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AR3000 distance measurement sensors are Acuity’s longest-range models. Ideal for measuring positions of cranes and trolleys, the time-of-flight sensor can measure up to 300 meters to natural surfaces and up to 3,000 meters when using a retroreflective target.

3000 Meters of Measurement Range

Acuity’s laser distance sensor is a long-range, non-contact measurement sensor built for industrial applications. The AR3000 uses time-of-flight measurement principles to measure distances to targets from 0.5 m (1.6 feet) to 300 m (~980 feet). It can work with any opaque target and is specifically built to measure distances for surfaces of low reflectance (e. g. asphalt, grass, oxidized steel, and aluminum). The accuracy of the sensor measurement is typically +/-20 mm, but this will depend on the reflectivity of the target surface, ambient light, and temperature conditions. Dark-colored targets may decrease the laser’s range and accuracy. The maximum measurement frequency of the AR3000 is 2kHz in optimal conditions.

For very distant measurements, reflective target material (3M Scotchlite 3000X) can be used to increase the maximum measurement range to 3000 meters (1.9 mi.).

Class 1, eye-safe

The AR3000 laser measurement sensor is an eye-safe (Class I) infrared laser device with an onboard visible aiming pilot laser (Class 2) option that can be manually turned on and off through the serial interface. The laser beam spot size is 5 mm with a divergence of 0.6mrad. Large targets may be necessary at very long distances.

Versatile, Long Range Applications

The eye-safe laser and robust enclosures design (NEMA-4, IP67) make it a versatile choice for industrial measuring applications. Typical applications for the AR3000 distance laser measurement sensor include bridge crane monitoring, trolley positioning, ship docking positioning applications, position surveillance of vehicles and ships, process surveillance in steel and roller plants, laser altimeter applications and altitude measurements, amongst others. In special modes, the AR3000 can also report instantaneous velocity or continuous velocity measurements for additional measurement applications.

The AR3000 has an operating temperature of -40 to 60 °C [-40 to 140 °F] and has a built-in heater that will automatically turn on/off when limits are exceeded. Configurations can be manually specifically configured to meet customer/application requirements to calibrate the sensor for distance measurement.

Outputs and Inputs

You can choose a standard RS232 or optional RS422 serial interface for communication with a computer or PLC. The AR3000 also comes with a standard, 4-20 mA current loop output. The analog output can be programmed to have a custom measurement span, and the minimum and maximum currents can be set to any points in the laser’s range.

The AR3000 has a single limit switch for indicating alarms. This can be useful for triggering an external device when a target reaches a set position. Data formats are available in both ASCII and Binary with selectable termination characters. This sensor can 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 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.

Have a question about our laser measurement sensor and would like to learn more before purchasing? Contact our highly qualified laser measurement sensor experts and they’ll be happy to help. At Durham Instruments we have the solution to your unique application!