Where to Buy Laser Range Finders Under $200 with 1-200m Range

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding affordable laser range finders with a range of 1m to 200m, focusing on accuracy and potential sources for purchase. Participants also explore the possibility of building a range finder and share personal experiences related to the need for such devices in various applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about purchasing a laser range finder that is both affordable and accurate, expressing difficulty in finding suitable options.
  • Another participant suggests looking at brands like Leica and Nikon, providing a link to a specific product as an example.
  • A different viewpoint highlights that laser range finders are available at hardware stores for a relatively low price, cautioning about the safety of laser beams.
  • Some participants discuss the concept of "eye-safe" lasers, with one asserting that properly classified lasers, when used correctly, pose no risk to eyesight.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of obtaining high accuracy at a low cost, with one participant questioning the intended use of such a device.
  • A participant humorously compares the request for a cheap laser range finder to asking for a cheap particle accelerator, revealing a personal need for the device in golf to measure distances.
  • Another participant shares their context, mentioning a school project involving a robot that creates 3D images and the limitations of their current equipment, which is an inaccurate SONAR module.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the availability and safety of laser range finders, as well as the feasibility of achieving high accuracy at a low price. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best options for purchasing or building a suitable device.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the definitions of "relatively small amount of money" and "high accuracy," which may vary based on individual perspectives and needs.

cAm
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(sorry if this is in the wrong forum)

Does anyone know where a good laser range finder can be purchased, for a relatively small amount of money. It needs to have a range of 1m to 200m (preferably more), with high accuracy (couple centimeters). I've been looking for a while, and so far, I've been unsuccessful. (A 2D range finder would be nicer even though, but i haven't found Any of those).


Or, if no one knows where one of these could be bought, perhaps some advice on Building one? Is it possibly/plausible? I'm relatively new to optics, but i'll learn what i have to.

(Btw, this needs to be an eye-safe laser) :smile:
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Google is your friend. :smile:

Leica and Nikon both make laser rangefinders, I found a few just by browsing their website. http://www.leica-geosystems.com/corporate/en/products/laser_distancemeter/lgs_5061.htm is just one example...
 
?? These things are laser 'tape measures' sold at larger hardware outlets for about $AUD 40 to 80.
Remember.. Dont stare into the laser beam with your remaining eye... (There isn't really an 'eye safe' laser!)
 
RandomRemember.. said:
Dont stare into the laser beam with your remaining eye... (There isn't really an 'eye safe' laser!)


A properly classified laser, properly used, presents no risk to eyesight.
 
Last edited:
cAm said:
Does anyone know where a good laser range finder can be purchased, for a relatively small amount of money. It needs to have a range of 1m to 200m (preferably more), with high accuracy (couple centimeters).
"relatively small amount of money" and "high accuracy" are mutually exclusive. What exactly are you going to use this for?
 
russ_watters said:
"relatively small amount of money" and "high accuracy" are mutually exclusive. What exactly are you going to use this for?

haha yah, i love when people say that. I want a cheap particle accelerator please! Actually i need a laser range finder for my golf game. I am pretty good at finding out which fairway my ball ends up on... but i have no real sense of distance :smile:
 
heh, been away from the comp for a while, thanks for the replies.

the reason for the low budget is that unless i can get a grant from somewhere, my high school physics dept. would have to foot the bill.

I need this for a project in which we have a robot draw for us a 3d image of wherever it is, and have the robot make descisions based on certain factors. Though, we've seen this has already been done, so we're extending it a bit further into something else ;)

We've already accomplished this with an extremely inaccurate SONAR module, so we know it works, we just don't have the money to get what we want right now :-p
 

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