Pulse Mode and Laser Detectors: How to Use a Laser Level Outdoors

Short answer: outdoors, switch the laser to pulse mode and read it with a detector (also called a receiver). Pulse mode rapidly flashes the beam so the detector can pick it up in bright light and at a much longer distance than you can see by eye.

What pulse mode does

In normal mode the beam is continuous, which is what you see on a wall indoors. In pulse mode the laser flashes at a high frequency. The eye sees a dimmer line, but a detector tuned to that flashing ignores sunlight and other stray light and locks onto the laser. That is what extends the working range outdoors and in bright rooms.

What a detector does

The detector clamps to a rod or staff. You slide it up or down until it shows you are in the beam, then read or mark the height. Most give an audible tone and a display arrow for high, low or on-grade. Many can be used with a rotary laser or a compatible line laser.

How to set up outdoors

1. Mount the laser on a stable tripod and level it. Avoid soft ground; press tripod feet in firmly.
2. Turn on pulse mode. Your line will look dimmer; that is normal.
3. Attach the detector to a rod and check its battery and that it supports your laser's beam color.
4. Find the beam by moving the detector up and down until it beeps on-grade, then mark or read the height.
5. Recheck your reference at the start of each day and after moving the tripod.

Tips for reliable readings

• Match the detector to the laser. Check that it supports your laser's beam color and pulse mode.
• Keep the detector's window clean and shade it from direct sun when possible.
• Read at the same point on the detector each time (the center mark, not an edge).
• Watch for heat shimmer over hot pavement, which bends a beam over long distances; work early or shorten the shot.
• Keep the laser out of vehicle and machine traffic, and protect it from bumps.

Common mistakes

• Trying to read a pulsed beam by eye and concluding the laser is weak.
• Using a detector that does not support your laser or beam color.
• Leaving pulse mode on indoors when you need to see the line.
• Skipping a daily accuracy check after moving or transporting the tool.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any detector with any laser?

No. Check the compatibility on the laser's and detector's spec sheets, including beam color and pulse operation.

Does pulse mode change accuracy?

No. It changes how the beam is emitted and detected, not how the tool levels.

Why is my line so faint outdoors?

You may be in pulse mode, or in bright sun. Use the detector rather than your eyes.

See Beiter laser detectors and rotary lasers, or request a crew quote.