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GradeLight 2500 PIPE LASER Operator's Manual 2202 Redmond Road Jacksonville, AR 72076 USA Telephone 501-982-4433, FAX 501-982-0880 www.agl-lasers.com [email protected] CONSTRUCTION LASERS & MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEMS

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Page 1: GradeLight 2500 - LascoLaser.com · GradeLight 2500 PIPE LASER Operator's Manual ... anytime any function is in use. ... transit so that it is pointed exactly to an engineer’s rule

GradeLight 2500PIPE LASER

Operator's Manual

2202 Redmond RoadJacksonville, AR 72076 USATelephone 501-982-4433, FAX [email protected]

CONSTRUCTION LASERS & MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEMS

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Table of ContentsIMPORTANT NOTICE

The owner/operator of the GradeLight 2500Pipe Laser is expected to follow all

operating instructions, periodically checkthe accuracy of the unit, and make checks

on control as the work progresses.The manufacturer, its distributors, or its

agents assume no responsibility for improperly controlled work

GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8Self Leveling / SpeedLevel Display . . . . . . . . . . . 4Reading Grade / Grade Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Azimuth Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Using the AutoLine Wireless Remote . . . . . . . . . 6-7Laying Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TRANSFERRING ELEVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

SETUP METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-20

CALIBRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22

LIMITATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SAFETY (As required by Federal Regulations) . . . . . . . . . . 25-26

STOPBEFORE USING YOUR AGL LASER

YOU MUST DO TWO THINGS!1. Record the serial number and keep it in a safe place.2. Complete and return the owner registration card. If your registration card ismissing, call1-800-643-9696.

1

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General Information

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Features1. Attached Lens Cover - Protects output window when

unit is not in use. Lower cover when ready to usebeam.

2. Beam Output Window.

3. Securing Knobs for adjustable legs.

4. Feet for 6"(150 mm) pipe - Short points allow 6"(150mm) in-the-pipe setup. No other attachments needed.

5. Remote AutoLine Receiver window.

6. Leg Slots - For adjustable leg sets. Align referenceline to marks on adjustable legs.

7. Centerline-of-Beam Marks - Indicate horizontal beamcenterline for setup purposes.

8. Accessory Mount - Attachment point for Handle/RodMount, Handle/Scope, and Stringline Eye.

9. Lighted Pivot Point - Green LED indicates line(azimuth) pivot point. Highly visible in dark setupconditions.

10.Rear Handle - Provides convenient secure way forcarrying instrument or lowering into manholes.

11. Power Pack-"On-Board" Rechargeable battery forcordless operation. Fully chargedbattery will operate the GradeLight2500 for approximately 1 week.

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3

General Information

Control Panel1. Azimuth Indicator - Displays horizontal beam position

relative to azimuth adjustment range.2. Positive and Negative Grade Readout Window -

Shows positive or negative grade entered.3. Battery Indicator - Shows available supply

voltage.(Recharge when last bar is reached).4. SpeedLevel Indicator - Speeds setups by showing

whether unit is within self leveling range and if not,which direction to adjust the unit.

5. Calibration port - allows access to calibration pushbutton switch.

6. Rear Remote AutoLine Receiver Window.7. Positive Grade Switch - Grades below 10.00%, input positive grade in 0.001% increments. Grades

10.00% and above input grade in 0.01% increments.8. Negative Grade Switch - Input negative grade in

0.001% increments down to (-)10.00% grade.9. Left & Right Azimuth Switchpads.10. Lighted Cross-Axis Rough Level Vial - Indicates cross

axis level position. Lighted for easy visibility even indark setup conditions.

11. Power Connector12. Purge Screw - For factory service only - Do Not Remove!

If opened, dry nitrogen purge of the unit will be lostand moisture will contaminate the unit.

13. Display Backlight Switchpad - Backlight is activatedanytime any function is in use.

14. Power On/Off Switchpad.

The control panel switchpads incorporate positive tactilefeedback for simple and more accurate operation. Whenpressed they "click" to indicate switch action.

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34

5

6

79

10

1

11

12

13

8

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14

NOTE To immediately set the grade to 0 %, press the positive & negative grade switchpads at the same time to automatically set the grade back to 0 % grade. (See # 7 & 8 positive and negative grade switchpads)

NOTE To immediately center the Beam and Azimuth indicator, momentarily press both Azimuth switchpads at the same time. (See # 9 Left & Right Azimuth switchpads)

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Operation

Self LevelingThe GradeLight 2500 uses an electronic self levelingsystem that provides simple accurate setups. Grade axisself-leveling range is ±10%.

SpeedLevel™ Self Leveling IndicatorSetups are further simplified by the three lightSpeedLevel display on the control panel which lets youknow immediately when the unit is within the self levelingrange (Figure A). The indicator is read as follows:

Arrow (top or bottom) - The arrows indicate whichdirection to tilt back of unit to be within self levelingrange.

Center Bar- Indicates unit is positioned correctly and willself-level.

The GradeLight 2500 Self leveling system also includes ablinking beam "failsafe" which alerts you when the unit isout of level. When the beam stops blinking, the unit hasleveled and work can proceed. If the blinking continues,the unit is out of the self leveling range and must berepositioned using the indicator.

Three Light SpeedLevel™ Display

Figure A

IMPORTANTThe owner/operator of the GradeLight 2500

Pipe Laser is expected to follow alloperating instructions, periodically check the accuracy of the the unit, and makechecks on line and grade as the work

progresses. The manufacturer, itsdistributors, or its agents assume noresponsibility for improperly laid pipe.

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OperationReading the Grade CountersThe digits on the counter to the left of the decimal point(1) represent whole units of percent grade. The first digitto the right of the decimal shows tenths(2), the seconddigit to the right shows hundredths(3) and the third digit tothe right shows thousandths(4).

Grade Entry Method

Figure B

1 2 3 4Grade EntryThe GradeLight 2500 grade range is from positive 40% tonegative 10%. Grade can be set in increments as smallas .001%. The lighted grade display shows the exactgrade setting and whether it is positive or negative.

Grade is set electronically by pressing the positive ornegative grade switchpads. The counter speed willincrease as long as the pad is pressed until maximumspeed is attained. For automatic grade entry press eitherthe positive or negative grade switchpad. Hold for a fewmoments and release. The grade will continue in theselected direction until you press either gradeswitchpads. Finish the grade entry in small increments bypressing the pad momentarily without holding it down(you should feel or hear the tactile feedback "click").The desired grade value should always be approachedfrom the lower side to assure the highest degree of gradeaccuracy.

For positive grade, always raise the numbers shown onthe counter to arrive at the desired value. For negativegrade entry, first run the counter down past the desiredvalue (more negative) then decrease the numbers shownon the counter (go towards positive) to arrive at thedesired value.(see Figure B)

desiredgradevalue

desiredgradevalue

valueshown incounter

PositiveDirection

NegativeDirection

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Operation

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6

Azimuth AdjustmentThe horizontal line (azimuth) range of the GradeLight 2500 is20’ at 100’ (6m at 30m). The azimuth indicator shows beamposition in the adjustment range. Before each setup pushboth azimuth switch pads on the control panel at the sametime to center the beam and azimuth indicator (this allowsmaximum adjustment range in each direction).

To move the beam, use the AutoLine Remote Control (FigureC) or azimuth switch pads on the control panel. Movementwill start slow, then speed up as long as the switch pad ispressed.

AutoLine™ Wireless Remote Line Control

Features1. Output Window.

2. Power ON Switch Pad. (Green LED on)(Power will automatically turn OFF Approx. 1 minute after last switch pad is pushed)

3. Power ON / OFF Indicator.

4. Left and Right Azimuth Switch Pads. When operating from front of laser, arrows correspond todirection of beam movement.

5. Stand-By-Mode Switch Pad. To turn ON or OFF push and hold switch pad for approx. 3 seconds.

6. Power Source, one 9 volt. Battery.

6

Figure C

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OperationOperationThe Remote Transmitter is a line-of-sight control usinginfrared light. Transmitter must be pointed directly atreceiver on GradeLight 2500 - Conditions that impede lighttransmission such as rain, fog, or dirty windows on transmit-ter or GradeLight 2500, can reduce operating range. Do notclean plastic windows or painted surfaces with acetone.

1. Setup Gradelight 2500 at proper offset,elevation and grade.

2. Push power on switch pad. (green LED on) Point remotecontrol directly at the front or rear receiver window on the Gradelight 2500.

3. Push left or right Azimuth switch pad to move beam. If beam does not move in the desired direction, push the other switch pad to align beam.

4. To activate Gradelight 2500 Stand-By Mode, Push poweron switch pad (green LED on). Push and hold Stand-By switch pad for approx. 3 seconds (Laser beam off). Return Gradelight 2500 to normal operation, push and hold Stand-By switch pad for approx. 3 seconds (Laser beam on),

NOTE: Remote Control will automatically turn offapprox. (1) minute after last switch pad is pushed.

Transmitter Power SourceTransmitter uses one 9 volt battery. To changebattery, slide battery compartment cover open. Remove old battery. Insert new battery, observingproper polarity. Replace cover.

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Operation

IF THE REGISTRATION CARD IS MISSING, CONTACT AGL TOLL FREE AT1-800-643-9696 TO REGISTER YOUR LASER! YOU MAY ALSO USE THISNUMBER TO REPORT A STOLEN LASER.

Laying PipeThe three basic steps to successfully setup theGradelight 2500 for laying pipe are:

A. Dial in the correct grade.B. Transfer of Elevation- Position the laser at the correct elevation.C. Alignment - Align the beam to the forward manhole.

Before StartingAttach the necessary mounting accessories such as theHandle/Rod Mount, Trivet, Legs, or Tripod Adaptor mountetc. to the unit. Power up unit. Adjust azimuth to thecenter of its range.

At the beginning of a pipelaying job, you should considerthe following tips for improved performance: • The GradeLight 2500 can be used to check the hubs

prior to actually starting the work. This is an opportu-nity to catch potential errors before using the hubs asa reference to lay pipe.

• Place grade pole or marker at the forward manhole . • When the last joint of pipe has been laid approaching a

manhole, bring the GradeLight 2500 forward so that assoon as the manhole is in place, you can setup againwithout delay.

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9

HI

HUB

ROD

1st reading

2nd ReadingElevation of

Manhole Base

Transfer of Elevation

Figure D

Special Transit MethodManhole SetupThis is an ideal method to use when the offset hub is toofar from the manhole center to transfer elevation with abatterboard or other means. The special transit is set upusing the Rod and Crossbrace System.1. Mount the Special Transit on the calibrated rod and

point it to the manhole hub. The top edge of the transitmounting bracket is the elevation reference and is thesame as the horizontal crosshair (centerline) of thetransit.

2. Level the special transit using the adjust knob and thelevel vial. Use the forward marker knob to adjust thetransit so that it is pointed exactly to an engineer’s ruleor calibrated rod section held at the manhole hub.

3. After reading the engineer’s rule or calibrated rod,measure down from the top edge of the transitmounting bracket (transit centerline) to the correctinvert elevation.

Engineer's Level Method

1. Mount the level on a tripod outside the manhole oropen cut. Adjust it to level and point at the manholehub. Take a reading from a rod held at the hub.Thisreading is sometimes called the "backsight" reading.(Figure D)

2. Now take a rod reading at the manhole center. If amanhole is in place read the elevation of the base. Inan open cut it is necessary to place an object in the cutwhich can be used as a reference. A brick, stone, orboard placed at manhole center will work for markinga reference elevation, and as a starting point for theplacement of the laser or the trivet.

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10

Alignment After the laser is set up at the correct elevation and thecorrect grade is entered, the only step remaining is toalign the beam to the forward manhole.

Special Transit MethodThis method uses the Rod and Crossbrace system. Thelaser is mounted with the Handle/Rod Mount.

1. Mount the Special Transit - With the rod plumbed, andlaser leveled, mount the Special Transit on the rod.Position the transit where it is possible to see theforward manhole marker, yet as low as possible on therod. Secure the rod mounting bracket with the secureknob.

2. Align Transit to Forward Manhole Marker - Use theforward marker knob to adjust the vertical crosshairuntil it is aligned with the forward manhole marker.

3. Align transit to Laser - Tilt the transit down and sight onthe green LED on the laser. Use the laser centerlineknob to adjust the vertical crosshair until it is exactlyaligned with the green LED on the laser. Repeat steps2 and 3 until the crosshair is on the forward manholemarker and the green LED on the laser.

4. Align the laser beam to the Transit - Place a target inthe ditch approximately 15' (5 M) out in front of thelaser. Tilt the transit down to view the target. Adjustthe beam left or right using the azimuth buttons on theAutoline Remote until the beam is exactly centered onthe vertical crosshair.

You should be able to swing the transit from the beam,to the green LED, or forward manhole marker, witheach being exactly aligned to the crosshair. Repeatsteps 2, 3, and 4 if necessary. When all three areaccurately aligned, pipelaying can proceed.

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Alignment

Figure F

Figure EManhole Transit MethodThis method can be used with either the Special Transitor any standard surveyor’s transit. Use the ManholeTransit Clamp system to support the transit. The laser isset up in the manhole using leg sets, or the trivet.

1. Secure the clamp body and mast (see Figure E).Position the clamp (1) over the top edge of themanhole so the mast (2) is plumb enough to easilylevel the transit when mounted. Tighten the clampscrew (3), until the clamp points are firmly embeddedin the sides of the manhole. The mast can be furtheradjusted to plumb using the lever (4) locking the mastpivot.

Secure the Arm - Slide the arm clamp support (5) andthe arm clamp (6), over the mast and secure. Insertthe arm (7) into the clamp. The clamp allows completeflexibility to raise, extend, and position the arm so thetransit mount (8) is over the manhole center. Thetransit mount is a 3 1/2 - 8 threaded ring for mountinga standard transit. The AGL Special Transit ismounted, using a tripod adapter and rod stub.

Aligning the Beam with the AGL Special Transit

2. Align the transit to the Forward Manhole - Mount thetripod adaptor to the transit mount at the end of thearm. Adjust the arm so the transit is roughly over pipecenterline and in line with the laser (see Figure F).Adjust the vertical crosshair exactly to the forwardmanhole marker using the forward marker knob.

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Alignment

Figure G

3 4

2

Manhole Transit Method (continued)Aligning the Beam with the AGL Special Transit3. Align Transit to Laser - Tilt the transit down and sight the green LED. Use the laser centerline knob to

adjust the vertical crosshair until aligned exactly with the green LED. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until thevertical crosshair is on both the forward manhole marker and the green LED on the unit.

4. Align the Laser Beam to the Transit - Place a target in the ditch approximately 15' (5 M) in front of thelaser. Looking through the transit at the target, adjust the beam left or right using the azimuth buttonson the Autoline remote control until exactly centered on the vertical crosshair. You should be able toswing the transit from the beam, to the green LED, or forward manhole marker, with each beingexactly aligned to the crosshair (see Figure G). Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 if necessary. When all threeare accurately aligned, pipelaying can proceed.

Aligning the beam with a standard Transit1. 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. Levelthe transit. Position the laser so the green LED is exactly under the plumb bob. If the transit has anoptical plummet, use it instead of the plumb bob.

2. Align Transit to Forward Manhole - Pivot the transit until the vertical crosshair is exactly aligned to theforward manhole marker.

3. Go to step 4 above, from previous method.

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13

EYELET

STRINGLINEHELDVERTICAL

FORWARDMANHOLEMARKER

BEAM

TARGET

Sight Line MethodThe sightline provides a quick, easy method of beamalignment. Place a target in the ditch approximately 50'(15 M) out from the laser. Attach a string to the eyeletlocated on top of the Gradelight 2500 and keeping itplumb, hold it taut, vertically above the unit (see FigureH).

Stand behind the string and visually center it on theforward manhole. Lower your gaze to the target andadjust the beam left or right until exactly centered behindthe stringline using the Autoline remote control. Whenyou can see the stringline centered on the forwardmanhole marker and on the beam in the ditch, alignmentis complete.

Plumb Bob MethodThis method of alignment can be used if the cut is not toodeep and as long as the wind is relatively calm. The lasermust be set up at the correct elevation and exactly onpipe centerline. Place a target in the ditch approximately50'(15 M) out from the laser. Measure over from an offsethub to the pipe center line and drop a plumb bob down tothe target.

Mark where the plumb bob strikes the target and adjustthe beam left or right until it is centered on the plumbmark.

Alignment

Figure H

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Setup MethodsRod Mounting SystemManhole Setup

1. Prepare the laser for use: Attach Handle/Rod Mount, apply power, and center the azimuth. Pivot the lens cover to eitherside.

2. Mount crossbrace inside the manhole, perpendicular to the centerline of pipe being laid. Use the level vial on thecrossbrace to position it level. Holding the two points firmly against the manhole wall, extend and tighten the adjustingscrew point against the opposite wall. Tighten until the crossbrace is solid, with the points planted firmly into the concrete.

3. Secure Alignment Element to the crossbrace using the secure knob. Hang the alignment element on the crossbrace sothat the line control and front secure knobs face the forward manhole. Measure manhole width where the crossbrace ismounted and use the center as reference. Place the right edge of the alignment element 2 1/4" left of manhole center.

4. Slide the calibrated rod with point attached through the alignment element, plumb it using a level, then tighten the secureknob. Pull up on the crossbrace as you tighten the alignment element, then release after it is tight. This places downwardtension on the rod and increases its stability.

5. Establish invert elevation and beam height (see page 9, transferring elevation, Special Transit method).

6. Secure the laser to the rod at the correct elevation. If grade is greater than 10%, tilt the unit according to the 3-light Self-Leveling readout. Allow to self-level.

7. Align beam to the forward manhole (see page 10). Recheck alignment steps to assure accuracy. Check for level unit andaccurate grade setting. Proceed with laying pipe.

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ManholeCenter

Place Front Leg Point here

4"

Direction

GradeLight

Pipe

Figure I.

2000

Setup MethodsHeight Adjustable Legs

Manhole Base Setup1. Prepare laser for use: Attach leg set with centerline leg

at front and two side legs at rear. Apply power, centerthe azimuth, enter desired grade and pivot lens coverto either side..

2. Transfer Elevation from Hub to Manhole Base.

3. Set the front (centerline) leg to the desired height:After determining the desired beam height abovemanhole base, adjust the front leg so the beam will beprojected at that height.

4. Set the unit in place: Position the point of the front legon pipe centerline, 2” (5 cm) in front of the manholecenter, toward the pipe being laid (see Figure I) foraccurate alignment.

5. Level the Instrument: The unit is rough leveled byloosening the rear leg knobs and sliding the unit up ordown until a center bar is obtained in the SpeedLevelDisplay. Tighten the legs.

6. Align laser to the forward manhole (see pages 11,12,or 13).

7. Recheck for level and accurate grade setting andproceed to lay pipe.

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Setup MethodsHeight Adjustable Legs (continued)Top-of-the-Pipe SetupWhen using the top-of-the-pipe setup, be sure the joint ofpipe used is accurately placed for line and elevation.Set the centerline leg for desired beam height above theinvert. Then proceed to set up the unit as described in theManhole Base Setup. The Large Adjustable Pipe Targetis recommended for aligning the pipe.In-the-Pipe SetupWhen set up in-the-pipe, be sure the joint of pipe used forthe setup is accurately placed for line and elevation.Setup in 6"(150mm) pipe:1. Remove Handle/Rod Mount, Stringline Eye, and Legs.

Power up the Gradelight 2500. Center the azimuth andenter desired grade.

2. Slide the unit into the pipe. It should rest on the threefixed short leg points. Rough level the unit in the cross-axis direction using the lighted cross-axis level vial onthe rear control panel.

3. Align the beam to the forward manhole using theazimuth control on the AutoLine remote transmitter.

Setup in 8", 10"(200mm, 250mm) and larger pipe:1. Remove Handle/Rod Mount, power up the Gradelight

2500 center the azimuth, and enter desired grade.2. Attach the appropriate leg set with two side legs at the

front and the centerline leg at the rear. Set all threelegs so the appropriate pipe size mark is aligned withthe centerline-of-beam mark beside each leg slot.

3. Open lens cover and slide unit into pipe. Rough levelunit in the cross-axis direction using the cross-axislevel vial on rear control panel.

4. Align beam to forward manhole using the azimuthcontrol on the AutoLine remote transmitter.

5. The beam should now be projected at pipe centerline.Allow unit to self-level, then proceed to lay pipe.

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Beam Centerline

Manhole

Invert Elevation

GradeLight2000

17

Setup MethodsHeight Adjustable Legs (continued)Invert SetupPosition the legs the same as you would if setting upinside the pipe. Place the laser in the invert and completethe setup as outlined in the Manhole Base Setup.

Open Cut SetupWhen using the height adjustable legs in an open cut, astable base such as a concrete block, brick, or boardmust be placed in the cut at the manhole center andmarked. This is best done when transfering elevation(see page 9). Place one of the blocks at manhole center.The front leg will be positioned on this block 2" (5 cm) infront of the center mark. Place the other blocks, etc. sothat they provide support for the rear legs.

NOTEIn open cut setups the long leg set is usually re-quired. Set up the unit for laying pipe as described inManhole Base Setup (see page 19).

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Setup Methods

Invert Peg Setup (Open Cut)This method is commonly used in open ditches. The cutshould be excavated approximately 6" below invertelevation.1. Place a stake at invert elevation.

2. Prepare the laser for use: Power up, center theazimuth, and enter desired grade. Attach leg set withcenterline leg at the front and two side legs at the rear.

3. Set the front centerline leg for correct pipe size usingthe marks on the legs.

4. Place the laser in the trench with the single front leg onthe stake (peg). Rest the rear legs on blocks, bricks,or the ground. Using the 3-light SpeedLevel display onthe rear panel, adjust the rear side legs to level theunit (see Figure J).

6. Align the beam to the forward manhole.

7. Recheck for accurate grade settings and level unit. Proceed to lay pipe.

Figure J.

Beam Centerline

Manhole

Invert Elevation

GradeLight2000

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19

Trivet

Manhole Base Setup1. Prepare the laser for use: Attach Handle/Rod Mount,

power up, center the azimuth, and enter desiredgrade. Mount the height adjustable rod (center the rodheight in its adjustment range) to the trivet. Open thelens cover.

2. Transfer Elevation from Hub to Manhole Base.

3. Position the Trivet over the manhole center: Place thefront leg of the trivet on the centerline-of-pipe, 5”(13 cm) in front of the manhole center mark.

4. Secure the laser to the rod at the approximateelevation.

5. Level the unit: Rough level the unit using the adjust-able legs of the trivet. If grade is greater than 10%, usethe handle/rod mount to tilt the unit using theSpeedLevel Display. Allow unit to self-level.

6. Use the height adjustable rod to precisely adjust beamelevation. The centerline of beam marks on the side ofthe unit are convenient for establishing correctelevation.

7. Align the beam to the forward manhole. Recheck allthe alignment steps to assure accuracy. Check forlevel unit and accurate grade setting. Proceed withlaying pipe.

Setup Methods

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ROD READING(Backsight Elevation)

CUT TOINVERT

HUBELEVATION

ABOVEGROUND

GRADE POLE

20

Setup MethodsFigure K Above Ground Setups

Tripod Mounting System - Grades Less than10%

1. Prepare laser for use - mount the Handle/Scope andattach 5/8"x11 Tripod Adaptor Mount. Power up andcenter the azimuth. Set grade at exactly zero. Openthe lens cover.

2. Measure over from an offset hub and set up a 5/8"x11tripod directly over the pipe centerline trying to keepthe top of the tripod as level as possible. Use a plumbbob if needed. Spread the tripod legs sufficiently andplant them firmly into the ground to provide a stablebase.

3. If using the Tangent Base, screw it to the tripod, thenmount the laser to the Tangent Base. If not, mount thelaser directly to the tripod. Rough level the laser byadjusting the tripod legs.

4. Allow the laser to self level.

5. Loosen the tripod securing handle or release the tangentrotation lock. Turn the laser and scope to a rod or scaleheld at the manhole hub. Tighten the lock, then use thetangent adjust to align the beam exactly to the rod. Takea reading (sometimes called "backsight" elevation) at thebeam centerline. This measurement plus the “cut” at thathub will be the HI (instument height) above flowline. If thegrade pole is used on top of the pipe, allow for thedifference when setting it up (see Figure K). Set theAbove Ground Target (see page 16) at the correct

6. Enter the desired percent grade.

7. Loosen the tripod securing handle on the tangent

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21

Figure L

Figure N

Calibration

Figure M

100'

A BStake Stake

A BStake Stake

A1 B

A BStake Stake

A1 B

1. Establish two benchmarks:Select a reasonably level area and set up theGradeLight 2500. Level the unit and set the grade atexactly 0.000%. Drive two stakes (A & B) in line with thelaser beam, but low enough for the beam to pass overboth stakes. Stake “A” should be about 1'(.3M) from theunit, and stake “B” about 100' (30M) away (Figure L).

2. Check the instrument:A. Place a short “2 x 4” or something similar on stake “A”,

and mark where the beam strikes. Call this mark”A1".

B. Place the same “2 x 4” on stake “B” and again markwhere the beam strikes. Call this mark “B”. (Figure M)

3. Move the laser to the far side of stake “B” so thebeam will cross over both stakes as before, but inreverse order.

A. Be sure height of the unit is set so when the “2 x 4” isplaced on stake “B”, the beam will strike at mark “B”.

B. Now place the “2 x 4” on stake “A”. If the beam strikesat mark "A1", the unit is calibrated (see Figure N) andyou should proceed to step 5.If beam strikes at a different height than "A1", then thecalibration will need to be adjusted. Proceed to step

NoteCalibration is easier if the single centerline leg

is in front or when using a trivet with heightadjustable rod.

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4. Make the beam project level:

A. Mark the “2 x 4” where the beam strikes when placed onstake”A” (see Figure O). Call this mark “A2”. Make anew mark halfway between mark “A1” and mark “A2”.Call this mark “C”. This is the correct beam center.

B. Remove the black decal and screw that covers thecalibration port on the right rear of the unit. The calibra-tion push button switch is accessible through this port(see Figure P).

NOTEDo not remove the purge screw on the left rear of the unit. It isrecessed and covered with a black decal. If this screw isremoved, the moisture free nitrogen purge of the unit will belost.

C Use the positive or negative switchpads to move thebeam until it is exactly centered on mark “C”. Use asmall blunt object less than 1/8" diameter, such as a pentip or hex tool, reset the grade display to 0.000% bydepressing the reset button. When the beam is centeredon mark"C", repeat steps 1 & 2 to check the newcalibration.

NOTEInsure that the Gradelight 2500 instrument housing is levelby placing a small carpenters level on top of the unit beforesetting calibration.

5. Replace calibration port cover screw.

22

Calibration PortRemove screw to

access push buttonswitch

Purge ScrewDO NOT OPEN!

Figure O

Figure P

NOTEIf the beam cannot be brought to desiredposition, unit may be out of field calibrationrange and should be returned to an autho-rized service center. Contact your AGLdistributor or call Toll Free 1-800-643-9696,for location of the nearest service center.

CORRECT INCORRECT ADJUSTMENT

A1

A2B

CA1

A2B

A1 A2B

Calibration

CALIBRATION

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23

Limitations

Scintillation

Refraction

Figure Q

Figure R

Varying Air Density

BEAM

Layers of Air

BEAM

Bending or Movement of the Laser BeamCertain atmospheric conditions can cause phenomena known as “refraction” and “scintillation” to occur inside a pipe.Refraction is the bending or deflection of a laser beam from a straight line caused by air settling in layers of differenttemperature (see Figure Q). The beam tends to bend toward the denser cooler air. Hot pipe placed in a cool ditchcan create layers of air with different densities. Equipment exhaust or gasket compound fumes can also settle in theditch and cause bending of the beam.

Scintillation is the dancing or wavering of the beam as it passes through air layers of different temperature, similar tothe shimmering effect seen when looking down a paved road on a hot day. Scintillation can also be caused byvariations in air density due to velocity of air movement (see Figure R).With no air flow, refraction or temperature scintillation may occurand with too much air flow, velocity scintillation may occur. Theintensity and frequency of these effects can vary with the depthof cut, the type of pipe, weather conditions, length of the run,and the position of the sun.

The AGL Blower is used to blend the layers of air and reducethe effects on the beam. In addition, the following field proce-dures have been found to reduce refraction and scintillationproblems:

1. Keep the pipe backfilled as it is laid. This helps insulate thepipe and prevents extreme temperature variations.

2. Mount the blower just outside the pipe. Adjust leg height andblower position to direct maximum airflow through the pipe.Adjust the blower speed for the pipe size.

3. Turn the blower on after laying 50' of pipe out from amanhole. On second day setups, turn the blower on for a fewminutes prior to laser use to stir up the air in the pipe andpurge the pipeline.

4. The desirable air velocity through a pipe for laser use isapproximately 4 - 6 mph.

In severe conditions, even with the effectiveness of the blower,the working range of the laser can be limited.

Calibration

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Specifications

GradeLight 2500Beam: Visible Laser Diode, 635 nm

Beam Accuracy: ±1/16” @ 100’ = ±.005%Grade Range: +40% to -10%

SL Range: ±5.7° (±10%) grade axisAzimuth Range: 20’ @ 100’ (6M at 30M)

Operating Temperature: -18°C (0°F) to 50°C (120°F)Waterproof: Yes, purged with dry nitrogen

Rough Level Indication: Grade - 3 light SpeedLevel displayCross axis - lighted level vial

Line Indication: Backlit indicator on control panelControl Panel: Tactile feedback, integrates line, grade,

and low battery indicatorPivot Point: Yes, LED

Dimensions: 12.5”L x 5.25”DWeight: 9.8 lbs.

Internal Battery Pack: Approx. 1 weekExternal Power Station: Approx. 2 weeks

AutoLine Wireless Remote ControlOperating Range: 600’ front (thru the pipe) 25’ from rear

Battery: One 9 volt alkaline batteryIndicator: Power ON (green)

Dimensions: 5.125”L x 1.875”W x 1.0625”DWeight: 35 oz.

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25

As required by Federal Regulation

Use:This manual explains the use of all controls, adjustments,and operating procedures to be performed by the user.CAUTION: the use of controls or adjustments, or perform-ance of procedures other than those specified herein, mayresult in hazardous radiation (light energy) exposure.

Service:To avoid possible exposure to radiation in excess ofacceptable emission limits, all repairs requiring theopening of the sealed laser case must be performed bythe manufacturer or its authorized representative.

Maximum Radiant Power: Less than 5 mW.

Maintenance:The GradeLight 2500 conforms to the amended standardsof 21CFR, parts 1000 and 1040 laser products, effectiveSeptember 19, 1985. No schedule of maintenance isrequired to keep it in compliance.

Location of Safety Notices and Devices

NOTE Laser warning signs are included in the

instrument case for posting on the jobsite.

A. Power Classification Label - see reproduction -Located underside

B. Aperture exposure label - Front End CapC. BRH - Interlock Warning Label - Located undersideD. Serial Number Tag - Located underside

SafetyA

B

C

D AGLMODEL / SN

DATE MANUFACTURED

A

B

C D

CLASS 3A LASER PRODUCTMax. Output Power: 5 mW, 670 nMLASER LIGHT. Do not stare into beam.

This product conforms to European LaserSafety Standard EN60825, Sept. 1991.

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© Copyright 2001 All rights reservedGL2500om5-15 AGL

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