Leica DISTO D510 Laser Distance Meter

Instrument Set-up

Introduction

The safety instructions and user manual should be read 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.

Symbols:

• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or unintended use which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or unintended use which, if not avoided, may result in minor injury and/or appreciable material, financial and environmental damage.
• i (Information): Important paragraphs which must be adhered to in practice as they enable the product to be used in a technically correct and efficient manner.

Overview of Instrument Components:

• Display: Shows measurement results and settings.
• On/Measure Button: Activates the laser and takes measurements. Pressing for 2 seconds starts continuous laser mode.
• Pointfinder (Viewscreen): A digital viewfinder with crosshair for precise targeting, especially at longer distances or in bright conditions. Features zoom (1x, 2x, 4x) and illumination adjustment.
• Navigation Keys: Used for menu navigation, adjusting settings, and controlling zoom/illumination.
• Clear / Off Button: Clears the last input/action (1x press) or exits the current function/returns to default mode (2x press). Long press (2 sec) turns the device off.
• Selection Keys: Context-sensitive keys linked to prompts displayed on the screen.
• Function Screen Button: Accesses different measurement functions.
• Return / Equal Button: Confirms settings or results, or performs calculations.
• Add / Subtract Button: Used for cumulative measurements or calculations.
• Multifunctional Endpiece: Automatically detects its orientation (e.g., for measuring from corners) and adjusts the zero point accordingly.

Basic Measuring Screen:

• Status bar: Displays icons for battery ?, active function, and Bluetooth ? connection.
• Main line: Shows the primary measurement result.
• Active function indicator: Shows the currently selected measurement mode.
• Favorites: Quick access to user-defined functions.

Selection Screen:

• Page indicator: Shows current page in a list.
• Function / Settings: Access to various modes and configurations.
• Help function: Provides assistance for the current operation.

Pointfinder (Viewscreen) Details:

• Zoom stage: Indicates current zoom level (1x, 2x, 4x).
• Illumination adjustment: Controlled via left/right navigation keys.
• Crosshair: Used for precise aiming at the target.

Insert Batteries:

Use high-quality batteries (e.g., alkaline). Do not use zinc-carbon batteries. Replace batteries when the battery symbol ? flashes. The device automatically switches off after 180 seconds of inactivity.

Operations

Switching ON/OFF:

• Press the ON button for 2 seconds to turn the device ON. A 2-second press also starts continuous laser mode.
• The device turns OFF automatically after 180 seconds of inactivity or when the ON/OFF button is pressed for 2 seconds.

Clear Button:

• Press once (1x) to undo the last action.
• Press twice (2x) to leave the current function and return to the default operation mode.

Message Codes:

If an info icon ℹ️ appears with a number, refer to the "Message Codes" section for details and corrections.

Multifunctional Endpiece:

The orientation of the endpiece is automatically detected, and the zero point is adjusted accordingly. This is useful for measuring from edges or corners.

Permanent / Minimum-Maximum Measuring:

• This mode continuously measures and displays the minimum and maximum distances recorded (min, max.).
• The last measured value is shown in the main line.
• Used for measuring room diagonals (maximum values) or horizontal distances (minimum values).
• Press the Clear button to stop this mode.

Add / Subtract:

• Measure a distance (e.g., 7.332 m).
• Press the Add/Subtract button (e.g., 2x).
• Measure the next distance (e.g., 5.515 m). The device displays the sum (12.847 m).
• This process can be repeated for adding or subtracting measurements, areas, or volumes.

Pointfinder (Viewscreen) Usage:

• The integrated Pointfinder (viewscreen) shows the target on the display, aiding outdoor measurements or when the laser dot is not visible.
• The device measures at the center of the crosshair.
• Zoom levels (1x, 2x, 4x) are controlled with navigation keys. Illumination is adjusted with left/right keys.
• Note on Parallax: Parallax errors can occur with close targets when using the Pointfinder. In such cases, rely on the visible laser dot.
• Press the Clear button (4x) to exit the Pointfinder viewscreen.

Settings

Access the Settings menu to configure various device parameters.

• Tilt Units: Switch between degrees (), percentage (%), mm/m, and in/ft.
• Distance Units: Select units such as meters (m, mm), feet (ft, in, ft'in"), yards (yd).
• Beep ON/OFF: Toggle audible feedback.
• Digital Level ON/OFF: Activate or deactivate the digital level indicator shown in the status line.
• Keypad Lock: Activate or deactivate the keypad lock to prevent accidental button presses. Unlock by repeating the procedure within 2 seconds.
• Personalized Favorites: Assign frequently used functions to shortcut keys for quick access. A long press (2 sec) on a selection key in measuring mode also accesses favorites.
• Illumination: Adjust the display brightness to save power or improve visibility.
• Bluetooth Smart: Activate or deactivate the Bluetooth Smart module (v4.0) for data transfer to smart devices. A blue Bluetooth symbol ? appears when connected.
• Tilt Calibration: Calibrate the tilt sensor by placing the device on a flat surface, rotating it 180 degrees, and placing it again on the same flat surface.
• Reset: Resets the instrument to factory default settings, erasing all custom configurations and stored memory.
• Offset: Set an offset value to automatically add or subtract a fixed amount from all measurements, useful for accounting for tolerances. The offset icon is displayed when active.

Functions

The Leica DISTO D510 offers a variety of measurement functions:

• Timer: Set a release time (30 sec, 5 sec, 2 sec, Off) for delayed measurements.
• Calculator: Transfer measurement results to the calculator for further computations.
• Adjusting Measuring Reference/Tripod: Set the measurement origin to the rear of the device (default), the front, or the tripod thread. The reference resets to the rear when the device is switched off.
• Memory: Store and recall up to 30 measurements. Use Up/Down navigation keys to scroll through stored values.
• Measuring Single Distance: Standard point-to-point distance measurement.
• Smart Horizontal Mode: Measures horizontal distance with tilt compensation, allowing measurements up to 360° horizontally and ±10° transverse tilt.
• Height-profile Measurement: Measures height differences relative to a reference point. Ideal for profiles and terrain. Displays horizontal distance and height difference for each measured point.
• Area: Calculate area by measuring two distances. Supports the "Painter function" to add/subtract partial measurements.
• Volume: Calculate volume by measuring three distances (e.g., length, width, height).
• Triangular Area: Calculate the area of a triangle by measuring three sides or two sides and an angle.
• Long Range Mode: Enhances measurement accuracy for difficult targets or unfavorable conditions (e.g., bright light, poor reflectivity) by increasing measuring time. An icon indicates when this mode is active.
• Inclination Tracking: Permanently displays the inclination angle. Beeps at 0° and 90°, useful for horizontal or vertical alignment.
• Sloped Objects: Indirectly measures distances between two points on a slope, providing horizontal distance, vertical height, and the angle between the points. Useful for roof slopes or chimney heights. Requires the instrument to be in the same vertical plane as the measured points.
• Height Tracking: Determines the height of objects without reflective points. Measure the bottom point (distance and tilt), then target the upper point using the Pointfinder (only inclination is measured).
• Trapezium: Calculate the area of a trapezium.
• Stake out: Enter two distances (a and b) to mark off specific lengths. The device indicates the remaining distance to the next stake-out point and beeps when close.
• Pythagoras (2-point): Indirectly measures horizontal distances using two points. For vertical heights, functions utilizing inclination measurement are recommended for better precision.
• Pythagoras (3-point): Indirectly measures distances using three points. Similar precision notes apply as for the 2-point method.

Technical Data

Supported Functions: Distance measuring, Min/Max, Permanent measuring, Stake-out, Addition/Subtraction, Area, Triangle area, Volume, Trapezium, Painter function, Pythagoras (2-point, 3-point), Smart Horizontal Mode, Height-profile measurement, Inclination tracking, Sloped objects, Height tracking, Memory, Beep, Illuminated colour display, Multifunctional endpiece, Pointfinder (Viewscreen with 4x Zoom), Digital Level, Bluetooth® Smart, Personalized Favorites, Timer, Long Range Mode, Calculator.

Message Codes

If an error message does not disappear after switching the device on repeatedly, contact your dealer.

Care

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

Warranty

Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty: Covers defects due to material or manufacturing faults for the entire product life.

3 Years No Cost Guaranteed Service: Requires product registration at www.leicageosystems.com/registration within 8 weeks of purchase. If not registered, a "2 years no cost" period applies.

Safety Instructions

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

Areas of Responsibility: Leica Geosystems AG is responsible for the product's safety. They are not responsible for third-party accessories.

Responsibilities of the Person in Charge: Understand safety instructions, be familiar with local safety regulations, and prevent unauthorized access.

Permitted Use: Measuring distances, tilt measurement, data transfer with Bluetooth®.

Prohibited Use: Using without instruction, outside stated limits, deactivating safety systems, opening equipment with tools, modifications, using unapproved accessories, deliberate dazzling, inadequate safeguards, irresponsible behavior near machinery, aiming directly at the sun.

Hazards in Use:

• WARNING: Watch out for erroneous measurements if the instrument is defective, dropped, misused, or modified. Carry out periodic test measurements, especially after abnormal use.
• CAUTION: Never attempt to repair the product yourself. Contact a local dealer for damage.
• WARNING: Unauthorized modifications can void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Limits of Use: Refer to "Technical Data". The device is for use in permanently habitable areas. Do not use in explosion hazardous areas or aggressive environments.

Disposal: Dispose of batteries and the product according to national and local regulations. Do not dispose of with household waste.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): The device conforms to stringent standards, but minor interference with other devices cannot be totally excluded.

Use of the product with Bluetooth®:

• WARNING: Electromagnetic radiation can cause disturbances in other equipment, medical devices (pacemakers, hearing aids), aircraft, and affect humans/animals.
• Precautions: Do not use near petrol stations, chemical plants, potentially explosive atmospheres, or blasting sites. Do not use near medical equipment or in airplanes. Avoid prolonged use close to the body.

Laser Classification:

• The device emits visible laser beams (Class 2, IEC60825-1:2007).
• WARNING: Do not stare into the laser beam or direct it towards others unnecessarily. Eye protection is normally afforded by aversion responses (blink reflex). Looking directly into the beam with optical aids (binoculars, telescopes) can be hazardous.
• CAUTION: Looking into the laser beam may be hazardous to the eyes.

Labelling: The device is labelled with laser safety information, including Class 2 designation, maximum radiant power, and wavelength.