Spectra Precision DG613 Technical manual

1

Applications and Setups
This section describes three fundamentals for using the Model
DG813/613 to install gravity flow pipe; they are Grade, Elevation, and
Line otherwise known as G-E-L.
To install gravity flow pipe, the pipe is set to a percentage of Grade that
has been determined by some engineered plans. The gravity flow pipe is
designed to be set to some engineered Elevation. Finally, the gravity flow
pipe will be installed between two designed points, therefore defining
Line.
The process for setting up the Model DG813/613 remains the same. The
laser beam shall be sloped to match the plans. The Elevation of the pipe
or cut to invert is given from the plans at which the laser shall be used to
control that elevation, and finally set the laser on Line to match the
orientation of the pipe run.
After all have been set, installing pipe is accomplished by inserting a laser
target into new pipe sections and then aligning the pipe until the laser
target’s bulls-eye is centered on the beam.
Manhole
stake
Manhole
stake
Elevation
Line Grade

GRADE:
Grade establishes the slope of the pipe and is generally displayed in percent (%). A rise of 1ft (1 m) over
a run of 100-ft (100 m) equals 1.00%.
After setting Grade into the unit, the laser automatically slopes the beam to match the slope of the
pipe and maintain its slope if disturbed.
Note: Some engineering plans list the pipe’s grade on a per foot or per meter basis. Before using your
Model DG813/613, transfer the engineered slope information into the Laser according to the Grade
Display Mode feature. Consult your salesman or service personnel for Grade Display Mode
configuration.
ELEVATION:
Depending on the application and jobsite conditions, the laser may be set to an elevation that matches
either the centerline of the pipe, at some distance above the invert of the pipe, or set over the top of
the pipe.
When setting the laser a surveyed manhole grade hub must be available to set the laser at the proper
elevation and the pipe will be installed at the correct elevation.
LINE:
Line insures proper direction of the pipe run between manholes according to the engineered plans.
Once Grade, Elevation, and Line are set, the laser will be projected at the proper grade, elevation, and
line for the pipe run. After a little practice, it normally takes about 5 minutes to set up the laser and
start laying pipe.
Laser beam Pipe invert Always constant distance

Setup, Step by Step:
Set Elevation for Small In-the-Pipe or Pre-cast Inverts:
1. The Laser automatically centers in the 6-inch (150-mm) diameter pipe and pre-cast inverts
without using any additional accessories.
2. The Laser automatically centers in 8-inch (200-mm) diameter pipe with the 1248 mounting
plate.
3. Use the following chart to determine how to setup the laser so the laser beam is centered in
the following pipe sizes.
Pipe Diameter Required Mounting Accessories
A B C Set
Up1230 1237 1248
6 inch or 150 mm None 1
8 inch or 200 mm Legs Down X 2
10 inch or 250 mm Legs Up X X 3
12 inch or 300 mm Legs Down X X 4
15 inch or 400 mm Legs Down X X 5

Illustration
Set Up A 1230 B 1237 C 1248
1
2
3
4
5

Elevation of Flat Bottom Manholes
1. When a Laser is to be set on a flat surface where the laser beam is not centered in the pipe,
use model 1230 Heavy Duty Trivet Plate and Universal Fixed Pole.
2. Using this system, the elevation of the laser beam can be set by either measuring down from a
grade offset hub outside the trench or up from the floor of the manhole to the beam.
3. The 1239 has both tenths/hundredths and cm/mm scales for setting the elevation of the beam.
1230/1237 Heavy Duty Invert Plate
The invert plates model 1230 (English) and 1237 (Metric) are one piece cast aluminum support
plates that provides automatic self-centering of the Laser in 10 in. (250 mm), 12 in. (300 mm) or
15 in. (400mm) pipe diameters. The invert plates are used along with the 1239 Universal Fixed
Pole for setups on the manhole bottom, outside of the manhole or in pipes larger than 15 in. (400
mm) diameter.
1239 Universal Fixed Pole
The 1239 Universal Fixed Pole supports a Laser at a predetermined elevation above the invert.
The 1239 may be used with the 1228 Universal Adjustable Invert Plate, the 1230/1237 Heavy
Duty Invert Plates, or the 1244 T-Bar Assembly.

Features:
1. Pole Clamp – slides onto the vertical pole and is secured with the pole clamp’s handle.
2. Top Pole Scale (TPS) – determines the distance between the top of the pole to the center of
the laser beam.
3. Mounting Plate Scale (MPS) – determines the distance between the center of the laser beam
and the bottom of the Model Mounting Plate. This scale is represented with down arrows next
to the scale numbers.
2.
3.
1239 universal
fixed pole mounted
on 1230/1237 heavy
duty invert plate
Clamp #1
Clamp #2

Method 1: Using the Top Pole Scale (TPS)
Grade rod set on top of the Universal Fixed Pole.
Note: You must first decide what elevation the laser beam shall be used above the invert!
1. Record the “cut-to-invert” information from the grade hub.
2. Set up an automatic level and measure the elevation (HI) of the automatic level above the
grade hub.
3. Set a grade rod on top of the 1239 Universal Fixed Pole and record the measurement with the
automatic level.
4. Subtract the desired elevation of the laser beam above the pipe’s invert.
5. Calculate the TPS (Top Pole Scale) setting.
6. Adjust the pole clamp until the reading edge equals TPS.
7. The laser is now at the proper working elevation.
Laser beam distance
above invert
Rod reading on top
of fixed pole
Rod reading
on grade
hub
Cut to invert
Surveyor rod
Grade hub

Example 1: Setting the Grade Rod on top of the Top Pole Scale
Step Description Feet / Inch Metric
Step 1 Decide what elevation the laser beam shall be
used above the invert. 0.5 ft 0.152 m
Step 2 Record the “Cut to Invert” information from
the grade hub. 2.64 ft 0.805 m
Step 3 Measure the elevation (HI) of the optical
instrument above the grade hub. 3.70 ft 1.128 m
Step 4 Subtract the measured distance from the optical instrument to the top of 1239
Universal Fixed Pole -5.38 ft -1.635 m
Step 5 Subtract the desired elevation of the laser
beam above the pipe’s invert. -0.50 ft -0.152 m
Step 6 Calculated TPS =
2.64 ft
3.70 ft
-5.38 ft
-0.50 ft
0.46 ft
0.805 m
1.128 m
-1.635 m
-0.152 m
0.146 m
Step 7 Adjust the pole clamp until the reading edge is aligned with the TPS
reading (0.46 ft or 0.146 m)
Step 8 The laser beam is now set at your desired working elevation (6 inches /
0.5 ft / 152.4 mm) above the invert of the proposed pipe.

Method 2: Setting Grade Rod on Top of Laser
Note: Using this method, the offset distance of 0.23 ft (70
mm) between the top of the Laser housing and the center of
the laser beam will be used.
1. Decide what elevation of the laser beam shall be used
above the invert.
2. Record the “cut-to-invert” information from the grade hub.
Rod reading on top of laser

3. Set up an automatic level and measure the
elevation of the automatic level above the
grade hub.
4. Add elevation measurement of instrument
to “cut-to-invert” from grade hub.
5. Subtract the desired working of elevation of
laser beam above invert
6. Subtract the beam offset (0.23 ft / 70 mm).
7. Calculate new rod reading.
8. Set the rod on top of the Laser and adjust
the elevation of the laser until the correct
rod reading is observed.
9. The laser beam is now at the proper working elevation.
Example 2: Setting Grade Rod on Top of Laser
Laser beam distance
above invert
Rod reading on
top of laser
Rod reading
on grade
hub
Cut to invert
Step Description Feet /
Inch Metric
Step 1 Decide what elevation the laser beam shall be
used above the invert. 0.5 ft 0.152 m
Step 2 Record the “cut-to-invert” information from
the grade hub. 2.64 ft 0.805 m
Step 3 Measure the elevation (HI) of the optical
instrument above the grade hub. 3.70 ft 1.128 m

Step 4 Add elevation measurement of instrument to
“cut-to-invert” from grade hub. 5.38 ft 1.635 m
Step 5 Subtract the desired elevation of laser beam
above the pipe’s invert. -0.50 ft -0.152 m
Step 6 Subtract beam offset (0.23 ft / 70 mm). -0.23 ft -.070 m
Step 7 Calculated Rod Reading =
2.64 ft
3.70 ft
-0.50 ft
-0.23 ft
5.61 ft
0.805 m
1.128 m
-0.152
m
-0.070
m
1.711 m
Step 8 Set the rod on top of the Laser and adjust elevation until the correct rod reading is
observed. 5.61 ft 1.711 m
Step 9 The laser beam is now set at your desired working elevation (6
inches / 0.5 ft / 152.4 mm) above the invert of the proposed pipe.

Setting Line
The principle for setting line is always the same. The Laser is
positioned over the starting point of the pipe run then aimed to
the second control point on line. The further your second point is
from the laser, the more accurate your line will be.
First Point Setup (Using Plumb-bob):
Whether using the Laser in the invert or attached to the various
mounting plates the goal is to always set the Laser’s line axis bulls-
eye target over the vertical centerline of the pipe. This is
accomplished by one of the following methods:
1. Place the bulls-eye target under a plumb bob that has been
transferred from an offset grade hub.
2. If using a transit or theodolite, align the bulls-eye target to the
vertical cross hair of the transit’s telescope.
3. If the bulls-eye target cannot be seen, use the plus sign on the
positive grade button to align the target to the vertical cross
hair of the transit.
4. In an over-the-top setup, set the laser on a tripod and plumb
bob them over the first grade stake.

Second Far-Point Alignment:
1. Simultaneously press both Left and Right Line buttons to
center the laser’s +10° of line travel.
2. Press either Line button to align the laser beam to the second
control point. If using a wireless remote control, point the
remote towards the laser and press the appropriate line
button.
NOTE: Line speed increases the longer you press the line
button. To slow the line speed, release the line button then press
again.
Setting Line with the Line Set/Check Feature:
Line Set/Check can be used to align the beam to a forward
grade hub by moving the laser to its maximum leveling limit
then returning it to the original grade setting. Line Set/Check is
beneficial for setting line if a manhole mount or transit is not
available.
NOTE: Before using Line Set/Check, the Laser must be
accurately positioned for cross-axis roll to insure the laser beam
will track plumb.
Next manhole

Press and release the Mbutton at the standard display and select
Line Set/Check using the (+)/(-) and left/right buttons.
Pressing and releasing Ebutton activates the Line Set/Check mode while
the flashing Line Set/Check symbol appears together with a bubble
vial.
Adjust the bubble vial until it is centered and the Line Set/Check symbol
stops flashing.
Pressing and releasing the E button starts the beam moving
automatically up to 45°.
Using the +or -button at the RC803 remote control or at the laser stops
the automatic upwards beam movement.
Adjust the beam using Left/Right buttons until the beam is centered at
the line stake.
After aligning the beam to the required direction position, pressing and
releasing the EL button starts the beam plumb down movement to the
previous dialed in grade value.

Laying Pipe/Setup
1. First Day Setups -Use the line buttons to align the laser to the
next manhole.
2. Second day setups - Select a target that can establish the
centerline or distance above the invert in your pipe too the
correct grade, elevation, and line set the laser in the last pipe
checked to be set.
3. Align the laser to the target using the line buttons on the Laser or
using the wireless remote.
4. Lay Pipe – set the target in each new section of pipe and adjust
the pipe until the laser intersects the target’s bulls eye.
Large Pipe
The Laser can be set directly on the flow line using the various
mounting plates or a 1244 T-bar for increased stability and an
unobstructed flow line.
1. Set Grade Elevation, and Line into the Laser for large pipe
applications.

2. Set an adjustment pipe target so that the target’s bull eye is at
the same distance above the invert as your laser.
3. Place the pipe target in the last section of the pipe that has
been checked to be at the correct grade, elevation and line.
4. Adjust the pipe target until it’s level vial reads level.
5. Align the laser to the target’s bulls eye using the line buttons on
the Laser or the Wireless Remote.
6. Lay Pipe – Set the target in each new section of the pipe and
adjust the pipe until the laser intersects the target’s bulls eye
while the target is level.

In a Manhole
The Laser can be setup in a manhole using a transit to
accurately set line. The transit is plumbed over the laser on a
mount that clamps to the manhole. The laser is projected
down the center of the pipe.
1. Set the Laser support in the manhole and attach it to the
support.
2. Adjust the laser to the chosen height above the invert and
on the vertical centerline of the exit hole for the proposed
pipe.
3. Point the Laser towards the next manhole.
4. Hold an engineering rule on the vertical centerline and
adjust the laser’s height to the desired height above the
invert.
30.5 cm pipe
(12 in.)
30.5 cm dia
(12 in.)
15 cm radius
(6 in.)
Laser beam

Line (transit method)
1. Set a manhole mount and transit on the manhole.
2. Clamp the manhole mount base to the side of the manhole to
establish a stable transit support.
3. Secure the vertical arm into the manhole mount base.
4. Assemble the horizontal arm, horizontal clamp, and vertical
support clamp to the vertical arm and position over the top of
the Laser.
5. Attach your transit to the 5/8 x 11 (M16) threaded adapter in
the horizontal arm.
6. Transit Alignment:
You may position your transit over the Laser’s bulls eye target in one
of the following methods:
a. Optical Plummet: Use the Laser Plummet and if your transit is
equipped with an optical plummet, adjust the horizontal arm
to position the transit’s optical plummet over the Laser’s bulls eye
target.
b. Plumb Bob: If your transit does not have an optical plummet,
suspend a plumb bob from the transit, and align it over the Laser’s
bulls eye target.

7. After rough positioning the transit over the bulls eye target, use the
transit's leveling base to accurately adjust the transit to the bullseye
target.
8. Once the transit is set over the Laser’s bulls eye target, sight the
transit on the centerline of the next manhole and lock the scope on
line.
9. Plunge the scope into the trench and set a stake on line 20 – 25 feet
(6 – 8 m) from the first manhole.
10. Use the line buttons to intersect the stake with the laser beam.
11. Look through the transit at the stake and readjust the beam until
it is aligned with the vertical crosshair of the transit.
12. Lay pipe - Set the pipe target in each new section of pipe and
adjust the pipe until it intersects the target’s bulls eye.
NOTE: This method assumes that the manhole was set at the correct
elevation. If there is any question as to the manhole accuracy, check
the manhole and pipe invert elevation and transfer an offset to check
the line of pipe entering or exiting the manhole.
On Top of the Pipe
1. Line – Set the Laser until it is over the vertical centerline of the
pipe and pointing toward the next manhole.
NOTE: It may be necessary to support the Laser with extra gravel,
dirt, or sub-base material.
Next manhole
Transit
crosshairs
No Yes No
Laser spot
Vertical centerline