Acuity AccuRange AR1000 User manual

AccuRange AR1000™ Laser Distance Sensor
AccuRange AR1000H™ Laser Distance Sensor w/ Heater
User’s Manual
Rev. 1.7
For use with AR1000™ and AR1000H™
1/12/2010
Acuity
A product line of Schmitt Industries, Inc.
2765 NW Nicolai St.
Portland, OR 97210
www.acuitylaser.com

Limited Use License Agreement
CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE OPENING THE
PACKAGE CONTAINING THE PRODUCT AND THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE LICENSED
HEREUNDER. CONNECTING POWER TO THE MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL UNIT
INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT
AGREE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PROMPTLY RETURN THE UNIT WITH
POWER SEAL INTACT TO THE DEALER FROM WHOM YOU PURCHASED THE PRODUCT
WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE AND YOUR PURCHASE PRICE WILL
BE REFUNDED BY THE DEALER. IF THE DEALER FAILS TO REFUND YOUR PURCHASE
PRICE, CONTACT SCHMITT INDUSTRIES, INC. IMMEDIATELY AT THE ADDRESS SET
OUT BELOW CONCERNING RETURN ARRANGEMENTS.
Schmitt Industries, Inc. provides the hardware and computer software program contained in the
microprocessor control unit. Schmitt Industries, Inc. has a valuable proprietary interest in such
software and related documentation ("Software), and licenses the use of the Software to you
pursuant to the following terms and conditions. You assume responsibility for the selection of
the product suited to achieve your intended results, and for the installation, use and results
obtained.
License Terms And Conditions
a. You are granted a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use the Software solely on and in
conjunction with the product. You agree that the Software title remains with Schmitt
Industries, Inc. at all times.
b. You and your employees and agents agree to protect the confidentiality of the Software.
You may not distribute, disclose, or otherwise make the Software available to any third
party, except for a transferee who agrees to be bound by these license terms and
conditions. In the event of termination or expiration of this license for any reason
whatsoever, the obligation of confidentiality shall survive.
c. You may not disassemble, decode, translate, copy, reproduce, or modify the Software,
except only that a copy may be made for archival or back-up purposes as necessary for
use with the product.
d. You agree to maintain all proprietary notices and marks on the Software.
e. You may transfer this license if also transferring the product, provided the transferee agrees
to comply with all terms and conditions of this license. Upon such transfer, your license will
terminate and you agree to destroy all copies of the Software in your possession.

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1/10 i
Procedures for Obtaining Warranty Service
1. Contact your Acuity distributor or call Schmitt Industries, Inc. to obtain a return
merchandise authorization (RMA) number within the applicable warranty period.
Schmitt Industries will not accept any returned product without an RMA number.
2. Ship the product to Schmitt Industries, postage prepaid, together with your bill of sale
or other proof of purchase. your name, address, description of the problem(s). Print the
RMA number you have obtained on the outside of the package.
This device has been tested for electromagnetic emissions and immunity and has
been found to be in compliance with the following directives for class A equipment:
EN 61000-6-2:2002
EN 55011:2000
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this device in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.
This manual copyright © 2009, Schmitt Industries, Inc.

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1/10 ii
User’s Manual for the
AR1000™ Series Laser Distance Sensor
Rev. 1.7
For use with AR1000 and AR1000H
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................1
1.1. GENERAL OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................1
1.2. DEFINITION OF TERMS.................................................................................................................................2
1.3. QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................................2
1.3.1. Mounting................................................................................................................................................2
1.3.2. Serial Data Wires ..................................................................................................................................3
1.3.2.1. RS232 Model.....................................................................................................................................3
1.3.2.2. RS422 Model.....................................................................................................................................3
1.3.3. Analog Output Signals...........................................................................................................................3
1.3.4. Alarm Signal..........................................................................................................................................3
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................................4
2.1. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION .........................................................................................................................4
2.2. MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS .........................................................................................................................4
2.3. INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................................5
2.4. LASER SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................5
2.5. SENSOR MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................................6
2.6. SENSOR SERVICE.........................................................................................................................................6
2.7. SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................................6
3. INSTALLATION AND CHECKOUT...............................................................................................................7
3.1. MOUNTING..................................................................................................................................................7
3.2. CABLING .....................................................................................................................................................7
3.2.1. Standalone Cabling ...............................................................................................................................8
3.2.2. Serial Connection to a Host Computer..................................................................................................8
3.3. POWER ON..................................................................................................................................................9
3.4. VERIFYING OPERATION...............................................................................................................................9
3.5. TROUBLESHOOTING.....................................................................................................................................9
3.5.1. Serial Communications Check...............................................................................................................9
3.5.2. Sensor Output Check ...........................................................................................................................10
4. SIGNAL AND POWER INTERFACE............................................................................................................11
4.1. SENSOR CABLE WIRE COLORS AND FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................11
4.1.1. Power Supply (Orange, Blue)..............................................................................................................11
4.1.2. Shield (Clear).......................................................................................................................................12
4.1.3. Serial Communications (Green, Yellow, Black, Violet).......................................................................12
4.1.4. Analog Output (Blue, Red)...................................................................................................................12
4.1.5. Alarm Output (White) ..........................................................................................................................13
4.1.6. Laser Trigger (Brown).........................................................................................................................14

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1/10 iii
5. SERIAL INTERFACE OPERATION.............................................................................................................15
5.1. SERIAL HARDWARE INTERFACE ................................................................................................................15
5.1.1. Communications Protocol ...................................................................................................................15
5.1.2. Baud Rate (BR)....................................................................................................................................16
5.2. SERIAL DATA OUTPUT (SD, SF)................................................................................................................16
5.2.1. ASCII Output Format (SDd , SDh or SDs)..........................................................................................16
5.2.2. Serial Data Units or Scale Factor (SFx.x)...........................................................................................17
5.3. ERROR CODES ...........................................................................................................................................17
5.4. LASER ON AND LASER OFF (LO, LF).......................................................................................................18
5.4.1. Laser ON (LO).....................................................................................................................................18
5.4.2. Laser OFF (LF)...................................................................................................................................18
5.5. DISPLAYING,CONFIGURING AND RESETTING PARAMETERS (PA, PR, AS, TP).........................................18
5.5.1. Displaying current settings (PA) .........................................................................................................18
5.5.2. Resetting sensor settings (PR) .............................................................................................................19
5.5.3. Autostart configuration (ASxx)............................................................................................................19
5.5.4. Temperature Display (TP)...................................................................................................................19
5.5.5. Command Display (ID)........................................................................................................................19
6. ANALOG OUTPUT OPERATION (RB, RE, SE)..........................................................................................21
6.1. SETTING THE ANALOG RANGE BEGINNING POINT (RB)..............................................................................21
6.2. SETTING THE ANALOG RANGE END POINT (RE) .........................................................................................21
6.3. SETTING THE ERROR MODE (SE0, SE1 OR SE2) .......................................................................................21
7. ALARM OUTPUT OPERATION (AC, AH, AW, SE)...................................................................................22
7.1. SET THE ALARM START (COMMENCE)POINT (ACX)...................................................................................22
7.2. SET THE ALARM HYSTERESIS (AHX) .........................................................................................................22
7.2.1. Positive alarm hysteresis.....................................................................................................................22
7.2.2. Negative alarm hysteresis....................................................................................................................22
7.3. SET THE ALARM WINDOW (AW)................................................................................................................23
7.4. EXAMPLE OF ALARM OUTPUT CONFIGURATION .........................................................................................23
7.5. ERROR MODE BEHAVIOR FOR THE ALARM OUTPUT (SE0, SE1 OR SE2) ...................................................24
8. PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION..............................................................................................................25
8.1. MEASUREMENT MODES ............................................................................................................................25
8.1.1. Distance Tracking Mode (DT).............................................................................................................25
8.1.2. Close-range Distance Tracking (DS)...................................................................................................25
8.1.3. 10 Hz Distance Tracking (DW)............................................................................................................25
8.1.4. 50 Hz Distance Tracking (DX) ............................................................................................................25
8.1.5. Hardware Trigger Mode (DF).............................................................................................................26
8.1.6. Take Single Sample (DM)....................................................................................................................26
8.2. AVERAGING FUNCTION (SAX) ..................................................................................................................26
8.3. SET MEASUREMENT TIME (STX)...............................................................................................................26
8.4. SET ZERO POINT (OFX).............................................................................................................................27
8.4.1. Set current distance to Zero (SO) ........................................................................................................27
8.5. FILTER MEASUREMENTS (RMX Y.Y Z) ......................................................................................................27
8.6. SET HEATER ON TEMPERATURE (HOX)....................................................................................................28
8.7. SET HEATER OFF TEMPERATURE (HFX)...................................................................................................28
9. TRIGGER MODE OPTIMIZATION .............................................................................................................29
9.1. DESIGNATING TRIGGER MODE (DF) .........................................................................................................29
9.2. SETTING A TRIGGER DELAY AND EDGE (TDX Y).......................................................................................29
9.3. TRIGGERING AUTOSTART (TMX Y)...........................................................................................................29
9.3.1. Example 1: Triggering Autostart.........................................................................................................30
9.3.2. Example 2: Triggering Autostart)........................................................................................................30
10. SERIAL COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE.........................................................................................31

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1/10 iv

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1.7 1/10 1
1. Introduction
This section is a guide to getting started with the AR1000 and this manual. The AR1000 has a
number of configurable parameters, but many applications can use the sensor in its default factory
configuration.
The recommended order for reading the manual is:
•General Overview – Gives a brief understanding of the sensor operation.
•Operating Guidelines – Provides a few important safety tips.
•Definition of Terms – An aid for proper communication.
•Quick Start Instructions – This should provide the information necessary to connect the
sensor and verify its operation, either with a serial terminal program at 9600 baud, or by
connecting the current loop or Alarm Output interface.
•General Description – Gives important laser, operation, mechanical, and mounting
information.
•Installation and Checkout – Tailor the application. Use the other chapters for reference:
Signal and Power Interface – how to hook everything up
Serial Interface Operation – modes, formats, bias
Analog Output Operation – current loop, voltage, scaling
Alarm Output Operation – alarm settings
Performance Optimization – Sample Rate, Background Elimination, Exposure control
AR1000 Command Set – explains all commands for customizing the application
1.1. General Overview
The AR1000 is a time-of-flight rangefinder that measures distance using a laser beam, a
photodiode, and a microprocessor. The rangefinder works based on comparative phase
measurement by emitting modulated high-frequency light which is diffusely reflected back from
the target with a certain shift in phase. This return signal is compared with a reference signal.
From the amount of phase shift, a resulting distance is determined with great accuracy. The
maximum range measurement for the device is 500 feet (150 m) using special reflective targets.
On normal surfaces, the maximum range is 120 feet (30 m). The Class 2 visible laser diode
makes it simple to aim the rangefinder. Speed and accuracy performance vary depending on
target surface reflectance. The AR1000 technical data sheet specifies sensor performance
standards.
A variety of configuration settings can be selected via the serial port. The complete list of
settings is found in the AR1000 Command Set chapter and each setting is discussed in detail in a
specific operation chapter.
The Sample Rate can be specified and the sensor has maximum capability of 50 samples per
second. Sampling may be turned on and off. It can even be triggered using an input signal wire or
a serial command.
Measurement output can be in the form of serial data (RS232 or optional RS422), Analog Output
(4-20mA current loop). Special order sensors include Profibus®, or SSI interfaces. Those
interface configurations are not discussed in this manual. Contact Acuity for details.

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1.7 1/10 2
Do not point the sensor at any person, particularly a person’s eyes or face.
Do not attempt to disassemble the sensor or loosen any screws. Improper disassembly will
destroy the optical alignment of the sensor and necessitate factory repairs.
Do not operate the sensor in areas where the sensor case is exposed to direct sunlight for
extended periods or where the air temperature is more than 50°C (122°F) or less than -10°C
(14°F).
Don’t allow fast temperature variations during sensor operation.
Avoid excessive vibration and shocks. The sensor contains securely mounted but precisely
aligned optical components.
Do not operate the sensor if the lens is fogged or dirty.
Do not scratch the lenses on the front face of the sensor. Keep the lenses clean with expert
optical procedures. The lenses are glass with an anti-reflection coating. Avoid the use of organic
cleaning solvents.
Do not touch the lenses with bare fingers. The oils are very difficult to remove.
Operate only with DC supply voltages up to 30 volts.
1.2. Definition of Terms
Sensor – The complete AR1000 measurement device.
Target – The object of measurement. The relative distance from the sensor to the target is
measured by the sensor.
Laser, Laser beam – This bright light is emitted from the sensor, reflected from the target, and
collected by the camera lens.
<Range> – The maximum relative distance measurable by the sensor.
Range – 1. <Range>, 2. The region over which the target can be measured. At the near end of the
range the sensor measures zero. At the far end of the range the sensor measures its
maximum value (its Range value).
1.3. Quick Start Instructions
This will get the sensor running in its factory default configuration.
Only one output type (Serial or Analog) is needed to indicate sensor operation.
1.3.1. Mounting
Caution: be sure that the laser will not cause an eye hazard.
Quick suggestion: Lay the sensor on the floor or a table. It may need to be held in place with
a clamp or a weight. Orient the laser so that the laser is not obstructed. Use a piece of paper
such as a business card to insert into the beam to use as a measurement target. The laser
should be aimed at a target such that the distance from the reference point to the target can be
meausured.
Mount the sensor in such a way that the case is not twisted or warped. Use four screws
through the ¼” (6.6 mm) mounting holes on the sides of the mounting flanges.
Attach the cable’s 12-pin connector to the plug on the rear of the sensor.

AR1000 User’s Manual
Rev 1.7 1/10 3
Connect the orange (Supply +) and blue (Ground) wires of the sensor cable to a 10 to 30 volt
DC power supply (or use the power supply if the sensor came with one).
1.3.2. Serial Data Wires
The serial connection is required to set up a unit for operation.
1.3.2.1. RS232 Model
Connect the RS232 wires to a 9 pin D-SUB male connector that can be plugged into a
COM port of a PC (RS232): Grey (Ground) to pin 5, Green (Transmit) to pin 2, and
Yellow (Receive) to pin 3. See section 3.2.2.
1.3.2.2. RS422 Model
Connect the RS422 wires to a RS422 adapter connected to a PC COM port. See section
3.2.2.
Start a HyperTerminal program on the PC and set it for that COM port at 9600 baud, 8 bit, 1
start, parity: none, 1 stop, no flow control.
To view distance measurements type SF1000<Enter>DT<Enter>. The sensor will report its
present measurements six times per second in millimeters. If a target surface is placed in the
measurement range of the sensor, the screen should display distance information. The
distance is measured from the start of the measurement range. If there is no target in the
measurement range, the sensor will output an error code. If there is no output, the sensor may
be set to a different baud rate.
1.3.3. Analog Output Signals
Quick suggestion: connect a DVM (digital volt meter) to the wires: Blue to Common, Red to
mA input. Assign the Range Beginning (RB) and Range Ending (RE) parameters to the
desired lengths (in meters). Type DT to begin the Distance Tracking mode. The output is a
4-20mA current loop. The meter should read near 4 mA when a target is placed in the laser
beam near RB and 20 mA near RE.
1.3.4. Alarm Signal
Quick suggestion: connect the alarm signal wire (white) to a 1K resistor in series with an
LED, anode to the resistor, cathode to ground (gray).
The default action is: Alarm will go active (LED lights) if a target is measured at a distance
greater than 1000mm (but less than 100m).

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Rev 1.7 1/10 4
2. General Description
The AR1000H is a laser diode based distance measurement sensor for ranges up to 118 feet (30m) on
regular surfaces and up to 500 feet (150 m) using a reflective target. The accuracy is generally
specified with a linearity of +/- 0.08 inches (2mm). Linearity will vary depending on temperature and
surface reflectivity of the target surface. The AR1000H unit version has an on-board heater for cold
use in cold environments.
± 2 mm for white surfaces, (+15 °C ... +30 °C)
± 3 mm for natural surfaces, (+15 °C ... +30 °C)
± 4 mm at 0.1 ... 0.5 m range in DS mode, (+15 °C ... +30 °C)
± 5 mm over full temperature range (-40 °C ... +50 °C)
2.1. Principles of Operation
The AR1000H uses the time of flight of light to measure distance. The laser beam is projected
from the housing’s aperture and shines on a target surface, where it creates a small spot. From
there the laser light is scattered in all directions. A collection lens is located in the sensor to the
side of the laser aperture. It collects a portion of the reflected light, which is focused on a
photodetector and converted to an electrical signal. The signal is amplified and symbolizes a shift
in phase. This phase is compared to a reference signal to determine the amount of shift and hence
a change in distance..
2.2. Mechanical Dimensions
The following diagram shows the mechanical dimensions for the small AR1000. The sensor has
four 6.6 mm holes on the side flanges for mounting to a fixture. The cable is for power and all
communication (serial, analog, trigger, power, etc.). It is a 12-pin M18 flange-mount connector
(Binder series 723). The outer case of the sensor is extruded aluminum with powder-coated paint
for corrosion resistance.