BOSCH GLM 40 Professional Laser Range Finder Instruction Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions
Product Description and Specifications
Technical data
Fitting
Operation
Memory functions
Display Illumination
Practical advice
Errors – Causes and Corrective Measures
Maintenance and Service
Disposal
References
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GLM 40 Professional

Original instructions

Safety Instructions

All instructions must be read and observed in order for the measuring tool to function safely. The safeguards integrated into the measuring tool may be compromised if the measuring tool is not used in accordance with these instructions. Never make warning signs on the measuring tool unrecognisable. SAVE THESE IN- STRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE AND INCLUDE THEM WITH THE MEASURING TOOL WHEN TRANSFERRING IT TO A THIRD PARTY.

Warning! If operating or adjustment devices other than those specified here are used or other procedures are carried out, this can lead to dangerous exposure to
radiation.
The measuring tool is delivered with a laser warning sign (marked in the illustration of the measuring tool on the graphics page).
If the text of the laser warning label is not in your national language, stick the provided warning label in your national language over it before operating for the
first time.

Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the direct or reflected laser beam yourself. You could blind somebody, cause accidents or damage your eyes.

If laser radiation hits your eye, you must close your eyes and immediately turn your head away from the beam.
Do not make any modifications to the laser equipment.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as protective goggles. The laser goggles make the laser beam easier to see; they do not protect you against laser radiation.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as sunglasses or while driving. The laser goggles do not provide full UV protection and impair your ability to see colours.
Have the measuring tool serviced only by a qualified specialist using only original replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the measuring tool
is maintained.
Do not let children use the laser measuring tool unsupervised. They could unintentionally blind themselves or other persons.
Do not use the measuring tool in explosive atmospheres which contain flammable liquids, gases or dust. Sparks may be produced inside the measuring
tool, which can ignite dust or fumes.

Product Description and Specifications

Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.

Intended Use
The measuring tool is intended for measuring distances, lengths, heights and clearances, and for calculating areas and volumes.
The measuring tool is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Product features
The numbering of the product features shown refers to the illustration of the measuring tool on the graphic page.

Display
Measuring button [ ]
Minus button [−]
Function button [Func]
On/off button [ ]
Plus button [+]
Battery compartment cover
Locking mechanism of the battery compartment cover
Serial number
Laser warning label
Reception lens
Laser beam output
Laser target plate a)
Laser viewing glasses a)
a) Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.
Display elements
(a) Laser switched on
(b) Temperature warning
(c) Battery warning
(d) Value
(e) Unit of measurement
(f) Measuring functions
Length measurement
Continuous measurement
Area measurement
Volume measurement
Simple Pythagoras Measurement
(g) Memory value display
(h) Error indicator

Technical data

Digital laser measure	GLM 40
Article number	3 601 K72 90.
Measuring range (typical)	0.15–40 mA)
Measuring range (typical, unfavorable conditions)	20 MB)
Measuring accuracy (typical)	±1.5 MMA)
Measuring accuracy (typical, unfavorable conditions)	±3.0 mmB)
Smallest display unit	1 mm
Operating temperature	-10 °C to +45 °C
Storage temperature	-20 °C to +70 °C
Relative air humidity max.	90%
Max. altitude	2000 m
Pollution degree according to IEC 61010-1	2C)
Laser class	2
Laser type	650 nm, < 1 mW

A) For measurements from the rear edge of the measuring tool, applies to high reflectivity of the target (e.g. a white-painted wall), weak backlighting and 25 °C operating temperature. In addition, a deviation influence of ± 0.05 mm/m needs to be taken into account.
B) For measurements from the rear edge of the measuring tool, applies to low reflectivity of the target (e.g. black cardboard), strong backlighting and -10 °C to +45 °C operating temperature. In addition, a deviation influence of ± 0.15 mm/m needs to be taken into account.
C) Only non-conductive deposits occur, whereby occasional temporary conductivity caused by condensation is expected.
D) The width of the laser line depends on the surface characteristics and on the ambient conditions.
E) Except battery compartment
The serial number (9) on the type plate is used to clearly identify your measuring tool.

Fitting

Inserting/Changing the Batteries
It is recommended that you use alkaline manganese or rechargeable batteries to operate the measuring tool.
With 1.2 V batteries fewer measurements could be possible than with 1.5 V batteries. Press the locking mechanism (8) to open the battery compartment cover (7) and remove the battery compartment cover. Insert the batteries. When inserting, pay attention to the correct polarity according to the representation on the inside of the battery compartment.
If the battery symbol appears on the display for the first time, at least another 100 individual measurements are possible. When the battery symbol flashes, you have to replace the batteries because measurements are no longer possible.
Always replace all the batteries at the same time. Only use batteries from the same manufacturer and which have the same capacity.

Take the batteries out of the measuring tool when you are not using it for a prolonged period of time. The batteries can corrode and self-discharge during prolonged storage.

Operation

Start-Up

Never leave the measuring tool unattended when switched on, and ensure the measuring tool is switched off after use. Others may be dazzled by the laser beam.
Protect the measuring tool from moisture and direct sunlight.
Do not expose the measuring tool to any extreme temperatures or variations in temperature. For example, do not leave it in a car for extended periods of time. In case of large variations in temperature, allow the measuring tool to adjust to the ambient temperature before putting it into operation. The precision of the measuring tool may be compromised if exposed to extreme temperatures or variations in temperature.
Avoid subjecting the measuring tool to violent jolts and falls. Always carry out an accuracy check before continuing work if the measuring tool has been subjected to severe external influences (see “Accuracy Check of the Distance Measurement”, page 33).

Switching On/Off

To switch on the measuring tool and the laser, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ].
To switch on the measuring tool without the laser, briefly press the on/off button (5) [ ].
Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the laser beam yourself (even from a distance).
To switch off the measuring tool, press and hold the on/off button (5) [ ].
The values in the memory are retained when you switch the tool off.

Measuring Process (see figure A)
Once switched on, the measuring tool is in the length measurement function. You can set other measuring functions by repeatedly pressing button (4) [Func] (see “Measuring functions”, page 28).
The rear edge of the measuring tool is always the reference level for the measurement. Apply the measuring tool to the point at which you want to start the measurement (e.g. wall).
Note: If the measuring tool has been switched on using the on/off button (5) [ ], briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ] to switch the laser on.

To initiate the measurement, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ]. Then the laser beam is switched off. To switch the laser beam on again, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ]. To initiate a further measurement, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ] again.

Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the laser beam yourself (even from a distance).

In the continuous measurement mode, the measurement begins immediately upon switching on the function.
Note: The measured value typically appears within 0.5 seconds and no later than 4 seconds. The duration of the measurement depends on the distance, the lighting conditions and the reflective properties of the target surface. Upon completion of the measurement, the laser beam is automatically switched off.

Measuring length
For length measurements, repeatedly press button (4) [Func] until the indicator for length appears on the display (1).
To switch on the laser beam, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ].
To measure, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ]. The measured value will be shown at the bottom of the display.
Repeat the above-mentioned steps for each subsequent measurement. The last three measured values are shown on the display. The last measured value is at the bottom of the display, the penultimate measured value is above it, and so on.

Continuous measurement
In continuous measurement mode, the measuring tool can be moved relative to the target, during which the measured value will be updated approx. every half a second. You can, for example, move the required distance away from the wall while reading off the current distance at all times.
For length measurements, repeatedly press button (4) [Func] until the indicator for continuous measurement appears on the display (1).

To switch on the laser beam, briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ].
Move the measuring tool until the desired distance is shown at the bottom of the display. Briefly press the measuring button (2) [ ] to end continuous measurement. The last measured value will be shown at the bottom of the display.
Continuous measurement automatically switches off after five minutes.

Area measurement
For area measurements, repeatedly press button (4) [Func] until the indicator for area measurement appears on the display (1).
Then measure the width and length one after the other as with a length measurement.
The laser beam remains switched on between the two measurements. The distance to be measured flashes in the indicator for area measurement
The first measured value is shown at the top of the display. After the second measurement has been completed, the area will be automatically calculated and displayed. The end result is shown at the bottom of the display, while the individual measured values are shown above it.

Volume measurement
For volume measurements, repeatedly press button (4) [Func] until the indicator for volume measurement appears on the display (1).
Then measure the width, length and depth one after the other as with a length measurement. The laser beam remains switched on between the three measurements. The distance to be measured flashes in the indicator for volume measurement
The first measured value is shown at the top of the display, while the second measured value is shown below it. After the third measurement has been completed, the calculated area from the two previous measurements will be displayed at the top of the display.
The end result of the volume measurement is shown at the bottom of the display, while the last measured value is shown above it.

Simple Pythagoras Measurement (see figure B)
The indirect height measurement is used to measure distances that cannot be measured directly because an obstacle would obstruct the laser beam or no target surface is avail-able as a reflector. Correct results are achieved only when the right angles required for the respective measurement are exactly adhered to (Pythagorean Theorem).
For simple Pythagoras measurements, repeatedly press button (4) [Func] until the indicator for single Pythagoras measurement appears on the display (1).
Make sure that there is a right angle between the sought distance (height) and the horizontal distance (depth)! Then measure the depth and diagonal one after the other as with a length measurement. The laser beam remains switched on between the two measurements. The distance to be measured flashes in the indicator for simple Pythagoras measurement .

The first measured value is shown at the top of the display. After the second measurement has been completed, the height will be automatically calculated and displayed. The end result is shown at the bottom of the display, while the individual measured values are shown above it.

Deleting measured values
Briefly pressing the on/off button (5) [ ] will delete the last measured value in all measuring functions. Repeatedly pressing the on/off button (5) [ ] briefly will delete the measured values in reverse order.

Memory functions

Memory value display
Maximum 10 values (measured values or end results) can be retrieved.
To display memory values, repeatedly press button (4) [Func ]until the symbol appears on the display (1). The number of the memory value is shown at the top of the display, the corresponding memory value is shown at the bottom, and the corresponding measuring function is shown on the left.
Press the [+] button (6) to browse forwards through the saved values.
Press the [–] button (3) to browse backwards through the saved values.
If there is no value available in the memory, “0.000” is shown at the bottom of the display and “0” at the top.
The oldest value is located in position 1 in the memory, while the newest value is in position 10 (when 10 memory values are available). If a further value is saved, the oldest value in the memory is always deleted.

Deleting the memory
To delete the content of the memory, press button (4) [Func] , so that the symbol appears on the display. Then briefly press the on/off button (5) [ ] to delete the displayed measured value.
If the measuring tool is switched off during the memory function, the memory value shown on the display will be deleted.

Adding/subtracting values
Measured values or end results can be added or subtracted.

Adding values
The following example describes the addition of areas:
Measure an area as described in the section on (see “Area measurement”, page 29). Press the button (6) [+]. The calculated area is shown on the display, and symbol “+” flashes. Press the measuring button (2) [ ] to start another area measurement. Measure an area as described in the section on (see “Area measurement”, page 29). Press button (6) [+] to calculate the sum. The end result is shown at the bottom of the display.

To exit addition, press the button (4) [Func].

Subtracting values
To subtract values, press the button (3) [–]. The subsequent steps are the same as for the section on adding values.

Changing the unit of measurement
The default unit of measurement is “m” (metres).

Switch on the measuring tool.
Press and hold button (4) [Func] until “∓” and “mft” flash on the display. “0.000 m” is shown at the bottom of the display. Press the button (6) [+] or the button (3) [–] to change the unit of measure. “0.000 ft” is shown at the bottom of the display. Press the button (6) [+] or the button (3) [–] to change the unit of measure again. “0’00″” is shown at the bottom of the display.
To exit the menu item, press the measuring button (2) [ ]. or the on/off button (5) [ ] The selected setting remains saved after you switch off the measuring tool.

Switching sound on/off
The sound is switched on by default.
Switch on the measuring tool. Press and hold button (4) [Func] until “∓” and “mft” flash on the display. “0.000 m” is shown at the bottom of the display. Press and hold button (4) [Func] until “∓” and “Sound” flash on the display. “On” is shown at the bottom of the display. Press button (6) [+] or button (3) [–] t o switch off the sound. “OFF” is shown at the bottom of the display.
To switch on the sound, press button (6) [+] or button (3) [–] again.

To exit the menu item, press the measuring button (2) [ ].or the on/off button (5) [ ] The selected setting remains saved after you switch off the measuring tool.

Display Illumination

The display illumination is continuously switched on. When no button is pressed, the display illumination is dimmed after approx. 10 seconds to preserve the batteries. When no button is pressed for after approx. 30 seconds, the display illumination goes out.

Practical advice

General advice
The reception lens (11) and the laser beam output (12) must not be covered during the measuring process.
The measuring tool must not be moved while a measurement is being taken. For this reason, place the measuring tool against or on a firm surface whenever possible.

Influences on the measuring range
The measuring range depends on the lighting conditions and the reflective properties of the target surface. For better visibility of the laser beam in bright extraneous light, use the laser viewing glasses (14) (accessory) and the laser target plate (13) (accessory) or shade the target area.

Influences on the measurement result
Due to physical effects, the possibility of inaccurate measurements when measuring various surfaces cannot be excluded. These include:

Transparent surfaces (e.g. glass, water)
Reflective surfaces (e.g. polished metal, glass)
Porous surfaces (e.g. insulating materials)
Structured surfaces (e.g. roughcast, natural stone).
If necessary, use the laser target plate (13) (accessory) on these surfaces. Inaccurate measurements are also possible where the laser is pointed at target surfaces diagonally. Layers of air at different temperatures and indirectly received reflections can also influence the measured value.

Accuracy Check of the Distance Measurement
You can check the accuracy of the measuring tool as follows:

Choose a measuring section of approx. 3–10 m in length that is permanently unchanged, the exact length of which is known to you (e.g. room width, door opening).

The measurement should be taken under favorable conditions, i.e. the measuring section should be indoors and the target surface for the measurement should be
smooth and reflect well.

Measure the section ten times in succession.

The deviation of the individual measurements from the mean value must not exceed ± 4 mm over the entire measuring section in favourable conditions. Record the measurements in order to be able to compare the accuracy at a later date.

Errors – Causes and Corrective Measures

Cause	Corrective measures

Temperature warning (b) flashes, measurement not possible
Measuring tool is outside of the operating temperature range of -10 °C to +45 °C.| Wait until the measuring tool has reached operating temperature
“Error” indicator in the display
Target surface is too reflective (e.g. mirror) or not reflective enough (e.g. black material), or ambient light is too bright.| Use the laser target plate (13)
The laser beam output (12) and/or reception lens (11) are fogged up (e.g. due to
a rapid temperature change).| Wipe the laser beam output (12) and/or reception lens (11) dry with a soft cloth
Measurement result implausible
Target surface reflection not distinct (e.g. water, glass).| Cover the target surface
Laser beam output (12) and/or reception lens (11) are covered.| Keep the laser beam output (12) and/or reception lens (11) clear
Obstruction in the path of the laser beam| The laser point must be fully on the target surface.
The indicator remains unchanged or the measuring tool reacts unexpectedly when a button is pressed
Software error| Remove the batteries, reinsert them and restart the measuring tool.

The measuring tool monitors for correct operation in every measurement. If a defect is detected, all indicators on the display will flash. In this case, or if you are unable to rectify an error using the corrective measures above, send the measuring tool to Bosch customer service via your dealer.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning
Keep the measuring tool clean at all times.
Never immerse the measuring tool in water or other liquids.
Wipe off any dirt using a damp, soft cloth. Do not use any detergents or solvents.
Take particular care of the reception lens (11), which must be handled with the same level of care you would give to a pair of glasses or a camera lens.

After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge, UB 9 5HJ

At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair.
Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail: boschservicecentre@bosch.com
You can find further service addresses at: www.bosch- pt.com/serviceaddresses

Disposal

Measuring tools, rechargeable/non-rechargeable batteries, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling.

Do not dispose of the measuring tools or battery packs/batteries with household waste.

Only for EU countries:
According to the Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment and its transposition into national law, measuring tools that are no longer usable, and, according to the Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or drained batteries must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.
If disposed incorrectly, waste electrical and electronic equipment may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, due to the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Only for United Kingdom:
According to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (2013/3113) and the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (2009/890), measuring tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.