Measurement range
The range at which the device remains fully operational without the use of additional receivers (see below); in other words, the radius of its action without auxiliary devices.
In some models, a range may be specified that shows the minimum (
3 cm,
5 cm) and maximum measurement ranges. But in most cases, only the maximum value is indicated.
The specific meaning of this parameter is determined by the type of instrument (see above). So, for optical levels, the measurement range is the greatest distance at which the operator can normally see the divisions of a standard leveling staff. For laser levels, this parameter determines the distance from the device to the surface on which the mark is projected, at which this projection will be easily visible to the naked eye; and in rangefinders we are talking about the greatest distance that can be measured. Typically, the measurement range is indicated for ideal conditions - in particular, in the absence of impurities in the air; in practice, it may be less due to dust, fog, or vice versa, bright sunlight "overlapping" the mark. At the same time, tools of the same type can be compared according to this characteristic.
Note that it is worth choosing a device according to the range of action, taking into account the features of the tasks that are planned to be solved with its help: after all, a large measurement range usually sig
...nificantly affects the dimensions, weight, power consumption and price, but it is far from always required. For example, it hardly makes sense to look for a powerful laser level at 30-40 m if you need a device for finishing work in standard apartments.Reference points
The number of reference points provided in the rangefinder (see “Type”).
The reference point is called “conditional zero” - the point from which the device begins to measure distance. If the device states only
one reference point, then this is, as a rule, the rear edge of the case. However, there are few such models on the market, mostly the simplest and most inexpensive rangefinders. Devices with
two such points are much more popular - usually the rear and front edges of the case. There are also more advanced options -
three or even
four reference points. In the first case, the role of an additional conventional zero is played by either a folding stop bracket or a mounting point on a tripod; and the second usually provides both a bracket and a tripod socket.
In any case, a larger number of reference points provides more measurement possibilities, but increases the cost of the device.
Tripod thread
The standard size of the thread used to mount the level/rangefinder on a tripod (if available). This option can be useful if you already have a surveying tripod that you want to use with the tool.
The most popular options in modern devices are 1/4" and 5/8". It is worth noting that 1/4" is a standard size for
photographic equipment - accordingly, levels with such a thread can be installed even on ordinary
photographic tripods.
Wi-Fi
Wireless technology. Technically, it is more advanced than Bluetooth: it can be used both for direct communication between devices and for connecting to computer networks (including the Internet), and the communication range even in the simplest standards reaches 100 m. At the same time, in levels and rangefinders Wi -Fi is used extremely rarely — literally in single models. The specific possibilities of such communication, again, should be specified separately: theoretically, they can vary from direct connection with a laptop, tablet, etc. to remote access and control via the Internet, but in fact, the functionality is selected according to the specialization and general level of a particular device.
In box
—
holder. Devices for fixing the level / range finder on various surfaces. Such a device differs from a tripod primarily in its small size — within a couple of tens of centimeters. On the other hand, most holders allow you to install the device not only on horizontal, but also on vertical surfaces — for example, walls (and some are exclusively wall-mounted). Anyway, this function greatly expands the installation possibilities.
—
Receiver. laser radiation supplied with the device. This device is usually equipped with laser levels, less often with rangefinders, and it is not required at all for optical instruments. The main purpose of the receiver is situations where the laser mark is not visible to the naked eye — for example, at a long distance or in bright light. More details on the features of its application are described above in the paragraph “Measurement range (with receiver)”.
—
Tripod. Most modern instruments have a standard size thread and can be used with any suitable tripod. On the other hand, a complete tripod is most often specially designed for a certain model and optimally matches it in terms of general characteristics. In addition, this configuration option relieves you of the need to look for and purchase a suitable tripod yourself.
—
Case / case. The main function of these devices is
...to protect the device from bumps, scratches, dirt, temperature changes and other adverse effects; for this, of course, improvised means can also be used, but specialized protection is usually both more convenient and more reliable. In addition, almost all cases and most covers greatly simplify the transportation of the tool — in particular, due to the fact that they can also be used for complete accessories.
— Remote control. Among rangefinders and optical levels, this function is practically not found, because. working with them involves the constant stay of the device in the hands of the operator. But for laser levels that require you to regularly move from the device to the surface to be marked and back, the remote control can be a very useful addition — due to the fact that it minimizes such movements. For example, after marking the "front of work" on the wall according to the projection from the level, you do not have to approach the device to turn it off — just give a command from the remote control. At short distances, the savings in time and effort may not be so obvious, but over large areas, they can become quite noticeable.
