Leica DISTO S910

This thing is amazing, although the instructions are terrible. I am surprised that such a complex instrument has so little documentation. Fortunately there are a few videos online, but much is still left to be discovered. I certainly wish there was a real manual online. I did take it out to measure a building and when I returned and downloaded the .dxf files, found that some of them didn’t match up and were actually up to a couple of inches off. Leica had me do a reset, and after that the accuracy is now up to snuff.I’ve used this primarily for 2D building documentation, and it does take a little discipline to use it well. For instance, it only takes a maximum of 30 points in space, then you need take another set of points. And, since it only sees line of sight, to get all of the points in a large room, you may need two or three files taken from different points in the room. The first two points in each file will establish the ‘x’ direction, and I’ve found that it helps to take the files all in the same orientation, if possible. For instance, if you always start with the first two points on a north wall, when you download the files, there’s no guessing their orientation.There are a few quirks but I am amazed with what it can do, as it does allow one to take 3D measurements that I never thought were possible with equipment in this price range.

The S910 works good and being able to create a dxf file from the measurements is great. I've found it very practical for measuring outdoors.I've used the unit for about 6 months and have only had occasional issues with the pictures not saving correctly.The tripod in the pro pack is not very sturdy and outdoor users might want something better.I mainly use it for measurements less than 200', using the camera to aim the laser. The camera goes to 4x, but the resolution bad andit would be tough to make precise measurements at longer distances using the camera.

This is what I've been looking for a long time.I do Architectural survey's and measurements in the most awkward places. With the Leica Disto S910 I can measure the roll-up door behind the racks without any problem. I can see the lazer within range or use the LCD screen when it's far off.I'm loving it. Worth the price.Can't wait to get it setup with my ipad and do more with other functions.JS

This is my second review ever written. I bought my first S910 in December of 2017. It was great as a straight line measuring tool. But I bought it because I wanted to use the higher end functions and then download them to my computer. I had several issues for which I discovered Leica’s Tech support virtually Non existent. The secretary in the office was the only person who would return a call. Not a tech person no matter how many times I called.For a year I struggled, and finally they agreed that it “might” be a defective unit. I returned it and after 2 months, I received a replacement March of 2019. Oh, yes, they lost the unit I sent in. That is another story. So much for their tracking anything in house!I attended a class recently in Denver showing how to use the S910 effectively. So I tried the replacement unit in the field today. I spent 6 hours taking measurements, and when I came back to the office, and plugged it into the computer, an error was given. The unit would not recognize, so all the data is now inaccessible. I can see that the unit has the data. (Good news) but there is no way of getting the data off. Of, I have 13 computers in the office with Windows 8 and 10. None work with the unit. (I am not careless, and before taking the unit out, I took a couple of points and was able to down load them successfully. Ahh, that was 2 days ago. But it doesn’t work today. No jars or bumps)I called Leica, and no one has retuned a call. I have little hope for a call back!I called other suppliers who said that they hadn’t heard of such a problem. (Little help there)In searching Leica’s FAQ you can see where they suggest plugging the unit in for between 6-10 minutes to have it self recognize. That didn’t work, but because of this being mentioned in the FAQ you can guess that others have experience the same issue. And because no other suggestion was offered, such as down load this or that driver, I’m guessing I’m out of luck.I would not easily buy another Leica for several reasons. 1) no tech support that functionally works from Leica, 2) Poor design or design flaws. One supplier I spoke to said he had sold 50 unit. So if I am 1 our of 50, the. Your chances of getting a bad unit are 2 in 50, remember this is my second unit. That is 4% of buyers will experience results for which you will not be offered any support. Good money after bad support again. {on an earlier unit, the 800, the tripod gave inaccurate dimensions. I wrote Leica that there was a design flaw. Later they thanked me and had to recall the tripod mounts and remanufacture them} 3) company indifference. I have a Disto 3D which works well. But only the resellers are able to give good support. Leica on the other hand seems indifferent. Perhaps they are too busy making units for sale to other and don’t have time to speak to a customer directly.

I do Accident Reconstruction and am really enjoying this precision instrument. It's not a Total Station, but gives me everything I need to map scenes and evidence. It generates up to 30 "point to point" measurements, saves up to 20 DXF files for your animation software or cad program, 30 photographs you can make measurements from, measurements between 2 points and even measures and maps grades and sloops to display.

It did everything that it promised to do. The software that we have working with it was slow enough that my guys that measure preferred the old fashioned way still. That is a bummer for how much it cost, but not the lasers fault.

This is an amazing tool,Take the time to learn it. YouTube videos I found to be the best way to figure out some of the functions.The included instruction manual does not offer much help, but the videos more then make up for it.Be sure to download the app on your smartphone. This is a must to get the most out of the S910.