Leica DISTO Classic3 User Manual

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DISTO TMclassic

3

User Manual

Congratulations on your purchase
of a DISTO.

This User Manual contains
important safety instructions

Instructions") as well as instructions on use
of the instrument.
Read carefully through the User Manual
before you switch on the instrument.

(see section "Safety

Product identification

The identification label for your product is
fitted on the back. The serial number is in
the battery compartment. Enter model and
serial number in your User Manual, and
always refer to this information when you
need to contact your agency or service
centre.

Model: DISTO...........................

Serial no.: ................................

2

DISTO classic
Hand-held laser meter

Symbols Used

The symbols used in this User Manual have
the following meanings:

DANGER:

Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING:

Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation or an unintended use
which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.

CAUTION:

Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation or an unintended use
which, if not avoided, may result in
minor injury and/or in appreciable
material, financial and environmen­tal damage.

Important paragraphs which must
be adhered to in practice as they
enable the product to be used in a
technically correct and efficient
manner.

3

Symbols Used

Press a key briefly
(press/release!)

Press two keys simultaneously

"Double-Click"
(Press the same key twice)

Press for a certain period

Display, e.g. "Set"

4

Contents

Open Instrument ...................................... 8

Insert Batteries .......................................1 0

Display..................................................... 12

Keypad.....................................................13

ON Key and Measurement Key .........14

Measuring ..........................................14

Continuous measurement (Tracking). 15

Laser in continuous operation ............. 15

Plus/Minus Key...................................16

Quick switching off ............................. 16

In roll mode.........................................16

Partial heights, chain values ...............16

Multiplication Key ..............................17

Area ...................................................17

Volume ............................................... 17

Time delay release .............................18

Equal Key............................................19

Doubling a measured value ................19

Setting Key ......................................... 20

Settings in roll mode ...........................20

Setting reference only for one

measurement ..................................... 21

Set desired reference

to "Permanent" ................................... 22

Measure with additional tolerance ......23

Unit - metre / feet / feet inch...............24

”Beep“ during operation ...................... 25

Resetting ............................................26

5

Contents

Function Key ..................................... 27

Recall last measured value (stack)..... 27

Saving a constant (Fnc 1)................... 28

Recalling the constant ........................ 28

Continuous measurement (Tracking)

Maximum (Fnc 2) ............................... 29

Continuous measurement (Tracking)

Minimum (Fnc 3) ................................ 30

Pythagoras, height measurement

(Fnc 4)................................................ 31

User Information ..................................... 34

Range ..................................................34

Rough Surfaces .................................34

Transparent Surfaces ........................ 35

Wet, Smooth or High-Gloss Surfaces35

Illumination ......................................... 35

Environment .......................................36

Free-handed aiming ...........................36

Inclined, Round Surfaces .................. 37

In the field ........................................... 37

Accessories ........................................38

T elescopic viewer (667478) ................38

Wrist strap (667491) ...........................39

Shoulder strap (563 879) ....................39

Carrying pouch (667 169) ...................39

Level (667 158)...................................39

T arget plate (563875)..........................40

Holster (667489)................................. 40

Software .............................................40

6

Contents

Safety Instructions ................................. 41

Use of the Instrument ........................ 41

Permitted use .....................................41

Prohibited uses...................................41

Limits to use .......................................42

Areas of Responsibility .....................43

Hazards in Use ................................... 44

Laser Classification ........................... 47

Labelling ............................................. 48

DISTO with Telescopic Viewfinder....50

Electromagnetic Compatibility

(EMC) .................................................. 51

Care and Storage ...................................54

Care ..................................................... 54

Storage ............................................... 54

Transport ............................................ 55

Despatch ............................................55

Message Codes ...................................... 56

Technical Data ........................................ 57

Remarks on Measuring Accuracy........ 5 8

Set Mark for Viewfinder .........................60

Accuracy Tests.......................................61

7

Open Instrument

1. Lay the DISTO onto the User Manual,
as shown below.

1.

2. Hold a large coin between both thumbs.

2.

8

Open Instrument

3. Press coin downwards at an angle
against the last notch.

3.

4. By pressing downwards at an angle and
to the front simultaneously, the battery
compartment can be easily opened.

3.

4.

9

Insert Batteries

5. Remove end cover.

6. Replace batteries.

If battery voltage is too low the
battery symbol appears on the
display. Fit new batteries.

Always replace the complete
battery set!

- Do not use old and new
batteries together.

- Do not use batteries from
different manufacturers or
batteries of different types.

- For type of battery, refer to
Technical Data.

5.

6.

10

Insert Batteries

Fit batteries the right way round.

7. Insert end cover as shown below.

7.

8. Close end cover carefully.
Must click into place.

Never intentionally hit the end cover
against a hard object - the battery
compartment may be forced open!

To save power, the DISTO switches
off automatically after 90 seconds if
a key is not pressed.

8.

11

Display

16

14 13 12 11 10 9

15

1

2
3

4

Laser "on"

1

Measurement reference (rear, front,

2

stand)
Reset the instrument to factory

3

settings
Display of the mathematical

4

operators
Main display (e.g. measured

5

distance)
Time symbol for time delay release

6

Units (m / ft / ft in)

7

Auxiliary display, (e.g. area)

8

Battery display

9

Pythagoras function

10

Constant function

11

Recall last 20 values

12

Beep (on/off)

13

Information

14

Contact customer service

15

Offset adjustment (≠ 0)

16

12

8
7

6

5

Keypad

1

2

3

4

On key and measurement key

1

Plus, forwards

2

Multiply

3

Functions

4

Menu, normal mode

5

Equals, enter

6

Minus, back

7

7

6

5

13

ON Key and Measurement Key

Measuring

Switch on DISTO.
In general for all keys:

Press and then release (basic function).

Switch on laser, the symbol
flashes on the display (automatic

switch off after 30 sec).

A second press starts the distance
measurement, "diSt" appears
briefly on the display.

14

ON Key and Measurement
Key

Continuous measurement (Tracking)

A second, long press (approx.
1 sec) initiates continuous

measurement (tracking) mode.
"trc" appears on the display. The

measurements are repeated in a
fraction of a second.

; ; Stop.

Laser in continuous operation

In normal mode, press key until the

symbol is continuously

illuminated and a long "beep" is
heard.

A distance measurement is
triggered each time the key is
pressed.

15

Plus/Minus Key

Quick switching off

Press simultaneously –

= Quick switch off of the DISTO.

In roll mode

In roll mode , have the function of a
cursor in the memory. (See page 19, 20)

Partial heights, chain values

Measurement + measurement =
sum / e.g. of partial heights

Measurement
Addition
Measurement
= Sum
Measurement – measurement =

difference
Measurement
Subtraction
Measurement
= Difference

In the same way chain values.

16

Multiplication Key

Area

Measurement x measurement = area

Measurement
Multiplication
Measurement
= Area

Volume

Measurement x measurement x
measurement
= Volume

Sum of areas

In the same way, areas/volumes can be
added together.

17

Multiplication Key

Time delay release

Switch on
Keep pressed

On the screen it shows " " (delay) and
a number (delay in seconds) appear on
the display.

As long as the key is kept pressed, the delay
is increased.

Once the key is released, the seconds 59,
58, 57 ... remaining until the reading is made
are displayed. The last 5 secs. are counted
down with a "beep".
After the last "beep", the measurement is
made, the measured value can be read on
the display.

18

Equal Key

Provides the results of
mathematical operations, such

as areas, volumes...

Settings are confirmed, in the same way as
"enter" is used on a PC.
Use selected setting or continue with
computing using called value.

Doubling a measured value

Using , a measured value can be very
easily doubled, e.g. for determining the

length of the walls in a room:
Using measure measure

half the length of the walls, then
and again
and the length of the walls is calculated.

19

Setting Key

The Setting key places the DISTO
in the normal mode. This key has
the same function as "Clear" on a
PC.

Settings in roll mode

The instrument settings can be
changed in roll mode.

Reference Offset Units

Applies to all settings in roll
mode:

Switch on DISTO.
Press once briefly (normal mode).

BeepReset

20

Setting key

Setting Key

Press a second time and keep
pressed until appears and the

settings are scrolled through in roll
mode. At the required setting,
release the key.

Are used to change between the

,

different displays.

Confirmation of a selection made.

Press briefly: the selection

made is undone and the instrument
returns to normal mode.

Setting reference only for one measurement

Switch on

flashes on the display.

front , stand (rear ).

start measurement.

21

Setting Key

Set desired reference to "Permanent"

Switch on.
Press once, briefly.
Press a second time and keep pressed

until appears.

Press until appears flashing on the

display.

, set desired reference.
Confirm.

Possible settings:

rear front stand

After each setting of the
reference to "Permanent" we
recommend to reset again to
measurement from rear edge!
Please, make this a rule.

22

Setting Key

Measure with additional tolerance

It is possible to determine dimensions with
additional tolerance e.g. by adding an offset
to the rear reference

Switch on.
Press once, briefly.
Press a second time and keep pressed

until and appear.

Press until appears flashing on the

display.

, Set required offset for the

reference.
The setting can be changed quickly by

holding down the , keys or the
key (fast setting).

Confirm setting.

To indicate that an offset has been set, the

symbol is displayed continuously.

23

Setting Key

After making or changing settings, it is
imperative that a test measurement is
performed.

Please make this a rule:
After termination of the rough
size measurement always:

- set offset to 0.000 and

- set measurement from rear edge

Delete:

; ; ➜ ; ;
; ➜ ;

Unit - metre / feet / feet inch

Switch on.
Press once, briefly.
Press a second time and keep pressed

until and the current unit (e.g.: )
appears.

Press until the current unit appears

flashing on the display.

24

Setting Key

, Select unit (m), (feet) or

(feet inch).

Confirm setting.

Beep during operation

Switch on.
Press once, briefly.
Press a second time and keep pressed

until and appear.

Press until appears flashing on the

display.

, Select on ( ) / off ( ).
Confirm setting.

25

Setting Key

Resetting

Switch on.
Press once, briefly.
Press a second time and keep pressed

until and appear.

Press,

is displayed continuously and

flashes.

Stack is deleted or with:

Stack and constant displayed

deletes both or with:

Activate all settings and with
reset to:

- Reference rear edge
(normal setting),

- Offset,

- Beep (On),

- Stack and constant
(are deleted)

- Unit (metre)

26

Function Key

Wait until display indicates 0!

Only then switch off.

Recall last measured value (stack)

Switch on DISTO.
Always place instrument in normal

mode.
Press twice, briefly.
The last value saved and the

symbol appear on the display.
The previous (older) values (max

19!) can be selected.
Page back.
Confirm selection for further use.

27

Function Key

Saving a constant (Fnc 1)

Measure required value (e.g. room
height, area, volume).

Press until and appear
on the display.

Confirm, flashes.

( , ) Modify value.

Save constant.

Recalling the constant

Switch on DISTO.
Place instrument in normal mode.

Press briefly, and the constant
(e.g. ) appears on the
display.

Confirm, value is available for
further use (e.g. area calculation).

Any required function can be
selected using , after
"Fnc 1".

28

Function Key

Continuous measurement (Tracking) Maximum (Fnc 2)

Determine maximum
dimension, e.g. to
determine the (room)
diagonal.

Switch on DISTO.
Place instrument in normal mode.

Press until and
appear on the display.

Confirm function. Laser is on.
Aim with the DISTO at a point to

the left of the corner.
Activate continuous measurement.
Slowly rotate the DISTO to the right

past the corner.
Stop continuous measurement.

The room diagonal (e.g. )
is displayed.

29

Function Key

Continuous measurement (Tracking) Minimum (Fnc 3)

Target point

Switch on DISTO.
Place instrument in normal mode.

Press until and appear
on the display.
Confirm function.
Aim DISTO approximately at the

target point.
Move the DISTO a large amount

around the target point. The
instrument calculates the variations
and determines the smallest value.
The two surfaces (e.g. floor /
ceiling) must be approximately
parallel.

Stop continuous measurement.
The smallest distance

(e.g. ) is displayed.

Determine the
minimum dimension,
e.g. ceiling height,
without having to
precisely align to the
normal (both axes).

30

Function Key

Pythagoras, height measurement
(Fnc 4)

1

2

For estimating the height of buildings. Very

useful for making measurements from
standing position (no bending) if the height
is determined with three distances.
All three (two) points must lie on a vertical
plane on the wall.

Please follow the sequence given:

Switch on DISTO.
Press once (normal mode).

Press until and
appear on the display.

Confirm function.
Aim carefully at the upper point.

1

2

3

31

Function Key

Trigger measurement; do not
move the instrument!

Accept value, "2 ---" appears on
the display. Point the DISTO
approximately horizontally.

Long press, a minimum
continuous measurement is
initiated.

Move the DISTO a large amount
around the ideal measurement
point.

Press briefly, continuous
measurement is stopped.

Accept value, "3 ---" appears on
the display.

End function, the height and
distance are displayed from two
measurements (Pythagoras).

32

Function Key

Or:
Aim at third point.
Trigger measurement.
End function, the height and

distance are displayed from three
measurements (Pythagoras).

For short distances, a good base
behind the instrument is sufficient
for mechanical alignment.
After "2 ---", align the DISTO
approximately horizontally.

You will obtain the best results if
the DISTO is rotated around a
fixed point (rear edge, thread
position) and the axis of the laser
beam passes through this axis. So
do not simply place on a camera
tripod, in this case the axis of the
laser beam is approx. 70 to 100mm
above the centre of rotation, this
can lead to significant variations in
the height.

33

User Information

Range

In daylight (outdoors) always work with laser
viewfinder. If necessary, shade the target.

Increased ranges:

At night, at dusk and when target area is in
the shade.

Reduced range:

The range of the DISTO can be reduced by
matt, green and blue surfaces (also by trees
or plants)

Rough Surfaces

On a rough surface (e.g. coarse plaster) a
mean value is indicated.
To avoid measuring to the bottom of plaster
joints:

Use target plate, 3M "Post-it" or board.

When aiming through panes of
glass, or if there are several
objects in the line of sight,
erroneous measurements can
occur.

34

Transparent Surfaces

For reasons of safety and optics, never
measure against a clear liquid (e.g. water) or
clean glass (not dusty).
For materials and liquids unfamiliar to you
always take a trial measurement.

Wet, Smooth or High-Gloss Surfaces

1.If aiming at an angle, the laser beam is
reflected. The DISTO may receive a signal
that is too weak (error message E 255).

2.If aiming at a right angle, the DISTO may
receive a signal that is too strong (error
message E 256).

Illumination

Thanks to
fluorescence, you
can also see your
result in the dark. If
the display is placed
under a light source
(daylight, artificial

light), it will illuminate for more than 15
minutes! Without consuming any power!

35

Environment

Suitable for use in an atmosphere
appropriate for permanent human
habitation. Cannot be used in an aggresive
or explosive environment.
Use in rain is permissible for limited periods.
Please pay attention to our Safety
Instruction.

Free-handed aiming

(approx. 20 - 40 m):
Produce target plate from cardboard etc.
and stick 4 target plates 563 875 to it; or:

Make your own target plates of any size:

Distance: Order:
to 30 m (white) Scotch Cal*
30 - 100 m (brown) Engineering-Grade 3279

* → Manufacturer 3MCompany

(7502 99 61 036)*

36

Inclined, Round Surfaces

Can be measured with the laser:
Requirement: There is enough area on the
target surface for the laser spot.

In the field

Attach the viewfinder, and check it is
engaged by applying pressure from the side.

Setting the telescopic viewfinder

Keep pressed, laser on continously

( ).
Set up indoors, 5m, 10m or 30m from a wall.

Turn eyepiece slowly until crosshair and
laser spot are sharply focused.

37

In the Field

Use the two screws (side, height) to adjust
the laser spot.

Example:

You are positioned exactly 5m in front of a
wall (approx. ± 0.5m). The laser spot must
be in the centre, exactly beside the 5m
distance mark.
In the field check adjustment from time to
time. (in the half-shade about 10-15m)

Aim with and without the red filter in position
(visibility is increased).

Accessories

Telescopic viewer (667478)

For easier aiming in the open.
For high precision aiming at larger
distances.
The laser spot on the object is particularly
easy to see in shaded areas if the red filter
is used.

38

Accessories

Wrist strap (667491)

- safeguard against dropping,

- prevents injury.

Attach to fastening thread (1/4").
Adjust loop:

- So that DISTO does not slip from the
wrist,

- Loop does not need to be re-adjusted
every time

Shoulder strap (563 879)

Fasten to hand loop clip; adjustable over a
wide range.

Carrying pouch (667 169)

Black carrying pouch for protection against
knocks and dust.
Compartments for user manual, data cable,
telescopic viewfinder and palmtop computer.

Level (667 158)

For horizontal and vertical aiming, e.g. if
floor or wall is highly uneven.
Aiming accuracy about 1°, corresponding to
a measuring error of only about 5mm at
30m.
DISTO with this level is not a laser level.

39

Accessories

Target plate (563875)

For poorly reflecting surfaces,

white side up to 40 - 50m,

over this distance the brown side with the
special reflection layer.

Up to over 100m

Combine several plates to one large target
area.

Holster (667489)

For max. protection. Fitted to belt.
(Can be reordered separately).

Software

Is continuously updated. Ask your Leica
Geosystems dealer or visit the DISTO web
site in the internet at
www.disto.com

40

Safety Instructions

The following directions should enable the person
responsible for the DISTO, and the person who
actually uses the instrument, to anticipate and avoid
operational hazards.
The person responsible for the instrument must
ensure that all users understand these directions
and adhere to them.

Use of the Instrument

Permitted use

The permitted uses of the DISTO are the following:

- Measuring distances

- Computing areas and volumes

- Storing measurements

Prohibited uses

- Using the instrument without instruction

- Using outside the stated limits

- Deactivation of safety systems and removal of
explanatory and hazard labels

- Opening of the equipment by using tools
(screwdrivers etc.), as far as not specifically
permitted for certain cases.

- Carrying out modification or conversion of the
product

- Use after misappropriation

- Use of accessories from other manufacturers
without the express approval of Leica
Geosystems.

41

Use of the Instrument

Prohibited uses (contd.)

- Deliberate or irresponsible behaviour on
scaffolding, when using ladders, when measuring
near machines which are running, or near parts of
machines or installations which are unprotected

- Aiming directly into the sun

- Deliberate dazzling of third parties; also in the
dark

WARNING:

Prohibited use can lead to injury,
malfunction, and material damage.

It is the task of the person responsible for the
instrument to inform the user about hazards and
how to counteract them. The DISTO is not to be
operated until the user has been instructed.

Limits to use

See section "Technical Data"

Environment:

Suitable for use in an atmosphere appropriate for
permanent human habitation. Cannot be used in an
aggresive or explosive environment.
Use in rain is permissible for limited periods.

42

Areas of Responsibility

Responsibilities of the manufacturer of the
original equipment Leica Geosystems AG,
CH-9435 Heerbrugg (Leica Geosystems):

Leica Geosystems is responsible for supplying the
product, including the user manual and original
accessories, in a completely safe condition.

Responsibilities of the manufacturer of
non-Leica accessories:

The manufacturers of non-Leica
Geosystems accessories for the DISTO

are responsible for developing,
implementing and communicating safety concepts
for their products. They are also responsible for the
effectiveness of these safety concepts in
combination with the Leica Geosystems equipment.

Responsibilities of the person in charge
of the instrument:

WARNING:

The person responsible for the

instrument must ensure that the

equipment is used in accordance with the

instructions. This person is also

accountable for the deployment of

personnel and for their training and for

the safety of the equipment when in use.
The person in charge of the instrument has the

following duties:

- T o understand the safety instructions on the

product and the instructions in the User Manual.

- T o be familiar with local safety regulations relating

to accident prevention.

- T o inform Leica Geosystems immediately if the

equipment becomes unsafe.

43

Hazards in Use

Important hazards in use

WARNING:

The absence of instruction, or the

inadequate imparting of instruction, can

lead to incorrect or prohibited use, and

can give rise to accidents with far-

reaching human, material, financial and

environmental consequences.

Precautions:

All users must follow the safety instructions given
by the manufacturer and the directions of the person
responsible for the instrument.

CAUTION:

Watch out for erroneous distance

measurements if the instrument is

defective or if it has been dropped or has

been misused or modified.

Precautions:

Carry out periodic test measurements. Particularly
after the instrument has been subject to abnormal
use, and before, during and after important
measurements.

CAUTION:

T ake care when aiming the DISTO

directly into the sun. The receiver lens

acts as a magnifying glass and can thus

cause damage to the instrument

internals.

Precautions:

Do not aim the DISTO directly at the sun.

44

Hazards in Use

WARNING:

Insufficient securing or marking of your

measurement site could cause a

dangerous situation on the public

highway, building site, or in the factory

etc.

Precautions:

Always ensure your measurement site is
appropriately secured. Obey the local accident
prevention regulations, and road safety rules, at all
times.

CAUTION:

On sending the instrument, or on the

disposal of batteries that are not fully

discharged, a fire could be caused by

improper treatment.

Precautions:

Remove the batteries from their compartment
before sending the instrument. Dispose of batteries
only if they are completely discharged (operate the
instrument in tracking mode, until batteries are
completely discharged).

CAUTION:

If you do not intend using your instrument

for a long time, the batteries may leak

and damage your equipment!

Precautions:

Remove batteries if you are not going to use the
instrument for an extended period.

45

Hazards in Use

WARNING:

If the equipment is improperly disposed

of, the following can happen:

- If plastic parts are burnt, poisonous

gases are produced which may impair
health.

- If batteries are damaged or

overheated, they can explode and
cause poisoning, burning, corrosion or
environmental contamination.

- By disposing of the equipment

irresponsibly you may enable
unauthorized persons to use it in
contravention of the regulations,
exposing themselves and third parties
to the risk of severe injury and
contaminating the environment.

Precautions:

Dispose of the equipment appropriately in
accordance with the regulations in force in your
country.
Always prevent access to the equipment by
unauthorized personnel.

46

Laser Classification

The DISTO produces a visible laser beam which
emerges from the front of the instrument.

It is a Class 2 laser product in accordance with:

- IEC825-1: 1993 "Radiation safety of laser

products"

- EN60825-1: 1994 "Radiation safety of laser

products"

It is a Class II laser product in accordance with:

- FDA 21CFR Ch.I §1040: 1988 (US Department of

Health and Human Service, Code of Federal
Regulations)

Laser Class 2/II products:
Do not stare into the laser beam or direct it towards
other people unnecessarily. Eye protection is
normally afforded by aversion responses including
the blink reflex.

WARNING:

Looking directly into the beam with

optical aids (e.g. binoculars, telescopes)

can be hazardous.

Precautions:

Do not look directly into the beam with optical aids.

47

Labelling

Max. em itted Pow er :

Maximum radiant power : 0.95mW

Em itted Wavelenght :

Emitted wavelength : 620-690nm

Standard applied : EN60825-1:1994-07

Standard ap plied :

0.95mW c.w.

620-690nm

EN 60825-1 : 1994-07

IEC825-1 : 1993-11

IEC825-1 : 1993-11

Laser beam
outlet

48

Labelling

49

Labelling

Beam divergence: 0.16 x 0.6 mrad
Pulse duration: 15×10-9 s
Maximum radiant power: 0.95 mW*

* Measurement uncertainty: ±5%

Maximum radiant power per pulse: 8 mW

CAUTION:

Allow only authorized Leica Geosystems

service workshops to service the

instruments.

DISTO with Telescopic Viewfinder

WARNING:

Looking right at the reflected laser beam

in a DISTO operated with telescopic

viewfinder could be dangerous when you

aim at areas that reflect like a mirror, or

emit reflections unexpectedly (e.g. a

mirror, metallic surfaces, windows,

prisms, liquids).

Precautions:

If you using a telescopic viewfinder, do not aim at
areas that are reflective like a mirror, or which could
produce unintended reflections (e.g. mirrors,
metallic surfaces, windows, prisms).

50

Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC)

The term "electromagnetic compatibility" is taken to
mean the capability of the DISTO to function
smoothly in an environment where electromagnetic
radiation and electrostatic discharges are present,
and without causing electromagnetic interference to
other equipment.

WARNING:

Electromagnetic radiation can cause

interference in other equipment.

Although the DISTO meets the strict regulations and
standards which are in force in this respect, Leica
Geosystems cannot completely exclude the
possibility that interference may be caused to other
equipment.

CAUTION:

Interference caused by electromagnetic

radiation can result in the tolerance limits

for measurements being exceeded.

Although the DISTO meets the strict regulations and
standards which are in force in this respect, Leica
Geosystems cannot completely exclude the
possibility that interference may be caused to the
DISTO by very intensive electromagnetic radiation,
for instance near radio transmitters, walkie-talkies,
diesel generators etc.
Under such conditions, check measurement results
for their plausibility.

51

FCC Statement (applic. in U.S.)

WARNING:

This equipment has been tested and

found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio
communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

52

FCC Statement (applic. in U.S.)

WARNING:

Changes or modifications not expressly

approved by Leica Geosystems for
compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

Product labelling:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

53

Care and Storage

Care

Clean and dry

- Blow away dust from lenses.

- Do not touch glass with fingers.

- Only clean with a soft cloth; if
necessary, damp with pure alcohol.
Do not use other cleaning agents.
Plastic parts could be affected.

Wipe off splashes of cement, plaster etc. as quickly
as possible, using water and a damp cloth or
sponge. Look after the optical surfaces with the
same care that you would apply to spectacles,
cameras and field glasses.

Storage

Please respect the temperature limits,
specially during summer when storing
the equipment inside a vehicle
(-40°C to +70°C / -40°F to +158°F).

Unpack instruments and accessories that
have become wet. Dry off the instrument,
container and accessories (at maximum
40 ºC / 108 ºF) and clean. Only repack
the equipment when it is completely dry.

After longer periods of storage or
transport carry out a check measurement
before using the equipment.

54

Storage

If the indoor and outdoor temperatures are very
different, allow time for the instrument to adapt.

If the DISTO is removed from an air-conditioned
room and exposed to warm damp air, the instrument
and the optics will fog over. To reduce this effect,
cover the instrument with a cloth and allow it to
adapt slowly to the new conditions as you would for
a camera or a video.

Transport

The Leica Geosystems holster protects the DISTO
well against mechanical shock, but not against
water or dust.

It is recommended that you always transport the
DISTO in the Leica Geosystems holster or an
equivalent protective container or packaging.

Do not exceed the temperature limits.
Before embarking on a flight, enquire whether you
are permitted the DISTO as hand luggage.

Despatch

Always use the original Leica
Geosystems packaging (holster and
shipment box) for sending the instrument.

You must remove the batteries (send the instrument

without batteries).

55

Message Codes

Message Cause Remedy
code
203 Wrong entry Repeat entry

204 Calculation Repeat

error procedure

252 Temperature above Cool down

50°C (measuring) instrument

253 Temperature below Warm up

-10°C (measuring) instrument

255 Receiver signal Use target plate

too weak, Measurement
Measurement time > 10 sec.
time too long
Distance < 250 mm

256 Receiver signal Use target plate

too powerful (correct side)

257 Wrong Use target plate

measurement;
ambient brightness
too high

All other messages Call service

General rule:

In case of messages switch on/off instrument
several times and check if message is still
displayed. Then call service and specify the
message displayed.

Reset message with or quick-switch off

„System“

56

Technical Data

Measuring accuracy

Smallest unit
displayed

Time for a
measurement

visible

∅ Laser-spot
at Distance

Outdoor measurements

(adaption for viewfinder)
Two line display

Illumination
(fluorescent display)

Measure from corners

Constant (height)
Continuous measurement max.

(room diagonals)
Continuous measurement min.

(room diagonals)
Height (width) from two
measurements (Pythagoras)

Time delay release
20 last values
Over 3000 measurements

Splash proof
Dust proof

Range

typ.
max.

0.3m to

over 100m**

0.5...~ 4s

0.16...~1s
635nm

Type AAA,

4x1,5V

57

Remarks on Measuring Accuracy

*The measuring accuracy corresponds to the ISO­recommendation ISO/R 1938-1971 with a statistical
confidence level of 95% (i.e. ± twice the standard
deviation, refer to diagram below).

The typical measuring accuracy relates to average
conditions for measuring within the specified range.
It is not valid for the user functions Fnc 2, 3, 4, and
is not valid in the tracking mode.

The maximum measuring error relates to
unfavourable conditions such as:

- highly-reflecting surfaces (e.g. reflector tapes),

- operating at the limits of the permitted
temperature range, adaption to ambient
temperature interrupted (page 54)

- very bright ambient conditions, strong heat
shimmer and can be up to ± 5 mm (twice the
standard deviation).

**At long range ± 30 ppm (± 3 mm/100 m) plus

short range error. Range increases, the better the
laserlight is reflected from the target area (diffuse,
not reflective), and the brighter the laserpoint is
compared to the surrounding luminosity (indoors,
dawn).
From appr. 40 - 50 m use target plate, brown side
(page 40)

58

Remarks on Measuring
Accuracy

Possible method of calculating the standard
deviation s:

When using a computer with a statistical function or
if you use the program Excel, you can calculate the

mean value and the standard deviation s
directly from the 10 measured values.

Formula for the standard deviation s:

n ... number of measurements

... individual value of a series of

x

i

measurements

... mean value of a series of measurements

Calculation using the program Excel:

On the Insert menu, choose Functions.
Select category: Statistics and Function:STABW
within the Function Assistant.
Depending on the version of Excel and the
language used, the names of the menu may vary.

59

Set Mark for Viewfinder

Centre of
viewfinder

Laser point

Setting mark for adjusting the telescopic
viewfinder

see page 36, 37

34 mm

Please copy the above diagram 1:1.

60

Accuracy Tests

Accuracy tests on the DISTO for users certified to
ISO 900...:

You can perform your own accuracy tests on the
DISTO to meet the requirements of ISO 900... for
measuring equipment.

T ake a fixed, invariable, and conveniently
accessible distance of about 1m to 10m, such as
the width of a window opening or of a room.
Measure it ten times.

Determine the magnitude of this distance with a
means of measurement that is monitored by a
national, accredited calibration institute (traceability
back to national standards).

Determine the amount that the measurements vary
from the nominal distance, and compute the
standard deviation (page 59).

Record the standard deviation and set a date for the
next test. Repeat these tests at frequent and regular
intervals, also before and after important measuring
jobs.
Affix an adhesive label on the DISTO for accuracy
tests of measuring equipment and keep a detailed
record of the test procedure.

Your DIST O meets the specified accuracy if
standard deviation remains smaller or equal to the
typical specified value.

61

Accuracy Tests

A DISTO whose measuring accuracy has been
tested over a test distance works within the
specified tolerance over the entire distance and
temperature range specified in the manual.

Please note the technical data and the description
of measuring accuracy in the manual (page 59).

62

Leica Geosystems AG, Heerbrugg,
Switzerland, has been certified by SQS
as being equipped with a quality system
which meets the International Standard
of Quality Management and Quality
Systems (ISO standard 9001) and
Environmental Management Systems
(ISO standard 14001).

6otal Quality Management -

Our commitment to total

customer satisfaction

Ask your local Leica Geosystems

agent for more information

about our TQM program

Your dealer:

63

Leica Geosystems AG

CH-9435 Heerbrugg

(Switzerland)

www.leica-geosystems.com

712791-0.0.1en

Printed in Switzerland ­Copyright by Leica Geosystems AG, Heerbrugg,
Switzerland 2000