The black rubber lens hood on the front of the Laser Tracker keeps dust off the lens and keeps sunlight out of the tracker's internal optics. It fits around the lens where the laser beam leaves the tracker.
What happens if the lens hood is missing
The tracker still works correctly without the lens hood. What changes is how well it holds the reflector in bright conditions:
- More lost line of sight at long range in strong sun. Without the hood, more sunlight reaches the optics, and the tracker loses the reflector more often when the robot is far away.
- More trouble when the sun is in front of the tracker. It's worst when the sun is low and directly in the tracker's view, such as near sunset.
- Dust can reach the lens. A dirty lens lowers tracker performance.
What to do if you can't find the lens hood
- Keep working. The tracker still measures correctly without the hood.
- Contact Dusty Support (510-210-3658) and let them know the lens hood is missing.
- Until it's replaced, expect more lost line of sight in strong sun or when the sun is in front of the tracker.