Range finder question

[Eagle1018]

If I shoot the flag three times in succession is it normal to get three different readings. Only a yard or so but different nonetheless. Range finder in question is a Bushnell hybrid. Don't remember my old leupold doing that.

[P.E.]

> @Eagle1018 said:

> If I shoot the flag three times in succession is it normal to get three different readings. Only a yard or so but different nonetheless. Range finder in question is a Bushnell hybrid. Don't remember my old leupold doing that.

 

I cannot provide the scientific reason for the variances but I have the same experience with my Bushnell.

 

I would guess that the answer lies with either the computing power used to calculate the distance or rounding to the nearest yard.

 

Sighting on the base or the top of the flag stick returns different results as well I have noticed.

[ThinkingPlus]

It depends upon the design of the rangefinder. The most precise way to design a laser rangefinder is to sample the outgoing laser pulse thus giving a very precise start time for the counter which accumulates time of flight until the return pulse is received. That is an expensive design choice. A more common approach is to command the pulse, but there will be unknown and possibly variable delay in when the laser actually fires. Another possible source of variable ranging values depends upon the pulse width and detection algorithm. Very narrow pulses are preferred because they can give more precise range. However narrow pulses require higher bandwidth electronics leading to extra cost. Wider pulses have to be processed for shape to get an accurate range. The wider pulse and variation in the return pulse shape processing could also give the range variability you are seeing.

[2bGood]

Short Answer yes it can occur. The further away you are the more likely to get a little difference. Lots of reason for it. But in a practical way it does not matter.

 

Keep in mind the laser range finder number you have is most of the time going to be more accurate than the paced out from landmark number the pros have.