FAQ

A closer look at the Disto D8

How many zoom levels does the Leica DISTO™ D8 have?

The integrated digital Pointfinder in the device has 1x, 2x and 4x zoom. You can see on the left up corner which zoom level you have selected. To change from one zoom level to the next one you have to press the “Digital Pointfinder” key.

Can the brightness in the digital Pointfinder be adjusted?

Yes, on the screen of the digital Pointfinder on top of the crosshair you see a symbol existing of a “Sun” and a “+” and “-“. By pressing the “Plus” and “Minus” key you are able to adjust the brightness in 5 steps.

Why is the laser dot on distance on short distances not centered in the crosshair?

It is the parallax effect due to the distance between the laser window and the digital Pointfinder optics. This effect occurs only when the digital Pointfinder is used on targets below 10m. In this case the laser dot appears displaced in reference to the crosshair. This is not an error !! For distances below 10m please rely on the real laser dot.

How accurate is the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D8?

The accuracy of the tilt sensor in the device is ±0.1° to the housing of the device. To the laser beam the maximum deviation can be up to -0.1° and +0.2°. This applies at room temperature (20°C - 30°C). At any other temperatures the maximum deviation increases by ±0.1°.

What units of tilts are integrated into the Leica DISTO™ D8?

You can set the Leica DISTO™ D8 to use different tilt units. Select in the menu the submenu “Units” and choose between ° , %, in/ft and mm/m.

-> The level function in the right hand top corner of the display can also be switched on/off in the submenu “level”. It is always set to 0.0° and can not be changed into a different unit for tilts.

What is the angular range of the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D8?

The integrated tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D8 functions at any angle (360°) and at a transverse tilt of < ±10°. If the device is held at > ±10° transversely, the info code “i156” appears in the display and indicates that the device is tilted too much.

Can the tilt sensor of a Leica DISTO™ D8 be calibrated by the user?

You can recalibrate the zero level of the integrated tilt sensor. In the menu there is a special point for this calibration. If you enter this submenu you will be guided through the process.

Please now proceed the following:
Put the device on a nearly horizontal flat surface (e.g.table)
1. Carry out the first measurement by pressing “ON/DIST” key on a level surface. The device confirms the measurement.
2. Rotate the device horizontally 180°.
3. Press the “=/Menu” key to confirm that the device was rotated 180°.
4. Press the “ON/DIST” key and take the second measurement. The device confirms the measurement.
-> The zero level of the tilt sensor is now calibrated

Is it possible to obtain detailed information about the measurements taken?

Yes, it is possible to obtain detailed information in the Leica DISTO™ D8 about the measurements of areas, volumes, Pythagorean and trapezoid functions, indirect measurements and triangle areas. After the measurements have been taken, keep the relevant function key pressed.
A small red triangle on the bottom left hand of the display is showing that there are 2nd Results available.

What accessories are recommended for the Leica DISTO™ D8?

Leica Tripod TRI100
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.
Target Plate
For measurement especially outdoors and in very bright conditions it is very helpful to use a target plate. We offer different versions in our accessory range.
Adaptor for attachment to the pole and the tripod (LSA360)
For using the Leica DISTO™ on a set up pole as it is used e.g. for GPS applications we recommend the use of this adaptor. The reference point for measurements is the back of the Leica DISTO™. The lateral offset of the DISTO™ on the adaptor to the center of the pole varies due to the different pole diameters. The LSA360 can also be used on the middle column of the Leica TRI100 (tripod head can be removed). Doing indirect measurements from there will increase the accuracy because laser axis of the Leica DISTO™ and tilting axis of the Leica TRI100 are both at the same height level at the back of the Leica DISTO™. The lateral offset of the LSA360 to the center of the pole depends on the diameter of the used pole (11mm pole -> 66.9mm offset, 15mm pole -> 69.2mm offset, 20mm pole -> 72mm offset, 25mm pole -> 74.9mm offset, 30mm pole -> 77.8mm offset, 35mm pole -> 80.7mm offset).

Can the Leica DISTO™ D8 also be used to measure horizontal angles?

No, the integrated tilt sensor can only measures vertical angles. If the device is held at a transverse tilt angle greater than ±10° the display shows an info code “i156”, which means that the device is required to be held level (transversely).

What is the measuring accuracy when using the indirect measuring functions including tilt sensor?

For example, if a distance of 10m is measured at an angle of 10°, the error on uncertainty on measurement on the direct horizontal distance (fd) is 3mm. If a distance of 10m is measured at an angle of 45°, the uncertainty of measurement on the direct horizontal distance (fd) is 12mm.
-> in order to have best results with the direct horizontal distance measurements, considering the deviation of the tilt sensor, use the Leica DISTO™ D8 as flat as possible.

The horizontal distance error (fd) and the height error (fh) can be calculated as follows:
fd = horizontal distance error
fh = error in height
d = measured distance
a = angle at which the distance is measured
fa = possible angular error

fd = d * cos (a) – d * cos (a + fa)
fh= d * sin (a) – d * sin (a + fa)

For further information and a table of measuring accuracies

Which customer segment would find the Leica DISTO™ D8 of most use for everyday tasks?

The Leica DISTO™ D8 is a great measurement tool for a wide range of target groups and is a superbly device especially designed for outdoor tasks and/or use to transfer data into computers. The device is particularly suitable, but of course not exclusively, for the following users: Architects, Surveyors, Facility Managers, Civil Engineer, Real Estate, General Construction, Scaffolding, Painters, Facade Workers, Joiners, Firemen, Gardening Companies, Educational Institutions, Electrical Services, Insurance Companies, Telecommunications, Police, etc.

What is the circle on the keypad above the “Bluetooth®” key?

The Leica DISTO™ D8 has a sensor to detect the brightness of the display. If the device is used outside in bright sunshine this sensor automatically adjusts the brightness for the display to save energy. Additionally an adjustment can be made in the menu. In the relevant submenu the brightness of the entire display can be adjusted in 6 steps.

Can the historical storage memory of 30 values in the device be erased?

Yes, 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.

Which batteries should I use for the Leica DISTO™ D8?

In general you can use any alkaline battery or any rechargeable batteries (2xAA). In the scope of delivery we provide high quality batteries and we recommend to use such batteries or any (NiMH) batteries. Please note that it is not allowed to use Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries in your Leica DISTO™.

Can I enter a value that is constantly added / subtracted to my measured value? (Offset)

Yes, in the “Menu” you can go to the “Offset Icon” and enter a value that will constantly be added / subtracted from your measured distance value. If an offset value is entered you will see the adequate symbol - a triangle with plus or respectively minus next to the laser symbol.
-> If you want to set the offset value back to zero, enter the menu point “Offset” and press the “Clear/Off” key.

Can I adjust / edit the constant to a number that I continuously need for further measurements?

Yes, the saved constant “C” can be adjusted to any desired number that is required. Go to the constant by pressing the “Memory” key once. Now press the “=/Menu” key long. The constant value’s background is changing to show deep grey. Now you can adjust the constant with the “Plus” and “Minus” key to any desired value. Press the “=/Menu” key short to save the new entered value. The constant “C” is now saved.

What is the Long Range (LR) Mode?

For long distances under unfavorable conditions (e.g. long distances and very bright sunlight) we recommend to use the special integrated Long Range (LR) Mode . To select the mode please enter the menu and select the “LR Mode”. If the “LR Mode” is turned on in the menu you will see the letter “LR” right next to the laser symbol. This mode will allow you to make measurements that were not possible before because most of the time you would receive the info code “i255” (too less signal). When using this special Long Range (LR) Mode the measuring time increases (it may take up to 7sec) and above 30m the maximum deviation increases to ±0.15mm/m.

How do I know if the device is still measuring in the digital Pointfinder mode?

When using the digital Pointfinder in any function, especially in the Long Range (LR) Mode, you will see a clock icon on the top of the display. The clock stays in the display until the measurement is finished. Please do not move the device before!

Can I use the profile measurement only in a horizontal line?

No, you can use this function in any horizontal position. This allows you to use the Leica DISTO™ D8 as one person operating digital level. The accuracy depends mainly on the used distance and the accuracy of the inclination sensor. For usage up to 10m on a 1.5m tripod height deviations of up to 17mm are possible. Additional deviations are possible depending on the tripod that is used (due to distance between laser axis and tilt axis of tripod), best results will be achieved by using the adaptor LSA360 on a middle column of a tripod. When using the Leica DISTO™ D8 over larger distances (>10m) we recommend to measure on a vertical target plate like e.g. the setup target plate in the scope of delivery. Please note, measure the reference point and all other points on the same height and this height is automatically compensated!

What reference do I have to enter when using the profile measurement?

After selecting this function you have first the possibility to enter a height for the reference point. This allows you to enter an absolute height that might be available of the reference point. This can either be the height of the reference point above sea level or more common a height that is based to another known reference point in a system (e.g. the reference point in level 1 is 3.503m above the reference point in level 0). For simple comparison measurements just leave it at zero.

Does the double tilt measurement with two measured distances only works on back bent objects?

No, there is no limitation regarding fore or back bent objects in using this function. The only thing is that you need to stand straight in front of the measured object (no horizontal angles are considered in calculation). This fact makes this function to one of the most versatile ones in the whole laser distance measurer industry.
- Measure the length of a pitched object (stand straight in front of the object, main result)
- Measure the pitch of the object (stand straight in front of the object, 2nd result)
- Measure the horizontal distance of two objects you can not measure direct horizontally (stand straight in front of the object, 2nd result)
- Measure the height difference of two points that are not in a vertical line (2nd result)

Can I use the Leica DISTO™ D8 to measure overhead?

Yes, with the Leica DISTO™ D8 you can measure any angle, even overhead. Only when using indirect measuring functions with tilt sensor you have to use the device in a range for angles of +/- 90°.

Which system requirements does my PC need to work with DISTO™ transfer?

Generally the Leica DISTO™ transfer works on all desktops, laptops, tablet PCs and UMPCs equipped with Microsoft Windows SE, ME, XP or Vista. Of course the computer must have a Bluetooth® interface or you have to install a Bluetooth® stick. Using an external Bluetooth® stick the computer must fulfill the requirements of the Bluetooth® stick.

Which system requirements does my PDA need to work with DISTO™ transfer?

The DISTO™ transfer works on PDAs with Bluetooth® interface as long it has Windows Mobile 2003 SE respectively 2005 or Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6.0 installed. Very good experience we have with PDA devices from HP. Of course to install DISTO™ transfer on a PDA a PC is required. On this PC Microsoft ActiveSync needs to be installed in order to download DISTO™ transfer to the PDA.

Does DISTO™ transfer support the use of Apple Mac computers?

No it doesn't. To use your Leica DISTO™ with an Apple Mac you need to buy a software from a third party developer.

Does DISTO™ transfer support the use of Palm pocket PC?

No it doesn't. To use your Leica DISTO™ with a Palm you need to buy a software from a third party developer.

Does DISTO™ transfer support the use of mobile phone like Blackberry or Smart phone with Windows Mobile 6.0?

DISTO™ transfer does not work on mobile phones except of Smart phones with Windows Mobile 6.0. Please note that these Smart phone only have a reduced version of Excel which limits the comfort for use with the Leica DISTO™. Another limiting factor is the T9 predictive text technology.

What is DISTO™ transfer and how does this work?

DISTO™ transfer is a program which once started is running in the background. Data which are send from a Leica DISTO™ device are collected by the transfer software and this simulates a keyboard entry to the active window. So the value will be transferred in any application window that is active in the position of the cursor. This very versatile procedure that you can use your Leica DISTO™ with almost every Windows application. You only need to select the format you want to receive the data (with units, enter (in Excel the cursor jumps to the cell below), tabulator (in Excel® the cursor jumps to the cell to the right)).

Which limitations does the Bluetooth® technology have for the use with Leica DISTO™?

Bluetooth® is a standard for wireless data transfer. The Leica DISTO™ is working with Bluetooth® class 2 which allows to transfer data to a computer in a range of 0,3 and 10m (so do not put the Leica DISTO™ on your computer because the connection might drop off). The maximum range will not be achieved if you want to transfer data e.g. through walls. You also have to take care that the connection remains between the measurements. If the connection drops and you are coming back into the specified range the connection will be build up again after a few seconds. If you are transferring data when the units are not connected you will receive an error message i240. In this case wait for the reconnection and send the data again. Generally problems with connectivity can occur when you are working with many WIFI devices working at the same time (e.g. hotel lobbies, meeting or seminar rooms, ...)

Which Bluetooth® driver are supported by Leica DISTO™ transfer PC?

Leica DISTO™ transfer PC supports directly the Bluetooth® driver from Microsoft® and Broadcom® (Widcomm-driver). If your computer is working with a different driver you can uninstall it (Control panel -> Remove programs) and restart your computer. Follow the instruction to install the recommended Microsoft® driver. Alternatively you can start the program Leica DISTO™ transfer – Bluetooth install. Further instructions and the name of the installed driver are displayed in a new window. Click for using a virtual Bluetooth COM-interface. Use the Bluetooth manager to create the connection (pair). If you are asked to enter a code please type in the field „0000“. The connection between the Leica DISTO™ and your PC should be established automatically each time you are starting Leica DISTO™ transfer.

Can I use the DISTO™ transfer program together with more than one Leica DISTO™?

Yes. You have to start the Bluetooth® setup with all instruments switched on (Bluetooth® also on). All DISTO™s will be displayed with the corresponding com-port it will be connected to. You have now to start DISTO™ transfer multiple times and each transfer will connect to a different DISTO™. please note that from all transfer programs the data will be transferred in the active window.

Can I use my Leica DISTO™ together with AutoCAD®?

Yes. During the installation of Leica DISTO™ transfer PC it will be checked whether you are having an AutoCAD® installation on your computer. If this is the case an AutoCAD® plugIn will be installed. This plugIn enables you to draw layouts by using the navigation keys and by transfering measurement data from the Leica DISTO™ to the PC. If you are using the angle tracking function on the Leica DISTO™ D8 AutoCAD® calculates the horizontal distance each time for the layout. If the measured angle is >75° the distance is interpreted as a height and the calculated vertical height is added to the drawing. When going into 3D display mode in AutoCAD® you can see the 3D layout. Please note that the transferred height is only used for the current measurement chain.

How can I install the AutoCAD® PlugIn subsequently?

When you are starting the Leica DISTO™ transfer program it will be checked whether there is a AutoCAD® installation on the computer. If this is the case the plugIn will be installed automatically.

How do I start the AutoCAD® PlugIn?

Start the AutoCAD® program and type the command „leicadisto“ into the command line of AutoCAD® . Leica DISTO™ transfer will automatically be started.

Which other software is available to use with my Leica DISTO™ D8?

There are numerous provider of specific software which supports Leica DISTO™ existing. The combination of a good software and Leica DISTO™ only make the real customer benefit. A list with third party software developer that are known by us you can find on our webpage http://www.leica-geosystems.com/cpd/en/support/lgs_4777.htm

How can I get one extra year of warranty for the Leica DISTO™ D8?

Leica's standard warranty of 2 years can be extended by one additional year if you register your device within eight weeks of the purchase date. If the product is not registered, a two year warranty applies.

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