DistoX310 conversion

[andywebman]

We are thinking of purchasing a Disto X310 with a view to converting it to a Disto X. I have spoken to Benfool and he no longer has the parts to do this (only the anon serous batteries). Any idea where else I can get this done.

 

[Benfool]

As a bit of context regarding this, to make the replies more useful.....

Beat Heeb, the guy that makes the replacement boards for the Distox2, has sold out. At the minute he's unsure if he'll be able to make more - I think because he's struggling to source certain parts and because the x310 is being discontinued, its not worth redeveloping the board with replacement parts. There is nobody else making these boards, he was the only source.

Hopefully somebody has a spare board lying about that Andy can buy, but as they're ?180 I'm not optimistic. If another board is found, I'm more than happy to do the work to put it together and as Andy said, I have batteries available.

B

 

[andywebman]

Thanks for your update. it might help and save other replies. I hope someone can help. Although the 310 has been discontinued they are still for sale on Leica's site and second hands available on eBay etc

 

[Benfool]

I suspect the D810 will become to new defaco tool for cave surveying. Its more expensive than the X310 (with the Distox2 conversion), but does include Bluetooth and a compass/clino and it has a fancy screen.

All it needs is somebody to write some drivers for Pocket Topo/Topodroid and we're good to go.

B

 

[andywebman]

No mention in the Leica specs of a compass on the D810, only inclination for working out horizontal length

 

[Benfool]

D810 not D510.

https://www.laser-measure.co.uk/leica-disto/leica-disto-d810-touch.html

 

[ILT]

I know bugger all about cave surveying and only slightly more about computers...however, if there is someone that does know about such things and needs someone to beta test use with a D810* then I have one of those in the collection....it does feature a 'compass'.

* is the D810 still in production or are Leica just getting rid of old stock? It's a relatively old model that was replaced by the D910 and no longer has firmware updates.

 

[Fishes]

I've not used this piece of kit but from what I have read it will export data directly into dxf. format which can be used by most standard CAD software to create surveys/3D models. It might be possible to use it for surveys without any modification.

 

[ILT]

I don't use the bluetooth but as far as I rememember the D810 sends strings of text or strings of numbers for each measurement.

External software would be responsible for conversion to drawing exchange format.

 

[Loki]

Is there a solution now to cave surveying tools? Is there a ‘new Distox’???

 

[MarkS]

I'm aware of this one in development, but know nothing beyond what is on the website.

https://cavedevice.com/blogs/cave-survey/cavway-x1-the-next-generation-cave-survey-tools

 

[Loki]

I’m forgetting about the attack pony. How does that compare, having never used one? I’ve only ever been on the button pressing end of the survey with a distox, not the drawing up bit and I’d like to get more involved.

 

[andywebman]

https://www.shetlandattackpony.co.uk/ Shetland Attack Pony is the way to go.

Latest version works well

 

[Tritim230]

Latest version works well

I agree. It is a super device. Calibration is so easy compared with the DistoX2.
Only disadvantage is that you can't use older PDA with PocketTopo due (apparently) to advances on Bluetooth technology. Works great with SexyTopo and Topodroid on my Android tab and phone

 

[MarkS]

I agree. It is a super device. Calibration is so easy compared with the DistoX2.
Only disadvantage is that you can't use older PDA with PocketTopo due (apparently) to advances on Bluetooth technology. Works great with SexyTopo and Topodroid on my Android tab and phone

Has it been consistently reliable? I have been very reluctant to get one of the newer ones having had several very frustrating episodes with the previous model. One particularly memorable one when I was lying in a wet, flat-out passage in mossdale waiting an indeterminate length of time for it to un-freeze.

 

[Chris Curry]

Converted X310 going on eBay at the moment:

Modified Leica Disto X310 with Siwei Tian DistoX2 Kits | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Modified Leica Disto X310 with Siwei Tian DistoX2 Kits at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk