Wacker Neuson VAL 300 Operator's Manual
Laser Level
Nivel láser
Niveau électronique
VAL 300
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Manual de Operación
Notice d’Emploi
www.wackerneuson.com
0171955 004
0509
0171955
VAL 300 Table of Contents
wc_bo0171955q4_004TOC.fm EN-3
1. Foreword EN-5
2. Safety Information EN-6
2.1 Operating Safety ............................................................................ EN-7
2.2 Service Safety ................................................................................ EN-7
2.3 Label Locations .............................................................................. EN-8
2.4 Safety and Operating Labels .......................................................... EN-8
3. Operation EN-9
3.1 Set-up and Operation Locations ..................................................... EN-9
3.2 Application .................................................................................... EN-11
3.3 Calibration .................................................................................... EN-11
3.4 Horizontal Setup and Operation ................................................... EN-11
3.5 H.I. (Height of Instrument) Alert .................................................... EN-12
3.6 Rotation Speed ............................................................................. EN-13
3.7 Slope Match ................................................................................. EN-14
3.8 Power ........................................................................................... EN-15
3.9 Laser Detector .............................................................................. EN-16
3.10 Other Accessories ........................................................................ EN-18
4. Maintenance EN-19
4.1 Checking and Adjusting ................................................................ EN-19
4.2 Calibration Overview .................................................................... EN-20
4.3 Horizontal Checking and Calibration ............................................ EN-21
4.4 Cone Error Checking .................................................................... EN-25
4.5 Care and Handling ....................................................................... EN-26
4.6 Troubleshooting ............................................................................ EN-26
5. Technical Data EN-27
5.1 VAL 300 Laser Level .................................................................... EN-27
5.2 Laser Detector .............................................................................. EN-28
Foreword
wc_tx001231gb.fm EN-5
Foreword
This manual provides information and procedures to safely operate
and maintain this Wacker Neuson model. For your own safety and
protection from injury, carefully read, understand and observe the
safety instructions described in this manual.
Keep this manual or a copy of it with the machine. If you lose this
manual or need an additional copy, please contact Wacker Neuson
Corporation. This machine is built with user safety in mind; however,
it can present hazards if improperly operated and serviced. Follow
operating instructions carefully! If you have questions about operating
or servicing this equipment, please contact Wacker Neuson
Corporation.
The information contained in this manual was based on machines in
production at the time of publication. Wacker Neuson Corporation
reserves the right to change any portion of this information without
notice.
All rights, especially copying and distribution rights, are reserved.
Copyright 2009 by Wacker Neuson Corporation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without
express written permission from Wacker Neuson Corporation.
Any type of reproduction or distribution not authorized by Wacker
Neuson Corporation represents an infringement of valid copyrights
and will be prosecuted. We expressly reserve the right to make
technical modifications, even without due notice, which aim at
improving our machines or their safety standards.
VAL 300 Safety Information
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1 Safety Information
This manual contains DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, NOTICE, and
NOTE callouts which must be followed to reduce the possibility of
personal injury, damage to the equipment, or improper service.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: Used without the safety alert symbol, NOTICE indicates a
situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
Note: Contains additional information important to a procedure.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Safety Information VAL 300
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1.1 Operating Safety
1.1.1 Read, understand, and follow procedures in the Operator’s Manual
before attempting to operate the machine.
1.1.2 Store the machine properly when it is not being used. The machine
should be stored in a clean, dry location out of the reach of children.
1.1.3 Always operate the machine with all safety devices and guards in
place and in working order.
Possible eye injury! When the laser is not rotating, do not stare into the
pointing beam.
1.2 Service Safety
A poorly maintained machine can become a safety hazard! In order
for the machine to operate safely and properly over a long period of
time, periodic maintenance and occasional repairs are necessary.
1.2.1 All adjustments and repairs MUST be completed before operation. Do
not operate the machine with a known problem or deficiency! All
repairs and adjustments should be completed by a qualified
technician.
1.2.2 Do not modify the machine without the express written approval of the
manufacturer.
1.2.3 Keep the machine clean and labels legible. Replace all missing and
hard-to-read labels. Labels provide important operating instructions
and warn of dangers and hazards.
1.2.4 ALWAYS do periodic maintenance as recommended in the Operator’s
Manual.
CAUTION
WARNING
VAL 300 Safety Information
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1.3 Label Locations
1.4 Safety and Operating Labels
Ref. Label Meaning
A This instrument is a Class 3R laser,
manufactured to comply with the
international rules of safety IEC 60825-1,
2001. Although the power of the emission
of the beam is less than 5 mW in Class
3R, the following cautions are
recommended:
• Do not stare directly at the beam.
• Do not set up the laser at eye level.
B Avoid exposure. Laser radiation is
emitted from this aperture.
C A nameplate listing the model number,
item number, revision number, and serial
number is attached to each unit. Please
record the information found on this plate
so it will be available should the
nameplate become lost or damaged.
When ordering parts or requesting
service information, you will always be
asked to specify the model number, item
number, revision number, and serial
number of the unit.
Operation VAL 300
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2. Operation
2.1 Set-up and Operation Locations
See Graphic: wc_gr004577
Italics correspond to indicators and keys used in calibration mode.
Ref. Description Ref. Description
1 Rotating head 9 Low battery indicator
X axis calibration LED
2 Aluminum head protection with
axes indications
10 H.I. (Height of Instrument)
Alert Function
Change calibration axis
3 Laser beam aperture 11 H.I. (Height of Instrument)
Alert Indicator
Y axis calibration LED
4 Index marks 12 Manual Function
Save calibration
5 Batteries 13 Manual mode indicator
6 Jack for battery charger 14 Rotation speed
7 5/8-11 tripod mount for horizontal
set-up
15 Set manual slope
Move calibration beam up
8 On / Off switch 16 Set manual slope
Move beam down
VAL 300 Operation
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Operation VAL 300
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2.2 Application
This Wacker Neuson laser transmitter is simple to use, yet it has
several advanced features:
• Automatic self-leveling in horizontal
• Visible laser beam
• Easy electronic calibration
• Match slope in X and Y axes
2.3 Calibration
It is important to check your laser for proper calibration. The laser is a precision instrument and it is important that you keep it calibrated and in proper
condition. The accuracy of your work is completely your responsibility and you
should check your instrument before beginning each job, and especially after
the instrument has taken a sharp jolt or been dropped, or when temperature
changes greater than 50 degrees F (28 degrees C) have occurred. See “Maintenance” for calibration procedures.
2.4 Horizontal Setup and Operation
See Graphic: wc_gr004594
2.4.1 The VAL 300 laser can be used directly on the ground or on a standard
5/8-11 tripod.
2.4.2 Press the ON/OFF switch (8) to turn the laser on. The laser will perform
a self-test when turned on. The beam will blink while the laser is selfleveling. After it has leveled, the head will start to rotate.
2.4.3 Select the H.I. (Height of Instrument) alert by pressing the H.I. Alert
Function key (10). The H.I. alert function will be active 30 seconds after
the VAL 300 has finished its self-leveling.
2.4.4 There are three rotation speeds: 0, 90 rpm and 600 rpm (the default
speed). To change to 90 rpm, press the rotation speed key (14). Press
the key again to stop the rotation.
2.4.5 To turn the laser off, press the ON/OFF switch.
VAL 300 Operation
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2.5 H.I. (Height of Instrument) Alert
See Graphic: wc_gr004594
2.5.1 The H.I. Alert feature stops the laser automatically and sounds an
alarm if the laser is disturbed, preventing inaccurate readings. It
functions only when selected.
2.5.2 To activate this safeguard feature, press the H.I. Alert Function key
(10) after turning the laser on. The H.I. Alert Indicator LED (11) will
blink rapidly while the laser is self-leveling.
2.5.3 About 30 seconds after the head starts to rotate, the LED will blink
slowly, indicating the H.I. Alert is activated.
2.5.4 If the laser is disturbed while in H.I. Alert mode, the head will stop
rotating, the beam will turn off, the LED indicator will stay on
continuously, and an alarm will sound for 30 seconds.
2.5.5 To reset the laser after an H.I. Alert, turn the laser off and turn it on
again. Check to see if the beam elevation has changed from its original
benchmark position.
2.5.6 The laser is no longer in H.I. Alert mode. Press the H.I. Alert Function
key to return to H.I. Alert.
2.5.7 While using the laser, check periodically to make sure that it has not
been moved and that your settings are still accurate.
Operation VAL 300
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2.6 Rotation Speed
See Graphic: wc_gr004594
2.6.1 There are 3 rotation speeds: 0, 90 and 600 rpm (the default speed). To
change to 90 rpm, press the Rotation Speed key (14). Press again to
stop rotation.
2.6.2 The laser beam is more visible at the slower speed. It's also possible
to stop the rotation and use the beam as a point to view from a greater
distance.
VAL 300 Operation
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2.7 Slope Match
See Graphic: wc_gr004594
2.7.1 The laser can be used to match manual slope on both X and Y axes.
Two modes are available:
• Complete manual mode: X and Y axis will be both manual
• Semi-automatic mode: X in automatic / Y in manual
Semi-automatic mode
2.7.1 Set the laser over a start point. Turn the laser so that Y on the top of
the head protection faces the direction of the slope (and Y' faces
away). Sight along the Y and Y' marks to roughly align the Y axis of the
laser to the second point.
2.7.2 After turning the laser on and allowing it to self-level, hold the Manual
Function (MAN) key (12) for a few seconds until the LED next to it (13)
is lit continually. The laser is now in manual mode in Y axis and
automatic self-leveling mode in X axis.
2.7.3 Press ^ (15) on the keypad to match a positive slope in Y and v (16) to
set a negative slope; the X axis will stay level.
2.7.4 Press twice on the MAN key to return to the automatic mode.
Manual Mode
2.7.1 Set the laser over a start point. Turn the laser so that X on the top of
the head protection faces the direction of the slope (and X' faces
away). Sight along the X and X' marks to roughly align the X axis of the
laser to the second point.
2.7.2 After turning the laser on and allowing it to self-level, press the MAN
key (12). The LED next to it (13) will blink, indicating you're in manual
mode and can match slope in the X axis. The head will start rotating.
2.7.3 Press ^ (15) on the keypad to match a positive slope in X and v (16) to
set a negative slope.
2.7.4 To switch to the Y axis, press the H.I. Alert Function key (12). Both
LEDs (11 and 13) will blink, indicating you’re in manual mode and can
match slope in the Y axis. Note: The Y axis grade will be at a 90 degree
angle from the X axis grade output.
2.7.5 Press ^ (15) on the keypad to match a positive slope in Y and v (16) to
set a negative slope.
2.7.6 Press the MAN key to return to automatic mode.
Note: In manual mode, the beam rotates even if the laser is not
leveled. The H.I. Alert function is not available when the unit is in
manual mode.
Operation VAL 300
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2.8 Power
When battery power is low, the laser head will stop rotating and the low
battery LED next to the On/Off key will stay on.
Installing alkaline batteries
2.8.1 Use a coin or a screwdriver to remove the cover of the battery
compartment at the back of the laser.
2.8.2 Insert two alkaline batteries (D size or LR20), following the polarities
indicated at the bottom of the battery compartment. (The + contact is
rounded and raised). When replacing the batteries, change both at the
same time.
2.8.3 Replace the compartment and tighten with a coin or screwdriver.
Using rechargeable batteries
Charge the NiCd battery pack for 15 hours before first using the laser.
2.8.1 Insert the charger plug into the jack located at the back of the laser.
2.8.2 Plug the charger into an electrical outlet (110 volts or 230 volts).
2.8.3 Charge the battery for 15 hours.
Later recharges
The laser can be charged when working if electricity is available on the
jobsite. Simply plug in the charger and keep working. You can also
remove the battery, replace it with the alkaline battery pack and charge
the rechargeable batteries.
For optimum life of the battery, we recommend that you charge the
battery after it is fully discharged. To assure battery life, do not charge
over 20 hours.
Always store and charge the laser in a dry and covered place. The
battery and charger can be damaged if they become damp.
VAL 300 Operation
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2.9 Laser Detector
Your laser transmitter is provided with a laser detector to be used with
a grade rod or handheld applications. Detectors are recommended
when it is difficult to see the laser beam, such as outdoors or in bright
light.
If you cannot pick up the beam with the detector, check how you are
lined up with the laser. One of the head protection supports on the
laser may be blocking the beam; move to the left or right to receive the
beam.
The head protection may be removed from the laser by pivoting the
two security locks. This will not affect the performance or the water or
dust resistance of the laser.
See graphic: wc_gr004586
Ref. Description Ref. Description
1 Level vial 8 ON / OFF
2 LCD screen (front) 9 Turn to attach clamp to detector
3 Detection window 10 Turn to tighten or remove clamp
from grade rod
4 Rod clamp 11 9V battery compartment
(Follow polarity indications inside)
5 On-grade alignment notch 12 Bubble vial to plumb rod
6 Choice of sound level 13 LCD screen (rear)
7 Choice of accuracy
Operation VAL 300
wc_tx000802gb.fm EN-17
wc_gr004586
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
13
12
11
LCD Display
VAL 300 Operation
wc_tx000802gb.fm EN-18
See graphic: wc_gr004586 and wc_gr004588
Using the detector:
2.9.1 Press the ON / OFF key (8) to turn on the detector.
2.9.2 Press the middle key (7) to select the accuracy (deadband).
2.9.3 Press the top key (6) to select the sound level.
2.9.4 Turn the detection window (3) towards the laser beam, and move the
detector up or down according to the information given on the LCD
screen (2). There are five channels of information, or grade indicators.
2.9.5 A down arrow indicates that you must move the detector down to reach
the laser reference; and up arrow indicates that you must move it up.
When a horizontal line appears on the display, the detector is at the
same level as the laser beam.
2.9.6 Press the ON / OFF key to turn the detector off. It will automatically
sound a warning beep and shut off after 10 minutes if not used.
2.9.7 Keep the detection window clean, using a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
2.10 Other Accessories
Contact your Wacker Neuson dealer for information about available
accessories.
Maintenance VAL 300
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3. Maintenance
3.1 Checking and Adjusting
THIS SECTION IS VERY IMPORTANT: Here are a few simple
instructions to check your laser for calibration. The laser is a precision
instrument and it is important that you keep it calibrated and in proper
condition. The accuracy of your work is completely your responsibility
and you should check your instrument before beginning each job, and
especially after the instrument has taken a sharp jolt or been dropped,
or when temperature changes greater than 50 degrees F (28 degrees
C) have occurred.
See graphic: wc_gr004580
The laser has two horizontal axes: X and Y, as indicated on the top of
the laser.
Each end of each axis must be checked for calibration. If needed, the
axis can be calibrated, carefully following the instructions. You can
also take the laser to a Wacker Neuson service center for calibration.
VAL 300 Maintenance
wc_tx000805gb.fm EN-20
Check and calibrate in this order:
3.1.1 Check both sides of X axis.
• If X is within spec, proceed to check both sides of Y.
• If X needs calibration, calibrate X
3.1.2 Check both sides of Y axis.
• If Y is within spec, proceed to final X to Y check
• If Y needs calibration, calibrate Y; proceed to X to Y check
3.1.3 Final X to Y check: compare X, X', Y, Y'
3.2 Calibration Overview
3.2.1 Calibration is electronic, and is accomplished by using the laser
keypad. The optional detector/remote control or optional small remote
may also be used.
3.2.2 If the beam is visible, calibrate using the non-rotating point. If it is too
bright to see the beam, calibrate using the detector while the beam is
rotating. When you're in calibration mode, press the rotation key (7) on
the laser to rotate the beam.
3.2.3 The axis LED should blink slowly when in calibration mode. When the
laser is self-leveling or making an adjustment, the LED will blink
rapidly.
3.2.4 IMPORTANT: When pressing an arrow key to move the beam for
calibration, use short, rapid clicks. Do not hold the key down. One click
will move the beam a very small amount (1/32" at 150' or 1mm at
100m). After pressing the key, the LED will blink rapidly as the laser
reacts. Wait until the LED returns to a slow blink to proceed.
Maintenance VAL 300
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3.3 Horizontal Checking and Calibration
3.3.1 Checking X axis
3.3.1.1 Place the laser on a flat surface or tripod 100 ft (30 m) away
from a wall. Position so that X' (noted on top of laser) is
facing the wall.
3.3.1.2 Turn on the laser.
3.3.1.3 Mark the location of the center of the beam. If it's too bright
to see the beam, use the detector.
3.3.1.4 Rotate the laser 180 degrees so that X faces the wall.
3.3.1.5 Mark the location of the center of the beam near the first
mark so that both marks are in line, one above the other.
3.3.1.6 At 100 ft., the marks should be no more than 3/16" apart. (At
30 m, no more than 5 mm apart.) This is within the stated
accuracy of ± 3/32" at 100 ft. (± 0.0075%).
3.3.1.7 If the marks are close enough, X axis is within calibration.
The second axis Y must then be checked (see later
section).
3.3.1.8 If the marks are not close enough, the X axis needs to be
calibrated.
VAL 300 Maintenance
wc_tx000805gb.fm EN-22
3.3.2 Calibrating X axis
See graphic: wc_gr004594
The laser must be calibrated to bring the beam to the center of the two
X marks. Read "Calibration Overview" before proceeding.
3.3.2.1 Turn off the laser.
3.3.2.2 Hold the MAN key (12). While holding, momentarily press
the ON key (8).
3.3.2.3 After the LEDs blink in sequence, release the MAN key.
3.3.2.4 X LED will blink rapidly, indicating leveling. When the LED
blinks slowly, the laser is ready to calibrate.
3.3.2.5 If you have not moved the laser, use the X marks made in
previous steps of "Checking X axis".
3.3.2.6 Use the arrows on the keypad to move the beam up or
down to the halfway mark. If the X axis is toward the wall
with the marks, use the ^ key (15) to raise the beam, and
the v key (16) to lower the beam.
3.3.2.7 After completing the X calibration, press the H.I. Alert
Function key (10) to change the axis and to calibrate the Y
axis. (On the remote, press the double arrow key >>l)
3.3.2.8 If the Y axis doesn't have to be calibrated, press the MAN
key to save the calibration you've just made on the X axis.
(On the remote, use key with the small dot.)
If you are not sure of the calibration, don't save it and turn the laser off
using the ON / OFF key.
Maintenance VAL 300
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3.3.3 Checking Y axis
3.3.3.1 Rotate the laser 90 degrees so that Y' is facing the wall.
3.3.3.2 Mark the location of the center of the beam.
3.3.3.3 Rotate the laser 180 degrees so that Y faces the wall.
3.3.3.4 Mark the location of the beam center near the first mark.
3.3.3.5 At 100 ft., the marks should be no more than 3/16" apart. (At
30 m, no more than 5 mm apart.) This is within the stated
accuracy of ± 3/32" at 100 ft. (± 0.0075%).
3.3.3.6 If the marks are close enough, Y axis is within calibration.
3.3.3.7 Proceed to "Final X to Y Check." If the marks are not close
enough, Y axis needs to be calibrated.
3.3.4 Calibrating Y axis
See graphic: wc_gr004594
The laser must be calibrated to bring the beam to the center of the two
Y marks.
If you are still in calibration mode from the X axis, turn Y towards the
wall and press the H.I. key to change to the Y axis. When the Y LED
blinks slowly, it's ready to be calibrated in Y axis.
If you're no longer in calibration mode:
3.3.4.1 Turn off the laser.
3.3.4.2 Hold the MAN key (12). While holding, momentarily press
the ON key (8).
3.3.4.3 After the LEDs blink in sequence, release the MAN key.
VAL 300 Maintenance
wc_tx000805gb.fm EN-24
3.3.4.4 Select the Y axis by pressing the HI Alert Function key (10)
on the laser keypad (on the remote, press the double arrow
key >>l ).
3.3.4.5 Y LED will blink rapidly, indicating leveling. When the LED
blinks slowly, the laser is ready to calibrate.
3.3.4.6 If you have not moved the laser, use the Y marks made in
previous steps of "Checking Y axis".
3.3.4.7 Use arrows on the keypad to move the beam up or down to
the halfway mark. If the Y axis is toward the wall with the
marks, use the ^ key (15) to raise the beam, and the v key
(16) to lower the beam.
3.3.4.8 Press the MAN key to save the calibration you've just made
on the Y axis. (On remote, use key with the small dot).
If you are not sure of the calibration, don't save it and turn the laser off
using the On/Off key.
3.3.5 Final X to Y Check
As a final check, compare X and Y axes to be sure that your adjusted
calibration is within the specs of ± 3/32”. The marks for X, X', Y, and Y'
should be no more than 3/16" apart at 100 ft. (5 mm at 30 m).
Maintenance VAL 300
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3.4 Cone Error Checking
3.4.1 Set up the laser 2 ft. (60 cm) from a wall (a) or a pole and 100 ft. (30
m) from another wall or pole (b).
3.4.2 Turn the laser on.
3.4.3 After the laser has self-leveled, stop the rotation and mark the location
of the beam (center of the beam) on the near wall (a), using the
detector if ambient conditions are too bright.
3.4.4 Rotate the laser 180° and mark the location of the center of the beam
on the far wall (b).
3.4.5 Now set up the laser 2 ft (60 cm) from the far wall. When the laser has
self-leveled, line up the beam on the previous mark (b).
3.4.6 Mark the location of the beam on the wall near the first mark (a).
3.4.7 Compare the two measurements. If the difference between aa'-bb' is
more than 3/16" or 5 mm, contact your local Wacker Neuson service
center.
wc_gr004596
a
b
Step 3 Step 4
a'
b'
Step 6 Step 5
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