Topcon RL-VH3G User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ROTATING LASER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ROTATING LASER

Declaration of Conformity
Model Number: RL-VH3G/A/B
Trade Name: TOPCON CORPORATION
Responsible party: TOPCON LASER SYSTEM, INC.
Address: 5758 West Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton,
CA 94588, U.S.A.
Telephone number: 925-460-1300
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

1
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the Topcon RL-VH3G/A/B Rotating Laser.
It is one the world’s most advanced lasers.
To quickly and effectively use the RL-VH3G/A/B, please read these brief
instructions carefully, and keep them in a convenient location for future refer-
ence.
Handling Precautions
1 Vibration and Impact Protection
When transporting the instrument, provide protection to minimize risk of severe vibration
or impact. Severe vibration or impacts may affect beam accuracy.
2.Laser Scanning Interference
Particular reflective surfaces such as mirrors and some glass surfaces, can cause beam
reflection that in very rare circumstances can interfere with the laser scanning function. If
this should happen, simply change the location of the laser or cover the reflective surface.
Caution:
Use of adjustment controls or performance procedures other than those specified herein
may results in hazardous radiation exposure.

2
Safety Information
In order to ensure the safe use of this product, prevent any danger to the operator or others,
or damage to property, important warnings are placed on the product and inserted in the
instruction manual.
We recommend that you become familiar with the meaning of these Warnings and Cautions
before continuing.
Injury refers to hurt, burn, electric shock, etc.
Physical damage refers to damage to equipment and structure or furnishings.
Display Meaning
WARNING Ignoring or disregard of this display may lead to death or serious
injury.
CAUTION Ignoring or disregard of this display may lead to personal injury or
physical damage to the instrument.

3
Safety Precautions
WARNING
•There is a risk of fire, electric shock or physical harm if you attempt to disassem-
ble or repair the instrument yourself.
Repairs are to be carried out by TOPCON or an authorized dealer ONLY!
• Laser beams can be dangerous and can cause eye injury if used incorrectly.
Never attempt to repair the instrument yourself.
• Laser beams can be dangerous.They can cause eye injury.
Do not stare into beam.
• Risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not use a wet battery.
• May ignite explosively.
Never use an instrument near flammable gas, liquid matter, and do not use in a coal
mine.
• Battery can cause explosion or injury.
Do not dispose in fire or heat.
• Short circuits can cause a fire.
Do not allow a battery to contact other objects when storing it.

4
CAUTION
Use of controls, adjustment to the laser, or the performing of any procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
DO NOT allow anyone to work directly in the path of the laser beam.
Always make sure the laser is operating above the height of your crews heads.
Exposure to laser light may cause momentary blindness. Always use caution when op-
erating equipment near a laser.
Do not allow skin or clothing to come into contact with acid from the batteries.If this oc-
curs, wash off with copious amounts of water and seek medical attention.
Damaged or broken carrying cases may fall open causing injury, or damage to the laser.
Do not use a carrying case with damaged belts, grips or latches.
It could be dangerous if the instrument falls off of its mount.Please check that you have
mounted the instrument to the wallmount or tripod securely and correctly.
An unstable tripod can pose a potential risk of injury, or damage to the laser.
Always check that screws or leg locks are tight, and tripod is sitting firmly.
Please note that the tips of tripod can be hazardous, be aware of this when setting up
or carrying the tripod.
Please note that the tips of tripod can be hazardous, be aware of this when setting up
or carrying the tripod.

5
User Precautions
Always wear the protective clothing (safety shoes, helmet, etc.) when operating.
Exceptions from Responsibility
1) The user of this product is expected to follow all operating instructions and make periodic checks of the
product’s performance.
2) The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for results of a faulty or intentional
usage or misuse including any direct, indirect, consequential damage, and loss of profits.
3) The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for consequential damage, and
loss of profits by any disaster, (an earthquake, storms, floods etc.).
A fire, accident, or an act of a third party and/or a usage any other usual conditions.
4) The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for any damage, and loss of profits
due to a change of data, loss of data, an interruption of business etc., caused by using the product or
an unusable product.
5) The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for any damage, and loss of profits
caused by usage except for explained in the user manual.
6) The manufacturer, or its representatives, assumes no responsibility for damage caused by wrong
movement, or action due to connecting with other products.

6
Laser Safety
This product uses a visible laser beam, and is manufactured and sold in accordance with
“Performance Standards for Light-Emitting Products” (FDA/BRH 21 CFR 1040) or “Radiation
Safety of Laser Products, Equipment Classification, Requirements and User’s Guide” (IEC
Publication 825) provided on the safety standards for laser beam.
As per the said standard, this product is classified as a “Class 3A (IIIA) Laser Product”.
This is a simple product to operate and does not require training from a laser safety officer.
In case of any failure, do not disassemble the instrument. Contact TOPCON or your TOP-
CON dealer.
Labels
DANGER
CLASS a LASER PRODUCT
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
LASER RADIATION
WAVE LENGTH 532nm
5mW MAXIMUM OUTPUT
AVOID EXPOSURE
LASER LIGHT IS EMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
DANGER
CLASS a LASER PRODUCT
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
LASER RADIATION
WAVE LENGTH 633nm
5mW MAXIMUM OUTPUT
Beam aperture
Beam aperture
AVOID EXPOSURE
LASER LIGHT IS EMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
For RL-VH3A/B For RL-VH3G
Beam aperture (Only for RL-VH3A/G)

7
Contents Changing rotation speed .......................25
Laser Pointing Mode (stop) ...................25
Laser Sensor Mode (RL-VH3A/B Only) 26
Plumb Finder Mode ..............................26
Height Alert function .............................27
High Power Mode (RL-VH3G Only) ......27
Setting Slopes .......................................28
Vertical Beam Alignment .......................34
Setting 90° Vertical Layouts ..................42
Operational Example ..........................44
Maintaining Power Sources................45
Checking and Adjusting .....................48
Horizontal Calibration ...........................49
Horizontal Rotation Cone Error .............52
Vertical Calibration (Upward) ................53
Laser Beam (Downward) ......................58
Storage Precautions ...........................59
Standard / Optional Accessories ......60
Specifications .....................................67
Error Indication....................................71
Foreword ............................................. 1
Handling Precautions ........................... 1
Safety Information................................. 2
Safety Precautions ............................... 3
User Precautions................................... 5
Exceptions from Responsibility ............ 5
Laser Safety ......................................... 6
Labels.................................................... 6
Contents ............................................... 7
Standard System Components ............ 8
Main Features ..................................... 9
Nomenclature and Functions ............ 12
Preparation For Use ........................... 18
Battery Installation ................................ 18
Instrument Set-up Procedure ............... 18
Using Plumb beam (RL-VH3B has
vertical plumb beam only) .................... 19
Battery Warning Indicator ..................... 20
Auto-leveling lamp................................. 20
Operation ............................................ 22
Scanning Mode .................................... 22
Continuous scan.................................... 23
Auto Focus (RL-VH3A/G Only) ............. 24

8
Standard System Components
1 RL-VH3G/A/B (RL-VH3A/G includes Floor Mount model 6).................1pc.
2Magnetic Target ....................................................................................2pc.
3Alignment Target ..................................................................................1pc.
4Wall Mount Model-2C (RL-VH3G/A) or Model-1C (RL-VH3B)..............1pc.
5 *Battery unit .......................................................................................1set
6 Carrying case .......................................................................................1pc.
7 Calibration decals..................................................................................1set
8 Instruction manual.................................................................................1vol.
Please make sure that all of the above items are in the box when you unpack.
Additional Magnetic Scanning Targets may be included in some markets.
* The following are battery configurations. Included battery configurations very by package.
Rechargeable battery type:
(with Built-in Run/Charge system)
Rechargeable battery (BT-49Q)......1pc.
Holder (DB-49C).............................1pc.
AC/DC converter model, AD-9B/7C 1pc.
Dry battery type:
Holder (DB-49)................................1pc.
D- cell............................................4pcs.

9
Main Features
Visible Laser Beam
Visible beam lasers enable you to put the lasers beam to work directly on your
work area without the need for a level sensor.
The RL-VH3G is especially easy to see with its green laser beam.
Laser beams are emitted at exact 90° angles as shown below.
The RL-VH3G and RL-VH3A models also emit a laser beam from the bottom which elimi-
nates the need for plumb bobs when centering over a point.
Vertical Perpendicular angle
Horizontal rotation Vertical rotation
Perpendicular angle
Vertical plane

10
Automatic Beam Focus (RL-VH3A/G Only)
When the target is used, the laser will focus automatically to the target.
(It is also possible to focus manually with operating keys.)
Scanning
When the target is used, the laser
beam automatically searches for
and tracks it.
Continuous Scan
Scanning beam can be "drawn" to
any length (up to 180°) and main-
tained without the aid of the target
for hands free operation.
Vertical rotation
Horizontal rotation

11
Automatic Line Control
Set the alignment target centered on far con-
trol point when in auto alignment mode, the
laser beam is aligned automatically.
(can also be done manually.)
Automatic Grade Setting
Using alignment target, grade setting will be
done automatically.
(can also be done manually.)
Plumb Finder Mode
Provides a plumb laser spot below the rotat-
ing head to aid laser set-up over an initial
control point.

12
Nomenclature and Functions
Handle
Rotary head
Battery compartment lock
Battery holder
Laser emitting window
Beam aperture
Leveling screw
Panel
RL-VH3G/A/B Floor mount
(Floor mount is supplied as an Optional
accessory for RL-VH3B)
Wall mount/dismount lever
(Only used for wall mount)
Leveling screw
Floor fixing leg,
rotating type
Screw for tri-
pod W5/8

13
Magnetic ScanningTarget
Magnet
Detector
Datum line
Index Index
Alignment target
Index The blue target is for RL-
VH3G and the red target is
for RL-VH3A/B.
LOCK
UNLOCK
Wall mount model-2C
Wall mount hole
Mount position
control line
Clamp lever
Traveling stage
Wall mount hole
Wall mount model-1C
Clamp lever
Laser mounting screw
Elevation clamp
knob

14
Panel
Battery remaining
Auto/manual leveling control
Leveling lamp
Power switch
Manual mode lamp
Laser pointing
Circular level vial for
vertical operation
Speed control
Grade adjustment
Arrow keys
RL-VH3A
Manual focus key
Plumb beam key
Laser sensor mode
Scan mode
Auto/manual Grade
Auto/manual Alignment

15
Battery remaining
Auto/manual leveling control
Leveling lamp
Power switch
Manual mode lamp
Laser pointing
Circular level vial for
vertical operation
Speed control
Grade adjustment
Arrow keys
RL-VH3B
Laser sensor mode
Scan mode
Auto/manual Grade
Auto/manual Alignment
Plumb beam key
(Vertical operation
only)

16
ON
MANU
POWER
STOP
Battery remaining
Auto/manual leveling control
Leveling lamp
Power switch
Manual mode lamp
Laser pointing
Speed control
RL-VH3G
Manual focus key
Plumb beam key High power mode
Scan mode
Auto/manual Grade
Auto/manual Alignment
Grade adjustment
Arrow keys
Circular level vial for
vertical operation

17
Arrow keys
Y1
Y2
X2 X1
• Use to select eitherY1 orY2 direction in auto slope.
(Horizontal rotation only)
•Focussing the laser in manual focussing mode.
• Selecting a direction the beam should move to scan the
floor target in auto line control mode.
(Vertical rotation only)
•SettingY axis grade in manual slope mode.
(Horizontal rotation only)
• Selecting either X1 or X2 direction in auto slope.
• Selecting a control direction in auto line control mode.
(Vertical rotation only)
•Moving the laser in manual line control mode.
(Vertical rotation only)
•Selecting X axis direction in manual slope.
(Horizontal rotation only)
Arrow keys
Y2,Y1 key functions
X2, X1 key functions

18
Preparation For Use
Battery Installation
For battery placement or replacement instructions, see Maintaining Power Sources section,
page 45 .
Instrument Set-up Procedure
Horizontal Rotation
1Set the instrument on any smooth surface that is
within ±5° of true level.The RL-VH3G/A/B auto-
level system will not function if the unit is placed
more that 5° out of level. For best operation, it is
recommended that it be mounted to a tripod or
the Topcon Wall Mount Model 2C (provided).
Slope can be set in both axes, X andY. See
"Setting Slope" section, page 28 .
Leveling range
Horizontal