Thinking of buying a rotating laser level. Read this laser level review before you do. The Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level review.
So, you are interested in getting a rotating laser level, but with so many rotating laser levels on the market, which one will serve you best? Well, Topcon have recently released the RL-H5A rotating laser level and RL-H5B rotating laser level. In this article I shall be reviewing the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level.
The Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level is the replacement for the Topcon RL-H4C. The Topcon RL-H4C has been around since mid-2013. If you are considering buying a used Topcon RL-H4C and want to know more about it the read the Topcon RL-H4C review on this site.
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Topcon RL-H5A Rotating Laser with 5 Year Guarantee.
- Best Accuracy in class
- Longest Standard Guarantee
- 800m Working Range
- Easy to Use
What is the difference between the Topcon RL-H5A and the RL-H5B?
The main differences between the RL-H5A and the RL-H5B is the range that they work over and the accuracy that they have. The working range of the Topcon RL-H5A vs RL-H5B is 800m vs 400m diameter. The accuracy of Topcon RL-H5A vs RL-H5B is double too. For me, I can’t understand why anyone would choose the Topcon RL-H5B over the RL-H5A. But if you want to know more about the Topcon RL-H5B then you can the Topcon RL-H5B review article on this website.
Is the Topcon RL-H5A the best rotating laser level to buy.
The Topcon RL-H5A is one of the best rotating laser levels that you can buy in 2020. I consider it to be the best rotating laser level of 2020, along with the Leica Rugby 620 rotating laser level. Either the Topcon RL-H5A or the Leica Rugby 620 will serve you well.
What is the best rotating laser level in 2020?
I have compiled a list of the top 5 best rotating laser levels in 2020 and the reasons why I have ranked them in this way. It is available to read on this website at the top 5 best rotating laser levels in 2020.
Keep reading the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level review to find out about the accuracy of the laser level.
Is the Topcon RL-H5A easy to use?
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 level 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. Once the Topcon RL-H5A has self levelled the laser will start spinning at 600rpm.
What is the accuracy of the Topcon RL-H5a Rotating Laser Level?
Once the Topcon RL-H5A has been setup roughly level, within 5degrees of horizontal, on a sturdy tripod the rotating laser level will then self-level. The self levelling motors will set the laser within 10 arc seconds of the horizontal plane. An arc second is unit of angular measurement. In the real world at 200m away from the Topcon RL-H5A you would expect the laser (receiver) to be between 5mm either above or below the level of the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser. I have used rotating laser levels on site, and checked them over a distance of 100m and can confirm that the below accuracy is achievable.
Table of Topcon Rotating Laser Level Accuracy.
| Rotating Laser Level | Accuracy @30m | Accuracy @50m | Accuracy @100m | Accuracy @200m |
| Topcon RL-H5A | Less than 1mm | +5mm / -5mm | +2.5mm / -2.5mm | +5mm / -5mm |
| Topcon RL-H5B | More than 1mm | +2.5mm / -2.5mm | +5mm / -5mm | +10mm / -10mm |
The above table gives the accuracy of the rotating laser level itself. But there are different settings on the detectors that are used with the rotating laser levels that also affect the total accuracy that can be achieved.
What is the working range of the Topcon RL-H5A Rotating Laser Level?
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. The working range of the Topcon RL-H5A is large enough to cover most construction sites by itself. This eliminates the need for multiple rotating laser levels on the same site.
Is the Topcon RL-H5A weatherproof?
The Topcon RL-H5A has an IP66 rating, which means it protected against dust that may harm the instrument and is also protected from low pressure water jets. This means the two main issues, dust and rain, that are encountered on constructions sites are covered. If it does get caught out in the rain, just make sure it is dried off before it is put back in the carry case.
Is a rechargeable battery available for the Topcon RL-H5A?
Yes, a rechargeable battery pack is available for the Topcon RL-H5A. But it is not offered as standard by all retailers. The rechargeable battery pack will last up to 60 hours of continuous use. This is enough to last the full working week of most construction sites. It can also run on alkaline (4) D-Cell batteries which last up to 100 hours of continuous use, or about 2 weeks on site used all day, every day.
What guarantee is offered with the Topcon RL-H5A?
The Topcon RL-H5A is covered with the Topcon 5-year guarantee, which they say is the best factory warranty in the industry. Not many other manufacturers are prepared to offer a similar guarantee.
Keep reading the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level review to find out how much you should pay.
Can the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level set slopes?
Yes, the Topcon RL-H5A can be set to match slopes. But if you are doing a lot of work with slopes then you would be better off getting a rotating grade laser level. The Topcon RL-H5A can do slopes, it is just that it is limited in its range of slope capability.
What is the Topcon RL-H5A Rotating Laser Level Kit?
What comprises a rotating laser level kit varies between retailers. So, what should you expect to get as part of the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level kit? As a bare minimum you should get the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser, the carry case and a laser detector with clamp. I would also expect to have an aluminium tripod and an E-Grad Staff in a rotating laser level kit.
What laser detectors are available with the Topcon RL-H5A?
The Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level should come with the Topcon LS-80A receiver. 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. The user will also receive height alerts and battery status from the Topcon rotating laser level 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.
What is the price of the Topcon RL-H5A Rotating Laser Level?
This very much depends on the retailer. Very often I see what on the surface is an incredibly cheap price for the Topcon RL-H5A, but on closer inspection turns out to be just as expensive when you add in all the extras needed. It is very much a case of buyer beware. Most retailers include the rechargeable battery pack as standard in their rotating laser level kit. However, the cheapest rotating laser level kits charge an additional £100+VAT for the rechargeable battery kit. Retail price, at the time of writing, for the Topcon RL-5HA, rechargeable battery, Topcon LS-80A Receiver, calibration certificate and Tripod and staff should be £699+VAT. If you can find this full rotating laser level kit for less then you are doing well.
Where to buy the Topcon Rotating Laser Level?
You should only buy the Topcon rotating laser level from a reputable source. And one that can sort out any problems that may arise with your rotating laser level. Most issues seen with the Topcon rotating laser levels are the yearly calibration check required and if they are knocked over and require repair. One recommended place to buy the Topcon RL-H5A would be Lichfield Survey Supplies Ltd.
I hope you have found the Topcon RL-H5A rotating laser level review helpful. For more information on rotating laser level there are a number of other articles on this website that might be of interest to you.
Topcon RL-H5A Rotating Laser with 5 Year Guarantee.
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. It is straight forward to setup and use, ideal for any construction site and get the workforce to quickly get work started.
Easy To Use.
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. The self levelling motors will set the laser within 10 arc seconds of the horizontal plane. 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.
Large Working Area.
The Topcon RL-H5A has a large 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 is more than enough to cover the majority of construction sites.
The Topcon RL-H5A has an IP66 rating, which means it is protected against dust that may harm the instrument and it 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. This is 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.
Choice of Receiver.
With the Topcon LS-80A receiver included with the RL-H5A rotating laser, this allows a single user to quickly and accurately complete any construction site job. You can 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.
Topcon’s RL-H5A Rotating Laser Level Brochure in pdf format.
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