South N3 Series User manual

Operation Manual
N3 Series
Mechanical Total Station

© South Surveying & Mapping Technology CO.,LTD All Rights Reserved

CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS…………………...……………………………………………..1
1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………..…2
1.1 Appearance…………………………...………………………………….2
1.2 Keyboard…………………………………………………………………..3
1.3 Screen……………………………………………………………………...4
1.4 Status Icon…………………………………………………………………4
1.5 Abbreviation………………………………………………………………4
1.6 Function Key………………………………………………………………5
1.6 Star Key……………………………………………………………………..5
2. OPERATION………………………………………………………………….8
2.1 Preparation………………………………………………………………..8
2.2 Instrument Setup. ………………………………………………………..8
2.3 Battery…………………………………………………………………….10
2.4 Tribrach…………..……………………………………………………….11
2.5 Eyepiece Focusing……………………………………………………..12
2.6 Input Mode……………………...……………………………………….12
3. ANGLE MEASUREMENT…………………………………………….……..13
3.1 [F1] 0 Set…………………………………………………………………..13
3.2 [F2] Hold…………………………………………………………………..13
3.3 [F3] HA Set………………………………………………………………..14
3.4 [F1] V&…………………………………………………………………….14
3.5 [F2] R/L…………………………………………………………………….15
3.6 [F3] VA………….…………………………………………………………15
4. DISTANCE MEASUREMENT……………………………………………….16
4.1 [F1] Meas…………………………………………………………..……..16
4.2 [F2] Mode………………………...………………………………………16

4.3 [F3] S.O……………………..……………………………………………..17
5. COORDINATE MEASUREMENT…………………………………………..18
5.1 [F1] Meas………………………………………………………………....18
5.2 [F2] Mode………………………………………………………………...19
5.3 [F3] Station……………………………….…………………………….…19
5.4 [F1] R.HT……………………………….…………………………………..20
5.5 [F2] I.HT…………………………………………………………………….20
5.6 [F3] BS……………………………………………………………………..20
6. MENU………………………………………………………………………..21
7. COLLECT……………………………………………………………………22
7.1 Data Collect……………………………………………………………..22
7.2 Distance Offset………………………………………………………….22
7.3 Plane Offset……………………………………………………………...23
7.4 Column Offset…………………………………………………………...24
7.5 MLM………………………………………………………………………..25
7.6 REM………………………………………………………………………..26
8. STAKE OUT………………………………………………………………….27
8.1 Coordinate……………………………………………………………….27
8.2 Angle & Distance……………………………………………………….28
8.3 Reference Line…………………………………………………………..29
9, COGO………………………………………………………………………30
9.1 Calc.XYZ…………………………………………………………………..30
9.2 Inverse…………………………………………………………………….30
9.3 Area & Girth……………………………………………………………...31
9.4 Point to Line Inverse…………………………………………………….32
9.5 Point Projection………………………………………………………….33
10. ROAD…………………………………………………………………...…34
10.1 Horizontal Alignment……………………………………………….…34

10.2 Vertical Alignment…………………………………………………….37
10.3 Road S.O……………………………………………………………..…38
10.4 Calculation……………………………………………………………..39
11. STATION…………………………………………………………………...40
11.1 Known Point…………………………………………………………….40
11.2 Resection………………………………………………………………..42
11.3 Point to Line…………………………………………………………….43
11.4 Height Transfer…………………………………………………………44
11.5 BS Check………………………………………………………………..44
12. DATA………………………………………………………………………45
12.1 Job……………………………………………………………………….45
12.2 Meas. Data……………………………………………………………..45
12.3 Coord. Data……………………………………………………………46
12.4 Code Data……………………………………………………….……..46
12.5 Data Export……………………………………………………………..47
12.6 Data Import…………………………………………………………….48
12.7 Memory………………………………………………………………….48
12,8 Format…………………………………………………………………...48
13. SETTINGS…………………………………………………………………..49
13.1 Measurement……….………………………………………………….49
13.2 Unit……………………………………………………………………….50
13.3 Bluetooth………………………………………………………………..50
13.4 Backlight………………………………………………………………...51
13.5 Time & Date………………………………………………………….…51
13.6 Data Collect……………………………………………………………52
13.7 Choose Job…………………………………………………………….52
13.8 Touch Screen…………………………………………………………..52
14. AUTO HEIGHT…………………………………………………………….53

15. INSPECTION & ADJUSTMENT…………………………………………..54
15.1 Plate Vial……………………………………………………………..…54
15.2 Circular Vial…………………………………………………………….55
15.3 Compensator…………………………………………………………..55
15.4 Inclination of Reticle…………………………………………………..56
15.5 Perpendicularity between Sight of View & Horizontal Axis
(2C)……………………………………………………………………….……58
15.6 Vertical Index (I Angle) & V0 Adjustment…………………………59
15,7 Optical Plummet………………………………………………………60
15.8 Laser Plummet………………………………………………………….61
15.9 Instrument Constant (K)………………………………………………62
15.10 Coincidence between Sight of View % Emitting Axis………....63
15.11 Leveling Screws on Tribrach………………………………………..63
16. SPECIFICATIONS…………………………………………………………64
17. SAFETY GUIDE……………………………………………….……………67

1
PRECAUTIONS
Congratulations on the purchase of SOUTH N3 Total Station!
Please read carefully through the User Manual before you switch on
the product.
1. Do not collimate the objective lens directly to the sunlight without a
filter.
2. Do not stare at the laser beam, or point the laser to the others’ eye!
3. Do not store the equipment in extremely high or low temperature.
4. When the equipment is not in use, store it in the case to avoid dust
and humidity.
5. If there is a great difference between the temperature in work field
or store place, you should leave the equipment in the case until it
adapts to the temperature of environment.
6. If the equipment has not been used for a long time, you should
remove the battery for separate storage. The battery should be
charged once a month.
7. When shipping the equipment, please place it in the carry case. The
cushioned material should be used to cover around the case for
support.
8. Clean the optical parts by absorbent cotton or lens-paper only!
9. Clean the surface softly with a woolen cloth. If it gets wet, you should
dry it immediately before switch-on.
10. Please check the power supply, functions, indications and
parameters of the equipment goes well before operation.
11. Do not disassemble the total station by yourself. Please contact
your authorized agency or SOUTH Service Team when you find the
equipment abnormal.

2
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Appearance
No.
Description
1
Handle
2
Objective Lens
3
Center Mark
4
Battery Unit
5
Horizontal tangent Screw
6
EDM Trigger Key
7
Tribrach
1
2
4
5
7
6
9
11
12
13
14
8
10
No.
Description
8
Collimator
9
Eyepiece
10
Vertical Tangent Screw
11
Vial Bubble
12
Plummet
13
Display Unit with Keypad
14
Circular Bubble
3

3
1.2 Keyboard
a) Quick Key
b) Power Key
c) Alphanumeric Keypad
d) Measurement Key
e) Backspace/ESC/ENT
f) Navigation Key
g) Function Keys
Key
Description
α
Quick-access to transfer the input mode between
alphabets and numbers
MENU
Quick-access to main menu
Quick-access to star key for basic settings
On/Off key. Turn the instrument on or off.
Quick-access to angle measurement
Quick-access to distance measurement
Quick-access to coordinate measurement
Delete characters before cursor
ESC
Return to previous page
ENT
Enter. Confirm the operation or record the data
Navigation keys. Controls the cursor in four directions
F1—F4
Function keys. Responds to the message displayed
a
b
c
d
e
f
g

4
1.3 Screen
The screen can be divide into
four parts:
A) Title
B) Status Icon
C) Active Field
D) Function Key
1.4 Status Icon
1.5 Abbreviation
A
B
C
D
Abbr.
Description
HA
Horizontal angle
VA
Vertical angle
HL/HR
Horizontal left/ right
HD
Horizontal distance
VD
Vertical distance
SD
Slope distance
N/E/Z
North/ East/ Elevation
Icon
Description
Input status. Click to set the input mode.
Bluetooth status. Click to switch on or off.
Target status. Click to switch among non-prism, prism
or reflective sheet.
Compensator status. Click to activate the E-Bubble.
USB status.
Battery status.

5
1.6 Function Key
1.7 Star Key
Press [ ] in any page to access to the quick set. Click or use navigation
key to select the item.
1) Target
2) E Bubble
3) PPM
4) Meas. Mode
Menu
Function Key
Description
Angle
0 Set
Set horizontal angle to 0
Hold
Hold the horizontal angle
HA Set
Input the horizontal angle
V%
Vertical angle in percent (%) mode
R/L
Switch between horizontal right or left
VA
Switch between V0 or H0
Distance
Meas.
Measure
Mode
Set the measure mode
S.O.
Stake out points by distance
Coordinate
Meas.
Measure
Mode
Set the measure mode
Station
Set station
R.HT
Set reflector height
I.HT
Set instrument height
BS
Set the backsight
5) Laser Pointer
6) Settings
7) Plummet
8) Bluetooth

6
1.7.1 Target
Check the settings of target.
Click or use the navigation key [ ][ ]
to switch the target.
The default value of prism constant is
-30. It can be defined by manual.
1.7.2 E-Bubble
Check the settings of E-bubble.
[F2]XY ON: Turn on (Under dual axis)
[F3]X ON: Turn on (Under single axis)
[F4]OFF: Turn off the E-bubble
1.7.3 PPM
Check the settings of T&P sensor.
The value of temperature, pressure
and PPM and be detected or
calculated by sensor automatically, or
inputted by manual.
Input range:
Temp: -30 ° ~+60 ℃ or -22~+140 ℉
Press.: 560~1066hPa, 420~800mmHg or 16.5~31.5inHg
PPM: -99. 9 to +99. 9, Interval: 0 .1PPM
▶Target
▶E-Bubble
▶PPM

7
1.7.4 Meas. Mode
Check the settings of measure mode.
Click or use the navigation key to
select the measurement among Fine
(Single/ 2times/ 3times/ 4times/ 5times),
Repeat or Tracking mode.
1.7.5 Laser Pointer
Click to turn on or off the laser pointer for easier target aiming.
1.7.6 Settings
Quick access to setting page. Please refers to Chapter 13.
1.7.7 Plummet
Check the settings of laser plummet.
Click or use navigation keys to turn on
or off the plummet. The illumination
can be selected among class 1 to 5.
If your total station features the Auto Height function, click [F3]Meas.HT
to measure the instrument height.
1.7.8 Bluetooth
Check the settings of Bluetooth.
The device name and password can
be revised for matching and pairing.
▶Measure Mode
▶Laser Plummet
▶Bluetooth

8
2. OPERATION
2.1 Preparation
Unpacking
Lay down the case lightly with the cover upward. Unlock the case, and
take out the instrument.
Storage of Instrument
Cover the cap, put the instrument into the case with the vertical clamp
screw tightened and circular vial upwards (lens towards tribrach).
2.2 Instrument Setup
1) Setting up the tripod
A. Loosen the screws on the tripod legs, pull out to the required length
and tighten the screws.
B. Make the center of tripod and the occupied point approximately on
the same plumb line.
C. Step on the tripod to make sure if it is well stationed on the ground.
2) Instrument setup (Laser plummet)
A. Place and fix the instrument carefully on the tripod
B. Press [★]and select [7]Plummet to turn on the laser plummet. Hold
the two legs which are not fixed on the ground and decide the position
to fix according to the laser dot. When the laser dot is roughly on the
station point, fix those 2 legs.
Instrument setup (Optical plummet)
Adjust the eyepiece of the optical plummet telescope to your eyesight.

9
Slide the instrument by loosening the tripod screw; place the point on
the center mark of the optical plummet. Sliding the instrument carefully
as to not rotate the axis will allow you to get the least dislocation of the
bubble.
3) Roughly leveling by the circular vial
A. Rotate the foot-screw A and B to
move the bubble in the circular vial, in
which case the bubble is located on a
line perpendicular to a line running
through the centers of the two leveling
screw being adjusted .
B. Rotate the foot-screw C to move the bubble to the center of the
circular vial.
4) Leveling by the plate vial
A. Rotate the instrument horizontally by
loosening the horizontal clamp unit
and place the plate vial parallel to the
line connecting rotating the foot-screw
A and B, and then bring the bubble to
the center of the plate vial by rotating
the foot-screw A and B.
B. Rotate the instrument in 90º(100gon)
around its vertical axis and turn the
remaining leveling screw or leveling C
to center the bubble once more.
C. Repeat the steps and check whether the bubble is correctly

10
centered in all directions.
If the laser or optical plummet doesn’t stay at the center position after
levelling, please slightly loosen the screw under the tripod head and
move the instrument (don’t rotate the instrument) until the equipment is
on the station point. Tighten the screw and level the instrument again.
Repeat these steps until the instrument is precisely centered and
leveled.
2.3 Battery
Inserting
Put the battery into the instrument, push it. Check and insert it correctly
to side into the housing.
Replacing
Press the battery lock on both sides, remove the battery. When the
remaining voltage is less than one grid, please stop your operation and
charge it as soon as possible.
Before remove the battery from the instrument, make sure that the
power is turned off. Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged.
Charging
The battery must be charged prior to using before the first time
operation.
The battery LI-30 should be charged only by the official charger NC-III,
which packed together with the instrument. Please connect the power
supply in 220V, under 0°~±45°C.

11
When the indicator on the charger is red, the charging process has
begun. When indicator turns green, the charging has finished. For
safety, please pull out the battery and charger in time.
In order to get the maximum service life, please charge the battery at
least once in a month.
Note:
a) The operating time depends on the outside conditions, such as
ambient temperature, charging time, the cycles of charging, etc. It
is recommended for safety to charge the battery beforehand or to
prepare spare full-charged batteries.
b) The remaining voltage of battery shows the power regarding to the
current measure mode. The consumption of distance
measurement is higher than angle measurement in normal. When
switching the measurement mode from angle to distance in a low
battery voltage, the equipment might be interrupted.
2.4 Tribrach
Dismounting
If necessary, the instrument can be
dismounted from tribrach. Turn the
locking knob in 180° counter-clockwise
to disengage anchor jaws, and take off
the instrument.
Mounting
Insert three anchor jaws into holes of tribrach and line up the directing

12
stub. Turn the locking knob about 180° clockwise to mounting the
instrument.
2.5 Eyepiece Focusing
Sight the Telescope to bright place and rotate the eyepiece tube to
make the reticle clear. Roughly collimate the target by the top of the
triangle mark on EDM cover.
Rotate the focusing screw on eyepiece to make the image clear.
2.6 Input Mode
When ABC is displayed on the status bar, you can input alphabets;
When 123 is displayed, you can input numbers.
Swift the input mode between numbers
and alphabets by [α].
Press navigation key [▲] [▼] to move
the cursor up or down.

13
3. ANGLE MEASUREMENT
Press under basic measurement
page to activate the function of angle
measurement.
3.1 [F1] 0 Set
Set the horizontal angle of the first target
as 0°00’00”. Then aim at the other target
to measure the HA between two points.
[F1] 0 Set: Set the current HA as 0.
3.2 [F2] Hold
Define and hold the horizontal angle of
target as previous value
[F2] Hold: Lock the previous horizontal
angle
[F4] OK: Define the horizontal angle of
target as previous holding value.

14
3.3 [F3] HA Set
Input the horizontal angle by manual.
The value will apply to the target.
[F3] HA Set: Input the requested value
3.4 [F1] V%
[F1] V%: Switch the display method of
vertical angle between degree and
percent.
[F4]1/2, [F4]2/2: Switch the page of
function keys
Note:
When the vertical angle is over 45 ° (100%)
from the horizontal direction, N3 will
show “---------”on the screen, which
means overrange.