Page 36 - QR CIMAR LASER SCREED

There are two guiding principles for choosing a spot for the transmitter. Keep in mind the laser control
system on the screed is designed to operate at distances less than 300 feet from the laser transmitter. If
the placement length is greater than 300 feet, consider setting the laser transmitter near the middle of
the placement or resetting the transmitter once the distance between the transmitter and the laser
receivers exceeds 300 feet. First, you want the transmitter in a spot where the air is cleaner and it won’t
be disturbed during the job. Second, you want to reduce shadow areas as much as possible. Shadow
areas are those places where the laser beam is blocked by columns or other immovable obstructions.
When the machine passes through one of these shadow areas, one or both of the screed ‘s laser
receivers will lose a line-of-site connection to the transmitter and screeding accuracy will be
compromised.

If one of the screed’s two laser receivers loses the transmitter signal, that receiver will stop sending
reference information to the Operations Box. When that happens, the Operations Box immediately
locks the linear actuators on that side of the screed head so that the plow holds the last known
reference position. At that point, the receiver on the other side of the screed head will still be sending
reference information to the Operations Box and the plow will continue to hold grade by reference to the
laser transmitter.’

However, if both of the screed’s laser receivers are blocked from seeing the transmitter, then all
reference will be lost, the feedback loop will be broke, and the machine will lock both linear actuators at
the last known reference point. Your only choice at this point, other than moving the laser transmitter, is
to operate the machine in full manual mode until it picks up the laser signal again. Of course, during
manual operation there will be loss of accuracy and speed.

By now it should be obvious that carefully choosing a location for the laser transmitter can make
difference between an easy day or long and difficult placement.

A word of caution is called for regarding the use of laser transmitters on a construction site. Remember
that, even though these devices use a lower-power laser, they can still cause eye damage. So never
look directly at the laser beam.

Finally, we strongly urge you to consult the Operator’s Manual provided with your specific laser
transmitter for complete instructions on set up and operation as well as more specifics on safety.

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