Cable Detection EZiCAT i600 and EZiCAT i650

Cable Detection has introduced two new editions to their digital range of cable locators; the EZiCAT i600 and i650.

Building on the success of the EZiCAT i500 and i550 models, the new EZiCAT i600 and i650 feature data capture and on board memory functions.

The Cable Detection EZiCAT i600 and i650 make locating underground cables and pipes a simple and efficient task, ultimately saving time and money. With the unique LOGiCAT Software, records can be retrieved and collated helping to increase on site safety, whilst identifying training needs.

Standard features found on the Cable Detection EZiCAT i600 and i650
• Large LCD Screen
• Depth Indication (i650 model only)
• Hazard Zone
• Enhanced Sonde Detection
• In-built Test Function
• Pinpoint Assist
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Service Due Indicator
• Auto Mode
• Generator Modes (8 & 33 kHz)
• Radio Mode
• Power Mode


i-Series LOGiCAT Software
i-Series LOGiCAT Software retrieves the following information from the locator:
• Time & Date Information
• Usage Duration
• User Identification
• Detection Mode Used
• Service Detection
• Product Fleet Management
• Diagnostic Check
• Management Reports


Not only do the new products offer these unique capabilities, all of the models represent the latest design in cable technology, with state-of- the-art digital signal processing (DSP) and intelligent software, the i-Series locators continue to make light work of ground surveys.


For more information -
Cable Detection EZiCAT i600

Cable Detection EZiCAT i650 – Depth Finding

Full range of cable location equipment

Ridgegear XCalibre Fall Arrest Blocks

Ridgegear recently launched the new XCalibre range of fall arrest blocks.

Ridgegear has developed a range of robust, lightweight fall arrest systems which take advantage of new technology for applications where traditional heavy-weight systems are not suitable.

Traditional fall arrest systems feature a heavy steel case with steel wire which can be too heavy when working in applications where steel wire can damage fragile components i.e.; aircraft industry and glass lined vessels.

The Ridgegear XCalibre fall arrest blocks are super lightweight, sleek and compact, featuring high tensile webbing equipped with the Rapid Breaking System (RBS).

The most advanced block of its kind, it is ideal for a diverse range of applications from the construction industry to offshore.

The Ridgegear XCalibre is supplied in a variety of working lengths - 3m, 10m, 12m, and 18m.

For more information Visit
Ridgegear XCalibre 3 – Fall Arrest Block
Ridgegear XCalibre 10 – Fall Arrest Block
Ridgegear XCalibre 18 – Fall Arrest Block

Safety Express Website

Survey Express Services are pleased to launch a brand new website, www.safety-express.co.uk dedicated for site safety equipment.

With the launch of the new website, a dedicated online portal is provided for customers to search for professional range of safety equipment from all leading manufacturers.

The new www.safety-express.co.uk website features a comprehensive range of equipment from cable avoidance tools, gas monitors through to rescue equipment. Support information through in-depth product information, news releases and buyers guides.

For over 38 years, Survey Express Services has been a leading provider for safety equipment, whether it’s for sale or hire the company has the experience, knowledge and equipment to carter for your needs.

Survey Express Services are not just web based, all customers are support through our nationwide network of offices. Based within our service centres are dedicated technicians trained to service all safety equipment.

Visit – www.safety-express.co.uk

Android Software for Leica DISTO

For over 15-years, Leica Geosystems have lead the laser measuring market through their Leica DISTO™ range by incorporating cutting edge technology, the best build quality and supported by excellent customer service.

Several years ago, Leica Geosystems enhanced the Leica DISTO™ range by incorporating the Bluetooth wireless networking chip into several instruments. This allows the Leica DISTO™ to communicate with other devices and transfer wireless their measuring data.

Originally users operated software through Windows powered PCs, laptops and PDA devices, in order to run high powered applications like AutoCAD. They are excellent for office applications but not very mobile.

Field operatives are increasingly turning to smaller mobile devices or 'Smartphones', to collect data straight in the field and transmit the data back to the office. The latest models have increased power and performance, allowing software developers to create applications for these platforms.

By far the strongest growing Operating System for smartphones and Tablet PCs is coming from Google through their Android OS system. The growth is tremendous and already last year its market share was becoming the strongest for these product categories.

To keep abreast of technological advances, Leica Geosystems software partners have developed a range of applications which can run through the Android operating systems. With the integration of a Bluetooth wireless device, the Leica DISTO™ can communicate directly with the Android handset or platform, record the measurement and download the data into the chosen program.

Leica Geosystems has recently launched a new version of their DISTO™ transfer for the Android operating system. It can easily be downloaded from the Android Marketplace, just search for “disto” or “disto transfer” and you will find the new Leica DISTO™ program. Of course the download is free.

Checkout the full range of Android applications through Google’s Android Market store. Many are free!

Points to consider when purchasing a cross line laser

When purchasing a line laser, consider quality of the laser beam, the accuracy and how wide the beam is projected.


Beam Quality
The quality of the laser beam should play an important role in deciding which line laser to purchase. A high quality line laser will provide a crisp beam throughout the line. Whilst a cheap alternative will provide a thicker, more defused laser line. The Leica Lino L2+ incorporates a very high quality laser beam which projects the best laser line of its class. This award winning laser has been designed to project a very crisp line throughout the beams divergence.

Fan of the Beam
The laser line is projected from the laser diode and out through the lens. The angle of the laser line or fan is determined by position of the diodes and quality of the lens. Most line lasers can only project a beam less than 120 degrees with the lens defusing the extreme edges of the beam.

To improve the beams angle, manufactures have adjusted the diodes' position closer to the front of the instrument. This improves the fan of the laser line, but the lens will have no protection against damage and scratches. Leica Geosystems redesigned the Leica Lino L2+ body to allow the diodes to project a wide 180 degree laser line whilst positioning the optics away from the front of the instrument to protect against damage.

Leica are renown for their quality, so it should not be any surprise to see high quality optics integrated into the design of the Leica Lino L2+. This reduces diffusion of the laser line, providing a very crisp laser.

Accuracy of the Laser
The accuracy will determine how level the laser projects the beam. Any item set-out to this laser line will either be level or not depending on the accuracy of the laser. The Leica Lino L2+ provides the highest accuracy of any line laser both in horizontal and vertical plans.

The Leica Power Range Technology provides excellent line visibility even at larger distances. The Leica Lino L2+ automatically compensates for minor alignment errors in the range of +/-4°. During this process the instrument is aligned to mm accuracy. If the automatic self-leveling range is exceeded, the laser automatically signals that the instrument is out of levelling range. Expensive measuring errors are prevented.

An example of use
When setting out tiles for a wall, it will be very noticeable of the tilts are not truly horizontal, or vertical. A line laser will set-out the initial horizontal and vertical line, allowing the contractor to lay the first tile, with subsequent tiles following the laser lines.

For larger areas the contractor will move the instrument further away to project a wider laser line. If the beam of the laser is of a low quality, the laser line on the wall will become defused. Likewise the accuracy of the laser will further compound the problem, projecting a beam that is not truly horizontal.

The Leica Lino L2+ features a very high quality laser beam, projecting a crisp line through the 180 degree fan. This allows the laser to project a wider beam at close range, ideal for small or large projects. The very high accuracy of the beam ensures that the laser is truly horizontal. If the laser is moved back, the combination of beam, optics and accuracy will not hinder the contractor.

For more information - Leica Lino L2+ Cross Line Laser
For more information - Range of Cross Line Laser

Smart Horizontal Mode

When undertaking measuring tasks, there will be occasions when you may require the horizontal distance, but the line of sight may be blocked.

Instead of measuring sections and adding them together, the brains at Leica Geosystem have introduced the tilt function into the Leica DISTO range. Not only will the instrument measure the angle of tilt, but calculate the true horizontal distance.

Therefore by simply utilising the smart measuring mode, the Leica DISTO will combine the distance and tilt measurement functions to calculate the true horizontal distance.

Smart! Well it gets better.

Leica have also incorporated a number of other calculations into the smart horizontal mode. By pressing the button for longer, the indirect height to the laser dot, angle of the instrument and distance to the laser dot will be displayed.

With the Pythagoras function, the instrument requires line of sight to both the top and bottom of the structure. By utilising the Smart Horizontal Mode when the instrument is placed on a tripod, the user can measure the height to the top and measure the height of the instrument from the ground.

Below is a list of instrument which features the smart horizontal mode:
Leica DISTO D210
Leica DISTO X310
Leica DISTO D510
Leica DISTO D810

For more information on the Leica DISTO range, visit our website

How Does a Leica DISTO Measure?

This article will explain in a simple way how a Leica DISTO take a measurement & how accurate the measurements are.

Two types of length measurement
See a lightning flash and start counting the seconds. If you get to 15, divide by three – and you know that the storm is still five kilometres away. This measuring principle, which is also used by laser devices, is known as the “running time procedure”.

The speed of light is much higher than that of sound, and the times involved are extremely short where distances are limited. It thus follows that short distances of just a few metres cannot be measured with any great accuracy using the running time procedure.

Leica DISTO devices therefore operate on the phase-shift principle, and are especially accurate over short distances – as you would indeed expect from a device known popularly as a “laser rule”.

A wave on a lake, for example, is measured from crest to crest. If the wind pushes such a wave against a jetty, we can see how a new wave runs back into the water. A comparison of the crests of the incoming and outgoing waves illustrates the phase-shift principle.

A wave of light
We must start off with a wave. But how can we create one out of light?




The light actually goes on and off 50 times per second, as we use an AC power supply to light up the bulb. The Leica DISTO is fitted not with a bulb, but with a semiconductor diode, which emits a guided laser beam. This light is switched on and off 200 million times per second with “alternating current”.

We use these millions of waves (on the same principle as the water lapping against the bank of the lake) to measure the distance concerned.


How many wave crests can fit into a given space?


We hang a length of rope from an object such as a house wall and stand holding the other end at a distance of about 15 metres from the wall (i.e. the distance that we wish to measure).




We then raise and lower the rope with regular up-and-down arm movements. The rope begins to oscillate and forms waves (like water).

A slowing of the arm movement causes the size of the wave to increase, until the 15 metres available is filled with a single wave.

An increase in the speed of the up-and-down arm movement decreases the size of the waves (e.g. to three metres each). The same distance to the house wall is now occupied by various waves.

This is exactly how the Leica DISTO works.


A laser beam is used to emit various different waves simultaneously. With a frequency of 200 million waves (their speed regulated by the equivalent of the arm movements in the above example), it is possible to be accurate to the millimeter, while lower frequencies determine the higher fractions of a metre and the lowest frequency measures the number of metres.

As the crests and troughs of a laser wave are, unlike the oscillating length of rope, invisible to the naked eye, we have to resort to some technological trickery – which brings us back to the example of waves lapping against a jetty: the difference between the incoming and outgoing waves of light (i.e. the phase shift) can be measured by means of sophisticated electronics, allowing the distance to be determined to the nearest millimeter.

As you can see, where distance measurement is concerned, quite a lot goes on behind the scenes.