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Rangefinders

Rangefinders have a variety of uses, from heavy machinery to field work

By Mark McGee
Rangefinders have a wide variety of uses. Handheld optical rangefinders are typically used for hunting or golf but have a number of commercial applications as well. Electronic distance meters measure the distance between a sensor and set surface. These are primarily used in commercial applications. Lastly, laser triangulation systems provide extreme accuracy for industrial and construction purposes.

Before looking into these products, it is important to have a little rangefinders information. There are many different products called rangefinders, and knowing the precise type you need will cut down the time you spend searching. Consider the following when looking at a rangefinders list:

1. Optical rangefinders are a quick way to estimate distance and direction.

2. Distance meters come in a wide variety of types for many commercial applications.

3. Triangulation systems are very accurate but also very expensive.

 

Find rangefinders for quick uses

Optical rangefinders are often in a category called sport optics. These handheld devices will tell you the approximate distance between yourself and a viewed object. While they are commonly used by hunters and golfers, optical rangefinders are also used to do initial land and building inspections, as well and aiding in the establishment of boundary lines.
Try: Nikon has made both optical and camera-based rangefinders for many years. Bushnell Outdoor is nearly the industry standard for handheld optical rangefinders.

Look for a commercial rangefinders provider for distance meters

Electronic distance meters use lasers or ultrasonic waves to find the distance between the source and an object. Portable versions are often used by contractors and building inspectors; these styles use lasers almost exclusively. Mounted versions have a variety of industrial uses, such as monitoring machine movement or fluid levels in holding or mixing tanks.
Try: Senix makes a wide range of ultrasonic rangefinders. While they offer both handheld and portable versions, the majority of their products are designed for manufacturing and fabrication. Lecia Geosystems makes handheld laser-based rangefinders. The design on these rangefinders allows them to work equally well in the field as they do in the factory.

Use triangulation rangefinders for high precision work

Triangulation systems work by finding two ranges and comparing them. These rangefinders can accurately determine both distance and relative position in space. Their high level of precision makes them a boon to automation and other machine-heavy processes.
Try: The Microtrak II from MTI Instruments and the AR600 from Acuity are well-known laser triangulation systems. Both need to be mounted and are used indoors.

 

  • Rangefinders can be very expensive. Determine your usage before you invest in something that's far more than you need. If you are only looking for general distance, small monocular rangefinders will work just as well as the large electronic ones and cost much less.

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