Topcon have recently released the RL-H5A rotating laser and RL-H5B rotating laser. These rotating lasers are the replacement for the Topcon RL-H4C rotating laser, which has been around since mid 2013.
Topcon describe the RL-H5A as being the next generation of Self Levelling Construction rotating laser. With more buttons on the front of the Topcon RL-H5A than the Topcon RL-H5B, the Topcon RL-H5A has more functionality, but is still straight forward to setup and use, ideal for most construction sites and people to use quickly and get work started.
Setting up the Topcon RL-H5A is easy. Just setup your stand or survey tripod relatively level (within 5 degrees of horizontal) and put the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser on securely and switch on. The electronic self levelling motors will automatically level up the rotating laser for you. These self levelling motors will set the laser within 10 arc seconds of the horizontal plane, this is a greater accuracy than the Topcon RL-H5B. An arc second is unit of angular measurement. In the real world at 200m away from the Topcon RL-H5A you would could expect the laser (receiver) to be between 5mm either above or below the level of the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser. Remember that the Topcon RL-H5B is double (10mm) this figure at 200m distance.
The Topcon RL-H5A has a working range of up to 400m from the rotating laser. This gives a working range of up to 800m diameter, or can cover an area of over 502,500m². This would be more than enough to cover the majority of construction sites.
The Topcon RL-H5A has a IP66 rating, which means it protected against dust that may harm the instrument and is protected from low pressure water jets. It also has long battery life with alkaline (4) D-Cell batteries lasting up to 100 hours of continuous use, or about 2 weeks on site used all day, every day. Opt for the rechargeable battery pack and the Topcon RL-H5A will last up to 60 hours of continuous use between recharges.
With the Topcon LS-80A receiver included with the RL-H5A rotating laser allows a single user to quickly and accurately complete any construction site job. They will also receive height alerts and battery status from the rotating laser on the Topcon LS-80A receiver. Two modes of accuracy are available depending upon the type of work being undertaken with 5 levels of precision being indicated on the LS-80A receiver. The Topcon LS-100D receiver is an optional extra for this construction rotating laser.
The Topcon RL-H5A is also covered with the Topcon 5 year guarantee, which they say is the best factory warranty in the industry.
Prices are likely to be around from £600+VAT and expect that not to include a survey tripod and staff. Contact your preferred survey equipment supplier for more information or to purchase.
Currently, only selected Survey Supply companies are stocking the Topcon RL-H5A and occasionally it can be on found on offer at Lichfield Survey Supplies Ltd.
