My Topcon RL-H3A continually attempts to levvel its self then runs for a short while then goes into a like stand by mode with the out of balance off light (red) and Power light (Green) flashing Thisn happens with both just Battery & Battery with power adapter connected

The RL-HB was only a self leveling laser and the newest Topcon equivilent would be the RL-H5. A higher spec and with a grade function.

Hi,

Does the standby light continue to blink? IF so, count the number of blinks and go to:


Continuous Blink Once A Second, No Pausing As Discussed Above---
No reply from the jungle IC301 (data bus is busy, shorted to ground or held high), IK video path is defective.

ONE Blink--- not used for the self-diagnosis

TWO Blinks---B+ over current protection (OCP) , unit goes to the standby mode then displays the 2 blink fault. Could be a short in the power supply of any of the circuits.

THREE Blinks---B+ over voltage protection (OVP), unit goes to the standby mode then displays the 3 blink fault. This is also a problem in the power supply circuit, check T603 and R672.

FOUR Blinks---No Vert. Deflection (V STOP), Screen goes to a single horizontal line then the video signal muted. Check IC1509, Q1505

FIVE Blinks---AKB circuit (AKB), the timer/standby indicator blinks for about 30 seconds then goes to the self-diagnosis function. Something is wrong with the video. Check video out, Q705, 732, 761 and other components on the C board, also check Q218, 219, 220 on the A board. Also unit be in IK blanking, try turning up screen slightly.

SIX Blinks---No Horizontal (H STOP), no raster, goes to the blinking self-diagnosis function immediately. Check C515 & 516 and the jungle IC, IC206.

SEVEN Blinks---High voltage shutdown. The high voltage has exceeded 33k and the unit goes immediately into safety shutdown. Check power supply regulation and horizontal circuits.

EIGHT Blinks---Problem with the audio (AUDIO), unit goes to standby and blinks the self-diagnosis code. Check IC406 audio amp, PS401 and 402.


That may help you decide what is going on.

In the long run you will probably need to have a tech take a look at it. The problem you describe is usually a serious matter that needs repair by a trained technician..

Goodluck,
Don't forget to rate me as fixya...

No one will tell you exactly. There could be several variants, you have to disassemble the device and look at it. Maybe there is something wrong with the circuit board, or with the contacts, or the laser transmitter has burned out and needs to be replaced.

There are 2 small screws holding the rotating head motor in place. Likely you just need to loosen these screws, and adjust the motor position and retighten.

http://www.benchmarksupply.com/SUPPORT/RLH4C_RevE0124.pdf

for as long as the link is valid here is a copy.

If you have the standard RL-H3C then there are 3 buttons. Starting from the left there is the "height alert" then "manual" then "Power".

Height alert is a function that after the laser levels and spins monitors the position of the laser. If the laser moves more then a tiny amount then the height alert function is tripped, and the laser flashes it's lights and stops spinning (or spins slowly) to let you know the base line position of the laser has changed. Pressing the height alert button twice shuts this mode off.
Manual mode means after the laser is leveled, it completely ignores the level vials. You can turn the laser any way you want to and it will always spin and not cause any errors.
Power is self explanatory.
If it's a RL-H3CS then it has two arrow buttons, that when in manual mode, allot one axis of the laser to be manually adjusted up and down to do a manual slope.

There are detailed instructions in your users manual on how to check and adjust your Topcon laser. You'll need a tripod, 2 vertical surfaces about 50 meters apart and your laser receiver. It's done by marking positions of the beams, on the different surfaces and then adjusting your laser position to the center of the different positions.
The procedure is different for different models, but i have attached some pictures from the manual for the RL-VH4 series.

How To Set Up Laser Level With Pitch
He's using a Topcon RL-H3C but the idea is the same

Take this to a survey/laser repair shop, preferably one that does not charge for estimates.. The laser diodes on the RL-H3C is not serviceable. It requires the lens barrel assembly (or telescope tube unit, i don't remember what they call it in these). It's unreasonably expensive, and will likely be a write off. It may however be the main circuit board, but likely not. Be prepared to replace this unit.

Likely it's dirty battery contacts. Clean the contacts on the battery tray, and the coil springs in the laser, and it should start.
If not open the laser, reinsert the battery tray with good batteries and test the voltage at the battery connector at the rear of the laser.
Check for signs of water damage or corrosion.
short out the power switch, to make sure it's not the problem.
The switch circuit board, power connectors, battery tray, and motors are the only electronic parts still available for these lasers, and that is only because they share them with the RL-H3A, which was only discontinued in 2011. If none of the above will make it turn on, you'd need to find used parts, and try and rebuild it.