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√ Laser rangefinders
1. How did the laser rangefinder come about?
We all know the word "laser" well, but not everyone knows the history of its appearance. Also, not everyone knows that this great invention is just over half a century old. The laser is now used not only in the fields of science and technology, but also as an integral part of a huge number of industries. Items with its use are so familiar that they have become firmly established in the everyday life of almost every person, for example: laser discs, laser printers, barcode scanners found in every store, fiber optic communication lines, laser rangefinders , which have found their narrow circle of admirers . Application in medicine has become a big breakthrough, where the laser helps restore people to health.
It is generally accepted that the pioneer of the new theory was Albert Einstein. In 1916, he first proposed the hypothesis of stimulated emission. Subsequently, many more scientists put their mind and hand into the creation of the laser. And only in 1962, the American scientist Nick Holonyak demonstrated LEDs in the red range. This invention became very important. Currently, laser diodes are used as the basis for many technologies. This type of laser is the most common in the world.
We can talk about the breadth of laser application for a very long time. Our goal is to learn more about laser rangefinders .
The laser rangefinder was first used in the military around 1961. Its main purpose was to determine the distance to the required target. For accurate shots, it was used by artillerymen. Often, a laser beam was used in these measurements.
Today, a laser rangefinder is much more in demand for peaceful purposes, helping to solve a wide variety of tasks. Has found wide application in engineering, geodesy, topography, navigation, photography and astronomy. The neat and compact dimensions of laser rangefinders make them easy to handle and do not interfere with eagle-like accuracy and speed in measuring distances. Modern laser rangefinders have many additional useful programs. They can calculate the volume, area of rooms, record the results of measurements, and so on. Laser rangefinders occupy a solid niche and are gaining popularity due to their versatility and high efficiency.
2. How does a laser rangefinder work?
The laser beam is the basis of the rangefinder device. The principle of its operation is quite simple to understand and consists in measuring the time it takes the laser beam to travel to the desired object and back. To measure distance, the device must be pointed at an object and turned on. A built-in mechanism that measures the time of the beam to travel one way and back, measures the exact distance.
There are such methods of measuring distances:
*Impulse method
works on the principle of measuring the time interval between the sent and reflected signals. The laser beam that is directed at the object and the device that reads the time are launched in parallel. The operation of the time sensor stops after the return of the reflected signal. Then the processor inside the rangefinder reads the time interval of the round trip, and gives an accurate result. Mathematically, this calculation is possible due to the knowledge of the value of the speed of light.
*Phase
captures the phase difference between the sent and reflected signals. An optical crystal under the influence of an electrical signal modulates the laser beam. With a certain frequency, a sinusoidal signal is sent, which is received by the optics and the photodetector. After that, the phase of the reflected signal is compared with the phase in the module. Based on the phase comparison, the measured distance is calculated. The phase rangefinder has a number of advantages over the pulse rangefinder. It is more accurate and cheaper to manufacture, respectively, it costs less. But due to its lower power, it is not capable of measuring long distances. It will be useful in everyday life for indoor measurements, it is popular among builders.
*Pulse-phase - a symbiosis of the two methods described above.
3. Types of laser rangefinders.
There are two types of rangefinders:
1. Laser roulettes.
The device is small in size, enclosed in a monolithic case with a display for displaying information, easily fits in your hand. Laser roulettes have firmly secured a constant circle of fans in the face of builders, repairers, installers and landscape designers.
They have their own classification.
Separated according to the place of operation - indoors and outdoors.
- Indoor laser ranges have limited performance. They are not able to measure long distances (up to 50-70 m), the measurement error is from one and a half to three millimeters. Memory can store no more than 10 measurements, they can add and subtract, measure angles. They are inexpensive and, in fact, this set of functions is enough for the life of an ordinary person.
- Laser rangefinders for outdoor work can already determine distances up to 300 m with a small error of ± millimeter. Given the difference in weather conditions, the body of the product is rubberized and waterproof. Many models have advanced features. They have a color display, the ability to mount on a tripod, remember more data, you can even find a bluetooth module that provides wireless communication with any modern gadgets, the laser beam is much brighter than for indoor work. Everyone can afford to buy this device.
2. Optical rangefinders.
It's a completely different story.... They are designed to perform more serious and complex tasks. Laser rangefinders have found their place in hunting, military affairs, cartography, tourism, photography. These powerful devices of different manufacturers are different from the previous ones, they have an eyepiece and two objectives. This design significantly increases the measurement range, the error varies within one and a half millimeters, and the distance reaches 1500 meters. It is convenient when the binoculars are equipped with a built-in rangefinder. A common practice to use rangefinders in sports is golf.
The capabilities of laser rangefinders depend on the type of lens. For example: apparent field of view, moving away and approaching. The large diameter of the lens allows you to use the device at dusk and at dawn, when there is not enough light. There is also a scan mode, hunters will appreciate the determination of the speed of moving objects and work during rain.
4. What are the criteria for choosing a laser rangefinder?
Let's start with the fact that conventionally the technical characteristics of laser rangefinders can be divided into basic and auxiliary.
* The main ones are responsible for the magnitude of the distance and for the measurement error or for accuracy. It is these two parameters that initially determine the intended purpose of the laser rangefinder . Obviously, where distances are measured in thousands of meters, there will be no sense at all from an instrument with a maximum range of 30 meters.
As you can see, the main characteristics are not full of variety.
In more detail, you need to pay attention to the auxiliary characteristics, in the long run, they will influence the purchase.
* Auxiliary designed to improve the work of the main characteristics. Every day their list is expanding. We have tried to highlight the most important ones.
- Size matters. Also pay attention to the weight of the device.
- Security and appearance of the case. We pay attention to the quality, moisture resistance, strength in case of possible falls, the absence of cracks through which dust can penetrate. Some models can even be washed under water after falling into the mud.
- The amount of RAM for processing information. The larger it is, the faster the tool works.
- Operating time range finder on the number of measurements. Automatic exit from "standby mode" in order to save energy.
- Permissible temperature threshold. Possible contraindications.
- Ballistic calculator. Shows the probability coefficient of a bullet hitting an object. It also has built-in tables with various types of ammunition,
air pressure sensor. A very useful feature for hunting and for the military.
- Perform measurements of various edges and protrusions, internal corners. 
- Calculation of width, height, volume, Pythagorean function (allowing to make indirect measurements), determine the angle of inclination of the surface.
- Tracking mode or continuous measurements. Makes marks on segments of a certain length. Can provide indicators.
- The ability to process the received data with mathematical formulas, respectively, to make a lot of useful calculations.
- The display in color or "mono" execution. Various image clarity and backlight.
- The bluetooth wireless channel will provide instant data transfer to any of the devices selected in the menu. Mega handy thing in the modern world.
- A standard optical or electronic reticle is capable of capturing a target with greater accuracy and speed.
It is clear that the more auxiliary functions, the more expensive the military laser rangefinder will cost. On the other hand, here you can clearly see what you get and what you pay money for. The price of such products can range from 150 to 5000 USD.
Brands such as Nikon , Yukon , Leica, Bosh, Hilti, Skill, Swarovski Optik are popular on the market for laser rangefinder manufacturers. Of course, you choose, but each of them is worthy of attention.
5. Safety precautions, recommendations for the care of laser rangefinders
Attention!!!
Never direct the laser beam into your eyes! It can significantly damage the retina of the eye. By following this simple safety rule, you will save yourself from unnecessary problems.
To make the lifetime of laser rangefinders as long as possible, follow the simple rules:
- Use devices only for their intended use.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations carefully.
- Avoid hypothermia, excessive moisture, overheating (if indicated as a contraindication in the user manual)
- Store equipment in special cases.
- Protect from drops, scratches, other negative influences.
- It is better to use branded components so that there are no compatibility problems.
6. Where to quickly and inexpensively buy a laser rangefinder at a good price?
The staff of the Sheriff store sincerely wishes you success in any endeavors!
To date, the store features military laser rangefinders from two monster manufacturers in this industry - Yukon (Yukon) and Nikon (Nikon) .
The prices in the Sheriff binoculars store will delight you with their loyalty.
You can buy a laser rangefinder , pick up the necessary accessories in the store at: st. Artem, 9 in the city of Dnepropetrovsk. Or order on the site sherif.ua with delivery to the city of your residence or location. Whether it's Zaporozhye, Kharkiv, Kirovograd, Poltava or Kiev .
Our friendly, highly qualified managers can always help with the choice and answer any questions.
(068) 300-5000 (063) 798-9999 (095) 233-0000
