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BLK360 Frequently Asked Questions

By lindsay.walker

|
02/25/2023

With one-button operation, the Leica BLK360 makes 3D laser scanning simple and easy. And by answering some of the most commonly asked questions, we aim to make the use of the BLK360 even easier for you. Click on any question and it will direct you to the answer below.

1. Can I get a demo of the BLK360?
2. Can the BLK360 operate without internet access?
3. What’s the difference between ReCap Pro Desktop and ReCap Pro Mobile?
4. What file type does the BLK360 produce? What file types are compatible with ReCap/BLK data?
5. Can I use the BLK360 in a room that is very dark or very light?
6. What are the BLK360’s thermal imaging capabilities?
7. What is included with a BLK360 purchase?
8. How accurate is the BLK360?
9. Can the BLK360 work when inverted?
10. Do you need to calibrate the BLK360? How often and what is the process?
11. What is the maximum or minimum sized room that a BLK360 can capture?
12. How far do you need to move the BLK360 in between scans?

 

Scroll down for more in depth explanations of each question.

1. Can I get a demo of the BLK360?

We are currently able to offer BLK360 demos in most regions throughout our major territories. To find out if a demo is available in your region, please fill out a contact form.

You can also visit our video library where we cover a range of topics including set up, on-site scanning, importing data, and how to work with the data post-scan.

If you are attending any industry events this year, please visit the Leica BLK360 booth for a demo.

ipad


2. Can the BLK360 operate without internet access?

Yes! The BLK360 generates its own WiFi hotspot that can connect to an iPad Pro or desktop computer from up to 50 meters away. By connecting an iPad Pro to the WiFi hotspot during operation, a user can review scans and change the BLK360’s settings on the fly.

The WiFi hotspot is also the primary means of transferring scans from the BLK360 to iPad and desktop devices for registration and processing.

Neither of these processes require internet access.


3. What’s the difference between ReCap Pro Desktop and ReCap Pro Mobile?

ReCap Pro for mobile is an iPad-exclusive app designed for the BLK360 scanner. It is included at no additional cost with a subscription to ReCap Pro and it allows users to operate and adjust their BLK360 scanner remotely in the field. It is also the fastest and easiest way to transfer scans from your BLK360 unit into the ReCap desktop program.

After transferring your scan to ReCap Pro for Desktop, you can clean and edit your point cloud before exporting it for use in other Autodesk design tools. Learn more about the workflow here

at desk


4. What file type does the BLK360 produce? What file types are compatible with ReCap/BLK data?

Depending on the workflow, the BLK360 will produce a few different file formats:

  • If you're using ReCap Pro Mobile, your file type will be the standard .RCP format. Once you’re in ReCap Pro on your desktop, you can export scans to other file types, like .e57 and .PTS.
  • If you're using the Leica BLK360 iPad Pro app, the export is as an .e57 file. If you plan to import directly into Cyclone Register, the file format is .IMP. You can also export out the panoramic image and floor plan in a .DXF format.
  • If you download using the BLK Data Manager, the scans export as a .BLK, which can only be imported to Cyclone or Register360 at this point in time.

Other formats like PTX, FLS, STL and OBJ aren’t directly compatible but can be obtained from additional software like REGISTER360, 3DReshaper, and others.


5. Can I use BLK360 in a room that is very dark or very light?

While darkness or brightness might impact the image quality, it will not impact the quality of your scan data. So, if you're scanning a dark space, the images you capture will also be dark. If you’re scanning a brightly lit space, the HDR setting should help to darken the color. Dark or reflective surfaces might also reduce image quality. But your scan data will be fine regardless. Check out this video to learn what you can expect, along with some tips and tricks to get the highest quality scans.

blk360


6. What are the BLK360’s thermal imaging capabilities?

The BLK360 is capable of thermal imaging thanks to its built in thermal imaging sensor. Every scan includes a 70V x 360 Hz thermal image panorama, which allows you to view temperatures within the scan with a color scale. The thermal sensor is calibrated within +/-1°C, which is great if you need to capture energy units for a project.


7. What is included with a BLK360 purchase?

The standard BLK360 purchase includes the BLK360 laser scanner, a transport shell, and a battery with a charger and global adapters. Your purchase also comes with a 1 year subscription to ReCap Pro with access to ReCap Pro mobile (iPad not included). You can also purchase a Mission Kit, which includes a carrying case for your BLK360, two extra batteries, an additional wall charger, a car charger, and a fold flat tripod.


8. How accurate is the BLK360?

Accuracy depends on how far the BLK360 is from the object being scanned. At the recommended scanning distance of 10m, the BLK360 has 6mm accuracy. As distance increases, accuracy will slightly decrease. At 20m, there is 8mm of accuracy.


9. Can the BLK360 work when inverted?

Yes! First, make sure the scanner is attached to the BLK360 Tripod. Then, grab the handle of the tripod and flip it so that the handle is above the device and the device is upside-down. Simply start the scan by either pressing the button on the device or using your iPad and you’re good to go!

The BLK360 also has the ability to scan from any angle as opposed to just right side up and upside down if attached to a camera tripod using the BLK360 Tripod Adapter.


10. Do you need to calibrate the BLK360? How often and what is the process?

You should not have to calibrate the BLK360 as it comes pre-calibrated. To ensure that it remains that way, always transport your scanner in the original transport carrier. When moving it from room to room while scanning, grab the tripod and keep the device upright.


11. What is the maximum or minimum sized room that a BLK360 can capture?

The BLK360 does not have any specific limitations regarding project size. There are, however, two issues that should be considered:

  1. Scan storage capacity
    The device can hold roughly 100 medium resolution scans. You shouldn’t run into storage issues since you can transfer the scans to your iPad and then delete them from the scanner. For instructions on the process for deleting scans visit this page.
  2. The distance between the object and the scanner
    While the BLK360 can capture an object as far away as 150 feet (45m), the resolution will be pretty poor. It is best to scan things that are 5 to 10 feet away (1.5 to 3m).

12. How far do you need to move the BLK360 in between scans?

When scanning a large open space you can move the BLK360 as much as 60 ft (18m) between scans. However, the ideal distance between scans is anywhere from 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9m). If moving between rooms, make sure to take a scan in the doorway. It is important to make sure that each scan overlaps the previous one by about 50% to ensure accuracy when the scans get stitched together.

Some areas, such as long hallways or repetitive spaces, are harder to scan than others. When scanning these areas it is best to use markers and targets


Disclaimer: This article features the Leica BLK360 G1. Explore the expanded capabilities of the latest BLK360 model here.