laser distance measurements

[Joseph_Loo]

I don't know which Microtrac II you are using. The specifications I see has a range of +/- 5 volts and a range of +/- range of 100 mm max. This version has a resolution of +/-20 um.

[NIquist]

NI has a five minute video that walks you through the whole process of connecting your laser to a DAQ card:  http://zone.ni.com/wv/app/doc/p/id/wv-1849

As far as the RS-485 communication goes, you need to look in your manual and see what commands the device can use.  It's easy to set up a serial interface with LabVIEWs VISA functions. 

[Jolanta]

Joseph Lo: 

You are right about the low voltage reading for which I need to ground the terminal of the Laser controller. 

To get the best results I have to try and collect the dats within the measurement range. the distance reading added with the standoff distance which is 200 mm gives the actual distance between the laser head and the object.