Topcon AP-L1A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AUTOMATIC TRACKING TOTAL STATION
AP-L1A
AP-L1AN

1
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the TOPCON Automatic Tracking Total Station, AP-L1A
series. For the best performance of the instruments, please carefully read these
instructions and keep them in a convenient location for future reference.
Prism constant value
Input the offset compensation value according to the prism constant value to be used.
Precaution is needed when using Pin-pole prism set L1 type, Pin-pole prism holder L1 type,
Prism unit A2 type, or a prism other than Topcon's. Each prism constant value is potentially
different.
Please refer to Chapter 10 "Setting the prism constant value".
On tripod
When mounting the instrument on the tripod, use a wooden tripod when possible. If you use a
metallic tripod, vibration may occur or measuring precision may be effected. Screws on each leg
of the tripod must be tightened firmly.
On tribrach
If tribrach is not installed correctly, measuring precision may be effected. Occasionally check
adjusting screws of the tribrach . Lock the base fixing lever, and tighten the Base Fixing Screw.
Guarding the instrument against shocks
When transporting the instrument, provide some protection to minimize risk of shocks. Heavy
shocks may cause the measurement to be faulty.
Carrying the instrument
When carrying the instrument at the site, always grip its handgrip.
Do not expose the instrument directly to the sunlight
Never leave the instrument in extreme heat (+122 degrees F) longer than necessary. It could
adversely affect its performance. Never expose the instrument's objective lens to direct sunlight
without a filter. It may damage the components inside the instrument.
Sudden changes of temperature
Any sudden change of temperature to the instrument or prism may result in a reduction of measuring
distance range, i.e when taking the instrument out from a heated vehicle. Let instrument acclimate
itself to ambient temperature.
General Handlin
g
Precautions

2
Rotating the instrument and telescope
When rotating instrument or telescope manually use telescope rotating free lever or horizontal
free lever. Rotation of the instrument or telescope is driven electrically in normal operation.
Storage in the case
Keep the telescope horizontally and turn the instrument to align its mark with the lower base
mark (Storage mark) . Remove the antenna of Wireless modem ( or keep the antenna down for
folding, type antenna ), then store it in the case. Keep its objective lens side downward. Storing
it in the case in any other way may cause damage. Hold upper and lower hand grips with both
hands, when taking the instrument out of the case, or putting the equipment in the case.
Battery level check
Confirm battery level remaining before operating.
Memory back up
The instrument has a built in battery for memory back up. If the battery power is low, “E” will
display. If the battery power is too low to back up the memory, error code “E98” will display.
Contact your dealer, to replace the back up battery.
Maintenance for driving parts.
Every 4,000~5,000 hours operation in total, change grease of driving parts.
Contact your dealer or TOPCON Head Office for the maintenance.

3
Display for Safe Use
In order to encourage the safe use of products and prevent any danger to the operator and others or
damage to properties, important warnings are put on the products and inserted in the instruction manuals.
We suggest that everyone understand the meaning of the following displays and icons before reading the
"Safety Cautions" and text.
Display Meaning
WARNING Ignoring or disregard of this display may lead to the danger of death or
serious injury.
CAUTION Ignoring or disregard of this display may lead to personal injury or
physical damage.
Injury refers to hurt, burn, electric shock, etc.
Physical damage refers to extensive damage to buildings or equipments and furniture.
Safety Cautions
WARNING
Aiming the instrument directly into the sun can result in serious damage to your eye.
Do not aim the instrument directly into the sun.
There is a danger that may cause eye injury on blindness.
1) Never look at the laser beam directly.
2) Disassemble, reconstruct, or repair of the instrument is only to be performed by Topcon or
its authorized dealer.
AP-L1A/L1AN is not explosion proof.
Avoid using in an area that produces explosive gases.
CAUTION
There is a risk of leakage and electric shock if you take out or insert the power plug or cable with
wet hands.
Avoid when hands are wet.
There is a risk of hurt if you pinch fingers between telescope and body of instrument or
telescope and hand grip during automatic rotation.
Do not place fingers near telescope during automatic rotation.
There is a risk of hurt if the unit come down by less tighten condition of tripod screw.
Tight firmly when you are going to set up the unit to the tripod.
There is a risk of hurt by overturn the carrying case.
Do not ride on the carrying case.
The user of this product is expected to follow all operating instructions and make periodic
checks of the product's performance. The manufacturer or its representatives assumes no
responsibility for results of misuse including any direct, indirect, consequential damage,
and loss of profits.

4
Laser Safety
Safety Information
AP-L1A/AP-L1AN uses the visible laser beam to track automatically. The AP-L1A/L1AN products
are manufactured and sold in accordance with Radiation Safety of Laser Products, Equipment
Classification, Requirements and User's Guide" (IEC Publication 825) or Performance Standards
for Light-Emitting Products" (FDA/BRH 21 CFR 1040) provided on the safety standards for laser
beam.
As per the said standards, AP-L1A/L1AN is classified as "Class 2 (CLASS II) Laser Products".
The laser beam belongs not very dangerous type but we request you to keep and understand
Safety standard for users" as mentioned in the manual instruction.
In case of any failure, do not disassemble the instrument. Contact TOPCON or your TOPCON
dealer.
Caution
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified in this
manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
In auto- tracking mode, the laser beam emits from the center of the objective lens.
Do not stare into the objective lens or do not aim at the other people's eyes in the auto-tracking
mode.
Laser beam shutter
The laser beam shutter permits interrupting the laser beam.
The beam mark of the laser beam shutter
: Emitting the laser
: Interrupting the laser
Beam
aperture
Laser beam shutter

5
Labels
Aperture Label
Explanatory Label
CAUTION
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM
WAVE LENGTH 685nm
0.5mW MAXIMUM OUTPUT
DIODE LASER CLASS II LASER RODUCT
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM
Maximum output 0.5mW Wave length 685nm CW
CLASS 2 LASER PRODUCT
Each label is differed by the market.
Certification and identification label
TOPCON AMERICA CORPORATION
65, West Century Road, Paramus, New Jersey
07652
MANUFACTURED
COMPLIES WITH 21 CFR 1040 AS APPLICABLE
AVOID EXPOSURE
LASER RADIATION EMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
Beam
aperture

6
CONTENTS
General Handling Precautions..................................................................................................1
Display for Safe Use......................................................................................................................3
Safety Cautions................................................................................................................................
3
Laser Safety.......................................................................................................................................
4
Standard Set composition........................................................................................................ 10
1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS..................................................................1-1
1.1 Nomenclature .....................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Display Marks.....................................................................................................................1-3
1.3 Operating Key.....................................................................................................................1-4
1.4 Function Key (Soft Key)....................................................................................................1-5
1.5 Connection with Computer...............................................................................................1-7
1.6 Installing Wireless Terminal WT-1A/1B & Data Terminal FS/2
(Optional Accessories)......................................................................................................1-8
1.6.1 Setting Wireless Modem (AP-L1A only)..........................................................1-8
1.6.2 Setting Place of AP-L1A and Wireless Terminal WT-1A/1B.......................1-9
1.7 Data Output.........................................................................................................................1-9
1.8 Rotating Method of AP-L1A...........................................................................................1-10
1.8.1 Rotating of AP-L1A by H/V Shuttle and H/V Jog.........................................1-10
1.8.2 Using Software Key to Rotate AP-L1A..........................................................1-10
1.8.3 Auto Inversion Key............................................................................................1-11
1.8.4 Telescope Rotating Free Lever and Horizontal Rotating
Free Lever...........................................................................................................1-11
Attaching Precaution Label..............................................................................1-11
2. PREPARATION FOR MEASUREMENT..............................................................2-1
2.1 Setting instrument up for measurement ........................................................................2-1
2.2 Connecting Power Supply................................................................................................2-1
2.3 POWER Switch Key ON.................................................................................................2-3
2.4 Battery Power Remaining Display..................................................................................2-4
2.5 Vertical and Horizontal Angle Tilt Correction................................................................2-5
2.6 The Lay Position of Multiple Prisms...............................................................................2-7
2.7 Inclination of Prism and Measuring Error......................................................................2-7
3. AUTOMATIC TRACKING MODE............................................................. 3-1
4. ANGLE MEASUREMENT.......................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Measuring Horizontal Angle Right and Vertical Angle................................................4-1
4.2 Switching Horizontal Angle Right/Left............................................................................4-2
4.3 Measuring from the Required Horizontal Angle...........................................................4-3
4.4 Rotating automatically to a required Horizontal and Vertical angle..........................4-4

7
5. DISTANCE MEASUREMENT....................................................................................5-1
5.1 Setting of the Atmospheric Correction...........................................................................5-1
5.2 Setting of the Correction for Prism Constant................................................................5-1
5.3 Distance Measurement (Continuous Measurement) ..................................................5-1
5.4 Fine Mode and Coarse Mode..........................................................................................5-2
6. COORDINATE MEASUREMENT............................................................................6-1
6.1 Setting a Direction Angle for Horizontal Orientation....................................................6-1
6.2 Setting Coordinate of Instrument Point..........................................................................6-2
6.2.1 How to Input Instrument Coordinate Value Directly......................................6-2
6.2.2 Resection Method................................................................................................6-4
Auto Collimating method....................................................................................6-4
Manual Operation................................................................................................6-8
6.3 Setting Height of Target ( Prism Height)......................................................................6-12
6.4 Execution of Coordinate Measuring.............................................................................6-13
7. APPLICATION FUNCTIONS......................................................................................7-1
7.1 How to Cancel Error of Automatic Tracking Optical Axis...........................................7-1
One Set of Inverted Observation .......................................................................................7-1
7.2 Area Setting ........................................................................................................................7-2
7.2.1 Setting Area
........................................................................................................7-3
7.2.2 Area Set Function ON, and Set Effective Area No................................... 7-6
7.3 Setting Tracking Parameter.............................................................................................7-7
7.3.1 Setting Tracking Speed......................................................................................7-7
7.3.2 Setting of Tracking Detecting Sensitivity.........................................................7-7
7.3.3 Setting Scanning Range ....................................................................................7-8
7.3.4 Search Range......................................................................................................7-9
7.3.5 Search Patterns...................................................................................................7-9
7.4 Tracking Indicator ............................................................................................................7-10
7.5 Available Time Data Function........................................................................................7-11
7.6 Setting AP-L1A Wireless Modem..................................................................................7-12
7.6.1 Setting Wireless Communication Channels.................................................7-12
How to Select the Communication Channels...............................................7-12
How to Set the Communication Channels....................................................7-13
7.7 Secret Mode......................................................................................................................7-14
7.8 Remote Mode...................................................................................................................7-16
7.8.1 How to Switch Remote Mode..........................................................................7-16
7.8.2 How to Switch Remote Mode to Normal Mode (Manual mode)...............7-16

8
8. APPLICATION MEASUREMENT............................................................................8-1
8.1 One Person Surveying and Stake Out...........................................................................8-1
8.2 Teach Measurement (Fixed Point Observation.) .................................................. 8-3
8.2.1 Setting and deleting control points for Teach Measuring.............................8-3
8.2.2 Setting Teach Measurement Parameters.......................................................8-5
8.2.3 Execution of Teach Measuring .........................................................................8-6
9. SET AUDIO MODE..........................................................................................................9-1
10. SETTING THE PRISM CONSTANT VALUE...................................................10-1
11. SETTING ATMOSPHERIC CORRECTION......................................................11-1
11.1 Calculation of Atmospheric Correction........................................................................11-1
11.2 Setting of Atmospheric Correction Value ....................................................................11-1
12. CORRECTION FOR REFRACTION AND EARTH CURVATURE.......12-1
12.1 Distance Calculation Formula........................................................................................12-1
13. POWER SOURCE AND CHARGING..................................................................13-1
13.1 External Battery (Mark Light Battery)...........................................................................13-1
14. DETACH/ATTACH OF TRIBRACH......................................................................14-1
15. SPECIAL MODE (MENU KEY OPERATION).................................................15-1
15.1 PARAMETERS.................................................................................................................15-2
15.1.1 TRK : Setting for Tracking functions.........................................................15-2
15.1.2 MEAS : Setting Measurement.......................................................................15-4
15.1.3 COM : Setting communication.....................................................................15-5
15.2 PROGRAMS ...................................................................................................................15-7
15.2.1 TEACH: Setting functions of Teach Measurement.....................................15-7
15.2.2 AREA SET:Setting Area Range......................................................................15-9
15.3 REMOTE ...........................................................................................................................15-9
15.3.1 REMOTE : Remote mode (Wireless communication mode).............15-9
15.4 Setting Special Mode .................................................................................................... 15-10
16. SELECTING MODE.......................................................................................................16-1
16.1 Items of the Selecting Mode ..........................................................................................16-1
16.2 How to Set Selecting Mode............................................................................................16-2

9
17. CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT...................................................................................17-1
17.1 Checking Accuracy of the Distance Measurement....................................................17-1
17.2 Checking the Optical Axis ..............................................................................................17-2
17.3 Checking/Adjusting the Theodolite Functions............................................................17-4
17.3.1 Checking /Adjusting the Plate Level....................................................... 17-5
17.3.2 Checking /Adjusting the Circular Level................................................... 17-5
17.3.3 Adjustment of the Vertical Cross-hair..................................................... 17-6
17.3.4 Collimation of the Instrument.................................................................. 17-7
17.3.5 Checking / Adjusting the Optical Plummet Telescope............................ 17-8
17.3.6 Adjustment of Vertical Angle 0 Datum.................................................... 17-9
17.4 How to Set the Instrument Constant Value...............................................................17-10
17.5 Inspection and Adjustment of Optic Axis for Auto -Tracking .............................. 17-11
1) Auto Adjustment Procedure .......................................................................... 17-11
2) Manual Adjustment Procedure...................................................................... 17-13
18. PRISM SYSTEM..............................................................................................................18-1
19. SPECIAL ACCESSORIES.........................................................................................19-1
20. STORAGE PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................20-1
21. ERROR DISPLAYS.......................................................................................................21-1
22. SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................22-1

10
STANDARD SET COMPOSITION
AP-L1A or AP-L1AN (with lens cap)..................................................1 pc.
Cable PC-11...........................................................................................1 pc.
Tool kit case...........................................................................................1 pc.
Plastic rain cover....................................................................................1set
Plumb bob set.........................................................................................1pc.
Carrying case..........................................................................................1pc.
Instruction manual.................................................................................1vol.
Field chart...............................................................................................1vol.
Precaution label......................................................................................1set
* The plumb bob hook, rod pins, screwdrivers,cleaning brush, fuse(4A) and silicone cloth are
contained in the tool kit case.
* Make sure that all of the above items are with the instrument when purchased.

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-1
1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1.1 Nomenclature
* Laser aperture label and laser warning label are supplied for certain markets.
Telescope rotating
free lever
Tracking indicator
Fuse holder(4A) Base fixing screw
Base
Leveling screw
Serial Signa
Connector (Port-1)
Horizontal shuttle
Power supply
connector
(DC12V)
Horizontal jog
Power key
A
uto inversion key
REC key
Vertical jog
Vertical shuttle
Instrument center mark Laser warning
label *
Objective lens
Laser aperture
Laser aperture
label *
Sighting collimator

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-2
*1) Wireless Modem will be differed by the market.
Wireless modem *1)
(Serial signal
connector only
for AP-L1AN)
Hand grip
locking screw
A
ntenna
Laser beam shutter
Hand grip
Tribrach fixing lever
Certification and
identification label *2)
A
djusting screw
for circular level
Circular level
Horizontal rotating
free lever
Optical plummet
telescope
Optical plummet
eyepiece
Optical plummet
focusing knob
Laser label *2)
Instrument
center mark
Storage mark
Luminance
adjusting knob
Display window
Operation keys
Hand grip
Rotating center mark
Plate level
Telescope eyepiece
Telescope grip
Telescope
focusing knob

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-3
*2) The details of label will be differed by the market.

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-4
1.2 Display Marks
 Display
The Display uses a dot matrix LCD which has 4 lines and 16 characters per line. In general,
the upper three lines display measured data,and the bottom line displays the soft key function
which is changes with the measuring mode.
 Luminance adjusting knob
The luminance of display window is adjusted by turning gLuminance adjusting knob".
 Heater (Automatic)
The built-in automatic heater functions when the temperature is below 0 ‹C. This keeps the
display's speed up at temperatures lower than 0 degrees C.
 Example:
V : 9010' 20"
HR : 12030' 40"
0SET HSET R/L 1
Angle measurement mode
V-angle : 9010' 20"
H-angle : 12030' 40"
0SET HSET R/L ?

Searchin
g
0SET HSET R/L !

Waitin
g
V : 90° 10' 20"
HR : 120 ° 30' 40"
0SET HSET R/L *

Auto
Tr
ac
kin
g
HR : 12030' 40"
HD * 65.4321 m
VD : 12.3456 m
0SET HSET R/L 1
Distance measurement mode
Horizontal-angle : 12030' 40"
Horizontal distance : 65.4321m
Relative elevation : 12.3456m
 Display mark
Display Contents Display Contents
V V-angle * EDM working
HR H-angle right m Meter in unit
HL H-angle left f Feet in unit
HD Horizontal distance * Auto tracking
VD Relative elevation ! Waiting
SD Slope distance ? Searching
N N coordinate
E E coordinate
Z Z coordinate

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-5
1.3 Operating Key
Keys Name of key Function
Luminance key ON/OFF of Illumination for display and reticle of telescope
T.I Tracking indicator On / Off of tracking indicator . It is possible to confirm tracking status
or sighting direction of the equipment from the prism side.
BAT Battery key This indicates the external battery level .
V/H Angle meas.key Angle measurement key
Distance meas.key Distance measurement mode.
Pressing this key switches [ V,HR,SD] / [HR,HD,VD] .
NEZ Coordinate
meas.key
Coordinate measurement mode
A/M Auto/Manual key Switches auto tracking and manual mode
MENU Menu key Switches menu mode and normal mode. It is enable to set an
application measurement in auto tracking by menu mode.
ESC Escape key Returning to the measurement mode or previous layer mode from the
mode set.
ENT Enter key Press at the end of inputting values.
0~9 Numeric key Input values
F1~F4 Soft key Responds to the message displayed.
REC Record key Used to memorize measured data temporarily.
Auto inversion key Turning telescope in both faces forward and reverse automatically.
POWER Power source key ON/OFF of power source
REC Key
POWER Key
A
uto inversion
Key

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-6
1.4 Function Key (Soft Key)
Soft key message is displayed at the bottom line of display. Functions are according to the
displayed message.
FINE CRS S/A 4
BS CSET RST 5
MOVE R.HT – – – 6
TILT m/f – – – 3
90-901802
V: 90
10'20"
HR : 12030'40"
0SET HSET R/L 1

[F1] [F2] [F3] [F4]
[F1] [F2] [F3] [F4]
Soft keys
Page Display
mark Soft key Name Function
1 0SET F1 Horizontal angle of
0set Angle of Horizontal is set to 000'00"
HSET F2 Setting H-angle Sets horizontal angle by input value.
R/L F3 Right/Left
rotation in
Horizontal angle
Switches R/L rotation of horizontal angle.
1F4 Page The function of soft keys shown in the next page.
2 90F1 90Rotation Instrument rotates 90horizontally to the clockwise
direction .
-90F2 -90rotation Instrument rotates 90horizontally to the counter-
clockwise direction .
180F3 180Rotation Instrument rotates 180horizontally to the
clockwise direction.
2F4 Page The function of soft keys shown in the next page.
3 TILT F1 TILT Switches ON/OFF of auto tilt correction for vertical
and horizontal angle. It also displays both axis
correction values in mgons or degrees.
m/f F2 Distance unit Switches meter or feet in unit.
3F4 Page The function of soft keys shown in the next page.
4 FINE F1 FINE Fine measuring mode. 0.2mm / 1mm
CRS F2 Coarse Coarse measuring mode. 1mm / 10mm
S/A F3 Set audio To be set audio mode
4F4 Page The function of soft keys shown in the next page.

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-7
5 BS F1 Setting direction angle Sets the direction angle from the coordinate of
instrument point and known point.(Backsight Point)
CSET F2 Setting an instrument
point Sets an instrument coordinate point by input values.
RST F3 Resection Sets instrument coordinate point from two known
points and their measured values.
5F4 Page The function of soft keys shown in the next page.
6 MOVE F1 Rotation Rotates desired H and V angle.
R.HT F2 Setting target height Allows the user to input the target height.
( Prism Height)
6F4 Page The function of soft keys shown in the next page.

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-8
1.5 Connection with Computer
Serial signal connector port1 is used for connecting the AP-L1A/L1AN with a computing device.
This enables the computer to receive measurement data from the instrument or to set H-angle,
coordinate data and so forth to the instrument or control it from the computer.
The followings are the main communication commands and explanations. How to communicate or
more informations of communication command, you can see the interface manual which provided
optionally.
Commands Action of AP-L1A / L1AN
Transmit command for
measured data Each measured data will be out put according to the command type.
Transmit command for
tracking mode The status of Automatic Tracking mode will be out put.
Transmit
command Transmit command for battery level The battery level will be out put.
Transmit command for
coordinate of instrument
point
Setting coordinate of instrument point will be out put.
Transmit command for
tracking parameter Each setting tracking parameter of instrument will be out put according to the command type.
Setting of angle
measurement Each selecting mode in horizontal angle or angle measurement can be decided according to the
purpose of command.
Setting of distance
measurement Setting the measurement mode for distance measurement.
Mode setting Setting coordinate of
instrument point Setting the coordinate of instrument point.
Setting the tracking
parameter Setting each tracking parameter according to the command.
T.I. ON / OFF ON / OFF of Tracking indicator.
Error recovery Recovery from E01, E02.
Rotating command Rotating of setting angle.
Action Inversion Inversion movement.
Setting tracking mode Setting from automatic tracking mode to each
command mode.

1. NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTIONS
1-9
1.6 Installing Wireless Terminal WT-1A/1B & Data Terminal FS/2
(Optional Accessories)
Applying wireless terminal WT-1A/1B and data terminal FS/2 enables the user to receive
measurement data from AP-L1A by remote control. It also allows the setting of a H-angle,
coordinate data, and control over the AP-L1A. This is the single person surveying or stake out
operating system. Refer to instruction manual gData terminal".
AP-L1A
Wireless terminal WT-1A/1B *2)
Data terminal FS/2
*1) The type of interface cable will differ by the market.
*2) The wireless terminal WT-1A/1B shape will differ by the market.
1.6.1 Setting Wireless Modem (AP-L1A only)
To perform cordless communication between wireless terminal WT-1A/1B and wireless modem of
AP-L1A, it is required to set the communication channel and condition of AP-L1A to meet with WT-
1A/1B. Refer to Chapter 7.6 "Setting AP-L1A Wireless Modem" to set the communication condition
or channels.
It is not necessary to change of shipping time mode in normal use.
* There is no setting function for the communication channels in some markets.
Interface cable E-3 or E-4 *1)