Calibration Guide – Topcon RL-H5B

May 13, 2020

Calibration Guide

14 1

Calibration Guide Topcon RL-H5B

Calibration guide and instruction for the Topcon RL-H5B rotating laser level. Note the 5B model is a more basic version of the 5A model. Calibration for the 5B model is, however, different from its brother. If you are looking for instructions for the 5A model you can check it out HERE. On this post, you will also find a brief review of these models build quality and photos of the internal mechanism. The main difference between these two models is that the RL-H5A includes a basic slope or grade function. The Topcon RL-H5B is a very basic rotating laser, press the power button, it self levels and starts to rotate and that is it.

As with all Topcon rotating laser models to date, they do include calibration instruction in the instruction manual which is very unusual and to be commended. However, it is worthwhile, I believe, to duplicate the instructions here in slightly different words and with extra tips and advice.

As always I am assuming that you know how to check the calibration and know where the correct calibration height is for your laser. Note the Topcon instructions help with this and you can also check out my post for basic self-checking HERE.

While I’m providing links you can find the calibration guide for the Topcon RL-H4C (previous model) HERE. Although these two models appear very similar the calibration process is a little different. Also as previously mentioned you can find instructions for the RL-H5A HERE.

First up I am going to refer to the “X” and “Y” axis as you may need to adjust both axis to calibrate your laser. The image below shows you the direction each of the axis.

So looking at the control panel X-Axis runs left to right and Y-Axis front to back.

Calibration Procedure

To enter into calibration mode on the Topcon RL-H5B while the laser is powered off press and hold the height alert/tilt button and short press the green power button. Keep holding the height alert/tilt button for about 3 seconds until the LED lights up above it then let go.

The red LED above the height alert should be solid and the red LED above the manual button should be flashing. If this is not the case then you have not entered calibration mode, you can power off and try again. To continue to calibrate the X-axis press the height/alert button once again and the LED above the manual mode button will light. Wait for the laser to spin.

To adjust the height of the beam on this axis press the Manual Mode button and Power button for the up and down movement. You will have to use trial and error to find which button moves the height of the laser in the correct direction. I find that short presses of a few seconds each time of the slope buttons are best. Another hint is to wait a few seconds after each press to allow the laser to settle.

To save the new height press the height alert/tilt button. The LED above it will flash for about 5 seconds and the laser will power down. The new height for the X-axis should be saved, power up and double-check and re-adjust if required.

Y-axis

The above method covers adjusting the X-axis. To adjust the Y-axis you press and hold the height alert/tilt button and short press the power button. Keep holding the height alert/tilt button until the hight alert LED light goes solid and manual LED flashes. This is the same as with calibrating the X-axis at this point.

Now we need to select the Y-axis, this is achieved by short pressing the power button and then the height alert/tilt button. To adjust the height of the laser beam on the Y-axis using the Manual Mode button and Power button for the up and down movement. And save the same as we did with the X-axis by pressing the height alert/tilt button once again. The LED above will flash for a few seconds and then power down saving the new height. Again check your results and re-adjust if necessary.

IMPORTANT: If when trying to save either the x-axis or y-axis the height alert LED flashes quickly and fails to automatically power down. Then the laser level is outside of the electronic calibration range. Normally this is as a result of a drop. The laser will need sending to a suitable service centre for repair which can be costly.

That is the calibration method for the Topcon RL-H5B. As always if in any doubt do not attempt calibrating and send to a laser level calibration specialist. The Laser Level Review takes no responsibility for any calibration you may perform on your laser following these instructions.

If you have found this to have been helpful please consider a donation. Or you can visit one of my advertisers or amazon links. This helps keep this site operational and helps with the creation of new guides and reviews.