Overview
The Spectra Precision DG813-6 Dialgrade Pipe Laser represents the gold standard in metric-calibrated laser alignment systems for underground construction and municipal infrastructure projects. This complete kit combines Spectra's renowned DG813 pipe laser platform with essential metric-grade accessories, including a large pipe plate, vertical pole mount, remote control, and spot finder target—everything needed for precise gravity-flow pipeline installation in metric measurement environments.
Built on the proven DG813 architecture trusted by contractors worldwide, this metric version delivers the same waterproof durability (IP68 rating), self-leveling precision, and graphic-display interface that have made the series an industry benchmark. The Dialgrade system features an intuitive graphic display that eliminates guesswork during grade setup, while the self-leveling mechanism ensures consistent accuracy even in challenging trench conditions. Whether you're laying sewer lines, storm drains, or culvert systems, the DG813-6 provides reliable metric-calibrated performance that keeps projects on grade and on schedule.
This comprehensive package includes the large pipe plate specifically designed for metric pipe diameters, making it ideal for international projects, Canadian contractors, and U.S. municipalities that have adopted metric standards for water and wastewater infrastructure. The included remote control allows operators to make adjustments from the receiving end of the pipe run, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing the need for workers to walk back and forth in confined trenches.
Key Specifications
- Measurement System: Metric calibration (millimeters/meters)
- Grade Range: -10% to +40% in 0.01% increments
- Self-Leveling Range: ±5° with automatic out-of-level shutdown
- Accuracy: ±10 arc seconds (±5mm at 100m)
- Beam Type: Visible red laser diode, Class 2/II
- Operating Range: Up to 400 meters with laser detector
- Display: Graphic Dialgrade display with backlight
- Durability Rating: IP68 waterproof and dustproof (submersible to 1m for 30 minutes)
- Power: Rechargeable NiMH battery pack with 40+ hour runtime
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C
- Mounting: Compatible with standard metric pipe plates and pole mounts
- Dimensions: 254mm length × 165mm diameter
- Weight: 5.9kg with battery
What's in the Kit
- Spectra Precision DG813-6 Pipe Laser with Dialgrade graphic display (metric calibration)
- Large Pipe Plate (metric sizing) for secure mounting in 300mm-900mm diameter pipes
- Vertical Pole Mount for manhole and vertical shaft applications
- RC803 Remote Control with 300m range for adjustment from target end
- Spot Finder Target for rapid laser beam acquisition and centering
- Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack with 40+ hour capacity
- Battery Charger with international voltage compatibility
- Heavy-Duty Protective Carrying Case with custom foam interior
- Operator's Manual with metric setup examples and troubleshooting guide
- Factory Calibration Certificate with NIST-traceable documentation
Job Applications
- Sanitary Sewer Installation: Achieve precise gravity-flow grades for wastewater collection systems where proper slope is critical to prevent settling and blockages. The DG813-6's fine 0.01% grade increments ensure optimal flow velocities that keep solids moving without excessive excavation depth.
- Storm Drain Construction: Install stormwater conveyance systems with accurate grades that maximize hydraulic capacity while minimizing ponding and sediment accumulation. The waterproof design withstands wet trench conditions and the remote control allows real-time adjustments as crews encounter groundwater or soil variations.
- Culvert and Large-Diameter Pipe Projects: The included large metric pipe plate securely mounts the laser in 300mm to 900mm diameter concrete, HDPE, and PVC pipes commonly specified in highway underdrain and creek crossing applications, ensuring alignment accuracy over extended runs up to 400 meters.
- Manhole and Junction Box Alignment: Use the vertical pole mount to position the laser in manholes, catch basins, and junction structures for establishing invert elevations and aligning multiple pipe entries. The graphic display simplifies complex grade calculations when connecting pipes at different elevations.
- Tunnel and Microtunnel Boring: Guide trenchless installation equipment with consistent reference grades throughout bore operations. The DG813-6's robust self-leveling mechanism maintains accuracy despite vibration from boring equipment, while the long battery life supports extended shifts without interruption.
- Municipal Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Verify existing pipe slopes during condition assessment and establish accurate grades for pipe bursting or slip-lining replacement projects. The metric calibration aligns with infrastructure drawings and GIS data in municipalities using international measurement standards.
Compatible Accessories
- LR50 Series Laser Receivers: Rod-mounted receivers with digital readout for working at extended distances or in bright ambient light conditions
- CR700 Machine Receiver: Heavy-duty receiver for mounting on excavators and trenching equipment for automated grade control integration
- Small Pipe Plate (Metric): Additional mounting plate for 150mm-300mm diameter pipe applications
- Extended Vertical Pole: Telescoping pole for deep manhole and shaft work up to 3 meters depth
- Replacement Battery Packs: Extra NiMH batteries for back-to-back shifts or remote jobsites without charging access
- Trivet Adapter: Precision leveling mount for setting up on flat surfaces, concrete invert pours, or temporary benches
- Alkaline Battery Tray: Emergency power option using standard D-cell batteries when rechargeable packs aren't available
Related Guides
- Pipe Laser Setup Best Practices: Maximizing Accuracy in Trench Construction
- Metric vs. Imperial Pipe Lasers: Choosing the Right Calibration for Your Projects
- Gravity Sewer Grade Requirements: Engineering Standards and Laser Tolerances
- Pipe Laser Maintenance and Calibration: Protecting Your Investment
FAQ
- Can the DG813-6 be converted between metric and imperial measurements?
- No, the DG813-6 is factory-calibrated exclusively for metric measurements (millimeters and meters) and cannot be field-converted to imperial units. If you need imperial measurements, the standard DG813 model is calibrated in inches and feet. This dedicated calibration approach ensures maximum accuracy for your primary measurement system rather than relying on software conversions that can introduce rounding errors.
- What's the difference between the standard pipe plate and large pipe plate included in this kit?
- The large pipe plate accommodates metric pipes from 300mm to 900mm in diameter, while the standard small pipe plate (sold separately) fits 150mm to 300mm pipes. The large plate features extended adjustment arms and wider support pads that provide stable mounting in bigger pipes common in municipal trunk lines and commercial site development. For residential sewer laterals and smaller drainage projects, the small pipe plate offers easier maneuverability in confined spaces.
- How does the remote control improve productivity on pipe laser jobs?
- The RC803 remote allows the operator at the target end of the pipe run to adjust grade, manually level, or power the laser on/off without returning to the laser setup position—eliminating repeated walks through trenches or crawls through pipes. This is especially valuable on long runs where a single grade adjustment might otherwise require a 200-meter round trip. The 300-meter range covers most typical pipe segments, and the remote's simple button interface works even with gloves.
- Is the DG813-6 suitable for use in freezing conditions or extreme heat?
- Yes, the DG813-6 operates reliably in temperatures from -20°C to +50°C, covering most construction environments from winter trenching to summer desert projects. The laser's self-leveling mechanism and electronics are temperature-compensated to maintain accuracy across this range. However, battery performance may decrease in extreme cold—consider keeping spare battery packs warm in a vehicle or heated jobsite trailer for extended runtime in sub-zero conditions.