Johnson LDM150 User manual

©2018 Johnson Level & Tool 1
150′Laser Distance Meter
Model No. LDM150
Instruction Manual
Congratulations on your choice of this Laser Distance Meter. We suggest
you read this instruction manual thoroughly before using the instrument
and save this instruction manual for future use.
This is a Class II laser tool and is manufactured to comply with CRF 21,
parts 1040.10 and 1040.11 as well as international safety rule IEC 285.
The laser also complies with EMC Test according to EN61000-6-3;
2001+A11:2004, EN 6100-6-1:2011, EN 6100-4-2, EN 61000-4-3, EN
60825, FCC Test according to PART 15.
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2©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
able of Contents
1. Kit Contents
2. Features and Functions
3. Safety Instructions
4. Location/Content
of Warning Labels
5. Location of Parts/Components
6. Battery Installation
7. Operating Instructions
8. Tips from the Pros
9. Care and Handling
10. Troubleshooting uide
11. Technical Specifications
12. Product Warranty
13. Warranty Registration
14. Accessories
1. Kit Contents
Description Qty.
Laser Distance Meter 1
“AAA” Alkaline Batteries 2
Wrist Strap 1
Soft-Sided Pouch 1
Quick Start uide 1
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2. Features and Functions
• Four (4) measurement modes: Length (Single or Continuous), Area,
Volume and 2-Point Pythagoras
• Displays in English or metric units with decimals or fractions
(English units only)
• ISO 16331-1 tested* to typical accuracy of +/- 1/16″
(0.0625″, or 1.5mm)
• High-speed microprocessor for quick, accurate calculations
• IP 54 protection – sealed from dust and rainwater
* This tool is tested in accordance with ISO 16331-1 “Laboratory
procedures for testing surveying and construction instruments –
Part 1: Performance of handheld laser distance meters.” This standard is
used to calculate accuracy under varying ambient lighting conditions.
For more detailed test results, see the Technical Specifications section of
this operator’s manual.
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4©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
3. Safety Instructions
Please read and understand all of the following instructions, prior
to using this tool. Failure to do so, may void the warranty.
DANGER!
Class II Laser Product
Max. Power Output: ≤1mW
Wavelength: 640-660nm
HIS OOL EMI S LASER RADIA ION.
DO NO S ARE IN O BEAM.
AVOID DIREC EYE EXPOSURE.
ATTENTION IMPORTANT
• Read all instructions prior to operating this laser tool. Do not remove any labels from tool.
• Do not stare directly at the laser beam.
• Do not project the laser beam directly into the eyes of others.
• Do not set up laser tool at eye level or operate the tool near a reflective surface as
the laser beam could be projected into your eyes or into the eyes of others.
• Do not place the laser tool in a manner that may cause someone to unintentionally
look into the laser beam. Serious eye injury may result.
• Do not operate the tool in explosive environments, i.e. in the presence of gases or
flammable liquids.
• Keep the laser tool out of the reach of children and other untrained persons.
• Do not attempt to view the laser beam through optical tools such as telescopes as
serious eye injury may result.
• Always turn the laser tool off when not in use or left unattended for a period of time.
• Remove the batteries when storing the tool for an extended time (more than 3 months)
to avoid damage to the tool should the batteries deteriorate.
• Do not attempt to repair or disassemble the laser tool. If unqualified persons attempt
to repair this tool, warranty will be void.
• Use only original Johnson®parts and accessories purchased from your Johnson®
authorized dealer. Use of non-Johnson®parts and accessories will void warranty.
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4. Location/Content of Warning Labels
Error Code Label
The LDM may return an error code during use, as
indicated by the display showing “ERR X,” where
“X” represents a number from 1 to 6.
The error codes are as follows:
1. Laser Range – The measurement distance is
outside the range listed in the specifications.
2. Weak Signal – The reflected laser signal is too
weak, either due to high ambient lighting at the
target or poor target reflectivity.
3. Display Range – The measurement distance,
area or volume exceeds the number of units the
display is capable of showing.
4. Low Battery – The batteries need to be replaced.
5. Temperature – The tool is either above the
maximum or below the minimum safe operating
temperature range.
6. Ambient Light – The tool is being used in too
bright of an environment to operate properly.
QR Code: Use a smartphone to scan the QR code to
be taken directly to Johnson Level & Tool’s
Operator’s Manual Page.
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6©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
5. Location of Parts/Components
LCD Screen
Subtraction Button
Addition Button
Power Button
Press for:
• Power on
• Set units of
measurement
Press and hold for:
• Power off
Measure Button
Press for:
• Power on
• Measure
Press and hold for:
• Continuous mode
Functions / Sound Button
Press for:
• Area measurement
• Volume measurement
• Indirect/2-Point
Pythagoras measurement
Press and hold for:
• Sound (High, Low, Off)
Laser Emitted Window
Laser Receiving Window
Reference Button
Press for:
• Adjust the meas-
urement reference
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Not all features found on the LCD screen are found in every Johnson
Level & Tool Laser Distance Meter. See the notes below for further
information.
N tes:
* Feature available in the LDM330 only.
† Feature available in the LDM195 and LDM330 only.
∆ Feature found in the LDM330 only.
‡ Feature found in the LDM150, LDM195 and LDM330 only.
1. Measurement Reference Position
2. Measuring Mode
3. Memory (recent measurements)*
4. Active Laser Indicator
5. Add and Subtract‡
6. Maximum Display
7. Indirect Measuring Mode
(Pythagoras Measurements)‡
8. Minimum Display
9. Stake-out Direction Indicator†
10. Main Screen –
Current Measurement
11. Countdown Timer*
12. Bluetooth®Indicator∆
13. Battery Status Indicator
14. Secondary Screens
(prior 2 measurements)
LCD Screen
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8©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
6. Battery Installation
To install batteries in the Laser Distance Meter:
1.
Remove the battery cover by lifting the cover
straight up from the bottom of the Laser
Distance Meter as shown by the arrow in the
image to the right.
2. Insert 2 “AAA” batteries into the battery
compartment according to the polarity illustrated inside.
3. Replace the battery cover.
Current Battery Status
To check the current battery life, press and hold both the and
buttons simultaneously for one second. The battery icon will display
for approximately 10 seconds.
When the batteries are low, the battery icon will automatically display.
Battery has 100% power
Battery has approximately 60% power
Battery has approximately 25% power
Battery has approximately 5% power,
and new batteries are needed
N tes:
• Use only alkaline batteries.
• Remove the batteries when storing the instrument for an extended
time (more than 3 months) to avoid damage to the tool should the
batteries deteriorate.
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7. Operating Instructions
IMPOR AN : It is the responsibility of the user to ensure proper
maintenance of the Laser Distance Meter. Conduct periodic test
measurements to ensure the instrument is measuring accurately
and consistently. This is most important if the instrument has been
exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Always confirm
accuracy before and during important measurements. Keep the
Laser Distance Meter optic lens clean and inspect for damage.
The Laser Distance Meter is designed to withstand a drop from
3 feet (1 meter). If dropped from a higher distance, the tool’s
calibration may be affected and it should be tested for accuracy.
P wer On/Off the Laser Distance Meter
Press either the button or the button to power on the
instrument.
Press and hold the button to power off the instrument.
Aut matic Shut ff
Laser will turn off after remaining idle for 2 minutes. Press the
button to re-enable the laser.
Unit will turn off after remaining idle for 5 minutes.
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10 ©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
V lume C ntr l
The Laser Distance Meter has three volume settings: high, low and
off. When the instrument is powered on, it will default to the most
recently used volume setting.
To change the volume setting, press and hold the button.
The unit will cycle through the three settings (S1 = high, S-2 = low,
Off = mute) until you release the button.
Measuring M des
The Laser Distance Meter has 4 measuring modes. When the instrument
is powered on, it will default to the Length measuring mode.
1. Length (Single or Continuous)
2. Area/Square
3. Volume/Cube
4. 2-Point Pythagoras
To select a mode, press the button. When there is no measur-
ing mode icon shown near the top left of the LCD screen, the instru-
ment is in the Length measuring mode. The selected measuring mode
icon will display near the top left of the LCD screen for the Area,
Volume, and 2-Point Pythagoras measuring modes.
No icon will display when the
tool is in Length mode
Length Area/Square V lume/Cube 2-P int
(single r c ntinu us) Pythag ras
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Units f Measure
The Laser Distance Meter has 7 units of measure.
1. Feet in decimal format (e.g., 11.48 ft)
2. Inches in decimal format (e.g., 137.83 in)
3. Feet and inches in 1/32″(e.g., 11′5″27/32)
4. Inches in 1/32″(e.g., 137″27/32)
5. Inches in 1/16″(e.g., 137″7/8)
6. Inches in 1/8″(e.g., 137″7/8)
7. Meters (e.g., 3.501 m)
To select a unit of measure before making a measurement, press the
button. The word “Unit” will appear in the center of the LCD screen,
and the unit of measure will display at the bottom right of the LCD
screen. Continue to press the button to scroll through the different
units of measure. OR after taking a measurement, press the
button to scroll through the various units of measurement.
Note: The screen will only display feet and meters in a decimal format
in Area or Volume modes.
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12 ©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
Front of Unit Zero
Reference Position
Back of Unit Zero
Reference Position
Measurement Reference P siti n
Note: Setting the measurement reference correctly is critical to
obtaining an accurate measurement, as it establishes the place where
a reading of zero (0) is located. If the wrong reference position is
selected, the measurement will be off by the length of the tool (4.14
inches/≈4 1/8″).
The Laser Distance Meter has two reference positions for measurement,
which establish the place where a reading of zero (0) is located. When
the instrument is first turned on, it will default to the most recently
used position.
1. Front of the unit
2. Back of the unit
To select the desired position, press the button. The laser indicator
icon at the top left of the LCD screen will display the selected position.
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Length Measurement M de – Single
1. After turning on the instrument, it will default to the Length mode.
If the mode has been changed and you wish to return to the Length
mode, press the button until the measuring mode icon on the
LCD screen disappears.
2. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position,
aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target.
3. Keep your position stable and press the button.
4. The measurement will appear on the main display, and the laser
will turn off.
5. Press the button again to take your next Length measurement.
Length Measurement M de – C ntinu us
1. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position,
aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target.
2. Keep your position stable and press and hold the button.
The Laser Distance Meter will enter continuous length
measurement mode.
3. Move the instrument as necessary to the proper distance.
4. Press the button or button to pause the measurement.
The laser will turn off.
5. To exit the continuous mode and return to the single length
measurement mode, press the button while the tool is paused.
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Area/Square Measurement M de
1. Press the button once until the Area/Square mode icon ( )
displays near the top left of the LCD screen.
2. After selecting the desired unit of
measure and reference position, aim
the Laser Distance Meter so that the
laser dot is on the selected target to
measure the length (indicated by a “1”
in the figure to the right).
3. Keep your position stable and press the button. The length
measurement will appear above the main display.
4. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target to measure the width (indicated by a “2” in the
figure to the right).
5. Keep your position stable and press the button again. The length
and width measurements will appear on the secondary screen, and
the calculated area will appear on the main screen. The laser will
turn off.
6. Press the button again to take your next Area measurement.
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V lume/Cube Measurement M de
1. Press the button two times until the Volume/Cube mode
icon ( ) displays near the top left of the LCD screen.
2. After selecting the desired unit of
measure and reference position, aim
the Laser Distance Meter so that the
laser dot is on the selected target to
measure the length (indicated by a “1”
in the figure to the right).
3. Keep your position stable and press the button. The length
measurement will appear above the main display.
4. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target to measure the height.
5. Keep your position stable and press the button again. The length
and height measurements will appear above the main screen.
6. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target to measure the width.
7. Keep your position stable and press the button again. The height
and width measurements will appear above the main screen, and
the calculated volume will appear on the main screen. The laser
will turn off.
8. Press the button again to take your next Volume measurement.
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16 ©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
2-P int Pythag ras Measurement M de
2-Point Pythagoras measurement mode
refers to a measurement mode based off
the Pythagorean Theorem (A2 + B2 =
C2). If you know 2 lengths (but not the
third), this formula allows you to calculate
a missing dimension of a triangle. The
Laser Distance Meter uses this theorem to indirectly measure lengths
that are otherwise not directly measureable, enhancing the utility of
the tool.
Typically, the Laser Distance Meter is used to measure a height shown
above as “B” when there is no target at the top surface at which to
aim the laser, such as a tall wall. The measurement can be taken by
standing back at some distance “A” and taking measurements of “C”
(on the side of the wall) and “A” (aimed level at the wall).
To use the 2-Point Pythagoras measurement mode:
1. Press the button 3 times until the Pythagoras mode icon ( )
displays near the top left of the LCD screen.
2. After selecting the desired unit of measure and reference position,
aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target to measure the length of the hypotenuse
(represented by “C” in the figure above) and indicated by the
flashing lines on the LCD screen).
3. Keep your position stable and press the button. The hypotenuse
length measurement will appear above the main display.
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4. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target to measure the length of the base (represented by
“A” in the figure above).
5. Keep your position stable and press the button again. The
hypotenuse and base length measurements will appear above the
main screen. The indirect height will appear on the main screen
(represented by “B” in the figure above). The laser will turn off.
6. Press the button again to take your next 2-Point Pythagoras
measurement.
Measurement Additi n and Subtracti n
To add consecutive measurements, complete the following steps:
1. Complete your first measurement
2. Press the button. The first measurement will appear above the
main display.
3. Complete your second measurement. The second measurement
will appear above the main display, and the sum of the two
measurements will appear in the main display.
4. Repeat step 3 above as necessary to add further measurements.
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18 ©2018 Johnson Level & Tool
To subtract consecutive measurements, complete the following steps:
1. Complete your first measurement
2. Press the button. The first measurement will appear above the
main display.
3. Complete your second measurement. The second measurement
will appear above the main display, and the difference of the two
measurements will appear in the main display.
4. Repeat step 3 above as necessary to subtract further
measurements.
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8. ips from the Pros
• Take more than one measurement in
situations where accuracy is critical.
• Take 3-4 measurements from the same
position to compare the consistency of
each reading.
• To accurately measure objects lacking
an inside corner from the rear of the
instrument, use a scrap piece of drywall or
other flat material to extend the corner.
Butt the Laser Distance Meter up to the
material (as shown).
• If error message “ERR 2” appears, place a white sheet of paper or
reflective tape over the targeted measuring surface to improve the
return signal.
• Be aware that when outdoors, the working range of the tool
decreases significantly due to ambient light. The “unfavorable
conditions” accuracy and distance limits shown in the
specifications section quantify the performance you should expect
from your laser distance meter in bright sunlight conditions.
• To make the laser beam more visible, aim it down in front of you
and then follow it with your eyes as you move it towards the
desired target.
• When making Pythagoras measurements, make sure that you
hold the tool as flat as possible during your second measurement
for the most accurate measurements. The beam should hit
perpendicular to the object you are measuring.
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9. Care and Handling
•This Laser Distance Meter unit is a precision tool that must be
handled with care.
•Avoid exposing unit to shock vibrations and extreme temperatures.
•Remove the batteries when storing the unit for an extended time
(more than 3 months) to avoid damage to the unit should the
batteries deteriorate.
•Avoid getting the unit wet.
•Keep the laser unit dry and clean, especially the laser output
window. Remove any moisture or dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
•Do not use harsh chemicals, strong detergents or cleaning solvents
to clean the unit.
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