Laser Reference ProShot L5 User manual


Part No. 080-9500 Version 1.1
LASER REFERENCE, Inc.
450 Salmar Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
•USA
Operations Guide
PRO SHOT TM L5
Customer information
Laser Serial number _____________________________
Receiver S/N __________________________________
Date of purchase _______________________________
Toll Free (USA)

Telephone

Fax

Web

Email
+ 1.800.238.0685

+ 1.408.370.4929

+ 1.408.866.0858
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www.proshotlaser.com
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[e-mail]
V 1.1 
moved contact info all to back page
moved contants to inside front cover
L5
DIGITAL

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Pro ShotTM L5 laser system. You now have
superior laser accuracy and productivity available for all of your work.
Your Pro ShotTM L5 and the R6 receiver are rugged, reliable, high quality
products, backed by a 12 month warranty. Warranty details are printed
in the back of this manual.
Please take the time to thoroughly read this manual. It contains vital
information on how to safely get the most from your investment in laser
technology.
Warranty And Specifications

12 month warranty coverage

The L5 laser transmitter, and the R6 receiver, are warranted for twelve
(12) months from the date of new equipment purchase from an
authorized dealer. During the warranty period, Laser Reference, or its
authorized service center, will repair or replace, at Laser Reference's
sole discretion, laser transmitters or receivers, free of charge, (except for
transportation costs) if the products are found by Laser Reference, or its
authorized service center, to be defective in either materials or
workmanship. Maintaining the calibration of the product is not the
responsibility of Laser Reference or its authorized service centers. If
service is needed, the product(s) must be sent FREIGHT PREPAID to
the nearest authorized service center or to Laser Reference.
L5 Transmitter Specifications
17
Contents
System Contents And Battery Installation ...................1
ControlsandDisplays.................................................2
Initial Setup Guidelines ............................................... 4
Maintenance...............................................................5
Safety..........................................................................6
LevelSetup.................................................................8
Plumb And Layout Setups .......................................... 9
Vertical And Line Layout Setup ................................. 10
Accessories - Receivers ........................................... 12
Accessories - Other .................................................. 13
Checking And Adjusting Calibration .......................... 14
Troubleshooting........................................................16
WarrantyAndSpecifications..................................... 17
330' rad./ 660' dia. (100m/200m)
±40 arc sec. ( ±1/8in per 50ft)
(±3mm per 15m)
±10 arc minutes
Wire hung, air damped
Built-in vial, mount included
360 degrees
15º, 30º, 45º, 90º(approximate)
Variable in steps: 0 to 450 rpm 
2.4mW (nominal), class IIIa
When off-level
>30 minutes
Two D-cell batteries
70 hours (alkaline)
Optional kit available
Dust and water resistant
12 Months - defects coverage
CDRH and IEC 825-1 Class IIIa
0ºf to +140ºf (-18ºc to +50ºc)
-40ºf to +122ºf (-40ºc to +60ºc)
8.4in (21.5cm) / 3.0lb (1.36kg)
Range with R6 receiver ...........
Leveling accuracy ...................
Self leveling range ..................
Compensator type ..................
Vertical capability ....................
Rotational coverage ................
Scan angle selections ..............
Rotation speed .......................
Rotating beam power .............
Auto shut-off (level mode) ......
Power supply ..........................
Battery life ...............................
Rechargeable batteries ..........
Environmental .........................
Warranty .................................
Safety ......................................
Operating temperature ............
Storagetemperature ................
Height / Weight ........................

Getting Started

System contents

Manual
Vertical bracket
Laser transmitter
D-cell batteries
Receiver (optional) 

Battery installation
1
16
Troubleshooting

The laser will not operate, there is no obvious damage.
• If the low battery indicator is on, or you suspect the batteries may be
dead, replace the batteries.
• Check the battery contacts to be sure that they are clean.
The receiver shows an on-grade at two different heights.
• Check the jobsite for windows or mirrored surfaces that might be
reflecting the laser and causing the other reading.
• Check for others on the site using a rotary laser.
The laser was knocked over.
• Visually check the optics for damage.
• Inspect the laser for any other physical damage.
• Check to see that the laser is putting out a beam.
• Turn the laser rotation on and check for unusual noise or vibration.
• Check the calibration and adjust as needed.
• Check to see that the laser displays the "limit" light when the circular
level vial bubble moves approximately half way outside the circle.
The laser only works at short distances.
• Check the output window on the rotating head of the laser for heavy
dust or moisture. Remove dust with a camera brush or blow off gently
with clean compressed air. Allow moisture to dry.
The receiver does not indicate "on grade" at long distance.
• Be sure you have not exceeded 330ft (100m) from the laser.
• Check the output window on the rotating head of the laser for dust or
moisture. Remove dust with a camera brush or blow off gently with
clean compressed air. Allow moisture to dry.
The laser shuts off after running for only a few minutes.
• If the yellow out of level indicator is flashing, re-center the circular vial.
• If the red low battery indicator is flashing, replace or recharge the
batteries.
• If there is no indication at all, check for dead batteries.
1Pull firmly on tab
at base of door
1Pull firmly on tab
at base of door to
remove
3Hook battery door at top 
of housing and push firmly 
at base of door to latch
3Hook battery door at top 
of housing and push firmly 
at base of door to latch
2Install batteries according 
to the instructions molded on 
the battery holder
2Install batteries according 
to the instructions molded on 
the battery holder

Checking And Adjusting Calibration
6. Remove the black rubber plug from the X-axis calibration port. Using
a 3/32" hex driver, adjust the X-axis calibration. Turning the screw
clockwise will raise the beam in the +X axis (see pg 2). One full turn of
the screw will make approximately a 3/4"(19mm) change at 100'(30m)
turn the screw only as much as it will take to correct any error
observed in step 5. After making the adjustment, remove the laser from
the platform and give it two vertical shakes to center the compensator.
Adjusting calibration pushes on the pendulum of the compensator and
can cause it to take a set. The shaking procedure will relieve any set
that may have occurred. After shaking, place the laser on the platform
and re-check the X-axis calibration. Make any further adjustments
following the above procedure. 
7. Rotate the laser 90 degrees to aim the +Y-axis (control panel) at the
target. Re-center the bubble. Check the reading at the target. If the
reading is on, or within tolerance of the true level mark, calibration is
complete. If not, continue on.
8. Remove the black rubber plug from the Y-axis calibration port. Using
a 3/32" hex driver, adjust the Y-axis calibration. Turning the screw
clockwise will raise the beam in the +Y-axis (see pg. 2). One full turn of
the screw will make approximately a 3/4"(19mm) change at 100'(30m)
turn the screw only as much as it will take to correct any error
observed in step 7. After making the adjustment, remove the laser from
the platform and give it two vertical shakes to center the compensator.
Adjusting calibration pushes on the pendulum of the compensator and
can cause it to take a set. The shaking procedure will relieve any set
that may have occurred. After shaking, place the laser on the platform
and re-check the Y-axis calibration. Make any further adjustments
following the above procedure.
Calibration is now complete.
Controls And Displays 2
see note below
note: The leveling knobs are at 90ºto the leveling pivot point, which is directly below the 
circular vial. As you face the control panel and look down at the circular vial, the leveling 
knob on your right controls bubble movement from left to right. The leveling knob at the 
back (below the battery door) controls bubble movement from front to back. Turning the 
leveling knob on your right in a clockwise motion will move the bubble to the right and 
turning the back leveling knob in a clockwise motion will move the bubble to the back. 
Turning either knob counter-clockwise will have the opposite effect.
6
4
5
9
10
11
13
2
7
1
12
3
8
15
14
-Y axis
+X axis +Y axis
-X axis
Turn the rotating head by hand to aim the laser beam or scan 
sweep. Once you have aimed the rotating head, there may 
be a 2-3 second delay before the beam begins scanning.

3
Checking And Adjusting Calibration

Calibration is your responsibility, check it often.
Although the L5 is an exceptionally rugged laser, it is well worth the effort
to check calibration before you first use it and then at regular intervals to
insure that you are doing the highest quality work possible. Always
check calibration if the laser has been handled roughly.
Calibration procedure.
Note: Refer to the picture on page 2 for a diagram of the "X" and "Y"
axis directions used during this calibration procedure.

1. Start with a tripod or stand that has been leveled (using a carpenter's
level) to allow the laser to be turned to different positions with minimal re-
leveling of the circular level vial. Attach the laser to the tripod or stand
approximately 50 feet (15m) from a wall or other stable vertical surface.
We will call the vertical surface the target. If the target has direct sunlight
on it, you may have to shade the surface to see the laser spot clearly. 
2. Turn the entire laser so that either direction of the x-axis is aimed at
the target. Center the circular level vial and turn the laser on.
3. With the rotation stopped, point the laser spot at the target by
manually turning the rotating head and mark the beam center.
4. Return to the laser and rotate the entire unit 180 degrees so that the
opposite X-axis direction is aiming at the target. Re-center the bubble in
the circular level if necessary. Once again, point the laser spot at the
target by manually turning the rotating head and mark the beam center. 
5. The difference between the two marks (if any) is double the difference
between how the laser is calibrated and true level for the X-axis. Half
way between these two marks is true level. Make a long level mark at
true level. If the difference between either outer mark and true level is
within your working tolerance, go on to step 8. If not, continue with the
next step.
14 Controls And Displays
1 Circular level vial
The circular vial indicates if the laser is rough leveled closely enough for
the automatic compensator to take over and maintain a precise level.
2Leveling knobs
Use the leveling knobs to center the bubble in the circular level vial. The
leveling knobs are also used during vertical alignment (see pg. 10)
3On / Off button
When the on / off button is pressed, the laser beam will be projected if
the circular level vial is centered. If the circular vial is not centered, the
leveling limit indicator will flash and the laser will not operate or spin.
4Laser-on indicator
This display comes on when the laser beam is being projected.
5Leveling Limit indicator
This indicator flashes if the circular level vial is not centered enough to
allow automatic compensation.
6Low battery indicator
This indicator comes on when the batteries need to be replaced.
7Vertical vial
The vertical vial is used to plumb the plane of laser light when the laser is
in the vertical mode (see pg. 10). 
8Battery charging jack
The charging jack is located inside the battery door next to the batteries.
A rechargeable battery kit is available from the factory.
9Rotate / Scan Selector Button
Use this button to change from 360°rotation to a scanning beam pattern.
10 Slower Rotation / Narrower Scan Button
Slows the rotation or narrows the beam scan pattern width.
11 Faster Rotation / Wider Scan Button
Speeds-up the rotation or widens the beam scan pattern width.
12 13 X and Y Axis Calibration Ports
Access ports to calibrate the laser (see calibration procedure pg. 14/15)
14 Rotating Head
See note at top of picture on opposite page.

4
Initial Setup Guidelines

Calibration is your responsibility, check it often.
Although the L5 is an exceptionally rugged laser, it is well worth the effort
to check calibration before you first use it and then at regular intervals to
insure that you are doing the highest quality work possible. Always
check calibration if the laser has been handled roughly. See "checking
and adjusting calibration" on page 14.
Check your setup.
Outdoors: Check your setup from time to time, using engineered
benchmarks on the jobsite to assure that your work is correct and
matches the design of the job. Realize that even engineered
benchmarks may not be perfect and enough verification must be done to
be confident you are properly set up. If there are not suitable
benchmarks on the site, you should set your own by driving stakes and
recording their elevations, or by marking the laser beam height on stable
objects such as telephone poles, concrete walls, etc. The benchmarks
should be 900apart for greatest accuracy. Having benchmarks to check
is of great value for jobs where setups need to match day after day.
Indoors: Make reference marks, preferably 900apart, once you have set
the laser up either horizontally or vertically. Check your setup from time
to time using the marks as a guide.
Work as close to the laser as possible.
You can work up to 330 feet (100 meters) from the L5 with the system
receiver, or with the MC-1 machine control receiver. As with all
instruments, the farther away you work, the more any error can build-up.
Set the laser in a safe place, as close to your work as possible.
Maintain your equipment.
Keeping tripod and mounting hardware tight, and being sure grade rods
are in good condition, can prevent errors and performance problems.
Accessories

Aluminum Tripod
The model T2 adjustable aluminum tripod provides a stable platform for
outdoor or indoor work. Allowing a beam height from approximately 4
feet to 6 feet above the surface it rests on, the T2 is an excellent choice
for typical construction setups. The T2 is a flat head tripod with a 5/8-11
male mounting thread.
Aluminum Grade Rod
The model GR1 grade rod (see photo on left page) is a six foot fixed
height aluminum grade rod with two sets of markings: Feet / Inches /
Eighths of an inch, and Feet / Tenths / Hundredths of a foot.
Ceiling Bracket
The CB bracket replaces the fixed "Y" shaped part of the basic system
mount to allow height adjustment for T-bar ceiling setups and more
flexibility for vertical setups. If you often do T-bar ceiling work, or need
more precise vertical adjustability than the basic mount provides, this
bracket will be a great addition to your system.
Magnetic Target
The MT1 magnetic target is used to display the visible beam of the L5
and provide a relative position indication. Used when installing T-bar
ceiling and steel stud wall framing, the magnetic target allows hands free
alignment. 
B50 Rechargeable Battery Kit
Under its battery door, the L5 has a built-in jack for recharging batteries.
The B50 rechargeable battery kit provides two industrial grade Ni-Cd
batteries and a battery charger designed for a 10 hour charge time.
Although Ni-Cad batteries will provide approximately 1/3 the operating
time of alkaline batteries, they are an environmentally friendly upgrade
for your system. Caution: Only charge Ni-Cad batteries!
13

Maintenance
Calibration
There is no set interval for checking the calibration of the L5, but
calibration should be checked from time to time in order to ensure that
the highest possible quality of work is being done. Calibration should
always be checked if the laser has been handled roughly or shipped by
common carrier.
Batteries
From time to time, remove the batteries and check the contacts for
corrosion. Alkaline batteries will last far longer than carbon batteries. If
you use Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries, be careful to never charge alkaline
or carbon batteries. Also, do not charge Ni-Cd batteries too often. Ni-Cd
batteries should be charged after about 20 to 24 hours of operation.
Never run the laser from the charger unless there are rechargeable (Ni-
Cd) batteries installed. Keep a spare set of batteries in the carrying case
to avoid down time.
Laser output windows
Regularly check the output windows for dust and dirt. Dust can be
removed with a camera brush or clean compressed air.
Control panel and exterior
Clean the control panel and the other exterior surfaces of the laser with a
soft damp cloth.
Tripod mounting thread
Occasionally, the threaded hole for the tripod bolt should be lubricated
with a light oil.
Caution
Never store the laser in a carrying case that is wet inside. Moisture can
get inside the laser this way. Should this happen, remove the battery
cover and place the laser and the open case in a warm area until it is
completely dry (free of condensation inside windows).
5
12
Accessories - Receivers

When your work takes you outdoors, a receiver is essential. No true
rotating laser can be used outdoors without a receiver as it would not be
safe or legal to put out enough laser power to make the rotating beam
visible in sunlight. There are two receiver choices available, the basic
R6 receiver and the more capable R7. 
For most needs, the R6 is the recommended choice. It provides
excellent functionality at a great price.

• 1.5" reception height
• Three channel LCD front display
• Selectable tone (hi, low, off)
• Battery life 70 hrs. (2 AA batts.)
• 90ºreception angle
• One year warranty
If your work demands more capability and flexibility, 
the R7 is our top of the line receiver.

• 2" reception height
• Five channel display
• Front and rear displays
• Three accuracy selections
• Loud tone (selectable)
• 120ºreception angle
• Three year warranty

Applications
6
Safety

Precautions that should be followed when using any laser.
• Don't stare into the laser beam or view it directly with optical
instruments.
• Don't disassemble the laser or attempt to service it.
• Don't use the laser until you have read the instruction manual
and you are familiar with how to operate the laser properly.
U.S. OSHA requirements for operating visible lasers.
• Only qualified and trained employees are to install, adjust and operate
the laser. (see operator card included with this manual)
• Laser operators must carry proof of qualification.
• The area of a job site where a laser is being used must be posted with
a laser warning placard (included with shipments to U.S. & Canada).
• The laser should be set up above eye level and never intentionally
aimed at anyone.
• Turn the laser off when it is not being used, such as during lunch hour,
at the end of the day, or during other long breaks in the work.

Note: The L5 transmitter is a class IIIa (less than 2.5mW) laser under
the United States C.D.R.H. guidelines.

The L5 is a class IIIa laser under the 1993 IEC 825-1 laser safety
standard and the revised edition of the European Norm EN60825. 

The L5 conforms to applicable EC directives regarding RFI and EMI.
The L5 complies with FDA performance standards 21 CFR subchapter J.
A laser warning placard is included with 
lasers shipped to the U.S. and Canada. 
It may be attached to the carrying case 
- with the case visible and placed near 
where the laser is being used - for 
meeting job site posting requirement.
11
CAUTION
LASER LIGHT - DO NOT STARE
INTO BEAM OR VIEW DIRECTLY
WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
MAXIMUM POWER < 2.5mw
AT 630-650nm
CLASS IIIa LASER PRODUCT

Level Alignment 

The L5 Provides a precise reference
for level alignment needs such as:
• Setting concrete forms
• Grading and landscaping
• Digging footers and basements
• Checking and leveling floors 
• Soffets and cut-offs 
• Plug and switch heights
• T-bar ceilings

Vertical Alignment(see opposite page)
Along with its ability to project a level reference plane, the L5 has a built-
in manual vertical vial. When the L5 is in the vertical position, the vertical
vial located under the window in the control panel is used to plumb the
rotatable beam of laser light. When the plane can be used for:
• Aligning bolts and wall plates

• Layout work
• Plumbing walls and panels
• Transferring lines from floor to ceiling
• Aligning and plumbing posts and tall forms

Plumb Spot
The L5 projects a laser spot from the top
of the rotating head that can be used for:

• A reference beam at 90º to the rotatable
beam to assist with layout tasks.
• A self plumbed beam for very accurately
transferring points from floor to ceiling.

Safety 7
!
Charge only
Ni-Cd batts.
Rechargeable
battery warning
(inside door)
Serial / CDRH
compliance
and EC mark
Aperture label
C.D.R.H. / Osha
Caution / Class IIIa label

IEC class IIIa label and
laser light logotype
Caution and certification
label locations
10
Serial No.
Made in U.S.A. by: Laser Reference, Inc.
450 Salmar Ave.•Campbell, CA 95008
This product complies with FDA 
standards 21 CFR subchapter J
X
Vertical And Line Layout Setup
Assemble the vertical mount and attach the laser to
it. Remove the receiver from the rod clamp, turn it
on and set it on your far point, laying it on its side.
With the receiver pickup window facing the laser, use
the beam center notch for alignment over the point.
Return to the laser/mount assembly and use the Y-
axis leveling screw (now at the bottom of the laser) to
rough center the vertical vial (visible through the
window in the control panel now at the top of the
laser) Note that the surface the vertical mount is
resting on should be reasonably level. Turn the laser
on and stop the beam rotation (using the - button).
Turn the rotating head to project the beam downward
toward your near point while you rough align the assembly. Turn-on the
rotation while keeping the beam on the near point and sliding the base of
the assembly until the receiver's audio tone begins.
The X-axis leveling knob (now
near the top of the laser) is used
as a fine mechanical line control
to center the beam plane on the
receiver. The receiver's audio
tone will become constant when
the beam is centered on the
receiver. Make a final
adjustment of the vertical axis
vial after the alignment is done
and re-align to the receiver if
necessary. Note that the laser is
completely manual when in the
vertical mode and you will have to check the bubble from time to time to
insure accuracy. Draw a line around the feet of the mount to allow you to
verify that the mount has not been moved.
The mount can also be tripod mounted for vertical setups.
Check the vertical vial and your benchmarks regularly to be sure
your work will be accurate. The L5 is designed for vertical
alignment up to two stories high.

89
Plumb And Layout Setups
In vertical mode,
the L5 projects a
rotatable beam of
laser light that can
be used as a spot,
rotated, or scanned.
Simultaneously, a fixed
beam is projected at 90º
to the rotatable beam
from the top of the rotating head. The 90º beam provides a convenient
way to define right angle intersections for interior layout. See pg. 10
"vertical and line layout setups" for complete instruction on aligning the
vertical plane of light.
90
º
Fixed beam
Rotating beam
When the L5 is in vertical mode, it is completely manual in
operation and will not turn off if it is disturbed. Check the vertical
vial and your benchmarks regularly to be sure your work will be
accurate. The L5 is designed
for vertical alignment up to
two stories high.
The base of the L5 has four
notches molded-in to quickly allow
the transferring of points from floor
to ceiling. By simply drawing an
intersection with two lines, the base
notches act as guides to align the
L5 over the intersection. Once over
the point, center the bubble in the
circular vial and the self leveling
system will operate, projecting a
self plumbed spot on the ceiling.
Level Setup
Be sure to read "initial setup
guidelines" (pg. 4) and set the
laser on a tripod or a stable
surface which will not change
height or vibrate during your
work. Do not use a pickup bed,
plastic bucket or picnic table (we
have seen all of these setups
attempted by contractors with
predictably poor results).
Using the two leveling knobs,
center the bubble in the circular
level vial (review the procedure
on page 2 if you have difficulty).
Facing the laser control panel and looking down at the circular level vial,
when you turn either leveling screw clockwise, the bubble will move
toward that leveling screw. Once the bubble is centered, start the laser
by pressing the on / off (I/0) button.
If long distance is required, the L5 can be set-up in the middle of a site,
covering a total diameter of 660 feet (200 meters) with the R6 receiver,
the R7 receiver, or the MC-1 machine control receiver.
Periodically check your setup against existing benchmarks or set and
check your own benchmarks.

Note that there are three ways to project a level reference from the L5,
full 360ºrotation, scanning beam and fixed beam. 360ºrotation is used
when working outdoors with a receiver (at maximum rotation speed), or
when indoors and a full plane is needed (at any speed that allows
visibility). Scanning the beam is helpful when working indoors in brightly
lit conditions, since the sweep of the beam is concentrated into a smaller
area (scan can be varied to sweep approximately 90º, 45º, 30º, or 15º by
using the + and - buttons when in scan mode). Once the beam is
scanning at the desired width, the location of the scanned area can be
set by manually turning the rotating (scanning) head. Fixed beam
(rotation off) can be used to locate the height of a specific spot. With the
rotation off, the spot is aimed by manually turning the rotating head.