General LTM1 User manual

1
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’
(General’s) LTM1 50 Ft. Laser & Tape Measure. The LTM1 is
designed to replace a conventional tape measure in the
hands of both DIYers and professionals. Its design adds an
optical distance measuring system with a laser pointer and
digital readout to the familiar housing of a conventional
heavy-duty tape measure.
The optical measurement system works by shining an
invisible infrared beam on a target, which reflects the
beam back to the tool. The time it takes the beam to return
is proportional to the distance to the target. A red laser
pointer is used only to aim the beam, and not to carry any
information. The LTM1’s laser range of 50 ft. makes it
suitable for most indoor measuring tasks and many
outdoor jobs as well. The LTM1’s conventional tape
measure is 16 ft. long and ¾ in. wide. It should be used for
measuring distances less than 10 inches, as well as
distances between targets on the same plane (two points
on a floor or wall, for example).
Why is the LTM1 better than a conventional tape measure?
•It’ fa ter. It takes much less time—and only one hand—
to hold the tool against a wall, aim at the opposite wall and
press the measurement button than it does—requiring both
hands—to secure one end of a conventional tape measure,
walk the other end to the far wall, write down the reading
and retract the tape. The longer the distance to be
measured, the more time saved. Using the laser, the average
measurement can be made up to 10 times faster than by a
tape measure.
•It’ more accurate. Thanks to precision optics, the LTM1
can measure the distance between any two points further
than 10 inches apart with ±1/4 in. accuracy and 1/16 in.
resolution. It’s impossible to get that level of precision from
a tape that can bend or sag. What’s more, it’s much easier
to read the LTM1’s digital display, which can be held at eye
level, than to read a conventional tape measure whose
position may make tiny hash marks hard to see.
•It’ afer. Because the LTM1 can measure distances from a
distance, it takes the risk out of routine but tricky tasks. For
example, it makes it unnecessary to stand on a stepladder
and reach to measure the height of a ceiling.
WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE
The LTM1 comes on a blister-packed card along with:
• Two “AAA” Alkaline batteries
• A small Phillips-head screwdriver for opening the battery
compartment
50 FT. LASER & TAPE MEASURE
INSTRUCTIONS
LTM1
Please read these instructions carefully and thoroughly before using the product.
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the key components of the LTM1. Fig. 2
shows all possible display icons and indications. Use Fig. 1
to familiarize yourself with the position and function of all
components—especially the red measurement button
(Callout 1)—before moving on to the safety, setup and
operating instructions.
Fig. 1. The LTM1’ key component
1. Red measurement button. Press to activate laser
pointer.
2. Conventional 16 ft. tape measure
3. Laser measurement reference point
4. Metal belt clip
5. Gray tape retraction button
6. Laser measurement display (see Fig. 2)
7. Hinged battery compartment cover
8. Two “AAA” Alkaline batteries (included)
9. Red laser pointer exit
10. Infrared transmitter/receiver port
Fig. 2. The LTM1’ la er mea urement di play
A. Battery charge indicator
B. Laser measurement enabled icon. When flashing,
indicates that the laser pointer is activated and ready to
be aimed at a target.
C. Indicates that laser measurements are referenced to
the edge of the housing opposite the laser pointer exit
(Fig. 1, Callout 3).
D. Distance readout
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION!
• The LTM1’s Class II laser pointer emits less than 1mW of
radiation at 620 to 690 nm (nanometers). However, avoid
looking directly at the laser, and never point it at people
or animals. ye protection is normally afforded by the
blink reflex. U.S. law prohibits pointing a laser beam at
aircraft; doing so is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000
and imprisonment.
• Do not operate the LTM1 in explosive environments
containing flammable liquids, gases or dust. Sparks may
be created in the tool which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
• Keep the LTM1 away from cardiac pacemakers. A
magnet inside the tool generates a field that can impair
their function. Likewise keep the tool away from
magnetic data storage media, whose contents may be
erased by the magnetic field.
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERIES
The LTM1 is ready to use after you install the two supplied
“AAA” batteries. To open the battery compartment (Fig. 1,
Callout 7), use the included Phillips-head screwdriver to
turn the screw securing the compartment cover
counterclockwise until it swings up on its hinge at the top.
Install the batteries in series by following the polarity
marks on the inside of the cover. Then swing the cover
down and tighten the screw to secure it.
5
7
3
4
8
AAA
AAA
A B C
D
1
2
6
9
10
D

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To make a la er di tance mea urement, hold the back
(battery compartment side) of the tool against a wall or the
floor and press the red measurement button (Fig. 1, Callout
1). This activates the display, the laser pointer and the
infrared transmitter/receiver. It also causes the laser
measurement enabled icon (Fig. 2, Callout 1) to flash. This
indicates that the tool is ready to make a laser
measurement. Within 15 econd , aim the laser pointer at
the opposite wall or the ceiling of the room or space and
press the red button again. The distance between the two
surfaces will be displayed on the LCD. The laser pointer will
automatically extinguish after each laser measurement.
If you take more than 15 econd to pre the mea urement
button a econd time, the la er mea urement enabled icon
(and the red pot on the target) will di appear. To attempt
another laser measurement, you must press the button
twice more—once to reactivate the laser pointer and
infrared transmitter/receiver while you re-aim, and the
second time to actually make the measurement.
To power off the LTM1 manually, press and hold the red
measurement button for at least three seconds.
To mea ure a di tance u ing the mea uring tape, extract
the blade from the housing by pulling on the tab at the end
of the blade (Fig. 1, Callout 2). The blade will remain at its
extracted length, making it easy to hook the tab behind the
target. To retract the blade, press the gray tape retraction
button on the bottom of the LTM1 (Fig. 1, Callout 5).
OPERATING &
MAINTENANCE TIPS
Because the LTM1’s laser pointer silently powers off 15
seconds after being activated, you’ll often find that when
you press the red button intending to make a
measurement, all you have done is reactivate the pointer
and infrared transmitter/receiver. As noted earlier, what you
must do in this case is press the button twice more—once
to reactivate the laser pointer and IR transmitter/receiver
while you re-aim, and the second time to actually make the
measurement.
When measuring horizontal distances, keep the tool as
horizontal as possible.
When measuring long distances, use a target plate made of
white paper or cardboard. Pressing the back of the tool
against a surface (rather than holding it in your hand) helps
to steady the laser pointer on distant targets.
If the display shows “all dashes” rather than a distance
reading, the likely cause is one of the following:
• The laser pointer is moving too quickly. To steady the
pointer, press the back of the tool (the side with the
battery compartment) against the wall or floor.
• The target is beyond the maximum range (50 ft.) of the
IR transmitter/receiver, or closer than the minimum range
of 10 in. In other words, the returned IR signal is too
weak or too strong.
• The target is too reflective. In this case, use a target plate
made of white paper or cardboard, as recommended
above.
• The target is flooded with ambient light. “Masking” the
target with white paper or cardboard should solve the
problem.
• The target is an LCD or plasma TV/computer screen. This
type of display absorbs incoming IR radiation and reflects
nothing back to the tool.
• The ambient temperature is outside the specified
operating range (32º to 104ºF).
Replace the batteries when the on-screen battery charge
icon begins flashing. Use alkaline batteries only. To avoid
having an old battery leak acid and ruin the tool, remove
both batteries when you do not expect to use the LTM1 for
a long period of time (several months).
Clean the LTM1 by wiping it with a damp soft cloth. Never
use solvents or abrasives.
Keep the tool away from water and extreme temperatures.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
• Laser measurement system range/accuracy/resolution:
50 ft./±1/4 in./1/16 in.
• Laser measurement unit: feet + fractional inches
• Laser measurement display: 5-digit LCD measuring
1 x 1/2 in., with 1/4 in. high digits
• Laser automatically powers off after 15 seconds
(for safety reasons)
• Display automatically powers off after 60 seconds
(to conserve battery charge)
• Battery charge indicator
• Tape measure length and width: 16 ft. and 3/4 in.
• Familiar heavy-duty tape measure housing with metal
belt clip
• Power source: Two “AAA” Alkaline batteries (included)
• Typical battery life: >3,000 measurements
• Laser output: <1mW (Class II) @ wavelength of
620 to 690 nm
• Operating temperature: 32º to 104ºF
• Storage temperature: 14º to 140ºF
• Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 2.25 in.
• Weight: 12 oz.
• 1-year limited warranty
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General warrants its instruments and accessories, and
digital tools products against defects in material or
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase
unless otherwise stated on the packaging, user’s manual,
and/or marketing materials. General also warrants its non-
digital tools products against defects in material or
workmanship on a limited lifetime term.
General will replace or repair the defective unit, at its
option, subject to verification of the defect.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from
abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration,
or unreasonable use of the product. It also does not cover
products purchased from unauthorized distributors. A proof
of purchase must accompany each warranty claim.
Any implied warranties arising from the sale of a General
product, including but not limited to implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are
limited to the above. General shall not be liable for loss of
use of the product or other incidental or consequential
damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim of
such damage, expenses, or economic loss. State laws vary.
The above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
RETURN FOR REPAIR POLICY
very effort has been made to provide you with a reliable
product of superior quality. However, in the event your
instrument requires repair, please contact our Customer
Service to obtain an RGA (Return Goods Authorization)
number before forwarding the unit via prepaid freight to
the attention of our Service Center
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com