Vortex Viper HD 3000 User manual

1
PRODUCT MANUAL

VIPER® HD 3000
2 3
VIPER®HD 3000 LASER RANGEFINDER
Conquer those long-range shots when every moment
matters, and precision is everything. Packed into the
Viper®HD 3000 is an HD optical system, and a 3000-
yard max range to close the distance.
Images are for representation only.
Product may vary slightly from what is shown.
Specifications
MAGNIFICATION 7x
OBJECTIVE LENS 25mm
MAX REFLECTIVE RANGE Up to 3000 yds. (2743m)
TREE RANGE Up to 2300 yds. (2103m)
DEER RANGE Up to 2000 yds. (1829m)
MINIMUM RANGE 6 yds. (5m)
ACCURACY
± 1 yd @ ≤100 yds.
± 2 yds. @ ≥100 yds. & ≤1000 yds.
± 3 yds. @ ≥1000 yds.
MAXIMUM ANGLE READING ± 89°
FIELD OF VIEW Linear @ 1000 yds. 314'
Angular 6°
EYE RELIEF 15.5mm
BATTERY TYPE CR123
BATTERY LIFE 4000 + Range Cycles at Brightness Level 4
LENGTH 4.2" (107.2mm)
HEIGHT 3.1" (79mm)
WIDTH 1.7" (42mm)
WEIGHT W/ BATTERY 9.1 oz. (258g)

VIPER® HD 3000
2 3
VIPER®HD 3000 LASER RANGEFINDER
Conquer those long-range shots when every moment
matters, and precision is everything. Packed into the
Viper®HD 3000 is an HD optical system, and a 3000-
yard max range to close the distance.
Images are for representation only.
Product may vary slightly from what is shown.
Specifications
MAGNIFICATION 7x
OBJECTIVE LENS 25mm
MAX REFLECTIVE RANGE Up to 3000 yds. (2743m)
TREE RANGE Up to 2300 yds. (2103m)
DEER RANGE Up to 2000 yds. (1829m)
MINIMUM RANGE 6 yds. (5m)
ACCURACY
± 1 yd @ ≤100 yds.
± 2 yds. @ ≥100 yds. & ≤1000 yds.
± 3 yds. @ ≥1000 yds.
MAXIMUM ANGLE READING ± 89°
FIELD OF VIEW Linear @ 1000 yds. 314'
Angular 6°
EYE RELIEF 15.5mm
BATTERY TYPE CR123
BATTERY LIFE 4000 + Range Cycles at Brightness Level 4
LENGTH 4.2" (107.2mm)
HEIGHT 3.1" (79mm)
WIDTH 1.7" (42mm)
WEIGHT W/ BATTERY 9.1 oz. (258g)

VIPER® HD 3000
4 5
Adjustable
Eyecup
Battery
Compartment
Wrist Lanyard
Attachment
Tripod
Adapter Socket
Diopter Focus
Measure Button
Objective Lens
Utility Clip
Ocular Focus
Menu Button
BASIC OPERATION
Battery Installation and Replacement
To insert a new battery, flip up
the finger tab on the Battery Cap
located on the bottom of the unit
and unscrew, counterclockwise,
to remove. Insert CR123 battery
with the positive side (+) facing
outwards. Reinstall Battery Cap and
ensure it is tightly closed.
Power Up
Once the battery is installed,
the Viper®HD 3000 is in ready
condition – the normal power-
off condition when not ranging.
To power up the Viper®HD 3000 from ready condition
and prepare for ranging, press and release the “Measure”
button. The HCD or LOS ranging screen will display. The
auto-shutoff feature can be adjusted to 15, 30, or 60
seconds. See the “Auto-Shutoff” section on page 14.
Note: While in the menu, the Viper®HD 3000 will auto-shutoff
after 20 seconds if no buttons are pressed.
Battery Cap
Battery Cap

VIPER® HD 3000
4 5
Adjustable
Eyecup
Battery
Compartment
Wrist Lanyard
Attachment
Tripod
Adapter Socket
Diopter Focus
Measure Button
Objective Lens
Utility Clip
Ocular Focus
Menu Button
BASIC OPERATION
Battery Installation and Replacement
To insert a new battery, flip up
the finger tab on the Battery Cap
located on the bottom of the unit
and unscrew, counterclockwise,
to remove. Insert CR123 battery
with the positive side (+) facing
outwards. Reinstall Battery Cap and
ensure it is tightly closed.
Power Up
Once the battery is installed,
the Viper®HD 3000 is in ready
condition – the normal power-
off condition when not ranging.
To power up the Viper®HD 3000 from ready condition
and prepare for ranging, press and release the “Measure”
button. The HCD or LOS ranging screen will display. The
auto-shutoff feature can be adjusted to 15, 30, or 60
seconds. See the “Auto-Shutoff” section on page 14.
Note: While in the menu, the Viper®HD 3000 will auto-shutoff
after 20 seconds if no buttons are pressed.
Battery Cap
Battery Cap

VIPER® HD 3000
6 7
Low Battery Icon
The Low Battery Icon comes on at
25% and stays on until there is no
power or the battery is replaced.
Adjust the Eyecup
The eyecup on the Viper®HD 3000 twists in and out so
any viewer can see the full field and enjoy comfortable
viewing and ranging – with or without eyeglasses. When
not using eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is recommended to
keep the eyecup fully extended. For best viewing when
wearing eyeglasses, twist eyecup in.
Adjustable
Eyecup
Diopter Focus
Low Battery
Focus
Adjust the diopter until the image is sharp. Make note of
this diopter setting in case you need to set it again.
Attaching the Wrist Lanyard
The Lanyard provides a secure way
to carry your rangefinder.
Utility Clip
The Viper®HD 3000 comes with a Utility Clip on the
unit’s left-hand side. You can switch Utility Clip’s side by
unscrewing the 2.5mm hex screws on the left-hand side,
and the 2.5mm hex screws on the unit’s right-hand side.
Reinstall the Utility Clip on the unit’s right-hand side
and replace the 2.5mm hex screws on the left-hand side.
Utility Clip2.5mm
Hex Screws
Loop the Lanyard
through attachment
socket.

VIPER® HD 3000
6 7
Low Battery Icon
The Low Battery Icon comes on at
25% and stays on until there is no
power or the battery is replaced.
Adjust the Eyecup
The eyecup on the Viper®HD 3000 twists in and out so
any viewer can see the full field and enjoy comfortable
viewing and ranging – with or without eyeglasses. When
not using eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is recommended to
keep the eyecup fully extended. For best viewing when
wearing eyeglasses, twist eyecup in.
Adjustable
Eyecup
Diopter Focus
Low Battery
Focus
Adjust the diopter until the image is sharp. Make note of
this diopter setting in case you need to set it again.
Attaching the Wrist Lanyard
The Lanyard provides a secure way
to carry your rangefinder.
Utility Clip
The Viper®HD 3000 comes with a Utility Clip on the
unit’s left-hand side. You can switch Utility Clip’s side by
unscrewing the 2.5mm hex screws on the left-hand side,
and the 2.5mm hex screws on the unit’s right-hand side.
Reinstall the Utility Clip on the unit’s right-hand side
and replace the 2.5mm hex screws on the left-hand side.
Utility Clip2.5mm
Hex Screws
Loop the Lanyard
through attachment
socket.

VIPER® HD 3000
8 9
MODE SELECTION
Changing Modes on the Viper®HD 3000
The Viper®HD 3000 is factory set to the angle
compensating HCD range mode, Normal target mode,
brightness level 3, default auto-shutoff at 30 seconds,
and displayed in yards.
To Change Modes
Press and release the
“Measure” button to power
the unit On. To change
modes, press and hold the
“Menu” button until the
Mode Selection screen
appears (about 2 seconds).
Scroll through the mode
options by clicking
the “Menu” button. To
adjust a mode, click the
“Measure” button.
To save your settings and exit the Mode Selection screen,
press and hold the “Menu” button for at least two seconds.
Use the “Menu”
button to activate
the Mode
Selection menu
and scroll through
mode options.
Use the “Measure”
button to adjust
the mode.
RANGING MODE SELECTION
Choose Between the HCD and LOS modes
After activating the Mode/Display Selection, press the
“Measure” button to toggle between the HCD and LOS
displays. Press the “Menu” button to save your desired
choice and move to the Yards/Meters selection screen.
LOS ModeHCD Mode

VIPER® HD 3000
8 9
MODE SELECTION
Changing Modes on the Viper®HD 3000
The Viper®HD 3000 is factory set to the angle
compensating HCD range mode, Normal target mode,
brightness level 3, default auto-shutoff at 30 seconds,
and displayed in yards.
To Change Modes
Press and release the
“Measure” button to power
the unit On. To change
modes, press and hold the
“Menu” button until the
Mode Selection screen
appears (about 2 seconds).
Scroll through the mode
options by clicking
the “Menu” button. To
adjust a mode, click the
“Measure” button.
To save your settings and exit the Mode Selection screen,
press and hold the “Menu” button for at least two seconds.
Use the “Menu”
button to activate
the Mode
Selection menu
and scroll through
mode options.
Use the “Measure”
button to adjust
the mode.
RANGING MODE SELECTION
Choose Between the HCD and LOS modes
After activating the Mode/Display Selection, press the
“Measure” button to toggle between the HCD and LOS
displays. Press the “Menu” button to save your desired
choice and move to the Yards/Meters selection screen.
LOS ModeHCD Mode

VIPER® HD 3000
10 11
HCD Mode
The Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) range display
is intended to be the primary mode, used for most rifle
and archery shooting applications. The yardage number
displayed is the critical horizontal component distance.
Horizontal Component
Distance: 385 Yards
500 Yard Line of Sight
The displayed HCD yardage number is corrected for shot
angle and needs no extra user input; shooters simply use
the appropriate level ground bullet drop for the range
displayed and shoot. Archers use the appropriate level
ground sight pin for the range displayed.
Use the HCD range mode in the following situations:
• Rifle shooting on level ground at any range.
• Rifle shooting out to ranges of 800 yards with mild
slopes (less than 15 degrees).
• Rifle shooting out to ranges of 400 yards with moderate
slopes (15 to 30 degrees).
• For all archery shooting.
Note: To correctly account for wind, you need to know the Line of
Sight distance to the target as it is based on how far the bullet
travels to the target. This can be achieved using LOS mode.

VIPER® HD 3000
10 11
HCD Mode
The Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) range display
is intended to be the primary mode, used for most rifle
and archery shooting applications. The yardage number
displayed is the critical horizontal component distance.
Horizontal Component
Distance: 385 Yards
500 Yard Line of Sight
The displayed HCD yardage number is corrected for shot
angle and needs no extra user input; shooters simply use
the appropriate level ground bullet drop for the range
displayed and shoot. Archers use the appropriate level
ground sight pin for the range displayed.
Use the HCD range mode in the following situations:
• Rifle shooting on level ground at any range.
• Rifle shooting out to ranges of 800 yards with mild
slopes (less than 15 degrees).
• Rifle shooting out to ranges of 400 yards with moderate
slopes (15 to 30 degrees).
• For all archery shooting.
Note: To correctly account for wind, you need to know the Line of
Sight distance to the target as it is based on how far the bullet
travels to the target. This can be achieved using LOS mode.

VIPER® HD 3000
12 13
LOS Mode
The Line of Sight (LOS) Mode is intended for rifle shooters
who are using slope correcting ballistic drop data cards,
ballistic cell phone applications, or other devices with
ballistic programs and who are shooting at distances
beyond 500 yards and with slopes greater than 15 degrees.
The range number displayed in LOS Mode is the actual
line of sight range with no ballistic correction for slope.
Most of the commonly used ballistic devices can provide
independent slope correction for bullet drop data and
require actual line of sight range input. Using the LOS
range when calculating bullet wind drifts under these
steep slope/long range conditions will provide a higher
degree of accuracy than using the HCD range.
To use, simply input the LOS range number into the
electronic device or use the LOS range when referencing
ballistic drop cards with slope correction.
When in LOS Mode, an
additional number is displayed
above the yardage number. This
number is slope incline shown
in degrees.
The slope incline number can be
entered into ballistic programs or
field cards to help calculate precise
bullet drops in mountainous terrain.
Range Unit Selection
Press the “Measure” button to toggle between the Yards
and Meters display. Press the “Menu” button to save your
desired choice and move to the Brightness selection screen.
Choose between Yards and Meters.
Incline Angle
LOS Range

VIPER® HD 3000
12 13
LOS Mode
The Line of Sight (LOS) Mode is intended for rifle shooters
who are using slope correcting ballistic drop data cards,
ballistic cell phone applications, or other devices with
ballistic programs and who are shooting at distances
beyond 500 yards and with slopes greater than 15 degrees.
The range number displayed in LOS Mode is the actual
line of sight range with no ballistic correction for slope.
Most of the commonly used ballistic devices can provide
independent slope correction for bullet drop data and
require actual line of sight range input. Using the LOS
range when calculating bullet wind drifts under these
steep slope/long range conditions will provide a higher
degree of accuracy than using the HCD range.
To use, simply input the LOS range number into the
electronic device or use the LOS range when referencing
ballistic drop cards with slope correction.
When in LOS Mode, an
additional number is displayed
above the yardage number. This
number is slope incline shown
in degrees.
The slope incline number can be
entered into ballistic programs or
field cards to help calculate precise
bullet drops in mountainous terrain.
Range Unit Selection
Press the “Measure” button to toggle between the Yards
and Meters display. Press the “Menu” button to save your
desired choice and move to the Brightness selection screen.
Choose between Yards and Meters.
Incline Angle
LOS Range

VIPER® HD 3000
14 15
Brightness Selection
Choose Between Five Brightness Settings
The Viper®HD 3000 provides five
brightness settings. Press the
“Measure” button to toggle through
the five brightness settings. Press
the “Menu” button to save your
desired setting and move to the
Auto-Shutoff selection screen.
Auto-Shutoff
The Viper®HD 3000 provides 3
auto-shut off program options:
15 seconds, 30 seconds, or 60
seconds. Press the “Measure”
button to toggle through the
different auto-shutoff times. Press
the “Menu” button to save your
desired setting.
Note: If HCD mode was selected, pressing the “Menu” button will
move back to Ranging Mode Selection.
TARGETING MODE EXPLANATIONS
The Viper®HD 3000 provides four target modes:
Normal Mode, First Mode, Last Mode, and Extended
Laser Range (ELR) Mode.
Normal Mode
Your Viper®HD 3000 comes preset to Normal Mode.
This is the standard mode providing the targets range
with the strongest range result. Normal Mode is the
recommended target mode for most situations.
First Mode
This mode displays the closest
distance when ranging. This mode
is ideal for ranging a smaller target
in front of other larger or more
reflective objects.
Note: If unsure about the range, simply
range again. Range captured
on closer elk.

VIPER® HD 3000
14 15
Brightness Selection
Choose Between Five Brightness Settings
The Viper®HD 3000 provides five
brightness settings. Press the
“Measure” button to toggle through
the five brightness settings. Press
the “Menu” button to save your
desired setting and move to the
Auto-Shutoff selection screen.
Auto-Shutoff
The Viper®HD 3000 provides 3
auto-shut off program options:
15 seconds, 30 seconds, or 60
seconds. Press the “Measure”
button to toggle through the
different auto-shutoff times. Press
the “Menu” button to save your
desired setting.
Note: If HCD mode was selected, pressing the “Menu” button will
move back to Ranging Mode Selection.
TARGETING MODE EXPLANATIONS
The Viper®HD 3000 provides four target modes:
Normal Mode, First Mode, Last Mode, and Extended
Laser Range (ELR) Mode.
Normal Mode
Your Viper®HD 3000 comes preset to Normal Mode.
This is the standard mode providing the targets range
with the strongest range result. Normal Mode is the
recommended target mode for most situations.
First Mode
This mode displays the closest
distance when ranging. This mode
is ideal for ranging a smaller target
in front of other larger or more
reflective objects.
Note: If unsure about the range, simply
range again. Range captured
on closer elk.

VIPER® HD 3000
16 17
Last Mode
This mode displays the farthest
distance when ranging. This mode
is ideal for ranging a specific target
behind a group of objects like
brush, trees, rocks, etc.
Note: If unsure about the range, simply
range again.
Extended Laser Range (ELR) Mode
The ELR Mode target mode allows for ranging smaller,
less reflective targets at extended distances. It is ideal
for ranging when Normal Mode is unable to obtain a
desired range. A longer response time may be required to
build the desired range. For best results, use a tripod.
For additional information on targeting modes, please visit
VortexOptics.com
Range captured
on farther elk.
SETTING AND USING TARGET MODES
While in ready condition, cycle
between target modes by pressing
and releasing the “Menu” button.
Once a target mode is selected,
press the “Measure” button to
activate the target mode.
When Normal Mode is selected,
“NRML” will be displayed in the
upper segment of the display.
Once “Measure” is pressed,
“NRML” will disappear from the
display, but the unit remains in
Normal Mode. If powered down
in Normal Mode, “NRML” will
be displayed each time the unit
powers back on.
For First and Last Mode, “First”
and “Last” will always be
displayed, signaling that you are
in the respective target mode.
The range measurement will
display as the Measure button is
pressed and released.
Last Mode
First Mode

VIPER® HD 3000
16 17
Last Mode
This mode displays the farthest
distance when ranging. This mode
is ideal for ranging a specific target
behind a group of objects like
brush, trees, rocks, etc.
Note: If unsure about the range, simply
range again.
Extended Laser Range (ELR) Mode
The ELR Mode target mode allows for ranging smaller,
less reflective targets at extended distances. It is ideal
for ranging when Normal Mode is unable to obtain a
desired range. A longer response time may be required to
build the desired range. For best results, use a tripod.
For additional information on targeting modes, please visit
VortexOptics.com
Range captured
on farther elk.
SETTING AND USING TARGET MODES
While in ready condition, cycle
between target modes by pressing
and releasing the “Menu” button.
Once a target mode is selected,
press the “Measure” button to
activate the target mode.
When Normal Mode is selected,
“NRML” will be displayed in the
upper segment of the display.
Once “Measure” is pressed,
“NRML” will disappear from the
display, but the unit remains in
Normal Mode. If powered down
in Normal Mode, “NRML” will
be displayed each time the unit
powers back on.
For First and Last Mode, “First”
and “Last” will always be
displayed, signaling that you are
in the respective target mode.
The range measurement will
display as the Measure button is
pressed and released.
Last Mode
First Mode

VIPER® HD 3000
18 19
When Extended Laser Range
Mode (ELR) is selected, “ELR” will
be displayed in the upper segment
of the display. Once “Measure” is
pressed, “ELR” will disappear from
the display, but the unit remains in
ELR Mode. If powered down in ELR
Mode, “ELR” will be displayed
each time the unit powers back on.
Note: While using ELR Mode, it may take longer to acquire a
target depending on the target’s size, distance to the target,
reflectivity of the target, and the environmental conditions.
RANGING
Ranging in Normal Mode
With the Viper®HD 3000 powered
up, position the reticle on the
target object and press and release
the “Measure” button to get the
distance measurement. If the laser
is not able to range due to the
reflectivity of the target, you will see
a display similar to that shown here. To range a new target,
simply re-aim and press the “Measure” button again.
No Range Returned
Scan Feature
Activate Scan Feature by pressing
and holding the “Measure” button
down. Keeping the button depressed
will continuously measure distance
as you pan back and forth across
target objects. “Scan” will blink as
you pan. Releasing the “Measure”
button will return laser to the power
up condition.
Note: For best results, use a tripod
while attempting to range targets past
1,000 yards.
Scanning to get range:
Scan back and forth, watching for yardage number to display or change.
LOS Scan
HCD Scan

VIPER® HD 3000
18 19
When Extended Laser Range
Mode (ELR) is selected, “ELR” will
be displayed in the upper segment
of the display. Once “Measure” is
pressed, “ELR” will disappear from
the display, but the unit remains in
ELR Mode. If powered down in ELR
Mode, “ELR” will be displayed
each time the unit powers back on.
Note: While using ELR Mode, it may take longer to acquire a
target depending on the target’s size, distance to the target,
reflectivity of the target, and the environmental conditions.
RANGING
Ranging in Normal Mode
With the Viper®HD 3000 powered
up, position the reticle on the
target object and press and release
the “Measure” button to get the
distance measurement. If the laser
is not able to range due to the
reflectivity of the target, you will see
a display similar to that shown here. To range a new target,
simply re-aim and press the “Measure” button again.
No Range Returned
Scan Feature
Activate Scan Feature by pressing
and holding the “Measure” button
down. Keeping the button depressed
will continuously measure distance
as you pan back and forth across
target objects. “Scan” will blink as
you pan. Releasing the “Measure”
button will return laser to the power
up condition.
Note: For best results, use a tripod
while attempting to range targets past
1,000 yards.
Scanning to get range:
Scan back and forth, watching for yardage number to display or change.
LOS Scan
HCD Scan

VIPER® HD 3000
20 21
Tripod Use For Ranging
Using a tripod to steady the rangefinder will increase
your ability to range small targets at longer distances. If
the Viper®HD 3000 is used on a tripod, the reticle may
appear tilted depending on tripod level.
Tripod Socket
Rangefinding Tips
Laser rangefinders work by emitting a brief pulse of light
aimed at a target object. Distance is determined by the
amount of time taken for the light to emit and return to the
laser’s internal receiver. A laser’s ability to read range can be
affected by many things—mostly relating to the target objects.
• Light colors will usually reflect better than dark ones.
• Snow, rain, fog, and air quality will have adverse effects
on ranging ability.
• Dull or textured surfaces will not reflect as well as a
hard, shiny surface.
• Ranging under cloud cover can improve laser
performance compared to bright sunny conditions.
• Solid objects, such as a rock, will reflect better
than bushes.
• Flat surfaces perpendicular to the laser will reflect
better than curved surfaces or surfaces angled in relation
to laser.
• Ranging over water can sometimes cause false
reflections and readings.
• At longer distances, large objects will be easier to range
than small objects.
• Using a tripod to steady the Viper®HD 3000 will
greatly increase your ability to range small targets at
longer distances.
• If you have difficulty ranging an animal or object, try
ranging a different nearby object. Use the Scan
Feature to pan back and forth while watching for
changes in range number, or switch to ELR Mode.