DSK-CG Laser Distance Sensor — Millimetres of Truth Across 80 Metres
A proximity switch tells you something is there. The DSK-CG tells you where it is — to the millimetre, across a warehouse aisle, with no reflector to install or keep clean.
- 7 range codes: 1 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 30 / 50 / 80 m
- 1 mm resolution · 1.5 mm + 0.05% accuracy (30 Hz)
- 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, RS-485 Modbus RTU or dual switching
- 100 Hz high-speed line for moving targets — 56 models total
- On-device display + buttons: no PC at commissioning
Continuous Position, Not Just Presence
The DSK-CG fires a laser pulse train at the target and converts the returned light into an absolute distance value up to 80 m away. Because it reads the target surface directly — cartons, steel coils, concrete, painted machines — the far end of the measurement needs no hardware at all. The value streams out as analog current/voltage, RS-485 Modbus RTU, or trips two independent switching thresholds.
Where our GDK triangulation sensor resolves microns across millimetres, the DSK-CG resolves millimetres across metres — two ends of the same measurement problem. Related long-range platforms: DDA-Y / DDB-Y and DDK.
Model Selection Table
| Range | 0-10 V + switch (A) | 4-20 mA + switch (B) | 4-20 mA + RS-485 (C) | 2 × switching (D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m | DSK-CG-01C-A | DSK-CG-01C-B | DSK-CG-01C-C | DSK-CG-01C-D |
| 5 m | DSK-CG-05C-A | DSK-CG-05C-B | DSK-CG-05C-C | DSK-CG-05C-D |
| 10 m | DSK-CG-10C-A | DSK-CG-10C-B | DSK-CG-10C-C | DSK-CG-10C-D |
| 20 m | DSK-CG-20C-A | DSK-CG-20C-B | DSK-CG-20C-C | DSK-CG-20C-D |
| 30 m | DSK-CG-30C-A | DSK-CG-30C-B | DSK-CG-30C-C | DSK-CG-30C-D |
| 50 m | DSK-CG-50C-A | DSK-CG-50C-B | DSK-CG-50C-C | DSK-CG-50C-D |
| 80 m | DSK-CG-80C-A | DSK-CG-80C-B | DSK-CG-80C-C | DSK-CG-80C-D |
High-speed 100 Hz versions: append D to the output code (…-AD/-BD/-CD/-DD) — all 7 ranges × 4 outputs available, 28 further models. Standard 30 Hz line: 1 mm resolution, 1.5 mm + 0.05% accuracy. 100 Hz line: 3 cm absolute (5 cm low-reflectance, 7 cm very low).
Technical Specifications
| Measuring principle | Diffuse-reflection laser distance measurement — no reflector, target color/material/sheen independent within 30 m, angled targets supported |
|---|---|
| Measuring ranges | 1 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 30 / 50 / 80 m (7 range codes) |
| Resolution | 1 mm (standard 30 Hz line) |
| Accuracy (30 Hz) | 1.5 mm + 0.05% of measured distance |
| Accuracy (100 Hz) | 3 cm absolute · 5 cm low-reflectance · 7 cm very-low-reflectance targets |
| Sampling frequency | 30 Hz standard · 100 Hz high-speed (D-suffix output codes) |
| Analog outputs | 0-10 V (type A) or 4-20 mA (types B, C) |
| Communication | RS-485, Modbus RTU protocol optional (type C) |
| Switching outputs | NPN/PNP compatible, independently adjustable setpoints (1 × on types A/B, 2 × on type D) |
| Display & controls | 5-digit LED live distance display, 3 push-buttons, 5 status LEDs (RUN/OUT1/OUT2/MAX/PRO) |
| Power supply | DC10-30V ±10% |
| Initialization | < 250 ms |
| Housing / connector | Aluminum alloy + acrylic · M12 waterproof connector |
| IP rating / operating temp. | Contact factory (not yet published) |
Typical Applications
Crane & Stacker Positioning
Continuous mm-class position feedback across 80 m travel — with warning and stop thresholds from the same unit.
AGV / RGV Docking
1 mm resolution at 30 Hz closes the loop on final approach and docking moves.
Rack & Bin Level Sensing
Reads mixed cartons, pallets and bulk surfaces without reflector alignment at every rack level.
Coil / Roll Diameter
The 100 Hz line tracks a continuously changing radius through wind and unwind cycles.
Large Workpiece Location
Angled and irregular surfaces within 30 m measure without target preparation.
PLC / SCADA Position Loops
4-20 mA feeds legacy analog cards while RS-485 Modbus RTU serves the digital side — simultaneously on type C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DSK-CG need a reflector board on the target?
No. It measures by diffuse reflection straight off the target surface — within 30 m regardless of the target's color, material or sheen, including angled surfaces. That removes the reflector mounting, alignment and cleaning workload that reflector-type rangefinders carry, which matters on cranes and racks where the far end is hard to service.
What accuracy does it actually deliver at long range?
The standard 30 Hz line resolves 1 mm with accuracy of 1.5 mm + 0.05% of the measured distance — about ±6.5 mm at 10 m, ±41.5 mm at 80 m. The 100 Hz high-speed line trades accuracy for speed: 3 cm absolute on normal targets, 5 cm on low-reflectance and 7 cm on very-low-reflectance targets.
How do I decode the 56-model numbering system?
DSK-CG-{range}C-{output}[D]. Range codes: 01/05/10/20/30/50/80 = 1 to 80 m. Output codes: A = 0-10 V + switching, B = 4-20 mA + switching, C = 4-20 mA + RS-485 (Modbus RTU optional), D = two switching outputs. Append D (AD/BD/CD/DD) for the 100 Hz high-speed sampling line.
Can it feed both my PLC analog card and a SCADA bus at the same time?
Yes — output type C carries a 4-20 mA loop and an RS-485 interface together, so legacy analog input cards and a Modbus RTU network can read the same sensor. There is no RS-485-only variant; with type C you simply leave the analog channel unconnected if unused.
How are the two switching outputs used?
Each has an independently adjustable setpoint and supports both NPN and PNP wiring. A typical crane setup: OUT1 fires an approach-warning at, say, 5 m and OUT2 commands the stop at 1.5 m — two thresholds from one sensor, no analog processing needed.
Do I need a laptop to configure it?
No. A 5-digit LED display shows live distance, three push-buttons handle programming and teach-in, and five status LEDs (RUN/OUT1/OUT2/MAX/PRO) cover diagnostics. Commissioning and troubleshooting happen entirely at the sensor — useful 20 m up on a crane girder.
What should I confirm before an export order?
Confirm range code vs your maximum distance (with margin), output type, sampling speed (30 Hz standard vs 100 Hz for moving targets), and target reflectance for range codes above 30 m. Supply is DC10-30V ±10% with an M12 waterproof connector. IP rating and operating temperature are not yet published — request the current datasheet. MOQ and lead time are quoted per model; certification documents are available on request. This is a measurement sensor, not an IEC 61496 safety device — do not use it for personnel-protection interlocks.
Specs reviewed by Engineer Cai, Senior Application Engineer. See certificates.