Abstract: A laser distance measuring device includes a semiconductor source, such as a laser diode, that produces a laser beam, preferably in the visible range. A driver selectively drives the semiconductor source at a minimum of two different driving frequencies. A laser beam receiver has a detector that produces an output signal which varies with the intensity of the received laser beam, an amplifier that amplifies the output signal of the detector, and counter means for controllably counting the number of cycles in a clock signal. A beam director selectively directs the laser beam toward an object and receives the reflected laser beam from the object, and directs the laser beam toward the receiver without traveling to the object. A microprocessor controls the driver, the counter, and the beam director.