What is the Technical data of the PLT 300 that I need to be aware of?

This article reviews the operations manual for the PLT 300, to make sure you understand basic technical data for the PLT 300. If you need technical understanding of the PLT 300's accuracy, please see this article, instead.

Technical Data of PLT 300

• Weight with Battery: 5.3kg (11.7lb)
• Required Battery:
  • US/CA: B 18/1.6 or B 18/2.6
  • All other Countries: B 22/1.6 or B22/2.6
• Battery Life:
  • 1.6 ~ 3h
  • 2.6 ~ 5h
• Operating Temperature: -20°C - 50°C (-4°F - 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: -40°C - 63°C (-40°F - 145°F)
• Protection Class: 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 300 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.
• Rotation Speed: 90°/s
• Telescope repositioning: 2s
• Thread: 5/8 in
  • This is the thread at the bottom of the tool for tripod or other device attachments.

Laser Distance Measurement Data

• Wavelength/Color: 500 nm to 540 nm / Green
  • Green lasers are considered easier for the human eye to see indoors or in very bright conditions. 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 300's battery efficiency.
• Pulse duration/frequency: 0.2 ns to 10 ns / 5 MHz to 100 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: 0.2 mrad to 20 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.
• 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 300 will not be able to adjust for. Staying in this range keeps the laser, calibration sensors, and even the battery in working order.
• 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.

Tracking (LED Tracker) Data

• Wavelength: 800 nm - 900 nm
• Radiation intensity at a distance of 20cm (108 μs/109 Hz):
  • Typical Average: 0.5 mW/cm²
  • Maximum: 46 mW/cm²
• Pulse duration/frequency: 108 μs / 100 Hz - 165Hz
• Beam divergence (2θ₁/₂): 30°
• Tracking range: 1.5 m to 50 m (4 ft 11.1 in to 164 ft 1 in)

Camera Data

• Aperture angle (continuous focus): 25°
• Focal Length: 12 mm - 60 mm (0.5 in - 2.4 in)
• Optical Zoom: 5x
• Focus range: ≥ 1 m (3 ft 3 in)
  • The camera can focus clearly on objects that are at least 1 m away. Anything closer could appear blurry.
• Resolution at maximum zoom per 10 meters (33ft): +/- 1.0mm (+/- 0.04 in)
• Horizontal/Vertical Field View: 225°/360°
• Image storage: VGA