Laser pointer technology

As an option the instrument can have a green laser pointer activated. The laser pointer is automatically focused to provide a small spot size at different distances. The laser pointer can also be manually focused; please refer to the field software documentation for more information.

Laser pointer brightness settings

The brightness of the laser spot reflection can be perceived differently depending on the ambient light, reflection from object and/or range to the object. To adjust for this difference in the perceived brightness, you can select different settings in the Trimble Access™ field software.

• Low-Light. This setting is suitable in the following conditions:

  • Indoors

  • In dull light conditions (low ambient light)

  • When pointing at highly reflective surfaces

  • At close range

• Standard. The standard setting is suitable for use under normal conditions.

• Extended Range Flash. The Extended Range Flash setting can be used to find the laser spot in difficult conditions. It is suitable in the following conditions:

  • Outdoors

  • In bright light conditions (high ambient light)

  • When pointing at low- to non-reflective surfaces

  • At long range

The brightness level and flashing pattern for these settings depends on what EDM mode the instrument is in.

EDM in standard mode (STD)

When the EDM is in standard mode (STD), The brightness level and flashing pattern for the three possible settings are as described in the following table.

Setting in Trimble Access	Description
Low-Light
Standard
Extended Range Flash

EDM in tracking mode (TRK)

When the EDM is in tracking mode (TRK), the brightness level and flashing pattern for the three possible settings are as described in the following table.

Setting in Trimble Access	Description
Low-Light
Standard
Extended Range Flash

Collimation

There can be a small difference in the optical alignment of the laser pointer in relation to the crosshair and the EDM that cannot be physically adjusted. The measurement will, however, be made at the position where the laser pointer and crosshair is aimed.

The instrument compensates for this small alignment difference by using the collimation values.

The laser pointer collimation value can be measured in the field. Refer to the field software documentation for more information.

How the instrument compensates for the difference in alignment depends on what EDM mode the instrument is in.

EDM in standard mode (STD)

When the EDM is in standard mode (STD), the camera crosshair is aligned with the laser pointer. The EDM alignment may differ slightly from the laser pointer, depending on instrument temperature and range (up to 20 mm @ 50 m).

In STD mode the crosshair is aligned to the laser pointer. The EDM spot position relative to the crosshair and laser pointer will change slightly depending on instrument temperature, instrument face, and range. For a cold instrument in face 1, the EDM spot is up and to the right from the laser pointer, as shown above. For a warm instrument in face 1, the EDM spot is down and to the left relative to the laser pointer. In face 2, the opposite is true.

The compensation is automatic and when a STD measurement is made:

1. The laser pointer is turned off.

2. The crosshair is aligned with the EDM using the collimation values.

3. The servos adjust the instrument so that the crosshair and the EDM is aimed to the point that is to be measured.

4. The measurement is made.

5. The crosshair is aligned with the laser pointer using the collimation values.

6. The servos adjust the instrument so that the crosshair and the laser pointer is aimed to the measured point.

7. The laser pointer is turned on.

EDM in tracking mode (TRK)

When the EDM is in tracking mode (TRK), the camera crosshair is aligned with the EDM. The laser pointer alignment may differ slightly from the EDM depending on instrument temperature and range (up to 20 mm @ 50 m).

In TRK mode the crosshair is aligned to the EDM. The EDM spot position relative to the crosshair and laser pointer will change slightly depending on instrument temperature, instrument face, and range. For a cold instrument and in face 1, the EDM spot is up and to the right from the laser pointer, as shown above. For a warm instrument and in face 1, the EDM spot is down and to the left relative to the laser pointer. In face 2, the opposite is true.

To indicate that the laser pointer may not be aligned with the crosshair, the laser pointer flashes in a special pattern.

Laser pointer flashing pattern to indicate that the laser pointer is not aligned with the crosshair