September 9, 2008

The Laser Rangefinder - A Remarkable Instrument

The following extract is from a series of consumer electronic articles, tips, videos and information about laser rangefinders …

So you need to measure a distance between two objects? Do you employ a measuring tape, walk the distance or simply eye ball the distance to figure out how far away each are from another? If you are smart, then you will use a laser rangefinder to get that number. They are accurate and far more convenient than trying to use other measuring devices, such as measuring tapes and wheels. They come in both binocular and monocular form and are pretty easy to operate.

Here is how a laser rangefinder functions. It all begins with a need to measure a interval between two objects. A short laser pulse is fired at the distant object. The pulse hits the object and bounces back to the range finder. The amount of time it takes to travel back is calculated by an integrated circuit and then translated into a measurement. Before 1987, this handy tool was used primarily by the military and by specialized personnel, but now that price is no longer a consideration, more people are purchasing these handy items.

With all this technological implementation on optical components, there is a downfall. The laser beam must be able to reflect back in order to measure the range. This also limits the distance to around 1500 yards, in consumer versions, as larger distances prevent accurate reflection. Also, an object located behind trees or brush can become obscured, with early returns giving inaccurate readings. The technology is still fairly expensive, as a Nikon Monarch monocular system will set you back around $400. Lower-priced systems with a narrower range can be bought for no more than $100. Specialized optical systems with a higher range, and designed for more complex environments, can cost you in excess of $17,000!

There are many applications for which you can use a laser rangefinder. Professional and amateur golfers and hunters still make up a large share of the market but new applications are being found for the laser binocular rangefinders and monoculars. These items are not quite as pricey as they once were, so people are now discovering everyday uses around their homes for a laser range finder. It certainly makes hanging those pictures easier!