DISTO Data Transfer with Bluetooth FAQ:

What is Bluetooth?   Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. The key features of Bluetooth technology are robustness, low power, and low cost.   Bluetooth enabled electronic devices connect and communicate wirelessly through short-range, ad hoc networks known as piconets. Each device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single piconet. Each device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously. Piconets are established dynamically and automatically as Bluetooth enabled devices enter and leave radio proximity. A fundamental Bluetooth wireless technology strength is the ability to simultaneously handle both data and voice transmissions. This enables users to enjoy variety of innovative solutions such as a hands-free headset for voice calls, printing and fax capabilities and, most importantly, synchronizing a PDA and/or laptop with a Disto A6 or Disto Plus laser measuring device.       Range: The operating range depends on the device class:   Class 3 - have a range of up to 1 meter or 3 feet   Class 2 - most commonly found in mobile devices - have a range of 10 meters or 30 feet   Class 1 - used primarily in industrial use cases - have a range of 100 meters or 300 feet   Note: The Disto A6 is Class 2 device.   Power: The most commonly used radio is Class 2 and uses 2.5 mW of power. Bluetooth technology is designed to have very low power consumption.

What are the system requirements for using Bluetooth with the Leica Disto?   You must have a computer or PDA that is capable of communicating with a Bluetooth device. If your computer/PDA is not equipped for Bluetooth communication, you can purchase a USB Bluetooth Adapter. These adapters are available at most consumer electronic and computer stores. If a Bluetooth adapter is added to your laptop, Bluetooth client software must be installed on the computer in order to use Bluetooth. The client software will be included when you purchase the USB Adapter.

How do I go about connecting two Bluetooth devices?   While the specific user interfaces implemented by manufacturers may differ from device to device, there are still some very basic steps to go through in connecting two devices for the first time. Charge the Devices: If the devices are new Bluetooth devices, often they must be charged before they can connect or turn on.   Power Up the Devices   Turn the Bluetooth Functionality On: The Bluetooth functionality in a device may or may not be turned on when you receive the device. For many computers, users will need to turn the Bluetooth radio on from the control panel or system preferences.     Make the Devices Visible: As a security measure, some devices allow the Bluetooth functionality to be off, hidden or visible. When trying to connect devices, users should make the devices visible so the devices can discover one another. Pressing the Bluetooth Key on the Disto makes the Disto visible. When visible, the Bluetooth symbol on the display is flashing, when connected it becomes solid. Place Both Devices in the Connection Mode: After both devices are charged, powered up, and the Bluetooth functionality is turned on, each device needs to initiate a communication session. The process of connecting two Bluetooth devices is called "pairing." Pairing is a special process used when two devices connect for the first time. The pairing process is used to generate a link key that is used for authentication purposes during subsequent Bluetooth connections between the two devices. Enter the Passcode: After the two devices have discovered one another, the user will be asked to enter a passcode. The default code for the Disto is "0000." After the passcode is entered, the devices will validate one another and complete the establishment of a trusted connection. Once a computer has been paired with a Bluetooth device, it can be used with the device without the need for re-pairing, assuming the appropriate profile exists for the required service. Deleting or Disconnecting Trusted Devices: When should a user delete or disconnect a trusted device? If one of your Bluetooth enabled devices is lost or stolen, you should unpair that device with all the devices to which it was previously paired.   How do you unpair or delete a trusted device? Go into the device connectivity settings on your computer and find the list of trusted devices. The user should then have the option of adding a new device or deleting a trusted device. Highlight the device you want to delete and push the delete key.

How do I connect my computer to the Disto using Bluetooth?   Disto Transfer PC, a Windows software application, is provided with all Disto A6 units. This program works with  Disto A6 device.     Turn on Disto A6 and press the Bluetooth key. The Bluetooth icon will blink on the DISTO display until connection is established with the computer. Bluetooth automatically switches off if the connection to the computer is not established within 4 minutes.   Run the Disto Transfer PC program. The computer may ask for a "pairing code." If so, enter 0000. When the Bluetooth connection is established, the Bluetooth logo on the Disto display will become solid and the Disto Transfer PC screen will show in green text, "COMX DISTO A6." where X is the COM port being used.     Now test the connection by taking a measurement and transmitting it to the Disto Transfer PC program. The procedures for transmitting a measurement differ for the Disto A6 device. Disto A6: Take a sample measurement. Press the Bluetooth key to transmit the measurement. The measurement should appear in the Disto Transfer PC program. Or, if the cursor was placed in a field of another Windows application (such as Excel), the measurement should appear in that particular field.

How do I use the direction keys?   Eight direction keys (identified by a small arrow near the key) on the operator's keypad are used to maneuver the cursor. The direction keys become active when you switch to the second level (by pressing the 2nd key).   The distance measuring key is active in both levels. The functionality of the direction keys depends on the software used. For example, if you are transmitting data directly to an Excel spreadsheet, you can use the navigation arrows on the Disto keypad to move from cell to cell within the spreadsheet.

How do I transmit a measurement?   If your software supports the direction keys use them to select the appropriate position for the cursor. To transmit the measurement press the Bluetooth Key.   The measurement is then transmitted to the destination field (at the location where the cursor was positioned) on the laptop. For further details please consult the manual for the software being used. During Data Transmission: If the data is not confirmed as being successfully received by the laptop, then no new measurement can be processed. The Info code "240" appears in the display if no data transmission has taken place after 2 seconds. Press the CLEAR key, repeat the measurement and transmit using the instructions above.

How do I select various measurements for transmission from the Disto to my software?   By using the Min/ Max function (pressing the ON/DIST button for 2 seconds), particular measurements can be selected for transmission. The display shows a number of measurements (min., max., last measurement taken). You can select a particular measurement by using a longer press on the PLUS key or the MINUS key. When selected, the measurement blinks. Once selected and blinking, the measurement can be transmitted using the Bluetooth key.     The same selection process can be used for areas, volumes, indirect measurements and room dimensions.

How do I change a measurement before it is transmitted?   A measurement on the display can be changed if you wish. By pressing the EQUAL key, the value blinks and can then be changed using the PLUS key or the MINUS key. Pressing the keys longer increases the rate of change. Pressing the EQUAL key again confirms the change and the value can be transmitted as normal.

Which PDA/Pocket PC is recommended? Leica recommends the HP iPAQ Pocket PC - models h or hx (mobile 2002-2005)

What are the system requirements for PlusDraw?     Most Pocket PC (PPC) devices running Microsoft Pocket PC 2000, 2002, or Window Mobile 2003 can utilize this application. PlusDraw is typically installed to the PPC through a host computer such as a desktop PC or notebook PC. The host must have Microsoft ActiveSync or its equivalent present and properly configured prior to installing the software to a PPC. ActiveSync is usually included on a CD supplied with the Pocket PC.   PlusDraw uses the latest Microsoft technology available for mobile computers and thus requires the .NET Compact Framework for correct operation. Pocket PCs using operating systems prior to Windows Mobile 2003 will require the installation of the Compact Framework if it is not already present. The Compact Framework and installation instructions are available without charge on the Leica web site.    Note: Older devices may require updated drivers (e.g. cummunication drivers) to function properly with the Disto Plus. Visit the PPC manufacturer's web site for information and driver updates.

Required Hardware Pocket PC (PPC) with the ability to use Bluetooth technology Preferred Hardware PPC with built-in Bluetooth technology Required Software - Microsoft ActiveSync - Microsoft .NET Compact Framework - Operating system: Microsoft Pocket PC 2000, 2002, or Windows Mobile 2003 Preferred Software Operating system: Windows Mobile 2003

What are the system requirements for PlusXL?     PlusXL was designed for pocket PCs as well as for desktop PCs. The mobile version runs on pocket PCs with Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 as well as on most pocket PCs with Microsoft Pocket PC 2000 that support Bluetooth.     The desktop version is supported by Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP with Bluetooth USB-adapters. For more information, please refer to the product specifications issued by the manufacturer of the relevant Bluetooth USB-adapter.   Required Hardware   Pocket PCs with Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 with integrated Bluetooth. Some pocket PCs require special Bluetooth drivers; these drivers are available from the manufacturer of the pocket PCs. Most pocket PCs with Microsoft Pocket PC 2000, 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 with Bluetooth extension e.g. with the Bluetooth CF-card.   Required Software   Microsoft ActiveSync (for the installation on the pocket PC and synchronisation between pocket PC and desktop PC). Microsoft ActiveSync is included in the delivery package of the pocket PC. The newest version can be found at Microsoft.com

Can data from Leica DISTO A6 be transferred directly to Windows Programs like AutoCAD?   Yes, a direct transfer is possible to AutoCAD and most other Windows programs with the Disto Transfer Software provided with the Disto A6 and available for free download at disto.com