How accurate is the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D3?
The accuracy of the tilt sensor is +/- 0.3° to the laser beam and +/-0.3° to the housing. The accuracy varies according to the measured angle and distance. The horizontal distance error (fd) and the height error (fh) can be calculated as follows:
fd = horizontal distance error
d = measured distance
a = angle at which the distance is measured
fa = possible angular error fd = d * cos (a) – d * cos (a + fa)
For example, if a distance of 10m is measured at an angle of 10°, the error on the direct horizontal distance (fd) is 9mm.
If a distance of 10m is measured an angle of 45°, the error on the direct horizontal distance (fd) is 37mm. To obtain the best result using indirect measurement and minimise the deviation, the device should be held as close to the horizontal as possible.
What is the angular range of the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D3?
The integral tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D3 functions in the range +/- 45° and at a transverse tilt of > +/- 10°. The display indicates if the tilt is in the range >+/- 50°. A line appears on the display with the text max. and an infocode i 160, which means that the device is being used outside its permissible range. If the device is held at > +/- 10° transversely, a similar line appears on the display, which indicates the transverse tilt with the text “max”. The infocode i 156 indicates that the device is tilted too much and that you should be aware that inaccurate measurements would be taken.
What units of tilt are integrated into the Leica DISTO™ D3?
You can set the Leica DISTO™ D3 to use different units of tilt. The user can select between ° and %. The units can be changed in menu item 2
Can a Leica DISTO™ D3 be calibrated by the user?
The user can calibrate the device’s tilt sensor. The angle sensor is switched on by pressing the function key once. Then two measurements are taken on a flat surface. The first measurement is taken and a note is made of the measured angle a. The device is then turned through exactly 180°, the second measurement is taken and a note is made of the measured angle b. The value x to which the device must be corrected is calculated as follows:
x = -(a+b) /2
The calibration mode is then entered by pressing keys “Clear Off” and the “Function key” both at the same time for 2 seconds. The correction value x can be entered here using the “plus” and “minus” keys. The entered value is stored and implemented by pressing the “Menu/=” key.
Is it possible to obtain detailed information about the measurements taken?
Yes, it is possible to obtain detailed information about the measurements of areas and volumes in the Leica DISTO™ D3: After the measurements have been taken (area/volume), the “Area/Volume” key must be held down and then detailed information about the measurements carried out is shown in the display.
What accessories are recommended for the Leica DISTO™ D3?
For long distances we recommend using a tripod, even indoors. A tripod provides additional steadiness and therefore allows accurate targeting, especially over long distances. We particularly recommend the Leica TRI100 tripod. Can the Leica DISTO™ D3 also be used to measure horizontal angles? No, the integral tilt sensor can only measure vertical angles. If the device is held at a transverse tilt angle greater than +/-10° the display shows an infocode 156, which means that the device is required to be held level (transversely).
Which customer segment would find the Leica DISTO™ D3 of most use for everyday tasks?
The Leica DISTO™ D3 is a great measurement aid for a wide range of target groups and is a superbly multitalented device for indoor tasks. The device is particularly suitable, but of course not exclusively, for the following users: architects, interior architects, electricians, carpenters, kitchen installers, floor layers, joiners, heating engineers, window installers, decorators and many others.
Can the automatic key and display illumination be switched off from the device?
The automatic key and display illumination can be switched off in menu item 6. If the sensor is switched off, the device no longer illuminates the keys or display.
Can the historical storage memory in the device be erased?
The historical storage memory in the device can be erased by pressing the “Clear Off” and “Storage” keys (both pressed at the same time and held for 2 seconds).
