MDL LaserAce Pocket Series User manual

LaserAce® Pocket Series
LaserAce®Pocket Series
Hand-held Reflectorless Instrument with Data Storage
A WORLD LEADER IN LASER MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY
CONTENTS PAGE
1Quick User Guide 4
1.1 LaserAce® Survey............................................................................................................4
1.2 LaserAce® Hypsometer ...................................................................................................7
2Contact Information and Warranty 9
2.1 Dear Customer .................................................................................................................9
2.2 About this LaserAce® Pocket Series User’s Manual.....................................................10
2.3 Product Warranty............................................................................................................11
2.4 Waste Information...........................................................................................................11
3Introduction 12
3.1 LaserAce® Pocket Series...............................................................................................12
3.1.1 LaserAce® Survey Modes...........................................................................13
3.1.2 LaserAce® Hypsometer Modes...................................................................13
3.2 Key Features ..................................................................................................................13
4Safety Information 15
4.1 Laser Safety....................................................................................................................15
4.2 Electromagnetic Compatibility and Emissions ...............................................................16
4.3 Batteries..........................................................................................................................16
4.4 Hazardous Substances ..................................................................................................16
5Handling and Storage Precautions 17
5.1 Handling..........................................................................................................................17
5.2 Storage ...........................................................................................................................17
5.3 Disposal ..........................................................................................................................17
6Overview of Applications 18
6.1 LaserAce® Survey..........................................................................................................18
6.2 LaserAce® Hypsometer .................................................................................................19
7Preparation for use 20
7.1 Power Supply..................................................................................................................20
7.2 Hand-strap ......................................................................................................................21
7.3 Bluetooth® ......................................................................................................................22
7.4 Setup .....23..........................................................................................................................
7.4.1 Units .............................................................................................................24
7.4.2 Configuration................................................................................................25
7.4.3 Offsets..........................................................................................................30
7.5 Calibrating Compass ......................................................................................................33
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 1
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 2
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
8Operation 35
8.1 Principle of Operation .....................................................................................................35
8.2 Usage..............................................................................................................................36
8.3 Switching On...................................................................................................................36
8.4 Key Selection..................................................................................................................37
8.5 Buzzer.............................................................................................................................37
8.6 Basic Instrument Functions ............................................................................................38
8.7 Switching Off...................................................................................................................38
9LaserAce® Survey Menu Options 39
9.1 Rangefinder ....................................................................................................................39
9.2 Subtended Distance .......................................................................................................41
9.3 Missing Distance.............................................................................................................43
9.4 Area/Volume ...................................................................................................................45
9.5 Three Point Height..........................................................................................................46
9.6 Rapid Fire .......................................................................................................................48
10 LaserAce® Hypsometer Menu options 49
10.1 Rangefinder ....................................................................................................................49
10.2 Tree Diameter.................................................................................................................49
10.3 Length/Lean/Volume ......................................................................................................51
10.3.1 Single Point..................................................................................................51
10.3.2 Two Point .....................................................................................................52
10.3.3 Three Point...................................................................................................55
10.3.4 Download .....................................................................................................59
10.3.5 Print Tree Table ...........................................................................................59
10.3.6 Clear Memory...............................................................................................59
11 Data Format 60
11.1 NMEA Output Format .....................................................................................................60
11.2 Format of Tree Measurement String ..............................................................................61
12 Bluetooth® on PC 62
12.1 Installing BELKIN® USB ‘Bluetooth®’ Adapter ..............................................................62
12.2 Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................62
12.3 Running the ‘Bluetooth®’ Software for the First Time....................................................63
12.4 Configuring HyperTerminal to use ‘Bluetooth®’ Communications.................................63
13 Bluetooth® on Pocket PDA 64
13.1 Bluetooth® General........................................................................................................64
13.1.1 Option 1: Use favourite ................................................................................64
13.1.2 Option 2: New search on connection...........................................................64
13.2 Bluetooth® on HP iPaq...................................................................................................65
13.2.1 iPaq Find new ..............................................................................................65
13.3 Recon luetooth® using Socket C.F. Card....................................................................66B
13.3.1 Search make favourite.................................................................................66
13.3.2 Bluetooth® Connection................................................................................68

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 3
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
14 Troubleshooting with Bluetooth® 69
14.1 PC Examples ..................................................................................................................69
14.2 PDA Examples................................................................................................................71
15 Technical Details 73
15.1 Specification ...................................................................................................................73
16 Notes 74

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 4
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
1 Quick User Guide
1.1 LaserAce® Survey
To start
• Press the red ‘fire’ button on top of the instrument. The unit starts up confirming the unit type (ie.
Survey), date and version, and then Bluetooth® and compass
• The main menu gives you a list of options/ or modes
• To select a mode use the ▲button,to enter that mode press the red fire button
• The mode will ask you specific instructions
• NOTE: To go back (at any time) press the ●button.
Menu/ Setup
• Firstly, you need to enter your offset height, which is the height from the ground to your eye level
• Select ‘Setup’
• Within setup, select ‘3. Offsets’ (by using the ▲button)
• Select ‘Instrument HT’
• Using the ■button change the numbers. The ▲button moves along the numbers
• Press the red fire button to confirm
• Press the ●button to go back to the main menu
• YOU ARE READY TO GO.
1. Rangefinder
• Select ‘1. Rangefinder’ mode by pressing the red fire button
• The screen will show:
SD __________________________ m
VA ___________________________°
HA ___________________________°
HA - COMPASS
• Point at your target and press the red fire button
VA 2.9°
HA 114.2°
HA - COMPASS
SD 18.08 m
• Press the ▲button to see horizontal distance and vertical distance.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 5
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
2. Subtended Distance
• The user looks through the sighting scope at the building.
You ‘bracket’ the stadia hairs (laser aiming and diameter
scope) between the window frame (you do this by walking
forward/ backwards until two fit either side of the object
• Press the red fire button (located on top)
• The ‘diameter’ is given on the LCD screen. Make sure you
choose the correct ‘stadia hairs’ by clicking though the
different pairs using the ▲button.
3. Missing Distance
• Select ‘3. Missing Distance’
• The LCD screen now shows:
STADIA NIL
TWO POINT
SHOOT 1
• Follow the instructions. Note: LaserAce® Survey only measures missing distance in the vertical plane
• The LCD screen now shows:
MISSING DISTANCE 2.75
GRADIENT 0.0m
STADIA NIL
(example: height of internal wall)
• Note: To go back (at any time) press the ●button.
4. Area/ Volume
• Select ‘4. Area/ Vol’
• The LCD screen now shows:
2. RECTANGULAR AREA
3. TRIANGLE SURFACE AREA
AREA/ VOLUME
1. CONIC VOLUME
• Select ‘1. Conic Volume’
• The LCD screen now shows:

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 6
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
VOLUME OF CONE
SHOOT THE BASE OF CONE
• Point and shoot at the base. It then asks you to ‘shoot the top of the cone’
• The LCD screen now shows: (example)
• NOTE: To go back (at any time) press the ●button
• Select ‘2. Rectangular Area’
• The LCD screen asks you to enter
‘Instrument HT’. (If you did this at the
start then ignore. If not follow instructions
▲moves the cursor/ ■changes the
numbers). Press red fire button to confirm
• LCD screen now reads:
AREA OF RECTANGLE
SHOOT LENGTH
• From your corner (as indicated in the diagram) shoot point ‘D’ – length
• The screen now reads:
AREA OF RECTANGLE
SHOOT BREADTH
• From your corner (as indicated in the diagram) shoot point ‘B’ – breadth
• The screen now reads:
SUR. AREA 22.6m2
HOR. AREA 200.3m2
AREA OF RECTANGLE

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 7
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
6. RAPID FIRE
• Select ‘6. RAPID FIRE’ - Rapid Fire has been designed to find the height of over hanging cables
• The LCD screen now shows:
FIND WIRE
SHOOT GROUND
• Point and shoot ground. The unit then asks ‘FIND WIRE’. Pointing the unit to the wire, hold down the
fire button and scan over the wire until the unit find it. When detected it will show the measurements.
1.2 LaserAce® Hypsometer
See 1.1 ‘To start’ section of LaserAce® Survey.
See 1.1 ‘Menu/ Setup’ section of LaserAce® Survey.
See 1.1 ‘Rangefinder’ section of LaserAce® Survey.
See 1.1 ‘Subtended Distance’ section of LaserAce® Survey known as Tree Diameter in the LaserAce®
Hypsometer. This is the same method.
3. Length/ Lean/ Vol
• Select ‘Length/ Lean/ Vol’
• It will ask you for a ‘Tapering %’ – for now ignore this (See section 10.3)
• Press the red fire button
• The LCD screen now shows:
DOWNLOAD
PRINT TREE TABLE
3. THREE POINT
LENGTH/ LEAN/ VOL
1. SINGLE POINT
2. TWO POINT
• For now we will concentrate on three point heighting.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 8
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
3. THREE POINT
If scrub is an issue or leaves are fine at the top, three point heighting is idea.
• Select ‘3. THREE POINT’ from the menu
• For now keep Stadia NIL
• Follow the instructions
• The screen will show:
HD 4.66
THREE POINT
TREE HT. 2.88

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 9
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
2 Contact Information and Warranty
2.1 Dear Customer
We would like to congratulate you on the purchase of your LaserAce® Pocket Series Instrument. You are now
the owner of a high quality, personal laser surveying system. This instrument is easy to operate.
However, we would ask you to take the time to carefully work though this users manual before using the
instrument and keep the manual with the unit at all times.
If your instrument requires a service, contact us at:
UK USA
Measurement Devices Ltd.
Silverburn Crescent
Bridge of Don Industrial Estate
Aberdeen, AB23 8EW
Scotland, UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 1224 246 700
Fax: + 44 (0) 1224 824 987
email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.mdl.co.uk
Western Data Systems (WDS)
14722 Regnal Street
Houston
Texas 77039
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Web: www.westerndatasystems.com
To enable us to give you our best help, please obtain the serial number, which can be found on the
instrument. Thank you.
Alternatively, for information on your nearest service and support centre visit our web site at
http://www.mdl.co.uk

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 10
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
2.2 About this LaserAce® Pocket Series User’s Manual
Patent applied for.
LaserAce®is a registered trademark of Measurement Devices Ltd.
THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN COMPILED WITH CARE. HOWEVER, SHOULD YOU DISCOVER ANY ERROR,
WE WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD CONTACT THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT DIRECT.
[email protected]
It is important that you read this manual carefully before using the instrument.
Reproduction in whole or in part, including utilisation in machines capable of reproduction or retrieval, without
the express written permission of MDL is prohibited. Reverse engineering is also prohibited.
©Copyright 2008 Measurement Devices Ltd. The programs that control this product are protected by
copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation of these programs without the
express written permission of MDL is prohibited.
All trademarks used in this manual are recognised.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Manual Issue Status:
Date Issue Reviser
09/2008 1 ESB

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 11
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
2.3 Product Warranty
a) Unless otherwise specified, MDL warrants the equipment for a period of twelve months from date of
delivery. This warranty is given subject to the following conditions:
I. MDL shall be under no liability in respect of any defects in the equipment arising from any
drawing, design or specification supplied or modification requested by the customer.
II. MDL shall be under no liability in respect of defects arising from fair wear and tear, wilful
damage, negligence, abnormal working conditions, failure to follow MDL’s instructions
(whether oral or in writing), misuse or alteration or repair of the equipment without MDL’s
approval.
b) Claims in respect of defective equipment must be intimated by notice in writing to MDL and the equipment
must be retained by the customer pending written instructions from MDL.
Following authorised return of the equipment, which must be made by the customer on a freight prepaid basis,
MDL will examine the equipment. If the claim is justified, at MDL’s option, MDL will repair or replace the
defective equipment without charge and MDL will have no further liability to the customer.
2.4 Waste Information
The crossed-out bin symbol, placed on the product, reminds you of the need to dispose of the product correctly
at the end of its life. In this way you will assist in the recovery, recycling and reuse of many of the materials used
in this product.
Where possible recycle your packaging.
With your help it is possible to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic waste ending up in landfill and to
improve quality of life by preventing the release of potentially hazardous substances into the environment.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 12
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
3 Introduction
LaserAce® Pocket Series comes in three versions:
• LaserAce® Burden Finder, for measuring burden measurements in the Quarry market (separate
manual)
• LaserAce® Survey, designed as a general survey tool, and
• LaserAce® Hypsometer, specifically designed for foresters and arborists to aid in tree measuration.
This manual is the users guide for:
• LaserAce® Survey, or
• LaserAce® Hypsometer.
Most of the instructions for these are identical and where they differ the text is annotated accordingly or separate
sections have been provided in this document.
3.1 LaserAce® Pocket Series
LaserAce® Pocket Series with built-in inclinometer and compass
LaserAce® Pocket Series is a hand-held laser range finder providing you with personal surveying capability. It
enables the professional surveyor, engineer or general user to measure range, height, slope, missing distance,
diameter, widths of objects and even cables with ‘point and shoot’ simplicity.
LaserAce® Pocket Series incorporates a pulsed laser distance meter, inclinometer and compass. The sighting
scope allows the operator to aim and measure range, vertical and horizontal angles to passive targets up to
150m (500’) away with 5cm (2”) accuracy. Using reflective foil the operator can measure to targets up to 600m
(2000’) away.
The palm-sized LaserAce® Pocket Series is Class 1 eye safe (FDA/ IEC) and weighs only 400g/ 14oz.
Measurements and calculations are displayed on a custom back-lit LCD panel. Data output is available through
Bluetooth® and can be configured to interface the LaserAce® to a range of data loggers, palm and pen
computers.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 13
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
3.1.1 LaserAce® Survey Modes
• Range finder (for measuring distances)
• Subtended distance (diameter measurement)
• Area and volume calculation
• Three point heighting
• Rapid fire mode for detecting cables.
LaserAce® Survey does not incorporate a ‘save’ facility.
These units have been designed for simple effortless use – point and shoot technology. There is no need for
bulky accessories, targets or responders. It does it all in one single compact unit, affording users considerable
cost savings on field operations.
3.1.2 LaserAce® Hypsometer Modes
• Brush filter mode (for use with reflective tape). Targeting specific trees
• Critical range gating for area plots
• Critical height and diameter detection
• Heighting (with built in inclinometer)
• 2-point height and lean measurement (also known as missing distance)
• 3-point height measurement (for use when scrub and thin canopy are an issue)
• Diameter measurement
• Log volumes
• Plot sampling
• Range finder for measuring distances.
LaserAce® Hypsometer incorporates a ‘save’ facility for storing data measurements of up to 2000 tree readings/
data sets.
3.2 Key Features
• Class 1 eye safe laser (FDA/ IEC)
• 150m/ 500’ reflectorless range (no reflective target)
• 600m/ 2000’ range with reflector
• Accuracy 5cm/ 2”
• Range resolution 1cm
• Distance measurement in metres or feet
• Angles in degrees/ gons
• Low battery indicator and warning buzzer
• Simply telescope sighting scope with integrated stadia hairs (x 5 magnification)
• Bluetooth® data interface
• Water and dust resistant (IP63)
• Digital inclinometer range +/- 70°. Accuracy: 0.2° at level
• 3-Axis solid state electronic compass with automatic pitch and roll correction (Electronically
Gimballed) Typical 2° Heading Accuracy with 1° Pitch and Roll Accuracy
• Camcorder type rechargeable batteries (normal use 8hrs)(charger supplied)
• Weight 400g/ 14oz
• Size: 110mm L x 100mm W x 50mm H (4.33” L x 3.94” W x 1.97” H).

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 14
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
LaserAce® Pocket Series Features
Eye PieceFire Button
Bluetooth® data
download
Function keys
Transmitter and
Receiver lenses
Removable and rechargeable
batter
y
Backlit
LCD display
Sighting Optics
with Stadia hairs
(x 5 magnification)
Hand
Strap

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 15
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
4 Safety Information
4.1 Laser Safety
The LaserAce® Pocket Series is classified as a Class 1 eye safe laser product in compliance with the European
eye safety regulation CENELEC EN60825-1 (2001) and US federal requirements (FDA/CDRH) 21 CFR 1040.10
and 1040.11 (except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice no. 50, dated July 2001).
CAUTION! Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures, other than those specified herein, may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Never open the instrument’s housing!
WARNING – Opening the protective housing may result in exposure to Class 3B radiation.
(This caution label is positioned inside the outer housing on the access panel to the laser emitter. It is therefore
only visible by qualified maintenance engineer prior and after access to the laser emitter)
Do not operate evidently damaged instruments! If the instrument is handled incompetently, the
manufacturers absolve themselves from honouring any guarantee or insurance whatsoever.
Do not unnecessarily look into the transmitter lens of the LaserAce® Pocket Series!
This product is intended for use in a locale where the emitted radiation is unlikely to be viewed with
optical instruments.
Nevertheless, we recommend that the instrument is not directly pointed at people’s eyes (especially if they
are using binoculars).
Aligning the LaserAce® Pocket Series with the lenses of CCD-cameras or infrared night vision devices can
result in damage to them and is therefore not permitted.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 16
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
4.2 Electromagnetic Compatibility and Emissions
The LaserAce® Pocket Series meets or exceeds the requirements of the following European Standards:
EN 55022: 1998 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference
Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.
EN 55024: 1998 Information Technology Equipment – Immunity Characteristics –
Limits and Methods of Measurement.
EN 55024 refers to the following specifications:-
EN 6100-4-2: 1995 Electromagnetic Compatibility Part 4. Testing and
Measuring Techniques. Section 2. Electrostatic
Discharge.
EN 61000-4-3: 1996 + A1 Electromagnetic Compatibility Part 4. Testing and
Measuring Techniques. Section 3. Electromagnetic
Field Immunity.
4.3 Batteries
Dispose of used batteries sensibly. Under no circumstances must the batteries (or instrument) be disposed of by
burning. EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR!
4.4 Hazardous Substances
This product may contain substances that can be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 17
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
5 Handling and Storage Precautions
5.1 Handling
The LaserAce® Pocket Series is a reflectorless system. DO NOT USE reflectors at ranges below 100m, for
ranges above 150m, reflectors may be employed.
Note: DO NOT USE ‘LAST HIT’ Mode with reflectors.
Avoid mechanical shock.
Operate within the environmental temperature limits of –10°C to +45°C.
Avoid directing the LaserAce® Pocket Series towards the sun or other high power, infrared light source.
Do not use paint solvents to clean the instrument; use mild detergent applied using a cloth.
5.2 Storage
If the instrument remains unused for several weeks, it is advisable to remove the battery from the base of the
instrument.
Store within the environmental temperature limits of -25°C to +70°C.
5.3 Disposal
Electrical and electronic equipment should never be disposed of with general household waste but must be
separately collected for their proper treatment and recovery.
At the end of the life of your product the end-user may have an obligation to ensure that this Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is separately collected and to obtain and retain proof that it was handed to a
waste management company who treated and disposed of it in an environmentally sound manner.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 18
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
6 Overview of Applications
6.1 LaserAce® Survey
Hydrographic Survey
GIS Data Acquisition
Slope Gradient
• Agriculture Management
• Asset Mapping
• Building Surveys
• Cable Height Measurement
• GIS Survey
• Gradient Measurements
• Ground Modelling
• Hydrographic Surveys
• In-vehicle Surveying
• Land Reclamation
• Measurement of Pylons
• Pipe Laying
• Quarry Face Surveying (see LaserAce® Burden Finder)
• Remote reconnaissance
• Rock Face Profiling (see LaserAce® Burden Finder)
• Rock Profiling
• Utility Measurement.

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 19
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
6.2 LaserAce® Hypsometer
Forestry management and arboricultural surveys
Diameter (showing stadia scope)
Height measurement
Usin ing)g ‘Brush filter mode’ (reflect
targets
2-point height and lean
3-Point height/diameter/volume in scrub Taper factor for volume and diameter

LaserAce® Pocket Series
Issue 1.0 © Copyright 1999-2008 Measurement Devices Limited Page 20
Copying of the materials in this document is prohibited
7 Preparation for use
7.1 Power Supply
An external 7.2V Lithium Ion ‘camcorder’ battery powers the instrument.
Note: The battery must be charged before use.
A low battery indicator will show the power available from the battery, if it is not fully charged.
¾ Battery ½ Battery ¼ Battery Low Battery
When the battery reaches Low Battery status, the symbol will flash and a beeping noise will be heard. The unit
will then display the screen as below, before switching itself off.
LOW BATTERY POWER
SWITCHING OFF