AGL GradeLight 3000 User manual

GradeLight 3000
Pipe Laser

1
CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................................2
Specifications.......................................................................................................................... 2
Laser Overview....................................................................................................................... 3
POWER...............................................................................................................5
Charging ................................................................................................................................. 5
Removing the Battery Pack and Using Alkaline Batteries........................................................ 5
OPERATION .......................................................................................................6
PipeLaying Overview .............................................................................................................. 6
Laser Start-Up......................................................................................................................... 6
Entering a Grade..................................................................................................................... 7
Remote Control Overview ....................................................................................................... 8
Adjustable Leg Set.................................................................................................................. 9
Using the Target ................................................................................................................... 10
Auto Target ........................................................................................................................... 10
AutoTarget Keypad and LED Overview................................................................................. 11
AutoTarget Power ................................................................................................................. 12
AutoTarget Operation............................................................................................................ 12
AutoTarget Narrow and Wide modes .................................................................................... 12
AutoTarget Self-Alignment (Narrow)...................................................................................... 13
AutoTarget Self-Alignment (Wide)......................................................................................... 15
AutoTarget Troubleshooting.................................................................................................. 16
AutoTarget Seeking Timetable.............................................................................................. 17
AutoTarget Optional Equipment ............................................................................................ 18
Basic Set-up and Operation .................................................................................................. 19
APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................20
Transfer of Elevation............................................................................................................. 20
Alignment Methods ............................................................................................................... 21
MENU OPTIONS ..............................................................................................28
Changing the Service Interval ............................................................................................... 28
Deleting the CHECK CAL Reminder ..................................................................................... 29
Changing AGL Start-up Screen to Your Company Information.............................................. 29
TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................30
Using a Blower to Eliminate Refraction ................................................................................. 31
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT .................................................................................31
CHECKING & CALIBRATION...........................................................................32
SAFETY, CARE, AND HANDLING...................................................................35
WARRANTY......................................................................................................36
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.

2
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
·OPTIONAL: Remote Receiver
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 3000
Self-Leveling Range
+45% to -15%
Grade Range
+40% to -10%
Grade Entry
Rolling counter or digit select
Grade Display
0.001%
Azimuth 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
Automatic leveling ± 6 degrees
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 converter (charge and run simultaneously)
3) Spare battery compartment for 4 D-cell alkaline batteries
4) Optional 12V power cord
Battery Life
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” (140 cm) / 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)

3
Laser Overview

4
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
This 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 60825-1:2007. Although the power of the emission of the beam is less the 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

5
POWER
The Gradelight can be powered from the Li-Ion rechargeable battery or the alkaline battery
pack. It can be used while charging – from AC using the included converter, from 12VDC
using the optional Power cable, or from a vehicle (cigarette lighter) charging cable.
Charging
Charge before first use and when 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 a110V 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 another Li-Ion pack. Turn the release
screw under the battery pack to remove it.
If using the alkaline battery compartment, insert 4 “D” cells,
noting the polarity indecations 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.

6
OPERATION
PipeLaying 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 the position on 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 the 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
in an opportunity to catch potential errors 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 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 GradeLight flashes until the unit
has leveled.
Cross axis is
not level
Check the electronic cross axis vial. The laser will self-
level in the cross axis within ±6 degrees. The level
should be between the lines of the vial. Rotate the unit if
necesaary.
Cross axis is
level
Center beam
with:
Before each setup, center the beam using the laser
keypad (press both arrows simultaneously for 2
seconds) or the remote (press CL button).
Laser
Keypad
Or Remote
Clockwise
Out of Self-Leveling Range.
Adjust the unit by moving the display endcap in the
indicated direction.
Counter
Clockwise

7
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 will flash.
Select “+%” for positive grade or “-%” for negative grade.
The first digit will continue to flash.
To the left of the decimal is a whole unit of percent 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.
The unit will begin to move to the grade that has 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 release, it will
automatically 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%.

8
Remote Control Overview
The remote if used primarily to move the beam left or right, within the azimuth range, and to
put the laser in standby or locked mode. Since it’s an infrared line-of-site 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 of the laser.
Remote Keypad Functions
Standby mode
·Press and hold for 2 second. 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 unintentional
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 outside of
the manhole. Automatic shut-off after 1 minute.
Alignment Function
Turns on the Scan Beam for manual alignment using a detector.
Line Adjustment
The laser beam can be aligned to the target using the left and right line adjust. The azimuth
indicator on the LCD shows the beam position in the adjustment range. Before each set-up,
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 ad speed up as long as
the button is pressed.

9
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 is 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 the 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 the
red mark on the leg. There are 3 reference marks: 8”,
10”, and 12” (200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm).
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 the set-up in on a flat surface, adjust the legs
differently to level the unit.
For 6” pipe (150 mm), use the unit’s built-in feet. A long leg set is available as an optional
accessory for 15” to 24” pipe (with metric leg set for 375 to 600 mm pipe).

10
Using the Target
The target can be used for multiple pipe sizes. It
features a unique design; the target panel is mounted
at the front of the base, not the center. This allows
easier viewing at the front of the pipe. It also has a
magnetic base for attaching to trench box side wall
after pipe setting.
Auto Target
The Auto Target is a target that automatically aligns the Pipe Laser beam in the direction of
the target.

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Keypad and LED Overview
LEFT Red LED
Blinking
AutoTarget has received the rotating laser beam
on the left side of the reception field, and the
fine auto alignment run is starting
Green ON/OFF LED
Solid
AutoTarget is on, auto alignment is not running
yet, or has just been successfully finished
Green SEEK LED
Blinking
Auto alignment is running and seeking the
AutoTarget in a coarse run
Solid
Auto alignment is running and seeking the
AutoTarget‘s center in a fine mode
RIGHT Red LED
Blinking
AutoTarget found
Both LEFT and RIGHT LED
Blinking
Target has timed out (see 16 for detailed
description)
Solid
Target is in wide seek mode
LEFT red LED and ON/OFF
LED
Solid
While in laser seek mode, shows rotating laser
beam is left off center
RIGHT red LED and ON/OFF
LED
Solid
While in laser seek mode, shows rotating laser
beam is right off center
LEFT and RIGHT red LED
and ON/OFF LED
Solid
While in laser seek mode, shows rotating laser
beam is in center
1 up to 4 LED's
Solid
lit for a second after ON/OFF button is pushed
to show the battery voltage:
if battery voltage is more than 5,7V, all LED's lit
if battery voltage is less than 5,2V, the left red,
the green ON/OFF LED and green auto LED lit

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if battery voltage is less than 4,8V, the left red
and the green ON/OFF LED lit
if battery voltage is less than 4,5V only the left
red lit
All 4 LED's
Solid
lit for a second after ON/OFF button is pushed
and the unit is switched off
Power
The Auto Target is powered by 4 AA Alkaline
batteries. To remove or change the batteries,
release the battery compartment screws (2).
Operation:
The three basic steps to successfully set up the GL3000 pipelaser for laying pipe are:
A. Entering the correct grade.
B. Transferring the elevation to position the laser at the correct height.
C. Aligning the laser beam to the forward manhole.
The AutoTarget helps you with the third task.
The GL3000 pipelaser, beside the pipelaser’s main laser dot, is equipped with a vertical
rotating laser beam, which may be detected with a standard hand detector of a rotational
laser. The AutoTarget uses this vertical rotational beam to align the pipelaser’s laser beam
into the desired axis – e.g. to the forward manhole.
It may either be directly put into the pipe or attached to an optional bracket, which connects
the AutoTarget to a grade rod, post, stake or pole.
Narrow and Wide modes:
The AutoTarget has both narrow and wide azimuth operating range mode If unsure whether
the pipe laser has been manually aligned within +/-3° of the middle of the AutoTarget, then
the wide mode (+/-6°) should be utilized. This will help ensure that the AutoTarget function
works properly when in open cut or above ground applications. When using the AutoTarget
function inside the pipe, the wide mode will generally not be needed as the azimuth range is
smaller than +/-3º.
To toggle between narrow and wide:
1. Power down the AutoTarget, by using the green On/Off button
2. With the AutoTarget powered down, press and hold the red Scan button and at
the same time turn the AutoTarget On
3. Release both the green On/Off button and red Scan button at the same time.
4. Once the target is On, if the two outside red LED’s are lit solid, the target is in
wide mode. If the two outside red LED’s are not lit it is in narrow mode

13
Getting started:
NOTE: Before the alignment procedure is started, ensure there is free line-of-sight between
the pipe laser and the Auto Target, and that nothing moves through this area during the
seeking time.
Step 1:
AutoTarget inside the pipe:
Put the AutoTarget with or without the red target element into the pipe.
Proceed to step 2.
AutoTarget outside the pipe:
Attach the AutoTarget to the optional bracket, which allows you to put it onto a grade rod,
post, stake or pole.
Be sure not to move the AutoTarget during the auto alignment process. It is best to use a
ranging pole support or bi-pod to fix the post or pole during the alignment procedure.
Step 2:
Be sure to manually align the pipelaser, +/- 3° for narrow mode or +/- 6° for wide mode, into
the direction of the AutoTarget.
NOTE: Be sure not to move the Auto Target during the auto alignment process. It is best to
use a ranging pole support or bi-pod to fix the post or pole during the alignment procedure.
Proceed to step 3.
Step 3:
Self-alignment procedure:
Narrow Mode
Switch on the AutoTarget by pressing the green ON/OFF button.
All LEDs will blink shortly showing the current status of battery current and the green ON/OFF
LED stays on.
Before you start the alignment procedure, be sure that there is free sight between the
pipelaser and the AutoTarget, and that nobody moves through this area during the seeking
time.
To begin the automatic alignment process, press the AutoTarget‘s red SEEK button.
The green SEEK LED blinks and the main pipelaser’s beam switches off. The pipe laser
pivots in narrow mode to the right side. Shortly after that the vertical rotational laser beam
switches on.
The pipe laser's vertical laser plane starts pivoting in narrow mode to the left side and the
AutoTarget starts seeking for the rotational laser beam. This seeking run takes approximately
55 seconds.
Then the green LED above the SEEK button continues to stay lit and the pipe laser pivots
back to the AutoTarget until it hits the AutoTarget‘s reception field.

14
Once the pipe laser's vertical rotational beam hits the AutoTarget’s reception field, the LEFT
red LED starts blinking.
Thereafter (between 20-80 seconds – depending on the distance) the scan beam stops in the
AutoTarget‘s center and switches off. The RIGHT red LED blinks shortly and the pipe laser's
main laser beam switches back on and the green ON/OFF LED switches on again.
If the AutoTarget did not detect any rotational laser beam within the narrow mode the unit’s
main beam will flash rapidly and the two red LED’s flash repeatedly. At this point the laser
has to be reset and placed into wide SEEK mode.
Resetting the pipelaser:
Turn the AutoTarget Off. After turning Off, press and hold the On/Off key until the main
pipelaser beam switches back to solid, approximately 2 seconds. Switch the AutoTarget to
wide mode and repeat the auto seek process (explain on the next page).
If needed, Proceed to step 4.
See the timetable (page 17) for details about the seeking time.
Step 4:
Fine positioning:
If you’re not satisfied with the accuracy of the self-alignment, you’re able to fine adjust the
alignment of the pipelaser’s beam with the LEFT or RIGHT buttons on the AutoTarget.
Of course you may use the pipelaser’s remote or the pipelaser’s keys as well.
You may now switch off the AutoTarget and replace it with a standard target. Replacing the
AutoTarget with a standard target after alignment eliminates the target accidentally being
damaged during the pipe laying process. If you leave the AutoTarget on, it will switch off
automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity.

15
Step 3:
Self-alignment procedure:
Wide Mode
Switch on the AutoTarget by pressing and holding the Red SEEK button and at the same time
quickly press the green ON/OFF button. After which release them both at the same time.
All LEDs will blink shortly showing the current status of battery current and the green ON/OFF
LED stays on along with the two outside red LED’s, this lets you know the AutoTarget is in
wide mode.
Before you start the alignment procedure, be sure that there is free sight between the
pipelaser and the AutoTarget, and that nobody moves through this area during the seeking
time.
To begin the automatic alignment process, press the AutoTarget‘s red SEEK button.
The green SEEK LED blinks and the main pipelaser’s beam switches off. The pipe laser
pivots in wide mode to the right side. Shortly after that the vertical rotational laser beam
switches on.
The pipe laser's vertical laser plane starts pivoting in wide mode to the left side and the
AutoTarget starts seeking for the rotational laser beam. This seeking run takes approximately
107 seconds.
Then the green LED above the SEEK button continues to stay lit and the pipe laser pivots
back to the AutoTarget until it hits the AutoTarget‘s reception field.
Once the pipe laser's vertical rotational beam hits the AutoTarget’s reception field, the LEFT
red LED starts blinking.
Thereafter (between 20-80 seconds – depending on the distance) the scan beam stops in the
AutoTarget‘s center and switches off. The RIGHT red LED blinks shortly and the pipe laser's
main laser beam switches back on and the green ON/OFF LED along with both Left and
Right LED’s stay lit.
If the AutoTarget did not detect any rotational laser beam within the wide mode the unit’s main
beam will flash rapidly and the two red LED’s flash repeatedly. At this point the laser has to
be reset and the user need to ensure they are within the +/-6°window of reception.
Resetting the laser:
Turn the AutoTarget Off. After turning Off, press and hold the On/Off key until the main
pipelaser beam switches back to solid, approximately 2 seconds.
If needed, Proceed to step 4.
See the timetable (page 17) for details about the seeking time.

16
Step 4:
Fine positioning:
If you’re not satisfied with the accuracy of the self-alignment, you’re able to fine adjust the
alignment of the pipelaser’s beam with the LEFT or RIGHT buttons on the AutoTarget.
You may use the pipelaser’s remote or the pipelaser’s keys as well.
You may now switch off the AutoTarget and replace it with a standard target. Replacing the
AutoTarget with a standard target after alignment eliminates the target accidentally being
damaged during the pipe laying process. If you leave the AutoTarget on, it will switch off
automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Troubleshooting:
In case the seeking process fails, the red LEFT & RIGHT Led's are blinking and the green
ON/OFF LED lights up until the user will confirm by pushing the green ON/OFF button.
Otherwise the AutoTarget will switch off automatically after time out.
The pipe laser's main laser beam turns back into its initial position and starts flashing two
times short along with a failure icon on the pipelaser display.
Resetting the pipelaser:
Any of the following procedures will reset the laser:
1. Turn the AutoTarget Off. After turning Off, press and hold the On/Off key until the
main pipelaser beam switches back to solid, approximately 2 seconds.
2. Turn the pipelaser Off the back On.
3. Restart the seek mode.
Switching Detection Angle (Narrow or Wide)
1. Power down the AutoTarget, by using the green On/Off button
2. With the AutoTarget powered down, press and hold the red Scan button and at
the same time turn the AutoTarget On
3. Release both the green On/Off button and red Scan button at the same time.
4. Once the target is On, if the two red LED’s are lit solid, the target is in wide mode.
If the no LED’s are lit it is in narrow mode
Once the AutoTarget is powered down the last mode used, narrow or wide, will be saved.
Upon powering the unit On, if the other mode is desired the above process must be repeated
to toggle the two different modes.

17
Timetable:
Narrow Mode (+/- 3°)
10ft = 2min 14sec (134 sec)
50ft = 1min 50sec (110 sec)
100ft = 1min 39sec (99 sec)
330ft = 1min 37sec (97 sec)
Wide Mode (+/- 6°):
10ft = 3min 34sec (214 sec)
50ft = 3min 10sec (190 sec)
100ft = 3min (180 sec)
330ft = 2min 56sec (176sec)
As shown on the table, the shorter the distance between the pipe laser and the AutoTarget,
the longer the time for the seeking process.
Taking this into account, it may be faster to align the pipe laser‘s main beam manually with
the remote or the keypad buttons on short distances.
Note: All values are approximate values and may vary depending on light conditions and pipe
material.

18
Optional Equipment
Bracket
The optional bracket allows the Auto target to attach to grade rods, posts, stakes, or poles
within the following dimensions.
Round: Min ½” (1.3 cm) diameter Grade Rod: Max 1.5” x 2.55”” (3.7 cm x 6.5 cm)
Max 2” (5 cm) diameter

19
Basic Set-up and Operation
The steps noted below are illustrated in previous sections. See next section for specific
applications.
1. Attach any mounting accessories to the unit, such as the legs, trivet, handle/rod
mount, etc. Place the unit in the manhole or pipe at the proper offset and elevation.
2. Power up the laser. Swivel it left or right so that the cross axis vial appears. The unit
will self-level within +/- 6 degrees. Check the vial on the LCD and ensure the
electronic bubble is centered. Set the desired grade.
3. Adjust the target plate to the correct pipe diameter. Place the target in the opposite
end of the pipe and level it using the vial.
4. Adjust line to the center of its range with the remote by pressing the centerline button
for 2 seconds or by pressing both line adjust buttons on the unit simultaneously. Use
the AutoTarget or remote to align the beam to the target.
5. Lift the pipe up or down until beam is in the middle of the target bull’s-eye; the pipe is
then on line and at the desired slope.