Microplan LE050 User manual

HANDBOOK
for the model
LE050
®
ELECTRONIC
LEVELS

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Copyright©2013 Microplan®
Documento: MT14.12
Versione: 1
All rights reserved.
Microplan®2014

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The electronic level is a high-precision
instrument for testing the inclination and
slope relative to a horizontal line or any
given angle.
The readings are expressed by means of
a digital or an analog numeric display in
µm/m (micron for meter), in seconds of
arc, or in µrad (microradians), accor-
ding to choice, and the error values are
displayed very quickly.
The instrument works on a pendulum
principle. A pendulum always hangs ver-
tically, thus allowing measurement of the
displacement relative to the horizontal
base, by means of an inductive position
transducer.
The innovation that applies to all MICRO-
PLAN levels is that the mechanical parts
are contained in a sealed oil-bath, which
provides very good protection against
shocks, for instance during transport or
handling.
Electronic levels are currently used in the
following applications:
> Recording errors of straightness, flat-
ness and parallelism.
> Mounting and levelling of machinery.
> Testing for inclination, twist and flexion
in civil engineering.
MICROPLAN GROUP offers a wide range
of models to meet the various needs
of customers: With an analog or digital
display, with the possibility to use in
differential mode together with another
level, with various base lengths, sepa-
rate read-out unit, etc.
The models which are currently available
are the following:
> LE 101
equipped with the VA110 read-out unit
> LE 201
with an integrated digital read-out unit
> LE 301
with a remote control
> LE 401
equipped with the VD410 read-out unit
> LE 050
with analog display
> LE 051
with a digital/analog display
Every ‘LE’ model can be used with the
‘WPLAN’ software, to calculate the
flatness, straightness and parallelism of
a surface, for easy data processing, ar-
chiving and printing, as well as a graphic
print-out of the surface or line under test.
The demo version of the ‘WPLAN’
software can be downloaded from our
website: www.microplan-group.com, in
the ‘on-line support’ area.

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The models which are currently available
are the result of research which has im-
proved the whole range, incorporating a
new concept of the internal mechanism
being submerged in an oil-bath box, and
the microprocessor-based logic.
LE 101:
In this model the pendulum unit and the
analogVA110read-outunitareconnected
by means of a cable. The analog display
allows the choice of 3 different measuring
scales. It is possible to connect two levels
inthe differentialmode. Collectionof data
can be made through a serial port (optio-
nal) to be connected to the PC.
LE 201:
This intermediate model has a micropro-
cessor-based logic, and it shows the error
by means of an integrated digital display,
with the possibility to choose the unit of
measurement in µm/m, seconds or µrad
during calibration. All of the procedures
are achieved by means of only three but-
tons, with the possibility to use the unit
with the LE 301 model in differential
mode.
LE 301:
This is the most complete model, also
with microprocessor-based logic, and
an integrated digital read-out unit, with
the possibility to store the data and then
transfer them to the PC with a connection
cable. The Wplan Microplan software will
elaborate the measurements taken with
the electronic level, in order to present a
plot of the measured surface.
This level can work in combination with
another LE 301 level, or with an LE 201
level, in differential mode.
LE 050:
This model allows a very easy use for any
operator.
The galvanometer placed on the front
panel shows the error according to five
different measuring scales.
It is made up of an alluminium structu-
re with black granite base, incorporating
an analog display and a wooden handle.
The internal mechanism is submerged
in an oil-bath box. The level is powered
by rechargeable batteries, with test but-
ton for battery status.
LE 051:
This traditional model has been concei-
ved for fast and easy use.
The galvanometer placed on the front pa-
nel shows the error according to five diffe-
rent measuring scales.
It is made up of a stabilised cast iron
structure, incorporating an analog and
digital display, a wooden handle and a
spirit level. The internal mechanism is
submerged in an oil-bath box. The level is
powered by a rechargeable battery, and it
has a button which indicates the status of
battery charge.
LE 401:
The latest model of the Microplan level
series works by means of radio transmis-
sion of the inclination values.
It has a sensor unit (LE401) and a sepa-
rate digital read-out unit (VD410). It has
several functions, which can be achieved
by means of a simple but complete in-
ternal menu. The internal mechanism is
submerged in an oil-bath box, and it can
read up to 10 different sensor units by
means of a single VD410 read-out unit,
in a range of action of 30 metres.

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CAUTIONS
BEFORE USE
The electronic levels are supplied in ABS
anti-shock boxes.
Inside each box you can find a complete
set of components, needed for the proper
operation of the level (see the component
list for each model).
Herewith are a few suggestions for the
maintenance and proper use of your in-
strument:
Before measuring, clean thoroughly the
surface to be checked and the base of the
level with specific detergents (Paste for
granite, Art. TZ0510 – Liquid detergent,
Art. DT0520). Never use wax, grease or
water-based detergents for cleaning gra-
nite.
Never use the instrument close to magne-
tic fields, as the measurements could be
altered.
The surface plate to be checked should
be levelled as closely as possible to avoid
inaccuracies of the readings due to com-
pound errors.
Check the levelling of the plate or the sur-
face to be measured by using a spirit level
following the instructions supplied with
the Microplan plates (Test report).
Before starting the measurement, check
the battery charge, pushing the button
‘Batt’ (VA110), or just checking that the
display does not show ‘Low Bat’ (VD110
and LE051).
Check the instrument periodically, to
verify its calibration and performance. A
periodical check of the instrument can
ensure better performance and lower
maintenance costs over time.
Lato Etichetta
Label Side
L
0.22 L0.22 L
0.22W0.22W
0.5 W
0.5 W
WVista Inferiore
Bottom view

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OPERATING PRINCIPLES
OF LE050 MODEL
The electronic system is based on a high
performance microprocessor.
The microprocessor is in charge of every
operation within the instrument, going
from the position transducer (a very sen-
sitive LVTD – Linear Variable Differen-
tial Transformer), to the analogue digital
converter, to the system calculation and
data display. Measures are continuously
averaged and processed, in order to re-
duce to minimum the electronic noise and
high –frequency mechanical vibrations.
Sensitivity is as high as 1 µm/m
(0.2 second of arc).
The internal software manages the whole
acquisition process , the measures ave-
raging and the data display on a galva-
nometer for analogic readout.
The two selectors on the right side of the
instrument, allow you to choose between
five measure scales and adjust zero.
The level may be complemented by a Win-
dows application WPLAN©MICROPLAN
signed for an easy and straightforward
data processing, archiving and printing,
as well as graphic rendering of the sur-
face or line under test. This makes it pos-
sible to produce a complete and accurate
information of the measured surfaces.

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Components and Accessories
LE050
Art. LE0432 | LE050 Unit
Battery charger included with unit LE0432
Art. LE0435 – Serial connection cable between level and
PC (optional)
Art. LE0439 - WPLAN©Microplan Flatness Software
(opzional)
Handbook (included)

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ZERO SETTING
The following instructions allow you to
set the zero on the instrument:
1) Switch the level on and select the lo-
wer scale (A). Then with the potentiome-
ter on the right, look for the zero. Then
verify the zero on the higher scale (E).
2) Turn the level of 180°, read the value
on the display and adjust the potentio-
meter untill when you reach the half of
the read value. (Example: if you read 26
µm in the position (a), adjust the poten-
tiometer to 13 µm on position (b)).
3) Repeat the same steps (1+2) by tur-
ning the level of 90°, as shown hereun-
der.
The instrument is now ready for use.
a b c d
In the pictures the 4 step for zero setting
MEASURE SCALES
The instrument allows you to work with
five different measure scales, as follows:
Scale A = 1 div 250 µm/m
Scale B = 1 div 50 µm/m
Scale C = 1 div 10 µm/m
Scale D = 1 div 5 µm/m
Scale E = 1 div 1 µm/m
div = division
Measure scale
selector
Zero
adjustment
Galvanometer

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BATTERIES CHARGE
The level is supplied along with the
battery charger. We advise customer
against using other battery chargers,
which could damage the inner batteries
of the level.
CHECKING THE
CHARGE POWER
When the instrument is switched on,
battery status is checked and shown the
state of charge directly on the galvano-
meter: during this phase, the led located
on the head of the instrument, will light
orange.
CHECKING THE
CHARGE DURING THE USE
It is possible, at any time, to check the
charge of the battery by pressing the
button on top of the instrument.
The indication of the charge will be
shown on the galvanometer, with a sca-
le from 0 to 20. During use, the LED
will indicate the following states:
> Green led - slowly flashing
battery charged
> Red led - fast flashes
battery empty

PC CONNECTION
Inside the level box you will find the
optional USB connecting cable.
The cable connects the LE050 unit
to the pc through the serial gate
(COM1 o COM2) and needs the use of
WPLAN©MICROPLAN® Flatness sof-
tware.
Regarding the complete procedure for
the memorized data capture on display
we cross-refer to the User’s Guide of the
software WPLAN©Microplan®.

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MICROPLAN ITALIA SRL
Via Monte Rosa, 7
Zona Ind. di Roccapietra
13019 VARALLO (Vercelli) ITALY
[phone] / 569084
[phone]
[email protected]
Skype: microplanitalia
www.microplan-group.com
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
By doubt or information regarding the
working of this instrument, do not hesita-
te to contact our technical support:

MICROPLAN ITALIA SRL
VIA MONTE ROSA, 7
ZONA IND. ROCCAPIETRA
I-13019 VARALLO (VERCELLI)
ITALIA
TEL.
[phone] / 569084
FAX
[phone]
EMAIL
[email protected]
SKYPE
microplanitalia
WEBSITE
www.microplan-group.com
MICROPLAN FRANCE SAS
2, LA GRAULE
F-23360 LA FORET DU TEMPLE
FRANCE
TEL.
[phone]
FAX
[phone]
EMAIL
[email protected]
SKYPE
stephanie-mpf
WEBSITE
www.microplan-group.com
ITALIA FRANCE
www.microplan-group.com