Laser detector for construction lasers

What is a laser detector?

When using laser surveying devices such as rotation lasers and line lasers, a problem always arises: With increasing brightness, whether due to sunlight or artificial light, the laser light is attenuated and at some point is no longer visible to the naked eye. This makes measurement difficult or even impossible, especially outdoors and at long distances. With a laser detector, however, the laser lines that are no longer visible can be captured and displayed again. In this way, even the greatest distances of up to 1000 m can be bridged, depending on the type of device.

Laser detector for rotating lasers

The so-called receiver window, behind which photocells are concealed, is directed towards the laser. The position of the receiver in relation to the laser beam is shown on the adjacent display. Directional arrows show the user in which direction the target level is located. Some models also have a digital display that shows differences to the target height in millimeters. In addition to the visual display, the laser detectors are also equipped with an acoustic signal. This indicates to the user via alternating sound signals whether they are above, below or exactly at the target height. The laser detectors can be easily attached to flexi rods, measuring sticks or levelling rods using a corresponding bracket. The compatibility of the laser detectors with line or rotating lasers depends on the frequency range or wavelength. For example, a receiver for a red laser beam is never compatible with a green laser beam. Furthermore, laser detectors for line lasers are not compatible with rotary lasers, as these operate in different frequency ranges.

Dislplayanzeige von einem Laser-Empfänger		Laser-Empfänger an einer Felxilatte

Laser detector for line lasers

When using a laser detector with a line laser or cross line laser, pay attention to two points. Firstly, the line laser must have a pulse function; with these devices, the laser line is sent with an amplifying signal at the push of a button. This pulse function is often referred to as detector mode or outdoor mode. Secondly, the receivers and line lasers must operate in the same frequency range. The most common devices here are in a range between 4.5 and 12 kHz.

Laser-Empfänger für Linienlaser mit Halteklammer

Machine receiver for rotating lasers

Together with a machine receiver, the rotating laser is also used to control an excavator bucket or dozer blade. The machine receiver is basically a large laser detector whose display is easy to read even from a distance. While a laser detector is held in the hand or mounted on a measuring stick during measurement, the machine receiver is mounted on the excavator bucket or dozer blade while the operator is sitting in the cab. The machine receiver must therefore be easy to read even from a distance.

Maschinenempfänger für Rotationslaser Foto: Leica Geosystems