≪Precision Electronic Level≫

Compact Digital Display
DL-D3
LEVELNIC Owners Manual

Thank you for purchasing Niigata Seiki LEVELNIC.
Please read this manual thoroughly before use to insure proper operation
and a long service life.

[ CONTENTS]

Introduction ･････････････････････････････････ 2
Features･････････････････････････････････････ 2Part Identification ････････････････････････････ 3
Description･･････････････････････････････････ 4

Measurement Range and Zero Point
How to Use･･･････････ 9･･････････････････････････････････ 11

Zero-Point Setting････････････････････････････ 13

Leveling a Surface････････････････････････････ 15

Connection Diagrams
Output Signal･････････････････････････ 17････････････････････････････････ 19

Shipping ･････････････････････････････････････ 23
Notices ･･････････････････････････････････････ 24
Specifications････････････････････････････････ 25-1-[ INTRODUCTION]

This digital display unit has built in microprocessor for advanced functionality.
The output can be switched to display as mm/m, or DEG（°）.

[ FEATURES]◎ Connected to the Sensor Unit (Gauge) with a cable （DL-P1,） to use as a remotedisplay angle meter.
◎ Easy set-up with dedicated digital cable so no need to pair or configure for Sensor.
◎ Separate display allows you to work in tight spaces and on large equipment wheredisplay panel on the Sensor would be hard to read.
◎ Easy to read digital readout reduces user fatigue and errors.
◎ Units switchable on display can show measured angle in mm/m, or DEG（°）.
◎ Reference point easily set using 0-Cal and 1/2-Cal Buttons.
◎ Mode switch for controlling the resolution of the displayed value.
◎ RS-232C output signal for connection to computer or printer.
◎ Output signals for 2 or more systems can be combined into one output. This
simplifies data recording and processing when using 2, 3, 4 or more systems.

-2-[ PART IDENTIFICATION]（1）

Display（2）Power Switch（3）

Units Switch（4）

Mode Switch（5）0-Cal, 1/2-Cal Switch（6）

Data Out Switch（１０）

Data In Switch（7）

DL-S2 Data In Connector（１１）

DC In Jack

（8）

Data Out Jack

（１２）

Battery Cover Screw（9）

Data In Jack

（１３）

Battery Cover-3-

[ DESCRIPTION]（1） Display
Display shows angle reading, battery status, and communication status.

Angle
The displayed angle can be switched between units of mm/m, or DEG （°） using
the Units Switch on the front panel.
When displaying units as DEG （°）, the leading 0 in front of the decimal point is
not shown on the display in order to differentiate from display of mm/m.

If the angle exceeds the measurement range, an error message is displayed.
For a positive out-of-range error, "EEE" is displayed, and for a negative out-ofrange error, "－EEE" is shown.
When the angle is reduced to within the measurement range, normal
operation will continue.

Battery Status
When Battery level is getting low, the displayed value will blink.
If the value on the display blinks, please replace battery or switch to the included
AC adapter.

Communication Status
If an error occurs during data transmission, or if cable is not properly
connected, an error message (E1, E2, E3, or E4) will be displayed for about 3
seconds.
Refer to "Output Signal" section for details.

-4-（２） Power Switch
Unit is ready for use about 5 sec. after being switched ON.
If the Sensor is not connected the display panel will not display a valid reading.

0-Cal and 1/2-Cal settings are not stored when power is turned off; whenpower is turned back on the reference point will need to be reset.

（３） Units Switch
Switches between units of mm/m, or DEG (°).
mm/m is the change in height, measured in mm, over a distance of 1 m.
Measurement Range is ±5mm/m
Measured in DEG（°）, the range
DEG

is ±0.2865°mm

1m（４） Mode Switch
When set to 0.001, the displayed resolution will be 0.001mm/m、or 0.0001°
When set to 0.01, the displayed resolution will be 0.01mm/m、or 0.001°
For 0.01setting, the measured value is rounded off for display.
This feature allows you to reduce number flickering, making the value easier toread when full resolution is not required.

-5-（５） 0-Cal, 1/2-Cal Switch
0-Cal Side
When pressed in this direction, the displayed measurement is set to zero.

Switch requires deliberate press of about 1 sec.
1/2-Cal Side
When pressed in this direction, the displayed reading is divided by 2.
Value is changed when released.
Switch requires deliberate press of about 1 sec.

（６） Data Out Switch
Controls when displayed data is output on the Data Out Jack to theconnected devices.
When in neutral position and not pressed toward OUT, or TERMINAL side, nosignal is output.
If the cable is not properly connected, or if there is a problem duringcommunication, an error message will be displayed (E1, E2, E3, or E4) for
about 3 seconds.
Please refer to the "Output Signal" section for more details.
Display Unit control of data output.
When the switch is pressed in the OUT direction, the Display Unit will
send data to the connected device. Used when connected to a printer, or
when connected to a computer and recording control is on the Display
Unit side.
Data is sent when Switch is released.
Switch requires deliberate press of about 1 sec.

Data output controlled by downstream connected device
Move the switch to the TERMINAL position for continuous output of data fromthe Display. This is used when the connected device will control the recording,or updating of data points.

-6-

（７）Data In Connector
Connection for the Sensor using the DL-P1 connection cable. This connection
provides signal input, and power supply output to the Sensor.
Rotate the ring on the cable end to screw the ring onto the threads and secure
the cable to the connector.

（８） Data Out Jack
RS-232C port for sending the displayed value and units to a remote device forrecording or display.
Signal can be output directly to a computer or printer equipped with an RS-232C
port.
Please refer to "Output Signal" section for details.

（９） Data In JackFor connecting multiple DL-D3 Display Units, this input receives the data from theother displays. The data from all connected displays can then be sent to a single
printer or computer. The data from multiple connected systems is sent out on the
Data Out Jack, if connected.
Please refer to "Connection Diagrams" section for details.

（１０） Data In Switch
When connected to a second Display Unit (DL-S3) move the switch into the ON
position to enable receiving data on the Data In Jack. When not connected toan additional Gauge, move the switch to the OFF position.
Please refer to "Connection Diagrams" section for details.

-7-（１１） DC In JackFor connecting the included AC adapter for external power.
When AC adapter is plugged in, the battery power is disconnected fromthe internal circuit.

（１２） Battery Cover Screw
When replacing battery, turn counter clockwise to remove.

（１３） Battery Cover
Requires six AA type batteries.
Please install with proper polarity, as shown.

-8-

[ MEASUREMENT RANGE AND ZERO POINT]

The instrument can be set to display a reference point of "0" at any angle using the 0Cal and 1/2-Cal buttons.
However, the measuring range of the Sensor is limited by the range of the internalvariable measured by the device. (This value can be seen when the system is firstturned ON, before changing reference point.)
The Sensor does not have internal reference to true horizontal so the zero value
displayed when the Gauge is first turned on and connected does not necessarily show
true horizontal.
When an absolute reference to horizontal is needed, the zero-point must be set eachtime it is turned on.
In this way, the zero-point is accurate with each use with the advantage that any error
due to drift in the zero-point is eliminated.
Refer to the section "Zero-Point Setting" below and follow the 0-Cal and 1/2-Cal
procedures to set the zero-point.
The operating range of the Display Unit is ±5.25mm/m [± 0.285°, units of mm/m will
be used for remaining discussion.] This wider range ensures that the system will havea range of ±5mm/m around true horizontal allowing for some deviation between theinternal zero point of the Sensor the zero point set at true horizontal.
The system has a measurement range of ±5mm/m, and is limited by both the rangeof the Sensor, and the Display Unit.
The zero adjustment range on the Gauge body is greater than ± 0.25 mm/m, so to ensurethat the measurement range at the Display is the full ± 5 mm/m the Gauge adjustment
should be centered. To do this, turn the 10 turn 0-ADJUST potentiometer to the stop in one
direction, then turn back 5 full rotations.

The following diagrams represent the two measurement ranges for various
conditions. The internal measurement range is shown on the number line at the topof each diagram, and the displayed range shown below.
(all values shown in units of mm / m.)-9-◎ 0-Cal, 1/2-Cal operations have not been performed.
（Zero reference point for displayed value is same as internal reference.）
Output from Sensor

Display Zero

Measurement Range◎ Reference point moved 0.1 mm/m using the 0-Cal, 1/2-Cal operations.
(For example, initial reading was 0.1 mm/m when 0-Cal is performed,
or 0.20 mm/m before 1/2-Cal is performed.)

Output from Sensor

Display Zero

Measurement Range◎ Reference point moved 2 mm/m using the 0-Cal, 1/2-Cal operations.
（For example. display reads ＋2mm/m when 0-Cal is performed,
or ＋4mm/m when 1/2-Cal is performed）

Output from Sensor

Display Zero

Measurement Range-10-

[ HOW TO USE]

The Digital Sensor Unit is a precision instrument. Please handle with care and avoid
any shock or mishandling.
Please also handle the Display Unit with care and protect from rough handling.
Connect the Display Unit to the Senor Unit using the connection cable (DL-P1).
Before use, wipe the gauge base and the surface of object to be measured using asoft cloth or lens cloth moistened with mineral spirits or alcohol to remove any
grease and contamination.

Turn on the display using the Power Switch.

For best results, wait about 20 min. after power on for internal circuitry to stabilize.
The zero-point will shift up to 0.01mm/m when first turned on as the system warms
up. If this level of precision is not needed, you can begin measurements as soon as it
is turned on.
Make sure there is no difference in temperature between the instrument and thesurface to be measured.
For the highest precision, perform measurements in a climate controlled room as is
general practice for all precision measurements.
After use, protect the base of the Sensor by coating with rust-preventive oil before
storage.

-11-

When the Gauge is viewed with the data connector on the right side, if the right side
is elevated the angle reading will be an increasing positive number.
If the angle is out of range, an error message will be displayed. For negative angles, a"‒" sign is also shown. In the error message, the "E" on the elevated side will also
blink to indicate the direction of the out-of-range error.
Data Connector

Display reading

The display can be set to show the angle in units of DEG (°), or in units of mm/m
(height difference in mm over 1 m.)
For the case of mm/m, to determine the height difference over a certain distance or
pitch, use the following equations.
Pitch
Height Difference / Pitch=

Reading

×

1000

[mm]

For the example with the measurement pitch = 100mm,
100
Height Difference / Pitch=

Reading×=

Reading

×

-12-

1000
0.1

[mm]

[mm]

[ ZERO-POINT SETTING]The Sensor does not have a preset absolute zero-point.
When the Display is first turned on, a reading of zero will not necessarily indicate thatthe gauge is at true horizontal position. If a zero-point is required, it must be set eachtime the Display is switched on.
In this way, calibration error is eliminated and the zero-point is set accurately eachtime.
Setting the zero-point to true horizontal is accomplished using the 0-Cal and 1/2-Cal
Operations.
Zero-point can also be set using the 0-Cal, 1/2-Cal adjustment procedure on
the Gauge. A zero-point can not be set if the reference plane is beyond theadjustment range. In that case, please adjust the surface to reduce the slope
to within the adjustment range for setting the zero-point.

A） For comparing relative slope of different surfaces.
（１） Place the Sensor on the surface to be used as the reference.
（２） When the display has settled, press the 0-Cal Switch to set the display to zero.
A relative zero-point has now been set for use in comparative angle measurementsB） If there is a true horizontal reference surface available.
（１） Place the Sensor on the surface to be used as the reference.
（２） When the display has settled, press the 0-Cal Switch to set the display to zero.
Zero-point has now been set for absolute measurements.
C） If surface is not known to be level.
（１） Place the Sensor on the surface to be used as the reference.
（２） When the display has settled, press the 0-Cal Switch to set the display to zero.
（３） Rotate the Sensor 180° in the same spot on the surface.
（４） When the display has settled, press the 1/2-Cal Switch to divide the display
reading by 1/2.
Zero-point is now set at true horizontal.
The display will show the absolute tilt of the surface the instrument is on.
The zero-point is now set. However, if the reference surface is not level in the rolldirection (perpendicular to the measurement axis,) there is a possibility of
introducing some error to the measurement so make sure the surface is first leveled
to reduce roll.
-13-

≪

0-Cal, 1/2-Cal Operation≫

The zero-point reference is set without an absolute reference by using the directionof Earth's gravity as a reference. This can be understood from the following
procedure.
Suppose a slope having an angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane.
Place on that slope a board with a weight suspended on thread.
As seen in the diagram below, the weight will move toward side A of the board atan angle θ from the line perpendicular to the slope.
When the board is turned 180°, the weight now moves toward side B of the board
by angle θ from the line perpendicular to the slope.
Using this method, even without a true horizontal reference we can determine thevalue of the angle 2×θ, where θ is the angle of the slope in reference to thehorizon.
By dividing by two, we can determine θ, the tilt of the slope.
If the gauge is set to zero on a slope, then when the gauge is rotated 180° it will show
the angle twice the actual tilt of the slope.
If the reading is then halved, it will show the tilt of the slope, and by adjusting theslope until that reading is zero, we can adjust the surface to horizontal.

Using this method for setting the horizontal reference, the reference set is always
accurate and the gauge reliable. For an instrument with built in reference, there is achance that it will be inaccurate and yet will continue to be used without knowing of
the deviation.

WeightGravity
WeightGravity-14-

[LEVELING A SURFACE]

Leveling in one direction.
（ １ ） Place the Sensor on the surface, and once the display has stabilized (while also
checking bubble tube level reading.) Press the 0-Cal Switch to zero the reading.
（ ２ ） Rotate the Sensor 180° in the same location on the surface. Check the bubble
tube level -- it should read the same. Press the 1/2-Cal Switch.
If the reading on the bubble tube level changes, it indicates that the surface hastilt in the roll direction (perpendicular to the direction being measured,) and thismay lead to error.
（３） Adjust the tilt of the surface to make the instrument's display read zero.
（４） Rotate the gauge 180° again to confirm that the reading is zero and the surface
is level.
If it does not read zero after rotating, then repeat steps (1) ~ (4) above.
Note: If there is a large tilt in the roll direction (perpendicular to the measurementaxis) there will be some display error and it will be difficult to level the surface. In
this case, please also adjust the surface so that the roll direction is also level.

0-Cal

1/2-CalAdjust-15-

Leveling in two directions （X、Y direction）（１）For one direction (for example the X-direction,) follow the above procedure for“Leveling in one direction.”（２） Repeat the procedure for the other direction (the Y-direction.)（ ３ ） When adjusting in one direction, it is possible that the perpendicular direction
will be affected and no longer level. It may be necessary to repeat steps (1), (2),several times to bring the two axis into level.
When the reading is zero for the level placed in any position, the surface is level.

-16-[ CONNECTION DIAGRAMS]

Display Unit connection examples with switch settings shown.
＜

Basic configuration ＞

Display connected to digital sensor
Cable
DL-P1（5m）
SensorDL-S2

Display
DL-D3
Data Out Switch： Neutral （OFF）
Data In Switch： OFF＜

Printer / Computer connection ＞

Adding a printer or computer to basic configuration.
Connect the output DL-P5 cable to the Data Out Jack.

Cable
DL-P1（5m）Cable
DL-P5（5m）

SensorDL-S2

Display
DL-D3

DPU-411 Printeror, Computer

Data Out Switch： Neutral （OFF）→ OUTTERMINAL（continuous output）
Data In Switch： OFF
If the Data In Switch is in the ON position, "NO CONNECT" will be output to indicatethat there was no data present on the Data In Jack.

-17-

＜

Multiple Units Connected ＞

Connection of multiple Display units daisy chained on the Data Out and Data In jacks.

Cable
DL-P1（5m）Cable
DL-P5（5m）

SensorDL-S2

Display
DL-D3

Data Out Switch： Neutral（OFF）→ OUTTERMINAL（continuous output）
Data In Switch：OFF

DPU-411 Printeror, Computer

Cable
DL-P3（5m）

DL-P1
DL-S2

DL-D3

Data Out Switch： TERMINAL
Data In Switch： ON

Data In Jack

DL-P3

DL-P1
DL-S2

Data Out Jack

DL-D3

Data Out Switch： TERMINAL
Data In Switch： OFF
1 Data set
Printer output for 3 system configuration:
The data from multiple systems is printed
out as shown on right, with the output
printed in order of connection starting withthe system closest to the printer hookup.
For each additional system connected to thechain, one line is added to the output.

-18-

[

Output Signal]

Displayed measurement value and units are output on the Data Out Jack.
The signal is RS-232C compatible so can be connected to any computer or printerwith an RS-232C port available.
Signal is also used to connect to another DL-D3 when connecting multiple systems.
Use an audio type mini-plug for connecting cable to Data Out Jack.
（Connection Cables DL-P3,DL-P5 available from manufacturer）（１） TD（Output）

Transmitted Data

（２） CTS（Input）

Clear to Send

（３） GND

GroundComm method

AsynchronousComm Control

Hardware (CTS controlled)

Baud Rate

1200 bps

Data Length

8 bit

Stop Bits

1

Parity Bit

No

Output signal±5 V to ±10 V

Input Signal

3 V to ±15 V

Transmitted data will be 16 characters in each string (Japanese character set..)In addition, when the Data In Switch is OFF an EOF will be sent as the 17 th character.
The data contents are as follows:
Character 1~14

Measurement data and units, including spaces

Character 15

Carriage Return (CR)Character 16

Line Feed (LF)

Character 17

EOF
-19-

（△symbol = space）
Output units of mm/m〃〃
Output units of DEG（°）
〃〃Error output〃

Signal output is controlled by the CTS signal.
CTS tells the system when to transmit, or not to transmit data.
If the Data Out Switch is set to “TERMINAL”.
For CTS level “high”, measurement data is sent on TD with each data update..
For CTS level “low”, or not connected, measurement data is not sent.
If CTS is continuously “high”, measurement data will be sent continuously.
If the Data Out Switch is in center, neutral position.
For CTS level “high”, measurement data is sent on the TD line each time the Data
Out Switch is pushed in the OUT direction.
In order to prevent multiple data from being sent, the Data Out Switch will only
send out data upon release.
Data will not be output if Data Out Switch is continuously held down.

-20-

Example for multiple units connected （3 systems）

Data for 3 connected systems.
After the last data string, LF, EOF characters are sent..

（△Symbol = space）
Data from unit 1
Data from unit 2
Data from unit 3

Note 1: If CTS goes "low" and stays low for about 3 sec. during the data transmission(before the EOF is sent,) the transmission will be interrupted and the display
will show “E1” for about 3 sec. before returning to normal operation.
Note 2: If CTS is “low” when OUT on the Signal Output Switch is pressed, the display
will show “E2” for about 3 sec., and then return to normal.
Note 3: When receiving data in multiple system configuration, If data is not received
for about 3 sec. during a transmission (before the EOF is received,) thenfollowing the characters which had been received the "NO CONNECT"
characters will be sent followed by CR LF LF EOF, and the display will show
“E3” for about 3 sec. After which, it will return to normal operation.
Note 4: When in multiple system configuration, if there is no data received for about
3 sec., then the "NO CONNECT" characters will be sent followed by CR LF LF
EOF, and the display will show “E4” for about 3 sec. After which, it will return
to normal operation.
Note 5: If battery voltage is low, display will blink and data can not be output.

-21-

＜

Timing Chart＞

17 char data
CTS

17 character data stringTD

85μsec to ~400msec~140msec~400msec

CTS

Data for 1st unit

Data for 2nd unit

TD
Data for 3rd unit

85μsec to ~400msec~140msec
85μsec to ~400msec-22-

[ SHIPPING]The Sensor Unit is a precision instrument; when carried or shipped care must be
taken to avoid damage. Please be careful not so subject instrument to shock,vibration, or excessive forces during shipping.
Hand Carrying
Always transport in supplied case.
Transport in upright position and not on side or upside down.
When transported by automobile, reduce unnecessary vibration as much as
possible by placing on upright on passenger seat during transport.
When placing the Level Gauge into the storage case, use care since the outer bodyis larger than the base and will get stuck.
Shipping via Truck or Carrier
Please prepare a shipping box with internal size approximately 20cm larger than
the storage case in all dimensions.
Place the instrument in the storage case, and place the case in the box with allsides protected with appropriate packing material (such as shredded paper orsimilar cushioning material.) Pack with enough material to ensure the case will staycentered in the box and will be protected from shock.
The case should be right-side up, and the box marked to insure the box is kept
upright during shipping, and not on side or upside down.

Shipping Box
Packing
Material

Storage Case

※ Leave room for 10cm of packing material on all six sides-23-

[ NOTICES]This is a precision instrument, handle with care. While in use and during transport
protect from excessive shock, vibration, or excessive force.
If not used for a long period, remove batteries.
Store in cool, dry location out of direct sunlight and protect from high humidity or
severe temperature changes.
Keep away from magnets and strong magnetic fields.
When used in a support capacity for other equipment, it can easily be damaged;please use care to avoid scratches or corrosion.
Do not modify or use for purpose other than original intended use.

-24-

[ SPECIFICATIONS

]

Model

DL-D3

Display Range±5.000 mm/m、±0.2865°

Resolution

0.001mm/m、0.0001°（※1）

0.01mm/m、0.001°

Operating Temp. range

0～40℃

Output Signal

RS-232C compatible

Power

6x AA Batteries
AC100V Adapter

Continuous Use Time（※2）

Zinc-Carbon battery
Alkaline battery

Dimensions

235 (L)×

Weight1.0kg

Accessories

AC100V Adapter

approx. 27 hours

approx. 55 hours

106 (W)×

51 (H) mm

Storage Case
Owner's Manual（※1） When DEG（°）is selected for display, the O left of decimal is not shown.
（※2） Some variation depending on usage conditions.

NIIGATA SEIKI CO., LTD
6-15-22, Tsukanome, Sanjo-city, Niigata 955-0055 JAPANTEL: 0256-31-5670-25-