AGL GradeLight 2700 User manual

GradeLight 2700
Pipe Laser
Owner’s Manual
AGL Construction Lasers & Machine Control Systems
2202 Redmond Rd., Jacksonville, AR 72076
[email protected] www.agl-lasers.com
Toll Free: 800.643.9696 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

CONTENTS
General Information .........................................................1-3
Specifications............................................................ 1
LaserOverview .........................................................2-3
Power ..................................................................... 4
Charging................................................................ 4
Removing the Battery Pack and Using Alkaline Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation ..................................................................5-9
Pipe Laying Overview ..................................................... 5
Laser Start-up............................................................ 5
Entering Grade........................................................... 6
Automatic Reset to Zero Grade ........................................... 6
Remote Control and Line Adjustment (Azimuth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Replacing Batteries in Remote ............................................ 8
Adjustable Leg Set........................................................ 8
Using theTarget .......................................................... 9
BasicSet-upandOperation ................................................ 9
Applications ..............................................................10-16
ElevationTransfer ....................................................... 10
Using an Automatic Level .............................................. 10
Using the SpecialTransit and Rod Group .................................. 10
Alignment Methods.......................................................11
Manhole Mount withTransit..............................................11
SpecialTransitwithRodGroup.......................................... 12
Stringline Method ..................................................... 12
Plumb Bob Method .................................................... 12
Set-up Methods ......................................................... 13
Height Adjustable Legs................................................. 13
ManholeBaseSet-up................................................ 13
In-the-pipe Set-up ................................................... 13
InvertSet-up ....................................................... 14
OpenCutSet-up.................................................... 14
Trivet ............................................................... 15
ManholeBaseSet-up................................................ 15
RodandCrossbraceSystem ............................................ 15
Manhole Set-up..................................................... 15
Above Ground Set-up.................................................. 16
Menu Options ............................................................17-18
Information Available (including software version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Entering the Set-up Menu................................................. 17
ChangingtheServiceInterval ............................................. 18
DeletingCHECKCALReminder............................................ 18
UsingYour Company Information for the Start-up Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Troubleshooting...........................................................19-20
DisplayScreenExplanations .............................................. 19
Using a Blower to Eliminate Refraction...................................... 20
Optional Equipment ......................................................... 20
Checking and Calibration ...................................................21-23
Safety, Care, and Handling .................................................... 24
Warranty ................................................................... 25
Important:
The operator of the GradeLight is expected to follow all operating instructions, periodically
check the accuracy of the unit, and make checks on control as the work progresses. The
manufacturer and its distributors assume no responsibility for improperly controlled work.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The GradeLight pipe laser provides alignment and grade for installation of gravity flow sanitary
and storm sewer pipelines, as well as for pipe jacking and tunneling.
The GradeLight includes:
• Infraredremotecontrol
• Adjustablelegsetformultiplepipesizes
• RechargeableLi-ionbatterypackandsparealkalinebatterycompartment.
Other features include a wide automatic self-leveling range, short length to fit tight inverts,
and adjustable target with magnetic base (included in designated packages).
Specifications
GradeLight
Self-Leveling Range +45% to -15%
Grade Range +40% to -10%
Grade Entry Rolling counter or digit select
Grade Display 0.001%
Azimuth Range Total range: 20 ft. at 100 ft. (6m at 30m)
Accuracy ± 1/16” at 100 ft.
(± 5mm at 100m; ± 10 arc sec.; ± .005%)
Cross Axis Leveling Manual
Beam Type/Output Visible laser diode, 635nm, < 5mW, Class 3R
Environmental IP68; nitrogen purged
Power Supply 1) Rechargeable lithium ion battery pack
2) 110/230V AC converter (charge and run simultaneously)
3) Spare battery compartment for 4 D-cell alkaline batteries
4) Optional 12V power cord
Battery Life at 32° F / 0° C 40 hrs. Li-ion battery; 50 hrs. alkaline
Charging Time 5 hrs. maximum
Mounting 5/8 x 11 (female mounting thread)
Operating Temperature -4° to 122° F (-20° to +50° C)
Storage Temperature -40° to 140° F (-40° to +60° C)
Dimensions Diameter: 5.5” (140mm) / Length: <10.5” (265mm)
Weight 7.6 lbs (3.5 kg) with alkaline battery
Warranty 1 year (2 and 3 Year Optional Warranties Available)
Remote
Operating Range 600’ (190m) front (through the pipe); 25’ (7.6m) from rear
Batteries 3 AA alkaline
Battery Life 2,000 hrs (1 year)
Dimensions 4.7” x 2.35” x 1.2” (119 x 60 x 30mm)
1

Laser Overview
2
Remote
Reception
Window (rear)
LCD Display
Keypad
Handle
Rechargeable
Battery Pack
Charging/Power
Connector Cap
Leg Reference Lines
AlignTo Marks on Legs
Beam Output
& Remote Reception
Window
Securing Knobs For
Adjustable Legs
Feet For 6”
(150mm) Pipe
Adjustable
Leg Slot
Beam’s Horizontal
Centerline
Battery Pack
Release Screw
Toggle Screw to
Tighten Leg
Stringline Hook/
Accessory Mount Line
Pivot Point
Slot For
Adjustable Leg
5/8” x 11
thread

Keypad and LCD Overview
Keypad Functions
Power On/Off
Enter digit select mode for grade
Enter user settings menu
Set azimuth line (left & right)
Change digit positions when setting grade
Set grade as rolling counter or digit select
LCD Indications
Line Adjustment Range Indicator
Shows beam position relative
to line adjustment range.
Grade Entered
Self-Leveling Status
Battery Status
Cross Axis Level Position
Lock Status of Laser and Remote Keypad
The display is backlit for 30 seconds when any button is pressed on the laser or remote.
Safety Labels
The GradeLight is a Class 3R laser, manufactured to comply with the international rules of
safety IEC 60825-1, 2001. Although the power of the emission of the beam is less than 5mW in
Class 3R, the following cautions are recommended:
•Donotstaredirectlyatthebeam
•Donotsetupthelaserateyelevel
3
Made in
U.S.A

POWER
The GradeLight can be powered from the Li-ion rechargeable battery or the alkaline battery
pack. It can also be used while charging -- from AC using the included converter, or from 12VDC
using the optional power cable.
Charging
Charge before first use and when the battery symbol indicates low.The Li-ion battery can
be charged in the unit, or removed and charged separately.This allows you to use alkaline
batteries in the spare battery compartment on the job site while the battery is being charged
elsewhere.
The charging circuit is in the battery pack; the converter with cord allows charging from AC.
Maximum charging time is 5 hours; a microcontroller prevents overcharging.
To Charge the Battery:
1) Connect the converter to the charging/power connector on the battery pack.
2) Select the correct power plug adapter for your country and attach to the converter.
Then plug the converter into a 110V or 220V AC outlet. A green LED indicates power; it
is not a charging indicator.
3) Always place the cap back onto the charging connector to protect from dirt.
The laser can be used while charging, but the charging time may increase (up to 9 hours).
•Donotchargeinwetenvironments.
•Donotusethechargerwithagenerator.
Removing the Battery Pack and Using Alkaline Batteries
The rechargeable battery pack can be replaced with the alkaline battery compartment or an-
other Li-ion pack.Turn off the laser. Turn the release screw under the battery pack to remove it.
If using the alkaline battery compartment, insert 4 “D” cells, noting the polarity indications on
the outside of the case.
NOTE: If the laser has been stored for a while, hold the ON button for at least 3
seconds when starting the unit.
4
Purge screw under black decal
inside battery compartment
DO NOT OPEN!
If this screw is removed, the moisture-free
nitrogen purge of the unit will be lost.
Connector for
charging or for
optional 12VDC
power cord
Battery Pack
Release Screw

Cross axis
not level
Cross axis
is level
5
&
OPERATION
Pipe Laying Overview
The three basic steps to successfully set up the GradeLight for laying pipe are:
A. Dialing in the correct grade.
B.Transferring the elevation to position the laser at the correct height.
C. Aligning the laser beam to the forward manhole.
Before Starting
Attach the necessary mounting accessories, such as the handle/rod mount, trivet, legs, etc. to
the unit. Power-up the unit and adjust the line control to the center of its range.
At the beginning of a pipe laying job, consider the following tips for improved performance:
 •TheGradeLightcanbeusedtocheckthehubspriortoactuallystartingthework.Thisisan
opportunity to catch potential errors before using the hubs as a reference to lay pipe.
 •Placegraderodormarkerattheforwardmanholeforaplacetoalignto.
 •Whenthelastjointofpipehasbeenlaidapproachingamanhole,bringtheGradeLight 
forward so that as soon as the manhole is in place, you can set up again without delay.
Laser Start-up
Press On/Off button to power-up the laser.
Check the following indications on the LCD:
The start-up screen shows AGL.
The battery capacity is displayed. Charge when there is one bar left.
The laser automatically self-levels, and returns to the same grade and
line settings as last used. If the LCD laser beam symbol is flashing, it’s
still leveling. When the symbol is lit solid, the laser has leveled and is
ready for use.
Likewise, the beam emitted from the unit flashes until it has leveled.
Check the electronic cross axis vial. If it’s out-of-level, rotate the laser
slightly to the left or right to level the cross axis.
The bubble should be between the lines on the vial.
Before each setup, center the beam using the laser keypad (press both
arrows simultaneously for 2 seconds) or the remote (press CL button).
Center beam with:
Laser keypad
or remote:

Entering a Grade
The grade range is from +40% to -10%. Grade can be set in increments as small as .001% using
the digit select or rolling counter entry method.
The display lights when entering grade.The LCD is color coded to match the grade entry
button: green for positive grade and red for negative grade.
Digit Select Grade Entry
Press ENT.
The first digit flashes.
Select positive or negative grade.The first digit will continue to
flash.To the left of the decimal is a whole unit of per cent grade; to
the right of the decimal are tenths, hundredths, and thousandths.
Change the value of the first digit with the grade buttons (+ to
increase, —to decrease). For large changes hold the button.
Use the azimuth left or right arrows to move through the digits and
to choose the next digit to be changed.The digit you’re working
with will flash like a computer cursor. Use the +and —buttons
again to change the value.
After the desired digits have been chosen, press ENT to save, and
begin the grade that’s been set.
The LCD beam symbol flashes until the grade setting is reached.
Rolling Counter Grade Entry
For a positive grade, hold the +button for 15 seconds or more. After you release, it will auto-
matically increase in grade until you push either the +or —button again to stop.
For a negative grade, hold the —button as described above.
Automatic Reset to Zero Grade
Press both the +and —buttons simultaneously to automatically set the grade back to 0.000%.
6
Increase Decrease
&

Remote Control Overview
The remote is used primarily to move the beam left or right, within the azimuth range, and
to put the laser in standby or locked modes. Since it’s an infrared line-of-sight device, there
should be no obstructions between it and the laser. It can be pointed at either the front side
(through the pipe) or the back side of the laser.
Remote Keypad Functions
Standby Mode
•Pressandhold2seconds.Thisputslaserinstandbymodetosave 
battery life during breaks. LCD on laser will show sleep symbol.
•Pressagaintoreturntonormaloperation.Allsettingsareretained.
Reset Line to Center
Hold 2 seconds, and laser beam automatically moves back to center
azimuth position.
Line Adjustment
(left and right azimuth control)
When using remote from the target side, beam moves in the direction
of the arrows. If using remote from laser keypad side, beam moves in
the opposite direction.
Activates Lock Function
All buttons on the remote and laser are blocked, preventing uninten-
tional changes when the laser is in use. LCD on laser shows a lock
symbol. To deactivate: Press the lock button again.
LED for Line Pivot Point
Press to turn on LED on top of laser, which is used for alignment out-
side of the manhole. Automatic shut-off after 1 minute.
Line Adjustment
The laser beam can be aligned to the target using the left and right line adjustment.The
azimuth indicator on the LCD shows the beam position in the adjustment range. Before each
setup, center the beam to allow maximum adjustment in each direction.The total range of
movement is 20’ at 100’ (6m at 30m).
To Move the Beam
Use arrows on the laser keypad or remote. Movement will start slow and speed up as long as
the button is pressed.
7
Compartment for
3 AA batteries
(back side)
Infrared output:
aim at capture
window of laser LED flashes when any
button is pressed.
-- Green: normal
-- Red: low remote battery

To Automatically Center the Beam
On laser keypad, press simultaneously &
On remote, press
Replacing the Batteries of the Remote Control
The LED on the remote will flash red when the batteries are low.To change the batteries:
1. Open the housing by removing the 6 screws.
2. Take the back case off and replace the
batteries, matching the polarity indications.
Use AA alkaline batteries of the same type;
do not mix new and old batteries, as their
lifetime will decrease.
3. Before closing, check that the seal is free of
dirt, to ensure it remains waterproof.
4. Close the housing and tighten the 6 screws
so it’s watertight.
Adjustable Leg Set
One leg set covers multiple pipe sizes.The adjustable “slide leg system” allows the user to set
centerline in 8”, 10” and 12” pipe (200, 250, and 300mm with the metric leg set).The legs can
also be adjusted to non-standard heights.
The three-leg design provides stability when setting up on uneven, rough surfaces.
To attach legs:
1. Use curved centerline leg at rear (keypad end) and
two side legs at front.
2. Slide each leg into the slot on the housing.
3. Match the red reference marks on the housing to red
mark on leg.There are 3 reference marks: 8”, 10”, and 12”
(200, 250, and 300mm).
4. Tighten front legs with thumb screws, and single leg
with toggle screw.
Note:The legs will then be aligned for use in a pipe’s curved surface, where the two side legs
need to be shorter than the center leg. If you are setting up on a flat surface, adjust the legs
differently to level the unit.
For 6” pipe (150mm), use the unit’s built-in feet. A long leg set is available as an optional acces-
sory for 15” to 24” pipe (with a metric leg set for 375 to 600mm pipe).
8