Trimble Model GL700 Series Laser Systems Operator’s Manual Single-Grade, Dual-Grade, Long-Range, and Steep-Grade Lasers
Introduction Thank you for choosing one of the Spectra Precision Lasers from the Trimble family of precision grade lasers. You’ve just made a wise investment in field-proven products made by Trimble, the world’s largest manufacturer of laser-based leveling, alignment, and grade-control systems. The grade laser is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to take accurate horizontal measurements with grade up to 2500 ft (750 m) away using a receiver.
Claim for Damage in Shipment The grade laser system generally includes a laser, remote control, receiver, general-purpose clamp, operator’s manual, laser safety kit, carrying case, rechargeable batteries, and battery recharger. The components vary depending on the system that you purchase. You should inspect your laser system as soon as you receive it. It has been packaged for safe delivery.
Laser Safety The IEC and the United States Government Center of Devices for Radiology Health (CDRH) has classified this laser as a Class I laser product (standard model) and Class II product (long-range model). Operation For detailed installation and operating instructions, follow the instructions given in this manual for this laser. The maximum radiant power output of this laser is less than 5 mW. Controls Controls are listed in the operation section of this manual.
Questions about laser safety should be addressed to: Trimble Engineering and Construction Division 5475 Kellenburger Road Dayton, OH U.S.A.
Features and Functions Laser 1. Power Button—turns the laser on/off. 2. Status LED—shows the status of various conditions including an internal, electronic, or a mechanical error (solid red), low-battery (flashing yellow), manual mode (flashing red), HI alert (fast flashing red), and out-of-level (flashing green). 3. Manual Button—changes the laser from automatic self-leveling to manual mode. 4. ∠ Axis Up and Down Buttons—change the grade for the ∠ axis. 5.
One-Way and Two-Way Radio Remote Controls (for radio equipped laser only) 1. Power/Standby Button—turns the remote control on/off and activates/deactivates standby mode. 2. Manual Button—changes the laser from automatic self-leveling to manual mode. 3. Mode Button—allows you to choose the laser’s operational mode, which includes grade change, automatic axis alignment, grade matching, PlaneLok, grade bump, grade reverse, manual, and beam rotation speed. 4.
Accessories Connector Cable 1. Contacts—transfers grade-display signals between the hand-held receiver and radio remote control. 2. Mounting Plate—connects to the back of a hand-held receiver so that the radio remote control and hand-held receiver can transfer signals. 3. 12-ft (4-m) Cable—transfers signals between the radio remote control and a hand-held receiver. 4. Clamp—connects to the radio remote control so signals can be transferred between the hand-held receiver and radio remote control. 5.
3 1/2-8 Adapter The 3 1/2-8 adapter allows you to connect the laser, which has a 5/8-11 threaded mount, to a tripod or other mounting device that has a 3 1/2-8 threaded mount. Steep-Grade Adapter The steep-grade adapter allows the internal leveling mechanism of the steepgrade laser to level the laser at grades greater than 25%.
How to Use the Laser System Laser Powering the Laser Batteries Depending on the laser system configuration that you purchase, the laser is shipped with either rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or nickel/metalhydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Even if you buy a laser that uses Ni-Cd batteries, you can upgrade to Ni-MH batteries. The upgrade installation, however, must be performed by an authorized service center.
Off Flashing Flashing On Off Flashing Recharging is in progress Recharging is complete Recharging error Note: The laser will not operate while the batteries are recharging. Note: Some countries or local areas have regulations regarding the disposal of rechargeable batteries. Please be sure to follow the regulation in your area. Installing/Removing the Batteries CAUTION: The batteries should be removed when storing the laser more than 30 days. 1. Remove the four screws from the battery housing.
Learning Basic Laser Functions Turning On/Off the Laser 1. Press the power button to turn on the laser. Note: The laser always powers up in the automatic self-leveling mode. If the laser is out of its self-leveling range and remains out of it for more than 30 minutes, the laser shuts down completely. Note: When the laser is initially turned on, the LCD shows the approximate charge of the batteries, the laser beam’s rotation speed, and manual axisalignment position if it’s other than zero.
Standard Method Note: The grade value can be quickly set to 0.000% by simultaneously pressing and releasing the up and down buttons for the axis you want to change. 1. Press and hold the up or down button for the axis you want to change until the correct grade value appears in the laser’s LCD. Note: The speed of the grade value change increases with the amount of time the button is held down. Note: Grade values from -0.500 to 9.999% are displayed in thousandths of a percents.
beyond its built-in sloping capability so you can perform steep-sloping horizontal applications. 1. Make sure the laser is on and in the orientation appropriate for your application needs (horizontal or vertical). 2. Press the manual mode button. Note: When manual mode is activated, the status LED flashes red once per second and scrolling horizontal segments appear in the LCD. 3. To resume automatic self-leveling mode, press the manual button again.
One-Way and Two-Way Radio Remote Controls (Available for RadioEquipped Lasers Only) Powering the Radio Remote Control Batteries CAUTION: The batteries should be removed when storing the radio remote control more than 30 days. Installing/Removing the Batteries 1. Turn the battery-housing knob counterclockwise to release the batteryhousing door. 2. Install/remove the batteries. Note: When installing the batteries, be sure to note the positive (+) and negative (-) diagram inside of the housing.
2. To turn off the radio remote control, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. Selecting the Operational Mode The mode button allows you to choose the laser’s operational mode, which includes automatic axis alignment, grade matching, PlaneLok, grade bump, grade reverse, manual, and beam rotation speed. A “hidden” button sequence also allows you to calibrate the laser from the radio remote control (see the “Calibration” section of this manual for more information. 1.
3. Press the enter button to confirm the selected rotation speed. Changing the Grade Value The grade value for both axes can be changed using two methods—standard and quick-change. The standard method is used for entering small changes in the grade value. The quick-change method is used for setting grade to zero and entering large changes in the grade value. Standard Method Note: The last-entered grade value for each axis appears in the two-way radio remote control’s LCD.
remote control, this information also appears in the radio remote control’s LCD. Note: When the grade value for either axis reaches its highest amount, the grade values switches to the lowest value for that axis. In the ∠ axis, for example, the value switches from +10.00% to –10.00%. In the ∠ axis, the value switches from 25.00% to –0.500%. For steep-grade lasers than value switches from 110.0% to –0.500%.
Activating/Deactivating Standby Mode Standby mode, which can only be activated by using a one-way or two-way radio remote control, is a power-saving feature that conserves laser battery life. 1. Quickly press and release the radio remote control’s power button again to activate standby mode. Note: When standby mode is activated, the laser beam, rotor, self-leveling system, and LEDs shut down.
System Setup General Setup Information • Prior to beginning work, decide where to place the laser for optimum coverage of the job site. • Place the laser on the job site where it will be out of the way of traffic and will not be obstructed by equipment with respect to the machine-mounted receiver. • Set the height of the tripod and laser so that the laser beam will strike the receiver when it’s positioned correctly on a machine or grade rod. • Adjust the laser’s alignment to the job site as needed.
In addition to using the laser in horizontal mode, you can use it in vertical mode. To do so, however, an after-market vertical mounting bracket is needed. For instruction on how to use the vertical mounting bracket, consult the specific manufacturer’s instructions. 1. 2. 3. Insert the tripod’s 5/8-11 screw into the laser’s threaded 5/8-11 tripod mount. Turn the screw counterclockwise to hold the laser securely in place. To detach the laser from the tripod, turn the screw clockwise.
Connecting the Remote Holster to a Grade Rod 1. Wrap the mounting strap around the grade rod and fasten it securely in place. Connecting the Radio Remote Control to the Remote Holster 1. Slip the radio remote control mounting clip into the mounting slot of the remote holster. Setting Up the Laser System Setting Up the Laser in Manual Mode 1. Press the manual mode button on the laser or radio remote control.
3. Connect a receiver to a grade rod and turn on the receiver. Make sure you position the receiver so that it is at the correct elevation for the distance (and grade) from the laser to the direction hub. 4. Set the grade rod on the direction hub. Note: If only one person is manually aligning the laser, use a bipod (commonly used with prism poles) to keep the grade rod plumb when placing is on the direction hub. 5. Press the appropriate manual axis alignment button to align the laser plane to the receiver.
Establishing Elevation Control Hubs The elevation control hub can be used to re-establish the elevation of the laser plane in case the laser setup gets disturbed. 1. Establish an elevation-control hub close to the laser and determine the HI. Note: If you’re also going to establish a grade control hub, make sure the elevation-control hub and grade -control hubs are on the same axis.
Reversing the Grade (One-Way and Two-Way Radio Remote Controls) The sign of the ∠ axis can be changed using the one-way or two-way radio remote control. 1. Set up the laser. Turn on the laser and flip its antenna up. 2. Turn on the radio remote control and make sure its antenna is pointing skyward. 3. Select “Grade Reverse” from the menu using the mode button. 4. Press the enter button to confirm the selection.
Automatic Alignment Modes Summary The laser system has three automatic alignment modes: • Axis Alignment • Grade Matching • PlaneLok To use these modes, a radio remote control (one-way or two-way) and handheld receiver are required. The radio remote control and receiver are typically mounted to a grade rod, which must be placed somewhere between 60 feet (20 m) and 500 feet (150m) from the laser. Automatic axis alignment can take from 1 to 5 minutes to complete.
the receiver’s elevation on the rod, the grade rod is then placed anywhere a grade reading is needed. When activated, grade-matching mode automatically adjusts the grade up or down to “search” for the receiver. When the center of the receiver is found, the resultant grade is calculated and dialed into the laser, and displayed on the two-way radio remote control (if being used).
Using Axis-Alignment and Grade-Reverse Modes How Axis-Alignment Mode Works Axis-alignment mode works by changing grade in the aligned-axis direction and cross-axis directions then monitoring the elevation changes of the laser beam at the receiver via the radio remote control. The desired axis-alignment angle can then be calculated and the internal grade system “rotated” electronically to align the simulated grade axis to the desired point.
The main uses for the laser in road construction are for planar sections where the road design calls for no vertical or super-elevated curves. Automatic Axis Alignment Mode 1. 2. Set up the laser over a point on the centerline of the road. Using the sighting guide as a guide, rough align the laser with the direction hub on the centerline. Note: Because the laser can provide positive and negative slopes in the ∠ axis, make sure the laser’s handle is at a 90° angle to the centerline of the road.
Note: If the alignment and grade values need small adjustments, they can be changed using the radio remote control. See the “Correcting Slope/Height Differences” section of this manual for more information. 13.
Grade Reverse Mode Note: After you’ve finished grading one side of the road, you can reverse the sign of the ∠ axis from the cab using the radio remote control. 1. Set the blade on a known elevation hub on the centerline of the road. 2. Select “Grade Reverse” from the operational menu using the radio remote mode button. 3. Press the enter button to confirm the selection.
Note: The grade rod MUST be plumb. 11. Select “Axis Align” from the operational menu using the radio remote control’s mode button. 12. Select the axis (∠ or ∠) that you are aligning using the up or down buttons. 13. Press the enter button to confirm the selection. “Start” then “Wait” appears on the LCD. 14. Hold the grade rod plumb and steady on the direction hub. Note: Alignment can take 1 to 5 minutes to complete. Note: When axis alignment has been completed, “Axis Alignment Complete” appears in the LCD.
Using Grade-Matching Mode How Grade-Matching Mode Works Grade-matching mode works by changing grade in the selected axis direction then monitoring the elevation changes of the laser beam at the receiver via the radio remote control. Once the laser “finds” the center of the receiver, the resultant grade is calculated and stored in the laser and two-way remote control.
Note: The laser and control hub #1 must be on one axis, which is at 0% grade. 3. Enter the approximate grade value for the ∠ axis and 0% for the ∠ axis. Note: The automatic slope-searching range is ±1.5%. The approximated grade should be within 1.5% of the final matched grade. 4. Connect a hand-held receiver and radio remote control to a grade rod. 5. Set the grade rod on control hub #1. 6. Slide the receiver up/down the grade rod until the receiver’s LCD shows an on-grade reading.
Note: The laser and the elevation-control hub must be on one axis. 3. Enter the approximate grade value for the ∠ axis and the ∠ axis. Note: The automatic slope searching range is ±1.5%. The approximated grade should be within 1.5% of the final matched grade. 4. Connect a hand-held receiver and radio remote control to a grade rod. 5. Set the grade rod on the elevation-control hub. 6. Slide the receiver up/down the grade rod until the receiver’s LCD shows an on-grade reading.
Note: The matched grade value for the aligned axis appears in the laser’s and two-way radio remote control’s LCDs. Note: Alignment can take 1 to 5 minutes to complete.
Using PlaneLok Mode How PlaneLok Mode Works PlaneLok mode works by changing grade in the selected axis direction then monitoring the elevation changes of the laser beam at the receiver via the radio remote control. Once the laser “finds” the center of the receiver, it continues to monitor its position and makes small corrections to hold the beam on-grade.
2. Using the sighting guide as a guide, rough align the laser with one of the slope-control hubs. Note: The two slope-control hubs must be in lines that are at a 90° angle from one another. 3. Enter the approximate grade into the axis that needs to be aligned and an exact grade value into the other axis. Note: The automatic slope searching range is ±1.5%. The approximated grade should be within 1.5% of the final matched grade. 4. Connect a receiver and radio remote control to a grade rod. 5.
Using the Radio Remote Control to Correct Slope/Height Differences after Setup Sometimes, after performing any of the advanced alignment functions, the alignment and grade values need small adjustments. These adjustments can be made using a one-way or two-way radio remote control. One-Way Remote Checking Slope/Height Differences for the ∠ and ∠ Axes 1. Determine the height of the laser (HI) by setting the grade rod on elevation-control hub #1. 2.
1. Determine the height of the laser (HI) by setting the grade rod on elevation-control hub #1. 2. Check the HI by setting the grade rod on elevation-control hub #2. Make sure you DON’T change the height of the receiver on the grade rod. Adjusting Slope/Height Differences on the ∠ Axis 1. Select “∠ Grade” from the operational mode menu using the radio remote control’s mode button. 2. Press the up or down button on the radio remote control until you get an on-grade reading on the receiver.
Specifications Laser Accuracy Grade Accuracy Laser Type/Classification Laser Power Output Operating Temperature Storage Temperature Operating Range (Radius) Grade Range (Single Slope Models) Single, Dual, and Steep-Grade Models: Diameter: accurate for machinecontrol and agricultural applications to 3,000 ft (900 m) Long-Range (Agricultural) Model: Diameter: accurate for machinecontrol and agricultural applications to 5,000 ft (1,500 m) over the entire operating-temperature range 0-0.
Grade Range (Dual Slope Models) Grade Range (Steep Slope Models) Rotation Speeds Self-Leveling Range Power Source Battery Life Recharging Time Low Battery Operations Automatic Shutoff Tripod Screw Water Resistance Weight Size –0.500 to 25% ∠-axis –10 to 10% ∠-axis –0.500 to 25% ∠-axis –10 to 10% ∠-axis –0.500 to 110% ∠-axis 300, 600, 900 rpm The laser will self level up to 25% grade 6.0 AH Ni-Cd 8.
User Interface Power Source Battery Life 6 buttons and a LCD 2 x AA alkaline 40 hours
Maintenance and Care You will get years of service from the leveling system by following the maintenance and care recommendations in this manual. Carry the laser in its moisture-resistant, field-tested carrying case to safely move the laser from one job to another. However well the product is designed, mishaps do occur. The most common problems associated with these are covered in the following areas. Storage CAUTION: Do not store the laser in a wet carrying case.
Troubleshooting If none of the following techniques corrects the problem, take your system to a local Trimble dealer or authorized service center for evaluation or repair. Laser Problem Laser will not turn on No signal is received at the receiver No laser beam The battery life is short Solution • Make sure the batteries have sufficient power and are installed correctly. • Make sure the batteries contacts are in proper working condition. • Make sure the receiver is turned on.
Radio remote control is not working with the laser • • Laser beam not accurate • • Make sure the antenna is upright. If the remote does not work with the laser, the remote needs to be “matched” to the laser for proper operation. Return the laser to an authorized service center for the matching procedure to be performed. Check and adjust calibration as needed. Return the laser to an authorized service center for inspection.
Receiver Problem Receiver does not receive a laser signal Receiver occasionally beeps when it is not in the laser beam Solution • Make sure the laser receiver is on. • Make sure the batteries have sufficient power and are installed correctly. • Make sure the batteries contacts are in proper working condition. • Make sure the receiver is within the operating range of the laser. • Try receiving the laser beam with another receiver.
Radio remote control is damaged (may include loose or broken LCD) • solidly on the radio remote control. Return the damaged remote as described in the “Request for Service and Parts” section.
Radio Remote Control Operating Messages Operating Messages Start/Wait Standby ∠ Grade ∠ Grade Axis Align ∠ Grade Bump (OneWay Remote) ∠ Grade Bump (OneWay Remote) PlaneLok Grade Match Grade Reverse Reversing RPM Meaning Automatic alignment is started and in process The laser is on and in standby mode Grade value for ∠ axis can be changed Grade value for ∠ axis can be changed Automatic axis alignment can be selected Grade value for ∠ axis can be changed in 0.
• Fail—Lost Receiver Searched and found a • receiver but lost it while processing the function • • Fail—Mechanical Limit The beam could not scan across the entire receiver • Fail—Rake Angle Limit Axis alignment computes a rake angle greater than 40° Windy conditions have made detection of the beam impossible • Wind Disturbance • • Fail—Time Out A step or stage could not complete its alignment function within the allotted time • • • Make sure your laser setup is stable Make sure the beam path to
Fail—Too Close The receiver is too close to the laser • • Fail—Too Far The receiver is too far from the laser • • Fail—Low Battery Batteries are too low to • power the remote Fail—General Move the receiver more than 60 feet (20 m) from the laser Remove any reflective objects from the path of the beam Operate the receiver within 500 feet (150 m) from the laser Position the receiver’s photocell to be within the beam operating range Replace the batteries if they are too low to power the remote Unidenti
Laser Error Messages The laser has error codes that indicate either a hardware or software problem. If one of the following codes appears in the laser’s LCD, please return the laser to an authorized Trimble service center: • 0004 • 0008 • 0010 • 0020 • 0040 • 0080 • 0100 • 0200 • 0400 • 0800 • 1000 • 2000 • 4000 • 8000 For more information about returning the laser to a service center, please see the “Request for Service and Parts” section of this manual.
Calibration As with any precision instrument, the calibration needs checking on a regular basis (such as the beginning of each job, or if the laser has been handled roughly). If the laser is to be used below freezing, be sure to check calibration under those conditions. The laser has a calibration error when the laser plane coming out one side of the laser is above true level, and the laser plane coming out the opposite side is below true level.
1. 2. Position the receiver at the midpoint of the two marks on the wall. Add/subtract grade in the appropriate axis using the up/down buttons. The grade appears in the LCD. Note: The up/down buttons needed to calibrate the ∠ axis on single slope lasers are “hidden” behind the control panel. 3.
Note: If additional adjustment is required, repeat steps 1-3 above. 5. After adjusting the ∠ axis, rotate the laser 90°. Repeat the above starting with the –∠axis facing the wall.
Request for Service and Parts Our goal is to provide prompt and efficient service through competent service dealers. To locate your local dealer or authorized Trimble Service Center for service, accessories, or spare parts, contact one of our offices listed below. United States Of America Trimble Engineering and Construction Division. 5475 Kellenburger Road Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099 U.S.A. Phone: (937) 233-8921 (800) 538-7800 Fax:(937) 233-9441 Internet: www.trimble.
4. 5. 6. 7. If the equipment is under warranty, provide verification of the date of purchase. Pack the equipment securely for shipment in its original carrying case. Return the equipment prepaid and insured to your local dealer or authorized Trimble Service Center. Request estimate of charges for non-warranty or other service work before repair begins. If estimates are not requested, repair work will begin immediately.
EMC Declaration of Conformity This laser has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device for radio noise for digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communication, and is pursuant to part 15 of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This laser generates radio frequency.
IEC 801-2, 8 kV air, 4 kV contact IEC 801-3, 3 V/m 26 to 1000 MHz 80%, @ 1 kHz IEC 801-4, ac leads 2 kV
Warranty Trimble warrants the GL700 series lasers, radio remote control, and receiver to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years and one year respectively. This warranty period is in effect from the date the system is delivered by Trimble or its authorized Dealer to the purchaser, or is put into service by a Dealer as a demonstrator or rental components. Additionally, items covered by the standard Trimble one-year warranty are the accessories.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, except as set forth above, including an implied warranty mechantability of fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby disclaimed.
Trimble Model GL-700 Series Laser Systems Quick-Reference Card Single Grade, Dual Grades, Long Range, and Steep-Grade Lasers Features and Functions Laser 1. Power Button—turns the laser on/off. 2. Status LED—shows the status of various conditions including an internal, electronic, or a mechanical error (solid red), low-battery (flashing yellow), manual mode (flashing red), HI alert (fast flashing red), and out-of-level (flashing green). 3.
17. Sighting Guides—are used to visually align the laser with a directional hub or grade stake. 18. Axis-Alignment Marks—correspond with both laser axes and are used to align the laser in the correct grade direction. One-Way and Two-Way Radio Remote Controls (for radio equipped lasers only) 1. Power/Standby Button—turns the remote control on/off and activates/deactivates standby mode. 2. Manual Button—changes the laser from automatic self-leveling to manual mode. 3.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Contacts—transfers grade-display signals between the hand-held receiver and radio remote control. Mounting Plate—connects to the back of a hand-held receiver so that the radio remote control and hand-held receiver can transfer signals. 12-ft (4-m) Cable—transfers signals between the radio remote control and a hand-held receiver. Clamp—connects to the radio remote control so signals can be transferred between the hand-held receiver and radio remote control.
The steep-grade adapter allows the internal leveling mechanism of the steepgrade laser to level the laser at grades greater than 25%. Offset Plate The offset plate mounts to the steep-grade adapter and eliminates offset errors when the laser is being used for steep-grade applications by maintaining the laser’s rotor position over the laser’s mounting threads. This adapter HAS to be used when performing a steep-grade axis alignment that is perpendicular to the steep-grade axis.
To let you know when the batteries are getting low, the status LED flashes. When the status LED flashes yellow, the laser has less than one hour of running time. When the status LED remains on solid yellow, the batteries have less than five minutes running time. Connecting the Laser to a Tripod All lasers have a 5/8-11 tripod mount on the bottom of the laser. Depending on the laser system you purchase, additional mounting adapters may be shipped with your laser.
levels the laser beam elevation changes by more than 1/8 in. (2.5 mm), the HI alert shuts down the laser and rotor, and the status LED flashes red two times per second (twice the manual-mode rate). 2. To turn off the laser, press and hold the power button for three seconds. Selecting the Rotation Speed The laser has three laser beam rotation speeds—300, 600, and 900 rpm. The rotation speed can be changed at any time to meet your job-site conditions.
Note: The grade value can be quickly set to 0.000% by simultaneously pressing and releasing the up and down buttons for the axis you want to change. 1. Press and hold the up or down button for the axis you want to change until the correct grade value appears in the laser’s LCD. Note: The speed of the grade value change increases with the amount of time the button is held down. Note: Grade values from -0.500 to 9.999% are displayed in thousandths of a percents.
way radio remote control, you must look at the laser’s LCD for this information. For more information about using the radio remote control, see the operator’s manual. 1. Make sure the laser is on and in the orientation appropriate for your application needs (horizontal or vertical). 2. Press the manual mode button. Note: When manual mode is activated, the status LED flashes red once per second and scrolling horizontal segments appear in the LCD. 3.
6. Press the appropriate manual axis alignment button to align the laser plane to the receiver. The clockwise axis alignment button rotates the laser clockwise; the counterclockwise axis alignment button rotates the laser counterclockwise. 7. Press and hold the axis alignment button until you get an on-grade reading on the receiver. Radio Remote Control (One-Way and Two-Way) The radio remote control is a hand-held device that allows you to send operational commands to the laser from a remote location.
Selecting the Operational Mode The mode button allows you to choose the laser’s operational mode, which includes changing grade, automatic axis alignment, grade matching, PlaneLok, grade bump, grade reverse, manual, and beam rotation speed. 1. Repeatedly press and release the mode button to cycle through the operational menu. The menu selections appear in the radio remote control’s LCD.
