DISTO FAQ’s
1.
WHAT IS THE ZERO POINT OF THE DISTO AND HOW DO I CHANGE IT?
All DISTO models measure from the back of the unit as default.
You change the reference or “Zero point” by pressing the reference button on the bottom left corner just above the CLEAR/OFF button. All
Disto models provide a visual reference to the active reference point in the left side of the display.
2.
WHAT DO THE PLUS AND MINUS BUTTONS DO?
These buttons allow you to add and subtract straight line, square units and volume units.
You can not add or subtract units of different types. ie. area minus volume will not work. The A5, A6, A8 incorporate the EQUALS button just
like on your calculator. To operate, take a measurement, press the PLUS button, measure the next length, press PLUS or EQUALS for the
total. You can continuously add multiple measurements as well.
3.
WHAT DOES THE TIMER BUTTON DO?
The timer allows the DISTO to automatically take a measurement from 5-60 seconds in the future. It
is generally used on long distance measurements were the DISTO is mounted on a tripod and any movement of the DISTO will move the laser
off of the target. The timer button also allows you to position the DISTO in a difficult location either manually or mounted on a pole without
having to manually press the DIST key to record a measurement. Press once for 5 seconds or hold to scroll up to 60. Press the DIST key and
the countdown begins. DISTO beeps on the last 5 seconds as an alert to measurement.
4.
WHY AM I HAVING TROUBLE GETTING ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS USING THE PYTHAGRAS FUNCTION?
For the most accurate
measurements you need to ensure the following. First, always make sure you are measuring on a flat surface and on the same horizontal or
vertical line or plane. If the surface is not flat or you measure on a different plane, the lines are then artificially increased or decreased resulting
in inaccurate results. Second, make sure the right angle portion of the measurement is indeed a right angle. The DISTO can make use of the
continuous measurement function to determine maximum and minimum (the shortest point between you and the object is a right angle) lengths.
See the instruction manual for this technique. Lastly, the DISTO needs to rotate around the active reference point selected. The most accurate
results are achieved by mounting the DISTO on a tripod. If that is not available, hold the DISTO against a stationary object or against your
chest and rotate the DISTO, not your body.
5.
HOW DO I CHANGE THE UNITS?
On the DISTO A2 and A3 press the UNITS button until a beep is sounded and the units change. You will
have to repeat this process to cycle through the various modes. On the DISTO A5, A6, A6, press the MENU to enter and toggle through the
options. Press the EQUALS button to enter the mode and PLUS or MINUS to cycle the available units. Press the EQUALS button again to
enter the selected units as default. All measurements in the memory will also change to reflect the new unit of measure.
6.
DOES MY DISTO HAVE A MEMORY?
The DISTO A3, A5, A6, A8 have a stacked memory and contain the last 19-30 measurements
depending on your model. Press the MEMORY button 1X on the A3 and 2X on the A5, A6, A8 followed by the PLUS button to cycle through
the last measurements taken.
7.
CAN I USE ITEMS IN THE MEMORY IN NEW CALCULATIONS?
Yes, find the item you want in the memory and then press the EQUAL
button on the A5, A6, A8 to bring the value into the display at the active location. You can pull in straight line measurements to area, volume,
and Pythagoras functions. You an also add, and subtract units of the same type.
8.
WHAT DOES INFO 255 MEAN?
Your DISTO is not able to “See” the laser and calculate a distance. You are either too far, failed to hit a
target, or the surface has no reflective ability. Move closer, confirm your aim, or, consider using a reflective target plate for long distance shots.
9.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD TARGET?
Leica has target plates available to purchase. At shorter distances a light colored piece of paper can also
work. Generally, anything that is reflective or more reflective than the surrounding area.
10.
WHAT SURFACES ARE DIFFICULT TO MEASURE?
Tree bark, asphalt shingles, carpet, glass.
