AR3000 distance measurement sensors are Acuity’s longest-range models. Ideal for measuring positions of cranes and trolleys, the time-of-lfight sensor can reach 300 meters to normal surfaces and up to 3000 meters when using a reflective target. The AR3000 samples with speeds up to 2 KHz

The AR3000 distance laser measurement sensor is ideal for extremely long-distance applications for monitoring the position of targets and objects. The unique sensor uses pulsed time of flight measurement principles to achieve measuring speeds to 2 KHz. The AccuRange 3000 laser measurement sensor is an eye-safe (Class I) infrared laser device with an on-board visible aiming pilot laser (Class 2) that can be manually turned on and off. This sensor can measure 300 meters to regular surfaces. Longer ranges to 3000 meters are possible with the use of reflective target boards (3M Scotchlite 3000X). At these long ranges, the target board may need to be nearly 1m X 1m, or larger. In special modes, the AccuRange 3000 reports instantaneous velocity or continuous velocity measurements.

Typical applications for the AR3000 distance laser measurement sensor include bridge crane monitoring, trolly positioning, ship docking applicatins and altitude measurements amongst others.

The sensor is designed for industrial environments with NEMA-4, IP67 enclosure ratings, permitting the sensor to be directly rinsed with water! Typical data outputs are serial RS232, RS422 (optional) and current loop 4-20 mA signals.

This sensor is highly versalite, able to measure distances both indoors and outdoors, but may have limitations to extremely dark targets or measuring through steam, fog and smoke where the signal is obstructed.

Acuity’s AccuRange 3000 distance measurement sensors employ pulsed time-of-flight measurement principles to measure very long distances at short measurement intervals. The solid-state laser diodes can be pulsed at nanosecond pulse rates and typical accuracies are within a few centimeters

The AR3000 measures from 0.5 to 300 m (~980 feet) without the use of reflective targets. It can measure to any opaque surface. The accuracy of the measurement is typically +/-20 mm, but it will depend on the reflectivity of the target surface, lighting conditions and temperature conditions and the number of distance samples that are averaged before transmitted to the user . Dark-colored targets may be less accurate targets than light-colored targets. In special sampling modes, the AR3000 can measure the velocity of moving targets.

For very distant measurements, one can use reflective target material (3M Scotchlite 3000X) to measure between 300 and 3000 meters (1.9 mi.). The AR3000 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.

The primary measuring laser is infrared (invisible to the human eye). The AR3000 has a pilot aiming laser that can be toggled through the serial interface. This visible, Class 2 laser beam makes it simple to adjust the alignment to distant targets.

This laser 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 commenserate with the serial output. Limit alarms can be useful for triggering an external device when a target reaches a set position. The AR3000 can automatically sample distances or receive an external trigger for a single distance measurement. As an option, the AR3000 can be ordered with RS422 (replaces RS232) output interface. Data formats are both ASCII and Binary with selectable termination characters. This sensor, much like the AccuRange 4000 series, will also output the sensor’s internal temperature and return signal amplitudes in its data stream. Amplitude can also be qualitatively judged using the indicator LED’s on the rear panel of the sensor.

The sensor is ordered with an optional 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 AR3000 has several measurement modes that are optimized for speed, accuracy, long distances or short measurement windows. Consult the User’s Manual for a description of these modes.

OUTPUT INTERFACES

Acuity offers the following standard and optional outputs for the AR3000 laser rangefinder devices:

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.

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.