The laser level is quite sensitive to external influences.
A laser level is a device that is designed to construct various planes using laser beams.
It is a must-have tool in every professional's arsenal. But, alas, there is a need to repair the laser level. And this is already a problem, since such a device has a rather complex design, and not every breakdown can be resolved on its own.
The scope of application of such a high-tech device is quite wide. It is used by:
Scheme of creating laser planes using a level.
This device is also used at home.
The advantages of a laser level include high accuracy and ease of use.
Such positive moments and all kinds of equipment with additional options for laser levels have led to the fact that modern construction projects have begun to be carried out much better and faster. But this also plays a negative role. Now the repair of such equipment with your own hands has become much more difficult. And therefore, if there is a need for repair intervention, then you have to turn to professionals.
Typical laser level device.
Usually the laser level needs to be repaired after being dropped. In such situations, the bearings of the suspension system most often fail, and then the laser begins to show inaccurate data.
In order to find out whether the device is "lying" or is still showing correctly, it is necessary to carry out a number of actions. To begin with, the laser level is installed in one of the corners of the room. Further, it is necessary that the horizontal beam looks diagonally to the opposite corner. Using a pencil, 6 marks are made on the beam path, after which the device is rearranged to the opposite corner of the room.
The beam is aimed at the nearest angle along the marks.
Then the height is adjusted to match the marks and the beam. And now the laser level should be turned exactly 180 degrees and the beam should be directed to the opposite angle. If the edges of the beam and the previously marked marking coincide, then the device is in good working order. But if there is a difference, then there is already a need to contact a repair specialist.
Due to the fact that the device of a laser level is complex, it is better to contact optical-mechanical workshops for repair.
Alas, this technique is so complex in microcircuits that it is extremely difficult to carry out an independent repair. It is necessary to contact optical-mechanical workshops.
The only thing that you can try to fix with your own hands is to correct the sight. To do this, the case is disassembled and the antennae located on the movable head is located. The metal platform has a hole for it. It just needs to be returned to its place, as it is responsible for the accuracy of the position of the head. In all other cases, repairs can only be carried out by a professional.
In addition, so that breakdowns are carried out less often, such a technique should be properly operated. First of all, regardless of the model chosen, you should always read the user manual.
It is also necessary to know that such a device requires power supply, which can be from rechargeable batteries or batteries. They must be fully charged, otherwise the beam will disappear at the most crucial moment. Some levels have a beam adjustment function. This helps conserve battery or battery power.
In addition, in many respects the safety of the instrument is influenced by the conditions of its operation. Before choosing the required model, it is immediately worth clarifying how the tool can withstand weather conditions, because not all construction sites are of a closed type. The same foundation is usually laid outdoors.
Not everyone knows that a laser working beam is far from good for the eyes. Therefore, if initially the set did not include protective glasses, then they should be taken care of separately.
VIDEO
A laser level is a rather "gentle" technique, so it should be handled properly. It should not be overloaded, misused, and in no case dropped.
This is a complex device equipped with an electronic board and light elements. If used carelessly, dropped or transported, the device may be damaged. Do-it-yourself laser level repair is possible if the breakdown does not touch high-precision elements. In all other cases, it is carried out by a master using specialized equipment.
There are many works in construction that greatly facilitate the use of this device. These include:
demarcation of the territory, marking, assignment of directions;
determination of horizontal and vertical lines during equipment installation;
leveling the floor when pouring cement, laying tiles;
installation of walls, partitions;
installation of conductive cables;
construction of stairs.
It allows you to build horizontal and vertical planes with high measurement accuracy. If a professional level is used, its error is only 0.02 mm.
The area can be of any size - the laser beam has no length restrictions and will continue until it encounters an obstacle in its path. In addition to high precision, this is another advantage over conventional tools.
Its operation is not affected by the presence of strong winds, high temperatures or other external factors. It is equipped with electronic sensors that instantly detect the horizontal and vertical lines.
The level looks simple, but its individual parts are technically complex structures. Therefore, in most cases, it is not possible to repair the laser level on your own - this requires special equipment and professional knowledge.
Light sources are one of the main elements of the device. They have built-in laser LEDs. They are housed in a plastic case that has a protective function. It has fasteners that fix the device in the right place, and also allow you to correct the direction.
The simplest options for the laser level set the direction parallel to the body of the device, but before that it is necessary to adjust it using a conventional bubble level built into the device. Professional models are capable of launching 2 or more beams at once. They are self-adjusting, the beams are mutually oriented.
Sometimes it happens that the device does not work properly or does not output the beam at all. Repair of the laser level is carried out in the following circumstances:
when the device displays an arc instead of a horizontal line. Its ends can be either lowered or raised;
with incorrect display of the vertical line, which is noticeably different from the true vertical position;
the output of laser beams is difficult due to a breakdown of the suspension system of the emitter;
failure of the control board. It contains microcircuits and other complex elements, there is a connection with connectors. If one of them "burns out", the device will stop working;
refusal to operate or stuck buttons;
breakage of the emitter when no light is output or the luminous flux is too weak.
Repair is usually required after the device falls - in almost every such case, the structure of the emitter system breaks down. This directly affects the correctness of the level readings.
VIDEO Malfunctions are detected when the laser level is checked. To do this, you need to do the following:
install it in any corner of the room;
horizontally direct the laser to the opposite corner (diagonally);
make 6 marks along the entire length along the line issued by the device;
rearrange the level to the corner where the beam was directed;
align the laser line with the marked points - it should rush to the opposite corner.
Correct operation in the vertical plane is checked in the same way. If there are deviations, the device is not working properly and repair is needed.
Complex laser equipment should be repaired by a professional using special equipment. But you can do something yourself.Minor breakage can occur when shaken or dropped, or the tripod or mounts can break if handled roughly.
If you find an inaccuracy in the readings, you can try to fix it. To do this, the case is removed and a mustache is located inside the structure - it is used to adjust the laser head. It is adjusted using a regular bubble level.
Apart from the tendril, the correctness of the readings depends on the setting of the internal weight. It is located at the bottom of the structure. To get to it, you need to unscrew the plastic bolt. Under it there will be a screw with the letter “A” - this is the weight. When it rotates, the position of the emitted beams is corrected.
You can repair the case yourself - replace the glass or put a new tripod.
One of the most common causes of laser level breakdown is button malfunction. This happens when construction dust gets inside or is pressed too hard during use.
Repairing the laser level in such a situation is simple: you need to disassemble the case and solder the loose contacts in place. In this case, it is recommended to use a special solder with flux - with it the connections will hold tight.
If the buttons have stopped functioning, they can be replaced with new ones.
In case of other malfunctions, it is necessary to hand the equipment over to the hands of specialists, otherwise there is a risk of spoiling it completely. To avoid breakdowns, you need to carefully operate, transport and store. After you open the case yourself, the guarantee for the level disappears.
VIDEO The laser level of the Kapro 892 fell, the “sight” was lost.
Can I repair it myself? Or where to go?
The laser level of the Kapro 892 fell, the “sight” was lost.
Can I repair it myself? Or where to go?
To be honest, I also tried to find glasses for laser levels from official suppliers before. And then I just realized that most suppliers of measuring instruments do not want to deal with service issues. Now I am doing the following. I take glass of 2 or 2.5 mm and cut out the glass of the desired shape from it. So far there have been no complaints. Here is a photo of some of the devices:
repair of the CONDTROL laser level is a highly complex procedure that only an experienced technician can handle.
It is often more profitable to buy a new device than to spend time searching for a workshop on the Internet and shipping equipment if the company is located in another city or country. And such situations are very common. Nevertheless, before proceeding with the repair of the laser level, it is necessary to determine the presence of a defect in the device.
The laser level must be repaired if:
Control buttons do not work, stick or stuck;
No laser beam;
During measurement, the laser line is in the form of an arc;
The device does not turn on;
Inaccurate data is displayed;
A "wedge" appears in the suspension system of the emitters;
Incorrect vertical beam readings;
There is obvious mechanical damage.
The reasons for the breakdown can be very different, from a factory defect to the fall of the device on solid ground, a strong impact, falling into water, etc. Naturally, careful handling of the device will keep its integrity for a long time.
It should be noted right away that repairs require knowledge and experience in repairing precision electrical appliances. Otherwise, the breakdown can be aggravated. If you do not have enough experience, then it is recommended to find an appropriate workshop. The repair of the laser level should be started by identifying the defect.If the device does not turn on, then it is necessary to inspect the power source and the power button. If the laser level deteriorates from falling or falling into water, then the reason may be a defect in the motherboard.
If the instrument does not have a laser beam, the problem may be with the emitter or the power supply to it. Alas, it will be very difficult, rather impossible, to find a schematic electrical diagram for a laser level, since manufacturers usually do not publish such documents. For this reason, the repair of the electrical part should be carried out by an experienced foreman who can determine the purpose of parts and assemblies without a diagram. It should be understood that finding replacement parts will also be incredibly difficult. Usually, spare parts have to be ordered from foreign online stores.
1. Beam deflection (device fell). Common malfunction. In the event of a fall (impact) of the laser level, the pendulum on the suspension may move. If your device suddenly begins to deviate significantly from the vertical and horizontal, most likely it was dropped. Do not think that the device in the case, with the lock on, is protected from displacement of the pendulum in case of a fall - this is not the case. Just try to avoid falls and bumps. Correcting the displacement of the pendulum on the suspension for a device with a significant number of emitters is a painstaking, expensive work that requires some knowledge, skills, special tools and devices. By the nature of the damage, the case is not recognized as a guarantee.
2. Instability The readings of the device deviate one way or the other. Less common malfunction. Elimination requires (as a rule) replacement of suspension bearings and subsequent adjustment. The work is the same as in the previous case, only spare parts are also required. The repair costs are relatively high. The occurrence of such a defect during the warranty period is practically impossible, this case is recognized as a warranty only if there are no signs of tampering, falling or violation of the rules for using the device.
3. One or more beams are off. The malfunction is usually caused by a break in the flexible wiring to the pendulum. Renovation is relatively inexpensive. If there are no signs of interference, then the case is recognized as a guarantee.
4. Keyboard malfunction (one or more buttons do not work). Required, respectively, replacement of buttons. If there are no signs of interference, then the malfunction is eliminated under warranty. If a membrane-type keyboard is used on the device, then it is necessary to change the design of the device and install ordinary tact buttons, such repairs are more time consuming and, accordingly, more expensive.
5. Glass is broken. Replacing glass is an inexpensive and uncomplicated job, but the glass itself will not burst. As a rule, the repair does not end with one glass replacement - the lines need to be adjusted, and sometimes the position of the pendulum on the suspension must be corrected, as after the device fell (repair according to claim 1.). In addition, if the instrument has been used with broken glass, the inside of the instrument will need to be cleaned. In extreme situations, construction dust penetrates into the bearings, then the repair is carried out as in paragraph 2. Broken glass is not covered under warranty.
6. Malfunctions of devices with electronic leveling systems and rotary levels are relatively rare, elimination requires certain knowledge (including manufacturer's service instructions), tools and devices. The cost of the work is high. If no traces of interference or violations of operating rules are found, then the malfunction is eliminated under warranty.
7. The laser emitter is very dim. As a rule, the laser burned out. Replacement of the emitter and subsequent adjustment of the device is required. If no traces of interference or violations of operating rules are found, then the malfunction is eliminated under warranty.
Therefore, for those who like to buy laser levels on Aliexpress and in other dubious places without warranty obligations, at least 1 year, it is worth thinking a hundred times. repairs can cost more than the level itself!
Other faults encountered in practice are not typical and there is no need to describe them here.
Every year, the laser level requires verification and scheduled repairs in the form of adjusting the laser planes. The situation is standard, since all precision instruments are subject to vibrations or drops, and this cannot but affect the accuracy.
Of course, everyone should understand that it is possible to knock down the laser level on the day of purchase, as long as you drop it well in working order and repair is provided.
As a rule, after a series of mechanical influences on the device, over time, an error appears larger than the stated one, fortunately, you can do the adjustment yourself.
Let's walk through the planned alignment of the popular ADA 2D Basic Level laser level step by step. For more details on other specifications and features, see the full basic review.
Disassembling the device is as easy as shelling pears, you just need to unscrew the bolts going in a circle above the school with millimeter markings.
It should be noted that the ADA 2D Basic Level laser plane builder is very convenient for adjusting laser lines and the pendulum as a whole, and all because the entire system hangs on a kind of metal frame.
Thanks to such a frame, the mechanism can be set up quickly without constant assembly and disassembly of the level, as, for example, when repairing the Bosch PCL 20 level.
When setting up this level, it is necessary to take into account such a feature as the laser plumb point down, which is equipped with the device. Therefore, in addition to a preliminary assessment of the position of the planes, it is necessary to take into account the deviation of the plumb point from the norm.
It is very easy to check the accuracy of the plumb line, for this set the laser level to a height of 1.5 to 3 meters, for example on a tripod, and mark a point on the floor. Then turn the body of the level 180 degrees and mark the 2nd point.
Ideally, the point should not shift, the permissible offset error from the center is not more than 1 mm.
Often such a situation arises in which all planes and a plumb line are displaced in one direction and at the same distance.
If you have just such a failure, then you are in luck, because it is very easy to fix it.
In order to return the planes to their original position, it is necessary to turn the large transverse adjustment screw.
The displacement of the center of gravity in the pendulum should occur relative to where the planes are inclined, that is, if the planes are tilted to the left, then the screw must be unscrewed, and if to the right, it must be tightened accordingly.
There is approximately the same screw on the back side of the pendulum, we only touch it if there is a "nod" of the horizontal plane up or down relative to the desired plane.
Again, with regards to basic, with such a horizon setting, you must first take into account the position of the plumb line, by definition, if the plane looks down, then the plumb line should also have a deviation in the opposite direction.
Consider the case when only one vertical or horizontal line is faulty when checking the laser level. In this case, it is not worth touching the general adjustment screws of the compensator (green arrow in the photo), since this will not give the desired result.
Of course, you can align the vertical with them, but then the horizon will be destroyed.
This requires adjustment of a specific module with an emitter, for ADA 2D Basic Lavel it is fixed with three small bolts with an internal hexagon, so small keys are needed for repairs.
To begin with, we give the red bolt, since it fixes the module in the pendulum socket, then with two yellow bolts we adjust the position of the emitter, depending on the projection of the plane relative to the desired one.
When we have found the desired position, we fix it with a red bolt and clamp the yellow ones.
ATTENTION! You need to twist the yellow hairpins VERY carefully and at a tiny distance, since any minimal movement immediately affects the error!
The most difficult and problematic in adjusting the laser level is correcting the so-called smileys, this is when the laser line goes in an arc.
I want to say right away that if you have a level with a large number of planes, from 3 and higher, and you find an arc, then do not try to fix it yourself, I give 99% that nothing good will come of it.
The fact is that without special equipment, it is almost impossible to find out on which plane the smiley face, it turns out that you can twist something that is not necessary and finally get confused and knock down the device.
Our Basic, fortunately or unfortunately, has only two planes, so if you find a smiley on one of them, you can try to remove it with your own hands without contacting a service center.
And so, before editing, you need to turn on your imagination and understand in which direction our prism is tilted through which the laser beam passes, since the arc arises precisely because the prism is not strictly perpendicular to the beam.
In the figure, the ends of the laser line look down, this indicates that the prism cylinder is not level, and has a deviation from the vertical position with an inclination backward. If the tails were looking up, then the prism, on the contrary, would be tilted forward.
As you understand, such a correction is done with screws that fix exactly the cylindrical prism itself. (see photo below)
By tightening these screws, you need to set the prism strictly perpendicular to the laser beam, then the arc will disappear.
ATTENTION! It is necessary to twist very carefully and remember where and what you twisted!
This laser level model has undergone several modifications, has become very popular and has earned recognition from a large number of builders.
But all equipment, including very expensive ones, has its own "childhood diseases", it seems that Basic has it too.
And it manifests itself in the fact that with a frequent and sharp turn of the toggle switch for turning on the level, one part of the locking mechanism breaks.
Unfortunately, this disease is treated only by replacing this part with a new one. Hopefully the developers will pay attention to this problem and make these parts out of a more durable material.
In general, the device is above all praise, and with proper handling this little nuisance with your Basic will not happen.
VIDEO
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Level, level, plane builder - with the appearance of the "laser" prefix, these useful devices for accurate orientation in space acquire a modern sound and, at the same time, a significant cost. Despite the fact that any of the devices can significantly facilitate the life of a builder, repairman or just a prudent and homely owner, many are in no hurry to acquire "professional" models, mainly because of the high price. However, expensive equipment for one-time use (for example, leveling walls) can be easily replaced with a home-made device. To do this, you first need to understand the device of the level or plane builder.
The basic element of any device, the name of which includes the word "laser", is an emitter of narrowly directed monochromatic (one-color) radiation. The phenomenon is based on forced radiation, which, depending on the power, is perceived differently. Low-power laser emitters based on red, red-orange, yellow-orange and green diodes produce a point or beam of light. At a high level of pumped energy, the laser beam can turn into a weapon - it can set fire to materials that absorb radiation well.
Devices used in everyday life and construction and repair work operate on laser diodes of the red, yellow-orange and green spectrum, blue and violet are much less common (such models are much more expensive). To concentrate light radiation, biconvex lenses are used, as well as other optical devices that allow converting the beam into a plane.
Household appliances have a standard diagram shown in the illustration. Design variations are related to the power of the emitter and accessories.
Laser levels and levels use the principle of direct targeting - a point or line on the surface. They can be tracked directly (in relatively low light) or through the eyepiece of the instrument.
In addition to a point or line (a trace from the intersection of a light plane with a solid opaque surface), levels and levels allow you to get a cross-shaped pointer, as well as simultaneously use two or more emitters.
By scattering the laser beam into a plane, such devices are often referred to as "laser plane builders". In general, the set of functions of the device depends on the number of emitters and optical devices for concentrating or dispersing the beam.
In homemade devices, a special laser emitter is replaced by a conventional laser pointer. With sufficient power and quality, as well as the presence of two or more attachments that allow you to transform the laser beam, such a pointer is quite suitable for making a laser level with your own hands. It is only necessary to take care of a sufficiently strong and convenient mount and installation of the pointer in a strictly defined position with the possibility of displacement.
As you can see in the illustration, a telescopic tripod with a convenient mount that allows the holder to rotate is used to mount the professional device. Since such tripods are often available in the household of amateur photographers, they can be easily adapted for making a tripod for a laser level with your own hands. If there is no tripod, you can make a simple stand based on a stick or a bar with a support at the bottom, use a container with water or a hanging mechanism. These options will be discussed in detail below.
In the presence of a tripod and a construction bubble ("spirit level") level, the creation of a device is reduced to installing a tripod and attaching a level to it with a laser pointer fixed on it. The illustration shows the level with the existing groove for the pointer, but in fact, the fastening is elementary with the help of clamps, wire or even tape.
The most difficult point is the correct orientation of the laser beam. To do this, between the pointer and the surface of the level, it is advisable to insert a piece of hard rubber or foam, securing it with clamps or elastic bands, as shown in the diagram.
Here 1 is a pointer, 2 is a piece of dense and moderately elastic material, 3 are clamps or elastic bands. After setting the bubble level strictly horizontally (this can be done on any flat surface), the laser pointer turns on. By cutting the insert and tightening the clamps more or less tightly, we carry out a kind of alignment of the level (future). After the parallelism of the horizontal plane and the laser beam is achieved, you can mount the resulting device on a tripod in any convenient way.
As already mentioned, in the absence of a tripod, we use improvised means - a bar made of a handle from a broom, shovel or just a bar or a container of water.
The rod device is very simple: a bar or a stick is attached to a piece of board or OSB (plywood) board strictly vertically and so that the structure is stable. You can check the angle between the support and the bar with a building square, but it is better to use a regular building level. Spacers can be used as support, as shown in the diagram below. A bar is mounted to the top of the rod to the size of the bubble level with an attached pointer - and the device is ready.
If you put a large container on the floor, filled almost to the brim with water, and set a level with a laser pointer on a flat piece of foam, you will also get a perfectly suitable support for a homemade level. In addition, in a container with water, the device can rotate freely, "drawing" a plane along all the walls of the room. Interestingly, even a bubble level is not needed for such a "float" level. With a flat piece of foam, on which the pointer is rigidly and strictly horizontally fixed, the laser beam will only move horizontally - due to the impeccable evenness and horizontalness of the water surface. Simple steps for making such a laser level with your own hands and its work are shown in the video.
VIDEO
The hanger is even easier to mount. A bar is attached to a chandelier hook or other similar mount on the ceiling of the room on a rope or thin wire. A laser pointer is fixed on the bar so that the light beam is directed to the floor (if floor markings are needed) or to the walls. Further, rotating the resulting level from the pointer, we get a point of light or a line on the desired surface. In the illustration, a tripod is used as a mount for the suspension level, and the pointer itself is fixed in a hole drilled in the bar.
Additional details and the use of not one, but two or more laser pointers will help to increase the accuracy of the device. One of the simpler enhancements - using a bubble level with two pointers attached to a marked pivot flange - will help you rotate the device at any angle. In order for the system to work properly, it is important to precisely align the axes of the laser beams and fix the flange perfectly horizontally. The convenience of the system is that it can be mounted on a tripod or rod.
By changing the position of the levels and the number of pointers, you can get a laser marker that provides a light cross.
If the farm already has an optical level, you can use it as a stand to complement it in the form of a laser pointer. An example of such a design is shown in the photo.
The scheme is extremely simple: a bar with a "bundle" of a construction bubble level and a laser pointer fixed on it, rigidly mounted on a level stand.
For those who have a tripod for a camera or video camera, we offer a do-it-yourself leveling scheme, made of a tripod with adjustable legs, brackets and all the same "bundle" level + pointer.
Another very interesting manufacturing option is presented in the video.
VIDEO
Despite the convenience, compactness and low price of hand-made devices, they have two main drawbacks: relatively low accuracy and a short period of operation with constant use of laser emitters. The first question is solved by setting up the device. To eliminate the second drawback, experts advise replacing the "pill" batteries in laser pointers with an external power source. In this case, it is important to select a source with the required voltage. Usually it is 4.5 V, but may differ from model to model.
When buying a laser pointer for a level device, you should carefully consider the choice of its power and the color of the emitting diode. The best option is a green beam, it is less harmful to eyesight and is better visible even in relatively bright rooms.
Having slightly increased the budget, you can purchase the simplest laser level with or without a tape measure. In this case, a ready-made device can be attached to any base, and not a bubble level-laser pointer bundle.
Often these devices already have space for mounting on a tripod or tripod.
You can also use a laser tape measure as a source of laser radiation.
Another nuance: if a ready-made tripod (tripod) is used to install the laser, a rail with markings or an ordinary metal (wooden, plastic) ruler will be a useful addition to it.This will allow you to raise or lower a homemade level to a certain height without additional measurements. By the way, the tripod itself (tripod) is conveniently made of PVC pipes.
You can use different methods to set up a homemade laser level, but one of the simplest is the use of a mirror. The diagram below shows how this technique is used.
After the initial installation of the device, the laser is turned on and a small mirror is attached to the place of its fall on the wall (any other suitable plane) using a piece of plasticine. With the help of the level, a strictly vertical (perpendicular to the planned position of the beam) position of the mirror plane is achieved. After that, the laser is turned on again. When the incident (outgoing from the device) and the reflected beam coincide, the setting is considered to be of good quality. If no match occurs, change the position of the laser emitter until the desired result is achieved.
To set up a laser device that has a line rather than a point as a target designator, a target rail is used (it is convenient to use a metal profile for drywall). In a place where a light line is reflected on a vertical surface, press the target (rod) and check its horizontal (or vertical, depending on the position of the laser) using a level.
You can check the correctness of the settings in a faster way. The diagram shows how, using a bubble level and a tensioned cord, the horizontal lines between the laser emitter and the screws on the wall at the point of incidence of the beam are checked.
Video (click to play).
Accurate performance of work on the collection of a homemade laser level and correct setting will help to do without professional expensive equipment when performing construction or repair operations at a time. However, for people whose permanent activities are related to repair and construction, a high-quality and reliable laser level of industrial production will be more useful.
