
©2017 Johnson Level & Tool - Rev. 1 1
Self-Leveling Rotary Laser
Model No. 40-6519
Instruction Manual
Congratulations on your choice of this Self-Leveling Rotary Laser. We
suggest you read this instruction manual thoroughly before using the
instrument. Save this instruction manual for future use.
This is a Class IIIa laser tool and is manufactured to comply with CRF 21,
parts 1040.10 and 1040.11 as well as international safety rule IEC 285.
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Table of Contents
1. Kit Contents
2. Features and Functions
3. Safety Instructions
4. Location/Content of Warning
Labels
5. Location of
Parts/Components
6. Operating Instructions
7. Using the Product
8. Laser Placement
9. Application Demonstrations
10. Troubleshooting Guide
11. Calibration
12. Technical Specifications
13. Care and Handling
14. Product Warranty
15. Warranty Registration
16. Accessories
1. Kit Contents
Description Qty.
Self-Leveling Rotary Laser
1
“AA” Alkaline Batteries 6
Wall/Ceiling Mount 1
8' Grade Rod 1
Elevating Tripod 1
Detector with 2 “AA” Alkaline Batteries 1
Tinted Glasses 1
Target 1
Instruction Manual 1
Hard-Shell Carrying Case 1
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2. Features and Functions
• Self-leveling with magnetically dampened compensation system.
• If laser is out of its self-leveling range, rotation stops and
alarm sounds.
• Projects (1) a horizontal laser plane and a vertical plumb beam
or (2) a vertical laser plane with a simultaneous 90° split beam.
• Laser rotation speed is 200rpm (Low), 400rpm (Medium),
600rpm (High).
• Illuminated vial for alignment in vertical plane.
• Water and dust resistant.
3. Safety Instructions
Please read and understand all of the following instructions, prior
to using this tool. Failure to do so, may void the warranty.
DANGER!
Class IIIa Laser Product
Max. Power Output: ≤ 5mW
Wavelength: 625-645nm
THIS TOOL EMITS LASER RADIATION.
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM.
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE.
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ATTENTION IMPORTANT
• Read all instructions prior to operating this laser tool. Do not remove any labels from tool.
• Do not stare directly at the laser beam.
• Do not project the laser beam directly into the eyes of others.
• Do not set up laser tool at eye level or operate the tool near a reflective surface as
the laser beam could be projected into your eyes or into the eyes of others.
• Do not place the laser tool in a manner that may cause someone to unintentionally
look into the laser beam. Serious eye injury may result.
• Do not operate the tool in explosive environments, i.e. in the presence of gases or
flammable liquids.
• Keep the laser tool out of the reach of children and other untrained persons.
• Do not attempt to view the laser beam through optical tools such as telescopes as
serious eye injury may result.
• Always turn the laser tool off when not in use or left unattended for a period of time.
• Remove the batteries when storing the tool for an extended time (more than 3 months)
to avoid damage to the tool should the batteries deteriorate.
• Do not attempt to repair or disassemble the laser tool. If unqualified persons attempt
to repair this tool, warranty will be void.
• Use only original Johnson
®
parts and accessories purchased from your Johnson
®
authorized dealer. Use of non-Johnson®parts and accessories will void warranty.
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4. Location/Content of Warning Labels
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5. Location of Part/Components
Line Laser Output Window
X-Calibration Hole Bolt
Y-Calibration Hole Bolt
Bubble Adjustment
Bolt
Keypad
Rotating Laser
Output Window
Hand Grips
Vial
Battery Cover Screw
Battery Cover
5/8" - 11 Screw Thread
Leveling Base
Connecting Bar
Adjustment Knob
Receiver
Lock Knob Compensator/Transportation
Charging LED Indicator
DC 6V Outlet
(6V Charger not included)
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Keypad
Leveling Base
5/8" - 11 Screw Thread
Adjustment Knob
Release Lever
Rotating Speed
Switch Button
Medium Speed LED
High Speed LED
Low Speed LED
Power LED
Power Button
Hanging Holes
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6. Operating Instructions
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the user to verify the
calibration of the instrument before each use.
Battery Installation
Note: Always check that the compensator lock knob is in the “Off”
position before removing and/or replacing batteries.
1. Unscrew the battery cover screw in a
clockwise direction to open the battery
cover.
2. Insert six “AA” alkaline batteries into
the battery compartment according to
the polarity illustrated inside.
3. Close the battery cover.
4. Screw in the battery cover screw in a counter-clockwise direction
to lock the battery cover.
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7. Using the Product
Power On/Off the Laser
Press the button to power on/off the laser. The rotating speed
will be set to high.
Power LED: Lighted LED indicates power is on.
Extinguished LED indicates power is off.
Flashing LED indicates low batteries – if flashing,
please change the batteries.
Change Rotating Speed
Press the button to change the rotating speed from high (600
rpm), to medium (400 rpm) and to low (200 rpm). When changing
the rotating speed, the corresponding LED will illuminate.
Notes:
• When starting the unit, the laser will be in high-speed mode.
• Low speed is recommended for indoor use to give the best
beam visibility.
• High speed is recommended when used with a detector.
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Manual vs. Self-leveling Operation
1. Turn the lock knob counter-clockwise to the “Off” position to lock
the compensator. The laser will be operating in manual mode and
will not be self-leveling.
2. Turn the lock knob clockwise to the “On” position to unlock the
compensator and allow the laser to self-level.
3. Place the laser on a relatively smooth, flat and level surface.
4. Set the lock knob to the “On” position.
5. Press the button to power on the laser.
6. Laser must be within ±3º of level for the self-leveling feature to
function properly. If the laser is tilted to exceed its self-leveling
range, it will stop rotating and will sound an intermittent beeping
sound.
Leveling the Laser for use in Vertical Mode
(Bubble Level Adjustment)
1. Turn the lock knob counter-clockwise to the
“Off” position to lock the compensator. The
laser will be operating in manual mode and will
not be self-leveling.
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2. While holding the laser by the hand grips, insert the horizontal vial
adjustment knob into the adjustment knob receiver.
3. Gently press the leveling base connecting bar
receiver into the laser’s connecting bar until
the clip spring is activated.
4. Place the leveling base with attached laser on a
relatively smooth, flat and level surface.
5. Turn the adjustment knob to center
the bubble in the vial.
Bubble Centered
Notes:
• While the laser is in the horizontal status (manual mode), set the
lock knob to the “Off” position.
• After operating or before moving the unit, always power off the
laser and set the lock knob to the “Off” position. This ensures no
damage can happen to the laser assembly during transport.
• If you plan to store the laser for more than 3 months, remove
batteries from the laser and detector.
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1. Technical Specifications
Detecting accuracy ±1.5mm (<50m) ±2.5mm (>50m)
Turn-off timer 6 min ±1min
Power 2 “AAA” Batteries
Battery life 45 hours of continuous use
Sound function Short sound and solid sound
LED indication Upper red, middle orange,
middle green, down red
Size 4.645” x 2.637” x 0.984”
(118mm x 67mm x 25mm)
Weight 0.253 lbs. (115g)
Detector Usage
2. Components
(a) Structure
1) Holding Cord
2) Signal Indicator
3) Horn
4) Horizontal Vial
5) Detecting Window
6) Reference Front Marker
7) Power Key
8) Reference Back Marker
9) Connection Port
10) Battery Door
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(b) Display
When first turning the detector on, the middle signal
indicator turns red first and then turns green. If the
horn gives two short sounds and the unit powers off
automatically, it means that the battery voltage is
low and it is necessary to replace the battery
immediately. When turning the power on and the down
signal indicator flashes, it means that the battery is low
and it is necessary to replace the battery soon.
Power Key: Turn on/off the instrument
3. Operation Guide
(a) Battery Installation
1. Open the battery cover and put the
batteries into the battery case
according to the polarity shown in
the battery slot.
2. Snap the battery cover back.
Note: Take the batteries out when the unit is not in use for a
long time.
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4. Detecting Methods
1. This unit can detect a red rotating laser beam.
2. Press the Power Key once , the middle signal indicator will
quickly turn red first and then turns green. It will beep once
to indicate that the instrument is ON.
While detecting, the signal indicators show as follows:
Note:
1. While detecting a horizontal laser beam, it is necessary to
have the horizontal bubble vial centered, as the tilt of the
detector will influence its receiving accuracy.
2. Keep the detecting window facing
the rotating laser.
3. Keep the detector still while
detecting the laser beam.
The lower red
LED is on
Sound: Single short
sound
Laser Line
Laser Line
Laser Line
Laser Line
The upper red
LED is on
The middle LED
is orange
The middle LED
is green
All LEDs
are off
Sound: Single short
sound
Sound: Single short
sound
Sound: Solid sound Sound:
No Sound
The laser beam isupThe laser beam is
down
The laser beam is close
to center
The laser beam is
exactly to center
No laser
beam is
detected
Horizontal Vial
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4. When the laser beam is centered, mark at the front
reference marker.
5. When the detector does not receive a
laser signal for 6 minutes, and there are
no buttons pushed during these 6 minutes, the middle signal indicator will
turn green first and then turn red. The
horn will give two short sounds and the unit will power off automatically.
5. Accessories Usage
• Connecting to the grade rod bracket
• Connecting to the grade rod
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6. Maintenance
• Keep the detector, particularly the detecting window, clean. If unit
becomes dusty, use a clean cloth to gently wipe it clean.
• Avoid knocking the unit over or allowing it to fall on the ground.
• Although the detector is rain resistant, you should avoid
submerging the unit in water or other liquids. If unit comes into
contact with water or other liquids, wipe it dry immediately.
• Do not use unit around fire or expose it to fire in any way.
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8. Laser Placement
Use on any near level
surface to set a reference
Attach to leveling base to
use vertically
Attach to tripod through
5/8" screw thread in the
laser base
Attach to tripod through
5/8" screw thread of the
leveling base to use
vertically
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9. Application Demonstrations
The 40-6519 can be used for many applications. Some ideas to
enhance the utility of your new laser include:
• Installing wood or metal stud walls. Use horizontally to mark
reference heights on the stud walls for electrical outlets or other
items. Use vertically to set plumb, or to layout the location of the
wall’s bottom plate.
• Use to lay out tile. The laser can be used both horizontally or
vertically to align wall and floor tile in all directions.
• Use the laser vertically to align the ends of shelving, cabinets, or
stacked photos.
• User the laser horizontally to level shelving, level cabinets, or level
and align rows of photos.
• Use the laser to align tape for pinstriping or other marking
of walls.
• Use the laser outdoors with a detector to grade an area, build
retaining walls (horizontal and vertical mode), layout fencing or
posts level (horizontal mode) or straight (vertical mode).
• Use to install drop ceilings
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10. Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom
Laser will not turn on
Possible Cause
Vertical position:
Compensator unlocked
Batteries missing or
depleted
Polarity reversed
Solution
Lock compensator for
vertical operation
Change the batteries
Check polarity
Laser turns off after a
short time
Batteries depleted Change or charge the
batteries
Laser will not spin
Batteries depleted Change the batteries
Flashing or Beeping Laser is beyond leveling
range
Laser is out of calibration
Place on surface within
3º of level
Perform calibration
check and calibrate
laser if needed
Laser is not accurately
reading level
Compensator locked
Laser is out of
calibration LESS THAN
1/2" per 10m
Laser is out of
calibration MORE THAN
1/2" per 10m
Unlock compensator to
self-level
Calibrate laser
(procedure in the manual)
or return to Johnson
dealer for calibration
Return to Johnson
dealer for service
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Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Laser light appears dim Batteries are weak
Improper battery type
Speed too high (indoor)
Ambient temperature
too high/low
Replace batteries
Ensure high quality
Alkaline batteries
are used
For indoor operation,
operate on lowest
speed to produce the
most visible beam
Ensure temperature is
within operating
range listed under
specifications
Laser will not calibrate Laser core parts may be
misaligned beyond the
limit of field calibration
Return to Johnson
dealer for service
Beam is difficult to
detect with laser
detector
Speed too low Turn laser onto high
speed
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11. Calibration
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the user to verify the
calibration of the instrument before each use.
X- and Y-Direction Accuracy Verification
1. Note X- and Y-direction as indicated on the top of the laser.
2. In an indoor setting, place the laser on a level platform at least
25’ away from a wall. Position the laser so the X-direction is
facing the wall.
3. Press the button to power on the laser.
4. Set the lock knob to the “On” position to unlock it.
5. Press the button to change the rotating speed to Low.
6. Mark any point along the top edge of the beam where the
beam hits the wall as Point Ax. (Note: This test should be done
indoors with dim lighting. It is critical that the laser mark is
easily seen.)
7. Rotate the laser 180 degrees.
8. Mark a point where the top edge of the beam hits the wall as
Point Bx. This point should be in the same vertical plane as
point Ax (directly above, below, or on top of point Ax).
9. Mark the center point between points A and Bx as Point 0x.
10.If the distance between point Ax and Point Bx is more than
3/16” at 25’, the laser is out of calibration. Calibrate the laser
by following the steps in the Accuracy Calibration section
below. If this distance is < 1/16” at 25’, proceed to step 11 to
check the Y-direction accuracy.
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11.Position the laser so the Y-direction is facing the wall.
12.Perform Y-direction self-check using the same method as the
X-direction (steps 6-10 above) and mark Point Ay, By, and 0y.
13.If the distance between points Ay and By is more than 3/16”
at 25’, the laser is out of calibration. Calibrate the laser by following the steps in the Accuracy Calibration section below. If
this distance is < 3/16” at 25’, and your X-axis is also within
the tolerance listed in Step 10, then your laser is in calibration.
Accuracy Calibration
1. Note: The laser should be turned off and the compensator
must be unlocked prior to making any adjustments
2. Remove the adjustment-hole bolts with a #1 Philips screwdriver, and adjust the X direction fine-adjustment bolt in the
instrument core with a 3mm hex wrench until the top edge of
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the laser line is within 3/32” of Point 0. Loosening this screw
will bring the laser line UP as viewed when the X-axis is pointed towards the wall. Tightening the adjustment bolt will bring
the laser line DOWN in this orientation.
3. After adjusting the X-direction, adjust the Y-direction using the
same method. Loosening the Y direction adjustment bolt will
bring the laser line UP the wall in the direction of the Y-axis,
tightening will bring the laser line DOWN the wall.
4. After the laser is calibrated, reinstall the adjustment-hole
bolts and complete the steps above for X & Y direction
accuracy verification to confirm the changes you have made.
Accuracy Self-Check for Plumb Beam
1. After completing the above steps to field adjust the rotary
laser output, double check the plumb beam output. Because
the optics for the plumb beam are shared with the optics for
the rotary, if the rotary is in calibration, the plumb beam
should also be in calibration, so this step is really a redundant
check; no further adjustment to the plumb beam is possible.
2. Place the instrument horizontally on a rotating tripod head so
that the plumb beam strikes the ceiling. The higher the ceiling,
Remove the adjustment-hole bolt Adjust the fine adjustment bolt
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the more accurate the check will be. We recommend a
minimum height of 10’; 25’ is preferred.
3. Mark the point on the ceiling where the plumb beam hits.
4. Rotate the laser 90 degrees and again mark the spot where
the plumb beam hits.
5. Repeat step 4 twice, resulting in a total of 4 marks on the ceiling.
6. The four points should form a circle. Measure its diameter. If
this diameter is less than 3/16” at 25’, the laser is in
calibration. If the plumb beam is out of calibration, and the
rotary beam is within calibration, the laser must be serviced
by an authorized Johnson dealer. No further user adjustments
are possible. If both rotary and plumb beams are out of
calibration, follow the steps above for Accuracy Calibration.
Vial Calibration
1. Adjust the laser so that it projects a perfectly vertical beam on
the wall. Mark two points on the wall and use a known calibrated bubble level to validate that beam is vertical. If the vial
on the laser reads level, no further adjustments are needed.
2. If the vial needs adjustment, use a screwdriver to remove the
vial level adjustment bolt cover.
3. Insert a 2.5mm hex wrench into the adjustment hole to adjust
the screw.
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4. Rotate the hex wrench to center the bubble. Tightening
(clockwise rotation) will move the bubble AWAY from the
adjustment screw. Loosening will move the bubble TOWARDS
the adjustment screw.
5. After the vial is calibrated, reinstall the vial adjustment bolt cover.
Remove vial adjustment
bolt cover
Calibrate the vial using
2.5mm hex wrench
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12. Technical Specifications
Laser Wavelength 635nm ±10nm
Laser Classification Class IIIa
Maximum Power Output ≤5mW
Accuracy ±3/16”/50 ft. (3mm/10m)
Interior Range Up to 200 ft (60m) diameter depending
on light conditions
Exterior Range Up to 800 ft (240m) diameter
with detector (included)
Self-Leveling Range ±3°
Power Supply 6 “AA” alkaline batteries (included)
Battery Life Approx. 25 hours continuous use
Dimensions 5.7" x 4.2" x 6.2"
Weight 2.9 lbs. (laser only); 3.1 lbs. (laser and
leveling base)
Working Temperature 14°F to 113°F (-10°C to +45°C)
Tripod Thread 5/8" – 11
Rotation Speeds 200 rpm, 400 rpm, 600 rpm
IP Protection Class 54
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13. Care and Handling
• This laser unit is a precision tool that must be handled with care.
• Avoid exposing unit to shock vibrations and extreme temperatures.
• Before moving or transporting the unit, make sure that the unit is turned off.
• Remove the batteries when storing the unit for an extended time (more than
three months) to avoid damage to the unit should the batteries deteriorate.
• Always store the unit in its case when not in use.
• Avoid getting the unit wet.
• Keep the laser unit dry and clean, especially the laser output window.
Remove any moisture or dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals, strong detergents or cleaning solvents to clean
the laser unit.
14. Product Warranty
Johnson Level & Tool offers a three year limited warranty on each of its products.
You can obtain a copy of the limited warranty for a Johnson Level & Tool
product by contacting Johnson Level & Tool's Customer Service Department,
as provided below, or by visiting our web site at www.johnsonlevel.com. The
limited warranty for each product contains various limitations and exclusions.
Do not return this product to the store/retailer or place of purchase.
Non-warranty repairs and course calibration must be done by an authorized
Johnson®service center or Johnson Level & Tool's limited warranty, if
applicable, will be void and there will be NO WARRANTY. Contact one of our
service centers for all non-warranty repairs. A list of service centers can be
found on our web site at www.johnsonlevel.com or by calling our Customer
Service Department. Contact our Customer Service Department for Return
Material Authorization (RMA) for warranty repairs (manufacturing defects
only). Proof of purchase is required.
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NOTE: The user is responsible for the proper use and care of the product. It is the
responsibility of the user to verify the calibration of the instrument before each use.
For further assistance, or if you experience problems with this product that are not
addressed in this instruction manual, please contact our Customer Service Dept.
In the U.S., contact Johnson Level & Tool’s Customer Service Department at
888-9-LEVELS.
In Canada, contact Johnson Level & Tool’s Customer Service Department at
800-346-6682.
15. Warranty Registration
Please register within 30 days of purchase. Registering ensures we
have your information on file for warranty service even if you lose your
receipt, and lets us contact you if there is ever a product recall. We will
never sell your information and only send you marketing information if
you opt-in.
To register, go to www.johnsonlevel.com/register.
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16. Accessories
Johnson®accessories are available for purchase through authorized
Johnson
®
dealers. Use of non-Johnson®accessories will void any
applicable limited warranty and there will be NO WARRANTY. If you need
any assistance in locating any accessories, please contact our
Customer Service Department.
In the U.S., contact Johnson Level & Tool’s Customer Service
Department at 888-9-LEVELS.
In Canada, contact Johnson Level & Tool’s Customer Service
Department at 800-346-6682.
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