Comparison Bosch GCL 2-15 G Professional 0601066J00 vs DeWALT DCE089D1G

General purpose of the device.

This parameter is indicated for models that have a clear specialization - these are mainly laser levels, including rotary ones. Among such devices, there are the following application options: for the 360° area, only for point projections, for the floor and for pipes. Here are the features of each of these varieties:

— For 360° area coverage. A full circle, 360°, by definition covers all rotary levels (see “Type”). However, such specialization can also occur in “regular” laser models. In such devices, full 360° coverage is achieved in other ways - usually by the presence of several emitters, each of which covers its own sector, or a special prism that scatters the beam from one emitter over a full 360°.

- Point projections only. Levels with this feature do not form marks in the form of lines during operation and “draw” only points. At the same time, in the simplest models there is only one point projection, but devices with several marks (up to 5) are more common. In any case, such devices are intended for relatively simple work where there is no need for marking along lines.

- For the floor. Levels designed for working with floors - screeds, laying coverings, etc. A common feature of such devices is a fairly wide base, which allows, in fact, to place the device di...rectly on the floor. But the specific design and operating features of levels of this type may be different. Thus, devices with a characteristic layout are quite popular - with two vertical projections intersecting at an angle of 90° (some models provide two more projections directed in opposite directions from the main ones). Such a device can be used not only on the floor, but also on walls: if you press its base tightly against a particular surface, it will form two clearly perpendicular lines on it. In the case of floors, this can be convenient, for example, when laying tiles.
Another common type of floor level is devices designed to detect unevenness. To do this, use a line formed on the floor using a vertical projection. During operation, a level placed on the floor and aligned horizontally rotates around a vertical axis, and the line “scans” the floor; when it hits a ledge, it becomes uneven. Note that in the simplest models, such a “scanner” uses only one projection, but there is also a more advanced version - a line created by two projections at once. Such a pointer, when it hits an uneven floor, is divided into two separate lines - this is much more noticeable than the deviation when using a single projection.

- For pipes. A rather rare type of specialized laser levels are devices for laying pipelines. They are used, in particular, in the construction of water supply, sewer and stormwater systems. Pipe levels most often have a characteristic cylindrical shape, with a handle at one end and a point laser emitter at the other. They are installed horizontally on special legs (the kit usually comes with several sets of such legs, varying in height); the design usually has a self-leveling mechanism with quite extensive capabilities; and the necessary measurement accuracy is ensured by a target with special markings. Such devices allow you to at least accurately lay horizontal lines, and many of them also allow you to work with corners.

The range at which the device remains fully operational without the use of additional receivers (see below); in other words, the radius of its action without auxiliary devices.

In some models, a range may be specified that shows the minimum ( 3 cm, 5 cm) and maximum measurement ranges. But in most cases, only the maximum value is indicated.

The specific meaning of this parameter is determined by the type of instrument (see above). So, for optical levels, the measurement range is the greatest distance at which the operator can normally see the divisions of a standard leveling staff. For laser levels, this parameter determines the distance from the device to the surface on which the mark is projected, at which this projection will be easily visible to the naked eye; and in rangefinders we are talking about the greatest distance that can be measured. Typically, the measurement range is indicated for ideal conditions - in particular, in the absence of impurities in the air; in practice, it may be less due to dust, fog, or vice versa, bright sunlight "overlapping" the mark. At the same time, tools of the same type can be compared according to this characteristic.

Note that it is worth choosing a device according to the range of action, taking into account the features of the tasks that are planned to be solved with its help: after all, a large measurement range usually significa...ntly affects the dimensions, weight, power consumption and price, but it is far from always required. For example, it hardly makes sense to look for a powerful laser level at 30-40 m if you need a device for finishing work in standard apartments.

The longest measurement range provided by a laser level (see “Type”) when using a special receiver with a photocell.

Thanks to its sensitivity, such a receiver is able to respond even to a weak laser beam, the mark from which is no longer visible to the naked eye; At the same time, the area of the photocell is quite large, and special indicators make it possible to determine the exact position of the mark. Among other things, this significantly expands the range of action of the level - the measurement range with a receiver is usually several times greater than without it. On the other hand, such equipment inevitably affects the overall cost of the device; and in some models the receiver is not included in the package at all; it must be purchased separately. However, the second option also has its advantages: you do not need to immediately pay for an additional accessory, it can be purchased later, when a real need arises, while some models allow you to choose the optimal receiver model from several options at your discretion.

Note that the receiver can be useful not only for increasing range; These points are described in detail in paragraph “Included parts”.

Approximate time it takes for the self-levelling mechanism to bring the level to a perfectly level position.

For more information on such a mechanism, see Self-Level Limits. And the actual time of its alignment directly depends on the actual deviation of the device from the horizontal. Therefore, in the characteristics, usually, the maximum alignment time is given — that is, for the situation when in the initial position the device is tilted to the maximum angle along both axes, longitudinal and transverse. Since the levels are far from being installed in this position, in fact the speed of bringing to the horizontal is often higher than the claimed one. Nevertheless, it makes sense to evaluate different models precisely according to the figures stated in the characteristics — they allow you to estimate the maximum amount of time that will have to be spent on alignment after the next movement of the device. As for specific indicators, they can vary from 1.5 – 2 s to 30 s.

Theoretically, the shorter the alignment time, the better, especially if there are large volumes of work ahead with frequent movements from place to place. However, in fact, when comparing different models, it is worth considering other points. First, we reiterate that the rate of leveling is highly dependent on the leveling limits; after all, the greater the deviation angles, the more time it usually takes for the mechanism to return the level to the horizontal. So, to directly compare w...ith each other in terms of the speed of self-leveling, it is mainly those devices in which the permissible deviation angles are the same or differ slightly. Secondly, when choosing, it is worth considering the specifics of the proposed work. So, if the device is to be used frequently on very uneven surfaces, then, for example, a model with a leveling time of 20 s and self-levelling limits of 6 ° will be a more reasonable choice than a device with a time of 5 s and limits of 2 °, since in In the second case, a lot of time will be spent on the initial (manual) installation of the device. And for more or less even horizontal planes, on the contrary, a faster device may be the best option.

The ability to automatically turn off the device after a certain time. This function is found in those types of measuring instruments that require power for operation — first of all, we are talking about laser rangefinders, however, this list may also include levels (see "Type"), both laser and optical with additional digital modules . The main purpose of auto-shutdown is to save electricity: after all, almost all such devices have autonomous power sources (see "Power"), the charge of which is not infinite. Forgetting to turn off the device, you may encounter an unpleasant situation: the batteries are dead, but there are no fresh ones at hand; auto-off prevents these situations and generally increases the operating time without changing batteries or recharging the battery. In addition, this feature is also useful from a safety point of view: automatic laser shutdown reduces the likelihood that its beam will accidentally fall into the eyes of someone around (including a forgetful operator).

In some models, auto-shutdown works on the entire electronics, in others it may be possible to turn off the laser first (as the most energy-intensive and unsafe part), and only after a while — all other electronic circuits.

The time after which the device turns off by itself completely if the user does not perform any action.

See above for more information on auto power off; and his time has a double meaning. On the one hand, if this time is short, then the idle time of the device will be minimal, which helps to save energy. On the other hand, too frequent auto-shutdown (with subsequent switching on for work) is also undesirable — it increases the wear of components and reduces the resource, and it is not always convenient for the user. So manufacturers choose the time, taking into account the balance between these moments, as well as the general class and purpose of the device. So, in some rangefinders, this indicator does not even reach a minute, although in most such devices it is in the range from 3 to 8 minutes; and in some professional devices (primarily levels), the auto-off time can be 30 minutes or more (up to 3 hours).

The wavelength of the radiation emitted by the LED of the level or rangefinder; this parameter determines primarily the colour of the laser beam. The most widespread in modern models are LEDs with a wavelength of about 635 nm — at a relatively low cost, they provide bright red radiation, giving a well-visible projection. There are also green lasers, usually at 532 nm — the marks from them are even better visible, but such LEDs are quite expensive and rarely used. And radiation with a wave longer than 780 nm belongs to the infrared spectrum. Such a laser is invisible to the naked eye and is poorly suited for leveling, but it can be used in rangefinders — of course, with a viewfinder (see "Type" for more details).

The color of the laser beam emitted by the device.

Red lasers are the most popular in our time: they are relatively inexpensive, while they are quite effective and functional, and also quite noticeable on most surfaces. In turn, green lasers are better visible to the human eye (with the same emitter power); however, they are noticeably more expensive than red ones, consume more energy and have a shorter service life, and therefore are much less common.

Blue lines are rarely seen in laser instruments. Their competitive advantage over traditional green and red lasers is their high brightness, which ensures excellent visibility of the beams on many surfaces, incl. when doing outdoor work.

In some devices, you can find two types of lasers at once - both red and green. As a rule, these are levels with several projections, where green is used to build planes, and red is used for point projections.

The number of vertical projections issued by the laser level during operation.

Most modern levels are designed for a strictly defined position when working; accordingly, the projection is called vertical, carried out from top to bottom relative to the standard position of the device. If there are several such planes, the level can be used for two or even three walls at once — this is useful, for example, for the simultaneous work of several people. At the same time, there are portable devices that can be used in different positions; for them, the main working plane is called vertical, although during operation it can be located both horizontally and at an angle, depending on specific tasks. Also note that the vertical projection can also give a horizontal line — for example, when installing a level on the floor.

Note that the number of projections is calculated not by geometric planes, but by individual laser elements, each of which is responsible for its own “work area”. For example, if the level has two vertical elements located at opposite ends and directed in different directions, they are considered as two projections even if these projections lie in the same plane.