Wedge Innovations SmartLevel User manual

SMARTLEVE[
Digital Electronic Level
Owner's Manual

Smartlevel® Warranty
One-Year Limited Warranty
If, within one year from the date of original purchase, the Smartlevel Sensor Module or rail(s)
fail to function because of defects in materials or workmanship, Wedge Innovations ("Wedge")
will, at its option, either repair or replace such components provided the original purchaser:
1. Calls 1·800..SMARllEVEL (762·7853) for a Return Authorization Number. Wedge
is not able to accept returns without an authorization number clearly visible on the shipping
label;
2. Returns the Sensor Module or rail(s) postage-paid and insured to Wedge at the address set
forth below. Wedge is not responsible for any damage incurred to the components while in
transit or shipping to Wedge;
3. Submits original date and proof of purchase;
4. Includes a brief explanation describing why the Sensor Module or rail(s) are inoperable, or
how the component was damaged;
5. Submits $5.00 for each Sensor Module and for each rail to cover return postage and
handling. Please enclose the total amount in the form of a check or money order.
Do not send cash. ·
6. Send the materials to:
Wedge Innovations Service Center Authorization No. ______ _
2040 Fortune Drive, Suite 102
San Jose, California 95131-9799
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse or abuse,
water (except rails), tampering, servicing performed or attempted by unauthorized
agencies, or units that have been modified in any fashion.
If the components do not perform as warranted herein, the original purchaser's
sole remedy will be the repair or replacement of the components as provided
above. In no event will Wedge be liable for damages, lost revenue, lost wages, lost
savings, or any other incidental or consequential damages, domestic or
international, rising from the purchase and use or inability to use the components,
even if Wedge has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Except as provided herein, Wedge makes no warranties, express or implied,
including without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose, with respect to the components. All warranties for the
components, expressed or implied, are limited to the warranty period set forth
above. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights,
as indicated above, which vary from state to state.
Table of Contents
Warranty Registration Inside Front cover
Smartlevel: Digital Electronic Level 2
How to Operate Smartlevel
SmartLevel Features:
Selecting Smartlevel Functions
4 On! Off Button
5 Mode Button: Choosing the Measurement
7 Reset/Superset® Button: Recalibrating SmartLevel
12 Hold/Range Button: Freezing a Reading and
Choosing Accuracy
Measuring with Smartlevel
14 Using Arrow Symbols to Align SmartLevel
14 Measuring Level and Plumb
15 Setting an Angle
16 Integrated Wall Stand-Offs
Using the Sensor Module with
Various Rail Lengths
17 Transferring the Sensor Module Between Rails
3
4
14
17
Battery Compartment/Power Supply 19
Smartlevel Maintenance 20
Troubleshooting Guide
Inside Back Cover
Table of Contents 1

Smart Level®
Digital Electronic Level
SmartLevel reads all angles through 360,
0
displaying these
measurements in four different modes: angle, slope, pitch,
and simulated bubble.
ln add)t)sm, 'j'V"\\ m.u'j -&elect the Sm.urtl...e'lel piec)-::,)on needed
for your job, 0.1 or 0.2 degree resolution. And SmartLevel's
reset feature allows you to easily recalibrate SmartLevel to
original accuracy.
RAIL & SENSOR MODULE
Aircraft-Grade \
Aluminum Rail
Impact-Absorbing \
End caps
SENSOR MODULE BACK
Locking Cams
Sensor Module
Locking Screws
9-Volt Battery Compartment
SENSOR MODULE FACE
On/Off Button
Battery Compartment
Locking Screws
Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD)
LIQUID-CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)
Level Direction
! n n
~--.
Indicator
12
o o.•~
Range Setting
'
Indicator
Pitch Mode Indicator
2 Smartlevel
Hold/Range
Button
Hold Mode
Indicator When
Flashing
How to Operate SmartLevel
Measurements with SmartLevel are easy Simply tum SmartLevel
on and:
1. Select the appropriate mode settings by pressing the
Mode button.
2.. Selectfue app1opnate Runge b':f pie-;:,-;:,mg fueHo1u unu
Mode button (Shift-Range) at the same time (see pages 12
and-13).
3. Set the base of SmartLevel upon the surface you wish to
measure. The display automatically shows the angle in
clear, easy-to-use numbers.
4. Directional arrows on the display indicate which way to
move the rail to make it level or plumb.
Notes: The base of Smartlevel module or rails must always
be flush against the surface you wish to measure. Tipping or
rolling the level will result in an inaccurate measurement.
You also must recalibrate your SmartLevel
REGULARLY to maintain its accuracy (see
pages 7·11).
How to Operate Smartlevel 3

SmartLevel Features
Selecting Smartlevel Functions
SmartLevel is easy to use. Each button controls the feature
that's written on it (ON/OFF, MODE, RESET, and HOLD).
In addition, the Mode button works like a shift key to access
two other features. Simultaneously press Mode and Hold
(Shift-Range) to change Range settings. Or press Mode and
Reset (Shift-Superset®) to activate SuperSet. These shift
functions are printed on the module just below their respec-
tive buttons.
On/Off Button
~
••
JMooeJ ~ n n n ° i JRESETI IHOLDI
Shift f 0 0 •0 f SuperSet-
PRO SMARTLEVEr
Range
To activate SmartLevel, press the On/Off button. SmartLevel
will display the current angle in the Mode and Range last
selected.
To conserve power, turn off SmartLevel when your job is
completed. But if you forget, SmartLevel shuts off automati-
cally if it is not jostled or moved within five minutes.
4 Smartlevel Features
Mode Button
Choosing the Measurement
-·
Shill
nn n
00.0
0 I
HOLD I
PRO SMARTLEVEr
Range
The Mode button is used to select any of four different
ways of measuring angles: degrees, slope, pitch and simu-
lated bubble.
PRESS'f/
When the Mode button is held down, the =
display will "scroll" through all mode settings.
Degrees (0 )- measured in tenths of one degree
Indicates degree of inclination.
0.0° is level; 90.0° plumb. Used
to determine an existing angle or
establish a new one.
Slope(%)- measured in tenths of one percent
Indicates percent slope. Used to
check drainage lines, landscap-
ing grades, etc.
Pitch (IN/FT)- measured in fractions of one inch per foot
I 1I
Indicates pitch or inches of rise
l ~r-~ ::r per foot of run. Used to establish
roof pitch, drainage, etc.
Just under 1/4 inch per foot
I
' Just over 1/8 inch per foot
I
'
.,.. !
. 0 IN/FT
Exactly 1/8 inch per foot
The Pitch mode reads in 1/8 inch
per foot increments. Pluses and
minuses are used to indicate when
the pitch is slightly more(+) or
less (-) than the angle shown on
the display. The Range setting
(accuracy level) does not affect
the Pitch mode.
Smartlevel Features 5

Pitch (continued)
In Pitch mode, SmartLevel measures from level (or
0:12) to 76° (or48:12). After 76~ SmartLevel mea-
sures deviation in inches per foot of nm from vertical
(plumb). As aresult, both level and plumb read "0"
on the display.
For using SmartLevel on projects requiring metric
units, use the % slope mode to measure pitch. The
grade of an angle is equivalent to centimeters ofrise
per meter of run.
Simulated Bubble
[,
;:~
Out of level
[, r
:-:
-•
Closer
II
;:::-
.
.
Perfectly level
6 Smartlevel Features
(s:;:•)
•[
•[
Indicates Sensor Module is
nearing level or plumb as bubble
moves closer to centerline.
The sensitivity of the bubble's
movement on the display is con-
trolled by the Range (accuracy)
setting, with "1" being more sen-
sitive than ''2:' Changing to the
Degree(
0)
Mode will allow you to
see how far off level and plumb
you are using numbers .
Reset/SuperSet Button
Recalibrating SmartLevel
!Mooel
1
Shift
00 0
u u.u
0
PRO SMJ\RTLEVEL:
I HOLD I
Range
This button is the key to keeping your SmartLevel accurate.
No level can withstand the abuses of a construction site with-
out losing accuracy over time, but with SmartLevel you can
recalibrate to factory specs quickly and easily.
There are two procedures that you will use to do this: Reset
and SuperSet.
• Reset is a simple "end-for-end" procedure you should use
daily" before you begin working. It takes less than 30 seconds
to perform.
• SuperSet recalibrates SmartLevel through its entire 360°
range. It's an eight-step procedure that takes just a couple of
minutes.
Because SmartlLevel is digital, you can easily determine if
it's reading correctly- just compare numbers in a simple
"end-for-end" test- not unlike what you do with a bubble
level to make sure it's okay.
Use this diagnostic test daily to see if you need to Reset or
SuperSet your SmartLevel.
• Lay your Smartlevel on a clean, flat surface. (It doesn't have to be exactly
level.) Wait 10 seconds, and note the angle on the display.
• Rotate the level end-for-end so the display is on the opposite side. Be
sure and set Smartlevel in exactly the same spot, and allow it to sit for at
least 10 seconds before reading the angle again.
•If your measurements vary by more than 0.1 o_ which can be caused by
surface irregularities- you should Reset.
Smartlevel Features 7

Reset
Reset is a simple 30 secoml two-step procedure that should be
done once a day, or whenever the module is reinstalled in
the rail.
How to Reset
Turn on SmartLevel and place it on a flat surface. The
surface doesn't have to be level.
Note: Wait 15 seconds before pressing the Reset button.
Reset- Step 1
• Sensor Module faces you
• Broad base of rail on a flat surface
• Align with an edge or line
• Wait 15 seconds
• Press Reset button, hold until flashing
"CAL 1" symbol appears briefly, followed
by flashing angle measurement
PRESS ~
~A~
Reset- Step 2
• Rotate Smartlevel180° so that Sensor Module faces away from you
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 15 seconds
• Press Reset button, hold untii"CAL 2" appears
PRESS ~
L___[~F-~ _:__L_:__-.~2_1 PI g '
8 Smartlevel Features
Now that you've Reset your SmartLevel, try the same "end-
for-end" in the vertical (plumb) position, making sure to wait
at least 10 seconds after inverting the level each time. If
these readings are different from each other by more than
0.1 ~ then you need to SuperSet.
SuperSet
SuperSet recalibrates SmartLevel through its entire 360°
range. It is similar to Reset, but is done in four horizontal
and four vertical settings. You should SuperSet your
SmartLevel frequently, especially if it's taken a fall, or if
you're using it in a very different temperature range from
when it was last Superset.
flow to Perform SuperSet
Turri on SmartLevel and place it on a flat surface. You can
use any horizontal surface within 10° of level and any verti-
cal surface within 10° of plumb to perform SuperSet. You
must use the same surfaces throughout the entire process.
Note: Each time you reposition Smartlevel during SuperSet, wait a
minimum of 10 seconds before pressing the Reset button. For optimal
accuracy, SuperSet should be performed with the Sensor Module placed
within a rail. If a rail is not available, you may perform SuperSet with the
Sensor Module alone.
Starting SuperSet
• Press and hold the Mode
and Reset (Shift-Superset)
buttons simultaneously.
• Release the buttons when
the symboi"SUP" appears.
A "0" with flashing brackets will
then appear.
Press Simultaneously
SuperSet Begins
"O"Within
Flashing Brackets
Smartlevel Features 9

SuperSet- Horizontal Settings
,~ 1 ~-
L. 1 -·
• Sensor Module faces you
• Broad base of rail on surface
• Align with an edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[1 ]"
with flashing brackets appears
, .... ""1 ""1
L.C~
• Rotate Smartlevel so that Sensor
Module faces away from you
• Broad base of rail on surface
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[-2]"
with flashing brackets appears
,......... ""1
L. =· -·
- • Flip Smartlevel so that narrow
top of the rail is on the surface and
Sensor Module faces you
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[3]"
with flashing brackets appears
..... ,. .....
,_ -. ~
• Rotate Smartlevel so that Sensor
Module faces away from you
• Narrow top of rail on surface
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[4]"
with flashing brackets appears
The horizontal settings of SuperSet
are now completed.
10 Smartlevel Features
1
1
~1
l
SuperSet- Vertical Settings
..... r'" ......
,_ ~ -•
• Place Smartlevel against vertical suface so
that Sensor Module faces you
• Broad base of rail on surface
• Align with an edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[5]" with flashing
brackets appears
..... r'" ,....
L. 0 -•
• Flip Smartlevel over so the narrow top of
rail is against vertical suface and Sensor
Module faces away from you
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[6]" with flashing
brackets appears
........... ""1
L. ......
• Rotate Smartlevel end-for-end so the narrow
top qf rail is against vertical sutace and Sensor
Module faces you
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button until"[?]" with flashing
brackets appears
, .... r1 ......
,_ 0 .....
• Flip Smartlevel over so the broad base of
rail is against vertical suface and Sensor
Module faces away from you
• Align with same edge or line
• Wait 10 seconds
• Press Reset button untii"[B]" with flashing
brackets appears
Your SmartLevel has been SuperSet
back to factory-perfect accuracy.
Canceling SuperSet
You may cancel SuperSet procedure at any time during the
process by turning the unit off.
Smartlevel Features 11

Hold/Range Button
Freezing a Reading and Choosing Accuracy
Range
Symbol
IMooel
1
Shill
nn n
00.0
Hold
Symbol
0
PRO SMJ\RTLEVEL:
Hold-Freezing a Reading
,...,..
IRESETI •
SuperSet""
Range
PRESS
If you need to take a measurement
with SmartLevel in an unreadable
position, or if you need to tempo-
:]~R
rarily lock in a reading while you record it, simply press the
Hold button while SmartLevel is reading the angle that you
are measuring. The readout will freeze and a flashing "H"
will appear on the right side of the display. To release, press
the Hold button a second time.
, Another advantage offered by the Hold button is that you
can change from one mode to any other while the angle
you've measured remains "frozen': This way you can con-
vert an angle measured in one mode (such as degrees) to
another mode (% slope or roof pitch) without having to con-
sult a conversion chart. You can also change the range (accu-
racy level) while a measurement is on hold.
12 Smartlevel Features
_ij.
Range-Choosing Accuracy
Different jobs require different levels of accuracy. By press-
ing the Mode and Hold (Shift-Range) buttons simultaneous-
ly, you can select one of two range settings (0.1 o or 0.2°) in
all but the pitch mode .
Each simultaneous press advances the range setting, which
appears on the middle left side of the display. The current
range setting is always displayed.
Hold/Range Button & Display
Range "1"
Range "2"
Accurate to within plus or minus
(±) 1/10 (.1) of a degree; the
symbol"1" will appear on the
display
Accurate to within plus or minus
(±) 2/10 (.2) of a degree; the
symbol"2" will appear on the
display
Smartlevel Features 13

Measuring with Smartlevel
Using Arrow Symbols to Align Smartlevel
Arrows on the display indicate which way to move
SmartLevel to achieve level or plumb.
Between 0° and 44.9~ a pair of (e 2. g o J)
arrows in opposite comers of the
display will point towards the level position.
Between 45° and 89.9~ the arrows will point
towards plumb.
The SmartLevel display electronically "flips over" when the
unit is turned upside-down, allowing for easy reading when
measuring overhead components.
(
Measuring Level and Plumb
The following table shows the display readings for each of
SmartLevel's four mode settings at 0.0~ 45.0~ and 90.0°:
Degrees
%Slope Pitch (IN/FT)
Simulated Bubble
Level 0.0°
0.0% 0.0
c::•
45.0°
100%
12
Out of range
Plumb
90.0°
0.0%
0.0
. :,
.: ~
14 Measuring with Smartlevel
Setting an Angle ("Zeroing" Out)
For some jobs, you may wish to set a particular angle as a
reference point from which you can take measurements. For
example, you may want a 3° surface displayed as 0° so you
can measure all other angles from this benchmark.
A good example is setting the blade angle on a radial-arm
saw. You can easily use the SmartLevel module to set the
blade even if the saw table/bed isn't peifectly level.
Just "zero" out the module on the table (set it to read 0.0°),
and then use the module to set the blade at the proper angle
without having to compensate for the out-of-level condition
of the saw.
CAUTION: If you set your SmartLevel to read 0.0° when it is off level,
you must follow the Reset procedure before you can once again accurately
read level and plumb (see Reset/SuperSet button,
pages 7-11 ).
How ~o Set an Angle
• Place SmartLevel on the
surface you wish to set at 0.0~
Wait 10 seconds.
• Press the Reset button
until the symbol "CAL 1"
appears, followed by the
angle measurement itself. ,,.... ~
4
, I PREss '\.
,• RESET_ IHoLD1RaOnL
9
D
0
1 \
It will blink on the display. ).... ~-· ).... . LJ
• Do not turn the level180° c__ ____ _
as in the Reset procedure,
but instead press the Reset PREss '\.
button again, until the sym- I ~ ~• ) ~ I HsET 1 HR•o"Lso•] \
bol "CAL2" appears. L_. -~--~--• _ ..... _c _ __J.
That's it!
When the level is on this
surface or another at the same
angle, it will read "0.0~"
• To reset SmartLevel to true level
see pages 7 and 8.
Measuring with Smartlevel 15

Integrated Wall Stand .. Qffs
Scribing Lines with SmartLevel
SmartLevel's integrated wall stand-offs stabilize the tool for
scribing or measuring lines on vertical surfaces.
To extend the stand-offs, press and slide your thumb over the
ribbed portion toward the top of the rail. The stand-offs will
pivot out of their nested position.
The bottom surface of SmartLevel can now be easily used to
guide a pencil or scribe when drawing or measuring lines.
Why are Smartlevel Rails
Shaped Like a Triangle?
SmartLevel evolved from several hundred hours of consumer
testing and research dedicated to developing a new ergonomic
(comfort- and safety-oriented) design for SmartLevel.
The triangular shape, with its broad base and narrow top, permits
SmartLevel to be placed securely on a flat surface, preventing the
tool from easily tipping over or falling, while its narrow top makes
it easy to grip. The groove on the rail base allows you to set
SmartLevel more securely on a rounded surface, such as a
drainage pipe. And the beveled ends permit you to easily maneu-
ver the tool into tight, angled spots, which would be impossible
with a typical rectangular level.
Finally, we added large handholds for the entire rail length, allow-
ing you to get a firm, safe grip on your SmartLevel, even when
wearing work gloves.
16 Measuring with Smartlevel
.,..
Using the Sensor Module
with Various Rail Lengths
The Sensor Module may be used alone as a torpedo-style
level, or it can be transferred and locked into various rail
handholds. It fits into any handhold of the 48- and 78-inch
rails, but only into the center handhold of the 24-inch rail.
Longer rail lengths provide greater accuracy over longer
distances because they "average out" surface imperfections
(knots, blisters, bends, bows, etc.).
Transferring the Sensor
Module between Rails
The Sensor Module locks into the
handholds via a pair of grooved,
self-centering cams, which secure it
in the rail. The cams are engage~d
or released by turning the two / ~
locking screws located on the ~/V x tL;k
(180°)
back of the module. r
Unlock
Removing the Sensor Module from a Rail (1
8
oo)
• Using a screwdriver, turn each locking screw Flat on Top
counter-clockwise until the flat side of the screw of Screw
aligns w1th the top edge of the ensor 8 of cam
. . S ~ Matches Flat
Module. The flat side of the screw cor- ~
responds with a flat side of the cam. ~
• Firmly push the module out of
the handhold.
DO NOT FORCE.
•If the module does not slip out with reasonable
pressure, the cams may still be engaged.
Use the screwdriver to turn the cams
while pushing the module out.
Using Various Rail Lengths 17