To determine the difference in height between points in the construction area, a special device is used - a level. Modern devices are equipped with many additional functions, display and memory for recording measurements. The article describes the descriptions of electronic levels and their technical characteristics.
Description of technique
Electronic levels are popular because they allow you to automate the measurement process. Today, only foreign manufacturers are engaged in their release. Modern models are divided into the following types:
- Digital electronic goniometer. This is a device that has a built-in LCD display. On it you can see the measurements of the angles of inclination of the surface. Data is displayed without additional settings.
- Digital electronic level. Such devices are also equipped with a display. Additionally, the level can have a laser beam or a built-in water level.
- Combined digital instrument. Such a device combines the functions of a goniometer anddigital level. The level provides more efficient and faster measurements.
The principle of operation of the levels is based on the registration of readings with the help of rails, which are installed at different heights. Accordingly, the difference in readings shows the excess between the points.
In accordance with GOST 10528-90, the devices themselves are divided into technical, precise and high-precision.
Specifications
When choosing an electronic level, builders pay attention to the technical parameters of the device. According to GOST 23543-88, Appendix 2, the list of the main characteristics of levels includes:
- Indicators of the purpose of the device (measurement error and range, operating temperature, number of functions, reading time, magnification and diameter of the pupil of the telescope, dimensions).
- Indicators of the reliability of the device (setting the service life calendar, full service life, coefficient of technical utilization and others).
- Economy indicators (device weight and power consumption).
- Angular field of view of the pipe.
- Price of level division.
- Spotting scope pupil diameter.
- Range of work and error during self-installation of the compensator.
- Quality of protective and decorative coatings.
- Rangefinder (altimeter) factor.
Using the appliance
Many beginners don't know how to use an electronic level. Below is a step by step guide.
How to uselevel:
- Set up the tripod. To do this, loosen the fixing screws on each leg of the tripod. Extend each support to the required length. Set the top of the tripod to a strictly horizontal position and tighten the screws on the legs. For fine tuning, many fixtures are equipped with a smooth adjusting fastening of each leg.
- Install the level. The leveling pipe is mounted on a tripod and secured with screws. Next, prepare the level sensor. To do this, rotate the adjusting screws until the bubble levels are set to the central position relative to the lines marked on them. For convenience, the setting is carried out in turn “windows”, setting the level of the next one, taking into account the previous one.
- Adjusting the focus of the optical-mechanical unit. It is carried out to align the telescope with the operator's vision. The device is aimed at a large and well-lit object and continues to be adjusted until the thread grid is displayed as clearly as possible. Then the same procedure is carried out with slats in less lit places.
- Measuring and fixing observations. After the horizontal installation of the equipment and its settings, the rails are installed in front and behind the level. First, the device is pointed at the black marks of the rear rail and the values are recorded on the rangefinder and middle strokes. Next, they focus on the front rail and fix the average value relative to the red side.
Overview of TOPCON instrument
Topcon Japaneseleader in the production of geodetic equipment. All devices can be divided into optical and digital levels.
Digital options provide a bright picture and accurate measurements. The devices are resistant to vibrations and shocks. They are equipped with a magnetic compensator that allows measurements to be taken on site where heavy equipment is operating.
Reviews of electronic levels are presented in the table below.
| Parameter | DL-102С. N | DL-101С | DL-502 | DL-503 |
| Accuracy, mm | 0, 4 | 0.6 | 1.0 | |
| Lens diameter, mm | 45 | 36 | ||
| Min. sighting distance, m | 1 | 1 | 1, 5 | 1, 5 |
| Magnification of the telescope | 30x | 32х | 32х | 28х |
| Weight of the assembled device, kg | 2, 8 | 2, 8 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Operating temperatures | -20°C … +50°C | |||
| Working time in hours | 10 | 10 | 16 | 16 |
Overview of Sokkia appliances
Sokkia's electronic levels are professional instruments for efficient elevation detection. They are characterized by proprietary coated optics and high speed. All measurements are made automatically and stored in the device's memory.
Also theyuse special technology of stabilization of the device Wave-and-Read. The following features are available in the levels:
- single measurements;
- re-measuring;
- using the tracking mode of the staff;
- turn on stabilization mode;
- calculate the average value.
Detailed characteristics of the devices are shown in the table below.
| Parameter | SDL50 | SDL30 | SDL1X |
| Increase | 28х | 32х | 32х |
| Accuracy, mm | 1, 5 | 1, 0 | 0, 3 |
| Min. focal length, m | 1, 6 | ||
| Operating temperatures | -20°C … +50°C | ||
| Weight of the assembled device, kg | 2, 4 | 2, 4 | 3, 7 |
| Measurement time, sec | 3 | 3 | 2, 5 |
| Working time in hours | 16 | 8, 5 | 9-12 |
Overview of Trimble instruments
The levels of the American company Trimble are designed to accurately determine the level of elevation and the difference in heights on the ground. The devices have a hardened housing, which allows them to be used in almost any weather.
They are also equipped with many additional features and large internal memory. Backlit display allows you to work even in low light.
Devices differ in longbattery life, maximum performance and high accuracy. Measurements are taken automatically by powerful software.
Detailed specifications of Trimble electronic levels are shown in the table below.
| Parameter | DiNi 03 | DiNi 07 | DiNi 22 | DiNi12Т |
| Increase | 32х | 26x | 26x | 32х |
| Accuracy, mm | 0, 3 - 1, 5 | 0, 7 | 0, 7 | 0, 3 |
| Min. focal length, m | 1, 3 | |||
| Lens diameter, mm | 40 | |||
| Weight of the assembled device, kg | 3, 5 | 3, 5 | 3, 2 | 3, 7 |
| Operating temperatures | -20°C … +50°C | |||
| Working time in hours | 72 | |||
Overview of Leica instruments
Electronic levels from Leica (China) are presented in a wider range than analogues. They are designed for different types of work. Each device is equipped with a processor and a large memory. The disadvantage is the weak body of the device, the level requires careful handling.
Their feature is to minimize human involvement in the measurement process and maximize productivity.
Detailed characteristics of the devices are shown in the table below.
| Parameter | Sprinter 50 | Sprinter150/ 150M | Sprinter 200M/250M | DNA03/10 | LS15/10 |
| Increase | 24x | 24x | 24x | 24x | 32х |
| Accuracy, mm | 2.5 | 1, 5 | 1, 5/0, 7 | 0, 3/0, 9 | 0, 2/03 |
| Min. focal length, m | 0, 5 | 0, 6 | 0, 6 | ||
| Lens diameter, mm | 36 | ||||
| Operating temperatures | -10 … +50 °С | -20 … +50 °С | |||
| Weight of the assembled device, kg | 2, 55 | 2, 55 | 2, 55 | 2, 85 | 3, 7 |
| Working time in hours | unlimited, 4 AA batteries, 1.5V | 12h | |||
It can be said that an electronic level is an indispensable assistant for a modern builder. These are high-precision, automated devices that have their own software and help the owner to make the necessary measurements in a short time.
