What is the historical storage memory capacity of the DISTO D5 laser measuring device?
The Leica Disto D5 can hold up to 30 measurements. To erase the historic measurement storage memory, press (and hold for 2 seconds) the CLEAR OFF and STORAGE keys simultaneously.
Which type and how many batteries are required for the DISTO D5?
The Disto D5 requires two AA batteries. It is recommended that you use high quality alkaline batteries.
How long will the batteries last in the Leica Disto D5?
The battery life for the Disto D5 is approximately 5000 measurements. For most applications, batteries should not need to be replaced more than once every two to three months.
Does the Disto D5 have multiple zoom levels?
Yes. The zoom feature within the digital Pointfinder consists of 1x, 2x and 4x magnification. The selected zoom level appears in the upper left corner of the display. Press the "Digital Pointfinder" key to change the zoom level.
Can the brightness in the digital Pointfinder be adjusted?
Yes. On the screen of the digital Pointfinder, at the top of the crosshair, you see a symbol representing a “Sun” and a "+" and "-". By pressing the PLUS and MINUS keys you are able to adjust the brightness in 5 steps.
Why is the laser dot on distance on short distances not centered in the crosshair?
The offset of the crosshair is due to the parallax effect. This occurs only when the digital Pointfinder is used on targets below 10m (approximately 30 feet). When measuring shorter distances, the laser dot appears displaced in reference to the crosshair. This is not an error. For distances below 10m, please rely on the real laser dot.
How accurate is the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D5?
The accuracy of the tilt sensor in the Disto D5 device is ±0.3° to the housing of the device. The accuracy to the laser beam is also ±0.3°.
What is the angular range of the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D5?
The integrated tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D5 functions at a maximum angle of 45 degrees and at a transverse tilt of less than ±10°. If the tilt is in the range > ±50° an info code “i160” appears in the display, which means that the device is being used outside its permissible range. If the device is held at a transverse tilt greater than ±10°, the error code “i156” appears in the display and indicates that the device is tilted too much.
Is it possible to obtain detailed information about the measurements taken?
Yes, it is possible to obtain detailed information in the Leica DISTO™ D5 about the measurements of areas, volumes, Pythagorean and trapezoid functions, indirect measurements and triangle areas. After the measurements have been taken, keep the relevant function key pressed. A small red triangle on the bottom left side of the display shows that there are 2nd Results available.
Can the Leica Disto D5 tilt sensor be calibrated?
Yes. You can calibrate the tilt sensor in a few short steps. Calibration requires two measurements on a level surface. Select calibration mode in the menu . Carry out a first measurement on a level surface. The device confirms the measurement with a "check mark" on the display. Rotate the device horizontally through 180°. Press the "MENU" key and confirm that the device was rotated through 180°. Press the DIST key and take the second measurement. The device confirms the measurement with a "check mark" on the display. The tilt sensor is calibrated.
What are the primary differences between the Disto D5 and Disto D8 laser measurement devices?
The Disto D8 has a tilt sensor with a range of 360 degrees while the Disto D5's tilt sensor range is 45 degrees. With the increased range and enhanced accuracy of the Disto D8 tilt sensor, additional indirect measurements can be made. Another important difference (between the Disto D5 and D8 models) is that the Disto D8 includes the integrated Bluetooth technology that provides for seamless transmission of measurement data to a computer and/or PDA.
What is the purpose of the Disto D5 multifunctional endpiece?
The endpiece positioning bracket can be folded out until it first locks in place, allowing for measurements from an edge of a wall, countertop, etc. By opening the positioning bracket to its fully extended position, measurements from a corner can be made. A built-in sensor automatically detects the orientation of the positioning bracket and adjusts the zero point of the instrument accordingly.
How do you change the unit of measurement on the Leica Disto D5?
Press and hold the MENU key to enter the Startup menu. By pressing the PLUS and MINUS keys, navigate through the main menu until "Units" is highlighted. Press the MENU key briefly to enter the Units sub-menu. Use the PLUS and MINUS keys to select the desired unit of measurement. Press and hold the MENU key to accept the newly selected unit of measurement setting.
How do you change the unit of tilts on the Leica DISTO™ D5?
Press and hold the MENU key to enter the Startup menu. By pressing the PLUS and MINUS keys, navigate through the main menu until "Units" is highlighted. Press the MENU key briefly to enter the Units sub-menu. Use the PLUS and MINUS keys to select the desired unit of measurement. Press and hold the MENU key to accept the newly selected unit of measurement setting. The level function in the right hand top corner of the display can also be switched on/off in the submenu LEVEL. It is always set to 0.0° and can not be changed to a different unit for tilts.
What accessories are recommended for the Leica DISTO™ D5?
Leica Tripod TRI100 -- For long distances we recommend using a tripod, even indoors. A tripod provides additional steadiness and therefore allows accurate targeting, especially over long distances.
Target Plate -- For measurements outdoors and in very bright conditions it is very helpful to use a target plate. We offer different versions in our accessory range.
Adaptor (for attachment to a pole or tripod) -- For using the Leica DISTO™ on a set-up pole, we recommend the use of this adaptor. The reference point for measurements is the back of the Leica DISTO™. The lateral offset of the DISTO™ on the adaptor to the center of the pole varies due to the different pole diameters. The adapter can also be used on the middle column of the Leica TRI100 (tripod head can be removed). Doing indirect measurements from there will increase the accuracy because laser axis of the Leica DISTO™ and tilting axis of the Leica TRI100 are both at the same height level -- at the back of the Leica DISTO™. The lateral offset of the adapter to the center of the pole depends on the diameter of the used pole (11mm pole -> 66.9mm offset, 15mm pole -> 69.2mm offset, 20mm pole -> 72mm offset, 25mm pole -> 74.9mm offset, 30mm pole -> 77.8mm offset, 35mm pole -> 80.7mm offset).
Please refer to the accessories page.
When should the Long Range (LR) mode be used?
The special integrated Long Range (LR) mode is most appropriate for long distances in very bright sunlight when the error message "255" is received (Receiver signal too weak). To select the Long Range (LR) press and hold down the MENU key. Using the PLUS and MINUS keys, navigate to the “LR Mode." Press and hold down the MENU key to select the LR Mode. The letters "LR" should appear in the next to the laser symbol. In LR mode, the measurement times may take longer.
Will the Disto D5 turn off automatically after a certain amount of time of nonuse?
Yes. To preserve battery life, the Disto D5 will switch off automatically after six (6) minutes of inactivity. To turn off the Disto D5 manually, press and hold down the CLEAR/OFF button.
What is the Minimum/Maximum function and when is it used?
This Minimum/Maximum function allows the user to take continuous measurements as well as measure the minimum or maximum distance from a fixed measuring point. The minimum function is often used to determine the shortest perpendicular distance between two walls (minimum values). The maximum function is commonly used for measuring diagonal distances of a room to ascertain "squareness" (maximum values).
What is the purpose of the Timer function?
The timer can be very helpful when there is a need to position the Disto laser measuring device in a location where it is impossible to depress the DIST key. Additionally, when measuring very long distances, the slightest move of the Disto (such as depressing the DIST key) can prevent it from registering a distance. You can position the Disto on a tripod, set the tripod reference, use the timer for measuring the distance and eliminate the need to depress the DIST key.
Does the surface to which I am measuring need to be flat?
No, true laser measuring devices, such as the Leica Disto D5, will read the distance to the laser dot regardless of the angle of the surface upon which the laser is shining. This allows the user to obtain continuous measurements while scanning the laser across, or up and down a wall.
If I position the Disto D5 on a flat surface, rotating it from right to left, will the resultant horizontal angle be measured?
No. Only angles along a vertical axis can be measured with the Disto D5 integrated tilt sensor.
How do I reset the Disto D5 laser distance meter back to its factory settings?
To reset the Disto D5 back to its original factory settings, press and hold the MENU key to enter the Startup menu. By pressing the PLUS and MINUS keys, navigate through the main menu until "RESET" is highlighted. Press the MENU key briefly and confirm your selection to reset the settings.
Can the reference setting be changed from the rear of the Disto D5 to the front of the instrument?
Yes. To change the default reference setting from the rear of the unit, press the REFERENCE button. An icon will be displayed indicating that the Disto D5 is ready to measure from the front of the unit. After taking a measurement, the reference setting will return to its default position. To change the reference setting permanently to the front of the unit, press and hold down the REFERENCE button. To return the reference setting back to its default setting, press the REFERENCE button again.
How do I take a simple, single distance measurement with the Disto D5?
Press the ON/DIST key to activate the laser. Press the ON/DIST key again to trigger the distance measurement. A measurement will be displayed which represents the distance from the rear of the Disto D5 to object upon which the laser dot was shining.
Click here to view an animated tutorial
What is the purpose of the "offset" function on the Disto D5 laser distance meter?
An offset adds or subtracts a specified value automatically to or from all measurements. This function allows tolerances to be taken into account (e.g. unfinished dimensions compared with finished dimensions). To create an Offset, press and hold the MENU key to enter the Startup menu. By pressing the PLUS and MINUS keys, navigate through the main menu until OFFSET is highlighted. Press the MENU key. Use the PLUS and MINUS keys to select the desired offset value. When you reach the desired offset value, confirm it by pressing the MENU key.
In what situations would I use the Addition or Subtraction Keys with the Disto D5?
The addition and subtraction keys often eliminate the need to triangulate measurements, by allowing the user to take advantage of existing targets. For example, when measuring the front exterior wall of a house, if there is no easy-to-use target on the corner (such as a piece of corner trim or a downspout), a measurement from one corner to any feature on the front wall (such as a light fixture, water spigot, door trim or railing) can be taken. The user can then walk to the opposite corner, press the + key, measure the distance to the same light fixture, etc, and press the = key. The total width of the house will be displayed. Below is an example that demonstrates how the subtraction method would be applied. In this example, the resulting distance (X) can be attained by taking two measurements (
A and B) and subtracting measurement B from measurement A.
Example: Subtracting a Measurement
Is there any change in the accuracy of the Leica Disto D5 as the distance increases?
The tolerance does not improve at shorter distances. It is essentially the same over the entire range (up to 200m or 650 ft.) of distances being measured. However, at distances over 100m (300 ft), additional errors of +/-5 ppm (parts per million) (+/-0.5mm/100m) come into play.
Is there any change in the accuracy of the Leica Disto D5 as the distance increases?
The tolerance does not improve at shorter distances. It is essentially the same over the entire range (up to 200m or 650 ft.) of distances being measured. However, at distances over 100m (300 ft), additional errors of +/-5 ppm (parts per million) (+/-0.5mm/100m) come into play.
Does the surface need to be flat when using the Disto D5? No. The Leica Disto D5 will read the distance to the laser dot, regardless of the angle of the surface upon which the laser is shining. This allows the user to obtain continuous measurements while scanning the laser across, or up and down a wall.
Can I perform an indirect measurement with the Leica Disto D5 while holding the instrument in my hand?
Yes, but be aware that the result is more of an estimate than an exact measurement. To obtain good results it is critical that each measurement used from the same reference point. Several other factors affect the accuracy of indirect measurements. To download and view an animated video presentation/tutorial on how to use the indirect measurement (triangulation) feature, go to the free download page
What are the advantages for using the Disto D5 laser distance meter over conventional methods?
Time savings: It is normally much faster to turn the Disto D5 on, hold it against a wall, for example, aim at the opposite wall and press the button than to extend a tape measure to the far wall take the reading, and retract the tape. This is true in small rooms, and even more so on larger areas. The more crowded the area being measured, whether with furniture, equipment, trees, etc, the greater the time savings. Typical measuring jobs can be completed in about 1/3 the time required to use a tape measure. Time savings increase as the distances get longer.
Accuracy: The Leica Disto D5 laser measurement meter measures the true, straight line distance between two points, without the bend or sag that commonly occurs in tape measures.
Prevention of Errors: It is much easier to read the Disto D5 digital display, which can be held in a convenient position, than to read a tape measure that needs to be held in the measuring position. All Leica Disto laser measuring devices allow for the selection of measurement units, eliminating the need for conversion; a common source of measurement error. The Disto D5 digital display clearly provides the measured value, preventing the user from misreading the dash marks on a tape.
One Person Can Take Most Measurements: Tape measures often require a 2nd person to hold the end of the tape. The Disto D5 is simply aimed at a target, such as a wall, pole, door, stake or post.
Difficult to Reach Measurements: High ceiling measurements are as easy as setting the Disto D5 on the floor and aiming at the ceiling. Tall buildings, 2nd floor extensions, measurements across water, measurements in tight quarters, are all easier with the Disto D5 laser measuring device. Additionally, the Leica Disto D5 is able to triangulate measurements that are otherwise inaccessible.
What accessories are available for the Disto D5 laser measuring device?
Please refer to the accessories page".
What warranties are offered with the Disto D5?
The standard warranty is 2 years. However, it can be extended by one additional year if you register your device on www.disto.com within eight weeks of the purchase date. If the product is not registered, a two year warranty applies.
Who can benefit from a Leica Disto D5 laser measuring device?
A short list of professionals who can benefit greatly from the Disto D5 is: Insurance Adjusters, Real Estate Appraisers, Contractors, Architects, Real Estate Agents, Stage Technicians, Painters, Plumbers, Surveyors, Estimators, A/C Installers, Phone Linemen, Window Installers, Window Covering Installers, Carpet Installers and Flooring Salesmen. This list will expand as more professionals become aware of the Disto D5's many time-saving features and capabilities.
Where can I go to see a comparison of the Disto D5's features to all other Leica Disto models?
To see how the Disto D5 compares to all other Disto laser measuring devices, go to the Disto Comparison Chart.
