Hillyard - The Cleaning Resouce

		tilt measurement the instrument's inbuilt tilt sensor quickly and simply determines tilts up to ± 45°. the tilt sensor can also provide you with true horizontal distances. reliable measurements are therefore guaranteed.
		multifunctional end piece aim the instrument straight at the target point, whether measuring out of corners, slots or from edges: with this end piece you are prepared for all measuring situations. the instrument detects the end piece automatically, which helps you avoid expensive measuring errors.
		automatic keypad and display illumination a built-in sensor detects if the environment is dark and switches on the illumination of the keypad and display. you can also measure in the dark without any problem.
		multiple functions the leica disto™ d3 can also calculate areas, volumes, room dimensions and various types of pythagorean functions. a time delay release and enough memory for up to 20 measurements finish off the instruments wide range of functions – a concept designed to make your work easier.
		included items - practical and clever: holster: stows everything away neatly target plate: allows accurate measurement on a non-reflective surface. wrist strap: secures the instrument at all heights

Indirect Measurements

Single Indirect Measurement
Just two measurements are enough to indirectly calculate the horizontal or vertical distances. It is important to ensure the 2nd measurement is at right angles to the target object – easy with minimum measurements.

Double Pythagorean Measurement
Using a tripod you can measure horizontal and vertical distances. The Leica DISTO™ D3 determines the results for you out of three measurements. Functions such as minimum and maximum measurement help you find the correct measuring point.

Double Pythagorean measurement (chain values)
With three measurements you can determine partial heights, e.g. window heights. Possible for horizontal and vertical distances.

Staking out function
Two different distances (a and b) can be entered into the instrument and then subtracted from specific measured lengths. This enables you to see the direction in which the Leica DISTO™ D3 must be moved, the display shows a direction arrow with the current staking-out distance. At a distance of 0.1 m to the next staking-out point the instrument gives an audible signal.

Tilt measurement
The tilt sensor measures tilts up to ± 45° and a typical use is for determining the pitch of a roof. When measuring tilts, the instrument should be held in the horizontal position (± 10°).

Horizontal distance
The tilt measurement function allows you to determine a horizontal distance even if the target point is not directly visible. This is particularly useful when there are obstructions, e.g. walls directly between you and the target point.

Room corner angle function
The angle in a triangle can be determined by measuring the three sides. This function is suitable for e.g. checking a rightangled room corner. First, measure the two shorter sides and then take the length of the diagonal as the third measurement. The device then displays the room angle.

Disto D3 Keypad

1 ON / DIST (On/measuring) button
2 Plus (+) button
3 Minus (-) button
4 Area / volume button
5 Indirect measurement (Pythagoras) button
6 Reference button
7 Functions button
8 Timer button
9 Storage button
10 Menu/equal button
11 Clear/off button

What is the historical storage memory capacity of the DISTO D3 laser measuring device?
The Leica Disto D3 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 D3?
The Disto D3 requires two AAA batteries.  It is recommended that you use high quality alkaline batteries.

How long will the batteries last in the Leica Disto D3?
The battery life for the Disto D3 is approximately 5000 measurements.  For most applications, batteries should not need to be replaced more than once every two to three months, even with continuous use. 

How accurate is the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D3?
The accuracy of the tilt sensor is +/- 0.3° to the laser beam and +/-0.3° to the housing. The accuracy varies according to the measured angle and distance. The horizontal distance error (fd) and the height error (fh) can be calculated as follows: fd = horizontal distance error d = measured distance a = angle at which the distance is measured fa = possible angular error fd = d * cos (a) – d * cos (a + fa)

For example, if a distance of 10m is measured at an angle of 10°, the error on the direct horizontal distance (fd) is 9mm. If a distance of 10m is measured an angle of 45°, the error on the direct horizontal distance (fd) is 37mm. To obtain the best result using indirect measurement and minimise the deviation, the device should be held as close to the horizontal as possible.

What is the angular range of the tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D3?
The integral tilt sensor in the Leica DISTO™ D3 functions in the range +/- 45° and at a transverse tilt less than +/- 10°. The display indicates an error message "160" if the tilt is in the range greater than +/- 50°. If the device is held transversly at an angle greater than +/- 10°, an error message "i156" is displayed, indicating that the device is tilted too much and that the measurements will be inaccurate.

Is it possible to obtain detailed information about the measurements taken?
Yes, it is possible to obtain detailed information about the measurements of areas and volumes in the Leica DISTO™ D3. After the measurements have been taken (area/volume), the AREA/VOLUME key must be held down and then detailed information about the measurements carried out is shown in the display.

Can the Leica Disto D3 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 is the purpose of the Disto D3 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 D3?
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. 

Will the Disto D3 turn off automatically after a certain amount of time of nonuse?
Yes. To preserve battery life, the Disto D3 will switch off automatically after six (6) minutes of inactivity.  To turn off the Disto D3 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 D3, 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 D3 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 D3 integrated tilt sensor.

How do I reset the Disto D3 laser distance meter back to its factory settings?
To reset the Disto D3 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 D3 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 D3 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 D3?
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 D3 to object upon which the laser dot was shining.
Click here to view an animated tutorial

In what situations would I use the Addition or Subtraction Keys with the Disto D3?
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 D3 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 D3? No. The Leica Disto D3 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 D3 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 D3 laser distance meter over conventional methods?
Time savings: It is much faster to turn the Disto D3 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 D3 laser distance 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 digital display on Disto D3, 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 D3 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 D3 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 D3 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 D3 laser measuring device. Additionally, the Leica Disto D3 is able to triangulate measurements that are otherwise inaccessible.

What accessories are available for the Disto D3 laser measuring device?
Please refer to the accessories page".

What warranties are offered with the Disto D3?
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.

Where can I go to see a comparison of the Disto D3's features to all other Leica Disto models?
To see how the Disto D3 compares to all other Disto laser measuring devices, go to Disto Comparison Chart.

Disto D3 Error Codes

scope of delivery:
759946 leica disto™ d3
includes:
holster, batteries, wrist strap, target plate, safety instructions, user manual, and quickstart guide.

Disto D3- 759945$299.00