Comparison Dnipro-M ML-120 vs Intertool MT-3050

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 temperature range at which the device is guaranteed to work for a sufficiently long time without failures, breakdowns and exceeding the measurement error specified in the characteristics. Note that we are talking primarily about the temperature of the device case, and it depends not only on the ambient temperature — for example, a tool left in the sun can overheat even in fairly cool weather.

In general, you should pay attention to this parameter when you are looking for a model for working outdoors, in unheated rooms and other places with conditions that are significantly different from indoor ones; in the first case, it makes sense to also make sure that there is dust and water protection (see "Protection class"). On the other hand, even relatively simple and "myopic" levels / rangefinders usually tolerate both heat and cold quite well.

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).

Class of the laser emitter installed in the device.

The laser power primarily depends on this indicator; and this, in turn, affects the effective range of the device and precautions when working with it. The main options relevant for modern levels and rangefinders are class 2, class 2M and class 3R, here is their more detailed description:

— 2. Such a laser beam is considered safe in case of accidental contact with the eyes, since due to the blinking reflex, the exposure time in such cases usually does not exceed a quarter of a second. This applies to both the naked eye and the use of magnifying instruments such as a monocular or even a telescope. But constant exposure to the eye already poses a danger to vision. The power of such emitters should be below 1 mW. In fact, 2 is the lowest (in terms of power) class used in levels and rangefinders; weaker lasers of classes 1 and 1M simply do not provide the required efficiency. Such emitters are used in the vast majority of low and medium power devices.

- 2M. Such lasers produce a wider beam than class 2 emitters. However, such a beam is also considered safe if it accidentally enters the eye - but only if we are talking about the naked eye. When viewed through a monocular or other magnifying optical instrument, class 2M lasers are dangerous even with low-term (fractions of a second) exposure to the eye. I...n general, this option is quite rare: class 2M is not strictly official and does not have such clear criteria as the original class 2.

- 3R. Also known as IIIa. In fact, it is an analogue of class 2, suggesting a higher emitter power, namely from 1 to 4.99 mW. At the same time, class 3R lasers are generally considered safe in case of accidental contact with the eye when a person reflexively blinks or turns away and the exposure time does not exceed ¼ second. However, such emitters carry a greater risk of serious harm to health than Class 2 devices, so greater caution should still be exercised when using them.

The ability to power the device from a household electrical outlet, in other words, a regular outlet.

Modern levels and rangefinders are powered by batteries or accumulators by default. With all its advantages (first of all, freedom of movement and independence from sockets), this power supply method also has serious disadvantages: limited operating time, as well as the need to buy additional batteries or look for a power source to charge the battery (and the charging procedure also takes quite a long time). ). Thus, some modern appliances additionally provide the possibility of connecting to a power outlet and operating from the mains. This primarily allows you to save battery power; and many models are also capable of recharging batteries (built-in or even removable) in the process.

Note that the ability to work from the network is found mainly among traditional laser levels, and at different levels — from compact household models to fairly powerful professional equipment.

Operating time of the device on one battery charge.

It is worth considering that these figures are quite approximate, since the operating time is measured under certain standard conditions (usually continuous operation at nominal power). And since in practice conditions may differ markedly, the operating time may turn out to be noticeably shorter or longer than stated. In addition, if the device uses replaceable batteries (AAA, AA and the like), then autonomy will also depend on the quality of the specific batteries/accumulators. Nevertheless, based on the data specified in the characteristics, it is quite possible to evaluate the capabilities of specific models and compare them with each other: the difference in the declared operating time, as a rule, proportionally corresponds to the difference in practical autonomy under the same conditions.

We also note that the operating time is specified mainly for levels; in rangefinders another parameter is more often used - the number of measurements (see below).

— holder. Devices for fixing the level / range finder on various surfaces. Such a device differs from a tripod primarily in its small size — within a couple of tens of centimeters. On the other hand, most holders allow you to install the device not only on horizontal, but also on vertical surfaces — for example, walls (and some are exclusively wall-mounted). Anyway, this function greatly expands the installation possibilities.

— Receiver. laser radiation supplied with the device. This device is usually equipped with laser levels, less often with rangefinders, and it is not required at all for optical instruments. The main purpose of the receiver is situations where the laser mark is not visible to the naked eye — for example, at a long distance or in bright light. More details on the features of its application are described above in the paragraph “Measurement range (with receiver)”.

— Tripod. Most modern instruments have a standard size thread and can be used with any suitable tripod. On the other hand, a complete tripod is most often specially designed for a certain model and optimally matches it in terms of general characteristics. In addition, this configuration option relieves you of the need to look for and purchase a suitable tripod yourself.

— Case / case. The main function of these devices is to protect...the device from bumps, scratches, dirt, temperature changes and other adverse effects; for this, of course, improvised means can also be used, but specialized protection is usually both more convenient and more reliable. In addition, almost all cases and most covers greatly simplify the transportation of the tool — in particular, due to the fact that they can also be used for complete accessories.

— Remote control. Among rangefinders and optical levels, this function is practically not found, because. working with them involves the constant stay of the device in the hands of the operator. But for laser levels that require you to regularly move from the device to the surface to be marked and back, the remote control can be a very useful addition — due to the fact that it minimizes such movements. For example, after marking the "front of work" on the wall according to the projection from the level, you do not have to approach the device to turn it off — just give a command from the remote control. At short distances, the savings in time and effort may not be so obvious, but over large areas, they can become quite noticeable.