Johnson LDM195 User manual

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 1
195′Laser Distance Meter w/Angle Sensor
Model No. LDM195
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 1

2©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
Table 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 andling
10. Troubleshooting Guide
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 Guide 1
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 2

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 3
2. Features and Functions
• Seven (7) measurement modes: Length (Single or Continuous),
Area, Volume, 2-Point Pythagoras, 1-Point Pythagoras, Digital Level
and Stake-out
• 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)
• igh-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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 3

4©2017 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
THIS TOOL EMITS LASE ADIATION.
DO NOT STA E INTO BEAM.
AVOID DI ECT EYE EXPOSU E.
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 4

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 5
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 5

6©2017 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
• 2-Point Pythagoras
measurement
• 1-Point Pythagoras
measurement
Press and hold for:
• Sound ( igh, Low, Off)
Reference Button
Press for:
• Adjust the
measurement
reference
Laser Emitted Window
Laser Receiving Window
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 6

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 7
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.
Notes:
* Feature available in the LDM330 only.
† Feature available in the LDM195 and LDM330 only.
∆ Feature found in the LDM130 and LDM330 only.
‡ Feature found in the LDM130, 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
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 7

8©2017 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
Notes:
• 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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 8

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 9
7. Operating Instructions
IMPO TANT: 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.
Power 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.
Auto atic Shutoff
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 9

10 ©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
Volu e Control
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 Modes
The Laser Distance Meter has 7 measuring modes. When the instrument
is powered on, it will default to the Length measuring mode.
1. Length (Single or Continuous)
2. Square
3. Volume/Cube
4. 1-Point Pythagoras
5. 2-Point Pythagoras
6. Stake-out
7. Digital Level
To select a mode, press the button. When there is no measuring
mode icon shown near the top left of the LCD screen, the instrument
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,
1-Point Pythagoras and 2-Point Pythagoras measuring modes. When
in the stake-out mode, the main display will have a flashing
symbol and will read 0.00, with the hundredths decimal place flashing.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 10

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 11
No icon will display when the
tool is in Length mode
Length Area/Square Volu e/Cube 1-Point
(single or continuous) Pythagoras
2-Point Stake-out Digital Level
Pythagoras
Units of Measure
The Laser Distance Meter has 7 units of measure.
1. Feet in decimal format (e.g., 6.637 ft)
2. Inches in decimal format (e.g., 79.646 in)
3. Feet and inches in 1/32″(e.g., 6′7″21/32)
4. Inches in 1/32″(e.g., 79″21/32)
5. Inches in 1/16″(e.g., 79″11/16)
6. Inches in 1/8″(e.g., 79″5/8)
7. Meters (e.g., 2.023 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. O after taking a measurement, press the button
repeatedly 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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 11

12 ©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
Front of Unit Zero
Reference Position
Back of Unit Zero
Reference Position
Measure ent Reference Position
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 12

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 13
Length Measure ent Mode – 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 prepare the LDM to take your next
Length measurement.
Length Measure ent Mode – Continuous
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 13

14 ©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
Area/Square Measure ent Mode
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.
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.
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 14

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 15
Volu e/Cube Measure ent Mode
1. Press the button 2 times 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.
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.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 15

16 ©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
2-Point Pythagoras Measure ent Mode
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 2-Point 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).
3. Keep your position stable and press the button. The
hypotenuse length measurement will appear above the main display.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 16

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 17
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.
1-Point Pythagoras Measure ent Mode
This Laser Distance Meter is equipped with
an angle sensor that can be used to both
quickly check an angle (like a digital level)
or to make more advanced 1-point
Pythagoras calculations with only one
measured length reference. Just like the
2-Point Pythagoras mode, the 1-Point
Pythagoras mode uses mathematical
relationships to calculate a distance that
cannot otherwise be measured directly by measuring the angle of the
tool and the length of a triangle hypotenuse.
1. Press the button 4 times until the 1-Point Pythagoras mode
icon ( ) displays near the top left of the LCD screen and the
current value for the angle is displayed as XX.X°.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:23 AM Page 17

18 ©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
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. old the Laser
Distance Meter so that the bottom edge of the tool is roughly
horizontal for the most accurate results.
3. Keep your position stable and press the button. The angle
measured will appear above the main display.
4. A length result will be shown on the main screen, and the triangle
in the Pythagoras Measurements indicator will flash one leg of the
triangle. The measurement result shown corresponds to that length
of the triangle you measured (height, width or hypotenuse). Press the
or buttons to toggle through the different sides of the
triangle.
5. Press the button to clear the display and take your next 1-Point
Pythagoras measurement.
Stake-out Measure ent Mode
The Stake-out mode is used when it is necessary to measure a
repeating distance interval, such as when installing fence posting
every 8 feet. It is important to have the volume enabled when
using the stake-out mode, as the tool will beep to guide you to
the correct distance.
To use the Stake-out mode:
1. Set your desired unit of measurement and measurement
reference position, as described earlier in this manual.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:24 AM Page 18

©2017 Johnson Level & Tool 19
2. Press the button 5 times to enter the Stake-out
mode. The main display will have a flashing symbol
and will read 0.00, with the hundredths decimal place flashing. This
number indicates your desired stake-out distance.
3. If you wish to increase or decrease the set stake-out distance by
hundredths of a decimal point (the flashing number), tap the
button to increase the set stake-out distance or tap the
button to decrease the stake-out distance.
4. If you wish to increase or decrease the set stake-out distance by
whole numbers, first press the button. The whole number on the
main display will begin flashing. Press the button to increase the
set stake-out distance or press the button to decrease the
stake-out distance.
5. Aim the Laser Distance Meter so that the laser dot is on the
selected target.
6. While keeping your position stable, press and hold the button.
7. The Laser Distance Meter will begin beeping steadily, and 3
numbers will appear on the LCD screen.
• The top number indicates the set stake-out
distance that you have set.
• The middle number indicates the number
of stake-out points between the unit and
the selected target.
• The bottom number on the main display
indicates the distance between the unit and the selected target.
8. A + or – symbol will flash on the main display to guide you forward
or backward, respectively, to the first stake-out point. As you
approach the stake-out point, the middle number on the LCD
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:24 AM Page 19

20 ©2017 Johnson Level & Tool
screen will continually update until it reaches a whole number (the
stake-out point). The unit will beep at regular intervals until you
reach the first stake-out point, at which time it will emit a long beep.
9. Continue following the main display as described in steps 7 and 8
above until you have measured all of your stake-out points.
Digital Level Measure ent Mode
The Digital Level measurement mode provides an
angle measurement.
This laser distance meter can be used as a digital
level to measure a vertical angle, shown above as “C.” There are
many benefits to using this mode. Over short distances, it can be used
for spot checking level of floors, countertops, etc. Over long distances,
it can be used to check the angle of rafters or the relative height of
two walls, etc. by using the laser beam as a reference.
To use the Digital Level measurement mode:
1. After selecting the desired reference position, tap the button
6 times until the Digital Level mode icon ( ) displays at the left
of the LCD screen.
2. The angle will show in the main display and will update
continuously as you move the Laser Distance Meter.
2162i-3_Manuals 8/22/17 9:24 AM Page 20