Fukuda FRE-205 DUO User manual

Laser Levels Online
Fukuda FRE-205 DUO
REVISION 1.1
User Guide
© 2021 Laser Levels Online
3rd Generation

KEY INFORMATION
2
Specifi cation
Brand Fukuda
Product Type Rotating Laser Level
Levelling Type Fully Self Levelling
Detector Range Up to 500m Diameter (250m either side of Laser)
Accuracy ±3mm at 30m (100ft)
Beam Colour Red Beam
Beam Type Rotating Dot
Levelling Axis Horizontal Levelling
Usage Indoor & Outdoor
Battery Rechargeable Battery Pack or use Alkaline Batteries
Runtime Up to 25 Hours (Approx) / 27hrs on Alkaline (Approx)
Slope / Gradient Dual Grade using included Remote Control
Mounting Thread ⅝” Standard Surveying
Laser Rating Class 2
Durability Good
IP Rating IP54 - Protected against dust / Protected against splashing water from
any direction
Warranty Automatic 3 Year Warranty
1st Generation (2012 - 2015) 2nd Generation (2016 - early 2021) NEW 3rd Generation

INTRODUCTION
Overview
SAFETY
WARNING
Thank you for purchasing the Fukuda FRE-205 DUO rotary laser kit.
These instructions are intended to explain the general basics of 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 by Telephone: [phone] or Email: [email protected]
The FRE-205 is a horizontal levelling laser which has been designed specifi cally for outdoor
Groundworks but at a very aff ordable price. It is constructed with a rugged housing and has an
automatic drift system (bump sensor), together with the facility to Dual Grade; making this the
laser of choice for Groundworks Contractors working to a budget.
Included in this special DUO kit is an EK-112R Cross line laser to cover most indoor work. Its auto
levelling has very bright red beams & is supplied with an “L” shaped, magnetic mounting bracket
(for wall mounting etc). This combination has proved to be very popular even for Ground-
workers who have found the Cross-line laser useful for other indoor tasks.
This “2 in 1” DUO package covers both indoor & outdoor groundworks applications, for the
General builder.
All in all, its a very versatile & popular kit.
Read the following safety instructions before attempting to operate this Laser Level Kit.
Keep these instructions in a safe place or store in the Laser’s carry case for future reference.
- Do not remove warning labels from the product.
- The FRE-205 is a class 2 laser product (<1 mW; 635nm)
3
Never look into the laser beam or direct it to the eyes of other people.
Always operate the Laser Level in a way that prevents the beam from
getting into people’s eyes.
Using the FRE-205 diff erently than described in the user guide, may
result in unsafe operation.

Carry Case
Foam Lined Carry Case
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE KIT
The Fukuda FRE-205 Kit includes the following items. Your contents may vary if the kit
was customised at point-of-purchase to upgrade or remove items.
Fukuda FRE-205
EK-112R Cross Line
FRD300R-205 Detector
Red Target & Charger
RC205 Remote Control
Tripod & Staff
Horizontal & Dual Grade
Cross Line (1 Horizontal &
1 Vertical) With “L” shaped,
Magnetic Mounting Bracket
Laser Detector / Receiver
With Staff Mounting Clamp
Red Laser Target & UK Mains
Charger
Infrared Remote Control For
Setting Gradients & Slopes
Surveying Tripod &
Measuring Staff
(Colours / Brand may vary)
4

LASER OVERVIEW
5
Protective Lighthouse
Rotating Laser Prism
Carrying Handle
Key Pad (Expanded On Page 6)
5/8” x 11 Thread
For Horizontal
Tripod Mounting
(Located Underneath)
Battery
Compartment
Locking Screw
Rechargeable
Battery Charging Port
(Located On Side Wall)

ON/OFF Button
This Button will turn the Laser On and Off .
When turned on, the Laser will auto self level within
15-20 seconds and start spinning a level datum.
No other button needs to be pressed for the
laser to self level.
KEY PAD OVERVIEW
6
Rotational Speed Control - Tortoise/
Hare. Zero (Stop Dot), 60, 120, 300 &
600rpm
Automatic Drift System (ADS)
IR Remote Pickup Window

REMOTE CONTROL OVERVIEW
7
The Fukuda RC205 Infrared Remote Control enables the user to remotely (up to 20m), adjust
the following settings: Rotational speed, Manual Override (for single or dual-axis grade/slope
control) and Automatic Drift System (ADS). It cannot be used to turn the Laser ON or OFF (a
feature not available on any Fukuda laser level system).
TIP - it is often better to use the Remote Control rather than the FRE-205’s keypad, to avoid
disturbing the laser’s sensitive self levelling mechanism.
Automatic Drift System (ADS)
Rotational Speed Control - Tortoise/Hare.
Zero (Stop Dot), 60, 120, 300 & 600rpm
X & Y Axis Selector
(Grade / Slope Controls)
Decrease Slope Angle
(Grade / Slope Controls)
Manual Override
(Disables Self Levelling!)
Power Supply & Battery Replacement
●The RC205 remote is powered by 2 x AAA alkaline batteries which will be pre-installed.
●When required, open the rear battery compartment and fi t 2 x AAA alkaline replacement
batteries, taking care to ensure correct polarity.

LASER DETECTOR OVERVIEW
8
The FRE-205 Kit is available with either the standard FRD300R-205 Detector or the upgraded
FRD800R Detector with mm/inch display. The overview below shows the standard FRD300R-205.
47mm Reception Pick-up Window
Detector Sensitivity: Fine, & Course
(+/-1mm & +/- 2mm)
Front LCD Display Screen
FMB-01 Staff Mounting
Bracket
ON/OFF Button
Sounder (Loud & Off )
FRONT
Power Supply & Battery Replacement
●The FRD300R-205 Detector is powered by 1 x 9v PP3 alkaline battery which will be pre-
installed.
●When required, open the rear battery compartment and fi t 1 x 9v PP3 alkaline replacement
battery, taking care to ensure correct polarity.
Speaker

LASER DETECTOR OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
Rear LCD Display Screen
FMB-01 Staff Mounting
Battery Compartment
REAR
Using The Detector
●Press the ON/OFF button once and the FRD300R-205 will power on.
●Clamp the Detector onto the front face of the measuring staff and face towards the Laser.
If you are above the horizontal datum, a down arrow will be shown. Below the horizontal
datum an up arrow will be shown and when you are completely level or on the same datum,
a horizontal line will be shown on the display. When you have established the horizontal
datum, you can then use the mm scale on the rear of the measuring staff (which is zero mm
at ground level) to either measure a uniform distance down or a uniform distance up, to then
set your base level, deck level, ground level etc.
9

CHARGING & BATTERIES
10
The FRE-205 is supplied with 4 x type AA high capacity (2,600mAh) Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
and a 5.6 Volt UK Plug, 700mA charger. Although the FRE-205 is designed to use AA rechargeable
batteries, it is also possible to use 4 x type AA Alkaline batteries instead.
AA Rechargeable Batteries (included)
The 5.6 Volt UK Plug, 700mA charger (Input 100-240V AC 50/60Hz Output DC 5.6V 700mA, centre
pin + polarity) is for indoor use only. If the charger becomes damaged, stop using immediately
and purchase a replacement. Never use a generic charger with this laser.
●Prior to fi rst use, we recommend that you fully charge the batteries for around 6-8 hours.
●The FRE-205 uses 2,600mAh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. Do not use batteries which have a
rating lower than 2,100mAh Ni-MH.
●The AA rechargeable batteries are located in the battery compartment in the side wall of the
FRE-205. The compartment can be opened by unscrewing the silver screw. No tools required.
●Important: Do NOT allow the batteries to go completely fl at before recharging.
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 the charger is plugged into a 230V mains supply (but not connected to the Laser), the
red LED on the charger will fl ash once per second, when operating correctly.
●Plug the charger into the charging port located on the side wall of the laser.
●When charging, the red LED on the charger will stop fl ashing and be illuminated
continuously.
●The LED will change to green when there is suffi cient charge in the battery.
●The FRE-205 can be operated with the charger connected to the mains supply. Use this
method if required, but only if it is safe to do so and approved on site.
●The Mains Charger will charge most batteries in around 6-8 hours to give approximately 25
hours of continuous use. It takes 4 to 5 charge/discharge cycles for these battery packs to
reach their maximum capacity.
AA Alkaline Batteries (not included)
●The FRE-205 is designed to use AA rechargeable batteries, but it is also possible to use 4 x
type AA Alkaline batteries instead.
●These are readily available from all good hardware stores / supermarkets.
●Important: Do NOT attempt to recharge the FRE-205 when Alkaline batteries are being
used, otherwise serious damage will occur.

INSTRUCTIONS
11
Position Laser
Pick Up The Levels
Place the FRE-205 on a fi rm, generally level surface
or screw onto the 5/8” thread of the surveying tripod.
You do not need to independently level the surface or
tripod, but is does need to be within ±5 deg of true horizontal.
1.
3.
Horizontal Levelling
Power On
Read The Levels
Press the ON/OFF button once and the FRE-205
will power on and begin automatically self-levelling horizontally.
This process takes around 15-20 seconds.
When the levelling process is complete, the laser beam will start
spinning at 600rpm, indicating a level datum.
No other button needs to be pressed for the laser to self level.
When you have established the horizontal datum, you can then
use the mm scale on the rear of the measuring staff (which is
zero mm at ground level) to either measure a uniform distance
down or a uniform distance up, to then set your base level, deck
level, ground level etc.
2.
4.
Clamp the Detector onto the front face of the measuring staff and
face towards the Laser. If you are above the horizontal datum, a
down arrow will be shown. Below the horizontal datum an up
arrow will be shown and when you are completely level or on the
same datum, a horizontal line will be shown on the display.
There is also a corresponding audible tone for high / low and
level.
WARNING
Never operate Laser in front of
glazing or any shiny surfaces!
See page 24 for further details.

USING THE LASER
12
Power On
●Press the ON/OFF button once and the FRE-205 will power on and begin automatically self-
levelling. This process takes around 15-20 seconds. When the levelling process is complete,
the laser will start spinning at 600rpm, indicating a level datum.
●No other button needs to be pressed for the laser to self level.
Power Off
●Press the OFF button once and the FRE-205 will power off .
●If the Laser has been put into grade mode, or the rotational speed set at zero, switching off
the laser and turning it back on again will automatically return the laser to the default fully
self levelled state, running at 600rpm.
Rotational Speed Control - Tortoise/Hare
●Press the Rotational Speed Control button on the face of the laser or on the remote to cycle
through the 5 rotational speeds.
●The rotational speeds are Zero (Stop Dot), 60rpm, 120rpm, 300rpm & 600rpm.
●For Indoor work, we suggest using slower speeds, where the laser beam is easier to see by
eye; but for Outdoor Groundworks – run the FRE-205 at its maximum speed of 600rpm;
which gives the best working range when used with the supplied Laser Detector.
●The default rotational mode is 600rpm when the laser self levels after being turned on.
Manual Override (Using Remote Only)
●Press the Manual Override button on the Remote Control once and the self levelling system
will be turned off . The Laser will continue to rotate but the laser will no longer be outputting
a level datum.
●This mode is typically enabled when the laser is being used to do Gradients and Slopes (See
Gradients & Slopes section on page 17 for further details).
●Pressing the Manual Override button once more will turn the self levelling system back on.
The Laser head will stop and adjust to a level datum and then begin rotating at 600rpm. The
laser is now running in self levelling mode once more.

USING THE LASER (CONTINUED)
13
Plus & Minus Buttons (Using Remote Only)
●When the FRE-205 is in manual mode (Self levelling system has been turned off ), the Plus &
Minus buttons are used to increase or decrease the slope angle of the laser prism in either
the X or Y axis to set a progressive fall or gradient. (See Gradients & Slopes section on page
17 for further details).
Automatic Drift System (ADS)
●If the FRE-205 is running in self levelling mode, press the Automatic Drift System (ADS)
button on the face of the laser to turn on the Automatic Drift System.
●Once activated the red LED will fl ash slowly. ADS is now ON.
●If for example, the FRE-205 is knocked or caught by a gust of wind, the laser prism will stop
rotating and the red ADS LED will fl ash quickly to show an alarm condition. Check that your
datums have not altered and if all is ok; press the ADS button again & the laser will reset to
AUTO level. This function is used to alert users that the laser has been disturbed. If this mode
has not been turned on and the laser is disturbed, it is possible that although a level datum
will be continue to be produced it may be at a diff erent height than before.
●The ADS function cannot be activated when in manual mode doing Gradients or Slopes.
Grading
●The FRE-205 is a DUAL GRADE facility laser level. This means that the FRE-205 can be
switched to “Manual” (to override the self levelling system) allowing the user to 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 head where sights
point in the direction of the axis being set.
Setting Single Axis Slope
●This example sets a grade in the X axis.
●Press the ON/OFF button once and the FRE-205 will power on and begin automatically self-
levelling.
●Press the Manual Override button on the remote once and the self levelling system will be
turned off & the green LED for the X axis will illuminate.
●Using the red Plus & Minus buttons on the remote, set the % slope (fall) required - as
measured on your staff .
●When complete, press the Manual Override button once on the more and this will turn the
self levelling system back on. The Laser head will stop and adjust to a level datum and then
begin rotating at 600rpm. The laser is now running in self levelling mode once more.

USING THE LASER (CONTINUED 2)
14
Setting Y Axis Slope
●This example sets a grade in the Y axis.
●Press the ON/OFF button once and the FRE-205 will power on and begin automatically self-
levelling.
●Press the Manual Override button on the remote once and the self levelling system will be
turned off & the green LED for the X axis will illuminate.
●Press the X/Y button on the remote to change the axis control to the Y axis. The green LED
for the Y axis will illuminate and the green LED for the X axis will turn off .
●Using the red Plus & Minus buttons on the remote, set the % slope (fall) required - as
measured on your staff .
●When complete, press the Manual Override button once more and this will turn the self
levelling system back on. The Laser head will stop and adjust to a level datum and then begin
rotating at 600rpm. The laser is now running in self levelling mode once more.
Setting Both X & Y Axis Slopes (Dual Grade)
●Proceed as above, setting the X axis fi rst followed by the Y axis - as required.

HOW TO SET-OUT A SITE
15
Working Example
The following description in this guide, explains the general principles of how to set-out a site
using a rotary laser level like the FRE-205.
Equipment
Outdoors you will need the FRE-205 rotary laser level, a detector (receiver), a surveying tripod
and a measuring staff . However indoors, accessories like wall brackets, interior tripods or fl oor
to ceiling pillar kits are more useful and replace the surveying tripod / staff .
Basic Outdoor Procedure
In a convenient, safe place, position the tripod with its top face generally level (within +/-5
degrees) and about 1.3m above ground level. This ensures the laser beam is generally below eye
level. Securely attach the FRE-205 via the 5/8” fi xing screw. Press the ON/OFF button once and
the FRE-205 will power on and begin automatically self-levelling horizontally. This process takes
around 15-20 seconds. When the levelling process is complete, the laser beam will start spinning
at 600rpm, indicating a level datum. This gives a truly horizontal spinning beam of laser light
across the work-site. A reference DATUM.
The FRE-205 will automatically default to 600RPM. This will give the best range and stability
when using the laser detector.
The laser detector which is also referred to as: a receiver, rod eye, laserometer, scouts, bleepers,
sounders and that “thing you stick on a staff ”, is basically a battery powered device, designed to
fi nd the middle of the laser beam that you cannot see outdoors, by eye.
Loosely attach the detector to the measuring staff via its bracket, so that the pick-up window
faces the laser’s beam and the rear of the detector reads the mm scale on the staff . Move the
detector up & down the staff to receive a continuous tone on the sounder and a set-level bar on
the LCD. Clamp it securely in place. (Not over tight).
It is often better to stand behind the staff , to read both the detector’s rear display and the staff s’
mm scale.
Now, if you move to a second site position and the detector gives the same level signal (with a
continuous tone) then you know that the base of the staff is LEVEL with the initial position. Any
deviation can be measured by un-clamping the detector and moving it up or down the staff to
fi nd the laser beam again, noting the change in vertical distance on the staff .
This technique can be used for laying concrete bases, pads or strip foundations etc.

HOW TO SET-OUT A SITE
16
Working Example (Continued)
Basic Indoor Procedure
The FRE-205 needs to be positioned in a convenient, safe place and onto a fi rm, horizontal
surface within +/-5 degrees. Diff erent types of accessories are available to suit all Trades, namely
wall brackets, interior elevator tripods or fl oor to ceiling pillar kits. Securely attach the rotary
laser via the 5/8” fi xing screw.
Press the ON/OFF button once and the FRE-205 will power on and begin automatically self-
levelling horizontally. This process takes around 15-20 seconds. When the levelling process is
complete, the laser beam will start spinning at 600rpm, indicating a level datum. This gives a
truly horizontal spinning beam of laser light across the work-site.
Its a reference DATUM to which measurements can be taken both above & below.
As mentioned previously, a useful feature to have on a rotary laser level is the Rotational Speed
Control - Tortoise/Hare. The slower the rotational speed, the brighter the beam appears by eye
without the need to use a detector in most applications.
User Tips
If laser will not spin, check that mounting surface is within +/-5 degrees horizontally.
Outdoors, set the fastest rotational speed.
Indoors, run the laser slower by changing the Rotational Speed.
For long distance measuring staff use, fi t & centre the bubble level to ensure its held vertically.

HOW TO SET SLOPES (FALLS/GRADES)
17
Working Example 1
The following description in this guide, explains the general principles of setting a Slope (Fall/
Grade) when using the FRE-205.
Equipment
You will need the FRE-205 laser level, a surveying tripod, measuring staff (rod) with mm scale
and a laser detector/receiver and the remote control.
Site Conditions
There are many diff erent work site scenarios. As an example, we are assuming that you are
outside on a site with a clear fi eld 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 defi ned as the vertical height by which the pipe drops over a known distance. e.g.
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 between 1:40 to 1:80.
If a gradient is too steep i.e. 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 FRE-205 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 surveying tripod at the top of the gradient, then screw onto the 5/8” thread the
FRE-205 with its keypad facing exactly in line with the 1:40 gradient to be set. Press the ON/OFF
button once and the FRE-205 will turn on.
Position the measuring staff at 10m away from the laser, hold it vertically and move the
laser detector (receiver) on the staff to fi nd the set level position of the laser beam, where a
continuous audible tone is heard. Carefully note this position on the mm scale of the staff .
By proportion, a 1m fall at 40m (1:40) is only 250mm at 10m.
Un-clamp the detector and move it down the staff by 250mm. Clamp securely.
Using the remote control (from the staff location), press the Manual Override button to
illuminate the X axis LED. Press X/Y button once on the remote control, to change to the Y axis.

HOW TO SET SLOPES (FALLS/GRADES)
18
Working Example 1 (Continued)
Note: The Y axis is in line with the laser’s keypad & in the direction of the gradient to be set.
On the remote control, press & hold the PLUS button to move the laser beam down the staff ,
until a continuous tone is heard again at the new detector position. Fine align the laser beam by
pressing PLUS or MINUS buttons, as appropriate. This has now set a 1:40 fall.
Note: If the laser level is turned off & on again, it will revert back to auto level.
Return the detector to the original (set level) position on the staff & clamp securely. Dig out
ground & lower staff until the detector picks up the laser beam again. This “cut & fi ll” process will
follow the 1:40 gradient both back towards the laser & extending away from the 10m distance,
as required.
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 same 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 pre-cast 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 these manholes.
Dual Grading:
A rotary laser level with dual grading facility can be used for setting out driveways, car-parks 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.
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 prism; then simply switch the laser to Manual & fi t a “Laser
Grade Adapter” between the top face of the tripod & the base of the laser. Then set the required
slope. Search our website for more details.

19
HOW TO SET SLOPES (FALLS/GRADES)
Working Example 2 (when you do NOT know the grade to set)
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
Use diagrams in conjunction with
written example on page 20.

20
HOW TO SET SLOPES (FALLS/GRADES)
Working Example 2 (when you do NOT know the grade to set)
The following description explains the general principles of setting a Slope (Fall/Grade) using the
FRE-205, when you do NOT know the grade to set.
Equipment
You will need the FRE-205 laser level, its remote control, a surveying tripod, measuring staff (rod)
with mm scale and a laser detector/receiver.
Site Conditions
There are many diff erent work site scenarios. As an example, we are assuming that you are
outside, on a site with a clear fi eld of view and planning to set drainage falls.
See Diagram 1
A is a manhole cover with surveying tripod and attached FRE-205 laser level.
B is a second manhole cover at a lower position, located the distance of “D” apart and by a fall of
“F”.
The planned sitework is to set a slope on the laser level to assist in digging a drainage channel to
join A to B.
Procedure
First measure distance “D”.
Next, attach the FRE-205 onto the surveying tripod, switch ON and allow it to auto level. The
tripod height is unimportant. Face keypad (in the Y axis) towards cover B.
Position your extended measuring staff on the ground next to the laser & clamp the detector to
pick-up the red rotating beam with a continuous tone on the detector.
Note & record the mm height from the measuring staff . (See diagram 1).
To determine & set fall F:
Before moving position from cover A, press the Manual Override button on the remote control
to disable the auto (self) levelling.
Do NOT un-clamp detector. Move position and place extended measuring staff over the
centre of cover B, holding it vertically. (See diagram 2). Un-clamp detector and move it up the
measuring staff to pick-up the laser beam with a continuous tone. (See diagram 3). Record the
new height value. The site Fall “F” is this value minus the value taken previously at cover A.
Return the detector down to the lower position again & clamp tight. (See diagram 2).