Features of levels
For surveyors and construction workers, a measuring level is considered a must-have device - thanks to it, they can carry out all the necessary measurements and make calculations with maximum accuracy. Most often, when carrying out work, Bosch Professional levels are used.
Bosch levels are in demand when:
- creation of geodetic maps of high accuracy;
- installation of technical equipment and structures, for example, for the installation of power line poles;
- arrangement of the area;
- leveling of significant areas;
- predicting the parameters of subsidence of buildings and structures;
- internal construction and installation works (when laying floors and installing ceilings).
For domestic purposes, levels are often used when repairing residential premises. For this purpose, a separate type of measuring equipment has been developed, which is better known as a laser level. Such devices have the ability to project light rays onto flat surfaces, thereby perfectly marking corners. The use of a laser level provides maximum accuracy when laying tiles and wallpapering walls, that is, it helps in those places where it is necessary to comply with even geometric lines and angles.
Levels are also useful for electricians - they can be used to accurately position the placement of switches, electrical outlets, as well as circuit breakers on the same line relative to the horizon or from floor level.
To understand the vast majority of users, it must be said that level and level are one and the same tool. Let's say more - even professional builders very often call the same device that way. Of course, there is no serious mistake in this, since both of these tools function according to similar principles and are aimed at solving approximately the same problems.
Nevertheless, there are fundamental differences in measuring instruments. So, a level is a device that can work with a single point of support, rotating around a circle. The action of the level applies only to two points, between which it is necessary to draw a horizontal line.
Control
The Bosch GLL 3-80 Professional laser level control is simple and intuitive, which is a plus for people who have never dealt with a laser plane.
All control consists of two keys on a membrane keyboard located in the upper part of the device, and a switch on (unlocking the compensator) and off (blocking) on the side of the laser level.
By sliding the toggle switch towards you, turn on the locked compensator mode (operating mode with inclined lines). By moving the toggle switch towards yourself, turn on the self-leveling mode.
The key on the membrane keyboard, located second from the emitter, includes sequentially: horizontal, horizontal + vertical, horizontal + 2 verticals.
When the key located first from the emitter is pressed on the membrane keyboard, the device switches to the mode of operation with the receiver.
Top Models
Bosch PLL P1
One of the cheapest and easiest to use Bosch leveling models. The design visually resembles a typical bubble building level, but only equipped with a light laser. It is used as a level together with a vertical staff. The instrument is additionally equipped with a plumb line option to optimize the height transfer process. Landmarks are aligned horizontally and vertically using bubble levels powered by alcohol.
Pros:
- compactness;
- light weight;
- democratic cost;
- acceptable accuracy for low-responsibility work;
- durable body.
Minus - you have to buy a tripod for it.
Bosch PCL P10 Basic
This device is optimal for household work and is a high-precision laser level. The design is distinguished by its high quality of workmanship, due to which it has the ability to carry out the entire range of measurements required for home repairs. Due to the presence of horizontal and vertical cross markings, it takes readings in all major directions. The body is made in an ergonomic design, complemented by soft pads.
Pros:
- compactness;
- light rays are bright, well visible even in a darkened room;
- high accuracy.
Minuses:
- in bright sunlight, the rays are almost indistinguishable;
- the tripod is not included in the package.
Bosch Universal Level 3 SET
This light tool can be used immediately after purchase, there are 3 laser beams that appear vertically, horizontally, as well as along the ceiling. The device places the planes and thereby produces a cutoff of heights. The luminous flux power allows you to cover a distance of up to 10 m, there is an option for automatic alignment on several planes.
The kit includes a tripod and a charging source, so that the tool can be used on non-electrified sites.
Pros:
- good equipment;
- high strength measurements;
- when projecting, beams are exposed in all directions.
Bosch Universal Level 3
This model is specially designed for use in confined spaces. It is characterized by increased measurement accuracy - the error limits never exceed 0.5 mm / m. An auto-align function is provided. Using a leveling rod, the cross beams create planes to define the target level.
Pros:
- increased measurement accuracy;
- clear functionality;
- the ability to make markings on a slope.
Minuses:
- the measurement error at the control point on the ceiling can reach 2 cm;
- the tripod is not included in the package.
Bosch PLL 360
This device is as close as possible to professional models in terms of its functionality. The level has the ability to project several planes at once, an auto-alignment mode is provided. The design can provide the ability to deploy a horizontal beam around its axis, and also builds diagonal projections. Works at a distance of up to 20 m, including in a closed room, a seat is provided.
Pros:
- a large number of planes, including inclined ones;
- large distance for fixing measurements;
- ergonomic lightweight body;
- high measurement accuracy.
There is only one minus - in the cold season, the batteries are quickly discharged.
How to order a level from China?
It is completely safe and very profitable to order a professional laser level directly from China!
The only thing is, you have to wait a bit. Those who took advantage of this opportunity were very pleased with the quality and functionality of the levels for incomparably less money.
You can choose a high-quality and inexpensive laser level with free shipping from China on one of two proven sites:
The best prices!
Lowest prices! (When you go to the site search, enter - Laser Level)
The ordering process is very simple, everyone can figure it out in a couple of minutes. And since in most cases the delivery is absolutely free, it all comes down to a simple algorithm - you chose, paid and received at your post office or at home by courier.
Functionality
With the help of a laser level Bosch GLL 3-80 Professional will be able to perform almost all general construction work, both professionals and beginners.
The 2 key will build consecutively all 3 planes with a 360 ° sweep.
The function of the locked expansion joint will help you mark anything at an angle (stairs, railings, rafters, etc.).
A big plus of the laser builder in question is that it is equipped with a full-fledged plumb line: a plumb point down (crosshair point on the floor), a plumb line up (crosshair point on the ceiling).
With the GLL 3-80 laser level, you can work up to 80 meters outside in bright sunny weather, if you use a special one that is purchased separately or in an extended kit.
The receiver will help you locate the laser beam with indicators over long distances and in high light conditions.
Can be mounted on various tripods
The mounting options of the Bosch GLL 3-80 Professional level are quite wide.
The base of the instrument is provided with 1/4 "and 5/8" threads, which will allow the level to be installed on all standard tripods and rods.
Multifunctional mount with microlift BM 1 Professional (included in the maximum set of Bosch GLL 3-80 Professional) will significantly increase the mounting options: a hole for a self-tapping screw, a nail (on almost any vertical surface that can be drilled, punched); magnets on the back of the holder (on a vertical metal surface).
The hole for the strap will allow you to attach the level to plastic pipes and other surfaces that cannot be drilled into. At the base of the holder there are “legs” that extend and make the holder more stable. The holder can be used as a mini-tripod with a microlift, on which there is a fixation of a certain height.
Functional
In our century, technological development does not stand still and is improving at an immeasurable speed. Today, lasers capable of projecting 3 planes at 360 degrees are, in my opinion, the most successful solution.
Plus, when the lines above and below intersect, the crosses under construction form full-fledged plumb points.
We all remember the usual plumb lines, pulling the thread in a plane, how much time and effort was spent on the banal setting of beacons when leveling the walls.
The Bosch gll 3-80C laser level has the function of working at any angle, but just like in the old model, the lines in this mode flash every five seconds.
In comparison with its predecessors in the “3-80” line, the beam has become much brighter and clearer without any blurring along the edges, and the operating distance with the receiver has increased up to 120 meters in diameter or up to 60 meters in radius.
The design of laser levels with conical prisms allows you to project the beams as close as possible to the walls and ceiling, which adds convenience in work. The distance from the wall to the beam of this particular model is slightly less than 2 cm - this is not much, there is even less, for example, the Firecore F99T-XR laser level, this distance is about 0.8 cm.
A distinctive feature of Bosch gll 3-80C from all similar laser levels is the "CAL guard" function, which, using built-in sensors, constantly monitors the device for malfunctions after impacts or use at elevated temperatures, as well as simply the need to check the calibration every 12 months ...
The LED at the top of the “Cal” control panel will serve as an alert. More detailed information can be viewed in the application on your smartphone.
The connection between the smartphone on the Android or IOS operating system is carried out via Bluetooth and the application “Leveling Remote App” downloaded from the Play Store or Apple Store.
The application has a number of functions for controlling the level:
1. Control of the laser level - switching between planes,
2. Control of the turntable RM3,
3. Power control - three modes of beam brightness (to save battery power),
Minimum brightness
Average brightness
Maximum brightness
4) Cal guard - information about damage and calibration time.
If the level does not receive power from accumulator batteries or batteries, the power for monitoring is a coin-cell battery, which is located on the back of the level behind the battery compartment and provides 72 hours of continuous tracking.
My opinion is that all this is a huge plus and makes it as easy as possible to work with the device.
It is also possible to track the device using the same application, or through your personal account on the bosch-trackmytools website.
Frame
The body of the Bosch GLL 3-80 Professional laser level is made in the original style without any special deviations and design findings, with the exception of the V-shaped notch in the front of the case and the insertion of magnets into the protruding parts of the notch.
It should be noted that magnets are not found on all levels of this model, which is why it is not clear. The use of this V-notch is extremely rare, it is mainly used for more convenient positioning at some corners.
Magnets are also used for very specific tasks, mainly related to the installation of floor guide profiles.
The body is made mostly of plastic, and if dropped, this is unlikely to protect it from damage, but it should be noted that the level sits quite well in the hand.
In case of a fall, the “heads” protruding from the body of the device can easily be damaged, taking the whole brunt of the blow, and given the fact that the Bosch service quite often refuses to repair laser levels, then it is completely possible to be left without a device and without money paid for him.
The base area of the level is quite small, so if you accidentally touch the device, there is a high probability of tipping over, which again can lead to damage.
The degree of protection of the body of the laser level Bosch GLL 3-80 Professional from dust and moisture according to the international standard IP54.
Control
Compared to previous models, the switching of the toggle switch remains unchanged:
OFF - off (transport mode),
Middle position - compensator blocking mode. In which the rays are blocked and it becomes possible to perform marking work with inclined lines.
Compensator unlocking mode - the rays begin to self-align.
The main control panel, located at the top of the level, has undergone a number of changes and now looks like this:
1. Battery charge indicator,
2. Cal guard indicator - lights up when the device needs to be calibrated,
3. Indicator of the operating mode when the compensator is locked,
4. Bluetooth on / off,
5. Mode of operation with the receiver,
6. Switching modes of operation of laser beams.
The plane switching algorithm is implemented as follows. When the laser level is turned on, the horizon lights up. On subsequent switches:
1. The horizon goes out, the beam at the end turns on,
2. The side beam is connected,
3. All three planes.
Thus, if necessary, you can leave one thing either horizontal or vertical.
Review overview
Analyzing reviews of Bosch levels, left by users on a variety of thematic portals, it can be noted that the equipment of this brand is distinguished by functionality, practicality, high quality and durability.
The devices are equipped with high-capacity batteries - this makes the use of the equipment doubly convenient, since during measurements, users do not need to interrupt work to recharge the device.
Bosch equipment is highly accurate, but only at close range. With increasing range, the error increases - this is due to the scattering of the light beam
Users pay attention to the fact that in bright light and in the sun, the laser beam of Bosch levels is almost invisible, and this significantly reduces the measurement accuracy. Levels of this brand are lightweight, compact and ergonomic, so the equipment can be easily moved from place to place
In general, users highlight the following advantages of this brand's products:
- compactness;
- light weight
- mobility;
- affordability;
- practicality.
Of the minuses, you can note:
- insufficient data accuracy when measuring at long distances;
- light beam scattering;
- individual components of the kit have to be purchased additionally, since they are not included in the basic kit.
An overview of the Bosch GPL 5 Professional laser level, see below.
Operating tips
The rules for working with levels are different depending on the principle of operation of the device.
So, when operating Bosch optical-mechanical structures, it should be borne in mind that its main element is a telescope with a magnification of 25-35 times, it is placed on a tribrach, the length of which must be adjusted manually. The device includes a cylindrical level - it is necessary for horizontal alignment; in addition, there is an elevation screw in the design, which facilitates orientation in space.
Before starting work, place the measuring device on a tripod, then level it horizontally using the leveling screws. You can locate the desired location via the built-in bubble level. Next, the pipe is aimed at the rail with the help of the sight, after which the required sharpness is set by moving the eyepiece ring.
The most accurate fixation on the built-in rail is carried out due to the focusing, as well as the directing screw mechanisms. All readings are taken and recorded. After that, you can start working with the second checkpoint.
Bosh laser levels allow you to set perfectly straight lines in several planes. Their principle of operation is based on focusing a stream of light, which looks like a bright point or a clear line of light (light is emitted by lenses and LEDs). The body is made of durable materials, a level is built inside, which allows you to set the beams horizontally.
It is very easy and simple to use such levels. To start measuring, the laser must be placed on a leveled horizontal support or tripod. With the help of a narrowly directed beam, a line or a point is fixed on the studied surface, which is necessary for calculations. When carrying out complex geodetic measurements in open areas, the rays are directed to the rails, and the displayed information is recorded.
