Point, shoot and measure with TruPulse Rangefinders

By on March 15, 2013
Laser Technology Laser Rangefinder


Look into the eyepiece, aim and shoot. That’s all it takes to get quick easy measurements with the Laser Technology TruPulse Laser Rangefinders.

The people at Laser Technology, based in Centennial, Colo., saw a need for a  relatively inexpensive, accurate laser rangefinder.  So, they created the TruPulse series of laser rangefinders that provide an array of high quality measurements for site surveys.

The TruPulse comes in two varieties.  The TruPulse 200 measures distance,  inclination and height. The TruPulse 360 adds azimuth measurements, or a horizontal angle relative to a target, with a built-in compass.  The 360 can also measure the distance, inclination and azimuth between two remote objects.

“You go outside and get a comfortable view of what you want to measure and you measure it,” said Jim Jablonski, regional sales manager at Laser Technology. “It’s a great tool for site inspection.”

Both models calculate heights based on the Pythagorean Theorem. The tool remembers high school geometry, so users can focus on the tree that’s leaning too much for comfort, or the crane that needs to clear an electrical wire.

The beam widens with distance. At 1000 feet the beam has a diameter of three feet making it easier to hit targets.

“Our laser beam of energy is not a pinpoint,” said Jablonski. “It does have a spread to it.”

Any of the TruPulse models can also be used for Geographic Information System mapping.  The rangefinders can be coupled to a handheld computer equipped with GPS, like the Trimble Nomad, and plot points. It also can be used for offset mapping.  Additional information like height and inclination can all be added to the collected data.

Information collected can be easily interpreted by ArcPad GIS software. Jablonski recommends Laser Tech’s LaserGIS program, which adds more ease of use to ArcPad to make mapping with the rangefinder faster.

The rangefinders measure with simple point and shoot operation. An infrared light pulse shoots out to a target and bounces back to the rangefinder. “The output is a fraction of the light power of a remote control and won’t damage one’s eyes,” Jablonski said.

The compact and durable tool fits in one’s hand. All information is displayed in the rangefinder’s adjustable scope and transmitted via a RS232 serial port or Bluetooth in selected models.

A ruggedized version called the TruPulse 360R better withstands dust and water infiltration for the roughest conditions.

The rangefinders measure up to 1,000 meters without a reflective target and 2,000 meters with a reflective target.  The accuracy of distance measurements are within one foot for short range targets and within one meter for long range targets.  Inclination accuracy is within .25 degrees. Azimuth measurements fall within one degree.

TruPulse Rangefinders start at $750.

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