DIY repair level

If the verification reveals any deviations in the settings or significant errors in the measurements of the level, it should be adjusted, i.e. exact reduction to the declared manufacturers technological and operational characteristics. A successful alignment procedure will result in a fully functional instrument that guarantees the required measurement accuracy.

One of the main points of level verification is to determine the position of level bubbles and a grid of threads. Inconsistency of these settings requires mandatory adjustment.

Since the adjustment of the device can be violated at any time of operation, in order to avoid the appearance of systematic errors in the measurement results, in some cases it is necessary to check and adjust the levels quite often, maybe even daily. In general, leveling measuring instruments must undergo metrological certification annually, and in the event of repair work, shocks, falls and other mechanical influences that entail misalignment of the level, according to the situation, outside of the next check.

Before the meter goes on sale, the manufacturer compulsorily performs verification and adjustment of the instrument. Depending on the type of level - laser or optical - the adjustment is carried out in different ways.

Correct operation of the level with the compensator is characterized by the horizontal line of the telescope sighting beam of the ground level surface (angle i) within the compensator's coverage area.

The circular level is adjusted with leveling screws, then the telescope is turned 180 ° and, if necessary, the check and adjustment are repeated.

If the verification revealed a deviation of the mesh of threads, then the adjustment of the level with the compensator consists in loosening the screw fasteners of the mesh and bringing the plate with the mesh to the correct position: the horizontal thread of the mesh should be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the level, and the vertical thread should coincide with the plumb line. It is recommended to check the correctness of the compensator every time before starting work.

The correct position of the vertical and horizontal planes is checked by verification and, if necessary, the laser level is adjusted. The position of the planes is adjusted by shifting the center of mass of the pendulum by screwing or unscrewing special screws responsible for the location of each plane and setting the correct parameters.

You can perform the simplest procedure for checking and adjusting the laser level yourself using the 180 degree method. In a certain way, marking is carried out along the path of the beam at various positions of the level: normal and rotated by 180 °. If the edges of the beam and the markings made coincide, then there is nothing to worry about - the device is completely serviceable. Otherwise, its adjustment is required.

All that can be done in terms of independent settings is:

• by turning the screw, shift the center of gravity of the level;
• adjust the frontal and lateral roll of the planes with the platform screws;
• using a plumb line by adjusting the screw to achieve the ideal position of the pendulum.

The rest, more precise settings can only be performed by qualified specialists from specialized companies.

If a careful reading of the instructions and attempts to independently adjust the device to the desired results did not lead to the desired results, you should contact specialized metrological service centers that have certificates and licenses to perform such metrological procedures as verification and adjustment.

State licenses and certificates of admission to a certain type of work in geodetic activity confirm the quality of the work performed and the services provided, as well as compliance with the requirements and state standards of the material base used and the qualifications of specialists necessary for carrying out the work.

Upon completion of the work, a certificate of the established form is issued on the results of verification and adjustment of the level.

The result of adjusting the characteristics of the device may not always be positive. If the device at any stage of the settings does not give the desired results or it is impossible to bring them to them for various reasons, the level is recognized as unusable and taken out of service with a corresponding mark in the technical passport.

The cost of adjustment, as a rule, ranges from 800-1000 rubles. and higher, but the work is usually carried out in a complex, since a high-quality adjustment cannot be performed without checking the device.

The laser building level, or, as it is also called, the level, is used in the construction and repair work. It allows you to accurately measure the horizontal and vertical of the room.

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.

• during breakout and installation activities related to the control and installation of all kinds of equipment;
• for marking and setting directions;
• for leveling ceiling surfaces and floors;
• when pouring cement screed and installing adjustable floors;
• for the installation of communication links, electrical wiring and even furniture sets;
• when organizing partitions, walls and suspended ceiling structures;
• when laying tiles;
• for the construction of stairs, steps and spans.

This device is also used at home.

This popularity of the laser level can be explained by the following reasons:

The advantages of a laser level include high accuracy and ease of use.

1. It provides high accuracy of readings. If you use a professional grade tool, then its error in the designation of the vertical and horizontal is no more than 0.2 mm.
2. Ease of use. Unlike the ordinary building level, models with self-leveling systems can start working as soon as they are turned on. In addition, the operator always sees the working beam, not just its end point, as is the case with optical levels. This convenience also contributes to the fact that it is possible to immediately determine the working horizon at all points of the working platform.
3. There are no limits in measurements. Ordinary tools are limited in size, while a laser can target the beam at any distance until it hits an obstacle.
4. Does not depend on interference. If work, for example, is carried out outdoors, then even a strong wind will not knock the direction of the beam.
5. If we compare a laser device and an optical one, then in the first case one person can cope with it, but two workers are always needed for another analogue.
6. More advanced models have detectors.They help you quickly identify the location of the vertical and horizontal lines.

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.

Repair of the laser level is required in the following cases:

Typical laser level device.

1. If during work, while measuring the horizontal position of the room, a "smile" or "sad grimace" is found. In this case, the laser line will be in the form of an arc with the ends raised up or down.
2. There may be a glitch in the vertical beam reading that shows a significant difference from true vertical.
3. Sometimes there is a "wedge" in the suspension system of the emitters. This defect is indicated by the moment when the beams get stuck during position determination.
4. The control board is out of order. The laser level device has a board with complex microcircuits, which also has many elements. It has a large number of connectors. If any part loses its integrity, this already leads to a malfunction of the device, which will require repair.
5. Buttons or switches are stuck or not working. Such a malfunction may occur due to frequent use of the laser, or if excessive pressure is applied to them.
6. The laser level may stop working if there are cracks or dents on its case, if there is mechanical damage to the glass. Also, the tool will not be able to fully function if the controls are malfunctioning.
7. Emitter defective. In this case, the laser level simply will not give a beam or its color will be very weak.

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.

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.

It is easy to use, and the work done with it turns out to be accurate and of high quality. When turned on, the employee sees not the end point on the opposite wall, but completely the entire light line, along which it is easy to navigate and perform work strictly in the position that is needed. Simple repair of the laser level, if necessary, can be done right during operation.

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.

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. For this, the body is removed and the antenna 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.

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 the 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 rubber 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 tighter or looser, 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 device of the bar 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.