Disto D810 Review

[Mike Ault]

On my D5, the most frequent error code is 255 - Receiver signal too weak, measurement time too long, distance > 100 meters.

This happens because the sun is too bright, the surface is too rough and/or not reflective enough, or I am moving the D5 too much (not steady enough) for ambient light conditions.

Recommended solution? Use target plate.

The distance is never greater than 100 meters!

As you know, signal strength follows the inverse square law and anything that interferes with transmission or reception also affects the signal strength.

Oh yes, I forgot about good old error code 255 - every time I got one of those it was operator error, exceeding the design capabilities of the D5 device. These error codes I'm experiencing with the 330i are different than those and my nephew that is using the same model is also getting the same error codes, error code 240 appears to be Bluetooth related and I'm not sure what generates error code 220 (by far the most frequent on both of our Disto 330's). You can always clear those error codes and go about your business in short order however it is a minor irritant to have to reboot the device and reestablish a Bluetooth connection to your tablet before proceeding. I wouldn't mind dropping some coin on the latest, greatest Disto model as long as I'm not losing some of my day-to-day functionality along the way hence my curiosity on the 910 model.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

The S910 is most usable / functional with tripod and mount. I have the kit; Leica FTA360-S tripod Adapter, the Leica TRI 70 tripod and the Leica GZM3 target plate.

I have yet to receive an error code due to normal operation using the @910.

I don't use a disto all the time because some jobs are extremely fast with dragging a tape. Some jobs are faster using both dragging a tape and the D5. Some jobs can't be done by tape or D5; either guess at the dimension, angles or use the S910.

The S910 can measure angles.

 

[TRESinc]

Can't see the screen in bright sun, can't see the red dot in bright sun, and if target too small to hold steady for use of camera with the D5, so either pull out the tape or use the S910 on the tripod.

different strokes for different folks. i have never had the problems you speak of with the exception of the sun/screen, but that is easily remedied by using my body to shield the sun if need be.

 

[Mike Ault]

Some jobs can't be done by tape or D5; either guess at the dimension, angles or use the S910.

Or use the old tried-and-true "count the bricks" measurement method.....

 

[John Fisher]

The prices on these things are crazy. I bought this one from Amazon for $70 and it works great: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UYAOC4G/?tag=realestatappraat

It replaced a Stanley Fat Max that I got at Home Depot for a hundred bucks about 8 years ago, that didn't really need replacing, but didn't have the pythagoras function. Now that I've seen the pythagras function in action, I just keep a handheld in my bag for the odd wall here or there with nowhere to bounce the laser.

I also ordered the $12 laser glasses that I have used a few times, but usually don't need. Between the glasses and the laser measure, it's 82 dollars will suit most residential appraiser's just fine, in my opinion.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

Or use the old tried-and-true "count the bricks" measurement method.....

Yeah? On stucco?

 

[RickM]

I become more fond of my D810 everyday, and if no else has noticed you can buy one on e-bay for a lot less than retail.