LIVERMORE, Calif. – April 20, 2010 – Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) announces the release of the new DL-500 digital levels series.

The new Topcon DL-500 incorporates the world’s first ‘Wave-and-Read’ technology. “This feature provides an additional survey style option that allows a rod person to wave the staff back and forth, instead of keeping the staff plumb,” said LeRoy Sorenson, product marketing manager for the TPS Survey Business Unit.

The staff reading becomes the minimum when it stands vertically. The DL-500 tracks the waved staff and automatically reads the least value. “This innovative technology allows for error-free readings of waved staffs, while dramatically reducing operator’s eyestrain,” said Sorenson.

The DL-500 also incorporates the advanced Random-Bidirectional code (RAB code) for the staff and optimum digital processing algorithm for staff reading. “These technologies gave the DL-500 an ability to provide exceptional measurement accuracy, stability and speed under a variety of environmental conditions,” said Sorenson. “Even when the staff surface is partially shaded, or in dim lighting conditions as low as 20 lux, one single button triggers measurement and the DL-500 instantly shows reliable results.”

The DL-500 automatically recognizes the staff directions, either upright or inverted, “eliminating manual errors when surveying with normal and inverted readings,” Sorenson said.

Two models are available in different height measurement accuracy.
-- DL-502: 0.6mm (Invar staff), 1.0mm (fiberglass staff)
-- DL-503: 0.8mm (Invar staff), 1.5mm (fiberglass staff)

DL-500 features include:
-- Reliable pendulum compensator with magnetic damping system;
-- 2,000 points internal memory;
-- Onboard measurement programs such as elevation, height difference, ceiling height, cut/fill and stakeout in horizontal distance.

Invar, fiberglass and aluminum RAB-code staffs are available.

Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS) designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.
www.topcon.com