Laser Distance Meter: Technical Data

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Acuity's AccuRange 1000 laser distance sensors are very unique distance measuring devices. They employ a phase-shfit comparison measurement principle that leads to very accurate distance calculations. The LIDAR technology uses high frequency amplitude modulation with continuous wave laserdiodes. The AR1000 measures the phase shift of up to five frequencies of emitted light to accurately gage the distance to a target.

The AR1000 measures from 0.1 to 30 m (~100 feet) without the use of reflective targets. It can measure to any opaque surface, even radiating steel. The accuracy of the measurement is typically +/-2.5 mm, but it will depend on the reflectivity of the target surface, lighting conditions and temperature conditions. Dark-colored targets may be less accurate targets than light-colored targets because less light is returned to the detector. In simple sampling modes, the AR1000 self-determines the optimal sampling speed. Typical sampling output rates are 6 Hz. 50 Hz sampling is possible at close ranges to white targets. See the technical document download area for more information.

For very distant measurements, one can use reflective target material (3M Scotchlite 3279) to measure between 30 and 150 meters (500 feet). The AR1000 has a Class 2 visible laser diode for simple aiming and setup. The laser beam spot size is 5 mm with a divergence of 0.6 milliradians. Therefore, large targets may be necessary at very long distances.

This measurement sensor comes standard with a RS232 serial interface for communication with a PC computer or PLC. Also standard is a 4-20 mA current loop output and a single Limit switch for indicating alarms. The linearity of the analog output is +/- 0.15% of the span. This can be useful for triggering an external device when a target reaches a set position. The AR1000 can automatically sample distances or receive an external trigger for a single distance measurement. As an option, the AR1000 can be ordered with RS422 (replaces RS232).

A special AR1000H version of this device can be used from -40°C to 50°C thanks to an internal heater that automatically cylces on and off based on the user's configured settings.

The sensor is also standard with a 2 meter (6 ft.) cable with Binder series 723 flange connector and soldertail wire termination. Users design their own connectors suitable for their application requirements.

The AR1000 has several measurement modes that are optimized for speed, accuracy, long distances or short distances. Consult the User's Manual for a description of these modes.

AccuRange™ 1000 (and AR1000H) Laser Distance Sensor data sheet
This two-page specification sheet shares all of the technical details about the sensor includeing electrical, mechanical, software and physical specifications. The data sheet details the cabling and outputs for the sensor for configuration. The data sheet provides explanations for beam divergence and accuracy.

> Access the AccuRange 1000 laser distance sensor Data Sheet Adobe PDF file size 450 KB

Acuity's AR1000 (and AR1000H) User's Manual
This user's manual is a multi-page document which explains how to operate and install the sensor hardware. Output formats are described and sensor commands are explained at length.

> Access the AccuRange 1000 device User's Manual Adobe PDF file size 1 MB

Acuity's AR1000 configuration software
This simple terminal interface allows for simple communication with the AR1000 and AR3000 sensors. Output can be viewed and archived.

> Access the AccuRange 1000 / AR3000 configuration software (Zip file 250 KB)

Output interfaces
Acuity offers the following standard and optional outputs for the AR4000 laser rangefinder devices:

> Standard RS-232 Serial Output
> Optional RS-422 Serial Output
> Optional Current Loop Output

Standard RS-232 Serial Output
All sensors come with an RS-232 serial output on the 2m (6 foot), 9 pin cable that connects to PC style serial ports after the user attaches a DB9 connector. Serial output is ASCII and may be configured as either decimal or hexadecimal. The maximum baud rate is 38400 baud.

Standard RS-422 Serial Output
For long distance communications (more than 20 to 30 feet, depending on the baud rate), the RS-232 serial output may be replaced with an RS-422 serial output. The available sample rates, formats and software configuration commands are all the same as for the RS-232. Acuity recommends an RS422 to RS232 converter to monitor the interface from a PC computer serial port.

Standard Current Loop Output
A 4-20 milliamp current output is a standard output for the AR1000 laser distance sensor. The zero and span for the current loop output may be set at any location.. The span point (20 mA) may be made closer than the zero point if desired. The 4-20 mA output has a maximum voltage capability of 10 volts, and it is suggested that a 400 to 500 ohm load be used at the reading instrumentation for best accuracy.