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Old June 13th, 2007, 08:53 AM

noxious noxious is offline
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Default Re: Rangefinder values how are they determined?

S.F.14 (Scherenfernrohr 14) is not a rangefinder. It is a simple set of binoculars, just designed to be operated from cover (trench, AFV, behind a tree). The two periscopes can be folded down, resulting in a larger distance between the objectives, making it easier to discern the relative distance between objects viewed. Just like the binoculars used by tankers in other armies, it has a reticle with horizontal and vertical scales that could be used to measure range, similar to those found in the tanks gun sights.
But neither the S.F. 14 nor the binoculars nor the gun sights in tanks can measure range. You can observe distant objects, but in order to measure the range, you have to relate what you see to something which tells you the distance to the objects. It could be a map, on which you can measure the distance from where you are to the object you see, or you could fire at the object with the gun set at a particular range and then observe the fall of shot in relation to the target, then use the scales on the reticle to correct your fire. You can also use the scales to calculate range if you know the size of the target or some nearby object.

Proper rangefinders have means of measuring distance without the observer having to consult maps, know distances or the size of the thing. The coincidence rangefinder works by the observer either aligning or superimposing images. Once the images fit, you have the range. The stereoscopic rangefinder uses the observers depth perception by having him adjusting markings appearing in each eyepiece, that can be moved to fit one another, again returning the range. IIRC the Germans used the stereoscopic system in their artillery rangefinders and in the few late war tanks equipped with rangefinders.

nox
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