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Calibrating a tubular Leica vial.

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(@johnymal)
Posts: 301
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I was wondering how can I calibrate the Leica SNL121 vial as it seems too sensitive. There is a small screw near bubble but it’s difficult to make it perfect.

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Also in the manual says if failed the instruction how to correct it to go to the near Leica shop. What better and how can Leica service do?

Ο was always curious how they apply the perfect vertical alignment.

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Posted : January 19, 2025 3:00 am
john-putnam
(@john-putnam)
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Yes, the vials on the SNL121 are very sensitive, that is their purpose.  The easiest way to set them is to set level the tribrach precisely with an instrument then swap it out for the SNL121 and use the screw to center the bubble.  Check it by rotating 180 d.  Other than that, you need to center the bubble; rotate 180 d; adjust out have the error with the tribrach; rotated 180 d and repeat.  It takes a bit but then so do all good things.

As for the laser adjustment, you can only check it.  I've never seen on go out but if one does, I suspect you need may need to have parts replaced by the dealer.  I've taken more than my fair share of them apart and do not see how they can be adjusted.

As a side note, I have had a plethora them stop working, not sure if it was the button or the laser.  Also, if be aware, if you are going to use the height hook notch, verify it is in the correct location.  I have had at least two where they were about a cm off, and yes they were all genuine Leica SNL121s. 

 
Posted : January 19, 2025 9:37 am
(@johnymal)
Posts: 301
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Topic starter
 

@john-putnam Thanks for the answer, did you know the reason that they failed ?
What reply local Leica service says about this?

For my knowledge I would like to know how the Leica service department calibrate them. If we removed or replace it how we get set it in right position calibrated?

 
Posted : January 19, 2025 9:53 am
john-putnam
(@john-putnam)
Posts: 2201
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I've never figured out if it was the button or the diode that dies.  I have not taken one if for repairs in a decade or so since the service techs answer was to replace both.  The cost was of repair was more than half the cost of new.  I'm not even sure they can get parts anymore.  Way down on my list of things to check out is the diode on one of the dead units.  I've kind of gone the route of the optical precise carrier instead, way cheaper and less problematic.  I keep my one working laser plumet for special need situations.

As for the plumet precision, I'm not sure how they adjust the plumet's alignment, the laser diode looks to pressed in place.

 
Posted : January 19, 2025 11:32 am