Friday 30 March 2012

Leica DISTO X310 Laser Measure


This month Leica Geosystems has launched an extremely tough version of the Leica DISTO range – Leica DISTO X310.

The Leica DISTO X310 overcomes the most common problem with precision measuring devices, their durability onsite. We all knew that from time to time, that an instrument could be accidentally dropped or utilised in a wet condition.

The Leica DISTO X310 is the only laser distance meter which is IP65 certified - dust tight and jet water protected. Furthermore it has been tested by dropping from heights of up to 2 m. To demonstrate this check out the promotion video!

Thanks to the integrated tilt sensor, precise indirect distance and height measurements are possible. The Leica DISTO X310 guarantees reliable measurements under the most extreme conditions too.

Tough enough
Housing and keypad are specially sealed against water and dust and conform to protection class IP65. This means that cleaning it under running water is no problem. On the inside, the device is strengthened with special fibreglass-reinforced plastic bracing. Solid rubber components protect the measuring elements against damage through dropping. These factors make the Leica DISTO X310 an ideal measuring tool for day to day construction site work.

Tilt Sensor
When developing the Leica DISTO X310, an integrated tilt sensor was incorporated into the design to allow site engineers to determine the angle of measurement. The digital tilt sensor allows the instrument to perform inverted measurements in fact 360 degree measurements.

Smart Horizontal Mode
The combination of angle and distance measuring opens completely new possibilities. If e.g. objects do not allow direct measuring of distance, the horizontal distance can be precisely measured using the Smart Horizontal Mode. Heights can be quickly determined with the height tracking too, even if no suitable reflection point is available.

High functionality
The flip-out end piece allows exact location of the Leica DISTO X310 guaranteeing absolutely accurate measurements from edges or out of corners. At the same time the automatic end-piece detection helps to avoid expensive measuring errors.

The Leica DISTO X310 can also calculate rectangular and triangular areas, volumes, room dimensions and various types of Pythagoras functions. A time delay release and sufficient memory for up to 20 measurements round off the multiple functions – providing a genuine labour saving.

Approved to ISO 16331-1 Standard
For the first time, an international standard has been developed to ensure that instruments perform to the manufactuers specifications. When specifiying an instrument, ensure it is approved to the ISO 16331-1 standard, like the Leica DISTO X310!
Click for more information on ISO 16331-1

Well the Leica DISTO X310 is the toughest instrument featuring the highest IP65 rating, 360 degree digital tilt sensor, highest measuring accuracy, enhanced features and improved operation. Oh yes, it means the ISO standard for laser measuring devices which means you can realy on the Leica DISTO D210!

Click for more information on the Leica DISTO X310


Leica DISTO D210 Laser Measure


This month sees a new instrument being introduced into the Leica DISTO range – Leica DISTO D210.

Developed in Switzerland, the Leica DISTO D210 fulfils all the requirements of professional trades with the highest quality standards and achieves a measuring accuracy of ± 1.0 mm. Equipped with an array of functions and designed to be the easiest instrument to operate.

The Leica DISTO D210 is a handy and functional laser distance meter which makes measuring easy, fast and reliable.

Improved Laser Optics
Leica Geosystems are synonymous with quality and precision, so with the Leica DISTO D210, the laser and glass optics have been upgraded to provide an enhance measuring accuracy of ± 1.0 mm up to 80m!


Handy and easy to use
Thanks to its ergonomic and compact design with soft grip, the Leica DISTO D210 sits securely in your hand. The keys have been increased in size and the reinforced housing is encased in soft rubber housing.

To help safeguard against accidental operation, the Leica DISTO D210 can be locked to stop the keys being pressed in the pocket.

The 3-line display makes it possible to read off individual and final readings of several measurements at a glance, e.g. area and volume calculations - and thanks to display illumination, even in the dark.

Automatic Multifunctional End-Piece
Leica has introduced the foldout multifunctional end-piece which automatically detects the position. This guarantees that measurements from edges or out of corners are one hundred per cent accurate. At the same time the automatic end-piece detection helps to avoid expensive measuring errors.

Easy and functional
Distances can be measured and areas or volumes calculated at the touch of a button. At the same time, the last ten results are saved and can be accessed as required. Adding and subtracting distances and areas are child's play with the Leica DISTO D210 too.

Staking out equal distances has never been easier: the device emits an acoustic signal as soon as the preset value or a multiple of it has been reached.

Approved to ISO 16331-1 Standard
For the first time, an international standard has been developed to ensure that instruments perform to the manufactuers specifications. When specifiying an instrument, ensure it is approved to the ISO 16331-1 standard, like the Leica DISTO D210!
Click for more information on ISO 16331-1

Well the Leica DISTO D210 features higher measuring prescion, increased range, enhanced features and improved operation. Oh yes, it means the ISO standard for laser measuring devices which means you can realy on the Leica DISTO D210!

Click for more information on the Leica DISTO D210


Thursday 29 March 2012

ISO Standard - Laser Measure



Ever since Leica Geosystems created the first hand held laser measuring device, there has never been clear guidance or standard to verify laser measuring devices between manufacturers. On paper, instruments from different manufacturers may feature the same measuring specification, but in practical terms they will not.

Why is this?
The range and accuracy of laser distance meters depend on light conditions and reflectivity of the measuring target. For Leica Geosystems it is important that the instruments not only perform under perfect laboratory conditions, but above all under the kind of everyday working conditions encountered on construction sites.

Working together with external experts, Leica Geosystems have developed a standard by which laser distance meters can be tested and compared with each other.

Differing factors, such as the structure of the surface and the colour of the measuring point, the strength of ambient light and the temperature at which a measurement is taken, have a very significant effect on the accuracy and the maximum range achieved.

These factors have not previously been defined by a standard, each manufacturer has used its own definition. It has therefore become increasingly difficult for the customer to make a comparison between the large and growing number of laser distance meters on the market. However, misunderstandings or imprecise data can result in serious unreliability of measurements or even expensive errors.

The new ISO Standard 16331-1, to which Leica Geosystems has made a significant contribution, defines in detail how information concerning accuracy and range must be presented and describes the necessary measuring procedures. This renders specifications of laser distance meters capable of being tested by independent institutions, thus making direct comparisons possible.

The ISO Standard 16331-1 takes the following measuring conditions into account:

Measurement under favourable conditions

Measurement under favourable conditions which often apply for interior use:
• Weak ambient light (3k lux)
• Measuring to white painted wall
• Room temperature


Measurement under unfavourable conditions

Measurement under unfavourable conditions which often apply for exterior use:
• Bright sunshine (30k lux)
• Measuring to white painted wall
• Total operating temperature range


Other measuring conditions can also be specified, for example:

• Measuring to a defined target plate
• Measuring to unfavourable measuring points with strong or weak reflectivity (metal surface or wet concrete)


A customer who purchases a laser distance meter which conforms to the ISO standard can arrive at reliable conclusions with respect to the maximum range and accuracy achievable under defined measuring conditions. This is crucial for assessing the advantages for everyday use on the construction site.


Check out the Leica DISTO range


Wednesday 21 March 2012

Leica 3D DISTO Laser Scanner


Leica 3D DISTO Laser Scanner

Ever since the launch of the first Leica DISTO, customers have asked if there is a device that could scan a room to develop plans. Customers were shocked to find that at the time laser scanners cost a few hundred thousand and to be truthfull, an over kill for developing room plans.

Leica Geosystems are always looking at progressing technology and introducing new developments into the field that customers can use. With a requirement in mind, they have developed what can truley be the next step in compact measuring.

The Leica 3D DISTO combines the advanced technology of the high specification Leica DISTO with angular measurements to create the first compact laser measure / scanner.

The precise position of each point, targeted with the integrated camera and captured with the laser beam. In short: the Leica 3D DISTO detects the location and height of target points. Data is captured and stored and can be post-processed. The result: an efficient, precise, and fast tool that is revolutionarily easy to handle.


The Leica 3D DISTO records location, height, and distance measurements in XYZ co-ordinates. It has never been easier to create as-built records of ceiling, floor, and roof surfaces; volumes; slopes; height differences; angles; and much more. Plumb points despite obstacles – no problem!

The Leica 3D DISTO is controlled by a robust, hand-held unit or by remote control unit. Full control of the measuring unit is preformed the high resolution touch screen display. The easy to use intuitive user interface allows the operator to control the measuring unit from one location and with the integration of a digital camera, the user cal see where the laser is pointed. The real-time display of measurements as drawings on the screen allow on-site completeness checks. At the press of a button data is recorded in standard tables, photos, DXF, and text files. It is so easy!



Advantages of the Leica 3D DISTO
  • Measure and draw simultaneously, on site
  • Automatically measure all surfaces, horizontal or vertical: simply define the measurement area and interval and start. No detail is forgotten; all angles and surface irregularities are captured.
  • Unfold mode: change from footprint to face view – to measure wall detail, view or check previously measured values/points.
  • Helpful tools to measure windows and pipe connections reduce the work involved.
  • Automatically create and export drawings with borders and folding marks: data can be printed without the need for further processing.
  • Easily measure from room to room, data fits together
  • Smart range of accessories makes your life easier
  • Perfect for craftsmen, architects, and all professionals, who can benefit from an easy to use measurement solution

Check out the Leica 3D DISTO online and view the demonstration videos



Monday 19 March 2012

Leica Lino L360 - Perfectly Level All Around



The Leica Lino L360 is the perfect tool for the tradesman. Whether for laying floors or bonding edging, for all interior and exterior levelling and aligning tasks, the line laser projects an exact horizontal laser line all round.

The Leica Lino L360 is therefore an ideal addition to the line and dot lasers of the Leica Lino series.

Continuous and exact 360° laser lines
The Leica Lino L360 projects a laser line all round with millimetre accuracy. Reference points and lines can thus be quickly transferred from one wall to another without having to rotate the instrument. That is a crucial advantage when creating height reference points.

Furthermore, the horizontal laser line can be projected very closely to the ground. This particularly simplifies laying floor coverings and controlling heights. Moreover, the Leica Lino L360 provides an additional 180° vertical laser line for further possible uses.



Self-levelling with simple user interface
The Leica Lino L360 can be set up easily and quickly. The user interface with only two keys is self-explanatory. Thanks to the self-levelling, minor inclinations are automatically compensated for. Where greater tilting occurs, the laser lines blink to indicate that the self-levelling function is no longer active.

The self-levelling function can also be switched off manually using the lock function. On the one hand this serves as transport protection and on the other allows the laser lines to be projected in any position.



Rugged line laser, long battery life, matched accessories
The Leica Lino L360 is a rugged instrument with protection class IP65, i.e. it is dust proof and protected against hose water. So when working on site, the instruments will not be effected by environmental dust or water.

Rechargeable Battery Pack
Thanks to the rechargeable battery pack, its lengthy operating time of up to 20 hours is also a convincing argument.

Click for information on the Leica Lino L360

Click for full Leica Lino Range


Tuesday 6 March 2012

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 the replacement to the Leica DISTO D8, the Leica DISTO D810