Best laser measuring device?

[Em Tee]

Do these distos measure well on the exterior? Inside is easy because you can't point at a wall but on the exterior can a laser measure a corner wall without pointing at something? Are there any tricks to this?

You have to bounce the laser off something, but there's always a downspot, window sill, fence, something you can find. The more you get used to it, the easier it is to spot targets to bounce the laser off. I've been using only the Disto for over 5 yrs and would never go back to a tape measure (although I'm lusting after the new Distos). :laugh:

 

[Dale Smalley]

Same disto for 5 years. Gotta have the scope. very rare to use the triangulation but + and - is imporant.

 

[Smokey Bear]

Smokey Bear, thank you...I forgot that part....the kitties at my house gave the FatMax an A+ rating.

There's one dog in Daly City that's probably STILL looking for the red dot to chase, and I inspected 2 years ago. Dumb dog, but fun.

 

[Randall Garrett]

FWIW, if you can wait a few weeks (?) I would consider the NEW Disto D5. As some may know, we've had a long relationship with Leica GeoSystems (makers of the Disto and FatMax) and were the ones who designed and developed the original Bluetooth models specifically for the appraisal industry. Anyway, we've had early samples of the new D5 for a while now but could not discuss this due to typical NDA stuff. Now that the announcement has been made, I can say something about it, although I am not sure how much detail I can discuss at this moment. What I can say, however, is that the D5 is smaller & lighter than the A5 or A6 (and FatMax variants) and outperforms them by a long shot. The new design pretty much eliminates the "can't see the dot" in most cases (non-extreme examples.) Yesterday, I measured our building in bright sunlight and easily made a near-300' measurement - FAR more than than I ever have with earlier models - with no special plates, glasses, scope, etc. Additionally, the new model has an "LR" (Long Range) mode but it is not functioning yet on my prototype device. The new model is meant to replace the A5 model and will reportedly be retailed at near the former model's price, though the old model is being discounted now. That said, I'd not even consider an A5 for the savings because the issue is real world performance relative to cost IMHO.

If you need more info, let me know and I'll try to discuss what I can. Most of the senior Leica people are away at the moment (big announcement events overseas right now) so it may take a few days to get back with you on some specific items if I am not sure about being able to discuss/describe same. I believe I can post some comparison pictures between common models if that would help and I can certainly relate some real world performance stuff based upon my own use of a prototype. The retail version should be better.

Hope this helps.

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software..

/end/

 

[Doug in NC]

Don't forget to keep the ole' tape in the car. I was out this morning on one of the coldest days the NC Triangle has experienced in years and the trusty laser wouldn't work it was so cold. I think it involves the effect cold has on a battery. It worked fine though after I stored it in my pocket for about ten minutes. Might be a good idea to bring the laser device in on cold nights, instead of letting it sit in the car.

 

[Couch Potato]

That's good advice for any electronic device Doug. Not just because of some batteries losing power, but there are cases where extreme weather can cause electronics to break. If you make a short trip in your car, it might get warm enough to create a little condensation on a circuit board. Then the car cools quickly freezing that condensation and cracking the circuit board. Not a common occurrence I'm sure, but I have seen it happen. A car is no place to store electronic devices.

 

[sexton1]

I have the Disto plus with the built in bluetooth and can transfer measurements and directions to my hp and do a sketck in the field. The only time theres an issue is a property on acerage with nothing to bounce the beam off of. Another appraiser that works with me still uses the wheel. Its also nice for cutting the garage out considering most garages are used for storage and hard to manuver around in. Getting one with a scope is a must. Only draw back is on very bright days, (hard to see) another bonus is the daughter has a blast teasing the dogs with it also!

 

[FHA Steve]

I just got a Disto A6, the one that sends the measurements via Blue Tooth to the pocket PC. Is there any lower priced Pocket PC drawing programs that can be used with the Pocket PC and the Disto A6?

 

[jnordquist]

I just got a Disto A6, the one that sends the measurements via Blue Tooth to the pocket PC. Is there any lower priced Pocket PC drawing programs that can be used with the Pocket PC and the Disto A6?

I have the A6 also, I don't use the bluetooth application only becase I haven't had time to figure out how to round the measurements, apex and pocket total work fine for sketching

 

[JT1974]

I have a Disto A6 and I like it. I mainly use it to measure the clear heights in industrial buildings and to spot check measurements shown on blueprints.