AR2500 laser sensors are Acuity’s ultra-compact rangefinder models. This eye-safe rangefinder can measure to 30 KHz to natural targets 30 meters away or to reflectors 260 meters away. The AR2500 is also available in module format to system integrators and high-volume OEM customers.

The AR2500 laser sensors are fast, ultra-compact rangefinders for industrial, marine and civil engineering applications. An un-enclosed Module version of the AR2500 is also available.

The laser measuring device measures distance to natural targets within 30 meters. Longer ranges to 260 meters are possible with the use of reflective target boards (3M Scotchlite 3000X). The sensor device has an eye-safe, infrared laser (Class 1).

How does this model differ from the AR1000 or AR3000 rangefinders? The AR2500 is significantly smaller and faster than both. It’s measurement range is comparable to the AR1000, but it’s Class 1 eye safety is comparable to the AR3000.

Typical applications for the AR2500 laser measuring device include high-speed vehicle height profiling, bridge crane monitoring, trolley positioning and altitude measurements amongst others. It’s high sampling rate of 30 KHz makes ideal for scanning applications as well.

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.

For large-volume machine builders, we offer a module version which includes the “guts” of the rangefinder without an environmental enclosure. The module has different power requirements.

TECHNICAL DATA

Acuity’s AccuRange 2500 laser 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 millimeters.

The AR2500 measures from 0. to 30 m (~10 0 feet) without the use of reflective targets. It measures to natural target surfaces (opaque surfaces) with reflectivity as low as 10. The accuracy of the measurement is typically <10 mm with sample averaging. With a maximum frequency response of 30,000 Hz, the AR2500 sensor is ideal for measuring fast-moving targets such as cars on a highway. It also serves as the engine for multi-dimensional scanners.

For very distant measurements, one can use reflective target material (3M Scotchlite 3000X) to measure between 30 and 260 meters (853 feet). At its furthest ranges, the maximum sampling speed is 16,000 Hz.

The single laser diode is a Class 1, eye-safe 905 nm infrared diode. The small laser spot has a divergence of 3 milliard. Alignment of the sensor to its target is achieved by viewing the infrared reflection through a digital camera screen. CMOS and CCD detectors can see infrared, but the human eye can not.

This laser measuring device comes standard with a RS232 serial interface for communication with a PC computer or PLC (or optionally RS422 which replaces RS232). Also standard is a 4-20 mA current loop output and a two Limit switches for indicating alarms. The linearity of the analog output is commensurate with the serial output. Limit alarms can be useful for triggering an external device when a target reaches a set position.Optional output with the AR2500 is RS422 serial 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.

The sensor is ordered with an optional 2 meter (6 ft.) cable with Binder series 713 connector and solder tail wire termination. Users design their own connectors suitable for their application requirements.

A module version (AR2500M) is a stripped-down version of the sensor that has no case enclosure. It is geared for high-volume OEM’s who intend to insert the sensor module into a larger housing.

OUTPUT INTERFACES

Acuity offers the following standard and optional outputs for the AR4000 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.

Optional 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 AR2500 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.