Replies

1. 
   gzajac | Apr 04, 2007 12:30pm | #1

   When I bought the PLS90 the sales person said the detectors were both the same. You can buy the PLS 90 without the detector.

    

   Greg I Connecticut

2. 
   Timuhler | Apr 04, 2007 04:09pm | #2

   Dave,

   I took some pics of the PLS90e yesterday to show how the thing works.  Using the detector makes squaring in the sunlight really really easy.

   http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/15410460/243091527.jpg

   http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/15410460/243091535.jpg

   http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/15410460/243091532.jpg

   Detector http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/15410460/234339124.jpg

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 04, 2007 04:49pm | #3

   Tim, haven't you posted pics in the past where use of the PLS5x was depicted?

   I can see how the 90e might be somewhat easier to use in establishing line (not grade), but wouldn't a one-crew biz like ours be silly to buy a 90e if we already have the 5x?

   Or, did you back the skytrac over your 5x, and just thought the 90e might be a better replacement? ;-)

1. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 04, 2007 06:28pm | #5

   Gene, you probably know it but the 90e shoots a pair of 90-degree planes, or "fans", rather than just two points. Put the detector in the right line and you get a beep rather than having to find the line AND elevation. Faster and easier when working over grade changes, and no need to use a level to find the point you need at grade.

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 04, 2007 07:01pm | #6

   David, I can see that from the little bit PLS is showing at their website, so I surmised that finding the line was easier.

   What I'm wondering is: what is used to index the 90e over a point, and most of all, other than getting you to your line more quickly over terrain, what can it do that a 5x cannot.

1. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 04, 2007 08:10pm | #7

   Suppose I am shooting a line over sloping grade. I could set the detector on the ground and it will "see" the transmitter. No need to use a level to plumb down from a point in space. Other than that the answer to your question is... nothing. For me the main attraction is that I could use the thing in daylight. Also possible with the 5x but probably a lot harder and slower in some situations. The day's too short for that--I can barely get enough done even with the best, most efficient equipment. Fooling around with less is generally out of the question.

2. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 04, 2007 09:01pm | #8

   Daylight, huh?  In your part of the world, that is probably something sorta gray and wet! ;-)

   Seriously, if doing some sitework stuff in bright sunshine looking out at, say, 100 feet, are you going to see that line?

   Because if you can, we just might put our PLS5x up on eBay and use the proceeds toward purchasing a new 90e.

3. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 05, 2007 01:54am | #9

   It's not that you can see it, you can detect it moving the detector right-left without worrying about being at a specific elevation. I'm building a house on a sloped site so for concrete layout this would be ideal. And FWIW it's sunny here a lot of the time year round, although sometimes I do look for an overcast day (or wait for after sunset) to use the PLS5.

2. 
   Timuhler | Apr 05, 2007 04:00am | #10

   Back the forklift over the PLS5?  :-)  Not yet.

   We have the PLS5 and love it, but I'm "trying" the PLS90e.  To be honest, I would buy the 90 over the 5.  I love the 5, but I could get a cheap laser to shoot plumb and use the 90 for square, laying out basements, even those partition walls in basements that we frame after the floor is on. 

   I could frame perfectly plumb without ever snapping a line :-)  And for you east coast guys who strap ceilings, it would be perfect.  But it is a huge plus for laying out basements.

   Would it be silly to buy the 90 if you have the 5?  That is the question I have been struggling with.  I haven't decided yet if we'll buy it when I'm done "trying" it out.

   Edit:

   Gene, I just read the posts between you and Dave.  I don't know if you looked at the pics I posted, but they show that the 90 projects beams, not dots.  So in the sunshine it is really really easy to square with the detector.

   It has a dot that projects from the bottom so you can line it up with your layout reference point just like the 5x. 

   Hope that helps.  Ask me any questions you want while I still have the 90 and I'll try and find the answers for you.  My experience has been really positive and I think PLS does a good job of designing.  This is a great laser.

   Edited 4/4/2007 9:04 pm ET by Timuhler

3. 
   calvin | Apr 04, 2007 06:20pm | #4

   This from Mike at PLS

   YES.

   Detectors work with PLS 90, 360 and PLS 2.

   Mike

   A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/