InstruMMents 01 Dimensioning Instrument + Stylus

The concept of being able to measure 3D objects is good. It's portable and also functions as a writing instrument. However, the accuracy of measurements depend on the steadiness of the user's hand. This product is currently not available on Amazon or the company website and no reason is given. Can't even buy the batteries anymore.

I will admit this tool started out with some confusion. Packaging is great, easy to place the battery. Down load the app. I got the stylus model and was expecting a pen and worked at trying to remove the end to get to the ink. Had to go online to see they came in many versions.Battery is replaceable with their type of battery, currently 3 pack for 20. I wish it was a standard easy to get button battery, hope they keep making them. The stylus end is also replaceable. Wheel is replaceable and mine came with one extra. Mine also came with a notebook, and was part of the reason I kept looking for the pen. It took a bit of practice to get my measurements even close if I took them over and over of the same thing i just had to average. If I take my time and place it just right so I can see the red laser at the beginning of where I want to start and roll slowly towards the end point and pull up straight it is very close to the same each time. One issue I have as an example is if I want to measure cabinets, with a curved lip I have to start beneath and run the edge. If I start at a point that is next to a raised edge I don't know how to account for the part the wheel cant get next to. I still can not figure out how to show my measurements on the 3D scene in app, its just always a line. I can move the line around but thats it. I can email the measurements. At this point though I just feel using my tape measure is faster and easier for my needs. I have gotten better at rolling the wheel in a straight line by slowing down. It is probably something built for someone with more know how than me but that is sad because they are missing out on a huge market of hobbyists and home users. I like it enough to keep trying to get better with it.

I am one of those people that when I have a question or wonder about something I just have to figure it out or it will drive me nuts. I saw this and knew I needed it. I have been using it when out and about to measure all sorts of things, especially things that are curved/rounded. You will just roll it along the curve of the item and viola you will get your answer! This is really good at smaller items but you could measure the length of a sofa to see if it would fit in your home and such.There is a red light at the top to let you know if it is on or off. If it is blinking then it is trying to pair with your device. I was able to pair with my Android in just a few minutes and the set up was super easy and quick as well. Please be aware the light at the top is a laser so this should not be pointed at the sky at a plane or into your eyes or the eyes of others - this is not an item for children.I really liked this one to use on my touch screen with the stylus, there is a three pack of stylus tips you can purchase, however there is no cap included. As many know a bag can hold all sorts of crumbs and such that could easily destroy a stylus tip. I ended up making a makeshift cap out of a clear pencil holder - you know like the expensive pencils that smell good like grapes or bubble gum. It doesn't work perfectly, but honestly I had no other options.I really wish that there was a cap. Also the pictures show "training wheels" which are NOT included and rolling the pen can be a bit difficult and very clumsy at first. Also, the battery is a proprietary one so you have to purchase additional ones directly from them.

This is an odd product, unlike any I've seen before.It is very well made and packaged. It appears to be CNC-machined out of aluminum, then bead blasted to a matte finish. It has a very stark, modern appearance.There is a small red indicator light at the top that shows when it is on or, if it is blinking, pairing with your phone or other mobile device. The pairing went exceptionally smoothly, and reconnected when I turned the "pen" on without having to do anything after the initial set up. Interestingly, the red light on the top is a laser, though I wasn't sure initially sure why. Turns out it is so you can line up a starting point exactly. This thing is made for precision.Need to measure the width of a drawing? This is how you do it. Line up the laser with the edge of the drawing, hold it at a small angle with the black top against the paper, and move it across until the laser lines up with the other edge. The black top has a small rubber ring for grip and rolls freely so you don't have to rotate the entire device while moving it. When you are done, the measurement shows up on your phone courtesy of Bluetooth.This is a precision device meant for measuring small spaces very exactly. It isn't good for measuring the height of a door frame, though I suppose nothing is stopping you from trying it.It is also fantastic for measuring curves. I can't think of any other good way to do this. Just roll it along the curve and you'll have your answer.The tip on mine was a stylus, and I was hoping it would include a pen tip to replace it with, but no such luck. They appear to be fixed and not replaceable, so choose wisely based on your needs.The battery is included and is proprietary, so you'll have to buy more of them from the maker. They are listed on their web site for around twenty bucks for a pack of three.Overall, an interesting new device that does its task extremely well.Sean Logue, 2017