One of the first mainstream box level products with only digital feedback (no ‘spirit vials’), the Milwaukee REDSTICK Digital Level is the most accurate level on the market that offers an innovative interface and is user friendly. The circular display is well designed, easy to read, can be read from the side and the top, and intuitive audio signals. The digital signal tolerances can be adjusted, so if you want something “close” to level, it will let you know when you get there.
Challenge
Despite their benefits, current digital box levels utilize technology that is outdated and relatively clunky; so, it’s also no mystery why some professionals remain hesitant to invest in them and question whether they can line up to the rigors of the jobsite.
Today’s digital box levels are built with the same segmented display design that the very first digital levels were built with decades ago; there’s been no overwhelming change to the technology. Each pixel is burned into the phosphor-based electronic display and can’t shift or deviate, jumping from one measurement to the next. This makes it difficult for users to get a proper read of the measurement depending on the direction they’re viewing the level. Moreover, segmented displays do not allow for color, limiting the amount of information the level can provide. That information is also limited by the capabilities of the electronics inside, thus limiting the overall customization for users. Finally, these displays are then built into box level frames that are not engineered to support the electronics, giving way to common perception that digital levels are simply too delicate for extended use.
Solution
Milwaukee Tool’s latest technology integrated into the REDSTICK Digital Level is referred to as PINPOINT Measurement technology. PINPOINT provides precision measurement features that can be easily read-out through numeric, graphic color and audio information on a high-resolution circular display. Powered by REDLITHIUM USB batteries, REDSTICK Digital Level is completely rechargeable.
Unlike the fixed information that segmented displays show, the PINPOINT high-resolution screen and advanced electronics allow users to view and interact with measurements that follow the screen movement a full 360 degrees. Users also can select how they want those measurements displayed. Once a mode is selected (Angle, Percent, in/ft, or mm/m), users then have the option to change the sensitivity of the mode selected. A range of tolerances can also be selected. These tolerances allow users to choose the specific tolerance range and when the color indicator activates during measurement. This does not change the accuracy of the level.
The PINPOINT interactive display guides the users through all preferences that are available. Once all preferences are selected, the measurements are displayed on the front high-resolution display and freely move on the screen to be readable from all directions. An additional segmented display screen on top of the level also shows the measurements.
The unique active rotating display graphic combined with crisp audio feedback makes the REDSTICK Digital Level easier and faster to use than any other digital or analog level on the market today. The amount of measurement capability of this level isn’t even available on any other level and as always, key to the introduction of any new technology is making it as easy as possible to use.
PINPOINT measurement technology also opens doors to new capabilities that further simplify dialing in measurements on the jobsite, such as a unique PIN MODE. This mode is an advancement on the ‘HOLD’ function found on other digital levels. However, instead of ‘taring’ out the level at a given measurement, this PIN MODE allows users to lock in exact measurements, clearing guiding them towards their measurement through advanced readouts; ultimately making measurement replication and overall inspection much easier than before.
Unfortunately, up until now all digital levels have simply merged together the basic frame of a box level with an accelerometer and electronics. The REDSTICK Digital Level approaches this differently. During the design and development, the frames are specifically engineered to support and protect the PINPOINT Measurement Technology components, with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. This ensures that the screen, accelerometer, and other critical components weren’t simply embedded in a box-level frame – each is housed according to how it can best be safeguarded. Additionally, the lack of spirit vials means each level is designed with no cut-outs, equating to an even more durable level structure.With the right technology advancements and a frame built around that technology to ensure longevity, REDSTICK Digital Level with PINPOINT Measurement Technology can achieve new heights of accuracy unknown to standard analog levels and provide more accuracy than other digital levels.