MICROTAPE SONAR RANGEFINDER

By shooting a sonar beam at a subject, and then measuring the returning "echo", Redrock Micro's microTape Sonar Rangefinder helps measure the focusing distance of a subject up to 21 feet away from the camera.

The measurement is accurate to within an inch, and it updates and returns in real-time on a beautiful display on the side of the unit. The minimum distance the microTape measures is six inches, but it is nevertheless not designed for short distances, such as those shorter than an inch, or for distances between parts within a subject.

The sonar beam is powerful but it is harmless -- it can safely be directed at people and animals. However, what should be used with caution is a laser available on the microTape. A laser is available and can be switched on and off to help determine where the sonar beam is pointed at. This laser should not be pointed near a person's eyes or an animal's eyes.

The microTape's display is a double-sided LED and is configurable. It can be set to read out feet and inches or centimeters. If the microTape is combined with Redrock's microRemote, the readout gets displayed on a wireless handheld that can be viewed remotely.

The microTape has a 1/4"-20 female thread at its bottom for mounting a camera rig or other support devices. It can also be used off-camera, whereupon the offset from the camera can be programmed to ensure accurate measurements.

When used as a standalone, the microTape can be powered via an included 9V battery cable that has a 9V battery case on one of its ends, or via optional cables by a D-tap battery or AC power. The 9V or D-tap batteries are not included. The microTape draws very little power -- a single 9V battery will last over 24 hours. When connected to the microRemote base station, microTape draws power from the base station directly.