Spectra Precision HL760U Universal Laser Receiver — Red and Green Beam
► What the Spectra Precision HL760U Laser Receiver Does
The Spectra Precision HL760U is a digital readout laser receiver with a large 5-inch reception height (127 mm), front and rear LCD displays and a built-in two-way radio. Instead of sliding the receiver up and down the rod to find on-grade, the digital readout shows how far off grade you are as a number, so one person can check cut and fill in seconds. Paired with a compatible Spectra laser, the radio adds automatic Grade Match, PlaneLok, Axis Alignment and Fingerprint. It reads red and green beam rotary lasers (520 – 780 nm), is rated IP67 and survives a 10 ft drop onto concrete, and it comes with the C70 rod clamp and 2 x AA batteries.
Contractors also call this tool a laser detector, a laser eye, a laserometer or a grade rod receiver. It is the same unit: a rod-mounted receiver for grade control on forms, flatwork, site prep and machine grade checks. This listing is the HL760U, the universal version: the same receiver, with a detector that sees 520 to 780 nm so it reads green beam rotary lasers as well as red. It includes the C70 rod bracket, so it mounts to any grade rod with that clamp bracket. Running red beam lasers only? The standard HL760 costs less and is otherwise identical.
- Any green beam laser on the job, now or later: this page, the HL760U (520 – 780 nm). It reads red beam lasers too, so one receiver covers both — for example with the Spectra HV1305GC-7 green beam package.
- Red beam lasers only: the standard HL760 is the same receiver for less.
► HL760U Key Specs at a Glance
► What’s in the Box
- Spectra Precision HL760U laser receiver (radio)
- C70 rod clamp with bubble vial — the rod bracket that clamps to round, oval, square or rectangular grade rods
- 2 x AA alkaline batteries
- HL760 / HL760U user guide
The C70 jaw piece flips for square or round rods, and the clamp mounts in the standard or the offset position. Replacement parts are easy: the C70 rod clamp and the ATI991605-01 battery cover are both stocked.
► Spectra HL760U Features
► Digital Readout of Elevation
The HL760U shows the actual distance above or below on-grade on the front and rear LCD, in millimeters, centimeters, inches, fractional inches or feet. A 21-position proportional arrow display and the grade LEDs (green on-grade, blue high, red low) point you the right way, and the beeper sounds at 110, 95 or 65 dBA, or off. The numeric readout covers the middle 4 in. (102 mm) of the 5 in. (127 mm) window, so you know how far off grade you are without moving the receiver.
Fraction reduction can be turned on so 4/8 in. reads as 1/2 in., or left off when you are checking fine surface flatness and want the same denominator every time.
► Grade Match — the Laser Finds the Grade for You
Pair the HL760U to a compatible Spectra grade laser over the radio, set the receiver on the rod at the second point, and the laser tilts itself until its plane hits on-grade on the receiver. The grade between the two points is then calculated automatically. No slope math, no string lines, no walking back to the laser. Grade Match works with the GL412N, GL422N, GL612N, GL622N, UL633N, GL1425C, HV302, HV1305C and Spectra GL1825C.
► PlaneLok and Axis Alignment — Lock the Beam to the Receiver
PlaneLok locks the laser beam onto the receiver in a fixed position, so the plane does not drift as the day heats up. It works horizontally and vertically, which is why crews use the HL760U with the HV302 and the 105516 vertical adapter for plumb and alignment work. Axis Alignment aligns the laser grade axis to the receiver sitting on the grade hub, and the LL1505C adds Plane Match, which controls grade between two points over unknown ground.
► Fingerprint — Ignore the Other Crew’s Laser
On a busy site with more than one laser running, Fingerprint tells the HL760U to lock onto the laser it is paired with and reject every other strike. Turn it on in the menu (FPRT, then ON). A clock icon shows Fingerprint is active, and it blinks to warn you that an unpaired laser hit the receiver. The HL760U supports Fingerprint with Spectra lasers that carry the function.
► Long Range and the Patented Light Bar Detector
The HL760U picks up a laser from 3 ft out to 1,500 ft (460 m), and with long-range Spectra lasers such as the GL1425C, the HV1305C and the LL1505C the working diameter reaches up to 4,000 ft.
Instead of an array of separate photocells, Spectra uses a patented Light Bar detector. One continuous bar means a longer reception length, near-infinite detection resolution, performance that is not affected by beam diameter, and consistent accuracy across the whole operating range. Fewer components and fewer solder joints is also why Spectra publishes a 10 ft drop spec on this receiver.
► Anti-Strobe Filter and Selectable Sensitivity
A patented anti-strobe sensor filters out the LED strobes that are everywhere on a jobsite, such as vehicle hazard beacons, so they do not produce false readings. Sensitivity is selectable in the menu: Medium is the recommended default, High reaches further, and Low gives the strongest strobe rejection.
► CAPTURE, Offset Clamp and the Vertical Drift Alarm
CAPTURE saves the current reading so you can read it later. If the receiver is out of reach, down in a deep trench for example, press CAPTURE and hold the receiver in the beam for 5 seconds: a loud chirp and a flashing display confirm it saved. CAPTURE is not available while the receiver is paired with a laser.
The C70 clamp mounts in the standard (center) position or in the offset position, and the receiver detects which one automatically and shows an offset symbol. Offset moves the on-grade point so more grade information is shown above grade, which helps when you are driving stakes down to grade. In vertical work, turn on the drift alarm (DRFT) and the HL760U warns you if the laser has been bumped.
► Add a Second Receiver and Get an In-Cab Remote Display
On its own the HL760U is a complete rod receiver, and that is how most crews use it. Add a second receiver and the pair becomes something else: one unit stays on the grade rod, the other rides in the machine cab and mirrors the same reading. The operator sees exactly what the rod man sees. No hand signals, no shouting, no guessing, and nobody standing beside a moving machine to relay grade.
What to buy to add it: a second HL760U, either this same model or the cheaper HL760-NB receiver without the clamp, since the cab unit does not need a rod bracket. This HL760U already covers red and green beam lasers, or use a CR700 multi-use receiver, which can also be machine mounted. Two CR700s work as a pair as well.
Pairing takes a minute: on both units go to the menu, then RDIO, then RDIO HL, then PAIR. Power both receivers off, then turn on the rod receiver first; the second one shows RMT.D okay and becomes the remote display. Remote display range is up to 260 ft (80 m), even when the second receiver is out of sight. Remote display is an optional second use for the HL760U, not the main job it is bought for.
Watch how two receivers are paired and used as an in-cab display. One receiver stays on the rod at the grade hub and the second sits in the cab. The operator reads grade on the second display while the machine works, which is the fastest way to keep a cut or fill on grade without a second person walking the site.
► Spectra HL760U Specifications
| Working radius (laser dependent) | 3 ft – 1,500 ft (1 m – 460 m) |
| Reception height | 5 in. (127 mm) laser detection height — the 5-inch reception height |
| Numeric readout height | 4 in. (102 mm) |
| Accuracy settings | 5 levels, Ultra Fine 0.5 mm (1/32 in.) to Coarse 10.0 mm (1/2 in.) |
| Display units | mm, cm, inches, fractional inches and feet, with optional fraction reduction |
| Reception angle | ± 45° minimum |
| Detectable spectrum | 520 – 780 nm — red and green beam. The red-only HL760 covers 610 – 780 nm |
| Laser type | Rotating lasers only — the HL760 and HL760U do not read line, dot or pipe lasers |
| Internal radio | Full two-way communication, operation and security lock with the paired device |
| Radio range to a Spectra laser | Up to 330 ft (100 m), laser link |
| Remote display range | Up to 260 ft (80 m) receiver to receiver, even out of sight |
| Displays | Front and rear LCD, plus a 21-position proportional arrow display |
| Grade LEDs | Green on-grade, blue high, red low. Bright, dim or off |
| Beeper | Loud 110 dBA, Medium 95 dBA, Low 65 dBA, or off |
| Strobe rejection | Patented anti-strobe sensor. Sensitivity selectable High, Medium or Low |
| Detection technology | Patented Light Bar detector |
| Power | 2 x 1.5 V AA batteries (included) |
| Battery life | 60+ hours, or about 16 hours with continuous backlight |
| Automatic shut-off | 30 minutes |
| Environmental | Waterproof and dustproof to IP67 |
| Drop rating | 10 ft (3 m) onto concrete |
| Operating temperature | -4 to 140 °F (-20 to 60 °C) |
| Storage temperature | -40 to 158 °F (-40 to 70 °C) |
| Weight without clamp | 13.1 oz (371 g) |
| Dimensions without clamp | 6.6 x 3.0 x 1.4 in. (168 x 76 x 36 mm) |
| Clamp | C70 rod clamp with bubble vial, included. Standard or offset position, detected automatically |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship |
► The 5 Accuracy (Deadband) Settings
The HL760U has five accuracy settings, not six. Pick how tight on-grade should be: tight for finish concrete and forms, loose for rough dirt work. The inch and fraction values are the receiver’s own settings rather than exact conversions of the millimeter values.
| Accuracy setting | Millimeters | Decimal inches | Fractional inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Fine | 0.5 mm | 0.02 in. | 1/32 in. |
| Super Fine | 1.0 mm | 0.05 in. | 1/16 in. |
| Fine | 2.0 mm | 0.10 in. | 1/8 in. |
| Medium | 5.0 mm | 0.20 in. | 1/4 in. |
| Coarse | 10.0 mm | 0.50 in. | 1/2 in. |
► Which Lasers Work with the HL760U?
► Spectra lasers with Grade Match, PlaneLok and Fingerprint
These Spectra rotary lasers talk to the HL760U over its radio, which is what turns on automatic Grade Match, PlaneLok, Axis Alignment and Fingerprint. Radio range on the laser link is up to 330 ft.
- GL412N single grade laser — Grade Match and PlaneLok with the HL760U
- GL422N dual grade laser — Grade Match and PlaneLok with the HL760U
- GL612N single grade laser — Grade Match and PlaneLok, HL760U is the companion receiver
- GL622N dual grade laser — Grade Match, PlaneLok and Automatic Axis Alignment
- UL633N universal laser — ships with HL760U receivers; Grade Match, PlaneLok, Axis Alignment
- GL1425C dual grade laser — Grade Match and PlaneLok, working diameter up to 4,000 ft with the HL760U
- HV302 horizontal / vertical laser — Grade Match, PlaneLok, including vertical PlaneLok
- HV1305C horizontal / vertical laser — Grade Match and PlaneLok; working diameter up to 4,000 ft with the HL760U
- LL1505C laser level — Plane Match with the HL760U, for grade between two points over unknown ground
- Spectra GL1825C
HV1305C packages also pair with the HL760U and reach a working diameter of up to 4,000 ft. LL300S, LL400HV and other Spectra level and grade lasers are sold in packages with the HL760U and are read normally by the receiver; the radio features listed above are only available on Spectra lasers that carry those functions.
► Other brands of red or green beam rotary laser
The HL760U detects 520 to 780 nm, so it also works as a straight laser detector with most red beam rotary lasers from Topcon, Leica, CST/Berger, Johnson and other brands, and with their green beam rotary lasers as well. Rotating lasers only: it does not read line, dot or pipe lasers. You get the full digital readout, arrows, LEDs and beeper. The radio features are Spectra-only, because the laser has to answer back.
► Green beam lasers — this is the receiver for them
The HL760U reads green beam rotary lasers, which the red-only HL760 cannot see. Pair it with a green beam package such as the Spectra HV1305GC-7 instead: it detects 520 to 780 nm and reads both red and green beam rotary lasers. Everything else about the two receivers is the same.
► Spectra Precision Laser Receiver Comparison Chart
| Feature | HR320 | HL450 | HL700 | HL760 | HL760U (this page) | CR700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital readout of elevation | No — arrows only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reception height | 2 in. (5 cm) | 4 in. (10.2 cm) | 5 in. (12.7 cm) | 5 in. (12.7 cm) | 5 in. (12.7 cm) | See product page |
| Accuracy (precision) levels | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | See product page |
| Working radius | 500 ft (150 m) | 650 ft (200 m) | 1,500 ft (460 m) | 1,500 ft (460 m) | 1,500 ft (460 m) | See product page |
| Drop rating | 5 ft (1.5 m) | 5 ft (1.5 m) | 10 ft (3 m) | 10 ft (3 m) | 10 ft (3 m) | See product page |
| Built-in two-way radio | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grade Match / PlaneLok / Fingerprint | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Beam color detected | Red | Red | Red | Red | Red + green | Red |
| Machine mountable | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | See product page |
Notes: accuracy levels are from the Spectra HL760 / HL760U user guide (Rev E, 05/23) and the current Spectra product pages; the 2023 receiver datasheet prints 6 precision levels for the HL700 and HL760, while the user guide lists 5 and shows the table above. The HL750 and HL750U are discontinued and the HL760 replaces the HL750; the CR700 replaces the CR600. CR700 figures are on its own product page. See the whole range in handheld laser receivers.
► HL760U vs HL700: which one do you need?
Both the HL760U and the HL700 laserometer have a 5-inch reception height, a digital readout with front and rear LCD, the same 5 accuracy settings, a 1,500 ft working radius, IP67 sealing and a 10 ft drop rating. The difference is the radio. The HL760U has one, so it can do automatic Grade Match, PlaneLok, Axis Alignment, Fingerprint and remote display; the HL700 cannot. If you only read elevations off the rod, the HL700 does that job. If you run a Spectra grade laser and want the laser to set grade for you, or you want a display in the cab, buy the HL760U.
► HL760 vs HL760U: which one do you need?
Spectrum only. The HL760 detects 610 to 780 nm, which covers red beam lasers. This HL760U detects 520 to 780 nm, so it reads red and green beam lasers. Specs, features, user guide and warranty are identical. Buy the HL760U if a green beam laser is in the mix; otherwise the HL760U is the one.
► Video: Spectra HL450, HL700 and HL760 Digital Readout Receivers
This Spectra Precision Insiders episode walks through the digital readout receiver family, the HL450, HL700 and HL760, and why a numeric elevation readout beats hunting for on-grade with arrows. It also covers the Light Bar detector and the strobe filtering that keeps jobsite beacons from producing false readings. The HL760U is the top of that family: same 5-inch window as the HL700, plus the radio.
► Spectra HL760U FAQ
What is the difference between the Spectra HL760U and the HL700?
Both receivers share the same 5-inch reception height, digital readout, 1,500 ft working radius, IP67 housing and 10 ft drop rating. The HL760U adds the built-in two-way radio, which is what makes automatic Grade Match, PlaneLok, Axis Alignment, Fingerprint and remote display possible. Choose the HL700 if you only need to read elevations and never pair the receiver to a laser.
What is the difference between the HL760U and the HL760?
The published difference is the light spectrum. The HL760 detects 610 to 780 nm, which covers red beam rotary lasers. This HL760U detects 520 to 780 nm, so it reads both red beam and green beam lasers. Everything else, including the user guide, the specifications and the 3-year warranty, is the same.
Will the HL760U work with a green beam laser?
Yes. That is what the U means. It detects 520 to 780 nm, so it reads green beam rotary lasers as well as red ones, for example the HV1305GC-7 green beam package. The red-only HL760 stops at 610 nm and cannot see a green beam. Rotating lasers only, in both cases.
Does the HL760U work with Topcon, Leica or other brands of laser?
Yes, for the readout. The HL760U is a red beam laser detector, so it reads most red beam rotary lasers from Topcon, Leica, CST/Berger, Johnson and other brands within 610 to 780 nm. The radio features, Grade Match, PlaneLok, Axis Alignment and Fingerprint, only work with compatible Spectra Precision lasers.
How far away can the HL760U pick up a laser?
The working radius is 3 ft to 1,500 ft (1 m to 460 m), depending on the laser. With long-range Spectra lasers such as the GL1425C, HV1305C and LL1505C the working diameter reaches up to 4,000 ft. The radio link between an HL760U and a compatible Spectra laser is rated up to 330 ft.
What accuracy settings does the HL760U have?
Five. Ultra Fine 0.5 mm (1/32 in.), Super Fine 1.0 mm (1/16 in.), Fine 2.0 mm (1/8 in.), Medium 5.0 mm (1/4 in.) and Coarse 10.0 mm (1/2 in.). Use the tight settings for finish concrete, forms and footings, and the loose settings for rough dirt work.
What batteries does the HL760U use and how long do they last?
Two 1.5 V AA batteries, and the receiver ships with a set of two AA batteries in the box. Runtime is 60+ hours, or about 16 hours with the LCD backlight on continuously. An automatic shut-off turns the receiver off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Is the HL760U waterproof, and can it survive a drop?
Yes. The housing is waterproof and dustproof to IP67, so concrete splatter washes off with a hose. Spectra rates the receiver for a 10 ft drop onto concrete. The operating temperature range is -4 to 140 degrees F.
Can I use two HL760U receivers as an in-cab remote display?
Yes, and it is the most popular add-on for this receiver. Pair two receivers through the menu (RDIO, then RDIO HL, then PAIR) on both units, power both off, then turn on the rod receiver first. The second unit shows RMT.D okay and becomes the remote display in the cab, up to 260 ft away, even when it is out of sight. An HL760U pairs with a second HL760U, with an HL760, or with a CR700 multi-use receiver, and two CR700s also work as a pair.
What does the Fingerprint function do?
When the HL760U is paired with a Spectra laser that supports it, Fingerprint locks the receiver onto that laser and rejects strikes from any other laser on the jobsite. A blinking clock icon on the display tells you an unpaired laser hit the receiver.
What does the CAPTURE button do?
It saves a grade reading so you can read it later. If the receiver is out of reach, down in a trench for example, press CAPTURE and hold the receiver in the beam for 5 seconds. A loud chirp and a flashing display confirm the reading was saved. CAPTURE cannot be used while the receiver is paired with a laser.
Which Spectra lasers do Grade Match and PlaneLok with the HL760U?
Spectra lists automatic Grade Match and PlaneLok with the HL760U for the GL412N, GL422N, GL612N, GL622N, UL633N, GL1425C, HV302, HV1305C and Spectra GL1825C. The LL1505C adds Plane Match with the HL760U. Grade Match and PlaneLok are radio features, so they are available only on Spectra lasers that carry those functions.
Will jobsite strobe lights set off the HL760U?
The HL760U has a patented anti-strobe sensor that filters out the LED strobes found on jobsites, such as vehicle hazard beacons. If a strobe still causes a false reading, set the sensitivity to Low in the menu for stronger rejection.
Do you sell the HL760U without the rod clamp?
No. The HL760U is only sold with the C70 rod bracket. If you need a receiver without the clamp, the option is the red-only HL760-NB, which we unbundle for crews that already have one. It does not read green beam lasers.
Where can I download the HL760U user manual?
The 2023 Spectra Precision HL760 / HL760U user guide is in the Downloads section of this page, along with the receiver datasheet and the laser receiver brochure. If you need help choosing or setting up a receiver, call 1-877-866-5721.
► Spectra HL760U Downloads
Need a hand picking a receiver or setting one up? Call 1-877-866-5721 and talk to somebody who uses this gear.
► HL760U Accessories and Related Receivers
► Accessories
- Spectra C70 rod clamp for the HL760 — the same clamp bracket that ships in this box, as a spare
- Spectra 105516 vertical adapter for HL receivers — for vertical and plumb applications
- Spectra ATI991605-01 battery cover for the HL700 and HL760 — replacement battery door assembly
► Related receivers
- Spectra HL760-NB laser receiver, no bracket — the same receiver without the C70 rod clamp
- Spectra HL760U laser receiver — the same receiver for red beam lasers only, at a lower price
- Spectra HL700 laserometer laser receiver — same 5-inch window, no radio
- Spectra HL450 digital readout receiver — 4 in. window, shorter range
- Spectra HR320 laser receiver and laser detector — entry-level, arrows only
- Spectra CR700 machine or rod mountable laser receiver — replaces the CR600, pairs with the HL760U as a remote display
New to Grade Match, PlaneLok and Fingerprint? Our laser terminology and features guide explains what each one does, and the full handheld laser receivers category lists every receiver we stock.
