Hilti PD 20 User manual

PD 20
Operating instructions
*334057*
334057

23
Product identification
The type designation and serial number can be
found on a name plate attached to the rear of
the product. Make a note of this information in
the operating instructions and always refer to it
when addressing any enquiries to our agents or
service department.
Type: P 20 Serial no.:
Symbols
Information to help the operator use
the product in a technically correct
and efficient manner.
Caution
Operating risk or misuse which may
lead to only minor personal injuries,
but to serious material, property or
environmental damage.
Warning
Operating risk or misuse which may
lead to serious personal injury or
death.
Operating instructions Contents
PD 20 laser range meter
In addition to the instructions for use,
this manual also contains important
safety information (see “Safety
precautions” section).
Please read these instructions
carefully before using the product.
The symbols used in these operating
instructions have the following meanings:
1. Product information ............................. 5
Description of functions .................................. 5
Display and control panel ............................... 7
Symbols displayed ............................... 7
Button functions .................................... 8
Instructions at a glance .................................. 9
Technical data ............................................... 11
Items supplied .............................................. 13
2. Safety information .............................. 14
Please read this now! ................................... 1
Purpose ........................................................ 1
Intended uses ..................................... 14
Examples of misuse ........................... 14
Operating limits ............................................ 15
Division of responsibilities ............................ 15
Operating risks ............................................. 16
Disposal ....................................................... 20
Laser classification ....................................... 21
Information plate .......................................... 22
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ........... 2
3. Operation ............................................. 25
Inserting the batteries ........................... 25
Menu selection and setting ................... 26
Menu overview ................................... 26
rEF menu / reference point ................. 26
CONST menu / constants .................. 27
Light menu / display illumination ........ 27
dELAY menu / self-timer ..................... 27
bEEP menu / beep sound .................. 28
Unit menu / measurement units ......... 28
4. Wor ing with the PD 20 ...................... 29
Measuring distances .................................... 29
Measuring using the spike .................. 30
Continuous measurement (tracking) .. 31
Measuring using the self-timer ........... 32
Measuring with the aid of a target object 33
continued

45
Contents 1. Product information
1. Product information
Description of functions
continued
The Hilti P 20 is a laser range meter. It makes
use of a laser beam to measures distances
within the 0.3 m - 100m range with great
precision and without physical contact.
1Laser exit aperture
2isplay
3Control panel
4Receiving lens
5Plastic casing
6Bubble level
7Battery compartment
8Spike (folding)
9Two tripod mounting threads
Taking measurements from various
surfaces .............................................. 34
Using the calculation functions .................... 35
Adding / subtracting (distances) ......... 35
Multiplication (areas / volumes) .......... 36
Calculating with Pythagoras ............... 38
Calculating using a constant value ..... 40
5. Care, transportation and storage ...... 41
Cleaning and drying ..................................... 1
Storage ........................................................ 1
Transportation .............................................. 1
6. Symbols displayed ............................. 42
7. Measuring equipment inspection ..... 43
8. Accessories ........................................ 44
Batteries .......................................................
Target plates ................................................
Laser sighting glasses .................................
9. FCC statement (applicable in US) ..... 45
10. EC declaration of conformity ............ 46
11. Warranty .............................................. 47
. Working with the PD 20, continued
7
89
5
3
2
6
4
1

67
1. Product information
Symbols displayed
Display and control panel
continued
Front edge of the tool
Tripod thread axis
Rear edge of the tool
(standard setting)
End of the spike (e.g. for taking
measurements from the corner of a
room)
Features
- Compact and functional design
- Simple, self-explanatory menu selection and
menu settings
- One-man, hand-held operation for speed of
use
- Large display (can be illuminated)
- Memory function for constants
- Built-in calculator functions
- Pythagoras button for rapid calculation of
building heights
- Switches off automatically
- The last three measured values remain in
memory
- Built-in bubble level
- Tripod mounting threads
Description of functions, continued
Distances between
30 and 100
- Use the brown target plate.
Distances between
0.3 and 30
- Target the object directly.
- Use the white target plate.
The point from which the measurement is taken
is clearly identified by the red spot. The range of
the tool depends on the reflectance and surface
finish at the point where the measurement is
taken. The reference point on the tool can be
selected for different types of measurements.
Reference points on the tool
Mathe atical functions
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Pythagoras
Error essages
Signal received is too weak or too
powerful.
Ambient light too bright
Contact a Hilti service department.
Operating temperature range of the
tool is exceeded
Batteries almost discharged
Tracking (continuous easure ent ode)
activated
1. Product information

89
1. Product information
Button functions
Display and control panel, continued
Recall last measured values (max. 3)
Scroll through active menu
Menu select / exit (rEF/CONSt/Light/
dELAY/bEEP/UNIT).
Recall last measured values (max. 3)
Scroll through active menu
Measure distance or start tracking
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Pythagoras (calculates length of
opposite side of right-angled triangle)
Start calculation or reset display
Switch tool on / off
isplay
Select menu
Measure
Calculate
Switch on / off
1. Product information
Instructions at a glance
continued
2.326 m
2x
LASER
- - - - -

10 11
1. Product information
Technical data
Measuring range
0.3 to over 100 m*
Typical measuring range without
target plate
rywall panel, white 60 m
Concrete, dry 50 m
Brick, dry 50 m
*Maximum range depends on
reflectance of the target surface and
on the brightness of ambient light. If
difficulty is experienced (no measure-
ment possible), the Hilti PA411 target
plate should be used.
Measuring ti e
0.5 to approx. 4 sec. in individual
measurement mode
0.16 to approx. 1 sec. in continuous
measurement mode (tracking)
Accuracy
± 3 mm individual measurement @ 23° C
(± 0.1
" individual measurement @ 73° F)
± 5 mm @ 0°C ... + 50°C
(± 0.2" @ + 32°F ... + 122°F)
± 7 mm @ - 10°C ... + 50°C
(± 0.3" @ 14°F ... 122°F)
Bea dia eter
< 6 mm @ 10 m (< 0.2" @ 30 ft)
< 30 mm @ 50 m (< 1.2" @ 150 ft)
< 60 mm @ 100 m (< 2.4" @ 300 ft)
Operating odes
• Individual measurement
• Continuous measurement
• Pre-set distance
• Calculation
Operating status indicator
Liquid crystal display indicating
individual operating modes and
operating status
Laser Visible, 620 - 690 Nm, laser class 2
(IEC825-1), class II (F A21 CFR)
Power output: <1 mW
Power supply (3 V DC)
Battery type: AA (LR6, AM3,
round cell R6)
Standard: 2 alkaline primary cells
Optional: NiCd rechargeable
continued
1. Product information
Instructions at a glance, continued
0.3 - 30 : 30 - 100 :
rEF
CONSt 0.000 ...
999.999 m
Light OFF / ON / Auto
dELAY 0/2/5/10/20 s
bEEP Auto/ON/OFF
UNIT m / in / ft in
m
ft in
s
h!
a
m
ft in
m
ft in m
ft in
m/m2/m3
ft in
sq.ft /in

12 13
1. Product information
Items supplied
No. Qty. Designation
11 P 20 laser range meter
21 Operating instructions
32 Batteries, type AA
41 Carrying case
12
3
4
1. Product information
Technical data, continued
Battery life at 25° C [+ 77° F]
No. of measurements with a duration
of five seconds
Alkaline: 4000
NiCd: 2000
Battery condition
A warning is displayed when battery
voltage is low.
Operating te perature
- 10°C ... + 50°C (14°F ... 122 °F)
Storage te perature
- 30°C ... + 70°C (- 22°F ... 158°F)
Protection class
ust and splash-proof
IP 54 as per IEC 529 standard
Mounting points
1/4'’ Whitworth internal thread
One on the side and one underneath
(Standard camera tripod thread)
Weight 380 g (without batteries)
Di ensions
165 x 67 x 47 mm
(6.5'’ x 2.6'’ x 1.8'’)
Illustration showing
di ensions [ ]
PD20

14 15
2. Safety information
WARNING
Misuse may lead to injury, malfunction
and damage to property. The owner
must inform the user of the operating
risks associated with the equipment
and the corresponding safety
precautions. The P 20 laser range
meter may be operated only when the
user has received prior instruction.
Operating limits
See “Technical data” section.
Environ ent
The product is suitable for use in atmospheres
permanently habitable by humans. It must not
be used in corrosive or explosive environments.
Exposure to rain for short periods during use is
permissible.
Division of responsibilities
Responsibility of the anufacturer of
the original equip ent, Hilti Corporation,
FL 9494 Schaan (subsequently referred to
as “Hilti”)
Hilti is responsible for supplying a technically
safe product in faultless condition, including
operating instructions and original accessories.
The responsibility of other anufacturers
supplying accessories
The manufacturers of accessories (not supplied
by Hilti) for the Hilti P 20 are responsible for
the development, implementation and
communication of safety strategies for their
products and the interaction of the latter with the
Hilti product.
Intended use, continued
continued
2. Safety information
2. Safety information
Please read this now!
This information is intended to enable owners
and users of the Hilti P 20 to identify any
operating risks in good time, i.e. to eliminate any
such risks in advance where possible.
The owner of the tool must ensure that these
instructions are understood and followed by all
users.
Purpose
Intended uses
The Hilti P 20 is intended for the following
range of applications:
• Measuring distances
• Calculating areas, volumes and remote
heights (side of right-angled triangle)
• Addition and subtraction of distances
Examples of misuse
• Use of the product without prior instruction
• Use of the product outside its operating limits
• Rendering safety devices ineffective or
removing notices and warning signs
• Opening the product unless expressly
permitted in certain cases (e.g. to replace the
batteries)
• Making conversions or modifications to the
product
• The use of accessories from other
manufacturers not explicitly approved by Hilti
• The use of a product known to have been
stolen
• eliberately dangerous or careless behaviour
on scaffolding, when climbing ladders or
when taking measurements in the vicinity of
operating machinery or the exposed parts of
machines or other equipment
• Aiming the product directly at the sun
• eliberately dazzling other persons
continued

16 17
2. Safety information
CAUTION
Take care to avoid incorrect
measurements caused by using a
defective product or a product which
has been dropped or subjected to any
other inadmissible stresses or
changes.
Preventative easures
Carry out measurements periodically to check
the accuracy of the product, particularly after it
has been exposed to excessive stresses and
before and after important measuring tasks.
WARNING
Failure to adequately cordon off the
area in which you are measuring may
lead to dangerous situations in road
traffic, on building sites or in industrial
plants, etc.
Preventative easures
Always ensure that the area in which you are
carrying out measuring work is properly
cordoned off. Observe the statutory accident
prevention regulations and road traffic
regulations of the applicable country.
CAUTION
Taking measurements from surfaces
with low reflectance surrounded by
areas with high reflectance may lead
to measurement errors.
Preventative easures
Take measurements from the brown side of the
Hilti target plate at distances above 40 m.
CAUTION
Rapidly changing conditions such as
large changes in distance while in
tracking mode or rapidly moving
target objects may lead to
measurement errors.
Operating risks, continued
continued
2. Safety information
Responsibility of the owner
WARNING
The owner is responsible for the
correct use of the equipment, the use
of the equipment by his employees,
their instruction and the operating
safety of the equipment.
The owner has the following obligations:
• To ensure that he has understood the safety
information on the product and the
information contained in the operating
instructions.
• To be aware of the locally applicable
industrial accident prevention regulations.
• To notify Hilti immediately of any safety-
related defects or deficiencies in the
equipment.
Operating ris s
WARNING
Use of the product without instruction
or with incomplete instruction may
lead to errors by the operator or
misuse and thus to accidents resulting
in serious personal injury, pecuniary
damage or damage to property and
the environment.
Preventative easures
All users must observe the safety information
issued by the manufacturer and the owner’s
instructions.
CAUTION
Care must be taken to avoid incorrect
measurements.
Preventative easures
Keep the receiving lens clean. It should be
cleaned at regular intervals. See section 5,
“Cleaning and drying”.
Division of responsibilities, continued
continued

18 19
2. Safety information
CAUTION
If the equipment is not used for
lengthy periods, there is a risk of it
being damaged by leaking batteries.
Preventative easures
Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use
the equipment for some time.
CAUTION
At regular intervals or before
measuring, check that the folding
spike functions correctly.
The symbol illustrated is shown in the
display.
Operating risks, continued
continued
2. Safety information
Preventative easures
– Take individual measurements
– Set up the tool in a fixed position (tripod)
CAUTION
Objects moving through the path of
the laser beam while measuring may
lead to incorrect measurements.
Preventative easures
Take care to ensure that no objects move
through the path of the laser beam.
CAUTION
Inadmissible mechanical influences
during the shipping or disposal of
charged batteries may lead to a risk of
fire.
Preventative easures
Remove the batteries from the tool before
shipping and dispose of them only when fully
discharged (operate the tool in tracking mode
until the batteries are discharged).
CAUTION
Opening the product without
authorisation will not only invalidate
the warranty, it may also cause
malfunctions and measuring errors.
Preventative easures
o not open the product! Only the battery
compartment cover should be opened when
replacing the batteries.
Operating risks, continued
continued

20 21
The Hilti P 20 generates a visible laser beam
which is emitted from the front side of the tool.
The product conforms to laser class 2 as per:
• IEC825-1
1993 “Safety of laser equipment”
• EN60825-1
1994 “Safety of laser equipment”
Laser classification
2. Safety information
The product conforms to laser class II as per:
• F A 21CFR Ch.I§1040
1988 (U.S. epartment of Health and Human
Service, Code of Federal Regulations)
Laser class 2 /II products
o not look into the laser beam and never aim it
at other persons.
Protection of the eyes is normally ensured by
defensive reactions including the eyelid closure
reflex.
WARNING
Looking directly into the beam with
optical aids (e.g. binoculars or
telescopes) can be dangerous.
Preventative easures
Never look into the beam using optical aids.
continued
2. Safety information
WARNING
Improper disposal of the equipment
may lead to the following:
• Burning of plastic components generates
toxic fumes which may present a health
hazard.
• If damaged or exposed to very high
temperatures, batteries may explode, causing
poisoning, burns, acid burns or environmental
pollution.
• Careless disposal enables unauthorised
persons to make improper use of the
equipment, which may lead to serious injury
to themselves or a third party and to pollution
of the environment.
Preventative easures
Most of the materials from which Hilti tools are
manufactured can be recycled. The materials
must be correctly separated before they can be
recycled. In many countries, Hilti has already
made arrangements for taking back old tools for
recycling. Please ask your Hilti customer service
department or Hilti representative for further
information.
Disposal
Part, asse bly Main aterial Recycling
Casing Plastic Plastics
recycling
Control Plastic Plastics
panel recycling
Measuring Various Electronics
module scrap
or scrap
metal
Electronics Various Electronics
scrap
Screws, small Steel Scrap metal
parts
Carrying case Plastic Plastics
recycling

22 23
Information plate, continued
2. Safety information
Applicable standard: IEC825-1: 1993 F A 21CFR
EN60825-1: 1994 Ch. l § 1040: 1988
Beam divergence: 0,16 x 0,6 mrad 0,16 x 0,6 mrad
Pulse duration: 1 x 10
-9
s 1 x 10
-9
s
Max. power output: 0,95 mW ± 5% 0,95 mW ± 5%
Caution
The product should be repaired at a
Hilti-approved service centre only.
Laser classification, continued
2. Safety information
Laser exit aperture
Information plate
All product identification data and warnings
concerning the use of the product can be found
on the rear of the Hilti P 20.
continued

24 25
3. Operation
3. Operation
Inserting the batteries
Symbol displayed
Low battery voltage ➔
Insert new batteries
2x type AA
(LR6 / AM3/ round cell R6)
Always replace the co plete set of
batteries
- o not mix old and new batteries.
- o not mix batteries of different
makes or types.
- Use only undamaged batteries of
an approved type.
1
3
2
2x
When rechargeable batteries are
used, each pair of batteries ust be:
- Of the same make and the same
type
- Of the same age and charged to
the same level
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
2. Safety information
Electromagnetic compatibility refers to the ability
of the Hilti P 20 to function correctly in an
environment where it is exposed to
electromagnetic radiation and electrostatic
discharge, without causing electromagnetic
interference to other devices.
WARNING
There may be a possibility of
interference with other equipment due
to electromagnetic radiation.
Although the Hilti P 20 complies with the strict
requirements of the relevant directives and
standards, Hilti cannot entirely rule out the
possibility of interference with other equipment.
CAUTION
Measurements may exceed
tolerances in the event of interference
caused by electromagnetic radiation.
Although the Hilti P 20 complies with the strict
requirements of the relevant directives and
standards, Hilti cannot entirely rule out the
possibility of the Hilti P 20 being subject to
interference caused by very intense
electromagnetic radiation, e.g. in the immediate
vicinity of radio transmitters, radio
communication equipment, diesel generators,
etc.
Check the readings for plausibility when
measuring under these conditions.

26 27
Selecting and setting the menu, continued
dELAY menu / self-timer
3. Operation
CONST menu / constants
Light menu / display illumination
Press the button
to select menu mode.
Use the ,
buttons to select the
CONST menu.
Use the , buttons to enter the constant,
e.g. 0.234
The value entered can be recalled for use in
subsequent calculations (e.g. addition of a
constant to the measured value etc).
Press the button
to select menu mode.
Use the ,
buttons to select the
light menu.
Use the , buttons to select the desired
illumination mode:
OFF illumination off (power saving)
ON illumination on constantly
AUTO illumination on for 10 seconds after
pressing a button
Press the button
to select menu mode.
Use the ,
buttons to select the
dELAY menu.
Use the , buttons to select the desired
delay time (0 / 2 / 5 /10 / 20).
After pressing the “measure” button, the
measurement will be taken automatically when
the set time has elapsed (e.g. for taking
measurements from points where access is
difficult).
continued
MENU
CONST
0.234
MENU
Light
OFF
MENU
dELAY
0
3. Operation
Menu selection and setting
rEF menu / reference point
continued
Menu overview
Select menu mode by
pressing the
button.
Use the ,
buttons to select the
rEF menu.
MENU
rEF
Front edge of the tool
Tripod thread axis
Rear edge of the tool (standard
setting)
Use the , buttons to select the desired
reference point:
Press the button to exit menu mode.
rEF CONSt Light
dELAY bEEP UNIT
Select / exit menu mode
Scroll through the menus
Adjust menu values up / down

28 29
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring distances
continued
Switch on the tool.
The following is displayed:
After switching on the
tool, the reference
point is always set to
the rear edge of the
tool (symbol).
The laser beam is
switched on.
Position the rear edge of the tool at
the desired starting point and aim it at
the target from which the
measurement is to be taken.
Press the “measure” button.
The measured value is then
displayed.
4. Wor ing with the PD 20
- - - - -
LASER
bEEP menu / beep sound
Unit menu / measurement units
Selecting and setting the menu, continued
3. Operation
Press the button
to select menu mode.
Use the ,
buttons to select the
bEEP menu.
Use the , buttons to select the desired
beep mode:
ON A beep is emitted when :
- A button is pressed
- A measurement is taken
- An error occurs
OFF No beep sound
Auto A beep is emitted when:
- A measurement is taken
- An error occurs
Press the button
to select menu mode.
Use the ,
buttons to select the
UNIT menu.
Use the , buttons to select the desired
measuring unit:
Value displayed in m
in Value displayed in feet, inches and
fractions
MENU
bEEP
OFF
MENU
UNIT
in

30 31
Continuous measurement (trac ing)
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring distances, continued
Press the “measure” button once
(long press to activate tracking
ode).
The following is displayed:
Switch on the tool.
Move the tool and
read each new
distance, as it is
measured, at each
new position.
Tracking mode can be cancelled by
pressing any button.
1.010m
Measuring using the spi e
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring distances, continued
The spike should be folded out when measuring
the diagonals of a room or when taking
measurements from corners where access is
difficult.
The extended reference point is taken into
account and the tool automatically corrects the
measured distance by the corresponding value.
The measuring procedure is carried out as
described previously.
17.863 m

32 33
Measuring with the aid of a target object
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring distances, continued
A board, bricks or other suitable objects can be
used as the target when taking a measurement
from an outside edge (e.g. outside walls of
houses, perimeter fences etc).
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring using the self-timer
Measuring distances, continued
e.g. for measuring from inaccessible positions
The use of an extension rod can be of great
assistance for measuring with the P 20 from
points where access is difficult or even
impossible to reach without some form of aid.
One of the two threaded bushings (1/4" tripod
thread) on the P 20 can be used for attaching
an extension rod.
When an extension rod is used, the delay
between pressing the “measure” button and the
moment at which the measurement is taken can
be set with the assistance of the self-timer
(delay) function. Use the dELAY menu to set the
delay.

34 35
Using the calculation functions
Adding / subtracting (distances)
4. Working with the P 20
Individual distances can be easily added or
subtracted.
The following example shows how to obtain a
total height by adding together two part heights
measured from the same line on a wall.
Press the “measure” button. The laser
beam is switched on. For the first part
height, position the P 20, pointing
upwards, with its rear edge on the line
marked on the wall.
Press the “measure” button again.
The first part height is measured and
displayed (the laser beam then
switches off).
Press the “plus” button.
Press the “measure” button.
For the second part height, position the
P 20, pointing downwards, with its rear
edge on the line marked on the wall.
Press the “measure” button again.
The second part height is measured
and displayed (the laser beam then
switches off).
Press the “equals” button.
Read the sum of the part heights from
the display.
1.105
1.155
2.260
Ta ing measurements from various surfaces
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring distances, continued
Plants and trees
As a rule, it is not possible to take
measurements from plants and trees, even over
very short distances. Matt green surfaces
decrease the range of the P 20.
Rough surfaces
On rough surfaces, (e.g. rough plaster), the
measurement obtained is a weighted average,
whereby the centre of the laser beam receives a
higher weighting than the surrounding area.
A message is displayed if the differences are
excessive.

36 37
Using the calculation functions, continued
4. Working with the P 20
Exa ple
Calculating the volu e of a roo
After calculating the floor area of the room,
proceed as follows:
Press the
“multiplication”
button.
Measure the
height of the
room.
Press the “equals” button.
Read the volume from the display.
A chain of calculations can also be made
without pressing the “equals” button.
For example:
distance x distance x distance
or
distance x distance + distance x distance = m2
29.313 m2
x
2.285
Multiplication (areas / volumes)
Using the calculation functions, continued
4. Working with the P 20
Measure the width of the room.
Exa ple
Calculating the floor area of a roo
Press the
“multiplication”
button.
Measure the
length of the
room.
Press the “equals” button.
Read the floor area from the display.
3.5
3.500 m
x
8.375 m
8.375

38 39
4. Working with the P 20
Measuring distances, continued
Measure side “a” (the adjacent side of
the triangle).
The following is displayed:
2. Measure the adjacent side
Calculating with Pythagoras, continued
Calculate the height “h” (the opposite
side of the triangle) by pressing the
“equals” button.
The following is displayed:
3. Calculate the opposite side
8.720 m
4.995 m
- - - - -
Using the calculation functions, continued
4. Working with the P 20
Calculating with Pythagoras
The Pythagoras function button can be used, for
example, for quickly measuring remote heights etc.
Pressing the Pythagoras button activates
the calculation formula.
To ensure correct use of this method,
the adjacent side of the triangle
measured must be perpendicular to the
opposite side that is to be calculated (i.e.
perpendicular to height h). Failure to
ensure that measurements are
perpendicular will cause errors and the
results obtained may not be within the
specified accuracy of the P 20.
continued
Measure side “s” (the hypotenuse),
e.g. 10.049 m
Press the Pythagoras button.
The following is displayed:
1. Measure the hypotenuse
10.049 m
- - - - -