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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR

MECHANICAL POLAR PLANIMETERS

LOS ANGELES SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT CO. INC.

LASICO 2451 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, LOS ANGELES, CA. - USA
PHONE: (323) 662-2128 FAX : (323) 662-0904
E-Mail : lasico @ worldnet.att.net Website: www.lasico.com
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF

LASICO MECHANICAL POLAR PLANIMETERS

Thank you very much for selecting a Lasico Instrument.

We hope it will serve you well for many years to come.
Should you encounter any problems with the operation of your
planimeter, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE

1. The Measuring Operation 1

2. The Polar Planimeter and its Components 2

2.1 Model Series 10 and 20 2
2.2 Model Series 30 2

3. The Measuring Mechanism 3

4. The Tracer Arm 4

4.1 The Measuring Resolution 4
4.2 The Measuring Range 4

5. The Pole Arm 4

6. Preparations 5
6.1 Setting the Tracer Arm Length 5
6.2 The Calibration Record 6
6.3 Determination of Measuring Constant C A 7

7. Instrument Testing and Recalibration 9

7.1 Test Procedure 9
7.2 Instrument Recalibration 9

8. The Compensating Feature 10

Instrument Warranty:
Instruments proven defective in either workmanship or materials, will be repaired or re-
placed (at Lasico's option) free of charge within one year from the date of original
purchase.
Lasico and its distributors shall have no liability of any kind, consequential or otherwise,
resulting from the use or inability to use this product.
1. THE MEASURING OPERATION
1. Before any measurements are at- 3. Place the tracer point TP of your plani-
tempted, make sure that the measuring meter in the approximate center of the
surface is suitable. It should not be very area to be measured. Position the pole
glossy, (photographs) too rough, muti- weight in such a manner, that the pole
lated, torn or patched up with adhesive arm P and the tracer arm T form a 900 an-
tape. If the measuring surface is not quite gle (approx.) as shown in fig.1 below.
suitable, cover it with a transparent sheet
of tracing paper to minimize the problem. 4. Make a quick cursory tracing around
Make sure that the measuring table is the area to be measured to make sure
reasonably flat and that both pole weight that the measuring wheel does not run
and planimeter body operate at the same over paper edges and that the area can
elevation. be covered in one single continuous ope-
ration.
2. Assemble your instrument as shown
on page 2 and if your instrument is a 5. Select a starting point S somewhere
model 30, select the tracer arm length on the area periphery and move the
most suitable for your application. tracer point TP over it. (fig.2)
(please check page 5 for details)

Pole Weight Pole Weight

90 degree angle (approx)

P
P

T
TP TP
T

Fig. 2
Fig. 1 S
Starting and End Point

6. Set the measuring mechanism to zero readily be used to obtain the actual area
or take an initial reading. measurement.

7. While keeping the tracer point TP pre- 10. If you took an initial readout prior to
cisely over the peripheral line, move the the measurement, it must be subtracted
tracer around the area in a clockwise di- from the final readout to obtain "N".
rection until the circuit is closed and the
starting point S is reached again. Impor- 11. For 1:1 measurements expressed
tant : While measuring, keep the instru- in inch2 or cm2, multiply the result "N" by
ment level on the measuring surface to the "u" value given for your model 10 or
avoid a lift off of the measuring wheel. 20 or, if your instrument is a model 30,
by the "u" value for the arm extension
8. Read the result off the measuring used.
mechanism. ( please check page 3 for ( please check page 7 for details)
details)
12. For scale measurements to be ex-
9. If the counter was cleared prior to the pressed in ft2, acres, mile2,, m2, ha, km2,
measuring process, the result "N" can multiply "N" by CA . ( = Scale Area Con-
stant) Please check page 7.

Page 1
2. THE POLAR PLANIMETER AND ITS COMPONENTS

2.1 MODEL SERIES 10 AND 20

Note: Series 10 and 20 planimeters are identical except for tracer arm length.

Shown: L 10
Pole Weight

For smoothness of operation

a teflon washer is attached
Fig. 3
Fixed to the bottom of the lens tracer.
Pole Arm It can be replaced by the user.

Counting Dial (order Part No. 14C)

Fixed
Tracer Arm
Planimeter Body

Zero
Vernier Setting Tracer Lens
Wheel Tracer Needle
(L-Model)
(N-Model)
TP
Measuring Wheel Tracer Point
Dial Index Point
Tracer Guide screws into the needle
tracer to adjust needle clearance

2.2 Model Series 30

L 30 models are
equipped with a rotat-
Fig. 4 Pole Weight ing tracer assembly to
assure more positive
contact with the mea-
suring surface.

Adjustable Pole Arm

Counting
Clamp Screw
Dial

Adjustable Tracer Arm Tracer Lens

(L-Models)
Arm Vernier

Mea.Wheel Vernier Stop Pin

Pin for Arm Tilt Tracer Point TP

Measuring Wheel Zero Tracer Needle

Setting ( N-Models)
Wheel Tracer Arm Fine Adjustment

Page 2
3. THE MEASURING MECHANISM

The measuring mechanism consists of a counting dial, a measuring wheel with

100 divisions, and a vernier. The counting capacity is 9999 .
When measuring large areas, it is important to closely watch the counting dial and
to add 10 000 to the readout for each complete turn of the dial.

Read Dial, Measur-

ing Wheel and Ver-
nier in this order:
Dial = 2
M.Wheel (major)= 5
M.Wheel (minor) =4
Vernier =7

Result :

2547

MEAS.
WHEEL
(R) Fig. 5
7 4 5 2
VERNIER
MINOR MAJOR DIAL (D)
( V ) DIVISION DIVISION

HOW TO READ A MECHANICAL PLANIMETER

The reading of a mechanical planimeter, is significant digit turns out to be either zero are almost
given on three different scales, as shown above. One of zero; otherwise the next lower number is the most sig-
these is a flat dial, "D"; the second, "R" is attached to the nificant digit.
measuring wheel; and the third is a stationary vernier
scale, "V", located immediately next to the scale, "R". The Next, look at the scale, "R", on the measuring wheel.
disk provides the most significant digit, the scale at- Notice that this scale has 10 major division markers
tached to the measuring wheel provides the next two that are numbered 0 to 9, and 10 small divisions be-
most significant digits, and the stationary vernier pro- tween each numbered marker. Also look at the station-
vides the least significant digit. ary scale,"V", and notice that it has a single major
To get the reading, first look at the disk, "D". Notice a division marker labeled zero. This zero marker is the
small slotted-head screw that acts as pointer.
If this pointer points between two numbers, then take pointer to be used to read the scale.
the lower of the two as the most significant digit.
If it points precisely at a number, then this number is
the most significant digit provided that the next most

Page 3
 If this pointer points between two numbers, then the digit is a 3 and the fourth digit must be obtained
lower of the two numbers is the second most signifi- from the stationary vernier.
cant digit, except in one case. In this case, the marker
points between 0 and 9; then 9 rather than 0 is the Now notice that one line on the stationary vernier,
second most significant digit. If the pointer points "V", lines up best with one line on the measuring wheel
right at a number, then that number is the second scale, "R". This line on the vernier represents the least
most significant figure, and the last two digits are significant digit.
zero's.
If the vernier pointer points between two numbers on
This digit is found by counting up to it from the 0
scale, "R", then it also points either at or between two
vernier line. For example, if the seventh line on the
of the ten minor divisions separating the numbered
vernier lines up best, then the last significant digit is a
markers. If it points exactly at the third division for ex-
seven .(as seen in the example on page 3)
ample then the third most significant digit is a 3 and
the fourth is a 0. If it points between the third and
fourth minor division, then the third most significant

Prior to any measurement, you must "zero" the measuring mechanism or record the
readout , which must then be subtracted from the final measuring result.
To reset the mechanism to zero, use the zero setting wheel.
If you have a model L 30
your instrument is equipped with a rotatable tracer. Depress the arm tilt pin with your
right hand in order to lift the planimeter body off the measuring surface. Then, using
your left hand, set the mechanism to zero by means of the zero setting wheel.

4. THE TRACER ARM

The length of the tracer arm is directly proportional to the measuring resolution
and the measuring range of the planimeter.

4.1 THE MEASURING RESOLUTION

is the smallest area increment which the instrument can record. It is expressed
as the "u" value. Model 10 and 20 planimeters have a fixed "u" value. The "u"
value of model 30 can be altered by changing its tracer arm length. The highest
resolution (=best accuracy) can be obtained by using the shortest arm extension.

4.2 THE MEASURING RANGE

is the area which can be covered by the instrument in one continuous tracing op-
eration. To obtain max. measuring range set the tracer arm to its longest
extension. (Mod. 30) If your instrument is equipped with an adjustable pole arm,
it can also be used to extend the measuring range.

5. THE POLE ARM

does not affect the measuring resolution. Therefore adjustable pole arms
can be set to any length desired. (using the customary "Pole Outside the
figure" method.) The "pole inside method" is no longer used.
All Lasico pole arms are supplied with a pole weight for work on any table
surface.

Page 4
6. PREPARATIONS

Before you start your measurements The readout results of mechanical plani-
with a model 30 you need to optimize meters are expressed in planimeter
your instrument by choosing the tracer units and they need to be processed in
arm extension most suitable for your ap- order to obtain true area values.
pli- cation. Therefore it is necessary to prepare a
Owners of model series 10 and 20 in- special measuring constant (CA) to com-
struments have no choice, since the pensate for a scale ratio or to select the
tracer arm length is fixed. appropriate "u" value for 1:1 measure-
ments.

6.1 TRACER ARM LENGTH

loosen clamp screw

Fig.6 SERIES 10/20 PLANIMETERS
have a fixed resolution and range, limiting the
use of the instrument to some extend.

SERIES 30 PLANIMETERS
LONG ARM
give you the choice to configure the instrument
for maximum accuracy by selecting a short
Push the arm into the planimeter body
until it is flush with the body.
tracer arm extension or for maximum measur-
ing range by selecting a long arm. In addition it
is possible to use a compromise setting (me-
dium arm).
loosen clamp screw Furthermore, all model 30 planimeters are
calibrated to provide 1:1 measurements di-
rectly in inch2 and cm 2 by using a precalibrated
arm setting. (check next page)

IMPORTANT:
Fig.7
MEDIUM ARM For maximum precision always use the short-
est arm length possible. This is especially im-
Set the tracer arm to 16 (the graduation
portant, if the areas to be measured are
line 16 must be aligned with the index line 0)
smaller than 1 in2 / 6 cm 2 .
If the size of the area makes it necessary to
subdivide it for evaluation, then you should use
a long arm which permits measurements in
loosen clamp screw Fig.8
one (or as few as possible) continuous tracing
operations.

Model 30 Planimeter Tracer Arm Extensions

can be quickly changed as shown on the left
side of this page.
SHORT ARM
Tracer arm settings for 1:1 inch and 1:1 cm re-
Shorten the tracer arm as much as
sults are shown in your calibration records.
possible. (run the stop pin against the body)
How to adjust the tracer arm length to these
values is shown on page 6.

Page 5
 FOR 1:1 MEASUREMENTS
THE TRACER ARM OF 13.98 These values are

MODEL 30 CAN BE SET TO chosen for demo

A PRECALIBRATED LENGTH purposes only.

TRACER ARM SETTING SHOWN: 13.98

the eighth line (counting to the left

Fig. 9 from the index) is aligned with a
division line of the tracer arm.

The tracer arm of your model 30 may be graduated in mm or half mm intervals. If you have half mm
intervals, simply ignore the half mm divisions and set the arm length using only the mm lines.
The line drawings above show a setting of 13.98 cm.
Full cm and the 1/10 th cm graduation lines are located to the right of the index line 0.
The 1/100 th cm division is the vernier line (always to the left of the index line 0) , which is best
aligned with a dividing line of the arm.

6.2 THE CALIBRATION RECORD

A Calibration Record is supplied with every planimeter.. It shows the "u" values of
the instrument, which are needed to determine the measuring constants.

Example of a Model 30 Calibration Record: (varies between instruments)

LONG TRACER ARM u - (English)_______ 0.02010 "u" values for

u - (Metric) _______ 0.12971 several arm ex-
tension are pro-
MEDIUM TRACER ARM u - (English)_______ 0.01368 vided to assure
u - (Metric) _______ 0.08831 maximum flexi-
bility and optimal
SHORT TRACER ARM u - (English)_______ 0.00878 results.
u - (Metric) _______ 0.05669
Values shown
TEST AREA AT (English) ______ are for demo
AT (Metric) ______ purposes only.
Yours may be
TRACER ARM SETTING for u = 0.01 in2 ....12.07 different !
for 1:1 MEASUREMENTS for u = 0.1 cm 2 ....17.99

Page 6
Example Of A Model 10 / 20 Calibration Record

Models u-Value (English) u-Value (Metric)

10 / 10A 0.01 in2 0.0645 cm 2

20 / 20A 0.02 in2 0.129 cm 2
20M /20AM 0.015 in 2 0.1 cm 2

6.3 DETERMINATION OF THE AREA MEASURING CONSTANT CA .

After finishing the measuring operation, the readout result must be multiplied by CA
in order to obtain the true area value.

For 1:1 Measurements, CA = u ; i.e. the user simply multiplies his or her

readout result by the u-value of the instrument in use. If the instrument is a fixed
arm model 10 or 20, the u-values can be obtained from the Calibration Records
(see example shown above).

If the instrument is a model 30, it is necessary to use the u-value specified for the
tracer arm extension used. (please check the previous page) .

Example:

A figure is to be measured directly in sq.inches. The instrument used is a Mod.

L10.
The u-value for a Model 10 is 0.01. Subsequently all readout results must be multi-
plied by 0.01 in order to obtain the result in sq. inches.

If the readout result is 4562, the true area result is 4562 x 0.01 = 45.62 in2 ;

For Measurements of Scaled Areas, the C A value must be determined.

The following formula applies: C A = Sc2 x u ; where Sc is the scale ratio

expressed as an engineering ratio.

Again, the u-value entered into this formula is always the same if a model 10 or 20
is used.
However if the instrument is a Model 30, it is necessary to use the u-value speci-
fied for the tracer arm extension used. (please check the previous page) .

Example:

The square footage of a land parcel is needed. Scale ratio is 1"= 40' ; The Plani-
meter model used is a L 30 with medium arm extension.

Therefore C A = 40 2 x 0.01368 = 1600 x 0.01368 = 21.89 ft2 ;

Page 7
 Please note: You find the u-value entered into the formula in your Calibration Re-
cords. The u-value shown here was extracted from the example records on the
previous page. However your u-values may be different .

Example:

Planimeter used: Model 30; Scale ratio : 1" = 660 feet; Long Arm Extension used;
Results to be expressed in Acres.
Sc2 x u
The formula for determination of the Acre Constant : C A = ------------------- ;
43560
6602 x 0.02
Subsequently C A = ------------------- = 0.2 Acres ;
43560
Example:

Planimeter used: Model L20M; Scale ratio = 1: 5500; Results needed in sq. meters.
All metric scale ratios are expressed in proportional ratios. 1:5500 means that 1cm =
5500 cm. Since the result must be expressed in sq.m, we need to convert the scale
ratio accordingly: i.e. 1cm = 5500 cm or 1cm = 55m;

Therefore C A = 552 x 0.1 = 302.5 m 2 ; ( 0.1 is the u-value for model 20M)

Important

Please keep in mind, that all values used in computing CA must be of the same unit
value, i.e. if results are needed in mile2 , a foot scale ratio must first be converted into a
mile ratio. etc.

If your scale ratio is an architectural ratio, please check below.

Architectural Scale Ratios

like 1/32" = 1 ' or 3/4 " = 1' must be converted into an Engineering Ratio Sc
before they can be used to determine C A .

1/32" = 1' converts to 1" = 32' 3/8" = 1 ' converts to 1" = 2.666'
1/16" = 1' converts to 1" = 16' 1/2" = 1' converts to 1" = 2'
1/8" = 1' converts to 1" = 8'

Special Scale Ratios

In some instances, ( when measuring cross sections, etc.) it is possible, that the
horizontal scale is different from the vertical scale.

The basic C A formula is slightly altered to : C A = (h x v) x u ;

where h is the horizontal and v the vertical scale.

Example
h : 1"= 40' and v : 1"=20'. u = 0.01; Therefore C A = 40 x 20 x 0.01 = 8 ft2 ;

Page 8
7. INSTRUMENT TESTING AND RECALIBRATION

Any area of known size can be used for instrument testing or recalibration. However
since freehand tracing will inevitably introduce tracing errors, it is essential that
multiple tracings are performed and averaged .

7. 1 Test Procedure
Multiply the readout (N) of
We recommend to draw a 4 x 4 inch Model 10/10A by 0.01
square if your instrument is calibrated Model 20 / 20 by 0.02
for English (imperial) measuring units Model 20M/20AM by 0.1
or a 10x10 cm square, if you use the Model 30 by the u-values shown in the
metric system. calibration records. (depending on arm
Measure the area as outlined on page extension used.)
1. The results must be 16 in2 for instru-
Obtain the readout result "N" from the ments calibrated in English units and
measuring mechanism 100 cm 2 for metric planimeters.

7.2 Instrument Recalibration TRACER ARM

The planimeter can easily be recalibrated LOCK SCREWS

by the user. Recalibration may become

necessary if an instrument was dropped
and knocked out of adjustment or if the
Calibration Records were lost.
You may recalibrate by drawing a precise
square or rectangle on a sheet of paper.
(we recommend to draw a 4x 4 inch or a
Fig.10
10 x 10 cm square.)

Models 10/20 : Measure the test area and multiply the

Measure the test area and multiply re- readout result " N " by u= 0.01 (English)
sult (N) by your u-value. or by u=0.1 (Metric)
If the result is too low, reduce the If the result is too low, reduce the tracer
length of the tracer arm, if it is too high, arm length, measure, change arm length
lengthen it. again, measure, etc. until result is ok.
Subsequently, slightly loosen the two Record the setting of your arm.
tracer arm lock screws on the bottom of If the measuring result was too high,
the planimeter (Fig.10). Lengthen or lengthen the arm. Repeat this procedure
shorten the arm length depending on until the readout result multiplied by u
the result obtained before . Measure equals the value of your test area.
again, etc. Repeat until result is ok. Se- For Scale Measurements using short,
cure lock screws again. medium or long arm extensions, we
must determine new u-values.
Model 30 :To find the tracer arm settings Select the short tracer arm extension.
for 1:1 measurements, we proceed as Measure the test area. Readout result is
outlined. designated as "N" ;

page 9
 Determine u- value with formula:

AT 16
u = -------- ; where AT = size of u = ------ = 0.00927 in2
N of test area. 1725

Example : Use the same procedure to deter-

If your test area is a 4 x 4 inch square, mine new u-values for the medium
and the readout result was 1725, then and long tracer arm.
your new u-value is Record the new u-values.

8. THE COMPENSATING FEATURE

To compensate for tracing errors, it is advis-

able to measure areas twice and to use the
average of both results.

To compensate for instrumental and tracing

errors, you may want to employ the compen-
sating feature of your instrument.
Fig. 11 Fig.12

The area of a figure must be measured first

with the tracer point to the right of the pole arm, (Fig.11) and then with the tracer point to the
left of the pole arm. (Fig.12) The position of the pole weight must be identical for both
measurements.
The readout results must subsequently be averaged.

9. TIPS AND HINTS

Lasico Planimeters are no longer calibrated for the inferior "Pole inside the figure " method,
which provided a larger measuring range.
Instead we recommend to subdivide areas which cannot be measured in one continuous
operation, into smaller sections and to measure them separately.

Avoid extreme temperature conditions, since material expansion or shrinkage (of both in-
strument and drawing) can cause sizable measuring errors.
If a planimeter was stored at low temperatures, loosen up its measuring mechanism by
moving the instrument around in a circular motion until the measuring wheel rotates freely.

The length of the pole arm does not affect the result of a measurement. Therefore you can
set it to any extension desired. A longer pole arm provides a larger measuring range.

To protect the instrument and especially the delicate needle bearings from damage, al-
ways lower the planimeter gently onto the table surface. Keep the instrument in its protec-
tive case if it is not used.
Protect it from dust, dirt and excessive humidity and do not touch the rim of the measuring
wheel. The measuring wheel must always spin freely.
If dust accumulates anywhere in the measuring mechanism or the ball socket of the pole
arm, remove it with a Q-tip . Apply a few drops of fine watch oil to bearings and ball sockets
every 2 years.

Page 10