Bosch GLM 500 User manual

DISTANCE METER LASER 50M BOSCH
USER MANUAL

11.430 m
10.160 m
8.890
0.0°
m
m7.620
11.430 m
10.160 m
8.890
0.0° m
m7.620
ft/m
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GLM 500

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11.430 m
10.160 m
8.890
0.0°
m
m7.620
11.430 m
10.160 m
8.890
0.0°
m
m7.620
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1
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11.430 m
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8.890
7.620
11.430m
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0.0°
890
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0
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7
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11.430 m
0.0°
10.160 m
7.620
8.890
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m
90°
180°
180º
90º
E 1
180°
11.430 m
0.0°
10.160 m
7.620
8.890
m
m
180º
E 2

1 608 M00 05B
18
2 607 001 391
17
BT 150
0 601 096 B00
19
Safety Notes
All instructions must be read and ob-
served in order to work safely with
the measuring tool. The integrated
protections in the measuring tool
may be compromised if the measur-
ing tool is not used in accordance with the instruc-
tions provided. Never make warning signs on the
measuring tool unrecognisable. STORE THESE IN-
STRUCTIONS IN A SAFE PLACE AND INCLUDE
THEM WITH THE MEASURING TOOL WHEN GIVING
IT TO A THIRD PARTY.
Caution – The use of other operating or adjust-
ing equipment or the application of other pro-
cessing methods than those mentioned here
can lead to dangerous radiation exposure.
The measuring tool is provided with a warning
label (marked with number 12 in the represen-
tation of the measuring tool on the graphics
page).
If the text of the warning label is not in your na-
tional language, stick the provided warning la-
bel in your national language over it before op-
erating for the first time.
Do not direct the laser beam at
persons or animals and do not
stare into the direct or reflected
laser beam yourself, not even
from a distance. You could blind
somebody, cause accidents or dam-
age your eyes.
If laser radiation strikes your eye, you must de-
liberately close your eyes and immediately turn
your head away from the beam.
Do not make any modifications to the laser
equipment.
Do not use the laser viewing glasses as safety
goggles. The laser viewing glasses are used for im-
proved visualisation of the laser beam, but they do
not protect against laser radiation.
Do not use the laser viewing glasses as sun
glasses or in traffic. The laser viewing glasses do
not afford complete UV protection and reduce col-
our perception.
Have the measuring tool repaired only through
qualified specialists using original spare parts.
This ensures that the safety of the measuring tool
is maintained.
Do not allow children to use the laser measuring
tool without supervision. They could uninten-
tionally blind other persons or themselves.
Do not operate the measuring tool in explosive
environments, such as in the presence of flam-
mable liquids, gases or dusts. Sparks can be cre-
ated in the measuring tool which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
Product Description and
Specifications
Intended Use
The measuring tool is intended for measuring distanc-
es, lengths, heights, clearances and inclines, and for
calculating areas and volumes.
Technical Data
GLM 500Digital Laser Measure
Article number
3 601 K72 ... ... H50 ... HK0 ... HC0

Setting the unit of measure
m, cm
m, cm,
ft, in
(frac-
tions),
ft/in
(frac-
tions)
m, cm,
Tai-
wan ft
Measuring range (typical) 0.05–50 mA)
Measuring range (typical
under unfavourable
conditions) 20 mB)
Measuring accuracy
(typical) ±1.5mmA)
Measuring accuracy
(typical under unfavoura-
ble conditions) ±3.0mmB)
Lowest indication unit 0.5 mm
Indirect Distance
Measurement and Vial
Measuring range 0°–360°(4x90°)
Gradient measurement
Measuring range 0°–360° (4x90°)
Measuring accuracy
±0.2°C)/D)/G)
Digital Laser Measure GLM 500
0.1°
General
Operating temperature –10 °C...+45 °CE)
Storage temperature –20 °C...+70 °C
Relative air humidity, max. 90 %
Laser class 2
Laser type 635 nm, <1 mW
Laser beam diameter
(at 25 °C) approx.
–at10mdistance
–at50mdistance
9mmD)
45 mmD)
Automatic switch-off after
approx.
–Laser
– Measuring tool (without
measurement)
20 s
5min
Weight according to EPTA-
Procedure 01:2014 0.10 kg
Dimensions 106 x 45 x 24 mm
Degree of protection IP 54 (dust and splash
proof)F)
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries
2 x 1.5 V LR03 (AAA)
2x1.2VHR03(AAA)
Setting the sound 
Digital Laser Measure
Lowest indication unit
(typical)
Product Features
The numbering of the product features shown refers
to the illustration of the measuring tool on the graphic
page.
A) For measurements from the front edge of the measuring
tool, applies to high reflectivity of the target (e.g. a white-
painted wall), weak backlighting and 25 °C operating temper-
ature. In addition, a deviation of ± 0.05mm/m must be taken
into account.
B) For measurements from the rear measuring tool edge, ap-
plies to high reflectivity of the target (e.g. white cardboard),
strong backlighting and – 10 °C to +45 °C operating temper-
ature. In addition, a deviation influence of ±0.15 mm/m must
be taken into account.
C) After user calibration at 0 ° and 90 °; An additional grade
error of ±0.01 °/degree to 45 ° (max.) has to be taken into ac-
count. The left-hand side of the measuring tool serves as the
reference level for grade measurement.
D) At 25 °C operating temperature
E) In the continuous measurement function, the maximum op-
erating temperature is +40 °C.
F) except battery compartment
G) The left-hand side of the measuring tool serves as the refer-
ence level for grade measurement.
The measuring tool can be clearly identified with the serial
number 11 on the type plate.
1Display
2Measuring button[ ]
3Plus button[+]
4Button for selection of the reference level
5On/Off button[ ]
6Menory button[ ]
7Function button[Func]
8Minus button[–]
9Battery lid
10 Latch of battery lid
11 Serial number
12 Laser warning label
13 1/4"- Tripod socket
14 Reception lens
15 Laser beam outlet
16 Protective pouch*
17 Laser target plate*
18 Laser viewing glasses*
19 Tripod*
The accessories illustrated or described are not included
as standard delivery.
Display Elements (selection)
aStatus bar
bMeasurement reference level
cBattery indicator
dMeasured-value lines
eResult line
fMeasuring functions
gDisplay tilt angle
hBasic configurations
Assembly
Inserting/Replacing the Batteries
Using alkali-manganese or rechargeable batteries is
recommended for operation of the measuring tool.
With 1.2-V-rechargeable batteries fewer measure-
ments could be possible than with 1.5-V-batteries.
To open the battery lid 9, press the latch 10 and re-
move the battery lid. Insert the batteries/rechargea-
ble batteries. When inserting, pay attention to the
correct polarity according to the representation on
the inside of the battery compartment.
When the empty battery symbol appears on the dis-
play, then approx. 100 measurements are still possi-
ble. When the battery symbol is empty and flashes
red, no further measurements are possible. Change
the batteries or rechargeable batteries.
Always replace all batteries/rechargeable batteries at
the same time. Do not use different brands or types of
batteries/rechargeable batteries together.
Remove the batteries/rechargeable batteries
from the measuring tool when not using it for
longer periods. When storing for longer periods,
the batteries/rechargeable batteries can corrode
and self-discharge.
Operation
Initial Operation
Do not leave the switched-on measuring tool
unattended and switch the measuring tool off
after use. Other persons could be blinded by the
laser beam.
Protect the measuring tool against moisture
and direct sun light.
Do not subject the measuring tool to extreme
temperatures or variations in temperature. As
an example, do not leave it in vehicles for a long
time. In case of large variations in temperature,
allow the measuring tool to adjust to the ambient
temperature before putting it into operation.

In case of extreme temperatures or variations in
temperature, the accuracy of the measuring tool
can be impaired.
Avoid heavy impact to or falling down of the
measuring tool. After severe exterior effects to
the measuring tool, it is recommended to carry out
an accuracy check (see “Accuracy Check of the
Distance Measurement”, page 36) each time be-
fore continuing to work.
Switching On and Off
–Toswitch on the measuring tool and the laser,
briefly press the measuring button 2[].
–Toswitch on the measuring tool without the laser,
briefly press the On/Off button 5[].
Do not point the laser beam at persons or ani-
mals and do not look into the laser beam your-
self, not even from a large distance.
To switch off the measuring tool, press and hold the
On/Off button 5[].
The measured values and device settings in the mem-
ory are retained when you switch the tool off.
Measuring Procedure
Once switched on, the measuring tool is in the length
measurement function. For a different measuring
function, press the button 7[Func]. Select the de-
sired measuring function with the buttons 3[+] or the
button 8[–] (see “Measuring Functions”, page 24).
Activate the measuring function with button 7[Func]
or with the measuring button 2[].
After switching on, the rear edge of the measuring
tool is preset as the reference level for the measure-
ment. To change the reference level, see “Selecting
the Reference Level”, page 23.
Place the measuring tool against the desired starting
point of the measurement (e.g. a wall).
Note: If the measuring tool has been switched on us-
ing the On/Off button 5[ ], briefly press the meas-
uring button 2[ ] to switch the laser on.
To initiate the measurement, briefly press the meas-
uring button 2[ ]. Then the laser beam is switched
off. For a further measurement, repeat this process.
Do not point the laser beam at persons or ani-
mals and do not look into the laser beam your-
self, not even from a large distance.
Note: The measured value typically appears within
0.5 s and no later than approx. 4 s. The duration of
the measurement depends on the distance, the light-
ing conditions and the reflective properties of the tar-
get surface. Upon completion of the measurement
the laser beam is automatically switched off.
Selecting the Reference Level
(see figure A)
For the measurement, you can select between three
different reference planes:
– the rear measuring-tool edge (e.g. when measur-
ing onward from a wall),
– the front measuring-tool edge (e.g. when measur-
ing onward from a table edge),
– the centre of thread 13 (e.g. for tripod measure-
ments).
To select the reference level, press button 4. Use but-
ton 3[+] or button 8[–] or button 4to select the de-
sired reference level. The rear edge of the measuring
tool is pre-set as the reference level every time the
measuring tool is switched on.
“Basic Settings”
To enter the “basic configurations” menu (h) press
and hold the button 7[Func].
Select the respective basic configuration and your
setting.
To exit the “basic configurations” menu, press the
On/Off button 5[ ] again.
Display Illumination
The display illumination is continuously switched on.
When no button is pressed, the display illumination is
dimmed after approx. 20 seconds to preserve the
batteries/rechargeable batteries.
Measuring Functions
Length Measurement
Select the length measurement .
To switch on the laser beam, briefly press the measur-
ing button 2[].
To measure, briefly press the measuring button
2[ ]. The measured value will be shown at the bot-
tom of the display.
Repeat the above-mentioned steps for
each subsequent measurement. The
last measured value is at the bottom of
the display, the penultimate measured
value is above it, and so on.
Continuous Measurement (Tracking)
For continuous measurements, the measuring tool
can be moved relative to the target, whereby the
measuring value is updated approx. every
0.5 seconds. In this manner, as an example, you can
11.430 m
10.160 m
0.0° 8.890 m
m7.620
move a certain distance away from a wall, while the
actual distance can always be read.
Select the continuous measurement .
To switch on the laser beam, briefly press the measur-
ing button 2[].
Move the measuring tool until the required distance
value is indicated in the bottom of the display.
Briefly pressing the measuring button
2[ ] interrupts the continuous meas-
urement. The current measured value
will be shown at the bottom of the dis-
play. Pressing the measuring button
2[ ] once more restarts the continu-
ous measurement.
Continuous measurement automatically switches off
after 5 mins.
Area Measurement
Select the area measurement .
Then measure the width and length one after the oth-
er as with a length measurement. The laser beam re-
mains switched on between the two measurements.
The distance to be measured flashes in the indicator
for area measurement .
11.623 m
-64°
The first measured value is shown at the
top of the display.
After the second measurement has
been completed, the area will be auto-
19.355 m
2
matically calculated and displayed. The
end result is shown at the bottom of the
display, while the individual measured values are
shown above it.
Volume Measurement
Select the volume measurement .
Then measure the width, length and depth one after
the other as with a length measurement. The laser
beam remains switched on between the three meas-
urements. The distance to be measured flashes in the
indicator for volume measurement .
The first measured value is shown at the
top of the display.
After the third measurement has been
completed, the volume will be automat-
1474.8 m
ically calculated and displayed. The end
result is shown at the bottom of the dis-
play, while the individual measured values are shown
above it.
0.0° 5.080 m
3.810 m
12.700 m
3
0.0°
11.430 m
10.160 m

Indirect Distance Measurement
For indirect length measurements, three measuring
modes are available. Each measuring mode can be
used for determining different distances.
The indirect distance measurement is used to meas-
ure distances that cannot be measured directly be-
cause an obstacle would obstruct the laser beam or
no target surface is available as a reflector. This meas-
uring procedure can only be used in vertical direction.
Any deviation in horizontal direction leads to measur-
ing errors.
Note: Indirect distance measurement is always less
accurate than direct distance measurement. Depend-
ing on application, greater measuring errors are pos-
sible than with direct distance measurement. To im-
prove the measuring accuracy, we recommend using
a tripod (accessory).
The laser beam remains switched on between the in-
dividual measurements.
a) Indirect Height Measurement (see figure B)
Select the indirect height measurement .
Ensure that the measuring tool is at the same height
as the lower measuring point. Then tilt the measuring
tool around the reference level and measure the dis-
tance “1” as for a length measurement (displayed as
a red line).
Upon completion of the measurement,
the result for the sought distance “X” is
displayed in the result line e. The meas-
uring values for the distance “1” and
the angle “α” are displayed in the meas-
ured-value lines d.
b) Double indirect Height Measurement
(see figure C)
The measuring tool can indirectly measure all distanc-
es, which lie in the vertical level of the measuring tool.
Select the double indirect height measurement .
Measure distances “1” and “2” in this sequence as for
a length measurement.
Upon completion of the measurement,
the result for the sought distance “X” is
displayed in the result line e. The meas-
uring values for the distances “1”, “2”
and the angle “α” are displayed in the
measured-value lines d.
Pay attention that the reference plane ofthe measure-
ment (e.g. the rear edge of the measuring tool) re-
mains exactly at the same location for all individual
measurements within a measuring sequence.
14.142 m
45°
20.000 m
45.0°
8.765 m
-10°
10.154 m
45.0°
12.208 m
c) Indirect Length Measurement (see figure D)
Select the indirect length measurement .
Pay attention that the measuring tool is positioned at
the same height as the sought measuring point. Now,
tilt the measuring tool around the reference plane and
measure distance “1” as for a length measurement.
Upon completion of the measurement,
the result for the sought distance “X” is
displayed in the result line e. The meas-
uring values for the distance “1” and
the angle “α” are displayed in the meas-
ured-value lines d.
Gradient Measurement/Digital Spirit Level
Select the gradient measurement/digital spirit level
.
The measuring tool automatically switches between
two states.
The digital spirit level is used to check
the horizontal or vertical alignment of
an object (e.g. washing machine, refrig-
erator, etc.).
When the inclination 3° exceeds, the
ball in the display lights red.
10.000 m
60°
20.000 m
60.0°
1° 2° 3°
Gradient measurement is used to meas-
ure a slope or incline (e.g. of stairs, rail-
ings, when fitting furniture, laying
pipes, etc.).
The left-hand side of the measuring tool
serves as the reference level for grade
measurement. If the display flashes during measure-
ment, the measuring tool has been tipped too heavily
to the side.
Memory Functions
The value or end result of each completed measure-
ment is automatically saved.
Memory Value Display
Maximum 20 values (measured values or end results)
can be retrieved.
Press the memory button 6[].
The number of the memory value is
shown at the top of the display, the cor-
responding memory value is shown at
the bottom and the corresponding
measuring function is shown on the left.
Press button 3[+] to browse forwards
through the saved values.
Press button 8[–] to browse backwards through the
saved values.
36.0°
430.16 m
8.890 m
3
7.620 m
6.350 m
4
If there is no value available in the memory, “0.000”
is shown at the bottom of the display and “0” at the
top.
The oldest value is located in position 1 in the memo-
ry, while the newest value is in position 20 (when 20
memory values are available). When a further value is
saved, the oldest value in the memory is always delet-
ed.
Deleting the Memory
Press the memory button 6[ ] to delete the con-
tents of the memory. Then briefly press the On/Off
button 5[ ] to delete the displayed value.
To delete all values in the memory, press the 4button
and the On/Off button 5at the same time, [ ] then
release the On/Off button 5[].
Adding/Subtracting Values
Measured values or end results can be added or sub-
tracted.
Adding Values
The following example describes the addition of are-
as:
Measure an area as described in section “Area Meas-
urement”, see page 25.
Press the button 3[+]. The calculated
area and the symbol “+” will be dis-
played.
Press the measuring button 2[]to
143.45 m
2
start another area measurement. Meas-
ure the area as described in section “Ar-
ea Measurement”, see page 25. Once the second
measurement is completed, the result of the second
area measurement is displayed below.To show the
end result, press the measurement button 2[]
once more.
Note: With a length measurement, the end result is
displayed immediately.
To exit addition, press button 7[Func].
Subtracting Values
To subtract values, press button 8[–]. The subse-
quent steps are the same as for “Adding Values”.
Deleting Measured Values
Briefly pressing the On/Off button 5[ ] will delete
the last measured value in all measuring functions.
Repeated brief pressing of the On/Off button 5[]
will delete the measured values in reverse order.
+93.406 m
2
50.039 m
0.0°
2

Changing the Unit of Measure
Unit of measure “m” (metres) is set by default.
Switch the measuring tool on.
Press and hold the 7[Func] button to enter the “basic
configurations ”menu. Select the type of measuring
device you use:
–“m/cm” (3 601 K72 H50)
–“ft/m” (3 601 K72 HK0)
–“/m”(3 601 K72 HC0)
Press button 3[+] or button 8[–], to change the unit
of measure.
Press the On/Off button 5[ ] to exit the menu item.
The selected setting remains saved after you switch
off the measuring tool.
Switching the Sound On and Off
The sound is switched on by default.
Switch the measuring tool on.
Press and hold the 7[Func] button to enter the “basic
configurations ”menu. Select . Press the 3[+] but-
ton or the 8[–] button to switch the sound on and off.
To exit the menu item, press the measuring button
2[ ] or the On/Off button 5[ ]. The selected set-
ting remains saved after you switch off the measuring
tool.
Working Advice
General Information
The reception lens 14 and the laser beam outlet 15
must not be covered when taking a measurement.
The measuring tool must not be moved while taking a
measurement. Therefore, place the measuring tool,
as far as this is possible, against or on a firm stop or
supporting surface.
Influence Effects on the Measuring Range
The measuring range depends on the lighting condi-
tions and the reflective properties of the target sur-
face. For better visibility of the laser beam in extrane-
ous light, use the laser viewing glasses 18
(accessories) and the laser target plate 17 (accesso-
ries) or shade the target area.
Influence Effects on the Measuring Result
Due to physical effects, faulty measurements cannot
be excluded when measuring on different surfaces.
Included here are:
– Transparent surfaces (e.g., glass, water),
– Reflecting surfaces (e.g., polished metal, glass),
– Porous surfaces (e.g. insulation materials),
– Structured surfaces (e.g., roughcast, natural
stone).
If required, use the laser target plate 17 (accessory)
on these surfaces.
Furthermore, faulty measurements are also possible
when sighting inclined target surfaces.
Also, air layers with varying temperatures or indirect-
ly received reflections can affect the measured value.
Accuracy Check and Calibration of the Grade
Measurement (Tilt Calibration)
(seefiguresE1–E2)
Regularly check the accuracy of the grade measure-
ment. This is done by carrying out a reversal measure-
ment. For this, place the measuring tool on a table and
measure the grade. Turn the measuring tool by 180 °
and measure the grade again. The difference of the in-
dicated reading may not exceed by more than 0.3 °
(max.).
In the event of larger deviations, you have to recali-
brate the measuring tool. For this, select . Follow
the instructions on the display.
After severe temperature changes and impact, we
recommend an accuracy check and, if required, to re-
calibrate the measuring tool. After a temperature
change, the measuring tool must acclimate for a while
before calibrating.
CAL
Accuracy Check of the Distance Measurement
The accuracy of the measuring tool can be checked as
follows:
– Select a permanently unchangeable measuring
section with a length of approx. 3 to 10 metres; its
length must be precisely known (e.g. the width of
a room or a door opening). The measurement
should be carried out under favourable conditions,
meaning, the measuring distance must be indoors
and the target surface for the measurement must
be smooth and reflect well.
– Measure the distance 10 times in succession.
The deviation of the individual measurements from
the average value must not exceed ±4 mm over the
entire measuring section in favourable conditions.
Record the measurements in order to be able to com-
pare the accuracy at a later date.
Working with the Tripod (Accessory)
The use of a tripod is particularly necessary for larger
distances. Position the measuring tool with the 1/4"
thread 13 onto the quick-change plate of the tripod
19 or a commercially available camera tripod. Tighten
the measuring tool with the locking screw of the
quick-change plate.
Set the corresponding reference level for measure-
ment with a tripod by pushing button 4(the reference
level is the thread).
Error Message
If a measurement cannot be performed correctly, the
error message “Error” appears in the display. Switch
the measuring tool off and back on, and start the
measurement again.
The measuring tool monitors correct
functioning in every measurement. If a
defect is detected, the display will in-
dicate only the symbol shown oppo-
site and the measuring tool switches it-
self off. In this case, have the
measuring tool checked by an after-sales service
agent for Bosch power tools.
Maintenance and Service
Maintenance and Cleaning
Keep the measuring tool clean at all times.
Do not immerse the measuring tool in water or other
fluids.
Wipe off debris using a moist and soft cloth. Do not
use any cleaning agents or solvents.
Maintain the reception lens 14 in particular, with the
same care as required for eye glasses or the lens of a
camera.
If you discover a fault or require a repair, send the
measuring tool to an authorised Bosch after-sales ser-
vice agent.