GradeLight 2700 Pipe Laser Owner’s Manual AGL Construction Lasers & Machine Control Systems 2202 Redmond Rd., Jacksonville, AR 72076 sales@agl-lasers.com www.agl-lasers.com Toll Free: 800.643.9696 Phone: 501.982.4433 Fax: 501.982.
CONTENTS General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laser Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GENERAL INFORMATION The GradeLight pipe laser provides alignment and grade for installation of gravity flow sanitary and storm sewer pipelines, as well as for pipe jacking and tunneling. The GradeLight includes: • Infrared remote control • Adjustable leg set for multiple pipe sizes • Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack and spare alkaline battery compartment.
Laser Overview Stringline Hook/ Accessory Mount Line Pivot Point Remote Reception Window (rear) LCD Display Keypad Handle Rechargeable Battery Pack Charging/Power Connector Cap Battery Pack Release Screw Toggle Screw to Tighten Leg Leg Reference Lines Slot For Adjustable Leg 5/8” x 11 thread Beam Output & Remote Reception Window Align To Marks on Legs Securing Knobs For Adjustable Legs Beam’s Horizontal Centerline 2 Adjustable Leg Slot Feet For 6” (150mm) Pipe
Keypad and LCD Overview Keypad Functions Power On/Off Enter digit select mode for grade Enter user settings menu Set azimuth line (left & right) Change digit positions when setting grade Set grade as rolling counter or digit select LCD Indications Line Adjustment Range Indicator Shows beam position relative to line adjustment range.
POWER The GradeLight can be powered from the Li-ion rechargeable battery or the alkaline battery pack. It can also be used while charging -- from AC using the included converter, or from 12VDC using the optional power cable. Charging Charge before first use and when the battery symbol indicates low. The Li-ion battery can be charged in the unit, or removed and charged separately.
OPERATION Pipe Laying Overview The three basic steps to successfully set up the GradeLight for laying pipe are: A. Dialing in the correct grade. B. Transferring the elevation to position the laser at the correct height. C. Aligning the laser beam to the forward manhole. Before Starting Attach the necessary mounting accessories, such as the handle/rod mount, trivet, legs, etc. to the unit. Power-up the unit and adjust the line control to the center of its range.
Entering a Grade The grade range is from +40% to -10%. Grade can be set in increments as small as .001% using the digit select or rolling counter entry method. The display lights when entering grade. The LCD is color coded to match the grade entry button: green for positive grade and red for negative grade. Digit Select Grade Entry Press ENT. The first digit flashes. Select positive or negative grade. The first digit will continue to flash.
Remote Control Overview The remote is used primarily to move the beam left or right, within the azimuth range, and to put the laser in standby or locked modes. Since it’s an infrared line-of-sight device, there should be no obstructions between it and the laser. It can be pointed at either the front side (through the pipe) or the back side of the laser. Infrared output: aim at capture window of laser LED flashes when any button is pressed.
To Automatically Center the Beam On laser keypad, press simultaneously & On remote, press Replacing the Batteries of the Remote Control The LED on the remote will flash red when the batteries are low. To change the batteries: 1. Open the housing by removing the 6 screws. 2. Take the back case off and replace the batteries, matching the polarity indications. Use AA alkaline batteries of the same type; do not mix new and old batteries, as their lifetime will decrease. 3.
Using the Target The target can be used for multiple pipe sizes. It features a unique design: the target panel is mounted at the front of the base, not in the center. This allows you to view it easier at the front of the pipe. It also has a magnetic base for attaching to trench box side wall after pipe setting for better airflow, to minimize refraction.
APPLICATIONS Transfer of Elevation Using an Automatic Level 1. Mount the level on a tripod outside the manhole or open cut. Adjust it to level and point at the manhole hub. Take a reading from a rod held at the hub. This reading is sometimes called the “back-sight” reading. (Figure A) Figure A HI 2nd Reading Elevation of Manhole Base 2. Now take a rod reading at the manhole center. If a manhole is in place, read the elevation of the base.
Alignment Methods After the laser is set up at the correct elevation and the correct grade is entered, the last step is to align the beam to the forward manhole using one of these methods: 1) Manhole Mount with Transit 2) Special Transit and Rod Group 3) Stringline 4) Plumb Bob 6 5 5 2 Figure C 7 8 4 1 3 Manhole Transit Method This method can be used with the Special Transit or any standard transit (ideally one that has a back sight – flop – capability).
Aligning the beam with a standard transit Align the Transit over the Instrument - Mount the standard transit to the transit mount at the end of the arm. Using a plumb bob, adjust the arm so the transit is directly over the centerline of pipe. Level the transit. Position the laser so the line pivot LED is exactly under the plumb point. Align the Transit to Forward Manhole - Pivot the transit until the vertical crosshair splits the forward manhole marker. Align to the Beam using step 4 above.
Set-up Methods These instructions describe four ways to set up: height adjustable legs, trivet, rod and crossbrace, or above ground on a tripod. Height Adjustable Legs The adjustable legs can be used to set up in a manhole base, pipe, invert, or open cut. Manhole Base Set-up 1. Prepare laser for use: Attach leg set with centerline leg at front and two side legs at rear. Apply power, center the line adjustment, and enter the desired grade.
Invert Set-up Position the legs the same as you would if setting up inside the pipe. Place the laser in the invert and complete the set-up as shown in the Manhole Base Set-up in the previous section. Figure I Open Cut Set-up When using the height adjustable legs in an open cut, a stable base such as a concrete block, brick, or board must be placed in the cut at the manhole center and marked. This is best done when transferring elevation (see page 10). Place one of the blocks at manhole center.
Trivet Figure J Manhole Base Set-up 1. Prepare the laser for use: Attach handle/rod mount, apply power, center the line adjustment, and enter desired grade. Mount the height adjustable rod (center the rod height in its adjustment range) to the trivet. (Figure J) 2. Transfer elevation from the hub to the manhole base. 3. Position the trivet over the manhole center: Place the front leg of the trivet on the centerline-of-pipe, 5” (13 cm) in front of the manhole center mark. 4.
Above Ground Set-up 1. Prepare laser for use: mount the sighting scope and attach to a 5/8”x11 dome head tripod. Center the line adjustment, and set grade at exactly zero. 2. Measure over from an offset hub and position the tripod directly over the pipe centerline trying to keep the top of the tripod as level as possible. Use a plumb bob if needed. Spread the tripod legs and plant them firmly into the ground to provide a stable base. 3. Allow the laser to self-level. 4.
MENU OPTIONS The user and service personnel can access information through the Set Up Mode. These are the menu selections shown in Step 3 in the next section: INFO SETTINGS Shows serial number, software version, number of working hours, and service information. There are no values that can be changed. Three settings can be changed; see instructions later in this section: • The service interval reminder (CHECK CAL) can be changed from the default of 2000 hrs. to 500 or 1000 hrs.
Changing the Service Interval You can change the interval for the service reminder from the default of 2000 working hrs. to 500 or 1000: 1. 2. 3. 4. Enter the Set Up mode following Steps 1-3 of “Set Up Menu” in previous section. Move down the menu to SETTINGS and press ENT. Go to CAL CHECK TIME and press ENT. In this menu, you can select 500, 1000, or 2000 hrs. The time currently selected will say CAL TIME = XXXX HRS. 5. Use the + or – buttons to select the desired time and press ENT. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING Indication on LCD Laser Beam Reason Flashes evenly Laser is leveling ___ ___ ___ Remedy Wait until self-leveling is completed. Blinking Pulses in Self-leveling 2 short flashes range is exceeded - - - - - - Change position of laser in direction arrows indicate. When it’s within the self-leveling range, the warning will disappear and self-leveling will begin.
Using a Blower to Eliminate Refraction Certain conditions can cause refraction and scintillation to occur inside the pipe, with the laser dot appearing to be dancing all around the target. The laser light passes through a medium – air. Anything that disturbs the air will cause the light to scintillate (dance). The two main causes of disturbed air are temperature difference and glue used to connect the pipes. Before being put in the ground, the pipe lies around the job site in the sun and heat of the day.
CHECKING & CALIBRATION THIS CHAPTER IS VERY IMPORTANT. Here are a few simple instructions to check your GradeLight for calibration. Remember that the laser is a precision instrument and that it is important that you keep it calibrated and in proper condition.
Adjusting Level Accuracy (Calibration) Without moving your checking setup, make a mark on the 2x4 halfway between A1 and A2 (call it C). The laser must be calibrated to bring the beam to the center mark C. Important: Before calibrating, ensure that the instrument housing is level by placing a small carpenter’s level on top of the unit, parallel with the beam. Do not move the unit; only adjust the single centerline leg until the housing is level.
To save the calibration (beam position), press the lock T UP button on the remote (or the ENT button on the laser keypad). If you don’t want to save the calibration, turn the laser off. CALIBRATION AXIS > MAIN EXIT To leave the CALIBRATION mode, move the cursor to EXIT and press ENT. (If you are using the remote, move up the menu using the Center Line Button and move down the menu using the Standby (ZZZ) Button. Press the lock button instead of ENT.
SAFETY, CARE, AND HANDLING Caution Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. There is a purge screw inside the battery cavity, under a black decal. DO NOT OPEN! If this screw is removed, the moisture-free nitrogen purge of the unit will be lost.
WARRANTY EXPRESS WARRANTY FOR HARDWARE.
CONSTRUCTION LASERS & MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEMS 2202 Redmond Rd., Jacksonville, AR 72076 sales@agl-lasers.com www.agl-lasers.com Phone: 501.982.4433 Fax: 501.982.0880 Toll Free: 800.643.
