ZIPLEVEL SYSTEM CONCEPT +20’ (6m) 200’ (60m) CIRCLE Unipod Measurement Module* Base Unit Cord SINGLE SET-UP RANGES -20’ (6m) *Zero at any reference within range
INTRODUCTION You’re about to enter an exciting new labor saving world of elevation measurement and leveling. The ZIPLEVEL® PRO-2000 High Precision Altimeter lets you focus on your work rather than the tedious task of measuring your work. ZIPLEVEL® is the first instrument of its kind to let you truly work alone, set-up instantly and measure without line-of-sight, distance error, factory calibration or math.
INTRODUCTION Use any of ZIPLEVEL’s 16 powerful built-in functions to master tough elevation measuring and leveling tasks from estimating, planning, excavation, construction and landscaping to fabrication, checking and analysis. Attach the optional PC Serial Link to ZIPLEVEL’s built-in Serial Port and make ZIPLEVEL® a powerful data gathering instrument capable of downloading stored measurements to a Personal Computer for analysis and tabulation or plots of profiles, sections and topographical maps.
TABLE OF CONTENTS LABELED FUNCTIONS HIDDEN FUNCTIONS ZIPLEVEL® Basics.. ............................. 1-6 Quick Start........................................ 7 On/Off, Hold & Zero........................... 9 Scale & Resolution.. ........................... 11 Calibration.. ....................................... 13 Record.............................................. 15 Mark . ............................................... 17 Temperature & High Precision.. ........... 19 Carry.. .......................
1 ▪ ZIPLEVEL BASICS ZIPLEVEL® consists of a Base Unit (BU) and hand-held Measurement Module (MM) joined by a rugged wireless Cord that communicates elevation data from the BU to the MM. Stakes secure the Base Unit on unstable terrain. A Unipod eliminates constant bending for multiple readings and doubles as a vertical calibration standard when fully extended. All components are stored in the Base Unit when not in use.
ZIPLEVEL PARTS ▪ 2 To remove the boot: 1. Place against chest 2. Pull back 1” with 4 fingernails each side. 3. Grip Measurement Module and Boot and pull Boot off. Cord Reel Typically on back side during use Storage Measurement Module Docking Area Display Keypad Staking Locations* Serial Port Boot Unipod Port Battery (This is easier when warmed.
3 ▪ MEASUREMENT MODULE Use the Measurement Module to level and take readings. The bottom and back of the Module are the only sides that may be used interchangeably for measurements. You may use other sides only if you first zero on that side. Hold the Module level and measure near the center of the side in use. Do not zero the Module and then invert it without correcting the reading as shown in the illustration on the next page.
MEASUREMENT MODULE ▪ 4 Display reading is equivalent for measurements taken from back or bottom. H = Display Measurement Module Rotated H To avoid adding values, use the same side for start and finish, without rotating or inverting. H = Display OR H OR WRONG For Measurement Module Inverted H = Display + 2.0” or 2.25” with Boot H = Display + 3.5” or 3.75” with Boot H Typical Use RIGHT H OR Must add value to reading in these three examples.
5 ▪ KEYPAD Use the keypad on the Measurement Module to control the ZIPLEVEL® and take readings. The most frequently used functions, called labeled functions, are printed on the eight keys below the display. ZIPLEVEL’s more advanced or less frequently used functions, called hidden functions, may be accessed by logical combinations of two or more keys. All keys except the HOLD and ON/OFF keys must be pressed and held for two seconds to activate. This minimizes accidental operation of the functions.
KEYPAD & DISPLAY ▪ 6 Flashes when battery is low. Flashes when calibration is required due to temperature. Main Display Digits Flashes when re-zero required due to temperature. Scale indicators Record indicators REC flashes in RECORD DATA function. On when display value is frozen. Press 2 seconds for these 6 keys to enter function. Fraction bar flashes in MARK mode. Every key clicks and beeps when pressed.
7 ▪ QUICK START Most ZIPLEVEL® users will use only those functions routinely necessary in their work. We suggest that you try all ZIPLEVEL® functions at least once to become familiar with its capabilities. This Quick Start will help you gain confidence by using a few frequently used functions: 1. Raise the lower door of the Base Unit, remove the Measurement Module and lay the Base Unit on its back on the floor or ground. The Base Unit should be secure but need not be level. 2.
MECHANICS OF USE ▪ 8 Suggested Reeling Technique Typical Handling Manage Cord with left hand, gently ‘whip’ over small objects. Thumb can reach the 3 most used keys For consistent readings, balance with Unipod between middle fingers like a plumb-bob before contacting surface.
9 ▪ LABELED FUNCTIONS This section describes how to operate ZIPLEVEL’s labeled functions. Glance through all the functions and illustrations then try each function on the ZIPLEVEL®. ON/OFF Momentarily press to turn ZIPLEVEL® on or off. Without a key press or movement within 3 minutes, two long warning beeps will sound followed by automatic turn off at 4 minutes. All settings and data are retained. HOLD Momentarily press to freeze an elevation on the display. Press again to release.
HOLD & ZERO ▪ 10 HOLD Press HOLD before the Module is in position - the reading will lock on the display when movement stops. Display not visible ZERO here first Deep, dark trench Framing New reference plane ZERO When zeroed above… -10.00’ Will read -10.
11 ▪ SCALE & RESOLUTION SCALE Press for 2 seconds and continue to press or press and release to select fractional inches (”), decimal inches (IN), engineer’s feet (FT), builder’s feet-inches (FT-IN), centimeters (CM) or meters (M). Fractional scales and meters are not available in the High Precision function (Pages 19 & 20). If you HOLD a reading on the display then SCALE can be used as a scale converter.
SCALE & RESOLUTION ▪ 12 SCALE Fractional inches Decimal inches Feet Feet - Inches Centimetres Meters Right end of display TYPICAL DISPLAY Longer Shorter Time for reading to stabilise (Decimal Inches Scale ) Selection Sequence RES EQUIVALENT DISPLAY READINGS Use for highest precision Use for intermediate precision Use for rough measurements
13 ▪ CALIBRATION Unlike rotary lasers and optical levels, the ZIPLEVEL® is not tilt sensitive, its level plane does not develop tilt error and it does not amplify error with distance or require factory calibration. The CAL function lets you calibrate vertical measurement accuracy much like calibrating the vertical sight rod of a rotary laser. Calibration may be needed for accurate vertical measurements but is not required for leveling operations.
CALIBRATION ▪ 14 Step 1 Press CAL 2 seconds to start 3 beep tone. Step 2 Lay bottom or back down close to Base Unit and press CAL again [ ] 0 display* Then [48] or [121.9] flashes and 2 beep tone Step 3 Raise to 48”(121.9cm), press CAL again and hold steady To extend, [ ] 48” or 121.9cm display* loosen/tighten Then normal display resumes as 48” or 121.9cm CAL bushings top down (1, 2, 3) *a single beep sounds until value is locked in.
15 ▪ RECORD The RECord function eliminates extensive tabulation and computation required to average large numbers of readings. Now you can easily estimate the slurry necessary to level an uneven concrete surface, the fill needed below concrete or predict the graded level of a hilly lot (see illustrations).
RECORD ▪ 16 REC Can compute average, minimum and maximum error from level around forms. Calculates fill needed below concrete. ZERO at bottom level for concrete, take as many measurements as needed. Volume = Average x Area Predicting lot elevations Average = final elevation relative to benchmark after cut and fill.
17 ▪ MARK The MARK function lets you create audible tones: 1) at a selected elevation, 2) for elevations within a selected band, or 3) elevations outside a selected band. Tones may be set over ZIPLEVEL’s full vertical single setup range.
MARK ▪ 18 MARK STEP 1 Tones can supplement display to level or alarm at height limits.
19 ▪ HIDDEN FUNCTIONS TEMPERATURE To display ambient temperature, continue to press ON/OFF for 2 seconds when turning ON. Momentarily press any other key to exit temperature. HIGH PRECISION The High Precision function lets you measure with an unprecedented paper thin 0.005” (0.1mm) internal precision over a vertical range of 4’ (1.2m).
HIGH PRECISION ▪ 20 Feet Format HIGH PRECISION ON OFF RES 1) Press 2) Momentarily Press High Precision Floor Survey HIGH PRECISION RANGES Decimal Units 200’ (60m) 24.00” Base Unit Elevation Optional Unipod Adapter * 24.00” *Base Unit May Be Offset +/- 5.0” (13cm) From Vertical Range Limits. 48.00” 121.
21 ▪ CARRY The CARRY function lets you leap-frog the Measurement Module and Base Unit to measure elevations (differential level) over any distance or elevation on earth without tabulation, computations or loss of your original benchmark plane. Two people working together can traverse terrain at a 2 mph (3 kph) rate. To use the CARRY function follow the steps in the illustration. Repeat the HOLD and ZERO sequence over any distance or elevation.
CARRY ▪ 22 CARRY Can measure the height of a mountain or locate an elevation across town – no pencil, paper or calculator needed. STEP 1 Base Unit is moved to set-up 2, be sure to STEP 2 Press HOLD Before ‘hold’ Measurement Module securely in position 2 seconds to enter CARRY) once STEP 3 Press ZERO (Press Base Unit is secured at set-up 2 *Clear CARRY to zero or set ELEVATION (see ELEV) here.
23 ▪ RECORD DATA ZIPLEVEL® can be used to record measurement data for creating tables, profiles, sections, contour or 3D maps. Press REC and MARK together for 2 seconds to enter or exit. REC will be flashing on the display while in the Record Data function. Press REC and ZERO together for 2 seconds to clear all data. Press HOLD momentarily to record each measurement.
RECORD DATA ▪ 24 REC DATA Saves up to 137 measurements, or an unlimited number with a PC. Take measurements over a grid of regular surface intervals for a contour or 3D map. One sequence can define a profile or section.
25 ▪ INSPECT/DUMP & INITIALIZE INSPECT or DUMP These functions allow inspection of Record Data registers and/or data transfer to a PC. To use this function: Press and hold CAL and REC keys together for two seconds to INSPECT data. Momentarily press the MARK key to sequence up through positions. Momentarily press the REC key to sequence down through positions. To sequence up or down in multiples of ten positions, momentarily press the HOLD key for up and CAL key for down.
INSPECT/DUMP ▪ 26 INSPECT /DUMP Press CAL and REC two seconds to enter or exit INSPECT Press CAL and REC momentarily and release to DUMP data to PC CAL TENS REC Sequence down ONES MARK ONES HOLD Sequence up INSPECT POSITION CONTROL KEYS PC Serial Link Compact PC mounted to Unipod in left hand or in pocket with display visible to operator RECORDING DATA ‘ON THE FLY’ When ZIPLEVEL registers fill, ‘FULL’ will display but record data to PC can continue indefinitely.
27 ▪ ELEVATION Elevation lets you preset the display and Carry reference plane to a benchmark elevation in engineers (FT) or metric scales for use in the CARRY function. You may preset the ELEV function to zero by pressing MARK and ZERO together for 2 seconds before entering the ELEV function. To enter or exit the ELEV function, press and hold the SCALE and RES keys together for 2 seconds.
ELEVATION ▪ 28 ELEV Allows preset of elevation in CARRY function. First place measurement module at benchmark. Press two seconds RES SCALE to enter or exit Display looks similar to CARRY function: E for Elevation Upper Display Example reading: 17,469.80 (a very high elevation!) Alternates Lower Display End Set Here 10′ 1′ 0.1′ 0.
29 ▪ MONITOR The Monitor function can be used to keep the ZIPLEVEL® from shutting off during periods of inactivity. It also can be used with the optional PC Serial Link for remote monitoring or data logging. For example, place the Base Unit on a Styrofoam® float to log water tank or river levels. To enter the MONITOR function, press and hold the ON/OFF and CAL keys together for two seconds when turning on ZIPLEVEL®. To exit, turn the unit off.
DISPLAY ALARM INDICATORS ▪ 30 CAL Flashes if unit needs to be re-calibrated due to a 36F (20C) temperature change since last calibration. CAL is on constantly when unit is outside of the -22°F to +158°F (-30C to +70C) operating temperature range. CAUTION: Vertical measurements may be in error. --0-- Periodic flash on the display indicates re-zero may be necessary due to a temperature change of 18F (10C) since the last zero.
31 ▪ USE TIPS 1) Secure the Base Unit after removing the Measurement Module. 2) Extend the Unipod from the top down and retract from the bottom up (see page 14). Always gently tighten bushings (avoid over-tightening). 3) Hold the Measurement Module in the handgrip areas to the right and beneath the keypad. For single handed operation, use the thumb to press the most frequently used buttons: ON/OFF, HOLD and ZERO. The left hand can manipulate the Cord. Release or hold steady while reading (see page 8).
HOW TO MEASURE ACCURATELY ▪ 32 ZIPLEVEL® isothermal readings are typically precise to within 0.2% of measurements 10’ (6m) or less and 0.35% of measurements beyond 10’ (6m). It can typically level to within 0.1” (2mm) or 0.01” (0.2mm) in High Precision over a single set-up. 1) For critical levelling frequently re-check or re-zero at the benchmark (CAL is not necessary for leveling). When possible minimize height differences between Cord, Base Unit and Measurement Module.
33 ▪ HOW TO MEASURE ACCURATELY 6) Always secure the Base Unit to prevent movement during measurements – it does not need to be level. 7) Avoid using ZIPLEVEL® beyond the specified ranges of elevation or temperature. The display will flash 8888 when beyond the +/-20’ (6m) vertical range and the CAL will be on steady for temperatures below -22°F (-30C) or above +158°F (+70C). 8) Occasionally check the 4’ (121.9cm) length of the fully extended Unipod for changes in length caused by wear.
ZIPLEVEL CARE ▪ 34 ZIPLEVEL® is rugged, durable and designed to provide years of reliable performance when properly used. Here are some guidelines: 1) Avoid excessive strain on the Measurement Module by guiding the Cord with the left hand during use (see page 8). 2) Whenever possible use the protective boot on the Measurement Module. Avoid dropping the Measurement Module and never use as a hammer. 3) Do not immerse the Measurement Module in water or any other liquid or gas and avoid contact with solvents.
35 ▪ ZIPLEVEL CARE 6) Pack up the ZIPLEVEL® when not in use for extended periods of time. Never leave out in foul weather or overnight. Avoid storage inside a hot closed vehicle or trunk. 7) ZIPLEVEL® contains a non-toxic biodegradable clear liquid. In the unlikely event that a damaged unit releases liquid or if the Cord is cut, bend over Cord and wrap with tape or wire to stop liquid release. Wipe up liquid with absorbent towels, remove residue with soap and water and return to factory for service.
TROUBLE SHOOTING ▪ 36 Problem Action Unit won’t turn on or shuts off soon after turn on Replace battery Display shows 8888 with steady tone even though elevation is small Unit is stuck in an undesired function and you can’t remember how to escape Check for Cord kink or damage.
37 ▪ MAINTENANCE/PRODUCT ASSISTANCE Technidea Corporation warrants the ZIPLEVEL® PRO-2000 High Precision Altimeter against deficiencies in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. The ZIPLEVEL® hydro-pneumatics are covered by a second year pro-rata warranty. ZIPLEVEL® never requires factory calibration and normal use should allow years of use without repair.
SPECIFICATIONS ▪ 38 Set-up vertical range: Set-up horizontal range: Carry function range: Range of zero or mark: Reading repeatability: Leveling accuracy: Elevation accuracy: Record capacity: Record data capacity: Settings/data retention: Operating temp. range: Storage temp. range: Shock resistance: Water resistance: 9V alkaline battery life: 40’ (12m) (20’ (6m) above and below Base Unit) 48”(122cm) full range in High Precision (HP) 200’ (60m) dia.