Johnson LDM150 150' Laser Distance Meter

Introduction

Congratulations on your choice of this Laser Distance Meter. We suggest you read this instruction manual thoroughly before using the instrument and save this instruction manual for future use.

This is a Class II laser tool and is manufactured to comply with CRF 21, parts 1040.10 and 1040.11 as well as international safety rule IEC 285. The laser also complies with EMC Test according to EN61000-6-3; 2001+A11:2004, EN 6100-6-1:2011, EN 6100-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN 60825, FCC Test according to PART 15.

©2018 Johnson Level & Tool

Table of Contents

This manual is organized into the following sections:

1. Kit Contents
2. Features and Functions
3. Safety Instructions
4. Location/Content of Warning Labels
5. Location of Parts/Components
6. Battery Installation
7. Operating Instructions
8. Tips from the Pros
9. Care and Handling
10. Troubleshooting Guide
11. Technical Specifications
12. Product Warranty
13. Warranty Registration
14. Accessories

1. Kit Contents

2. Features and Functions

• Four (4) measurement modes: Length (Single or Continuous), Area, Volume and 2-Point Pythagoras.
• Displays in English or metric units with decimals or fractions (English units only).
• ISO 16331-1 tested* to typical accuracy of +/- 1/16" (0.0625", or 1.5mm).
• High-speed microprocessor for quick, accurate calculations.
• IP 54 protection – sealed from dust and rainwater.

* This tool is tested in accordance with ISO 16331-1 “Laboratory procedures for testing surveying and construction instruments – Part 1: Performance of handheld laser distance meters." This standard is used to calculate accuracy under varying ambient lighting conditions. For more detailed test results, see the Technical Specifications section of this operator's manual.

3. Safety Instructions

Please read and understand all of the following instructions, prior to using this tool. Failure to do so, may void the warranty.

• Read all instructions prior to operating this laser tool. Do not remove any labels from tool.
• Do not stare directly at the laser beam.
• Do not project the laser beam directly into the eyes of others.
• Do not set up laser tool at eye level or operate the tool near a reflective surface as the laser beam could be projected into your eyes or into the eyes of others.
• Do not place the laser tool in a manner that may cause someone to unintentionally look into the laser beam. Serious eye injury may result.
• Do not operate the tool in explosive environments, i.e. in the presence of gases or flammable liquids.
• Keep the laser tool out of the reach of children and other untrained persons.
• Do not attempt to view the laser beam through optical tools such as telescopes as serious eye injury may result.
• Always turn the laser tool off when not in use or left unattended for a period of time.
• Remove the batteries when storing the tool for an extended time (more than 3 months) to avoid damage to the tool should the batteries deteriorate.
• Do not attempt to repair or disassemble the laser tool. If unqualified persons attempt to repair this tool, warranty will be void.
• Use only original Johnson® parts and accessories purchased from your Johnson® authorized dealer. Use of non-Johnson® parts and accessories will void warranty.

4. Location/Content of Warning Labels

The Laser Distance Meter (LDM) features several warning labels and indicators:

Device Labels:

• CAUTION Label: Typically located on the device, it reiterates laser safety warnings, including "LASER RADIATION," "DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM," and "CLASS II LASER PRODUCT." It also lists compliance information such as 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, and manufacturer details.
• FCC/IC Compliance: Labels indicating compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) regulations.

Error Code Label:

The LDM may return an error code during use, as indicated by the display showing "ERR X," where "X" represents a number from 1 to 6. The error codes are as follows:

1. Laser Range: The measurement distance is outside the range listed in the specifications.
2. Weak Signal: The reflected laser signal is too weak, either due to high ambient lighting at the target or poor target reflectivity.
3. Display Range: The measurement distance, area or volume exceeds the number of units the display is capable of showing.
4. Low Battery: The batteries need to be replaced.
5. Temperature: The tool is either above the maximum or below the minimum safe operating temperature range.
6. Ambient Light: The tool is being used in too bright of an environment to operate properly.

QR Code: A QR code is present on the device. Use a smartphone to scan this code to be taken directly to Johnson Level & Tool's Operator's Manual page online.

5. Location of Parts/Components

The Laser Distance Meter (LDM) has several key components:

• LCD Screen: Displays measurements, settings, and status information.
• Measure Button [measure-button]:
  • Press for: Power on, Measure.
  • Press and hold for: Continuous mode.
• Subtraction Button [minus-button]: Used for measurement subtraction and other functions.
• Functions / Sound Button [functions-button]:
  • Press for: Area measurement, Volume measurement, Indirect/2-Point Pythagoras measurement.
  • Press and hold for: Sound (High, Low, Off).
• Power Button [power-button]:
  • Press for: Power on, Set units of measurement.
  • Press and hold for: Power off.
• Addition Button [plus-button]: Used for measurement addition and other functions.
• Reference Button [info-button]: Press to adjust the measurement reference point.
• Laser Receiving Window: The sensor that receives the reflected laser beam.
• Laser Emitted Window: The aperture from which the laser beam is projected.

6. Battery Installation

To install batteries in the Laser Distance Meter:

1. Remove the battery cover by lifting the cover straight up from the bottom of the Laser Distance Meter, as indicated by an upward arrow [up-arrow].
2. Insert 2 "AAA" batteries into the battery compartment according to the polarity illustrated inside.
3. Replace the battery cover.

Current Battery Status

To check the current battery life, press and hold both the [measure-button] and [plus-button] simultaneously for one second. The battery icon will display on the LCD screen for approximately 10 seconds.

When the batteries are low, the battery icon will automatically display.

Battery Status Indicators:

• Battery has 100% power
• Battery has approximately 60% power
• Battery has approximately 25% power
• Battery has approximately 5% power, and new batteries are needed

Notes:

• Use only alkaline batteries.
• Remove the batteries when storing the instrument for an extended time (more than 3 months) to avoid damage to the tool should the batteries deteriorate.

7. Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the user to ensure proper maintenance of the Laser Distance Meter. Conduct periodic test measurements to ensure the instrument is measuring accurately and consistently. This is most important if the instrument has been exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Always confirm accuracy before and during important measurements. Keep the Laser Distance Meter optic lens clean and inspect for damage. The Laser Distance Meter is designed to withstand a drop from 3 feet (1 meter). If dropped from a higher distance, the tool's calibration may be affected and it should be tested for accuracy.

Power On/Off the Laser Distance Meter

Press either the [power-button] or the [measure-button] to power on the instrument.

Press and hold the [power-button] to power off the instrument.

Automatic Shutoff

The laser will turn off after remaining idle for 2 minutes. Press the [measure-button] to re-enable the laser.

The unit will turn off after remaining idle for 5 minutes.

8. Measuring Modes and Functions

Volume Control

The Laser Distance Meter has three volume settings: high, low, and off. When the instrument is powered on, it will default to the most recently used volume setting.

To change the volume setting, press and hold the [functions-button]. The unit will cycle through the three settings (S1 = high, S-2 = low, Off = mute) until you release the button.

Measuring Modes

The Laser Distance Meter has 4 measuring modes. When the instrument is powered on, it will default to the Length measuring mode.

1. Length (Single or Continuous)
2. Area/Square
3. Volume/Cube
4. 2-Point Pythagoras

To select a mode, press the [functions-button]. When there is no measuring mode icon shown near the top left of the LCD screen, the instrument is in the Length measuring mode. The selected measuring mode icon will display near the top left of the LCD screen for the Area, Volume, and 2-Point Pythagoras measuring modes.

Mode Icons Description:

• Length Mode: No icon will display when the tool is in Length mode.
• Area/Square Mode: An icon representing a square will display.
• Volume/Cube Mode: An icon representing a cube will display.
• 2-Point Pythagoras Mode: An icon representing a triangle will display.

Units of Measure

The Laser Distance Meter has 7 units of measure:

1. Feet in decimal format (e.g., 11.48 ft)
2. Inches in decimal format (e.g., 137.83 in)
3. Feet and inches in 1/32" (e.g., 11'5" 27/32)
4. Inches in 1/32" (e.g., 137" 27/32)
5. Inches in 1/16" (e.g., 137" 7/8)
6. Inches in 1/8" (e.g., 137" 7/8)
7. Meters (e.g., 3.501 m)

To select a unit of measure before making a measurement, press the [power-button]. The word "Unit" will appear in the center of the LCD screen, and the unit of measure will display at the bottom right of the LCD screen. Continue to press the [power-button] to scroll through the different units of measure. Alternatively, after taking a measurement, press the [power-button] to scroll through the various units of measurement.

Note: The screen will only display feet and meters in a decimal format in Area or Volume modes.

Measurement Reference Position

Setting the measurement reference correctly is critical to obtaining an accurate measurement, as it establishes the place where a reading of zero (0) is located. If the wrong reference position is selected, the measurement will be off by the length of the tool (4.14 inches/≈4 1/8").

The Laser Distance Meter has two reference positions for measurement:

1. Front of the unit
2. Back of the unit

To select the desired position, press the [info-button]. The laser indicator icon [laser-indicator] at the top left of the LCD screen will display the selected position.

Reference Position Visuals:

• Front of Unit Zero Reference Position: Depicts the laser emitting from the front of the device.
• Back of Unit Zero Reference Position: Depicts the laser emitting from the back of the device.

Length Measurement Mode – Single

1. After turning on the instrument, it will default to the Length mode. If the mode has been changed and you wish to return to the Length mode, press the [functions-button] until the measuring mode icon on the LCD screen disappears.
2. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position, aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target.
3. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button].
4. The measurement will appear on the main display, and the laser will turn off.
5. Press the [measure-button] again to take your next Length measurement.

Length Measurement Mode – Continuous

1. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position, aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target.
2. Keep your position stable and press and hold the [measure-button]. The Laser Distance Meter will enter continuous length measurement mode.
3. Move the instrument as necessary to the proper distance.
4. Press the [measure-button] or [functions-button] to pause the measurement. The laser will turn off.
5. To exit the continuous mode and return to the single length measurement mode, press the [power-button] while the tool is paused.

Area/Square Measurement Mode

1. Press the [functions-button] once until the Area/Square mode icon (a square symbol) displays near the top left of the LCD screen.
2. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position, aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the length (indicated by a "1" in the figure).
3. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button]. The length measurement will appear above the main display.
4. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the width (indicated by a "2" in the figure).
5. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button] again. The length and width measurements will appear on the secondary screen, and the calculated area will appear on the main screen. The laser will turn off.
6. Press the [measure-button] again to take your next Area measurement.

Diagram Description (Area/Square): Shows a rectangle with sides labeled '1' (length) and '2' (width), with the calculated area labeled 'A'. The formula 1x2=A is implied.

Volume/Cube Measurement Mode

1. Press the [functions-button] two times until the Volume/Cube mode icon (a cube symbol) displays near the top left of the LCD screen.
2. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position, aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the length (indicated by a "1" in the figure).
3. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button]. The length measurement will appear above the main display.
4. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the height.
5. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button] again. The length and height measurements will appear above the main screen.
6. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the width.
7. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button] again. The height and width measurements will appear above the main screen, and the calculated volume will appear on the main screen. The laser will turn off.
8. Press the [measure-button] again to take your next Volume measurement.

Diagram Description (Volume/Cube): Shows a rectangular prism with sides labeled '1' (length), '2' (width), and '3' (height), with the calculated volume labeled 'V'. The formula 1x2x3=V is implied.

2-Point Pythagoras Measurement Mode

This mode refers to a measurement mode based off the Pythagorean Theorem (A² + B² = C²). If you know 2 lengths (but not the third), this formula allows you to calculate a missing dimension of a triangle. The Laser Distance Meter uses this theorem to indirectly measure lengths that are otherwise not directly measureable, enhancing the utility of the tool.

Typically, the Laser Distance Meter is used to measure a height shown above as "B" when there is no target at the top surface at which to aim the laser, such as a tall wall. The measurement can be taken by standing back at some distance "A" and taking measurements of "C" (on the side of the wall) and "A" (aimed level at the wall).

To use the 2-Point Pythagoras measurement mode:

1. Press the [functions-button] 3 times until the Pythagoras mode icon (a triangle symbol) displays near the top left of the LCD screen.
2. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position, aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the length of the hypotenuse (represented by "C" in the figure) and indicated by the flashing lines on the LCD screen.
3. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button]. The hypotenuse length measurement will appear above the main display.

Diagram Description (2-Point Pythagoras): Shows a right-angled triangle with sides labeled A, B, and C, where C is the hypotenuse. The formula A² + B² = C² is shown.

Continuing 2-Point Pythagoras Measurement:

1. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the selected target to measure the length of the base (represented by "A" in the figure).
2. Keep your position stable and press the [measure-button] again. The hypotenuse and base length measurements will appear above the main screen. The indirect height will appear on the main screen (represented by "B" in the figure). The laser will turn off.
3. Press the [measure-button] again to take your next 2-Point Pythagoras measurement.

Measurement Addition and Subtraction

To add consecutive measurements:

1. Complete your first measurement.
2. Press the [plus-button]. The first measurement will appear above the main display.
3. Complete your second measurement. The second measurement will appear above the main display, and the sum of the two measurements will appear in the main display.
4. Repeat step 3 above as necessary to add further measurements.

To subtract consecutive measurements:

1. Complete your first measurement.
2. Press the [minus-button]. The first measurement will appear above the main display.
3. Complete your second measurement. The second measurement will appear above the main display, and the difference of the two measurements will appear in the main display.
4. Repeat step 3 above as necessary to subtract further measurements.

9. Tips from the Pros

• Take more than one measurement in situations where accuracy is critical.
• Take 3-4 measurements from the same position to compare the consistency of each reading.
• To accurately measure objects lacking an inside corner from the rear of the instrument, use a scrap piece of drywall or other flat material to extend the corner. Butt the Laser Distance Meter up to the material (as shown).
• If error message "ERR 2" appears, place a white sheet of paper or reflective tape over the targeted measuring surface to improve the return signal.
• Be aware that when outdoors, the working range of the tool decreases significantly due to ambient light. The "unfavorable conditions" accuracy and distance limits shown in the specifications section quantify the performance you should expect from your laser distance meter in bright sunlight conditions.
• To make the laser beam more visible, aim it down in front of you and then follow it with your eyes as you move it towards the desired target.
• When making Pythagoras measurements, make sure that you hold the tool as flat as possible during your second measurement for the most accurate measurements. The beam should hit perpendicular to the object you are measuring.

Image Description: Shows a hand holding the laser distance meter against a wall, with a level placed on top of it, suggesting a method for ensuring accuracy or stability.

10. Care and Handling

• This Laser Distance Meter unit is a precision tool that must be handled with care.
• Avoid exposing the unit to shock, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
• Remove the batteries when storing the unit for an extended time (more than 3 months) to avoid damage to the unit should the batteries deteriorate.
• Avoid getting the unit wet.
• Keep the laser unit dry and clean, especially the laser output window. Remove any moisture or dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals, strong detergents, or cleaning solvents to clean the unit.

11. Troubleshooting Guide

This section is designed to help you diagnose and troubleshoot common problems that prevent the Laser Distance Meter from working properly.

If the Laser Distance Meter returns an ERR code (display shows ERR plus a number from 1 to 6), please refer to Section 4 of this manual for possible resolutions. If your Laser Distance Meter fails to operate in any other way, please refer to the following troubleshooting guide for some suggestions on how to diagnose the problem.

12. Technical Specifications

*Tested per ISO 16331-1.

**Per ISO16331-1, unfavorable conditions are designed to simulate bright sunlight and give an approximate indication of the working range of the tool outdoors on a bright, sunny day. Overcast or darker days will offer a longer working range.

13. Product Warranty

Johnson Level & Tool offers a two year limited warranty on each of its products. You can obtain a copy of the limited warranty for a Johnson Level & Tool product by contacting Johnson Level & Tool's Customer Service Department, as provided below, or by visiting our web site at www.johnsonlevel.com. The limited warranty for each product contains various limitations and exclusions.

Do not return this product to the store/retailer or place of purchase. Non-warranty repairs and course calibration must be done by an authorized Johnson® service center or Johnson Level & Tool's limited warranty, if applicable, will be void and there will be NO WARRANTY. Contact one of our service centers for all non-warranty repairs. A list of service centers can be found on our web site at www.johnsonlevel.com or by calling our Customer Service Department. Contact our Customer Service Department for Return Material Authorization (RMA) for warranty repairs (manufacturing defects only). Proof of purchase is required.

NOTE: The user is responsible for the proper use and care of the product. It is the responsibility of the user to verify the calibration of the instrument before each use.

For further assistance, or if you experience problems with this product that are not addressed in this instruction manual, please contact our Customer Service Dept.

In the U.S., contact Johnson Level & Tool's Customer Service Department at 888-9-LEVELS (888-953-8357).

In Canada, contact Johnson Level & Tool's Customer Service Department at 800-346-6682.

14. Warranty Registration

Please register within 30 days of purchase. Registering ensures we have your information on file for warranty service even if you lose your receipt, and lets us contact you if there is ever a product recall. We will never sell your information and only send you marketing information if you opt-in.

To register, go to www.johnsonlevel.com/register.

15. Accessories

Johnson® accessories are available for purchase through authorized Johnson® dealers. Use of non-Johnson® accessories will void any applicable limited warranty and there will be NO WARRANTY. If you need any assistance in locating any accessories, please contact our Customer Service Department.

In the U.S., contact Johnson Level & Tool's Customer Service Department at 888-9-LEVELS (888-953-8357).

In Canada, contact Johnson Level & Tool's Customer Service Department at 800-346-6682.