Comparison Forte LLC-360-2 83915 vs Intertool MT-3052

The longest measurement range provided by a laser level (see “Type”) when using a special receiver with a photocell.

Thanks to its sensitivity, such a receiver is able to respond even to a weak laser beam, the mark from which is no longer visible to the naked eye; At the same time, the area of the photocell is quite large, and special indicators make it possible to determine the exact position of the mark. Among other things, this significantly expands the range of action of the level - the measurement range with a receiver is usually several times greater than without it. On the other hand, such equipment inevitably affects the overall cost of the device; and in some models the receiver is not included in the package at all; it must be purchased separately. However, the second option also has its advantages: you do not need to immediately pay for an additional accessory, it can be purchased later, when a real need arises, while some models allow you to choose the optimal receiver model from several options at your discretion.

Note that the receiver can be useful not only for increasing range; These points are described in detail in paragraph “Included parts”.

The maximum deviation from the horizontal position that the device is able to correct "by its own means".

Self-leveling in itself greatly simplifies the installation and initial calibration of levels (see "Type"), which often (and for optical models — mandatory) need to be set horizontally to work. With this function, it is enough to install the device more or less evenly (in many models, special devices are provided for this, such as round levels) — and fine tuning in the longitudinal and transverse planes will be carried out automatically. And the limits of self-leveling are usually indicated for both planes; the higher this indicator, the easier the device is to install, the less demanding it is to the initial placement. In some models, this figure can reach 6 – 8 °.

The temperature range at which the device is guaranteed to work for a sufficiently long time without failures, breakdowns and exceeding the measurement error specified in the characteristics. Note that we are talking primarily about the temperature of the device case, and it depends not only on the ambient temperature — for example, a tool left in the sun can overheat even in fairly cool weather.

In general, you should pay attention to this parameter when you are looking for a model for working outdoors, in unheated rooms and other places with conditions that are significantly different from indoor ones; in the first case, it makes sense to also make sure that there is dust and water protection (see "Protection class"). On the other hand, even relatively simple and "myopic" levels / rangefinders usually tolerate both heat and cold quite well.

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.

Class of the laser emitter installed in the device.

The laser power primarily depends on this indicator; and this, in turn, affects the effective range of the device and precautions when working with it. The main options relevant for modern levels and rangefinders are class 2, class 2M and class 3R, here is their more detailed description:

— 2. Such a laser beam is considered safe in case of accidental contact with the eyes, since due to the blinking reflex, the exposure time in such cases usually does not exceed a quarter of a second. This applies to both the naked eye and the use of magnifying instruments such as a monocular or even a telescope. But constant exposure to the eye already poses a danger to vision. The power of such emitters should be below 1 mW. In fact, 2 is the lowest (in terms of power) class used in levels and rangefinders; weaker lasers of classes 1 and 1M simply do not provide the required efficiency. Such emitters are used in the vast majority of low and medium power devices.

- 2M. Such lasers produce a wider beam than class 2 emitters. However, such a beam is also considered safe if it accidentally enters the eye - but only if we are talking about the naked eye. When viewed through a monocular or other magnifying optical instrument, class 2M lasers are dangerous even with low-term (fractions of a second) exposure to t...he eye. In general, this option is quite rare: class 2M is not strictly official and does not have such clear criteria as the original class 2.

- 3R. Also known as IIIa. In fact, it is an analogue of class 2, suggesting a higher emitter power, namely from 1 to 4.99 mW. At the same time, class 3R lasers are generally considered safe in case of accidental contact with the eye when a person reflexively blinks or turns away and the exposure time does not exceed ¼ second. However, such emitters carry a greater risk of serious harm to health than Class 2 devices, so greater caution should still be exercised when using them.

The sweep angle in the vertical plane provided by the level emitter. If there are several such radiators (for example, on both sides of the case), this parameter is given for each of them separately.

The sweep angle is, in fact, the coverage angle, that is, the width of the sector captured by the emitter when the line is formed. The wider this angle, the more convenient the device is to use, the lower the likelihood that the device will have to be moved up and down to build a line. On the other hand, a larger sweep angle (at the same range) requires more power — and this, accordingly, affects the cost and power consumption.

The level of protection against harmful influences (in the first place — the penetration of foreign objects) that the body of the level / rangefinder provides in accordance with the IP standard. This standard describes two separate characteristics — protection against solid objects and against water. They are designated respectively by the first and second digit after the IP index; the higher the number, the higher the degree of protection.

Considering that levels and rangefinders usually have to work on construction sites where there is a lot of dust, the minimum level of protection against solid objects for such tools is the fifth. It allows some dust to get inside, but in such a way that it does not affect the performance of the device. The maximum level of dust resistance is 6, which implies complete protection from solid particles.

The second characteristic, protection against moisture, in levels and rangefinders is usually indicated starting from level 4. Officially, it provides protection "against spray from any direction", in fact this means that it can be used in moderate rain with strong winds — a useful point in that if the tool is to be used outdoors. Level 5 allows operation during storms and downpours, a device of the sixth class can withstand being hit by a wave, the seventh — a short-term immersion under water up to 1 m, and the eighth — even a long stay under water. However, for a conventional construction tool, too high water resistance i...s usually not required.

Actually, the most popular option in modern construction tools is the IP54 class: it is quite enough even for work in bad weather, while such cases are relatively inexpensive. There are also more protected models, but less often.

It is also worth noting that a certain level of dust and water protection in itself is usually provided even in devices that do not have an IP marking. The absence of this index does not necessarily mean the absence of protection — it only says that the case has not been officially certified according to the IP standard. But if you need an additional guarantee of reliability, you should still pay attention to certified options.

The type and number of batteries used in the level/distance meter. All elements of standard sizes (AA, AAA, C, D, PP3) are available in two formats — disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries. This gives the user a choice: either buy relatively inexpensive batteries every time, or invest once in a rechargeable battery with a charger, and then simply charge the battery as needed. Branded batteries are, by definition, made only rechargeable, as are 18650 batteries.

Specific types of power today can be as follows:
— AA. A standard battery, known as a "finger battery". The power of these batteries is average, they can be used both in simple and quite advanced devices. This power supply is convenient due to the fact that AA batteries are very widespread and sold almost everywhere — due to this, finding and replacing them is usually not a problem.
— AAA. A smaller version of the AA element described above — almost identical in shape, but thinner and shorter. Such elements, known as "mini-finger" or "little fingers", have a rather low capacity and power, but are useful for portable devices, where compactness is crucial. They are also quite widespread.
— C. A cylindrical element, in the form o...f a rather thick "barrel" — with a length of 50 mm, the diameter is 26 mm. Due to its higher capacity and power than AA, it is better suited for advanced models with "long-range" lasers, but is less commonly used and generally less common.
— D. The largest and most capacious type of standard batteries found in modern levels and distance meter: thickness and diameter are 62 and 34 mm, respectively. The main area of application for D batteries is powerful professional devices.
— Rechargeable battery. In this case, the tool is powered by an branded battery that does not belong to any standard size. This option is good because such batteries are initially created for a specific model of the level/distance meter and are supplied in the set (and in some models they are made non-removable); in addition, their specifications can significantly exceed those of standard elements of a similar size and weight. On the other hand, such power source is less convenient when the charge runs out at the wrong moment: the only way to remedy the situation is usually to recharge, and it takes quite a long time (whereas standard batteries can be replaced in just a minute).
– 18650. The name of these batteries comes from their dimensions: 18.6x65.2 mm, cylindrical, outwardly they resemble somewhat enlarged AA batteries, but they have an operating voltage of about 3.7 V and a higher capacity. In addition, all 18650 type batteries are by definition not disposable, but rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion type).

— PP3. 9-volt batteries of a spesific rectangular shape, with a pair of contacts on one of the ends. Due to the high operating voltage, they provide high power and actual capacity, so one such battery is usually enough for operation.

— LR44. Miniature batteries of "coin" type, 11.6 mm in diameter and 5.4 mm thick. Usually installed in sets of 3 and are used in compact low-power laser levels, for which small size is more important than power and capacity. Note that specifically the LR44 marking refers to relatively inexpensive alkaline batteries; more expensive and advanced silver-zinc power supplies are referred to as SR44, or 357.

— 23A12V. A rather rare option: cylindrical batteries (length 29 mm, diameter 10 mm) with a nominal voltage of 12 V.

Operating time of the device on one battery charge.

It is worth considering that these figures are quite approximate, since the operating time is measured under certain standard conditions (usually continuous operation at nominal power). And since in practice conditions may differ markedly, the operating time may turn out to be noticeably shorter or longer than stated. In addition, if the device uses replaceable batteries (AAA, AA and the like), then autonomy will also depend on the quality of the specific batteries/accumulators. Nevertheless, based on the data specified in the characteristics, it is quite possible to evaluate the capabilities of specific models and compare them with each other: the difference in the declared operating time, as a rule, proportionally corresponds to the difference in practical autonomy under the same conditions.

We also note that the operating time is specified mainly for levels; in rangefinders another parameter is more often used - the number of measurements (see below).