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by Peter Brett - September 2007
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Smaller and Even Better
But in a few short years the Leica development teams have produced a range of new DISTO models that makes my DISTO Classic look Stone Age by comparison.
Most noticeable of course is the size of the new models, but as we have all come to expect, smaller size doesn’t mean smaller performance or fewer features, and of course there have been a number of design improvements too, as feedback from end users has had its effect. But the calculator logic operating system, using as few buttons as possible, is still current. This makes the new DISTO measures just as easy to use as the old.
The base model, the Leica DISTO A2 is capable of measuring accurately up to sixty metres in daylight.
There are a few caveats to be understood though, and anyone who understands that light is reflected will know why these warnings are given. For example, it may be necessary to use a target reflector plate in bright light conditions in order to achieve accurate (+- 1.5mm) measurements.
I now routinely use the Leica A2 to measure floor areas and volumes indoors and outdoors, as I did with the DISTO Classic before. It has never let me down. In fact, it gives me such accurate measurements that I have probably saved quite a bit in basic materials like flooring over the years, and it never ceases to impress builders etc who are still going around with a big fat tape measure weighing down their pockets.
Even those suspicious of new technology are amazed at how easy it is to work out square metres (or feet and inches) or volumes by using the seven button keypad.
Now that the DISTO A2 is truly pocket sized and well within the price range for laser gadgets, it has become, to my mind, an indispensable tool for professionals who need basic accurate measuring quickly and easily. Builders, plumbers even estate agents could benefit from the speed of the A2.
Predictably, the DISTO was never going to remain a simple measuring gadget. Once the possibilities of laser measurement had been practically realised, more sophisticated needs were going to be met. And so to the Leica Disto A3. This is longer and slimmer than the A2 with an eight-button keypad and it incorporates a number of extra features for the higher price. The most simple of these is an integrated level, because as we all know the distance between two walls at a right angle is not the same as the distance between the walls at any other angle. Perhaps not critical when measuring the size of a dining room, but using the A3’s 100 metre range on a building site for example, it might be.
With the same measurement accuracy of +-1.5mm as the DISTO A2, the A3 has more features packed into its slimline frame. These include minimum/maximum measuring, addition/subtraction measuring and the ability to store measurements to be recalled later.
The A3 is also splash proofed and dust proofed. These are very important features for many users in building or scientific environments and shows the careful way in which Leica has used feedback and knowledge of end-user needs to tailor the product.
The last DISTO in the package I was sent, is the DISTO A5, and being bigger, is also more packed with features. The most noticeable one for me is the tiny lens on the side of the instrument that allows the user to more easily focus the laser pointer at a fixed spot. The reason why this is necessary is because of the A5’s ability to do complicated geometry on its user’s behalf. The twelve-button keypad is really the clue to the much wider range of functions possible.
One of the buttons allows the user to use good old Pythagoras’ Theorem to work out heights and distances where it is possible to get an angled sighting. For example, it is possible to work out the height of a roof from the ground level by standing some distance away and taking two measurements, one to the apex of the roof and one to the base of the wall. By using the Pythagoras button, the instrument will calculate the height of the roof. It saves a lot of climbing on ladders and dropping of tape measures. Having tried it myself several times I found that the ability to fix the A5 to a tripod is absolutely necessary in order to keep the instrument accurately focused, but Leica has thought of everything and the standard tripod screw thread is where you would expect it underneath the casing. Also, having a measuring range (in good conditions) of 200m, it is surprising how much the odd wobble of the hand is magnified over that distance.
There is also a built in spirit level, a multi-function end piece and a timer mechanism to add to all the other features from the A3. This is a hugely accomplished piece of measuring technology, and without a doubt, will save its users a massive amount of time as well as increasing the safety of professional surveyors and the like.
I didn’t think it were possible, but I am amazed again by this new range of Leica DISTOs. But on the other hand, having kept an eye on Leica’s development of DISTO instruments, I knew that it would not allow the progress of the DISTO range to stall. The A2, A3 and A5 are amazing product developments and achievements, but I am willing to bet that, as I write, the Leica Product Development teams are working on even more amazing instruments with even more features. And I am waiting to be gobsmacked by them.
Independent Review by Peter Brett
Airstream Communications