Roof Measuring with the Leica DISTO D8

Roof Measuring with the Leica DISTO D8 is safe, accurate and allows you to measure roofs, pitches and roof areas all from the safety of the ground.

There is nothing worse than getting inaccurate measurements, this results in return visits, the wrong number of panels being determined, incorrect customer return on investment calculations and poor customer service. Traditional roof measuring methods such as hiring expensive platforms, climbing onto roofs, trying to measure with tape measures all adds to costly mistakes and health and safety issues when working at heights.

The Leica DISTO D8 allows you to measure roof lengths – gutter to ridge and the roof pitch safely and accurately from the ground with no additional health and safety risks from climbing and accurate measurements without costly errors.

The Leica DISTO D8 is fast becoming the professionals tool for measuring for the installation of solar / PV panels. All you need is a Leica DISTO D8, a tripod and an adaptor to obtain all the measurements you require. Even in hard to reach places the Leica DISTO D8 is the perfect partner to assist you.

The Leica DISTO D8 has various functions that allow you to measure a roof safely. The Leica DISTO D8 incorporates a 360° tilt sensor which allows measurements to be taken that were previously impossible. You can measure the slope distance of the roof by taking just two measurements. Further useful information can be obtained, including the height of the roof, the pitch of the roof in angles and the length distance from the edge of the roof to under the apex. The D8 will also allow you to measure the width of the roof. Using the length of the pitch and the width you can then obtain the area of the roof.

Also with the Leica DISTO D8 you can measure heights of chimneys, trees or other obstacles that cause shading onto the roof.

When using laser distance meters outside, the biggest problem is seeing the laser dot and knowing that you are pin-pointing directly onto the surface or target that you are trying to aim at With the Leica DISTO D8 you can clearly see this through the digital screen which shows you in colour exactly where you are aiming. No problem on bright sunny days or over distances. No other laser distance meter allows you to do this on the market.

The only equipment that you need is the Leica DISTO D8, the Tri100 tripod and the TA360 adaptor.

The Leica DISTO D8 can also be used inside for measuring rooms, lengths for cable trunking and with a measuring distance of upto 200 metres the Leica DISTO D8 is your complete partner for all measuring applications. You can also transfer your data to Microsoft office packages, AutoCad and other specific third party software. Not only does this save complete time and money but also prevents inaccurate copying of data when writing measurements down.

For more information please visit Leica DISTO D8 - Solar Panel Pack

Simple Way To Improve Utility Detection

We are all aware that there is a high risk of series injury or death from striking a buried utility whilst digging. So naturally we utilise a Cable Avoidance Tool (C.A.T) to search for the presence of buried cables, pipes and other utilities.

Like all safety related equipment, operators should undertake training to understand the correct use of cable avoidance tools. How the equipment is operated will directly affect the performance of the instrument and on occasions cause the C.A.T not to pick up the presence of a buried utility.

The following simple points highlight ways improve the search for buried utilities.



When undertaking a search, we should sweep not only the excavation area but the surrounding terrain to determine the route or path of any utilises that may be present. The sweep should be steady and deliberate, ensuring the whole area is covered by adopting a grid pattern.

How the C.A.T is held can affect the performance of the instrument. If the operator privets their arms and swings the C.A.T, the base of the instrument is lifted into the air and will not be searching for a signal in the ground.

The correct way to hold a C.A.T, is with the instrument vertical and the bottom end just above the ground.

By adopting the correct method of use, will help improve the performance of any instrument. However, there will be occasions where buried cables may not radiate a signal or are too weak.


The perfect example is locating the power cable running to a street light or sign. If the main light is off, the cable may not generate a live signal.

By utilising a Signal Generator (Genny) with the C.A.T, will enhance the search capability. The Genny will apply a tone to a buried cable which can be picked up by the C.A.T locator switched to the Genny mode.

There are two ways the Genny can apply a signal. The first is to directly connect to the service and the second to place the Genny in the area of the utility and ‘induce’ a signal.



The direct connection method is an ideal solution for checking a street light power cable. The connection lead is clipped to the metal cover of the street lamp with the second part clipped to the earth stake. Once plugged in, the Genny will transmit a signal to the metal street light frame which in turn is earth through the power cable.

With the operator standing approximately 10 paces away from the Genny (to avoid any chance of picking it up directly), the operator sweeps the area around the street light.

When the C.A.T is passed over the ‘induced’ utility, the display will indicate a peak signal. By moving slowly backwards and forwards, the operator will reduce the sensitivity to narrow the response.

Once the signal has been identified, the operator can turn the instrument on it’s axis until the signal reduces. This indicates that the C.A.T is above and in line with the target.

This procedure is then replicated until the length of the line has been traced.



When inducing a signal through the Induction method, the Genny is placed over the utility. A signal is applied to the utility, allowing the operator to trace with the C.A.T. But in congested areas, multiple services can be induced with the same signal.



If this is the case, the Genny can be placed on its side over the second utility to screen its signal, allowing the operator to trace the original service without interference.

By utilising a C.A.T and Genny together, you will dramatically improve your search capabilities.

For further details of correct Genny use and how it improves chances of locating services please contact 0845 2575268.


Many thanks to Radiodetection for their help in compiling this article.

Always refer to the specific Manufactures manual and training guides for use of all cable avoidance tools.


Click for Radiodetection cable avoidance range

Click for more information on the Cable Avoidance Tools (C.A.T)

Click for more information on the Signal Generators (Genny)

Sabre Elsa Escape Apparatus

Survey Express Services are pleased to announce that we are now offer the renown range of Sabre Elsa range of emergency escape apparatus from Scott Safety.

 Since 1935, Scott Safety have been pioneering safety equipment for professional services. Today they are one of the world's leading manufacturers, spearheaded by the Sabre Elsa range.

  

Sabre Elsa Sprint                                      Sabre Elsa

Click for more information on the Sabre Elsa

Click for more information on the Sabre Elsa Sprint

What is a QR Tag?

You may have seen a small black and white bar code that resembles a maze on the side of a box, book or magazine. What are they? And what do they do?

These digital bar codes are Quick Response (QR) Tags which allow customers to quickly interact with a website or even call a number without tapping a single key.

Mobile phones have become an essential part of daily life, enabling every one to make a call, store information and search the internet. So it would be of now surprise that your mobile phone can scan a digital bar code and instantly call upon relevant information.

Survey Express has developed a range of QR Tags which will feature within our ‘offline’ marketing materials like brochures, catalogues and offer sheets. The QR Tags provides an easy way to search our extensive websites for the relevant information associated to an instrument. Or simply telephone our offices without keying in their details.

Simply scan the QR Tag through a smartphone and the information contained within the tag will redirect you or call our office.

Featured below are two QR Tags which will redirect you to our websites. Give them go and you will find how easy it is.

Crowcon Gas-Pro - Increased Gas Sensor Range

The Crowcon Gas-Pro is the newest member of the Crowcon personnel gas monitor range. Although only launched a few months ago, many customers have converted over to this superb instrument.

As discussed in my original blog ‘Confined Space Entry – is your gas detector right for the job?’, the Crowcon Gas-Pro has been designed to allow more sensor to be utilised with the instrument will less cross sensitivity or conflict. With the introduction of further sensors, the instrument can be configured for a wider range of applications other than confined space.

The following list provides scheduled dates of sensor releases

Scheduled for release in December 2011:
0-100 ppm ammonia (NH3)
0-5 ppm chlorine (Cl2) diffusion
0-1 ppm chlorine dioxide (ClO2) diffusion
0-20 ppm sulphur dioxide (SO2) H2S filtered
0-1 ppm ozone (O3) diffusion
0-100 ppm nitric oxide (NO)
0-20 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
0-2000 ppm carbon monoxide (CO) H2S and SO2 filtered
0-500 ppm carbon monoxide (CO) H2S and SO2 filtered
0-100 ppm hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
0-2000 ppm carbon monoxide (CO) H2 filtered

Scheduled for release from February 2012:
0-100% LEL pellistor type butane, pentane, toluene, ethylene & propane

Scheduled for release from March 2012:
0-100% LEL IR type methane, butane, pentane, toluene, ethylene & propane

This is not an exhaustive list – others to be included are: Dual IR 0-100% LEL / 0-100% Volume, 0-100% LEL hydrogen (H2), ppm measurement of VOC’s PID type, high level ammonia, ethylene oxide, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, jet fuel (5), methanol, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, methyl ethyl keytone, phosphene and phosgene.

Keep checking out our safety website for further configurations. If you have any requirements call our safety team on 0845 2575268.

Click for more information on the Crowcon Gas-Pro

Leica Sprinter Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Leica Geosystem's range of Leica Sprinter digital levels


What are the main advantages of an electronic level compared to an optical one?
With optical levels it happens many times that you do not read out correctly. The electronic level eliminates such errors. Furthermore, digital levels such as the Leica Sprinter 150 / 150M / 250M automatically calculate the height differences based on your measurements.

What is the typical measuring time?
For all models, the typical electronic measuring time is 2-3 seconds in normal daylight condition. Measuring time will be slightly longer with uniform dim light condition, for instance in the late evening or under a street light at night.

What is the accuracy of the Leica Sprinter models?
The ISO double-run electronic accuracy for Leica Sprinter 50 / 150 / 150M / 250M are 2.0mm / 1.5mm / 1.5mm / 1.0mm respectively. For all the models, the ISO double-run optical accuracy is 2.5mm.

What is the shortest focusing distance?
The shortest optical focusing distance is 50 cm for all of the models. This short focusing distance comes in handy when working in a narrow confined space.

What is the maximum measurable distance?
All of the models are able to measure electronically from 2 m to 100 m with a Sprinter standard aluminum barcode staff.

Does the Leica Sprinter only operate with Lieca Sprinter GSS staffs?
Yes, the attached barcode on GSS staffs is only valid for Leica Sprinter.

What are the onboard functions available for Leica Sprinter 50?
Leica Sprinter 50 is the basic ‘one-touch’ model available with Height & Distance measurement capability, on-board electronic Line of Sight Adjustment program, auto-recognition of staff orientation, tilt warning and preset units setting in meter or US feet (regional dependent).

What are additional features of the Leica Sprinter 150?
Leica Sprinter 150 is a medium range model available with Height-Difference measurement capability and operating functions such as LCD display contrast, units, auto-off, rounding, audio beep, tilt warning, LCD display back light, measurement averaging and MMI language selection can be easily access via the user-friendly menu.

Does the Leica Sprinter instruments have onboard data storage?
Yes, Leica Sprinter 150M and 250M are able to store measured field data to the onboard storage.

What are additional features of the top range Leica Sprinter 150M / 250M?
Leica Sprinter 150M / 250M are the more advanced models with onboard and well-guided applications such as line leveling, cut & fill and timer function for monitoring work. Measurement can be recorded to the onboard storage or externally to a data logger via RS232 cable. Onboard stored data can be easily downloaded directly to a PC via USB cable. One click and the data is transferred immediately to Microsoft Excel.

What is the main purpose of the internal memory of the Leica Sprinter 150M / 250M?
If you execute a line leveling or an area leveling job, you do not have to write down all measurement results. This saves a lot of time. Furthermore, back in the office, you just transfer your data from the instrument storage directly into Excel where all results are presented in appropriate order for post-processing.

How can the data be downloaded from Leica Sprinter?
Measurement data can be downloaded from Leica Sprinter 150M / 250M to PC:
A) via Leica Sprinter USB cable to Leica Sprinter DataLoader
B) via RS232 cable to Leica Geo Office LGO or Microsoft Hyper-terminal program

In which PC operating system environment the Leica Sprinter DataLoader is executable?
Leica Sprinter DataLoader is executable on Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and 98.

For data downloading, can this data be downloaded with all versions of Microsoft Excel?
Data can be downloaded to Excel versions 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000 (versions 12 - 9.0).

What is the idea of the new Cut & Fill application on Leica Sprinter 150M and 250M?
This very useful onboard application will help you to check heights compared to a design level. For example, excavation: The print indicates the designed excavation level. You can now check easily if the designed level is already achieved by taking measurements. The software will immediately present cut and fill results (height differences between design level and measured height).

Any protection against water, dust and sand?
Yes, All the Leica Sprinter models meet the environment specification IP55 (IEC 60529) for protection against water, dust and sand.

Can I use an external power supply for Leica Sprinter instead of 4 AA dry cells?
Yes, you can power Leica Sprinter 150M / 250M with GEV71 external power pack with RS232 cable from Leica Geosystems.

How long can 4 AA dry cells last with continuous operation of the instrument?
In normal ambient temperature, 4 AA alkaline cells will last for at least 8 hours of continuous operation of the instrument.

Click for more information on Leica Sprinter

Crowcon Tetra3 Extended

Gas detection specialist Crowcon has expanded the capabilities of its Crowcon Tetra:3 (T3) personal multi-gas detector with three more toxic gas sensors: ozone (03), sulphur dioxide (S02) and ammonia (NH3).

This complements the existing sensor range which includes flammable gases, oxygen (02), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO).

The new sensors widen the applications for the Crowcon Tetra3 to include the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage processing industries, as well as water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Featuring a top-mount display and the capacity to detect up to four gases at once, the Crowcon Tetra3 is designed for use in the most demanding industrial environments, including confined space work. It features intuitive, single button operation, essential for users with gloved hands.

Click for more information on the Crowcon Tetra3

Click for the complete range of Crowcon gas monitors