Laser Line Level Tool

Introduction

The laser line level tool is just a line laser fitting into a cylinder of material that fits in the IODP track systems to align the tracks and peripherals both vertically and horizontally. It is powered a 9V battery and the laser has standard optical alignment configuration of 2 sets of 3 screws at both ends of the laser. The power switch is recessed in order to prevent accidentally turning on the laser. NOTE: This tool is a Class 2 laser. While class 2 laser are relatively safe DO NOT look at the laser; more than 0.25 seconds of continued exposure can cause damage to the eyes.

Using the Tool

• Place the tool on the track to be aligned, preferably at the farthest end of the track to show the largest difference in misalignment.

• The laser in turned on by the recessed push button switch - use a pencil or something similar.

• Focus the laser beam by adjust the focusing ring on the end of the laser. The laser line so be a crisp line, but over a longer distance more of a "pointillistic version" of a line. Note: that the focus should be independent of the distance to the projection.

• Use the line in any orientation (i.e. horizontal or vertical) as a reference line to make the necessary adjusts to the track.

• Be sure to turn off the laser and return the tool to its protective case with the laser in the found end (both to keep from bumping the laser and shield the laser if in accidentally is left/turned on).

Checking the Laser's Alignment

• Place the tool on a level track near a flat surface to project on (e.g. the SRM side rack and end stop or on a core rack with and end cap.
  
  

• Turn on the laser and mark the laser line vertically and horizontally, giving a cross hair.
  
  

• Keeping the projected surface secured in place, move the tool as far away as possible on the track.

• Observe the location of the laser line relative to the cross hair while rotated the tool. If the laser line rotates around the intersection of the cross hairs, then the tool is properly aligned. If is not continue to aligning the laser.

Aligning the Laser

This protocol is continuing from the previous section and using that setup. The laser is aligned with two sets of 3 screws (120° radially offset from each other). The black set of screws in intended to center the laser and the red set is meant to aim (align) the laser. All screws are 3 mm hex sockets and when adjusting you always need to loosen at least one opposite screw before you tighten the current screw. This is a bit difficult at first, but eventually will make sense. Never over tighten the screws; they have a rubber tip meant to just firmly hold the laser. Over tightening may damage the laser and cause the end of the world.

• Make sure the laser is off!!! Visually center the laser in the tool and tighten all 6 screws just to the point where the laser doesn't move. (removing the focusing ring and lock screw can be helpfully to better see if the laser is centered)

• Put the laser back in the track as far as possible from the projection surface and turn the laser on (focusing ring and lock screw should have been replaced if removed).

• Rotating the tool observe the laser line relative to the cross hairs.

• Leave the black screws fixed and slightly loosen one of the red screws and observe the movement in the laser line. Now tighten one of the opposite red screws to take up the slack created from loosening the first screw.

• Experiment and iterate this process until the laser line rotates about the intersection of the marked cross hairs.

• Snug down the black screws equally and check the alignment again.

• Adjust again if necessary as this entire process may take several iterations.