What is the Technical data of the PLT 400 that I need to be aware of?

This article reviews the operations manual for the PLT 400, to make sure you understand basic technical data for the PLT 400. If you need technical understanding of the PLT 400's accuracy, please see this article, instead.

Technical Data PLT 400

• Weight without battery: 6.2 kg / 13.7 lb
• Rated voltage: 21.6 V
  • Use only the B22/4.0 batteries with PLT 400 total stations
• Maximum site elevation above datum: 2,000m (6,561 ft 8 in)
  • This means that you should not operate the tool higher than 2,000m above sea level (above datum). The reason for this is because higher altitudes will have air pressure and temperature changes that the PLT 400 will not be able to adjust for. Staying in this range keeps the laser, calibration sensors, and even the battery in working order.
• Operating temperature: -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
  • This refers to the internal temperature range of the device's components (electronics, optics, etc.). The tool will not overheat or freeze internally at this range.
• Storage temperature: -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
• Ambient temperature for operation: -17°C to 50°C (1°F to 122°F)
  • This refers to the external temperature range where the PLT 400 is being used.
• Degree of Protection: IP55
  • IP means "Ingress Protection," or, protection of unwanted material from entering the tool. An IP rating of 55 is defined by the first digit (5), which means it has protection against dust. It's not completely dust-tight, but dust ingress will not interfere with normal operation. The second digit (5) means it is protected against waterjets, such as rain, hose sprays, etc.
  • The PLT 400 should work normally on construction sites, outdoors, and in dusty environments. Be aware, that the tool is not water proof (not designed to be submerged or exposed to heavy rain, endless snow, or high-pressure cleaning). It is rugged enough, however, for typical jobsite conditions. Protecting it from the elements is still a best practice, however, such as covering from rain, pausing work during heavy winds with dust, and drying it off regularly when wet.
• Maximum relative humidity: 90%
  • Note, 90% humidity is extremely humid. Watch weather forecasts, but unless the conditions are very tropical, it is unlikely you will reach this level of humidity often. Be aware, with humidity comes condensation, and with condensation comes potential short-circuiting or corrosion of electronics.
• Rotation speed: 135° /s
• Telescope repositioning: 3.2 s
• Thread: 5/8 in
  • This is the thread at the bottom of the tool for tripod or other device attachments.
• Communication standard: WiFi, Dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Enhanced Data Rate (Long Range Bluetooth)
  • For detailed help with WiFi or other connection, please see this article. The PLT 400 can connect to almost any WiFi network, including high-speed ones.
• Maximum emitted transmission power, WiFi for FCC/ETSI: 24.5 dBm/18.4 dBm
  • FCC: Federal Communications Commission (USA), ETSI: European Telecommunications Standards Institute (EU), dBm: decibels relative to 1 milliwatt.
  • The PLT 400 meets the legal requirements for wireless emissions in their respective countries, helping to prevent the tool from interfering with other equipment on-site, especially in dense environments.
• WiFi  frequency range:
  • 2.4 GHz band: 2,400 MHz to 2,483.5 MHz - older and more widely used with longer range, but more crowded (used by many devices, might be hard to use in an environment with lots of traffic).
  • 5 GHz band: 5,150 MHz to 5,350 MHz or 5,470 MHz to 5,835 MHz - newer and faster frequency with shorter range and less interference. This is a good band to use when in busy environments, but range may be limited.
    • the different MHz ranges refer to the lower and upper bands, which the PLT 400 will be able to support.
• Maximum emitted transmission power, Bluetooth: 9.5 dBm
• Bluetooth frequency range: 2,400 MHz to 2,483.5 MHz

Laser Distance Measurement Data

• Wavelength/Color: 646nm to 674 nm / Red
  • Red lasers are considered the most visible to the human eye. They also reflect well off of most surfaces, which helps with accurate distance and angle measurements. Be aware that on very dark, shiny, or transparent surfaces (like glass or black foam), this laser may struggle. See this article for more help with measurement errors.
• Laser class in accordance with IEC 60825-1: 2
  • Users should avoid staring directly into the laser beam. See the IEC documents for laser safety information if needed.
• Maximum average power output: < 1 mW
  • This is part of "laser class 2" requirements, where accidental exposure to the eye should not cause harm (see IEC documents for more information). This laser class does not require heavy energy, contributing to the PLT 400's battery efficiency.
• Pulse duration/frequency: 0.06 ns to 2.5 ns / 3 MHz to 102 MHz
  • Nanoseconds are billionths of a second. Shorter pulse duration mean more precise timing, and more precise measurements. MHz represent 1 million cycles per second. The frequency will adjust to the conditions during the measurement (such as low frequency for long-range or matte surface measurements and high frequency for short-range or reflective target measurements).
• Beam divergence: 0.1 mrad to 5.5 mrad
  • Milliradian (mrad) is a unit of angular measurement. 0.1 mrad = 1mm per 10 meters, 5.5 mrad = 55mm per 10 meters.
  • Having a tighter or wider divergence would be important depending on the conditions you are measuring - such as small/reflective targets vs. uneven/rough surfaces.

Tracking (LED Tracker) Data

• Peak wavelength: ≤ 810 nm
• Radiation intensity at a distance of 20cm (108 μs/109 Hz):
  • Typical Average: 3 mW/cm²
  • Maximum: 0.24 mW/cm²
• Maximum pulse duration/frequency: 108 μs
• Beam divergence (2θ₁/₂): 20°
• Tracking range POA 25: 1.5 m to 100 m (4 ft 11.1 in to 328 ft 1 in)
• Tracking range POA 20: 1.5 m to 400m (4 ft 11.1 in to 1,312 ft 4 in)

Camera Data

• Aperture angle (continuous focus): 2° to 30° (0.03 rad to 0.5 rad)
  • The camera can adjust to these angles depending on the task
• Focus range: ≥ 5 m (16 ft 5 in)
  • The camera can focus clearly on objects that are at least 5 m away. Anything closer could appear blurry.
• Resolution: 1-7m: 1920x1080 (2.1 MPx), beyond 7m: 960 x 540