Distance Meter

What types of distance meter are there?

Besides the classic distance meter, the colstok, perhaps one of the most common is the laser distance meters, but we also distinguish between optical and ultrasonic distance meters.

How does a laser distance meter work?

The first laser distance meter was introduced in 1993 and its success has been unbroken ever since. The main components of a laser distance meter are the laser unit, diode, microprocessor and sensor. When measuring, the laser is directed to the target by means of the diode. The wavelength is device dependent. This targeted emission of light is not constant, but occurs in small pulses. When the beam reaches the target it is reflected. During this process, the microprocessor measures the distance to the object, so that we can measure the value to the nearest millimetre, which can then be read off the device's display in a blink of an eye.

What functions are important when using a distance meter?

Accurate measurement is now child's play thanks to laser distance meters. Commercially available devices have a range of around 20-60 metres. Some modern devices can even be controlled via Bluetooth, allowing you to manage your measurements directly on your computer, laptop or tablet. This data can be used to quickly and efficiently create floor plans, for example. Many laser measuring devices also have a USB interface for this purpose. It is also important to note how many measurements the device can store.

As mentioned earlier, such a device can measure the distance between two points in just a few seconds. Either horizontally or vertically. The height calculation is very important for levelling work. All these measurements are based on the Pythagorean theorem algorithm. Thanks to the various functions, you can even calculate the size of areas, which is very handy if you want to calculate how much wallpaper or paint you need for a room, for example. For example, with the laser distance meter with inclinometer, you only have to aim at the top edge of the wall and the device calculates the height of the wall using the sine function. But perhaps an even more important convenience is the illuminated colour display. That's because it allows you to read the results at night or even in an unlit dark cellar.

What to look out for when buying a laser distance meter?

The choice of distance meter depends on the area of use. Therefore, when purchasing a distance meter, it is advisable to pay attention to the different characteristics of the device. As there are big differences in the measuring ranges of distance meters, pay attention to the minimum and maximum distances. The minimum distance is between 0.05 and 5 metres. The maximum measuring distance defines the distance the device can measure from the target, which is usually between 15 and 500 metres. But what else should you look out for when buying?

• Accuracy of the device: many distance meters measure to within +/- 5 mm, the most professional laser distance meters guarantee accuracy to within 1-2 mm.
• To the diameter of the laser dot, which is usually between 6-60 mm.
• To the minimum displayed unit, which for the most accurate laser distance meters will show us the results with a resolution of 0.1 mm.
• The IP protection class, since these instruments are used in open air, on construction sites, meaning that their resistance to water and dust penetration is essential for their long-lasting use.

It is also worth looking at the number of measurement results that the device can store. There are distance meters that can store up to 50 such readings. In case of technical questions, our company is ready to help you with laser distance meters.