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The Vectronix PLRF10C integrated with Field Firing Solutions in a Nomad PDA - provides immediate targeting solutions and stored range data - reliably and consistently ranging out to 2500m.

Introduction

For anyone who shoots past 1200m and in particular those shooters with rifles that have effective ranges at or past 1500m the question isn’t which laser range finder, but what Vectronix model.

Given the number and variety of laser rage finders available to civilian shooters there are two reasons why the Vectronix models are the 'gold standard'. Firstly, some models can integrate with ballistic calculators, and most importantly they significantly outrange other models. And for long range practical shooting the ability to accurately estimate target range is just as important as the ability to correctly estimate the windage.

This article is based on the use of a Vectronix PLRF10C (Compass model), which uses the same LRF module as the PLRF10, so regard all lazing results as the same with either model.

Other information on this page:
Introduction
Vectronix Laser Range Finders
Danger Space
PLRF10C And Integration With Field Firing Solutions
Stable Lazing Platform
Ranging Examples
Integration With Field Firing Solutions
Storing Target Data in FFS

Vectronix Laser Range Finders

Vectronix have various models of laser range finders. 

• PLRF05 / Terrapin (ranges out to 2.4km)
• PLRF10 and PLRF10C (ranges out to about 2.5km)
• PLRF15 and PLRF15C (ranges out to about 3.5km)
• PLRF25 (ranges out to 4km)
• Various VECTOR models (models range from 4km and significantly more)

The PLRF (Pocket Laser Range Finder) models are monoculars whereas the VECTOR models are binoculars.

In 2012 Vectronix introduced the PLRF05 Terrapin, apparently aimed more at the market for civilian precision shooters. The other PLRF models and Vectors are primarily in use with military units throughout the world - including sniper teams, commanders for indirect fire control, and engineer units.

The PLRF10 and PLRF10C are laser ranger finders with ranging abilities out to about 2.5km.

The PLRF10C and PLRF15C "C" models have a Digital Magnetic Compass providing both azimuth and inclination readings. 

The PLRF15 and PLRF15C are externally similar to the PLRF10 and PLRF10C models, but can range to about 3.5km.  The other major difference is that the PLRF15s also have a beam that is currently undetectable by current night vision gear. 

A key advantage of the PLRF10 and PLRF15 models is that they have various optional accessories including; a night vision adaptor, and a cable to connect to a RS232 type connector on a PC or PDA (and is available with or without a remote trigger). 

Similarly the PLRF25 and VECTORs can also be integrated with ballistic calculators, but using Bluetooth (rather than a cable).

There is also a MOSKITO model, which has night vision features, but that is not available to civilians. 

For information about Vectronix laser range finders visit Vectronix at:

http://www.vectronix.com/

To view more detailed lists of features download specific brochures from Vectronix at:

http://www.vectronix.ch/#/en/downloads

To purchase Vectronix laser range finders in New Zealand, contact Dead Eye Dicks at:

www.deadeyedicks.co.nz

Danger Space

When fired, a bullet travels in a trajectory, and the further the bullet travels the steeper the arc becomes ie as velocity decreases the rate of drop increases and the distance travelled increases at a decreasing rate. This means that accuracy for range estimates must increase as the distance to target increases. This accuracy is known as Danger Space.

Danger Space is the ranges between which a given target will be hit. It differs from Point Blank Zero and Danger Space in that the Maximum Ordinate will always be higher than the top of the target.

The maximum effective range of the Accuracy International AWSM in .338 Lapua Magnum is stated as 1500m.

For a full sized IPSC target (30" high) the Danger Space is...

Example 1: Point Blank Zero Range is 460m, with a far range of 544m (which is also a Danger Space of 544m). With the target at 544m, estimating range at only 270m will still result in a hit ie a 100% error in range estimation.

Example 2: With the target at 800m the near range is 753m, and the far range is 840m - a Danger Range of 87m (-47, +40) ie a 5% error in range estimation will still result in a hit.

Example 3: With the target at 1500m the near range is 1488m, and the far range is 1512m - a danger range of 24m (-12m, +12m) ie a 1.5% error in range estimation will still result in a hit. But if range is estimated at just 13m short (1487m) it will be a miss.

For those who use reticle or mil-dot range estimation, it illustrates that at distances past 800m manual range estimation quickly becomes inaccurate.

For those who shoot past 1200m, and particularly for those who shoot out to and past 1500m, it means that you must use an accurate range finder. But the issue with laser range finders is not their accuracy, but that few of the 'civilian' models can reliably range targets past 1000m.

To read an article by Michael Haugen on Alternate Target Engagement Techniques (including Danger Space) download the article from US Armorment at:

http://usarmorment.com/pdf/DA%202005.11MH.pdf

The FFS Path Metrics screen includes an option to calculate Danger Space.

PLRF10C And Integration With Field Firing Solutions

The advantage of the Vectronix PLRF10C is that when it fires it also calculates the azimuth and angle to target - so add the PC cable and the results can automatically be loaded to a PC or PDA (if they have an RS232 connector).  The base package comes with a CD with programs to load to a PC for such a connection.  But the big advantage of getting a PLRF10C is that two PDA based ballistic calculators are designed to use it. 

Horus Vision ATrag-MX can connect – for example on a CF chip in a TDS Recon, or on a SD card in a TDS Nomad (the TDS Recon does not have an SD card slot) – so long as the ATrag-MX version has the SORD capability. 

Field Firing Solutions Delta IV on SD card in a TDS Nomad can also connect to a PLRF10C or PLRF10.  So with FFS Delta IV in a Nomad 800L (which has integral GPS), it's possible to record the FFP (Final Firing Point) position using GPS, fire the PLRF10C and store the Target position as a GPS co-ordinate too.  The advantage of recording the GPS positions rather than the range and angle is that if the shooter moves to another FFP to fire on the same Target (already loaded with its coordinates) then it is not necessary to laze again, because the range and angle from the new FFP can separately be determined. 

One alternative configuration of the PLRF10C is to connect to a Garmin GPS, but that requires some factory programming so needs to be identified at time of order.

PLRF10C (and some other Vectronix models) integrate with Delta IV of the Field Firing Solutions ballistic calculator. To purchase FFS from Lex Talus Corporation visit Field Firing Solutions at:

http://www.precisionworkbench.com

PLRF10C - identifiable by the 'boxy' look and the raised top.

Cable connector to PLRF10C.

Computer connector - RS232 type, plugs into the Nomad boot, then secured by screws.

Stable Lazing Platform

Most people use LRFs by lazing handheld – fast and convenient.  For most targets that’s fine, but add poor environmental or target conditions and it can take several firings to get a range back.  Even placing a LRF on a tripod and pressing the fire button can introduce some shake and interfere with getting a response. 

The solution to achieve maximimum range response is to use a remote trigger.  Attach the PLRF10C to a tripod, attach the remote trigger (it doesn’t have to be attached to a PC or PDA), put the cross hair on the target, and if lazing is possible given the target and environmental conditions you’ll get a response – first time.

The advantages of the Vectronix SST3-3 Mini Tripod is that it has; a gimbal (which allows the tripod head to remain perpendicular, even on slopes), a Cullman QR (Quick Release) head, and also a fine tune knob to asssit with aiming.

Vectronix SST3-3 Mini Tripod

Remote Trigger

Ranging Examples

Browse shooting forums on the web and you don’t have to go far to someone stating they got a reading at 1800m off a multi-story building with a 'civilian' LRF.  Maybe they live in Sarajevo, but for field style practical long range shooting the targets are small and there are few natural features. So a good LRF needs to be able to range off a grassy hillside, tussock, the occasional tree, and maybe a few rocks – plus of course plenty of metal targets.  Hunters of course want to be able to also range off a dull coloured animal.

Using a PLRF10C the following items were ranged first time - they aren't the maximum ranges possible, just examples taken from a single location, and in bright sunny conditions.

A cheap alternative to a laser range finder is an optical range finder. While bulky, they are very accurate - and they don't get impacted by environmental conditions such as sunlight on snow.

Integration With Field Firing Solutions

Once connected to the PLRF10C the FFS (Field Firing Solutions) is updated with the; range, bearing, and incination angle.

There are also optional selections to have that data autoamtically loaded to the ballistic calculator, and to recalculate the the wind direction.

FFS Integrates with any of the following laser range finders:

• Newcon (2500CI, 3500CI, 4000CI, 6000CI)
• PLRF-C
• TruPulse 360
• Vector

The ranging data can then be named and saved as a Target. In the Nomad, with the GPS operating, using the Map Map Ranging Screen in FFS it is possible to store a FFP (Final Firing Point). Then using the ranging data calculate the GPS coordinates of the Target, and save those as well. Once the GPS coordinates for the Target are stored that target doesn't need to be ranged again. The GPS coordinates from any new FFP allow the ranging data to the Target to be recalculated.

That data can then be accepted and automatically populated into the main screen showing the calculated aiming solution, and indicating what Target and FFP that solution relates to.

The FFS Laser Ranging screen displays the data sent from PLRF10C.

Storing Target Data In Field Firing Solutions

In addition to being a great ballistic calculator, FFS has a feature many other ballistic calculators don't have - that's the ability to store multiple firing points, and targets.

Additionally, it is possible to associate targets with a FFP.

FFP and target data for a Gunslinger PLRS competition can all be managed by FFS:

• One final firing point and one target
• Multiple firing points and one target
• One firing point and multiple targets
• For more than 18 stages

After doing the ranging and storing the FFP and target data they then just have to be linked to each other.

The Gunslinger PLRS Unforgiven stage has one firing point and one target (a full sized IPSC, usually at more than a mile).

In this case, the FFP is stored with a name of N-UN, and is then linked to the target to be shot at from that FFP, N-UN-IPSC-W.

The prefix of N for both the FFP and target allows filtering on various target screens. For example N = North Island, one competition location. That allows data for multiple locations to be readily identified. The target filename also indicates the target shape (IPSC), and colour (W = white).

The FFS Target screen displays the Targets that have been associated with a FFP.

Disclaimer:  Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix.  You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.  The example and data above are provided for information purposes only.  No warranty is made for its suitability or use with your rifle.