Laser Reference Pro Shot Alpha Operation Manual

Laser Operations Guide

Laser excellence since 1991

You now own the Pro Shot Alpha, a high accuracy, ultra rugged servo

leveled automatic laser for your most demanding leveling or grading operations.

Please take a moment to read this manual, it contains vital information on safely operating and getting the best results from your new laser.

Case Contents ………………............……………………………. 1

Battery Installation …………………............…………………….. 1

Controls & Displays …………….............………………………... 2

Safety ….………………………….............………………………. 4

Initial Setup …………………….............…………………………. 5

Level Setup …………………............…………………………….. 6

Slope Matching ………………...........……………………………. 7

Calibration ……………………….............………………………... 8

R9 System Receiver …………………………........……………. 10

Rechargeable Battery Kit …………………….........……………. 11

Maintenance & Troubleshooting ………………........…………. 12

Warranty & Specifications ………………………..........……….. 13

Case contents (will vary depending on package ordered)

Laser

Batteries

Receiver

Instruction packet

Battery installation

Pull on tab at base of door to remove.

Install 4 C-cell batteries (alkaline, or NiMH rechargeable) according to instructions molded on battery holder. Carbon batteries are not recommended.

Replace battery door by hooking cover into slots at the top of the housing and pressing the tab closed. Do not plug

a charger into the laser unless NiMH batteries are installed!

NiMH batteries should be fully charged (about 12 hours) before first use.

Power

switch

Power switch

X Axis leveling

(green) & limit

(red) indicators

X Axis leveling (green) & limit (red) indicators

Y Axis leveling

(green) & limit

(red) indicators

Y Axis leveling (green) & limit (red) indicators

Y Axis manual

(amber) & limit

(red) indicators

Y Axis manual (amber) & limit (red) indicators

Laser power and

low battery indicators

Laser power and low battery indicators

Rotation speed

selector & speed

indicator

Rotation speed selector & speed indicator

Manual grade

matching mode

selector

Manual grade matching mode selector

Manual grade

matching

controls

Manual grade matching controls

Y Axis

X Axis

Battery charging jack is in back of base pan below battery cover

On grade accuracy selector

Volume control

Power switch

Rear LCD display

Five channel display

Alignment sights

Laser Controls

• Alignment Sights are used to align the slope axis of the laser.

• Power Switch turns the laser on and off.

• X axis Leveling LEDs: green LED lights when unit is leveling, both red

LEDs (X & Y axis) flash if a leveling limit is reached.

• Y axis Leveling LEDs: green LED lights when unit is leveling, both red LEDs (Y & X axis) flash if a leveling limit is reached.

• Y Axis Manual LEDs: amber LED lights when in Slope Matching mode, red LED flashes (with X red LED) if leveling limit is reached.

• Power LED is lit green when unit is on. When the laser finishes leveling, the LED will flash 5 times, indicating that the Height Alert is active.

• Battery Life Indicator flashes amber when battery power is low.

• Rotation Speed Button toggles between high and low speeds. Rotation

speed LED is lit when unit is set to high speed.

• Manual Slope Switch, a deliberate (1/2 second) press and release will set the laser into manual grade matching mode.

• Manual Slope Control Switches are used to tilt the laser plane to the desired slope.

Receiver Controls & Displays

• Power Switch turns receiver on & off

• Volume Switch toggles sound from high to low to off.

• On Grade Accuracy Switch toggles from standard to fine to coarse.

Note: The Alpha is a CDRH class II laser and an IEC 60825 class 2 laser. It conforms to applicable EC directives regarding RFI and EMI, and to FDA performance standards 21 CFR subchapter J.

Warning placard

Safety labels

LASER LIGHT

DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM CLASS 2 LASER PRODUCT

CAUTION

LASER LIGHT

DO NOT STARE

INTO BEAM

635nm - 670nm

CLASS II LASER PRODUCT

Calibration

Although the Alpha transmitter is calibrated at the factory and is an exceptionally rugged laser, it is worthwhile to check calibration before you first use your laser. To ensure the best possible results with your laser, check calibration periodically, or if has been shipped or handled roughly.

Check your setup

Set the tripod in a location away from vehicular and foot traffic. Choose the location to provide line of sight coverage to the jobsite. The warning placard should be displayed on the job, and the operator should have an operator’s certificate card. These are included in the instruction packet. It is a good jobsite practice to check your setup from time to time. Use engineered benchmarks to assure that your setup is correct and matches job specifications. On large sites or where accuracy is critical, verifying the elevation benchmarks you will be working off should be standard procedure. If there are no suitable benchmarks on the site, you can 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 90º apart for greatest accuracy.

Work as close to the laser as possible

You can work up to 1000 feet (305M) from the Alpha laser utilizing the R9 receiver. As with all lasers and optical instruments, the farther you go, the more error can add up. Set the laser in a safe place, as close as possible to your work.

Maintain your equipment

Make sure your tripod and mounting hardware are tight, and that your grade rods are in good condition. This can prevent errors and performance problems.

Automatic Leveling

Press the power switch to turn the laser on. The green LEDs in the “AUTO X” and “AUTO Y” axis windows come on solid or flash to indicate motor drive signals while the laser is auto-leveling. When leveling is completed, height alert will become active, signaled by the Laser Power LED flashing five times. When level is reached in both axes, the laser beam and green power LED will light, and the rotor will spin. The Height Alert is activated about 5 seconds after the laser finishes leveling. Height alert flashes warning LEDs and turns off the laser if the instrument is disturbed to the extent that accuracy could be affected. If the Height Alert turns the laser off, power the laser down and turn it on again, allow it to relevel, and reset your receiver against your benchmarks. If a leveling limit is reached, (the leveling drive reaches the end of its travel), the green LED for the affected axis turns off and the both red X & Y limit LEDs flash. Adjust the laser so that it is within its leveling limit and restart the laser.

Disabling Height Alert • Caution!

To disable the height alert, when turning the laser on, press and hold the rotation speed button, press and release the power button, and then release the rotation speed button. The height alert prevents the laser from re-

leveling at a different height of instrument. Disabling the alert could compromise working accuracy.

Power

switch

Power switch

X Axis leveling

(green) & limit

(red) indicators

X Axis leveling (green) & limit (red) indicators

Y Axis leveling

(green) & limit

(red) indicators

Y Axis leveling (green) & limit (red) indicators

Y Axis manual

(amber) & limit

(red) indicators

Y Axis manual (amber) & limit (red) indicators

Laser power and

low battery indicators

Laser power and low battery indicators

Rotation speed

selector & speed

indicator

Rotation speed selector & speed indicator

Manual grade

matching mode

selector

Manual grade matching mode selector

Manual grade

matching

controls

Manual grade matching controls

Slope Matching

Slope Matching Mode, Y axis manually adjusted, X axis auto levels.

• Use the sights on top of the laser to align it with the slope direction axis.

• Press the power switch to turn the laser on.

• Press the “MAN” button for about 1/2 second. The “MAN Y” axis amber

LED flashes quickly, (indicating the Y axis is in manual mode). Both “AUTO Y” LED’s become inactive while the “AUTO X” LED’s continue to operate in automatic mode.

• Use the arrow up and down buttons to move the laser plane to the desired slope in the Y axis. When facing the control panel, the Up button moves the far plane down and the Down button moves the near plane down. The X axis will continue to auto level.

• Note: Any press of the “MAN” or arrow buttons restarts the Height Alert.

• If a Y axis leveling limit is reached while manually setting slope, the red

LED in the “MAN Y” axis window and the X axis red limit LED will flash. The laser must be turned off to return to automatic mode.

• The green power LED and the laser beam will turn on once the X axis reaches level. In this mode, the Y axis does not self level. The X axis continues to self level. The user should set benchmarks and periodically check the laser set up to ensure accurate work.

• To exit this mode, press the “MAN” button (a deliberate ~1/2 second press). The laser will switch to full automatic leveling mode. If the laser is powered down, when it is restarted, it will always start in full automatic leveling mode.

High Speed Rotation

• In either leveling mode, the laser rotation speed can be increased from 600 to 1200 rpm. The increased speed allows more frequent update of information at the laser receiver when using automatic machine control systems on mobile construction equipment such as scrapers, dozers, or graders. With hand held laser receivers, there is no need to use the faster rotation speed. Increased rotation speed draws more power and battery life will be shorter, so the faster setting should only be used when necessary.

• Press the rotation speed button to toggle back and forth between high and low speeds. The laser will always power on in the 600 rpm mode. When the high speed mode is entered, the green LED in the “1200” window will illuminate.

Calibration is your responsibility, check it often.

It is well worth the effort to check calibration before you first use your laser, and then periodically to ensure that you are doing the highest quality work. Always check calibration if the laser has been handled roughly.

Follow the steps below to check the calibration of the laser and make adjustments if necessary.

1. Attach the laser to a flat head tripod approximately 100 feet from a wall or other stable vertical surface, (at telephone pole or building wall will work). The tripod head must be level enough to allow you to turn the laser 360 degrees with minimal re-leveling needed. Use the tripod leg adjustments to level the tripod head. Position the laser so that either direction of the cross (X) axis is pointed at the target.

2. Turn the laser on and allow it to level.

3. Take the receiver to the target and move it up or down until you get a on

grade display in the LCD, or a steady tone. Make an on grade mark using the receiver’s beam center notch.

4. Return to the laser, rotate it 180 degrees, and allow it to re-level. The opposite cross axis direction is now aimed at the target. Use the receiver to make another on grade mark at the target.

5. If there is a difference between the two marks, make another mark half way between them. This third mark represents true level. If the distance between the outer marks and the center mark is within the accuracy specification of the laser, go to step 9. If not, continue with the next step.

6. Remove the battery door and the rubber plug on the lower left side of the battery holder. The four buttons switches control calibration of the laser. A label shows the axis and direction of travel that each button controls. Each push of a button moves the calibration by approximately 3 arc seconds, (1/64” @ 100’) / .4mm @ 30m). Use a small screwdriver or dull pencil to press the plus or minus X axis button to bring the beam to the true level mark. Go to the target and check the beam elevation. If the elevation is correct, continue to the next step, if not, repeat this step until the beam reaches the correct height.

7. Check the cross axis adjustment by rotating the laser 180 degrees to the first position, let it re-level, and check that the beam is on the true level mark.

8. Rotate the laser 90 degrees so that either direction of the Y axis is aimed at the target. Allow the laser to re-level and make an elevation mark at the target. If the distance between this mark and the true level mark is within the laser’s accuracy specification, calibration is complete. If not, continue to the next step.

9. Use the Y axis push buttons to move the beam until it coincides with the true level mark. Calibration is complete.

-Y

-X

Upper left controls +X

Lower left controls -X

Upper right controls +Y

Lower right controls -Y

R9 • System Receiver

The R9 senses the plane of laser light and indicates a height position relative to the plane (high, low, or on grade). The R9 displays height information on a five channel front LCD and a three channel rear LED display. In addition to the visual displays, an audio tone indicates high, low, or on grade. When the R9 is centered at the beam height, an on grade "bar" indication is displayed. If the R9 is high or low, "arrows" show the proper direction to move the R9, in order to get an on grade indication.

The R9 has three control switches, power on/off, tone high/low/off and on-grade accuracy select. Press the power switch to activate the R9. The audio sounds and the LCD displays the tone and accuracy icons. The R9 is ready to operate in standard accuracy and loud tone. Pressing the volume switch once changes to low tone, twice turns the tone off. When the tone is off, there will still be a single tone the first time the R9 senses a laser signal. Pressing the accuracy switch once changes to the coarse setting, twice changes to fine. The R9 automatically turns off if no laser strikes are received for twelve minutes. The R9 is powered by a 9 volt battery that lasts approximately 60 hours. When the battery is nearly used up, the low battery indicator will be displayed on the LCD. To replace the battery, locate the battery door on the back of the housing and slide the door toward the bottom of the receiver. Remove the battery from the compartment (you may need to tap the R9 on your palm to free the battery). Replace the battery following the diagram molded on the battery door.

Five channel

front display

Five channel front display

Rear display

Volume switch

Accuracy switch

Power switch

To ne volume

Accuracy L - R: std., fine, coarse

High fine

Low coarse

(both)

On Grade bar

Low batt.

Low fine

High coarse

(both)

2 inches (50mm) 120 degrees ±1/16 in. (±1

.6mm) nominal

±1/8 in. (±3

.2mm) nominal

±1/64 in. (±.4mm) nominal 9 volt battery 60 hours continuous After 12 min. (no laser strikes) Sealed against dust and water 250 to 1200 R.P.M. 5/8in to 2-1/2in (16mm-65mm)

Reception Height ............

Reception Angle ..............

Standard mode accuracy Coarse mode accuracy ... Ultra-fine mode accuracy

Power Supply ..................

Battery life (alkaline) .......

Automatic Shut Off ........

Environmental ...............

Rotation Compatibility ... Mount Clamping Range

Specifications and display icons

Rechargeable battery option

The optional NiMH rechargeable battery kit is an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries can be charged up to 500 times under optimum conditions and contain no hazardous materials.

To use the NiMH batteries, install a set into the laser and charge them fully prior to initial use (12 hours).

DO NOT PLUG THE CHARGER INTO THE LASER UNLESS NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE INSTALLED!

It is recommended that new NiMH batteries be conditioned by charging them fully, and running them until fully discharged for two or three cycles. After that, the batteries may be charged before they are fully discharged without running into “memory” problems. A fully charged set of NiMH batteries should provide about 65 hours of run time.

Note: Do Not Charge Alkaline or Carbon batteries. To do so could cause them to rupture and damage your instrument.

If the laser is to be run while connected to the charger, the rechargeable NiMH batteries must be installed. The laser may not function properly if it is run off the charger when the NiMH batteries are not installed. The laser should never be run off the charger when alkaline or carbon batteries are installed.

Use only a factory prescribed charger with NiMH batteries. Use of a non-authorized charger may result in danage to the batteries, or to the laser’s electronics.

Calibration: Calibration should be checked periodically or if the laser has been handled roughly or shipped.

Batteries: Occasionally remove the batteries and check the contacts for corrosion. Remove the batteries if the laser is to be stored for an extended period.

Laser Output Windows: Check the output windows regularly for dust and dirt, and clean with a camera brush or compressed air if necessary.

Control panel and exterior: Clean the control panel and other exterior surfaces of the laser with a soft, damp cloth.

Moisture: Never store the laser in a carrying case that is wet inside. If moisture gets inside the laser, place it in a warm area with the battery cover off until it is completely dry.

Troubleshooting

If the laser will not operate and there is no obvious damage, check to see if the low battery light is on and replace the batteries. Check the battery contacts and make sure they are clean.

The receiver shows an on-grade at two different heights– Check for windows or mirrors that could reflect the laser light, or for other lasers on the jobsite that could cause the second reading.

Laser knocked over– Inspect the optics and housing for damage. Use the receiver to make sure the laser is transmitting. Check the calibration and adjust if necessary.

Laser works only at short distances– Check the output windows for dust or moisture. Remove dust with a camera brush or with clean compressed air.

Receiver will not give on grade display at long distance– You may be at the edge of the laser’s specified working radius or there may be dust or moisture in the optical path the is reducing beam power.

A single flashing (blinking) red LED for either the X or Y axis indicates the laser’s internal diagnostics have detected a problem and a service center should be consulted.

There are no user serviceable components inside the laser!

Warranty

Specifications

The Pro Shot Alpha laser transmitter is warranted for twenty four (24) 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 (except for transportation costs), if the product is found to be defective in workmanship or materials. Maintaining the calibration of the laser is not the responsibility of Laser Reference or its authorized service centers. If service is needed, the product must be sent FREIGHT PREPAID to the nearest authorized service center or to Laser Reference.

Range with R9 receiver ...............

Leveling Accuracy ........................

Leveling Technology ....................

Self-Leveling Range ....................

Slope Matching Range ................

Height Alert ..................................

Rotation Coverage • Speed ..........

Machine Control Compatible .......

Warranty ......................................

Power Supply ...............................

Run Time .....................................

Automatic Shut-off .......................

Environmental ..............................

Laser Rating ................................

Laser beam type / power .............

Operating Temperature ................

2000’ diameter (610m dia.) ±10 arc sec.

(.060”@100’) (1.5mm@30m)

Servo Motor ±5 degrees Single Axis, X Axis Self Levels, 8% Normally Active, can be disabled 360º • 600, 1200 rpm (nominal) Yes 24 Months Defects Coverage 4 C Alkaline or NiMH rechargeable 115 Hours (Alkaline), 65 Hours (NiMH) 12 Minutes Out of Level Dust & water resistant (IP56) CDRH Class II, IEC Class 2 Visible 670nm / <1mW

-20ºc to +60ºc (-4ºf to +140ºf)

Part No. 020-0040 Version 2.1 June 2016

Laser Reference Pro Shot Alpha Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual