Without a spirit level, or a building level, it is difficult to imagine the high-quality performance of many construction, finishing and repair work. Its working purpose is to accurately determine the possible deviation of any surface from the vertical or horizontal. Using it, you can create perfectly straight lines on a plane, measure out the desired angles and slopes.
Levels are absolutely indispensable for and arrangement of surfaces with special requirements for the angle of inclination. You cannot do without them when installing equipment that vibrates during operation, which requires a perfectly parallel positioning of the mounting surface to the floor. This device is necessarily present in the arsenal of tools for both professional craftsmen and amateurs. Therefore, it is important to be able to correctly choose the building level.
For professionals, special shockproof models are very relevant. During transportation, or during work on a construction site, devices are often subjected to shocks, vibrations, falls, from which they often break. Models with an increased size are especially affected: the impact force that occurs when they fall will be greater, due to their size. The price of the shockproof device will be slightly higher, but worth it. It is better to spend money on a reliable device once than to endlessly replace those that have failed.
The base of the device is usually made of wood, aluminum or modern plastic. Wooden elements are made solid, bases made of other materials are hollow inside. Products with an aluminum component are more common. Its mass plays an important role in choosing a device, because the heavier it is, the more reliable its readings. Professionals find the cruciform and rubber grips to be the best devices: they are more precise and comfortable.
Types of magnetic levels Special magnetic levels designed to work with metal surfaces. An addition, quite necessary for the work, is a ruler located on the long side of the instrument. It turns out to be very useful when carrying out various measurements, and is quite capable of replacing a tape measure. The simplest representative of these devices is equipped with only one measuring ampoule. Such modifications are extremely rare on the shelves.
Most often, manufacturers offer devices with two or even three working ampoules. There is one ampoule on the wide long side, which serves to determine the quality of the horizontal planes. On the short narrow side, at right angles to the main one, there is a second container for vertical operation.
On the back of the narrow part, a third ampoule can be located, which should control the correct operation of the device itself. The industry offers devices not only of various modifications, but also of different dimensions.
The small standard model is 20 cm long and about 4 cm wide. The dimensions of the level determine its narrower purpose. For the correct installation of household appliances, and for the implementation of minor repair work in the premises of a residential building or apartment, a small device is enough. For working with finishing materials, when laying tiles, devices from 40 to 100 cm are more convenient. Professional, the most dimensional of their bubble levels, are needed for large-scale construction activities. It is believed that the length of the building level correlates with its accuracy: the larger it is, the more reliable the instrument readings.
How to choose a building level?
Building levels have always been in demand from buyers. After all, these devices are used not only by professionals, but also by ordinary citizens who may need the product for simple repairs. The industrial production of levels is not a super difficult task, but it requires high-quality materials, accurate calculation and careful processing. These constituents guarantee the high performance of the instruments for accurate readings.
Choosing a level The following brands supply high quality products:
- Stabila
- Bosch
- Shark (Israel)
- Kapro
- Ermak
- Gross laser
- Leader.
Even knowing the leading manufacturers, in order to make the right choice, you need to know some important features.
After all, many buyers do not dream of buying a product of a famous brand at an incredible price at all: people do not want to overpay for an item that is occasionally required in the household.
- First, we determine the size of the desired device. They depend on his purpose, on the tasks and goals assigned to him. If you have to level surfaces, carry out finishing work, then you need a sufficiently large device. If minor repairs are coming, such as installing sockets and switches, arranging hanging shelves, fixing paintings, installing individual pieces of furniture, then a medium-sized level is quite enough. The most suitable tool for household and household needs is about 60 cm long.
- In the store, you should take a closer look at all the parts of the device made of glass. They must be intact, not damaged, without traces of extraneous influence. It is necessary to check the reliability of their fastening, all elements must be tightly fastened, and not dangle to the sides. On sale you can find options for devices with the function of adjusting containers, but its expediency is rather doubtful. It would seem that the possibility of adjustment allows you to correct the lost level of the device? But at the same time, the device becomes more sensitive to mechanical stress and shaking. Professionals recommend a tool with fixed parts.
- Not only the flask is subject to close inspection. Pay attention to the calibration applied to it, and to the air bubble inside. Everything should be clearly visible and located at a certain, strictly verified distance from each other. A very convenient version of the product is in which the control strips are located inside, thus being protected from mechanical stress. With such an arrangement, you can be sure that they will not be erased.
- Another important factor is what the base of the building level is made of. Whatever material is used to make it, it must be strong and heavy enough. Good options for devices that have special stiffeners inside. Each manufacturer chooses their own, individual design for their products. But it should not in any way affect the reliability of the device readings.
- When the external study of the device is completed, you can proceed to checking it. Profile construction stores should be equipped with special stands with a flat surface to check the products sold. If there is none, the check can be carried out as follows. Place the device horizontally and mark the position of the air bubble. It's okay if he moved from the center position. Then the device is turned 180 degrees, in the same place. If the air has not changed its position, then the instrument is adjusted and is working correctly.
- Without the presence of a proven surface, with known indicators, it will not be possible to determine the accuracy of the instrument readings. However, you can check them later by comparing them with those of other devices. You can use a laser level or level, the working qualities of which have already been tested. You should not neglect checking, even when it comes to expensive branded products: the technical characteristics that determine the operational properties may well be violated during the transportation of goods.
A good tool is a great help in any work, and a good building level is necessary in any household (to hang a mirror or a cabinet) during repairs. And to build a bath, you will need at least two or three different levels. There are quite a few types of this tool and each has its own characteristics.
Bubble levels are the most popular. Most likely, this is due to their not very high price and sufficient measurement accuracy. These instruments come in very different lengths - from several tens of centimeters to 3 meters. During construction or repair, levels of several sizes are usually needed: short ones are convenient if you need to check compliance not with small areas, but long ones are indispensable, for example, when plastering, when installing lathing under a lining in a bath, etc.
Bubble levels have one, two or three transparent chambers with a scale, filled with liquid with a bubble. By the position of the bubble relative to the marked divisions, the deviation from the vertical and horizontal is determined. If the instrument has only one camera, only horizontal surfaces can be monitored, if there are two cameras - vertical and horizontal. There are levels with three flasks. The third, if fixed, is used to determine the deviation from an angle of 45 degrees. But there are models with movable flasks that allow you to determine the deviation from the selected angle of inclination. Such will be needed when erecting a rafter system and some other work.
There are several modifications of bubble levels: some of them have magnets installed and are convenient to fix on metal surfaces. Such levels are also called magnetic levels. There are special tools for masons and tilers: there are places where you can knock with a hammer, which is very convenient.
How to choose a bubble level
The price range for these instruments is quite large. Definitely, buying the cheapest is hardly worth it, except that you need them for one-time work. If you have construction or major renovations, you should choose one of the professional levels. Although they are several times more expensive, they will last much longer: they have thick-walled bodies, for which shocks and falls are not so terrible, some are equipped with rubber pads that soften shocks. The building stabila has proven itself the best. The Kapro tool (the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on the flasks) and Kraftool serve well. These are probably the best building levels on the market today. If we talk about the middle price category, then Zubr, Stayer and Matrix have proven themselves well.
When choosing a tool, pay attention to the attachment of the flasks: they shouldn't stagger... Better if they are mounted tightly, without screws. At first glance, the flasks fixed with screws are good because they can be independently adjusted, but in practice such tools very quickly get lost, and you have to repeat the entire adjustment procedure over and over again. In order for it to be convenient to work with the level, you must clearly see the flask, the divisions on it and the position of the bubble. The further from each other the strips on the flask, the more difficult it is to determine how much the bubble is displaced.
Important! Even after a slight drop, the bubble level can start to "lie", especially for cheap models. For this reason, check the level for accuracy in the store.
How to check the bubble level
To check the accuracy of the level, you need to put it on any horizontal surface (for example, on a display in a store), notice the place where it lies, and remember the position of the bubble. Turn the instrument 180 ° (the part that was on the right should be on the left), set it in the same place and look again at the position of the bubble. If the readings match, the horizontal flask is aligned correctly. Repeat the same test on a vertical plane (for example, on a wall). If the readings there are the same, you can buy this level. If there is a deviation somewhere, ask for another.
See the video for details on checking the bubble level.
Laser building level
Laser building levels are the most modern and accurate, but also the most expensive. Most budget options cost the same (or more) as professional bubble levels. But this is a compact device that attaches to any surface and has a range of up to 100 meters. Laser levels allow you to ideally set a straight line, some models have the function of sweeping the direction in a plane, there are cross models with 2 or more (up to 10) lines, with which you can perform any work. Their only drawback is the high price.
The world leader in the production of laser levels is the German company Bosch - it produces a huge line of laser levels. Compact models include the Bosch PPL5.
This device is quite compact, as can be seen by watching the video.
The laser level can be fixed on the wall, and the tiles can be glued to the walls in a bath or sauna along the guide.
If you are not a professional builder, you are drowning in the need to buy expensive levels, which include Bosch products. If you only need a laser level to build a single bathhouse, then it is quite possible to buy a laser level in China. The price of this level on eBay is only $ 8-9, and shipping to Russia is free.
Chinese laser level with tape measure (click on the picture to enlarge) 
The laser requires three coin-cell batteries Water or hydro level
This tool is suitable for detecting the presence of deviations of horizontal surfaces. They cannot check neither verticals nor planes located at an angle. The water level is a set of a hose (from 5 to 25 meters long) and two glass flasks with a scale printed on them.
Water is poured into this structure (be sure to pour water at room temperature and make sure that bubbles do not form). You can draw a horizontal line by setting the same water levels in both flasks.
Water levels are convenient when working with large surfaces (for example, when laying a foundation or piles), but they are inconvenient when working in small rooms. Their main disadvantage: sensitivity to temperature extremes: surfaces that are less than 1.5 meters away from heating devices or other heat sources cannot be checked.
The huge advantage of water levels is that when used correctly, horizontal lines can be perfectly extinct on large planes. For this reason, for marking, it is advisable to use a water level, and not a bubble level.
When buying a hydro level, check that there are no cracks on the plastic flasks.
Pipe levels
They work on the bubble principle, but are small in size and are most often made in the form of a rectangle. Some models are foldable.
They are convenient to use when working with pipes or when laying profiles (some have corresponding holes and / or magnets to make them easier to attach).
There are many types of levels and their different modifications. The main thing is to determine for what purposes you will use them, and for them choose the most suitable option.
Level on Android
What progress has reached ... This is what I want to say when you learn that now you can download and install the program-building level on a device running the Android operating system.
Building level program in smartphone A rather large number of such programs have already been created, but there are not as many of them of high quality as you want. One of the most popular levels for a smartphone is the program Bubble level, which can be installed by following this link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id\u003dnet.androgames.level&hl\u003dru.
Bubble level software allows you to switch the view of the level.
Bubble level software allows you to switch the level view The smartphone is oriented in space using the camera built into it. After installing the program, you need to calibrate the device by placing it on a flat surface.
As you can imagine, the level for an android cannot be considered as a full-fledged tool for building a bath. Although using this level it will be quite possible to even hang pictures in the rest room.
findings
When building a bathhouse, as in any other construction, you cannot do without a building level. Since our site is designed for amateur builders, we venture to offer the following gentleman's set:
- Hydro level (required);
- Bubble level (required);
- Chinese laser level (you can do it).
This entire set can be bought for only 1000 rubles and it will be enough for all types of work, from pouring the foundation to laying the tiles.
Sometimes it is quite difficult to understand a conversation between two gamers, since the slang contains a huge number of incomprehensible words.
On this page you can find the most common gaming words and their brief definitions. For quick navigation through the dictionary and search for the desired word, you can use the general search on the site.
If you think that some gamer word is missing in the dictionary - you can use it for us. After checking by the moderator, the definition of the word will appear in the dictionary.
Send a word to be added to the dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Agro (short for aggression - hostility) - characteristics of enemies in games, which determines who they will attack. In MMOs, for example, many players, when hitting a monster, increase the latter's aggro. Which player generates the most aggro, the monster hits.
Agronub - a player who longs for reprisals against other players in PvP, but at the same time can do little due to the lack of conformity with the project's mechanics. Agronub is born when an ordinary noob begins to think that he is a GM (not to be confused with cancers: every agronub is a cancer, but not every cancer is an agronub).
Hell - 1) English. add - an enemy joining the battle. When a lone boss calls out helpers out of nowhere, they are called hells; 2) directly hell (hell) - a place where sinners are boiled in cauldrons. It is often used in the gaming industry as a name for a difficulty level.
Addon, add-on, add-on - additional material for a specific game. Usually, the addon includes new levels, modes, weapons, skills, skins for heroes, the continuation of the plot, etc. In most cases, the installation of an add-on requires the presence of the original game, although sometimes the developers release add-ons as standalone products. For some time after the release of the game, the developers keep the gaming community interested in it by releasing add-ons. Usually an addon costs significantly less than the game itself.
Account, account (English account) - a special record in the database, which correlates a real person to the virtual property belonging to him - characters, equipment, subscriptions to additional services, etc.
Alpha tester - a user taking part in alpha testing of the game.
Alpha testing, alpha test (English alpha testing) - one of the first stages of the trial of the game, in which a large number of errors are caught. At this stage, a relatively small number of people are involved, and in most cases these are special employees, either the developers themselves. After the alpha test is completed, the developers work to fix any bugs found by the alpha test participants. After making the edits, the project goes to the beta testing stage, or re-alpha test.
Anon - an unnamed member of the gaming community.
Antag (English untag - not marked) - in MMO a character without a clan sign.
Antagonist - usually this is one of the main story characters in the game, who is actively fighting the main character - the protagonist. The main villain of the game is often the antagonist, although this is not always the case.
Up, Up, AP - 1) Up (up) - the transition of the character to a new level. Apnea - to survive the level rise; 2) AP (abbreviated from the English attribute points) - points that are spent on improving the characteristics of the character; 3) AP (short for action points) - action points in turn-based games; 4) AP (abbreviated from English arena point) - points awarded for winning the arena (in MMO); 5) AP (abbreviated from the English attack / ability power) - the power of the attack / skill.
Art (eng.art - art) - an image created by artists in the early stages of the developers of the game project. This is usually a conceptual look at the game world and the characters inhabiting it, which may change significantly by the final version of the game. Art also includes artwork created on the basis of a finished game (most often this is fan art).
AFK (English Away From Keyboard, AFK) Is an abbreviation often used in chat. Literally translated as "moved away from the keyboard" and means that the user is away from the computer for a while.
Achievement (English achievement - achievement) - a reward for fulfilling a certain condition in the game. In most projects, achievements are given both for completing certain stages of the storyline and performing special actions - for example, finding all hidden treasures, or killing several opponents with one shot.
Achievements serve to compare the skill of players and raise interest in the game - all modern gaming services provide an opportunity to compare your achievements with those of your friends.
Bug, glitch (English bug - beetle) - an error in the operation of the game or any other program. The bug can be either completely harmless and does not interfere with the gameplay, or completely make the passage of the game impossible. Glitches can occur both due to an error in writing the code, and when the hardware or installed software is incompatible with the program or game being used.
Ban (English ban - prohibit) - one of the methods of punishing users for violating the established rules. Usually, a ban is issued by the administrator of the game for rude communication with other users, bots, deliberate use of bugs or hacks, unauthorized purchase of game goods or currency for real money, as well as other serious violations. A ban can be permanent and temporary, and a ban does not always completely block an account - sometimes restrictions are simply imposed on the use of some services.
Buffing, buffing - the imposition of characteristics on the game character, which can be both positive and negative.
Positive buffs are often used before significant battles to increase the combat abilities of the group. Sometimes in MMO projects they buff other users to express their sympathy.
During organized hostilities in MMO projects, one or more squad members are usually responsible for buffing the group. This allows the group to fight more effectively even during extended battles. A person who can apply buffs is called a buffer.
BB (abbreviated English Bye Bye - bye [goodbye]) - farewell to the interlocutor in any network game.
Beta tester - a user taking part in the beta testing of the game.
Beta testing, beta testing (English beta testing) - the stage of development of the game, at which the project is almost ready, but additional catching of bugs is required before the start of sales or commercial launch. During the beta test, the developers try to attract a large number of users who can recreate as many game situations as possible.
Beta testing is carried out by the developers themselves, or ordinary gamers are involved who are ready to report found bugs during the testing process. The beta test can take place in several stages, after the completion of which the game is allowed for sale or commercial launch.
Bizha - abbr. from "costume jewelry". Bracelets, rings, earrings, etc.
Build (English build - style) - setting the characteristics of the character for a certain style of play, or to achieve a certain goal. Because the characteristics of a character are often influenced by the things worn on him, then a certain set of things that serve specific purposes is also called a build.
Bind (English bind - to bind) - 1) Binding a digital key to a group of troops, items or skills in strategies and RPGs, after which you can resort to them by pressing this key. "Bind" - assign a key to a group, skill or skill, object, etc .; 2) Choosing the location to which the character is attached, having the ability to quickly return to it; 3) Binding the item to the player, after which it cannot be sold for money or given to another user.
Bum - a player who does not belong to any alliance or clan. Usually used in multiplayer games where clan wars can be waged.
Boss - a very strong opponent, usually encountered by the hero after completing a level or at the very end of the storyline. Usually, it takes a lot of effort to defeat a boss and find his weaknesses, although recently the latter is not so common in modern, more casual projects. Often times, one or more QTE sequences are required to defeat a boss. If, as the game progresses, several bosses are encountered, then each next one, as a rule, becomes stronger than the previous one.
The bot - a special program that controls the actions of the game character. Bots can be divided into two types: 1) a bot that acts as an opponent in a multiplayer game, on which you can train without real opponents; 2) a program that imitates the actions of a real player, used to automate the processes of pumping and farming. Such bots are banned in almost all multiplayer games.
Boost (English boost - to increase) - a phenomenon in which any characteristics increase. Using haste in races, a damage buff, or using a power potion are all examples of boost. Something that can produce these kinds of effects is called a booster.
Railway carriage - a low-level character who teams up with a high-level character and gains experience from kills without doing anything. Used for power leveling.
Wipe (English wipe - to destroy) - 1) a fatal set of circumstances in an MMO, in which the whole group is sent to the cemetery in the status of the dead; 2) spam chat in order to hide an objectionable message behind its framework (each new message pushes the wipe target one line, and if repeated it is completely hidden from view).
One shot - one shot - death from one hit / shot / skill.
Var, Holivar (English war - war, holy - saint) - the term has a wide application: clan-to-clan battle, battle of teams in MOBA or opponents in multiplayer, the main condition is duration. Whether it's a long game, or its reflection in real life: the eternal confrontation between two players or other parties. More often than not, the lesson is more than useless.
Warlock (English warlock - warlock) - in RPG games, a character specializing in dark witchcraft.
Wartag (English war tag) - a member of the opposing guild. In MMO, there is a place to be directly tag: members of guilds tag hated rivals.
Video review - a review of the game, made in the form of a short video. In it, the author talks about the main features of the project, and the video sequence at this time demonstrates the gameplay. In high-quality video reviews, the shown gameplay most of the time demonstrates what the announcer is talking about.
Virtual reality, VR (English virtual reality, VR) - a fictional world created by technical and software systems. The perception of this world by a person occurs through various human sensations: sight, hearing, smell, touch and others. Virtual reality simulates both exposure and responses to exposure. To create a convincing complex of sensations of reality, computer synthesis of properties and reactions of virtual reality is performed in real time.
To achieve greater realism, when creating virtual reality, the goal is often to recreate as many laws of material reality as possible. At the same time, in games for entertainment purposes, users of virtual worlds are allowed more than is possible in real life (for example, to fly, create any objects, etc.).
At the same time, one should not confuse virtual reality with augmented reality, because the goal of virtual reality is to create a new world, and augmented reality is only to add new objects to the existing one.
Age rating - legislative restrictions on the age of various works of mass culture and games, including. This limitation is intended to limit the impact on the not yet fully formed consciousness of a minor. Different regions have their own content rating systems.
Take out, take out, pick up - to liquidate something. You can take out the opposing team, enemy hero, etc.
Sawing (eng.cutting) - knocking the player out of some location or zone of the level. Very often, working in a team, players are engaged in sawing campers. In other words, sawing can be described as knocking out an opponent from a certain location on the map, depriving him of a tactical advantage.
Guide, guide (English guide) - game guide, which contains tips to help you get better at the gameplay. The guide often includes a walkthrough of the game.
Gamat (English game - to play) - play any computer or video game.
Gang, Gank (English gang kill - murder by a crowd) - killing an opponent by a crowd. The term is widely used in MOBA and IMO.
Garena - a network service designed for online play. The service allows you to create a virtual local area network between players connected by the global Internet network in just a few clicks and does not require additional configuration to start using. Since this service allows many pirated versions of games to be played over the network, it is very common among the younger audience of gamers.
GG, GG (abbreviated English good game - good game) - 1) a statement of fact in a collective game: the game [game], as the writer thinks, is good. In our time, contraction has practically lost its original meaning, and is used as a synonym for the end of the game [party]; 2) abbr. from rlavny rhero, protagonist.
Game over, game over - game over - the end of the game. In modern games, such a phrase usually ends with a loss in the game, but earlier such an ending meant the general end of the game, regardless of whether the gamer won or not.
Gamer (English gamer - player) - a person playing games. Despite the fact that the term includes people who do not consider themselves full-fledged players, they are often referred to as those who spend a lot of time playing games or are interested in them.
Gameplay - the gameplay of a computer game from the player's point of view. The concept of gameplay is very general in nature and usually expresses the experience gained from the gameplay, which is influenced by a variety of factors, such as plot, sound and graphics. Thus, one and the same set of gameplay factors can lead to different, sometimes even completely opposite, assessment of it by two different people.
Gimp (English gimp - cripple) Is a useless character in PvP. Gimpami can be victims of improper swing or purchase.
GM - 1) abbr. English game master - the venerable title of the regular, the master of this or that game. In domestic realities, players call themselves GMs; 2) abbr. English guild master - the master [founder or manager] of the guild.
Gosu, goser - a synonym for GM or Pope. A very experienced player.
Grena, toast (English grenade - pomegranate) Is a commonly used name for grenades in shooters. This term refers to both conventional grenades and any other explosive devices.
Grind (English grind - to grind) - gameplay, consisting in a tedious action of the same type. Killing an infinite number of weak mobs for experience or loot is a classic example of grinding.
Griefer (English griefer - makes you suffer) - a player who enjoys spoiling the game for other people.
GFSH, FSH, Frishard, Frishka, Fricha, Shard - abbr. from "shit frishard". Free pirate game server. There are no good examples.
Damage (English damage - damage) - damage, or damage, inflicted by the hero to other game characters and vice versa. This value has a numerical representation, which is subtracted from the current amount of health of the character who was damaged. Often, the size of the damage is affected by the weapon used, the skill and other characteristics of the character's characters, as well as the armor used.
Dungeon (dungeon) - limited by the border (material, for example, in the form of mountains, or logical in the form of invisible walls) location - a cave, dungeon, ruins, etc. Usually a hero goes to dungeons to perform a specific task - to find something, or kill someone.
In multiplayer games, group dungeons are common, designed to be played in a company with friends. At the same time, mobs in such locations are much stronger than ordinary ones, and at the end of a group a fight with one or even several bosses awaits.
Engine (English engine - motor, engine) - a complex set of programs designed to create computer and video games. Modern engines include tons of modules - rendering, physics, sound, scripting, animation, artificial intelligence, networking, multithreaded computing, memory management, etc. All this allows you to significantly reduce the time and resource costs for creating and porting games.
Games of completely different genres and settings can be created on one engine.
Debuff (eng. Debuff) - any negative impact on a player or a mob that does not cause direct damage. Usually, for every parameter that can be improved by a buff, there is a debuff that lowers the value of this parameter. Typical examples of a debuff include a decrease in base characteristics, a slowdown or complete stop of a character, blindness, silence, and a decrease in resistance to a certain type of damage.
Device (English device) - device, device, mechanism. The word has both in-game display (the gravity gun is a device) and out-of-game: mice, gamepads, etc. are called devices.
Grandfather - an old-timer and a regular at the game. Extremely experienced user.
Demo, demo, demo - a demo version of the game, which is distributed free of charge (although there are a few exceptions when the demo version of the game was sold). Demos are released so that a potential user can make sure in advance that he is buying an interesting game of proper quality.
Demos are usually limited to a few entry-level levels, which take no more than a couple of hours to complete.
Ding (English ding) - onomatopoeia of the moment of transition to a new level, which began to mean this phenomenon.
Disconnect - disconnection from the server.
DLC, DLC (downloadable content, DLC) - additional downloadable content for games, distributed online through various digital distribution services. DLC can be either paid or distributed absolutely free. To install DLC, you need the original game.
Donate (English donate - to donate) Is one of the ways for developers to get money from players. Usually present in "free" projects where it is possible to play without paying for the game itself. At the same time, it is possible to get some advantages for a relatively small amount of money. Usually for donation, you can quickly pump your character or get unique items and abilities.
Recently, developers have been trying to maintain a balance between paying and playing free users - the donation system is being developed to reduce the time it takes for a user to achieve certain results. At the same time, a user who plays absolutely for free can achieve the same results by spending a significant amount of playing time on it.
Expansion pack - additional content for any game. Unlike DLC, it can be distributed not only through digital distribution services, but also on separate discs.
Usually, the add-on includes new levels, weapons, characters, the continuation of the plot, and more. Most often, installing an add-on requires the presence of the original game, but there are also standalone add-ons released as full-fledged games.
Augmented reality (AR) Is a term that describes all projects that seek to complement the real world with any kind of virtual elements.
Augmented reality in games is achieved using a camera and other additional sensors. The received information is processed and on the screen a person can see the image taken by the camera, supplemented by virtual objects.
DoT (abbreviated English Damage Over Time - damage over time) - damage that is done over a period of time. One enemy can have several DoTs.
DPS (abbreviated English Damage Per Second - damage per second) - the amount of damage that a character can inflict in one second.
Drop (English drop - to fall, drop) - items that fall from the enemy when defeating him.
Druhl - druid. Character class in MMO and MOVA games.
Dup - creating a duplicate of the item, or the amount of money in the game through the use of mistakes made by the developers.
Close Beta Testing (CBT) - closed beta testing of the game. The beta test accepts separately selected players from all who applied for participation. Usually, the selection criteria are both social parameters and the characteristics of a potential candidate's computer. This method allows you to recruit the widest range of audience and test the stability of the game on a large number of different configurations.
You can also get to participate in closed beta testing by receiving a special code, often called an "invite". You can often get invites on various game portals with which the game developers have agreed to hold special promotions.
Zerg - 1) a large crowd of people or units. The common form of this word comes from 2) the name of the race in Starcraft.
Zerg rush - blitzkrieg of the game world: a fast attack with a huge number of units.
Event, event, event (English event - event) - not a standard event for the gameplay, expressed in the form of a special competition, a fair of special goods or the appearance of special mobs in places where they were not previously available. Usually, events are organized by the project administration for holidays or other significant dates, although they can be held by the players themselves - for example, an unofficial tournament or an organized mass attack on enemy positions.
Game studio - a group of people involved in the development and creation of games. Sometimes several studios can be combined to work on a large project. After the release of the game, the studio continues to work on the project for some time, releasing patches and additions.
Game studios can create projects either under the guidance of a game publisher or completely independently. In the second case, the studios are called independent.
Game world - the world that is embodied in the game, thanks to the plot implementation and gameplay. Speaking about the game world, they mean the user's immersion in the plot of the project with the presentation of the history of the game world, a description of its laws and events. The game world tells about heroes and antiheroes who produce some significant event that develops an action in front of the player.
Gambler - a person who is addicted to computer and video games. At the moment there are clinics specializing in the treatment of gambling addiction.
gambling addiction - addiction, as a result of which a person cannot lead a normal life, since the gambler seeks to spend all his time playing games.
AI, AI (English artificial intelligence, AI) - a special part of the program code of the game, which is responsible for the actions of the game characters under the control of the computer.
Imb, imba (English imbalance - imbalance) - the definition refers to something very cool in the project that does not fit into the game balance. It can be some kind of class, a Persian, an incredibly cool skill or subject.
Instance, insta (English instance - case) - in the MMO location, which is uploaded personally for the group.
Instant kill (English instant kill) - instant kill. Any one-shot is an instant kill, but not any one-shot is a one-shot - death can also occur as a result of a gang.
Kite (English kite - [air, paper] kite) - the process of attacking the enemy, when the enemy cannot give back (this can happen as when using a ranged attack, with impenetrable armor or with 100% evasion from attacks). When kiting, the enemy's aggro should be on the attacker (kiter), while the rest of the group can calmly destroy him without taking damage. The kite can also be used as a steam locomotive.
Cartridge, cartoon (English cartridge - cartridge) - an electronic device based on ROM chips, which contains the game for the corresponding game console. In addition to a number of advantages (good copy protection, expanding the console's capabilities, quick console access to game content), the cartridges have several big drawbacks - the cost of production and rapid mechanical wear of both the cartridge with frequent replacement of the game, and the console connector itself for cartridges. In this regard, console manufacturers abandoned this format back in the late 80s.
Caster (English cast - to cast [enchant]) - a character who can conjure, cast spells.
Quest (English quest - search) - 1) the genre of the game, the main task of the player in which is to solve logic problems and puzzles, often associated with the need to initially find objects in the available locations, and then come up with an application for them; 2) the task given to the player.
Quick Time Events (QTE) - one of the elements of gameplay in games. The point is that buttons appear on the screen, and the player must have time to press them in time. Sometimes you need to quickly press one button multiple times, or even press several buttons at the same time, which sometimes turns the QTE into a “twister” for your fingers.
Kemper (English to camp - to set up camp) - a player in a multiplayer shooter mode, sitting out in hard-to-reach and poorly detectable places with a good view of the map location. From this position, the player makes surprise attacks. Such players are very often perceived as professionals or cheaters, which they call them inept and ignorant players who lose the match.
QC - 1) abbr. eng. ok, ok - okay, okay. An affirmative answer to the interlocutor's remarks, which excludes further discussion of the issue; 2) paired abbr. from English kilo is a thousand. That is, a thousand thousand, a million.
Clan war, clan var, KV (English Clan War, CW - war of clans) - competition between two clans or alliances in a multiplayer game, which is often expressed in armed confrontation. Usually clan wars are held by prior agreement or within the framework of a tournament held by the administration of the game project.
Console - 1) a game console connected to a TV. Consoles are also referred to as portable gaming devices that have their own display; 2) a command interpreter, through the line of which you can directly enter commands for execution by the system. In games, the console is most often used to enter special cheat codes or directly interact with the engine to make edits to the gameplay.
Controller, manipulator - an information input device with which the player interacts with the virtual world. There are many types of controllers - keyboard and mouse (standard for PC users), gamepad (used by most consoles), motion sensors (for example, PS Move and Kinect), touch screen (common in mobile devices), etc. The variety of controllers grows every year, providing players with ever simpler and more intuitive ways to interact with games.
Checkpoint, checkpoint (English Check Point, CP - checkpoint) - a special point (often not indicated visually) on the map, set during the development of the game. When such a point is reached, automatic saving usually occurs, although sometimes check points are used for other purposes (for example, marking the successful passage of a section of the track in races). Usually, when a hero dies and there are checkpoints in the game, the game is automatically loaded at the time of the last checkpoint. In some games, where full gameplay is not provided, the checkpoint can be the hero's respawn point.
Config (abbreviated English configuration) - 1) personal user settings; 2) PC technical parameters.
Crack, pill, crack (English crack) - a special file or program that allows you to run an unlicensed version of the game. The use of such programs is illegal in most countries.
Ku (eng. Q) - 1) A short form of online greeting; 2) abbr. English quest - quest.
Cooldown (cooling) - the recharge time of an ability, item or spell. There are also cooldowns for game events.
Lag (English lag - delay, delay) - a delay in the game, which manifests itself in the form of a temporary freeze of the game process. Often, lags occur either due to insufficient computer performance, or due to communication problems with the server. Constant lags in online games can be associated with a low data exchange rate between the user's computer or the north, or the player's regional remoteness from the server, which increases the ping value.
Laker (from English luck - luck) - a player who achieves success purely due to a coincidence of circumstances.
Lamer (English lame - lame) - novice user. Unlike noobs, lamers usually claim to be a good player / user.
Level Cap - character development limit, maximum level.
Level, lvl (English level, lvl) - the level of pumping a character or account. Level is a numerical characteristic that increases with time spent in the game, or with increasing skill. Often, to obtain the next level, you need to gain a certain number of experience points (or a similar parameter), and most of the leveling systems are made in such a way that it takes significantly more experience to reach each next level.
Liv, Leaver (English leave - to leave) - user leaving the server during the game. This departure is usually voluntary. At the same time, they say about the player that he “poured”, and the player himself is called “Liver”. As a rule, users then become leaders when the game is not in their favor.
Leech (English leech - leech) - a player who enters into a partnership solely for his own benefit, without helping the team. When such cooperation occurs by mutual agreement (locomotive power leveling), a more courteous definition of "Wagon" is adopted.
Location - a part of the game world, territorially separated from its other parts.
Loot (English loot - to rob) - a general name for items remaining after killing a mob or character that a hero can pick up. In addition, loot includes items found in chests and similar containers, as well as items just lying on the floor in any game location. In other words, loot is items that can be picked up, then used or sold / exchanged.
Leith, leith (English late - late) - late stage of the game. The term is used mainly in MOVA arenas, where the importance of the heroes either increases or decreases with the time of the game, thereby changing the parity of the parties on the late.
Mana, MP (English Mana) - one of the characteristics of a character, often used in RPG projects with a fantasy setting. The mana reserve determines how many spells a hero can cast, or how many times he can use special skills. Usually, mana is displayed as another bar next to the life bar.
Mount (eng. To mount - sit on (in) a vehicle) - an object on which you can ride, increasing your movement speed. A car, a horse, a lizard, an ostrich, a flying boss's head - mounts can be very diverse.
Machinima (English Machinima, from machine - machine and cinema - cinema) - a film that is being created on a game engine. In this case, game characters, models, textures, locations and other resources are used. Often, fans are involved in the creation of machinima, so most of the resulting work is of a very mediocre level. Machinima is inherently a subtype of cinematography that takes inspiration from the gaming subculture.
Media franchise - intellectual property, which includes the characters, setting and trademark of the original media work. Usually, franchises arise when a project appears in a different form - for example, a film is made based on a game, or a game is created based on a television series.
Mob (English Mob, short for English mobile object, movable object) - a kind of NPC, which is characterized by a certain property - to be destroyed by the player to gain experience, money or various items. In order to make the process more interesting, mobs often try to kill the player at this time. Sometimes mobs act as a complicating factor when completing quests - in this case, killing him may not bring anything to the player.
Mod, mod (English modification - modification) - a modification of the game, making minor changes to the gameplay, or supplementing it. Most often, users make mods, although sometimes developers provide post-release support for their projects by releasing official mods. Often, the creators of the projects themselves release the tools for modding, but sometimes there is also the creation of mods by hacking the resources of the game.
MT (abbreviation for main tank) - the main tank of the group.
Mule - a character on an MMO account or other network game, which is created exclusively for storing things.
Trash, trash - slang name for weak mobs, hells or loot.
Mutator - an analogue of the mod, but making only minor changes to the gameplay. Unlike large-scale mods, which cannot always work in parallel, mutators can be used simultaneously in large numbers. The order in which they are activated is very important. For example, if a “turn all weapons into sniper rifles” mutator is used behind the “no sniper rifle” mutator, the sniper rifles disappear and all other weapons are converted into rifles. If you apply mutators in the reverse order, all weapons disappear.
Nerf (jargon.Eng. nerf - to weaken) - deterioration of any characteristics in the new version of the game. Reducing tank damage, boss health, or armor stats are all nerfs.
Nickname, nickname (English nickname - nickname) - a pseudonym used by users on the Internet and games. A nickname can reflect a real name, or it can mean an object, an animal, some kind of phenomenon, it can be written in various symbols and combine letters. Used as a name for game characters, or when creating accounts in various services.
Ninja - a player who, in the thick of the battle, is collecting loot, opening chests, picking up quest items, etc. Also, ninjas are called those users who, when distributing loot to a team, claim all things, not even their class.
NP, NP (abbreviated English no problem) Is an abbreviation for a replica meaning "no problem."
NPK, NPC (English Non-Player Character, NPC) - a non-playable character controlled by a special program - AI. Usually, the NPC can communicate with the hero and is one of the main opportunities for user interaction with the virtual world. NPCs are often asked to complete tasks or provide a trade / exchange service.
Nubhant (eng.noob hunt) - hunting for noobs.
Noob (English newbie - beginner) - a beginner, inexperienced player. More often than not, noobs pretend to be inept play, or by asking stupid and simple questions. Sometimes the term "noob" is used in order to offend someone after the latter has made some ridiculous mistake.
Nubyatnya, Nubland, Nubzon - the location of the characters is much weaker than the player's level.
Nuke (English nuke - the use of nuclear weapons) - use of all combat abilities in a short period of time. Used when finishing off bosses, ganking or focusing to get rid of the enemy as soon as possible.
Area of \u200b\u200bEffect (AoE) - a phenomenon in which the effect of a spell or ability spreads to an area. The hero waves his sword, whether he throws a grenade, pours a hail of ice over the lawn - these are all examples of AoE.
OBT (English Open Beta Testing, OBT) - open beta testing of the game. Any player can take part in this testing stage without any restrictions.
Overbuff - a situation in which one buff is superseded by another.
Oldheimer (eng. Old gamer) Is a gamer who prefers to play old games. Usually old gamers use additional programs and emulators to run old games on modern PCs.
OOM (abbreviated English out of mana) - the expression when the mana has run out - "no mana". Relevant for healers in MMO and MOVA.
Offtopic (off topic - "off topic") - a network message that goes beyond a predetermined topic of communication. For example, a post, comment or post that does not match the topic of the news / topic in which the post was posted. In other words, in a topic or news about Battlefield, discussion of new pets in The Sims will be offtopic.
Dad Father Is a very experienced player. Synonyms - GM or Goser.
Steam locomotive or Train (English train) - 1) the type of kite, in which several opponents are collected for their further elimination by means of AoE attacks; 2) the process of joint passage of the game by a team of low- and high-level characters, in which the latter kills all opponents, while the first (he is called Wagon) gains experience.
Easter eggs, easter eggs - secrets left by the game developers that do not fit into the general concept of the game. Usually, to activate Easter eggs in games, you need to perform completely unobvious actions. Easter eggs play the role of a kind of joke for attentive players or spectators.
Party (English party - squad) - a group of players united by a common goal.
Patch, update (English patch - patch) - a file that updates the game. The update most often includes fixes found after the release of the game. In addition, the patch often contains minor adjustments to the balance and interface, and sometimes even new gameplay elements and additional content.
PvE (abbreviated English player vs environment - player against environment) - game content based on the confrontation between users and virtual enemies.
PvP (abbreviated English player vs player - player against player) - unlike PvE, such game content, on the contrary, is based on the opposition of players: guilds, factions or groups.
Perechipovka - replacement of a chip in any device. As a result, the device's performance can be improved, or the functionality can be expanded. In gaming, it usually refers to the re-typing of consoles, after which it becomes possible to play pirated content, or use content designed for another region.
Perk (eng. Perk) - the ability of the character, acquired as the hero develops. Usually, perks are present in RPG projects and the player has the opportunity to choose the desired perk to receive when moving to a new level. Perks help to achieve the individuality of each hero, allowing you to pump the character for the used passing style.
Permanent death (eng.permadeath) - or perish forever, an extremely popular feature in roguelike games and various RPGs. Its essence lies in the fact that after the death of the character, the game ends, and its passage must be started from the beginning.
Persian (English personage) - game character. Gamers use this abbreviation regardless of the genre of the project.
Pet (eng. Pet) - the player's animal that travels with him.
Pickup (English pickup - casual acquaintance) - in MMO games, gathering a group of strangers.
Ping (English ping) - server response time to the sent command. Ping is very important in multiplayer games and characterizes the speed with which the information transmitted to the server affects the game world. Measured in milliseconds. The lower the value, the more enjoyable the gameplay will be. With too high ping values, it is almost impossible to enjoy the gameplay. Ping is influenced by both the quality of the channel and its load, as well as the speed of the server with the current number of active players.
PC - 1) abbr. from Personal Computer; 2) abbr. English player killer - player killer. In MMO, a member of the opposing faction who hunts down enemies that are significantly weaker than him.
Platformer - a game whose gameplay consists in the frequent need to move the hero or heroes from one platform to another. Often, unsuccessful jumps between platforms lead to falling into the abyss and the instant loss of the hero's life.
Power leveling - fast character pumping, in which this pumping is the only goal. For power leveling, special game techniques are used, such as a steam locomotive or a grind.
Prime - the best time to play. Some guilds in MMOs appoint their prime, and by joining them, the user is obliged to be present in the game at a given time.
Prequel - a new part in the series of games, telling about the events preceding the previously released part. Thus, the developers can tell in more detail about the virtual world and answer the plot questions that the players have after completing the previously released game in the series.
Game console Is a special device designed for video games. Usually a game console does not have its own output device and must be connected to a TV or a special monitor - it is from this need that the name "console" appeared. On modern game consoles, it is also possible to play a variety of media content, including the ability to access the Internet using the browser integrated into the software.
Leveling, quality, leveling - the process of increasing the level or any skills of the character. For pumping, special techniques are usually used, and sometimes special programs (bots). It is also possible in some game projects to pump an account for a donation. The most legal and free method of leveling up an account in any game is completing available quests and other actions for which experience is awarded.
Protagonist, protagonist - the main character of a computer or video game. Usually the main character, the protagonist, is opposed by the main villain - the antagonist throughout the game.
Prof - can be a synonym for a class in some MMO projects (warlock, paladin, Sith, etc.), or the name of a specialization (herbalist, blacksmith, seamstress, etc.).
Firmware (English firmware - firmware, microprogram) - in the gaming sense, firmware is the console software. Firmware updates can be both official and pirated. The official update allows you to use new functions, and without it, it is sometimes impossible to launch newer games. If a game requires a newer firmware version, it usually ships with the game.
Using pirated firmware violates the license agreement, but allows pirated versions of games and additional software that have not been certified by the console developers to run on the game console. Warranty repairs for consoles that have ever had pirated firmware are not available.
Game developer (eng. Developer) - studio, group of people or, less often, one person. The developer is engaged in the creation of computer and video games. The developer's task is to create a virtual world of the game that exists according to established laws. After the release of the game, the developer has been releasing patches that fix bugs and additions for some time.
Cancer - in network communication, and in particular in the gaming environment, a person who is clearly not a guest of this topic. Unlike nubism, crayfish is very shameful, because crayfish do not consider themselves new to the field, trying to get used to the gaming environment, often clumsily using its terminology and functionality.
Rush, rush (English rush - to hurry) - fast passage of the mission, without any stops. In strategies, the rush technique is very common, when the attack on the enemy is carried out at the very beginning of the match with a group of cheap units, available for construction almost immediately.
Reir (English rare - rare) - extremely rare item dropped from enemies. Reir drops, as a rule, from bosses.
Reconnect - restoration of connection with the server after its loss. Reconnecting to the server.
Remake (English remake) - an updated version of the game based on an older project. Typically, a remake has more modern graphics, and the gameplay and storyline itself remains largely untouched.
Repop (abbreviated English repopulation) - restoration of already killed opponents. Ordinary monsters will repop in a few minutes, bosses in many games will not repop at all.
Res - 1) abbr. English resource - resource; 2) abbr. English resurrection - resurrection. Restoring a player from a state of death through the help of another player.
Respawn, respawn, respawn (English respawn - rebirth) - the process of restoring a game character after death. Depending on the game settings, after respawning, the character's health, mana, ammunition, etc. are restored. Also in RPG projects, respawning in the form of a fine can take away part of the previously earned experience or in-game currency. Typically, respawn occurs at certain points on the kata, predetermined by the location designer.
Rest (English rest - rest) - restoration of health and mana, requiring interruption of the game process.
Reuz - reuse.
Roll (English roll - dice roll) - the well-known DnD system, in which in-game events occur according to the randomness of the dice roll: how much damage will be done, how much loot will be received, etc.
Rotat, Rotation (English rotation - sequence) - certain alternation when using skills or spells. The correctness of using this or that rotat is a very controversial issue, since often characterizes only the user's style of play. But there are also quite obvious rotata, for example, using a water spell to scorch, and not vice versa.
RPG, RPG (abbreviated English Role-Playing Game) Is a genre of computer games based on board games. Offers character leveling, skills, experience and quests, as well as other elements of classic board games.
Raid (English raid - raid, raid) - in MMO passage of an instance by a group of players. A set of several combined instances can also be called a raid.
Salo, Silence, Molchanka (English silence - silence) - a debuff that prevents the player or enemy from casting spells.
Summon (English summon - to call) - the ability of the character to call a creature or other object to his aid or for the company (pet). You can also summon live players by teleporting them to yourself from another location / zone / level. A character who can cast such spells is called a summoner.
Support (English support - support) - 1) a legal entity or individual providing customer support; 2) a character whose role is to help in the conduct of the battle. Healers, buffers - these are the classic supports.
Set (English set - set) - a set of things that give any effect. In the case of collecting all items of a set, its overall effect is usually stronger than the sum of the effects of all items separately.
Setting (from the English setting - setting, room, installation, frame) - a certain environment within which the action of the game or any other work of art takes place. Usually the setting describes the time and place of action, the laws of the world, the creatures inhabiting it, etc.
Sequel (English sequel - continuation) - continuation of a project. A sequel means the continuation of the storyline, and the events of the new game develop immediately or after a certain time from the moment where the events of the previous game ended.
Simulator - a virtual simulator of real-life algorithms and processes. The simulator can act within the genre of computer and video games, for example, a car racing simulator, pilot, farmer or policeman.
Single (English single - single) - a game without collective support, be it a solo raid in an MMO or a story campaign in offline games. Modern projects often provide both single and multiplayer.
System requirements - hardware and software requirements for the normal functioning of the game. If the PC specifications are below the minimum required, the game may not start at all, or work incorrectly. System requirements are often divided into minimum and recommended. The first ones indicate the minimum required parameters to run the game, and the second ones describe the parameters required to play at high quality settings.
Skill, ability, ability (eng. skill, ability) - the ability of the hero of the game to do something. Healing, collecting herbs, fixing plumbing are all abilities. Such skills can be both passive and active. They can evolve with the hero or be unchanged in strength.
Screenshot, screen (engl. Screenshot) - screenshot from the game or some other application. Screenshots can be created both by external applications (for example, FRAPS), and in some cases by the tools of the game itself.
Slacker (English slacker - lazy) - a player who goes about his business during an important game event. Slackers can be MOBA users who are purchased at the base during an important battle, or MMO players who forge armor or brew medicine during a castle siege.
Spawnkill (English spawnkill - killing the appeared) - killing a character who just appeared at the spawn point. In most cases, such an action is not welcomed in the gaming community, as the killer has a significant advantage due to better equipment and a willingness to launch a surprise attack. In most modern projects, there is protection against such actions, which makes the emerging character invulnerable for a short period of time after respawning.
SS (abbreviated English miss [mi ss] - to lose) - no enemy hero on the lane in DotA and other MOBA games.
Stack (English stack - pack) - several items of the same type in the inventory, which take the place of one item. If this happens, it is customary to say that such an item is stacked. The same type of buffs on the character can also stack, while having a cumulative effect.
Greetings, dear visitors! For the last couple of days, I've been pondering the topic for an article, and then I got an email from a reader asking him to talk about building levels. And I thought - a great idea. After all, where in repair without a level?
The choice of levels is epic today. From the simplest water-based to digital with a built-in laser. What level and for what purposes is needed, as well as by what criteria to choose them - we will find out right now.
Building level: types
The simplest constructively is an ordinary water level, it is also a hydro level. It consists of two plastic usually cylindrical flasks with a scale, connected to each other by a flexible long hose. The principle of its operation is simple and should be clear to any high school student. It is based on a well-known physical phenomenon - the water level in communicating vessels is always the same.
With the help of such a device, we can easily mark two points located in the same horizontal plane at a maximum distance equal to the length of the hose. You just need to put marks opposite the boundaries of the water in the flasks.
Such a tool will be indispensable when building a country house, marking ceilings and floors during repairs and similar matters. Hose lengths of such levels are in the range of 7 - 25 meters, which is a lot. The cost of such a tool, of course, is low, in the region of 150 - 300 rubles.
It is more convenient to work with flasks not of a cylindrical shape, but with rectangular in cross-section - it is easier to apply them to the surface. The diameter of the tube - the larger, the faster the same level is established in both flasks. As a rule, water levels have a diameter of 6 - 8 mm.
The next class of instruments is bubble levels or spirit levels. Most of them have a length of 40 - 250 cm. The horizontal and vertical in them are controlled by the position of an air bubble in alcohol sealed in special transparent flasks. Short spirit levels are needed when laying tiles, installing windows and window sills ...
Long - for installing beacons, checking the vertical / horizontal planes and lines, all kinds of markings. Oddly enough at first glance, spirit levels can differ in many characteristics, which we will discuss in more detail in the next chapter.
Protractors and inclinometers are devices that allow you to measure and set the angles between the planes, and the slopes of the planes from the horizontal and vertical, respectively. Such devices may look different. Protractors are in the form of a flask in a quarter circle and in the form of two "rails" connected by a hinge, or whatever it is.
Basically, protractors and inclinometers are digital devices, that is, they have an LCD display where the angle values \u200b\u200bare displayed. The inclinometer is also often referred to as an electronic or digital level.
It seems to me that goniometers are needed mainly not by builders, but by carpenters. The inclinometers will be more useful to them. In finishing, the inclinometer will be in demand only, perhaps, for tiling works, and even more for control. Their highest accuracy (usually 0.05 degrees) does not leave the tiler a chance even for the smallest hack. And you will most likely get mad on the second or third tile))
A colleague of mine, a tiler, recently bought himself a Bosch digital inclinometer and has confirmed this. But, damn, how cool he is, this Bosch.
There are also various avant-garde types of building levels on sale. For example, trumpets. Moreover, they also come in different designs. There are devices in the form of "hairpins" that can be put on the pipe, there are ordinary bubble devices with a recess for a pipe on the body, and there are generally avant-garde masterpieces - "sticks" with five eyes, each of which is tuned to a certain slope - to make it easier to run sewers, you know whether.
Laser levels. I already have an article about them, so I will be brief. This is their most technologically advanced type (I mean self-leveling). High accuracy, ease of use, huge time savings when marking. Such devices are divided into two large classes: positional and rotary.
Positional ones do not have any moving mechanisms, as a rule, they give out a classic laser cross, or several points.
Rotary lasers give out one point, but due to the rotating base it moves quickly 360 degrees. Such devices are used, for example, by ceiling masters.
Bubble selection
Of course, the most common home repair tools are bubble ones. So what are the most important criteria when choosing a spirit level?
First you need to decide what kind of work you need it for. The length of the tool will depend on this. If for a tile, then you cannot do with one level, you will need at least two: short (40 or 60 cm) and long (200 cm). The short one is used constantly to check the level between adjacent tiles. Long - to control the entire surface of the cladding.
If you intend to assemble structures from gypsum plasterboard, plaster, fill the screed, you will definitely need a long spirit level, at least two meters.
The next most important criterion is form.
Levels are often encountered, in cross-section representing a rail. This is not the best choice - such a tool bends very much. Much more powerful than the box-type "stick". And if they have a stiffening rib inside, then it's generally great!
The next item is the flask arrangement.
An extremely important feature. In the store you can see levels, for example, with the following flasks: 
In which case do you think the instrument readings will be more accurate? Of course, in the first one. The smaller the distance from the boundaries of the bubble to the divisions of the flask, the more accurately you can determine the deviation. Remember this. Also pay attention to the sensitivity of the bubble, it strongly depends on the radius of curvature of the bulb. It seems to the eye that the flask has the shape of a cylinder, but this is not entirely true, it is slightly curved, otherwise the slightest deviation from the horizon would "carry" the bubble to the very edge of the flask.
One more thing can be added here. The flask for determining verticality is often inaccessible for a good view, because having attached the building level to the wall, we will not be able to look at the level readings parallel to it - the head is in the way. This means that we will not be able to objectively judge the readings of the device. But there are levels in which a special system of mirrors is built in, and the image of the bulb is "displayed" on the rear end of the level, which is extremely convenient. For example, the Israeli Kapro levels of the Plumbsite series have such a system.
The accuracy of the "sticks" for professional use is no worse than 0.5 mm per 1 meter of length; a simpler tool is also suitable for housework, with an error of 1 mm per 1 meter.
Processing of work areas. Ideally, they should be milled. This can be understood by the rough surface (s).
Having built-in magnets is also a very important addition to any level. Hang it on the profile and adjust it calmly. Another extremely useful feature of spirit levels are slots in the body for easy grip and rubberized pads, which often serve as shock absorbers in the event of a tool falling.
Swivel and adjustable flasks are controversial advantages. Tools for which manual adjustments are available instead of “dead” mounts are likely to knock. Better to take once and for all sealed flasks. The main thing is to carefully check the tool in the store.
The verification procedure is quite simple. Put the level first on a table or counter, look at the readings, remember. Then turn 180 degrees (but keep it in the same place!) And look again. If the position of the bubble is the same, the instrument is not lying. You do the same procedure for the vertical, just apply it to the wall.
In some spirit levels, the horizontal control flask is recessed in the middle. Personally, this decision seems inconvenient to me, and I do not advise you to purchase such a ***. The bulb should be on top, period.
Here's a nice video about bubble levels:
Well, here, he told everything he knew. Do not buy outright cheap, carefully examine the instrument before buying. This concludes the article, thanks for your attention! And don't forget to subscribe to updates.
Regular measurement and meticulous control are at the core of all areas of construction. If an ideal result is needed in decoration or renovation, marking and checking of the geometry of structures is required. A normal owner will not hang up a shelf or install a washing machine without measuring and control manipulations. They are carried out using building levels used to comply with horizontal and vertical directions. These are devices and devices that differ in complexity, cost, and purpose. The home craftsman should know which building level is better, what will come in handy or may not be needed on the farm.
The ancestors of building levels were a spirit level and a plumb line, which have been used by builders for marking and control since ancient times. The plumb line is used to determine the verticals, the spirit level - the contours.
The principle of operation of old uncomplicated devices is closely related to the law of universal gravitation. The most important element of the simplest devices is a weighty steel blank with a tapered tip. Under the influence of gravity, the metal part steadily tends downward, repeating the vertical line without the slightest error. Actually, a blank is a plumb line, which is banally suspended on a cord or fishing line, if you need to find or check the vertical direction.
In the spirit level, the plumb line is attached to the apex of an equilateral triangle or to the highest point of a structure resembling an inverted T letter. Its own weight makes the disc rush downward, thereby clearly marking the vertical line. The device is applied with the base to the surface to be tested. If the plumb line of the spirit level is not exactly in the middle, i.e. does not repeat the central axis, then the surface cannot be considered horizontal.,
All types of building levels used today in construction perform similar functions. They are used to mark structures before pouring the screed, leveling and plastering the walls, before installing plasterboard and suspended ceilings. Devices for marking and checking are needed when manufactured, plumbing, window systems.
According to their functional purpose, representatives of the family of building levels are divided into two groups:
- Control devices. With their help, they check the quality of the masonry, the horizontality and verticality of the surfaces to be built, mounted systems, communications, devices. The control group includes bubble building levels, often referred to as spirit levels after their immediate predecessors.
- Devices used for marking. With their help, the position of points relative to the contours with verticals is determined, the contours of the created surfaces are drawn. This group includes the simplest water levels, plumb lines, and a more complex and high-precision category - laser devices.
There is no universal building level. For example, the bubble type is a very weak assistant in markup, although a number of models have rulers with a millimeter scale. Its purpose is to display deviations from the horizontal. There is only one working face, the other three are auxiliary: it makes no sense to apply them to any surfaces.
A primitive plumb line can be used for both stakeout and control, but only for vertical lines. It is best to mark the site with a laser level. True, the cost makes you think about the advisability of purchasing an expensive device for a single job.
The antediluvian water level is irreplaceable if you want to beat off points at the same height in rooms separated by partitions. Before purchasing these devices and devices, you should carefully think about the intensity of use and the rationality of costs. You need to weigh what tools you need to buy and what is cheaper to rent.
In any case, you need to know exactly how to choose a building level, and clearly understand the scope of its application.
Bubble building levels
In the name of an uncomplicated control device, in addition to the “bubble” definition, “alcohol” or “oil” can appear on equal grounds. In the people, depending on the shape of the body, they are called "box-shaped" or "rail". It is a bar or rail with mounted ampoules filled mainly with liquid, partly with air.
The case is most often metal, less often plastic, but there are still outdated wooden options. Among the materials of the case, metal is the priority, since polymers are not heavy enough and resistant to deformation, and wood products need special attention, regular monitoring of readings and scrupulous care.
Regardless of the name, the principle of operation of bubble levels is the same. It is based on the difference in the specific gravity of liquid and gas, as well as the inability of substances with different aggregate states to mix. Simply put, no matter what position the building level would take, a light bubble of air will invariably end up at the top of a vessel slightly curved in the same direction. If it fits exactly in the middle, then the surface is perfectly horizontal.
The volume of the bubble does not change, this is prevented by a hermetically sealed ampoule-flask. It will not disintegrate into several components, because the liquid will incessantly push the air up and group its scattered molecules into a single formation. To make sure, shake the tightly lidded jar of water. The small bubbles that have appeared in it will soon disappear, and the distance between the lid and the surface of the liquid will remain the same.
Functional classification
The number of built-in flasks determines the functionality of the building level model, because the devices:
- With one ampoule in the center of the working face to search for deviations in the horizontal direction;
- With two ampoules: a central flask for checking contours and a side flask for checking vertical planes and lines;
- With three ampoules, two of which, by analogy, are designed to check verticals and contours, and the third is used to control inclined lines and planes.
The third version with three test flasks is universal. However, if the level is acquired only in order to carry out high-quality filling of the screed or, there is no reasoned need for a third control device. It is in demand mainly in the construction of roofs and in the construction of stairs.
The sealed flask is filled with an alcohol or oil solution, the freezing point of which is noticeably lower than that of ordinary water. Therefore, it became possible to work with a bubble building level at negative temperatures. Solutions are tinted for brightness of perception. They are distinguished by less fluidity than water, due to which the air bubble in the flask moves with agility sufficient for a calm visual fixation of its position.
Convenience and additions from manufacturers
The building level body is of the usual rectangular or T-section. The shape of the body does not affect the result of the readings, but it can be comfortable or inconvenient for a particular human hand. Determining the ergonomics of a device is a purely personal matter, but it is advisable to carry out it before buying it on a crane. For the convenience test, you need to simply hold the instrument in your hands, compare several options.
Among the options offered by manufacturers to facilitate work with the building level:
- A magnifying lens that allows reading instrument readings without stress;
- The introduction of fluorescent components into the liquid for the ability to read indications in low light;
- Rubberized grip-type holes for improved usability;
- Magnetic inserts on the edge applied to the test surface for fixing to metal structures;
- Rulers that allow you to control geometric parameters simultaneously with checking verticals and horizontals.
Building level models are available with and without the listed additions. Nevertheless, the main convenience is rightfully recognized as the size of the ampoules, the pleasant brightness of the liquid and the clarity of the scale.
Those wishing to buy a level with useful options should consider using them. They will certainly increase the price of the tool. Is it reasonable to overpay for something that is completely unnecessary to solve already set or only planned tasks?
Consideration of application prospects
Rack and pinion control devices are now available in electronic form, but the demand for conventional bubble control devices has not dropped at all. Simplicity wins over. After all, it has been proven by practice that the simpler the device, the more reliable and longer it serves the owner.
A simple device is easier to learn, it will not cause any difficulties in maintenance, it almost never needs expensive repairs.
To perform a variety of control operations, levels are produced in lengths from 0.4 m to 2.5 m. Depending on the brand, the spread can be in both directions from the specified limits. Having thought about the question of which building level of the bubble group is better to choose for household needs, you need to focus on your own needs and real prospects.
Please note that devices:
- Lengths from 2m and more are designed to control the planes of ceilings and walls, to check the quality of screeds, leveling with plaster;
- Lengths in the range of 1 - 2m are used to check the evenness of brickwork, geometric data of suspended and stretch ceilings;
- With a length in the range of 0.4 - 1 m, they are suitable for arranging window and door openings, for installing and hanging a variety of household appliances, for performing various finishing and repair manipulations.
Do not forget that you need to take care of the storage location of the building level over 2m long. Remember that the error of long devices is much less than that of short counterparts.
Noteworthy aspects
It was not in vain that the simplicity of the design inspired the sculptors of forgeries with vague thoughts about the possibility of the serial production of fakes. Checking documents for products before purchasing will save you from offensive oversights and from buying "left" devices.
Products of domestic manufacturers must comply with the GOST 9416-83 protocol, devices from foreign manufacturers - ISO 9001.
In addition to checking technical documents, the buyer of a bubble construction level must:
- Thoroughly examine the condition of the main elements of the device - ampoules with liquid;
- Decide on the size of the devices and the color of the liquid;
- Inspect fasteners. There are models on sale, the flasks of which are fixed with adjusting screws. Whether they are needed or not is a moot point. According to experts, the levels should not be adjusted independently. The result of the efforts of ignorant people is too dubious.
- Investigate the clarity of the application of the metric scale and divisions of the protractor, if there is an ampoule for controlling the angular directions;
- Test ergonomics, i.e. hold in hands;
- Examine the condition of the hull.
- Check the accuracy of the readings.
Most of the specialty stores have flawlessly horizontal stands.
Let's say you are buying a level from a recently opened retail outlet or online store. In such situations, the accuracy of the readings of the monitoring device is checked as follows:
- Let's find a horizontal platform where the tested level can fit freely. Without instrumental definitions, it should appear almost flat;
- We apply the tool to the surface. With a marker or pencil we outline the contour of the corners so that the level can be put back in the same place.
- We fix and remember the position of the bubble. We note how far he deviated from the risks.
- Turn the level over 180º and set it according to the marks made earlier.
- We fix the position of the bubble. If he took a similar position, there was no doubt about the accuracy of the device. If not, check a couple more devices.
The ampoule responsible for the verticals is checked by an identical method, but on a vertical plane. There is also a popular method of applying two spirit levels to each other with working edges. According to this method, the position of the bubbles must be the same, otherwise one of the devices is blatantly lying.
There are also tips according to which a horizontal line is beaten off with a water level or a laser level to check the rack and pinion device, the principle of operation of which should also be studied.
The simplest water level
The device consists of two flasks of equal volume, interconnected by a flexible thin hose. It is used for marking horizontal lines if the stakeout needs to be done in different rooms or at large distances. Those. where the use of a laser level is not possible, unprofitable or meaningless.
The principle of operation of an elementary device is based on the law of communicating vessels. The water level in both communicating vessels will always be at the same absolute mark, for fixing which there are risks on the flasks.
The use of a water device allows you to correctly beat off horizontal lines regardless of the real position of the surfaces of the floor, ceiling, parapet, etc. No digital apparatus has yet been able to replace it. Note that the reference horizon is bounced off by the water level, from which the heights indicated by the project are then deposited. With its help, they do not directly mark future planes formed by a suspended ceiling, logs or, installation points for plumbing fixtures, etc.
For marking with a water level, we will invite an assistant, we will act like this:
- On the wall, mark an arbitrary point at a distance from the floor, convenient for making markings;
- We apply one of the flasks to a point, fix and remember at what mark the water level is established;
- We send an assistant to the desired point. By moving his flask up / down along the wall, he must find a position in which the water level is established at an equivalent mark.
Weighty advantages of the device: low cost, simple operation and accuracy. Cons: the inability to break down at negative temperatures, limited use, the need to wait until the level is established in both flasks.
Advanced lasers
Buying a laser level for domestic use is considered unprofitable. Why do you need an expensive device at all, if the marking can be done using a water level and a ruler? However, for the owners who have decided to seriously equip their country estates, the laser device will certainly come in handy. It will help to lay out open areas and closed spaces, ensure the accuracy of vertical and horizontal lines, and, if necessary, mark entire planes in the processed space.
Various models of laser devices are used in construction: from compact pocket devices with a built-in laser pointer to super-complex multiprism devices that allow marking in three mutually perpendicular planes.
The miniature version is ideal for everyday household needs and cosmetic repairs. To perform in-depth redevelopment, cardinal leveling of surfaces, laying pipelines, it is advisable to acquire a serious laser level, installed in a stationary position on a tripod or on a wall bracket.
Most of the lasers used in construction only hit vertical and horizontal lines. Some of the newer modifications are equipped with the function of staking out inclined lines, which are required when building stairs, for example. Instructions for use are simple; manufacturers attach a detailed description to the device. The optimal color of the laser beam is green, because it does not irritate the eyes, and is also perfectly readable in brightly lit rooms and outdoors in sunny weather.
Videos with a detailed explanation of how to correctly select the desired device will help to finally clarify the issue.
Bubble device overview:
Bubble level accuracy check:
Disassembly of compact laser levels:
Let's summarize. A rack-and-pinion level with bubble "sensors" is not used for marking. With its help, the horizon and verticals of the constructed and restored structures are checked. The breakdown of the premises and construction site is performed with laser devices. If the laser is not available at a cost, the marking is done with a good old plumb line paired with a water level. There is no universal device, each of them performs its own functions.