Table of Contents
ITAR stands for “International Traffic in Arms Regulations,” which were established by the United States Department of State. They regulate the export and import of defense articles and services like
- significant military equipment
- major defense equipment
- defense services
- technical data and software.
You may have seen ITAR export on your rangefinder. We’ll explain what that means in this article.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What Does ITAR Export Mean on a Rangefinder?
Under US law, the major items controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are listed in the United States Munition List (USML).
Most rangefinders are made especially for military use. Their export is ITAR regulated.
If you have a laser rangefinder, then it will be covered under ITAR regulations.
US Munitions List (USML) – (ITAR)
ITAR, the United States Munitions List, addresses items, software, or technology that are primarily used for defense purposes.
It has twenty categories.
Categories
Category I: Firearm, close assault weapons, and combat shotguns
Category II: Materials (including chemicals), microorganisms, and toxins
Category III: Ammunition/Ordnance
Category IV: Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs,, and Mines
Category V: Explosive and energetic materials, propellants, incendiary agents and their constituents
Category VI: Vessels of War and Special Naval Equipment
Category VII: Tanks and Military Vehicles
Category VIII: Aircraft and Associated Equipment
Category IX: Military training equipment
Category X: Protective Personnel Equipment
Category XI: Military Electronics
Category XII: Fire Control, Range Finder, Optical and Guidance and Control Equipment
Category XIII: Auxiliary Military Equipment
Category XIV: Toxicological Agents, Including Chemical Agents, Biological Agents, and Associated Equipment
Category XV: Spacecraft Systems and Associated Equipment
Category XVI: Nuclear Weapons, Design and Testing Related Items
Category XVII: Classified Articles, Technical Data and Defense Services Not Otherwise Enumerated
Category XVIII: Directed Energy Weapons
Category XX: Submersible Vessels, Oceanographic and Associated Equipment
Laser Rangefinder
Laser rangefinders are the most common type of measuring tool for professionals. Professionals often prefer them because they allow them to measure distances quickly and accurately.
How Does a Laser Rangefinder Work?
A rangefinder emits an electromagnetic pulse in a light wave through its optical system. The light wave is then reflected off the object and returned back to the rangefinder.
After processing the return signal, the rangefinder measures the distance between itself and the object.
The sensor uses an electromagnetic (EM) signal to measure distances. It works by measuring the difference between the time it takes for an EM pulse to reach the target object and the time it takes for the echo to return.
How to determine the distance between two objects?
One way to determine the distance between two objects is by measuring the round trip time for light pulses traveling back and forth between them. These devices use lasers to send out short bursts of light and then receive the reflected signal. They calculate the distance using the speed of light.
It’s the most accurate and fast way to measure distances, but laser rangefinders are expensive, so they’re unreliable for measuring distances out in the field.
How much distance can laser rangefinders measure?
Lasers allow you to take measurements both indoors and outÂside with 1 millimeter per kilometer accuracy. Professionals’ lasers can measure distances up to approximately 150 kilometers.
Long-range rangefinder cameras can measure distances from 0 to 1,500 meters. They’re mainly used for shooting sports, farming, and road building.
Benefits
Easy to Use
A handheld optical rangefinder allows you to measure distances quickly and precisely from anywhere. It requires no special training and can be operated by one person alone.
Accurate Readings
Lasers are also less susceptible than traditional tools to error due to incorrect placement of the tool and other human errors.
Electronic Alignment
Most professional lasers are equipped with electronic alignment aids, and automatic calibrations and allow for taking readings using the Pythagorean equation and the “painters” function.
With these tools, you can measure distance continuously, delay measuring for a certain period of time, measure the sum or differenÂce of a surface, and even measure volume.
Other Functions
Advanced processors, clear displays, and sensors integrated into lasers significantly improve their function and usability as well as user experience.
Measuring Distance
Laser rangefinders are incredibly fast and easy to use. Just turn them on, place the laser dot on a flat, smooth, non-reflective object, and start measuring. Most models store up to 100 measurements internally.
Continuous measuring is especially useful because it allows you to measure the highest and lowest points and then compare the differences between them. Laser rangefinder devices also allow for highly accurate room measurements.
What theorem does the laser rangefinder use to calculate distances?
Laser rangefinders allow you to use mathematical equations to calculate distances. This feature uses the Pythagorean theorem to help you determine the distance between two objects.
It’s an incredibly useful feature that allows you to measure objects easily. For example, if you want to know the height of something, just move the red spot up and down until it reaches the top and then the base of the object.
What Does ITAR Export Mean on a Rangefinder?
Which Laser Rangefinder Should You Choose?
There are many laser distance measuring devices available on the market, and each has its own unique features. However, there are some important factors that you need to consider before buying one.
Your choice of measuring devices depends on the industry, type of measurement, and the terrain and climate conditions they will be operated under.
For example, you would use a laser scanner for building site measurements and an optical camera for agricultural or forest measurements.
Operating Range
Operating range is a crucial element of any laser range finder. Most units for building purposes – such as the AXIOMETAX-DL 100 – provide an effective range of 40-80 meters.
More sophisticated models allow you to measure distances from as far as 120 meters away. Long-range lasers can cover a distance of about 1500 meters.
Measurement Accuracy
The measurement range of a laser range finder is important, but so is its measurement precision. Most short and medium-range lasers take measurements with 5mm (0.2 inches) tolerances. But the best lasers, like the EXTECH DTM40M, ensure precise measurements with tolerances of 1 – 2mm (0.04 – 0.08 inches).
Laser Dot Diameter
The diameter of a light beam depends on the distance from the source of the light and the medium through which the light travels. For instance, the diameter of a light beam emitted from a flashlight is about 1 cm (0.4 inches) wide. A red LED bulb emits a light beam that is 0.5 mm (1/25th inch) thick.
When we measure the width of a light beam, we must take into account the distance between the source of the light beam and the surface being illuminated. In our case, the distance between the source and the surface being illuminated is 10 meters (33 feet).
Therefore, the diameter of the light beam is equal to 10 meters divided by 0.5 meters = 20 meters (66 feet) or 20 x 25 centimeters (8 inches).
Minimum Unit Displayed
A low value for this parameter means that the distance between two points can be measured precisely. High values mean that the distance between two objects cannot be measured accurately.
IP degree of protection
A laser rangefinder should be durable enough to withstand rough handling and exposure to moisture and dirt. Construction workers often carry their tools into difficult working conditions, so they need a reliable rangefinder to handle them. Professional-grade devices typically have an IP54 or better protection against water and dust.
Conclusion
You can’t buy a rangefinder without an export license from the U.S. government. Be careful when buying these types of gadgets and always ensure that their manufacturers have an export license from authorities.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
