Contents
Page 1
Table of Contents
Precautions ........................................................................................................................ 2
Section #1 - Introducing the MapStar TruAngle ............................................................. 2
Basic Package ............................................................................................................ 3
Accessories ................................................................................................................ 3
Section #2 - Quick Start .................................................................................................... 3
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle ...................................................................................... 4
Loading the Batteries .................................................................................................. 4
Battery Indicator .................................................................................................. 4
Attaching the Side Brackets and the Laser .................................................................... 5
Connecting the Cables ................................................................................................ 6
Cable Crimp ......................................................................................................... 6
Leveling the TruAngle ................................................................................................. 6
Fine Adjust and Friction Lock ....................................................................................... 7
Button Names and Functions ....................................................................................... 7
Power ON the TruAngle ........................................................................................ 7
Extend the Display Segment Test .......................................................................... 8
Power OFF the TruAngle ....................................................................................... 8
Display the Firmware Version Number .................................................................... 8
Turn the LCD Backlight On or Off ........................................................................... 8
Indexing the Encoder .................................................................................................. 9
Zeroing the Unit ......................................................................................................... 9
Entering A Non-Zero Backsight .................................................................................... 9
Removing the Non-Zero Backsight Value ................................................................ 10
Taking a Measurement ................................................................................................ 10
Error Codes .......................................................................................................... 10
Section #4 - Managing Serial Data ................................................................................... 11
NMEA Compliance ...................................................................................................... 11
Laser Settings ............................................................................................................ 11
Remote Triggering ...................................................................................................... 11
Format Parameters ..................................................................................................... 12
Serial Ports Pin-out Assignments .................................................................................. 12
Serial Commands ........................................................................................................ 12
Serial Requests ..................................................................................................... 12
Serial Commands .................................................................................................. 13
TruPulse Series and TruSpeed Sx Only ................................................................... 14
Error Messages ..................................................................................................... 15
Section #5 - Caring for the TruAngle ............................................................................... 16
Section #6 - Troubleshooting & Tips ............................................................................... 17
Section #7 - Specifications ............................................................................................... 18
Section #8 - LTI Limited Warranty ................................................................................... 19
Index ................................................................................................................................... 20

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Precautions
Page 2
Precautions
Do not expose to extreme temperatures.
TruAngle components are rated for a operating temperature range of -22to 122F (-30to 50C).
Storage temperature range: -40to 176F (-40to 80C).
Do not expose to severe mechanical shock.
To do so may damage the TruAngle’s encoder or associated electronics.
See the required procedure for indexing the encoder (Page 9).
Do not expose to excessive moisture or dust.
The TruAngle is rated IP54 - water & dust resistant. See Page 16 for
information about the care and maintenance of the TruAngle.
Section #1 - Introducing the MapStar TruAngle
Congratulations on the purchase of your LTI MapStar TruAngle angle encoder. The TruAngle calculates a
turned horizontal angle that can be referenced to any desired point or direction. It works in conjunction with all
our laser rangefinders that have an inclinometer for complete 3D position measurements with
X, Y and Z coordinates. The modular design allows you to pivot the laser a full 90up or down while
maintaining the rotary encoder level, providing the greatest possible accuracy and range of motion.
One of the major advantages of the TruAngle is that it is not affected by local magnetic interference.
There are so many applications, like urban environments for example, where you may need to position
objects, but can not use an electronic compass because your surroundings could compromise your accuracy.
Features of the TruAngle:
• Simple 2-button interface
• Friction Lock Mechanism
• Bubble Level
•LCD
• Backlight
• Serial Interface with Auto Download from laser to data collector
Figure #1
Top View Right Side View
1. Bubble Level
2. Serial Ports
3. Threaded Insert
4. Tripod Mount
5. Fine Adjust
6. Friction Lock
7. Buttons
8. LCD
9. Battery Door

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Section #2 - Quick Start
Page 3
Basic Package
MapStar TruAngle
Laser Cable
Download Cable
Side Brackets (1 set):
• Short (Impulse / TruPulse 200 / TruPulse 360)
• Short and Laser Mounting Bracket (TruSpeed Sx / TruPulse 200X / TruPulse 360R)
•Tall(UltraLyte)
2 AA batteries
User's Manual
Padded shipping box
Accessories
Laser mounting brackets
Tripod / Staff
Tribrach & Tribrach adapter
Mounting hardware
Serial data cable (remote trigger option)
Carrying case
Software solutions
Data Collectors
Section #2 - Quick Start
1. Install the batteries (Page 4).
2. Mount side brackets, laser, tripod and then attach
cables (Pages 5 - 6).
3. Use the bubble level to level the unit (Page 6).
4. Long press the ON button to power on the unit (Page 7).
5. Index the encoder (Page 9).
6. Zero the unit when “0.00” is flashing by pressing the OK button
or firing the laser. When the TruAngle is rotated, the display not
flash and will update with angle measurements.
7. Fire the laser to take an angle measurement. Laser and angle
measurement data is automatically downloaded through the
DATA serial port.
8. When finished, long press both buttons to power off the
TruAngle.
To learn more about any of the items listed above, please contact LTI,
LTI Sales Representative or Authorized Dealer.
Figure #2

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle
Page 4
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle
Loading the Batteries
Two AA batteries are required to power the TruAngle.
The Battery Door is located on the left side of the TruAngle.
1. Remove the Battery Door by turning the screw counter-clockwise.
Note that Battery Doors tabbed edge serves as the hinge.
2. Insert the two batteries as shown in the figure.
3. Replace the Battery Door by inserting the tabbed edge of the door into the slot.
4. Secure the Battery Door by turning the screw clockwise.
Figure #3
Battery Indicator
Use a flat head screwdriver or coin to remove or secure the battery door.
The TruAngle continuously monitors
its power source. LTI has defined the
acceptable battery voltage range to
guarantee correct operation.
The battery voltage icon is located in
the lower right corner of the LCD.
When the battery voltage becomes
too low, the unit will automatically
power off. No indications.
Appearance
of the
Battery Icon Explanation
2 segments and battery outline lighted.
Approximately 8 hours of use remain.
1 segment and battery outline lighted.
Approximately 5 hours of use remain.
Battery outline lighted.
Approximately 2 hours of use remain.

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle
Page 5
Attaching the Side Brackets and the Laser
1. Attach the laser mounting bracket to the laser.
2. Attach right and left side brackets to the TruAngle.
• The short side brackets are designed for use with the Impulse and the TruPulse.
• The tall side brackets are designed for use with the UltraLyte
3. Attach the laser mounting bracket to the side bracket. The side bracket should be secure,
but should not be over tightened.
• The required laser mounting bracket depends upon which laser you are using (Impulse,
TruPulse 200, TruPulse 200X, TruPulse 360, TruPulse 360R, TruSpeed Sx or UltraLyte).
Please contact LTI if you need assistance.
• When attaching the laser to the side brackets, do not over-extend the side brackets.
Impulse TruPulse 200 / TruPulse 360
TruSpeed Sx / TruPulse 200X / TruPulse 360R UltraLyte
Figure #4


LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle
Page 6
Connecting the Cables
• Connect either end of the supplied laser data cable to
the laser’s serial port and the other end to the
TruAngle’s serial port labeled “LASER”.
• Connect one end of the download cable to the data
collector and the other end to the TruAngle’s serial port
labeled “DATA”.
Cable Crimp
As Figure #6 shows, the side bracket design includes a cable
crimp. You can use the cable crimp to hold the cables and keep
them from interfering with your work.
Leveling the TruAngle
The bubble level is used to level the TruAngle.
1. Look at the position of the bubble within the bubble
level. When the bubble is centered inside the circle, the
TruAngle is level.
2. To align the bubble within the circle, adjust the tribach
or tripod the TruAngle is mounted on.
Looking at Figure #7, the yellow dot represents the
bubble. [A] shows that the TruAngle is not level. [B]
shows that the TruAngle is level.
Figure #5
Figure #6
Figure #7
[A] [B]

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle
Page 7
Fine Adjust and Friction Lock
• The Fine Adjust wheel lets you precisely control the encoder’s rotation. Movement of the wheel results in
small angle update measurements. The Fine Adjust ratio is 66:1.
• Tightening the Friction Lock keeps the encoder from rotating by adding friction to the base plate and to
the brake shoe which is attached to the chassis. Adjust as needed.
Button Names and Functions
Power ON the TruAngle
To power on the TruAngle, long press the ON button. Briefly, the LCD should look like Figure #8 and
the backlight will also be on. Next the LCD should look like Figure #9, prompting you to index the
encoder (Page 9).
Button Function
Figure #7
ON Long press powers on the TruAngle.
Shows the Display Test at power on until the
button is released (Page 8).
BL When the TruAngle is already powered on, long
press to turn on / off the backlight.
OK Short press to accept orientation and reference
the TruAngle at the value displayed.
ZERO Long press to activate the Zero Mode.
BS Short press to activate the Backsight Mode.
Press and hold both buttons until the TruAngle
powers off.
This manual simplifies the button names to relate to current function
instead of matching the TruAngle’s label. For example, instead of
“Press
the ON BL OK button to activate the backlight”
, this manual would state
“Press the BL button to activate the backlight” .
Figure #8 Figure #9

LTI MapStar TruAngle User’s Manual 3rd Edition
Section #3 - Using the TruAngle
Page 8
Extend the Display Segment Test
Extending the Display Segment Test allows you to verify that all display indicators are
working properly.
1. Press and hold the ON button. The LCD should look like Figure #8 (Page 7) and the Backlight
should also be on.
2. Verify all display segments are lit.
3. Release the ON button. Upon releasing the ON button, the LCD should look like Figure #9 (Page 7).
Power OFF the TruAngle
To power off the TruAngle, long press both buttons simultaneously.
Display the Firmware Version Number
The firmware version number provides
manufacturing information about your
TruAngle. It can only be viewed at power on.
1. Starting with the TruAngle powered off,
long press both buttons. As an example,
Figure #10 shows the firmware version
number 1.14.
Note: Your TruAngle may display a different
firmware version number.
2. Upon release of the buttons, the LCD should
look like Figure #9, prompting you to index
the encoder (Page 9).
For future reference, make note here of the
firmware version number: __________.
Turn the LCD Backlight On or Off
When working in low-light conditions, you may find it easier to read the display screen if the LCD backlight is
toggled on. Long press the BL button at anytime to toggle the LCD backlight on or off.
• To help save its batteries, the TruAngle has a factory-defined power
off interval. The instrument will automatically power off if there is no
activity for a period of 60 minutes. Instrument activity includes
button presses and measurements.
• The power off interval may be changed using the Time Out Interval
serial command (Page 13).
To conserve battery power, you should only use the backlight when necessary.
Figure #10