Some of you may remember my saga with the CST Berger laser level- after trying to check it’s calibration (as directed in the manual), the unit was consistently in error by as much as 1/2″. Several discussions with CST Berger resulted in customer service reps who had no idea how to perform the test in the manual, and even after a discussion with one of their chief engineers, and two replacements that were shipped to me, similar errors persisted. I finally gave up and returned the unit.
After reading many posts about the PLS units, and talking with one of their representatives, I definitely had more confidence in them, and purchased a PLS 180. Just for the heck of it, I tested it against my trusty line-level, and a simple plumb-bob.
The unit was properly aligned with plumb-bob, but there is a significant difference in level. I established two points about 22′ apart, hung a taught string and placed the line level at midpoint, and established level. When shooting a laser level, there was about an inch difference between the two ends.
Is this operator error, or is my trusty line level not-so-trusty? Of those of you who have a laser unit, have you ever calibrated it as instructed in their manuals? Did you find a difference? Am I a total schmuck?
Replies
Just a thought-
Maybe a water level would be a better "control" then a line level.
I have a 180 also, I followed the calibration instructions and found it accurate. Comparing a laser, especially a quality one like a pls to a line level is akin to comparing a tricycle to a ferrari. Trust the laser.
I don't think a line level is the most accurate tool to use in this situation. As suggested a water level is much more accurate. I checked mine with a water level, and used the manual to check it as well. I found that mine was right on, and every time I've checked it, twice after dropping it, the directions in the manual have agreed with the results I got using the water level. So, I just follow the manual to check it now.
A line level to check against a laser? You gotta be kidding. LOL.
Maybe he pulled it REALLY tight.
And my guess is that the level itself is made by Leica or some such. :o)
Yeah, yeah, I know it is ridiculous- line level vs. laser. But after multiple rounds with the CST-Berger, I don't know what to believe. A line level is pretty crude in comparison to the laser, but you would think it would be a little closer than 1" off...!
The water level is a much better idea- I'll give it a shot.
The common denominator over 4 laser levels is the line level. Put your string in line with the laser and see what the line level says.
Well, this probably won't come as any surprise to most of you, but the PLS-180 agreed exactly with the water level, and the line level is in error. Probably could have guessed that to start with, but after all the runaround with the CST/Berger, nothing seemed reliable.
Thanks for all the suggestions, and being patient with a pretty silly question!