STABILA LD 520 Laser Distance Measurer

Introduction

The safety instructions and the user manual should be read through carefully before the product is used for the first time. The person responsible for the product must ensure that all users understand these directions and adhere to them.

The symbols used have the following meanings:

Overview

The STABILA LD 520 is a laser distance measurer. The device features a display, an 'On/Measure' button, a 'Pointfinder (Viewscreen)', navigation buttons, and a 'Clear / Off' button. The display shows measurements and status information. The Pointfinder acts as a digital viewfinder for aiming. Navigation buttons are used for menu selection and adjustments. The 'Clear / Off' button is used to clear entries or turn off the device. Selection keys, located below the display, are linked to symbols shown on the screen for functions like 'Function screen', 'Return / Equal', and 'Add / Subtract'.

Instrument Set-up

Basic Measuring Screen

The basic measuring screen displays:

• Status bar: Shows device status, battery level ?, and other indicators.
• Main line: Displays the primary measurement result.
• Active function: Indicates the currently active measurement mode.
• Favorites: Quick access to user-defined functions.

Selection Screen

The selection screen is used to navigate through functions and settings. It includes:

• Page indicator: Shows the current page in a menu.
• Function / Settings: Access to the main menu and configuration options.
• Settings: Direct access to device settings.
• Help function: Access to help information.

Pointfinder (Viewscreen)

The Pointfinder provides a magnified view for precise aiming:

• Zoom stage: Allows adjustment of magnification (e.g., 1x).
• Crosshair: The central aiming point.
• Illumination adjustment: Controlled using left and right navigation keys.
• Active function: Displays the current mode.
• Favorites: Quick access buttons.

The Pointfinder allows the device to measure even when the laser dot is not directly visible on the target, by showing the target in the middle of the crosshair. Be aware of parallax errors on close targets where the laser dot might appear displaced from the crosshair; in such cases, rely on the real laser dot.

Insert Batteries

To insert batteries:

1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Insert two AA batteries, observing correct polarity.
3. Close the battery compartment.

Operations

Switching ON/OFF

Press the 'ON' button to switch the device on. The device is turned OFF by pressing and holding the 'C / OFF' button for 2 seconds. If no key is pressed for 180 seconds, the device switches off automatically to save power.

Clear

The 'C' button can be used to undo the last action or clear entries. Pressing 'C / OFF' twice leaves the current function and returns to the default operation mode.

Message Codes

If an info icon ℹ️ appears with a number, consult the 'Message Codes' section for details and corrections. For example, an 'Error' message that persists after repeated power cycles may require contacting the dealer.

Multifunctional Endpiece

The orientation of the multifunctional endpiece is automatically detected, and the zero point is adjusted accordingly. This allows for measurements from different edges or surfaces.

Permanent / Minimum-Maximum Measuring

This function allows continuous measurement to find the minimum (min.) and maximum (max.) distances within a measured area. The minimum and maximum values are displayed, while the last measured value is shown on the main line. This is useful for measuring room diagonals (maximum values) or horizontal distances (minimum values). Pressing the 'ON' button again stops this mode.

Add / Subtract

This function allows you to add or subtract measurements. For example:

1. Perform the first measurement (e.g., 7.332 m).
2. Press the '+' button to add the next measurement. The device shows the cumulative sum (e.g., 7.332 m + next measurement).
3. Press the '-' button to subtract the next measurement. The device shows the cumulative difference.
4. After performing multiple additions or subtractions, press '=' to finalize the result (e.g., 20.179 m).

This process can be repeated for areas or volumes as well.

Pointfinder (Viewscreen)

The integrated Pointfinder (viewscreen) is a valuable tool for outdoor measuring, showing the target on the display. It ensures the device measures at the center of the crosshair, even if the laser dot is not visible. Be aware of potential parallax errors on close targets, where the laser dot might appear displaced from the crosshair. In such cases, rely on the real laser dot for accuracy.

Settings

Overview

Access the Settings menu by pressing the 'FUNC' button, then navigating to the settings icon ⚙️. The following settings can be configured:

• Tilt units
• Distance units
• Beep ON/OFF
• Digital level ON/OFF
• Keypad lock ?
• Bluetooth® ?
• Tilt calibration
• Favorites ⭐
• Illumination ?
• Offset ?
• Reset ?
• Information ℹ️

Tilt Units

To set the tilt units:

1. Navigate to 'Tilt units' in the settings menu.
2. Press the '=' button to enter the selection.
3. Use the navigation keys to cycle through available units (e.g., 360.0°, ±180.0°, ±90.0° for angles; 0.00%, 0.0 mm/m, 0.00 in/ft for slope).
4. Press '=' to confirm the setting.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit settings.

Distance Units

To set the distance units:

1. Navigate to 'Distance units' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the selection.
3. Use the navigation keys to select desired units (e.g., m, ft, in, mm, fractions like 0'00" 1/32).
4. Press '=' to confirm the setting.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit settings.

Beep ON/OFF

Toggle the audible beep function ?:

1. Navigate to 'Beep' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select ON or OFF.
4. Press '=' to confirm.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit.

Digital Level ON/OFF

Activate or deactivate the digital level indicator displayed in the status bar:

1. Navigate to 'Digital level' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select ON or OFF.
4. Press '=' to confirm.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit.

De-/Activate Keylock

The keylock ? prevents accidental button presses:

1. Navigate to 'Keypad lock' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select ON (lock) or OFF (unlock).
4. Press '=' to confirm.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit.

Switch on with Keylock

If the keylock is active, press 'ON' and then the '+' button within 2 seconds to switch the device on.

De-/Activate Bluetooth Smart

Enable or disable the Bluetooth Smart function ? for data transfer:

1. Navigate to 'Bluetooth®' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select ON or OFF.
4. Press '=' to confirm.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit.

Default mode: Bluetooth is switched on. A Bluetooth icon ? will appear in the status line if the device is connected. The device can connect to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Measurements can be automatically transferred. Bluetooth switches off when the laser distance meter is switched off. The Bluetooth Smart module (V4.0) works with compatible devices. Apps for Android® or iOS can be found in online shops. STABILA is not liable for free software or upgrades and does not provide corrections.

Calibration of Tilt Sensor (Tilt Calibration)

Calibrate the tilt sensor for accurate angle measurements:

1. Navigate to 'Tilt calibration' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to start the calibration.
3. Place the device on an absolutely flat surface.
4. Press 'ON' to confirm the first position.
5. Turn the device horizontally by 180° and place it again on the same flat surface.
6. Press 'ON' to confirm the second position.
7. After 2 seconds, the device returns to basic mode, indicating successful calibration.

Personalized Favorites

Set up quick access to frequently used functions:

1. Navigate to 'Favorites' (⭐ icon) in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the favorite selection screen.
3. Use the left/right selection keys to choose a favorite function.
4. Press the corresponding selection key to assign the function.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit settings.

Short cut: Press and hold a selection-key for 2 seconds in measuring mode to access a favorite function.

Illumination

Adjust the display brightness:

1. Navigate to 'Illumination' (? icon) in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select the desired brightness level (e.g., 1/6 to 6/6).
4. Press '=' to confirm.
5. Press 'C / OFF' to exit settings.

Offset

The offset function adds or subtracts a specified value automatically to or from all measurements. This is useful for accounting for tolerances. The offset icon ? will be displayed when active.

1. Navigate to 'Offset' in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select the digit to adjust.
4. Use navigation keys to adjust the value (e.g., 1.012 m).
5. Press '=' to approve the value.
6. Press 'C / OFF' to exit settings.

Reset

Reset the instrument to factory settings:

1. Navigate to 'Reset' (? icon) in the settings menu.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. A confirmation prompt will appear. Press 'X' ❌ to refuse or '✔️' (ON button) to confirm.
4. Press 'C / OFF' to exit settings.

Functions

Overview

The LD 520 offers a variety of functions, including:

• Timer ⏱️
• Calculator ?
• Adjusting measuring reference/tripod
• Memory ?
• Single Distance Measurement ?
• Smart Horizontal Mode
• Inclination Tracking
• Area ?
• Volume ㎥
• Triangle area
• Long Range Mode (LR)
• Height-profile Measurement
• Sloped objects
• Height Tracking
• Trapezium
• Stake out
• Pythagoras I (2-point)
• Pythagoras II (3-point)

Timer

Set a release time for measurements:

1. Navigate to 'Timer' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the setting.
3. Use navigation keys to select the release time (e.g., 30 sec, 5 sec, 2 sec, Off).
4. Press '=' to confirm.

Calculator

Use the built-in calculator for further calculations:

1. Navigate to 'Calculator' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the function.
3. Use the keypad to input numbers and operations. The measurement result from the main line can be taken over.
4. Use selection keys for clearing or confirming results.

Adjusting Measuring Reference/Tripod

Set the reference point for measurements:

• Standard setting: Distance is measured from the rear of the device.
• Front setting: Distance is measured from the front of the device (lock symbol ? = permanently).
• Tripod thread: Distance is measured from the tripod thread permanently.

Press '=' to confirm the setting. If the device is switched off, the reference automatically reverts to the standard setting (rear of the device).

Memory

Store and recall measurements:

1. Navigate to 'Memory' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the memory view.
3. Use Up/Down navigation keys to switch between stored measurements.
4. Press 'Delete memory' to remove an entry.
5. Press 'Take over value' to use a stored measurement for further actions.

Measuring Single Distance

Perform a basic distance measurement:

1. Navigate to 'Single Distance Measurement' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Press 'ON' to aim the active laser at the target.
4. Press 'ON' again to take the measurement. The result (e.g., 8.532 m) is displayed.

Smart Horizontal Mode

Measure horizontally with automatic tilt compensation:

1. Navigate to 'Smart Horizontal Mode' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Press 'ON' to aim the laser at the target.
4. The device displays horizontal distance (x), vertical distance (y), and tilt angle (z) (e.g., 40.8° α, 5.204 m x, 0.032 m y, 4.827 m z). This mode supports up to 360° and a transverse tilt of ±10°.

Inclination Tracking

Continuously display the inclination:

1. Navigate to 'Inclination tracking' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Place the device on a surface or tripod.
4. The inclination is permanently displayed (e.g., 89.3°). The device beeps at 0° and 90°, making it ideal for horizontal or vertical adjustments.

Area

Calculate the area of a rectangular or irregular shape:

1. Navigate to 'Area' (? icon) via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Press 'ON' and aim the laser at the first target point.
4. Press 'ON' again to record the first distance (e.g., 6.228 m).
5. Press 'ON' and aim the laser at the second target point.
6. Press 'ON' again to record the second distance (e.g., 3.910 m).
7. The device calculates and displays the circumference (e.g., 20.276 m) and the area (e.g., 24.352 m²).

Volume

Calculate the volume of a space:

1. Navigate to 'Volume' (㎥ icon) via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Press 'ON' and aim at the first target point. Press 'ON' to record the first distance (e.g., 5.744 m).
4. Press 'ON' and aim at the second target point. Press 'ON' to record the second distance (e.g., 2.338 m).
5. Press 'ON' and aim at the third target point. Press 'ON' to record the third distance (e.g., 2.431 m).
6. The device displays the ceiling/floor area (e.g., 13.430 m²), wall areas (e.g., 39.300 m²), circumference (e.g., 16.164 m), and the final volume (e.g., 32.653 m³).

Use Up/Down navigation keys to show more results.

Triangular Area

Calculate the area of a triangle:

1. Navigate to 'Triangular area' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim at the first target point and press 'ON' (e.g., 4.248 m).
4. Aim at the second target point and press 'ON' (e.g., 4.129 m).
5. Aim at the third target point and press 'ON' (e.g., 2.425 m).
6. The device displays the first distance, second distance, third distance, and the triangular area (e.g., 4.855 m²). It also shows the angle between the first and second measurement (e.g., 33.60°) and the circumference (e.g., 10.802 m).

Use Up/Down navigation keys to show more results. Switch off Pointfinder if activated.

Long Range Mode

The Long Range Mode (LR) is designed for measuring difficult targets in unfavorable conditions, such as bright ambient light or poor target reflectivity. The measuring time may increase. An 'LR' icon in the status line indicates when this function is active.

Height-Profile Measurement

Measure height differences relative to a reference point:

1. Navigate to 'Height-profile measurement' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim at the reference point (REF) and press 'ON'.
4. Aim at additional points (1-x) and press 'ON' for each.
5. The device displays the horizontal distance (d) to the device (e.g., 2.042 m) and the height difference (h) to the reference point (e.g., 0.054 m).

Press 'C / OFF' to exit the function.

Sloped Objects

Measure lengths and slopes of objects:

1. Navigate to 'Sloped objects' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim laser at the upper target point and press 'ON'.
4. Aim laser at the lower target point and press 'ON'.
5. The device displays the P2 angle (e.g., 11.00°), P2 distance (e.g., 30.367 m), vertical height between points (e.g., -3.440 m), and distance between points (e.g., 5.452 m).
6. Additional results include the included angle between both points (e.g., 39.10°) and the horizontal distance between both points (e.g., -4.230 m).

Use Up/Down navigation keys to show more results. Switch off Pointfinder if activated.

Height Tracking

Measure heights of buildings or trees without suitable reflective points:

1. Navigate to 'Height tracking' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim laser at the lower point and press 'ON'.
4. Aim laser at upper points and angle/height tracking starts automatically.
5. The device displays tracking angle (α), tracking height (y), and distance (x, z). For example: -10.55° α, 6.271 m P0, 29.89° β (tracking angle if device is on tripod), 3.475 m y (tracking height if device is on tripod).
6. Press 'ON' to stop height tracking. The final results are displayed (e.g., -10.55°, 6.271 m, 44.80°, 8.478 m).

Use Up/Down navigation keys to show more results. Switch off Pointfinder if activated.

Trapezium

Calculate the area of a trapezium:

1. Navigate to 'Trapezium' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim laser at the upper point and press 'ON'.
4. Aim laser at the 2nd point and press 'ON'.
5. The device displays height (h, e.g., 13.459 m), y (e.g., 16.440 m), β (e.g., 70.80°), x (e.g., 5.790 m).
6. The trapezium area is displayed (e.g., 78.383 m²) along with angle α (e.g., 20.9°).

Use Up/Down navigation keys to show more results. Switch off Pointfinder if activated.

Stake Out

Mark off defined measured lengths:

1. Navigate to 'Stake out' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Enter the first distance 'a' (e.g., 1.012 m) using the digit selection and adjustment keys. Press '=' to approve value 'a'.
4. Enter the second distance 'b' (e.g., 0.625 m) using the digit selection and adjustment keys. Press '=' to approve value 'b'.
5. Move the device slowly along the stake-out line. The distance to the next stake-out point is displayed (e.g., 0.240 m is missing up to the next 0.625 m distance).
6. The 'Next stake out distance' is shown (e.g., 0.625 m).

Pythagoras (2-point)

Calculate indirect horizontal measurements using two points:

1. Navigate to 'Pythagoras I (2-point)' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim laser at the first target and press 'ON'.
4. Aim laser at the second target and press 'ON'.
5. The results are shown in the main line (e.g., 25.133 m, 21.383 m, 13.207 m).

Pythagoras (3-point)

Calculate indirect horizontal measurements using three points:

1. Navigate to 'Pythagoras II (3-point)' via the 'FUNC' button.
2. Press '=' to enter the mode.
3. Aim laser at the first target and press 'ON'.
4. Aim laser at the second target and press 'ON'.
5. Aim laser at the third target and press 'ON'.
6. The results are shown in the main line (e.g., 24.298 m, 21.264 m, 23.018 m, 20.571 m).

Technical Data

* applies for 100 % target reflectivity (white painted wall), low background illumination, 25 °C

** applies for 10 to 100 % target reflectivity, high background illumination, - 10 °C to + 50 °C

*** Tolerances apply from 0.05 m to 10 m with a confidence level of 95%. The maximum tolerance may deteriorate to 0.1 mm/m between 10 m to 30 m, to 0.20 mm/m between 30 m to 100 m and to 0.30 mm/m for distances above 100 m

**** applies for 100 % target reflectivity, background illumination of approximately 30'000 lux

***** after user calibration. Additional angle related deviation of +/- 0.01° per degree up to +/-45° in each quadrant. Applies at room temperature. For the whole operating temperature range the maximum deviation increases by +/-0.1°.

Functions Supported

Message Codes

If the message 'Error' does not disappear after switching on the device repeatedly, contact the dealer. If the message 'Info' appears with a number, press the Clear button and observe the instructions.

Care

• Clean the device with a damp, soft cloth.
• Never immerse the device in water.
• Never use aggressive cleaning agents or solvents.

Warranty

STABILA provides a two-year warranty for the product. Further information can be found on the Internet at: www.stabila.de.

Safety Instructions

The person responsible for the instrument must ensure that all users understand these directions and adhere to them.

Areas of Responsibility

Responsibilities of the manufacturer of the original equipment:

STABILA Messgeräte Gustav Ullrich GmbH
P.O. Box 13 40 / D-76851 Annweiler
Landauer Str. 45 / D-76855 Annweiler

USA/Canada:

STABILA Inc.
332 Industrial Drive
South Elgin, IL 60177
1.800.869.7460

The company above is responsible for supplying the product, including the User Manual in a completely safe condition. The company above is not responsible for third party accessories.

Responsibilities of the person in charge of the instrument:

• To understand the safety instructions on the product and the instructions in the User Manual.
• To be familiar with local safety regulations relating to accident prevention.

General Safety Precautions

• Always prevent access to the product by unauthorised personnel.

Permitted Use

• Measuring distances
• Tilt measurement
• Data transfer with Bluetooth® ?

Prohibited Use

• Using the product without instruction
• Using outside the stated limits
• Deactivation of safety systems and removal of explanatory and hazard labels
• Opening of the equipment by using tools (screwdrivers, etc.)
• Carrying out modification or conversion of the product
• Use of accessories from other manufacturers without express approval
• Deliberate dazzling of third parties; also in the dark
• Inadequate safeguards at the surveying site (e.g. when measuring on roads, construction sites, etc.)
• Deliberate or irresponsible behaviour on scaffolding, when using ladders, when measuring near machines which are running or near parts of machines or installations which are unprotected
• Aiming directly in the sun

Hazards in Use

Limits of Use

Disposal

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

FCC Statement (applicable in U.S.)

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: The radiated RF output power of the instrument is below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits for portable devices according to KDB 447498.

ISED Statement (applicable in Canada)

Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance Statement: The radiated RF output power of the instrument is below the Health Canada's Safety Code 6 exclusion limit for portable devices (radiated element separation distance between the radiating element and user and/or bystander is below 20 cm).

Use of the product with Bluetooth® ?

Laser Classification

The device produces visible laser beams, which are emitted from the instrument. It is a Class 2 laser product in accordance with: IEC60825-1 : 2014 „Radiation safety of laser products“.

Laser Class 2 products: Do not stare into the laser beam or direct it towards other people unnecessarily. Eye protection is normally afforded by aversion responses including the blink reflex.

Technical Specifications:

Labelling

The device carries various labels and symbols indicating compliance and safety information, including:

• CE marking
• Laser Class 2 symbol
• ISO16331-1 compliance
• FCC ID: RFF-LD4ST
• IC: 3177A-LD4ST
• Bluetooth® SMART logo
• Model: LD 520
• Manufacturer details: STABILA, Landauer Str. 45, D-76855 Annweiler, Germany
• Power: 2 x AA batteries
• Made in Hungary

Subject to change (drawings, descriptions and technical data) without prior notice.

Contact Information

STABILA Messgeräte Gustav Ullrich GmbH
P.O. Box 13 40 / D-76851 Annweiler
Landauer Str. 45 / D-76855 Annweiler
Tel.: 00 49 (0) 63 46 / 309 - 0
Fax: 00 49 (0) 63 46 / 309 - 480
E-mail: info@stabila.de
Website: www.stabila.de

STABILA Inc. (USA/Canada)
332 Industrial Drive
South Elgin, IL 60177
1.800.869.7460
Website: www.stabila.com