Fukuda FRE-203XR User manual

FRE-203XR
INSTRUCTIONS
Supplied by Laser Levels Online – The Laser Level Specialists
www.laser-level.co.uk Tel: [phone]
Thank you for purchasing the Fukuda FRE-203XR RED beam rotary laser kit.
These instructions are intended to explain the general basics to operating
this equipment. Please read them carefully.
For any more information, or if the laser requires calibration or repair; then
please contact our Service Department on Tel. [phone].
Email: [e-mail] We are here to help.
Power source:
This is a special battery pack located in the base of the laser. Remove & refit
via a central screw - finger tight (no tools are required).
It contains 4pc x "sealed for life" Ni-MH type C, 4000mAh, 1.2V cells. Please
note that this battery pack can be charged either in or outside of the laser.
The Mains Charger (supplied) will charge most batteries in around 7 hours to
give around 50 hrs of continuous use. It takes 4 to 5 charge/discharge cycles
for these battery packs to reach their maximum capacity.
Important: Do NOT allow battery to go completely dead before recharging.
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Mains Charger:
The general procedure to adopt is use the laser during the day & charge-up
overnight. You cannot damage the system by "over-charging" the batteries.
When plugged into a 230V mains supply, the red LED flashes every 1 sec.
Connect to the rubber protected socket (located in the corner / base of the
battery pack) & this LED should be ON continuously:
ie. Red LED = charging; Green LED = sufficient charge to operate.
Even though the Green light is ON, we still recommend a full charge.
The FRE-203XR can be operated with the charger connected to the mains
supply, if required and is approved on site. On receipt of your new laser, we
suggest charging the batteries fully for 5 - 6 hours.
A Spare Battery holder is included in the kit and can be used as a back-up
power source.
Four type C, 1.5V Alkaline batteries can be used instead or in an emergency;
but do NOT attempt to recharge them, otherwise serious damage will occur.
Positioning the Laser:
Mount the FRE-203XR on a generally level, firm surface or 5/8” threaded
surveying tripod.
To operate correctly, this surface must be within +/-5 deg of true horizontal.
The laser can be used Indoors or Outdoors, where it is waterproof to IP55.
Controls:
Power ON/OFF is via central lower button. The laser takes approx. 20 secs to
auto level (possibly fine setting again) & then the head rotates continuously
to project a visible, red laser beam. The rotational speed is variable in four
increments. Adjust head speed using the “Tortoise/Hare” button (right hand
side in centre) & when pressed, it stops the red dot then increases the head's
rotational speed in four steps up to a maximum speed of 600rpm.
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For Interior work, we suggest using slower speeds, where the laser beam is
easier to see by eye; but for Exterior Groundworks – run the FRE-203XR at its
maximum speed of 600rpm; which gives the best working range when used
with the supplied Laser Detector.
Even with its bright red laser beam, a detector will still be required for most
outdoor work.
SCAN function - for Indoors setting out:
The top button on the right of the keypad is the Scan function. The User can
set a Dot, or 10, 45, 90, 180 degree lines as required & use the two buttons
(top, left hand side of the keypad) to move these "laser lines" around the
room.
AS THIS LASER AUTO LEVELS BOTH HORIZONTALLY & VERTICALLY,
all the control settings above operate in either mode. (Vertical leveling,
with the laser positioned on its side, is often referred to as "Laydown")
Grading:
This is a DUAL GRADE facility laser level. This means that the FRE-203XR
can be switched to "Manual" (to over-ride the level sensors) and then the
User can set a grade (incline/slope) in the X axis only, Y axis only or both
together. The maximum settable slope is an approx. fall of 1m over 10m.
For X & Y alignment, please see the case markings on the TOP of the laser
body where sights point in the direction of the axis being set.
Setting a single axis slope:
This sets a grade in the X axis.
Procedure – switch ON; the FRE-203XR then auto levels.
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Press the "Manual" button on laser's keypad (bottom left hand side) & the
green LED illuminates. Using the left & right red Arrow buttons, set the %
slope (fall) required - as measured on your staff. The same buttons can be
found on the Remote Control.
To return to Auto level, switch the Manual button to OFF (green LED turns
off). The Laser will wait to find true level, then automatically restart, self-
levelled again.
Setting Y axis slope:
This sets a grade in the Y axis.
Procedure – switch ON; the FRE-203XR then auto levels. Press the "Manual"
button on laser's keypad (bottom left hand side) & the green LED illuminates.
Using the up & down red Arrow buttons, set the % slope (fall) required - as
measured on your staff. The same buttons can be found on the Remote
Control.
To return to Auto level, switch the Manual button to OFF (green LED turns
off). The Laser will wait to find true level, then automatically restart, self-
levelled again.
Setting both X & Y axis slopes (dual grade):
Proceed as above, but use all four red Arrow buttons - as required.
Automatic Drift System (ADS):
Operated via bottom, right-hand yellow button, showing a "picture of a tilted
instrument".
Once the FRE-203XR is ON and rotating in the auto (self) levelled mode, the
automatic drift system can be activated. Press the button & the green LED will
flash slowly. ADS is now ON.
If the Laser is knocked or caught by a gust of wind for example, the laser
head will stop rotating and the green ADS LED will flash quickly to show an
alarm condition. Check all is OK; press the ADS button again & the laser will
reset to AUTO level.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The ADS function cannot be set when Grading.
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Remote Control & Laser Detector:
(Remote Control is pictured on the left)
Remote Control
Fit the supplied 2pc x AA alkaline batteries, taking care with correct polarity.
The Remote’s keypad can set the following functions:
1. Rotating speed in increments; slow for Indoors, fast (max) for Outdoors.
2. Scan angles in increments.
3. Scan line position around the room.
4. Auto / Manual (grade) settings via top middle button.
5. Four red ARROW buttons to set required X/Y grades.
TIP - it is often better to use the Remote Control rather than the instrument's
keypad because then you do not disturb the laser's sensitive mechanism.
Laser Detector
Fit the supplied 9V battery, polarity marked. Power up via ON/OFF button.
The middle button switches the sounder volume ON or OFF - if required.
The right hand button sets coarse (+/-2mm) or fine (+/-1mm) red pick-up
window resolution.
A rear LCD repeats the main front display.
Note: the case markings & setting notches.
You can use the detector with or without its staff mounting bracket.
Detector Procedure – face towards rotating laser & "find" rotating laser
beam via the red pick-up window.
If the sun is low in the sky & shining into the red window, shield it with a
cupped hand to prevent false readings. Positioning the FRE-203XR itself in full
sun is no problem, but the detector window can, in some instances, be
affected by direct bright sunlight or reflections. So please take extra care!
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Comply with class 2 laser operating safety procedures.
Display a Laser Safety Notice in the work area.
General Advice:
This is an accurate measuring device - so to give good service, look after it!
Prevent the FRE-203XR from receiving severe knocks, bangs or vibration.
Store the laser & its accessories in the supplied carry case.
If wet, DRY well before storing & keep in storage temps between 5-30 deg C.
Remove all batteries before long term storage, to prevent internal damage.
Key Specifications:
Laser accuracy +/-3mm @ 30m.
Operating range 20m (visible) or 500m diameter with detector.
IR Remote control range: 20m
...for full details, see website data for FRE-203XR at www.laser-level.co.uk
There are NO User Serviceable Parts.
(This would void the warranty)
We offer a full Back-up service including repairs, calibration & usage advice.
Accessories for the various Trades are also available on request.
eg. Tripods, staffs & wall brackets etc.
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Please contact us:
Laser Levels Online, Unit 35, Bridge Business Centre,
Beresford Way, CHESTERFIELD, S41 9FG. England.
Tel: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] www.laser-level.co.uk
Laser Levels Online is an online trading division of
P. R Engineering Ltd
Attached User Data sheets………...
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How to set Slopes (Falls/Grades) with a Rotary Laser Level
The following description in this guide, explains the general principles of setting a
Slope (Fall/Grade) when using a rotary laser level. The rotary level must be either a
“grade facility” laser with a Manual over-ride button or a true grade laser with a LCD
enabling the User to input slopes into the X-axis, Y-axis or both together ie. Dual
Grading.
This information is intended to be read in conjunction with your laser level’s
Instruction Manual.
Equipment:
You need a rotary laser level, a surveying tripod, measuring staff (rod) with mm scale
and a laser detector/receiver. Its not essential but having a remote control for the laser
level is preferable. (Without a remote control, having another person to assist you, is
essential).
Site Conditions:
There are many different worksite scenarios. As an example, we are assuming that
you are outside on a site with a clear field of view and planning to set drainage falls.
All above ground and below ground drainage pipes should be laid to an adequate
gradient. The fall in a pipe is defined as the vertical height by which the pipe drops
over a known distance. eg. a 2.5% gradient is a fall of 1m over 40m or 1:40. (1 in 40).
Typically, surface water or foul water drainage pipes are set at 1:40 to 1:80.
If a gradient is too steep ie. steeper than 1 in 40, the liquid may run faster than the
solids in a foul water pipe thus leaving the solids stranded, which could then block the
pipe. Conversely, if a gradient is not steep enough (usually less than 1 in 110), then
the pipe may still block, if the solids slow down and become stranded.
Procedure:
Place the rotary laser horizontally on the surveying tripod, switch it ON and allow it
to auto (self) level. Note the X-axis / Y-axis markings on the top cover of the laser.
Setting a 1:40 gradient: Position the measuring staff say 10m away from the tripod,
held vertically and move the laser detector (receiver) along the staff to find the set
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level position, usually by giving a continuous audible tone. By proportion 1m fall
over 40m is 250mm over 10m, so noting the set level dimension on the rear of the
staff, move the detector down by 250mm.
Using the remote control yourself (from the staff location) or a colleague at the laser,
switch the rotary laser to its MANUAL setting in the axis facing the measuring staff.
See the laser’s Instruction Manual – if the exact procedure is unknown.
Hold the “down arrow” button on the remote control or laser’s keypad, to slope the
laser beam down the measuring staff until it gives a continuous tone again, having
found set level on the detector. This has now set a 1:40 fall. Note, a Gradient
Conversion Chart to convert grade values into % fall is available on request.
Important note: All “grade facility” rotary lasers revert back to the auto (self) level
condition if switched Off without retaining the gradient set. So its recommended to
complete the ground-works before switching the laser Off.
However, a true grade laser level with LCD can be used to record this exact value.
If you are not sure whether your rotary is a “grade facility” laser or “true grade” laser,
then please ring our Technical Dept. on 08000 869 769 giving your model number, for
further advice.
Once this 1:40 fall is set, the User can use this inclined laser beam as a datum to set
the depth of either the crown of the drainage pipe or the Invert level, anywhere in
range of the laser – along that axis.
Invert level of a pipe – is the level taken from the bottom of the inside of the pipe.
Crown of a pipe – is the Invert level plus the internal diameter of the pipe plus the
pipe wall thickness. It may be necessary to use this in calculations when level
measurements are taken from the crown of a pipe.
Manhole / Access Chambers:
A manhole or access chamber is required to gain access to a drainage system for un-
blocking, cleaning, rodding or inspection. (Land drainage systems excluded). They
can be manufactured in PVC, masonry or precast concrete.
When setting appropriate drainage gradients it is important to allow for the depth
down to either the crown of the pipe (or the Invert level) from ground level, when
using manholes.
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Dual Grading:
A rotary laser level with dual grading facility can be used for setting out driveways,
carparks or areas with slopes (falls) in BOTH the X & Y axis.
The same procedure is adopted as above for drainage runs except a second step in the
process is undertaken to set the laser to a fall in the other axis to complete the dual
grade setting-out.
True Grade Lasers:
The only difference when using a true grade rotary laser level (to the above
procedure) is that actual grade, % slope values can be entered into either the keypad
or remote control for the laser & then it will automatically move the angle of the
rotating prism head to that exact value. Again this can be in a single axis for drainage
runs or for more complex dual grading applications.
Cut & Fill Machine control work:
If slopes of more than 10% (1:10) are required, which is outside the range of
electronic adjustment of the rotary laser’s head; then simply switch the laser to
Manual & fit a “Laser Grade Adapter” between the top face of the tripod & the base
of the laser. Then set the required slope. Search via our website - for more details.
Laser levels Online / www.laser-level.co.uk
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How to set 90 degree SQUARING with a Rotary Laser Level
The following description in this guide, explains the general principles of setting-out
90 degree squaring when using a rotary laser level. It speeds up the classic 3x4x5
triangle method, giving better accuracy and alignment over much longer distances.
This information is intended to be read in conjunction with your laser level’s
Instruction Manual.
Equipment:
You need a rotary laser level which is designed to set “squaring”. It will have an extra
dot beam out of the top of the rotating prism & can be either a red or green beam
laser.
In addition, you will require a matching laser detector (receiver), a target plate and
preferably a remote control. You do not need a tripod nor staff.
(Without a remote control; having another person to assist you, is useful.)
Site Conditions:
There are many different worksite scenarios. As an example, we are assuming that
you have laid a concrete pad or completed your strip foundations (footings) and are
ready to set out in one corner, 90 degree (squaring) for brickwork, blocks or timber
framing, over a datum *mark*.
Procedure:
Place the laser in “lay-down” over your corner datum *mark*, on the concrete surface
& switch ON. Wait for it to auto (self) level, then change to MANUAL. As this
procedure is using “alignment” rather than “levelling” it is more convenient to use the
laser in its Manual mode. See your laser’s User Instructions - if necessary.
Next, remove the bracket from your laser detector. Switch the detector ON and lay it
on its SIDE over a distant mark along one side of the concrete slab or strip footing.
The pick-up window must be facing the rotating beam of the laser level. Using the
remote control, direct the spinning beam to receive a continuous audible tone on the
detector. This has aligned the laser beam exactly on the distant mark.
Next, observe the laser dot projecting from the rotating prism. This is now parallel
with the concrete slab or footings along the other axis. Laser prisms are optically cut
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to split one laser beam - to accurately set 90 degrees. ie. Rotating beam in one axis
and laser dot in the other, setting squaring.
The laser dot cannot be picked up with your detector. You need a target plate.
Our recommendation is to use a small piece, say 300mm long white contiplas board,
6- 9 ins wide or similar. Using a black marker pen, draw a vertical line down the
middle of the board. The white surface is an ideal target to “pick-up” the red (or
green) dot at distance, even in bright sunlight. Hold the end face of the target board
down onto the concrete footings, align the dot onto the black line and mark the
concrete accordingly at appropriate intervals. This has set 90 degree squaring.
User Tips:
Do not mount the laser level in “lay-down” on a surveying tripod. It must be
positioned directly onto the concrete surface. If mounted on a tripod, it can potentially
introduce an error or inaccuracy to the 90 degree squaring procedure.
Dot axis alignment:
Depending on your make/model of laser level, most have a light house cover over the
prism with glass windows. When setting the laser dot axis, the depth of this cover
(usually around 20-40mm) prevents you from running your line back to the datum
*mark*. So simply mark two positions say 100mm & 1m away from the laser level &
strike a line back under the laser’s cover to the datum *mark* to give the intersection
of both axis.
Fukuda FRE-203X laser level models with Squaring facility:
Applicable models are:
FRE-203XR
FRE-203XG
If you have any further questions or need more advice, then please contact our
Technical Team on 08000 869 769.
Laser Levels Online / www.laser-level.co.uk
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