Trotec PROMAT BD20 User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
LASER DISTANCE
MEASURING DEVICE
BD20
EN
TRT-BA-BD20-TC-002-EN

1Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 EN
Symbols
Danger!
Warns of a hazard which can lead to injuries.
Risk from laser radiation!
Warns of injury risk from laser radiation.
Caution!
Warns of a hazard which can lead to damage to property.
The current version of the operating manual can be found at:
www.trotec.de
Legal notice
This release replaces all previous versions. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without written permission from
TROTEC®. The same applies for electronically processing,
duplicating or spreading the publication. Subject to technical
changes. All rights reserved. Trademarks are used without
guarantee that they may be used freely and primarily following
the spelling of the manufacturer. Product names are registered.
Changes to construction in the interests of constant
improvements to the product, as well as changes to the shape
and colour are reserved.
The scope of delivery may vary from product images. This
document was created with all due care. TROTEC®accepts no
liability whatsoever for possible mistakes or omissions.
The only party responsible for determining measured results to be
valid, drawing conclusions and deriving actions is the user!
TROTEC® accepts no claims of warranty for the correctness of
the determined measured values or measured results. Further,
TROTEC®accepts no liability whatsoever for possible mistakes or
damage which have been caused by utilising the determined
measured results. © TROTEC®
Table of contents
Notes regarding the operating manual .................................... 1
Information about the device................................................... 2
Technical data ........................................................................ 3
Safety ..................................................................................... 4
Transport and storage............................................................. 5
Operation................................................................................ 5
Fault indications...................................................................... 9
Maintenance and repair .......................................................... 9
Disposal.................................................................................. 10
Declaration of conformity ........................................................ 10
Notes regarding the operating manual

EN Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 2
Description of the device
The laser distance measuring device is used to determine
distances, areas and volumes in interior spaces. Indirect
measurements are carried out employing the Pythagoras
function.
The device is equipped with separate operating elements (2) for
the different measuring functions. The multi-line and optionally
also illuminated display (3) indicates the determined values.
Owing to the dust- and splash-proof housing (IP54), the device is
also suited for use on construction sites.
Measuring distance
The range of the device can be gathered from the Technical data
chapter.
Under certain conditions – e.g. at night, in twilight or when the
target is hidden in the shade – greater distances are possible
even without target plate. During the day use a target plate to
increase the distance for poorly reflecting targets.
Target surfaces
There might be measurement errors, when the laser encounters
colourless liquids (e.g. water), dust-free glass, styrofoam or other
semi-permeable materials. The measurement results could also
be falsified, if the laser encounters a high-gloss surface and is
deflected by it. Non-glossy, non-reflective or dark surfaces can
extend the measurement duration.
Device depiction
Operating elements
Information about the device
No. Operating element
1 Battery compartment opening
2 Operating elements
3 Display
4 Laser
No. Operating element
5 Press briefly: Switch-on/measurement button
Press for a long time: Button for permanent distance measurements
6 Press briefly: Minus key
Press for a long time: Save button (history)
7 Press briefly: Button for indirect measurements
Press for a long time: Inclination key (on/off)
8 Press briefly: Delete button
Press for a long time: Switch-off button
9 Press briefly: Illumination key (on/off)
Press for a long time: Reference key
10 Press briefly: Area/room volume key
Press for a long time: Unit key (ft, in., m)
11 Press briefly: Plus key
Press for a long time: Signal tone key (on/off)
1
2
3
4
5
11 6
7
8
10
9

3Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 EN
Display
*under favourable conditions (good target surface, room temperature) up
to 10 m
Scope of delivery
• 1 x Laser distance measuring device BD20
• 2 x Alkaline LR6 AAA, 1.5 V batteries
• 1 x Device bag
•1xWriststrap
• 1 x Getting started guide
No. Display element
12 Battery status
13 Horizontal measuring distance
14 Measured minimum value
15 Vertical measuring distance
16 Spare
17 Delta = maximum minus minimum
18 Complementary display when using imperial units
19 Display of the selected unit. Possible units are:
ft, in., m – for the three measurement value displays above
ft, ft3, ft2, in., m, m3, m2– for the lower measurement value display
20 Measurement value display:
The lower measurement value display indicates the last measured
value or the result of a calculation.
The three upper measurement value displays contain the past three
measured values, the minimum and maximum value or the measured
values to be added or subtracted.
21 Display inclination and history
22 Area measurement
Volume measurement
23 Indirect measurement (two auxiliary measurements)
Indirect measurement (three auxiliary measurements)
24 Spare
25 Reference value rear
26 Reference value front
27 Laser active
28 Error: calculation error
29 Error: temperature too high/low
30 Error: ambient light too intense
31 Spare
32 Measured maximum value
33 Device error warning
00.000
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27 12
333028 29 32
21
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25
Technical data
Model: BD20
Weight: 85 g
Dimensions (H x W x D): 113 x 45 x 25 mm
Measuring range: 0.05 to 60 m
Accuracy: ±2 mm*
Measuring range resolution: 1 mm
Number of recordings
logged in the history: 10
Type of protection: IP54
Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C
Storage temperature: -20 to 70 °C
Laser output: < 1 mW (620-690 nm)
Laser class: ll
Power supply: 2 x Alkaline LR6 AAA batteries, 1.5 V or NiMH
1.2 V to 1.5 V (rechargeable batteries)
Battery life approx. 5000 to 8000 measurements
Automatic switch-off of the
device: After approx. 75 seconds of non-use
Automatic switch-off of the
laser: After approx. 30 seconds of non-use

EN Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 4
Carefully read the operating manual before using the device
and keep it within reach!
• Do not use the device in atmospheres containing oil, sulphur,
chlorine or salt.
• Protect the device from permanent direct sunlight.
• Do not remove any safety signs, stickers or labels from the
device. Keep all safety signs, stickers and labels in legible
condition.
• Do not open the device with a tool.
• Avoid looking directly into the laser beam.
• Never point the laser beam at people or animals.
• Only use the device, if sufficient safety precautions were
taken at the surveyed location (e.g. when performing
measurements along public roads, on building sites etc.).
Otherwise do not use the device.
• Observe the storage and operating conditions (see chapter
Technical data).
Intended use
Only use the device for measuring distances, areas and volumes
by means of the integrated laser and within the measuring range
specified in the technical data. Here, read and observe the
technical data.
To use the device for its intended use, only use accessories and
spare parts which have been approved by TROTEC®.
Improper use
Do not use the device in potentially explosive atmospheres, or for
measurements in liquids. Never point it at people or animals.
TROTEC®accepts no liability for damages resulting from
improper use. In such a case, entitlements to a warranty are
forfeited. Any unauthorised modifications, alterations or
structural changes to the device are forbidden.
Personnel qualifications
People who use this device must:
• be aware of the dangers that occur when working with laser
measuring devices.
• have read and understood the operating manual, especially
the Safety chapter.
Residual risks
Risk from laser radiation!
Class 2 laser radiation.
Lasers of class 2 only radiate in the visible range and
during continuous wave operation (lasting beam) no more
than 1 milliwatt (mW) of output will be emitted. Looking
directly into the laser beam for a longer period of time
(more than 0.25 seconds) can cause damage to the
retina.
Avoid looking directly into the laser beam. Never look into
the laser beam using optical aides. Do not suppress the
winking reflex when looking into the laser beam
unintentionally. Never point the laser beam at people or
animals.
Danger!
Keep a sufficient distance away from sources of heat.
Danger!
Do not leave the packaging lying around. Children may
use it as a dangerous toy.
Danger!
The device is not a toy and does not belong in the hands
of children.
Danger!
Dangers can occur at the device when it is used by
untrained people in an unprofessional or improper way.
Observe the personnel qualifications.
Caution!
To prevent damages to the device, do not expose it to
extreme temperatures, extreme humidity or moisture.
Caution!
Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents to clean the
device.
Safety

5Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 EN
Transport
Use the supplied device bag (34) to transport the device.
Storage
When the device is not being used, observe the following storage
conditions:
•Dry.
• Protected from dust and direct sunlight.
• With a plastic cover to protect it from invasive dust, if
necessary.
• The storage temperature is the same as the range given in
the chapter Technical data.
• When storing the device for a long time, remove the batteries.
• Preferably use the supplied device bag to store the device.
Inserting the batteries
Attaching the wrist strap
Switch-on
• Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5).
– The display is switched on and the device is ready for
operation.
Switch-off
• Press the Switch-off button (8) for a long time.
– The display is switched off.
Transport and storage
34
Operation

EN Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 6
Basic settings
Switching the display illumination on/off
Briefly press the Illumination key (9) to switch the display
illumination on/off.
Switching the acoustic signal on/off
Press the Signal tone on/off key for a long time to switch the
acoustic signal on/off.
Aborting the measurement and deleting the display
Briefly press the Delete button (8) to abort the current
measurement or to delete the displayed measured values.
Setting the reference value
The device always measures the total distance beginning with the
reference point. This means that if the rear end of the device is
set as reference point, the length of the device will be part of the
measurement. By default the reference point is set to the rear of
the device. You can, however, also relocate the reference point to
the front part of the device. Proceed as follows:
• Press the Reference key (9) for a long time to relocate the
reference point to the front end of the device.
=> An acoustic signal can be perceived, whenever the
reference point is relocated. Additionally, the indication
Reference value front (26) appears.
When switching the device off and then on again, the reference
value will automatically be relocated to the rear end of the device.
Changing the units
• Press the Unit key (10) for a long time to switch between the
units for the measured values. Available units are ft, in.
and m.
• Briefly press the Unit key (10) to switch between the area
units (ft2, m2) and the volume units (ft3, m3).
Displaying the inclination
• Press the Inclination key (7) for a long time.
– The inclination of the device will be indicated in the
Inclination display (21).
Calling up a measured value in the device history
The device automatically saves the last 10 measured values. The
saved measured values can be called up as follows:
1. Press the Save button (6) for a long time to call up the history.
2. Briefly press the Minus key (6) or the Plus key (11) to
navigate through the history and call up the saved measured
values.
3. You can return to the normal measuring menu by briefly
pressing the Delete button (8) or the Measurement button (5).
Carrying out measurements
Risk from laser radiation!
Class 2 laser radiation.
Lasers of class 2 only radiate in the visible range and
during continuous wave operation (lasting beam) no more
than 1 milliwatt (mW) of output will be emitted. Looking
directly into the laser beam for a longer period of time
(more than 0.25 seconds) can cause damage to the
retina.
Avoid looking directly into the laser beam. Never look into
the laser beam using optical aides. Do not suppress the
winking reflex when looking into the laser beam
unintentionally. Never point the laser beam at people or
animals.
Carrying out single distance measurement
1. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) to
activate the laser.
2. Point the laser at the target area.
3. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) again to
perform a distance measurement. => The measured value is
immediately indicated on the display.
Adding / subtracting measured values
1. Carry out a single distance measurement.
2. Press the Plus key (11) to add the next measured value to the
previous one.
Press the Minus key (6) to subtract the next measured value
from the previous one.
3. Press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) to determine
the next measured value.
=> The overall result will be indicated in the lower measure-
ment value display. The individual measured values will be
indicated in the upper measurement value displays.
Performing an area measurement
1. Briefly press the Area/room volume key (10) one time.
– The symbol for area measurement appears on the
display.
2. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) to carry
out the first measurement (e.g. length).
3. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) again to
carry out the second measurement (e.g. width).
=> Upon pressing the Switch-on/measurement button (5) for the
second time the device independently calculates the area and
displays this value in the lower measurement value display. The
most recently measured value will be indicated in one of the
upper measurement value displays.

7Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 EN
Performing a volume measurement
1. Briefly press the Area/room volume key (10) twice.
– The symbol for volume measurement appears on the
display.
– The side to be measured in each case is indicated on the
display by flashing.
2. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) to carry
out the first measurement (e.g. length).
3. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) again to
carry out the second measurement (e.g. width).
4. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) again to
carry out the third measurement (e.g. height).
=> Upon pressing the Switch-on/measurement button (5) for the
third time the device independently calculates the volume and
displays this value in the lower measurement value display.
Performing a non-stop /min and max measurement
Use the non-stop measuring function to correlate measurements
e.g. with construction drawings. With this measurement method
the device can be moved closer toward the target with the
measured value being recalculated roughly every 0.5 seconds.
The corresponding maximum and minimum measurements are
displayed in the first and second line respectively.
For instance, you can direct the laser beam at a wall and then
retreat from it step by step. Keep reading the measured values
until the desired distance is achieved.
1. Press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) for a long time
until an acoustic signal can be heard.
2. With reference to the aim point, move the device slowly back
and forth as well as up and down (e.g. in a corner).
3. Briefly press the Switch-on/measurement button (5) to
terminate the non-stop measurement.
=> The maximum and minimum measured values and the
difference (Δ) between these two are indicated on the display.
Additionally the last measured value will be displayed in the
bottommost line.
Indirect height measurement (Pythagoras)
Using this method the length of an unknown straight-line
segment can be determined via Pythagoras' theorem. This
method is suitable for e.g. height measurements.
Measurement requirements:
• The device is aligned horizontally to the lowest point (B) of the
line segment to be determined.
• The reference point is currently located at the rear of the
device. See Setting the reference value on page 6.
The following method applies to inclination angles of less
than 45° in relation to the horizontal:
1. Briefly press the Button for indirect measurements (7) one
time.
– The symbol for indirect measurements appears on the
display.
– The inclination angle is displayed in the third line of the
upper measurement value display on the right-hand side
(see example 33.0°).
– The reference point is indicated at the rear end of the
device (25).
– The bar with number 1 (hypotenuse) flashes.
A
B
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EN Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 8
2. Aim the device at the highest point (A) and briefly press the
Switch-on/measurement button (5) once again.
Make sure to hold the device as steady as possible and place
it level on the ground with the two rear edges. The position
at the two rear edges must not be changed during the
measurements!
– Both measurement and calculation are effected.
– The horizontal (1st line) and vertical (2nd line) distance
values are indicated in the upper measurement value
display.
– The line segment to be determined is displayed as result in
the lower measurement value display (20).
If the inclination angle amounts to more than 45° and is not
indicated in the upper measurement value display, please
proceed as follows:
1. Indirect height measurement is active and the inclination
angle lies outside the measuring range, i.e. ----- will be
indicated in the upper measurement value display instead of
a number.
– The symbol for indirect measurements is displayed.
– The hypotenuse flashes.
2. Activate the inclination display by pressing button 7 for a long
time.
– The inclination angle will be indicated on the display (21).
3. First, aim the device at the highest point (A) and briefly press
the Switch-on/measurement button (5) once.
Make sure to hold the device as steady as possible and place
it level on the ground with the two rear edges. The position
at the two rear edges must not be changed during the
measurements!
– The length of the line segment will be indicated in the 1st
line of the upper measurement value display.
4. Align the device horizontally (point B) and briefly press the
Switch-on/measurement button (5) one time to measure the
horizontal distance.
– The second measured value will be indicated in the second
line of the upper measurement value display.
– The line segment to be determined is displayed as result in
the lower measurement value display (20).
Twofold indirect height measurement
This method is suitable for e.g. height measurements.
The following method applies to inclination angles of less than
45° in relation to the horizontal:
1. Briefly press the Button for indirect measurements (7) twice.
– The symbol for indirect measurements appears on the
display.
– The inclination angle is displayed in the second line of the
upper measurement value display on the right-hand side
(see example 31.1°).
– The bar with number 1 (hypotenuse) flashes.
2. First, aim the device at the highest point (C) and briefly press
the Switch-on/measurement button (5) once to perform a
measurement. In doing so, hold the device as steady as
possible. The alignment of the device in relation to the
reference point must not be changed during the
measurements!
– The first measured value will be displayed in the upper
measurement value display.
3. Aim the device at the lowest point (A) and briefly press the
Switch-on/measurement button (5) once to perform a
measurement.
– The second measured value will be indicated in the third
line of the upper measurement value display.
– The angle will be indicated in the second line of the upper
measurement value display.
– The line segment to be determined is displayed as result in
the lower measurement value display (20).
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21
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9Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 EN
If the inclination angle in relation to the horizontal amounts to
more than 45° and is not indicated in the upper measurement
value display, please proceed as follows:
1. Indirect height measurement is active and the inclination
angle lies outside the measuring range, i.e. ----- will be
indicated in the upper measurement value display instead of
a number.
– The symbol for indirect measurements appears on the
display.
2. Activate the inclination display by pressing button 7 for a long
time.
– The inclination angle will be indicated on the display (21).
3. First, aim the device at the highest point (C) and briefly press
the Switch-on/measurement button (5) once to perform a
measurement. In doing so, hold the device as steady as
possible. The alignment of the device in relation to the
reference point must not be changed during the
measurements!
– The first measured value will be displayed in the upper
measurement value display.
4. Align the device horizontally (point B) and briefly press the
Switch-on/measurement button (5) one time to measure the
horizontal distance.
– The second measured value will be indicated in the second
line of the upper measurement value display.
5. Aim the device at the lowest point (A) and briefly press the
Switch-on/measurement button (5) once to perform a
measurement.
– The third measured value will be indicated in the third line
of the upper measurement value display.
– The line segment to be determined is displayed as result in
the lower measurement value display (20).
The following fault indications could appear on the display:
Battery change
Caution!
Make certain that the surface of the device is dry and the
device is switched off.
Cleaning
Clean the device with a soft, damp and lint-free cloth. Ensure that
no moisture enters the housing. Do not use any sprays, solvents,
alcohol-based cleaning agents or abrasive cleaners. Only use
clean water to moisten the cloth.
Repair
Do not modify the device or install any spare parts. For repairs or
device testing, contact the manufacturer.
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21
Fault indications
Display Cause Remedy
Calculation error; reception of
the reflecting light is too poor or
too intense
Repeat measurement on
another surface with better
reflective properties or use a
target plate.
The measurement time is too
long.
The ambient light is too
intense.
Change the ambient light
conditions for the
measurement.
The temperature is too high.
Allow the device to cool down.
Observe the permissible
operating temperature
according to the Technical data
chapter.
The temperature is too low.
Allow the device to warm up.
Observe the permissible
operating temperature
according to the Technical data
chapter.
2800 Hardware fault
Repeatedly switch the device
on and off. If the symbol does
not disappear, please contact
your retailer.
Maintenance and repair

EN Operating manual – Laser distance measuring device BD20 10
In the European Union, electronic equipment must not
be treated as domestic waste, but must be disposed of
professionally in accordance with Directive
2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and Council of
27th January 2003 concerning old electrical and electronic
equipment. At the end of its life, please dispose of this instrument
in a manner appropriate to the relevant legal requirements.
in accordance with the EC Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and
the EC Directive 2004/108/EC about electromagnetic
compatibility.
Herewith, we declare that the laser distance measuring device
BD20 was developed, constructed and produced in compliance
with the named EC directives.
The marking is found on the rear of the device.
Manufacturer:
Trotec GmbH & Co. KG
Grebbener Straße 7
D-52525 Heinsberg
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Heinsberg, 31/03/2014
Managing Director: Detlef von der Lieck
Disposal Declaration of conformity