©York Survey Supply Centre 2018
Ref:.. \operat98\instructions 18\431590.qxp 05-01-18
Elite 1600 ARC
Laser Rangefinder
The ultimate in innovation, the new Elite 1600 ARC combines the best of a compact
monocular with the new Vivid Display Technology. Every range is displayed with rich
contrast and stunning clarity no matter what the lighting conditions are. At the push of
a button, it displays the exact distance to your target from 5 to 1,600 yards. With
built-in Angle Range Compensation, BOW Mode delivers line-of-sight, degree of angle
and true horizontal distance and RIFLE Mode provides line-of-sight, degree of angle
and bullet-drop/holdover data. With new RainGuard HD anti-fog coating and a fully
waterproof design to ensure reliability and clarity in all conditions, it’s the best of all
worlds.
This booklet will help you achieve optimum performance by explaining its adjustments
and features as well as how to care for this device. To ensure optimal performance and
longevity, please read these instructions before using your Elite 1600 ARC laser
rangefinder.
HOW OUR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WORKS
The Elite 1600 ARC emits invisible, eye safe, infrared energy pulses. The Elite 1600
ARC’s Advanced Digital microprocessor and ASIC chip (Application-Specific Integrated
Circuit) results in instantaneous and accurate readings every time. Sophisticated digital
technology instantaneously calculates distances by measuring the time it takes for each
pulse to travel from the rangefinder to the target and back.
RANGING ACCURACY
The ranging accuracy of the Elite 1600 ARC is plus or minus one yard/metre under most
circumstances. The maximum range of the instrument depends on the reflectivity of the
target. The maximum distance for most objects is 1000yds/914m while for highly
reflective objects the maximum is 850yds/777m.
Note: You will get both longer and shorter maximum distances depending on the
reflective properties of the particular target and the environmental conditions at the time
the distance of an object is being measured.
The colour, surface finish, size and shape of the target all affect reflectivity and range.
The brighter the colour, the longer the range. White is highly reflective, for example, and
allows longer ranges than the colour black, which is the least reflective colour. A shiny
finish provides more range than a dull one. A small target is more difficult to range than
a larger target. The angle to the target also has an effect. Shooting to a target at a 90°
angle (where the target surface is perpendicular to the flight path of the emitted energy
pulses) provides good range while a steep angle on the other hand, provides
limited ranging. In addition, lighting conditions (e.g. the amount of sunlight) will affect
the ranging capabilities of the unit. The less light (e.g. overcast skies) the farther the
unit’s maximum range will be. Conversely, very sunny days will decrease the unit’s
maximum range.
GETTING STARTED
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY
While looking through the Elite 1600 ARC, depress the power button once to activate
the Vivid Display (LCD). Place the aiming circle (located in the centre of the field of view)
upon a target at least 5 yards away, depress and hold the power button down until the
range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. Crosshairs
surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range
has been acquired, you can release the power button. The crosshairs surrounding the
aiming circle will disappear once the power button has been released (i.e. the laser is
no longer being transmitted). Note: Once activated, the display will remain active and
display the last distance measurement for 3 seconds. You can depress the power button
again at any time to distance to a new target. As with any laser device, it is not
recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods of time with magnified
lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 10 seconds. To re-fire, press
the button down again.
VIVID DISPLAY INDICATORS
Your Elite 1600 ARC Vivid Display incorporates the following illuminated indicators:
Angle Range Compensation Modes
Rifle Mode (1)
Bow Mode (2)
Battery Life Indicator (3)
Aiming Circle (4)
Active Laser (5)
Targeting Modes
Bullseye Mode (6)
Brush Mode (7)
Primary Numeric Display displays
Line-of-Sight Distance (8)
Holdover / Bullet-drop measure
for Rifle Mode
MOA (9)
CM (10)
IN (11)
SD = Variable Sight-In Distance (12)
Secondary Numeric Display (13)
(Toggles from Degree of Angle to Holdover / Bullet-drop for Rifle Mode)
(Toggles from Degree of Angle to True Horizontal Distance for Bow Mode)
ANGLE RANGE COMPENSATION
The Elite 1600 ARC is an advanced premium laser rangefinder monocular featuring a
built-in accelerometer-based inclinometer that digitally displays the exact angle from
-90 to +90° of elevation and is ±1.0° accurate. The Bushnell Elite 1600 ARC solves a
problem hunters have been faced with for years. The problem: Bow and rifle hunters
have struggled with extreme uphill and downhill angles because of how these angles
alter true horizontal distance to your target. The solution: ARC’s integrated inclinometer
provides elevation angle to allow for distance compensation when targeting objects that
are either uphill or downhill. This data is then combined with internal algorithmic ballistic
formulas.
ARC (ANGLE RANGE COMPENSATION) MODES
Bow Mode:
Displays line of sight distance, degree of elevation and true horizontal
distance from 10-99yds/m and a maximum inclination of ±90°.
Rifle Mode:
Calculates and displays the amount of bullet-drop, at the target in inches,
centimeters or MOA. The amount of bullet-drop is determined by the line of sight, degree
of elevation, along with the specific ballistic characteristics of the calibre and ammunition
load. When you range your target, the line of sight, degree of elevation and
bullet-drop/holdover in inches, centimetres or MOA will be displayed from 100 to
800yds/m with a maximum inclination of ±90°. One of eight ballistic groups (identified
as A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) for centre fire rifles and two ballistic groups (identified as
I and J) for Black Powder / Muzzleloaders can be selected by the user, with each formula
representing a given combination of calibre and loads. The ballistic groups are selected
by the user in the SET-UP menu.
Regular Mode:
This mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated
distance, but instead, line of sight distance only.
BATTERY LIFE INDICATOR
Battery indicator: Within the display is a battery icon
Full charge
2/3 battery life remaining
1/3 battery life remaining
Battery indicator blinks - battery needs to be replaced and unit will not be operable.
INSERTING THE BATTERY
Remove the battery cap by lifting the battery door tab and then rotating
counter-clockwise. Insert a CR123 3V Lithium battery into the compartment, negative
end first, then replace the battery cap.
NOTE: It is recommended that the battery be replaced at least once every twelve
months.
UNIT OF MEASURE OPTIONS
The Elite 1600 ARC can be used to measure distances in yards or metres. The unit of
measure indicators are located in the lower right portion of the LCD.
ACTIVE LASER
Crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted.
Once a range has been acquired, you can release the power button. The crosshairs
surrounding the circle will disappear once the power button has been released (i.e. the
laser is no longer being transmitted).
SELECTIVE TARGETING MODES
The Elite 1600 ARC was especially designed with hunters in mind. The selective
targeting modes allow you to adjust the performance parameters of the unit to suit your
specific situation and environment. To move from one mode to another, press the
POWER button once to turn on the unit. While looking through the eyepiece, press the
MODE button and quickly release. The different targeting modes available and mode
indicators are listed below:
Standard with Automatic SCAN
(LCD Indicator - none) This setting allows most
targets to be distanced up to 1600yds. Used for moderately reflective targets that are
typical of most distancing situations. The minimum distance in the standard mode is
10yds. To use the Automatic SCAN feature, simply hold down on the POWER button
for approximately 3 seconds and move the rangefinder from object to object while
leaving the power button depressed. Automatic SCAN will allow the range to be
continuously updated as multiple objects are targeted.
Bullseye
(LCD Indicator -
) This advanced mode allows easy acquisition of small
targets and game without inadvertently getting distances to background targets that
have stronger signal strength. When more than one object has been acquired, distance
of the closer object will be displayed and a crosshair will surround the Bullseye Indicator
informing the user that the distance to the closer object is being displayed in the LCD.
Once in this mode, press the POWER button to turn the
unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object (i.e.
deer) that you want to distance to. Next press and hold
the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the
deer until crosshairs surround the Bullseye Indicator. If
the laser beam recognised more than one object (i.e.
deer and background trees), distance of the closer
object (i.e. deer) will be displayed and crosshairs will
surround the Bullseye Indicator informing the user that
distance to the closer object is being displayed in the
LCD (figure 1). There may be times when the laser
beam only sees one object in its path. In this case, the
distance will be displayed, but because more than one
object was not acquired, crosshairs will not surround the Bullseye Indicator.
TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to
object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only
displaying the closest of the objects recognised by the laser.
Brush
(LCD Indicator -
) This advanced mode allows objects such as brush and
tree branches to be ignored so that distance only to background objects are displayed.
When more than one object has been acquired, distance to the further object will be
displayed and a circle will surround the Brush Indicator informing the user that distance
of the farthest object is being indicated in the LCD.
Once in this mode, press the POWER button to turn the
unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object that
you want to distance to. Next press and hold the
POWER button and move the laser slowly over the deer
until a circle surrounds the Brush Indicator. If the laser
beam recognised more than one object (i.e. close up
tree branch and a deer in the background), distance of
the further object (i.e. deer) will be displayed and a circle
will surround the Brush Indicator informing the user that
distance to the farther object is being displayed (figure
2). There may be times when the laser beam only sees
one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be
displayed, but because more than one object was not
acquired, the circle will not surround the Brush Indicator.
TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to
object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only
displaying the farthest of the objects recognised by the laser.
Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to the last targeting mode
used.
MENU SETUP - SELECTION OF DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS, BOW, RIFLE, REGULAR
MODES, SIGHT-IN DISTANCE AND BALLISTIC CORRECTION
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
Vivid Display Technology dramatically improves contrast, clarity and light transmission
while increasing brightness of the digital readout, making distance readings legible in
low light.
There are four intensity settings to choose from and this is the first setting within the
SETUP menu. Press the MODE button for 3 seconds to get into the SETUP menu. The
existing brightness setting will be flashing (i.e.
brt1
,
brt2
,
brt3
or
brt4
), pressing the
MODE button will toggle between the four brightness settings.
brt1
is the lowest intensity
while
brt4
is the brightest.
Simply press the MODE button until the desired brightness setting is displayed and
select by pressing and releasing the POWER button.
There are two ARC (Angle Range Compensation) modes and one REGULAR mode.
The two ARC modes are BOW mode and RIFLE mode.
To select between these modes, first turn the unit on by pressing and releasing the
POWER button. Next, press and hold the MODE button for three seconds to get into
the SETUP menu. The brightness is displayed first and can be changed by pressing
the MODE button or accepted by pressing the POWER button. Then press the power
button until you see the existing compensation mode interdicted by either the “Bow”
symbol, the “Rifle” symbol lit with one of the ballistic groups (A through J) displayed and
flashing, or no indicators lit and the message
rEG
flashing.
The modes can be cycled through in a circular fashion by pressing and releasing the
mode button. The order of modes is as follows: BOW, RIFLE A, RIFLE B, RIFLE C,
RIFLE D, RIFLE E, RIFLE F, RIFLE G, RIFLE H, RIFLE I, RIFLE J, REG, etc. When
the bow selection is displayed, the “Bow” icon will flash and when a rifle selection is
displayed, the “Rifle” icon and ballistic group will be flashing. When the
rEG
is displayed,
the message
rEG
will flash within the display.
Once the desired distance compensation mode is displayed, select it by pressing and
releasing the POWER button. Following this selection, the current unit of measure, “Y”
for yards or “M” for metres will flash in the display and the SETUP icon is still lit. Pressing
the MODE button will toggle the unit of measure. When the desired unit of measure is
displayed, press the POWER button to accept the unit of measure.
If the user chooses RIFLE mode, and after having determined the unit of measure, the
user has the following options:
1. Variable Sight-In (VSI) - Allows the rifle hunter to choose from four sight-in distances
(100, 150, 200 or 300 yards or metres) and provides holdover/bullet-drop data in inches,
centimetres or MOA. The “SD” (Sight-in Distance) indicator will turn on and the current
Sight-in Distance number will blink within the display (i.e. 100, 150, 200 or 300). The
Sight-in Distance options can be cycled through in a circular fashion by pressing and
releasing the mode button. Once the desired Sight-in Distance is displayed, select it by
pressing and releasing the power button.
2. And finally, if RIFLE mode was chosen, and as long as unit of measure and a
sight-in distance was selected, you have the option of determining how you would like
holdover/bullet-drop displayed. If measurement units are in yards, you will be able to
choose between inches or MOA. The “CM” for centimetres or “IN” for inches will flash
in the display and the SETUP icon is still lit. Once the desired ballistic measure is
displayed, select it by pressing and releasing the power button. If units of measure
selected previously was Metres, then your holdover/bullet-drop will automatically be
displayed in centimetres.
Upon returning to the normal operating menu, the current compensation mode and unit
of measure will be identified in the display as indicated below.
When the unit automatically powers down, operation will always return to the normal
operation (i.e. away from SETUP) with the last used ARC mode active (i.e BOW, RIFLE
or REGULAR) along with the last used TARGETING modes active (Standard SCAN,
BULLSEYE or BRUSH). If the unit turns off while in the SETUP menu, the unit will
always return to the last mode(s) still active.
Once the range is displayed, continue to hold the POWER button down for
approximately 2 seconds while holding the aiming circle on the object and keeping the
unit as steady as possible so as to allow the inclinometer enough time to measure angle.
Then release the POWER button. Once you have released the power button, the line
of sight will be displayed for approximately 1.5 seconds, and will then automatically
switch to the compensated range. The line of sight distance, unit of measure and
automatic toggle from degree of angle to compensated distance will continue for
5 seconds at which time the display will automatically shut off.
BOW MODE EXAMPLE
Line of sight is 32yds, angle is -44° and the Angle Range Compensated distance is
23yds. Instead of shooting as 32yds, shoot as 23yds. If you were to shoot as if 32yds,
you would shoot over the top of the deer because of the severe angle.
If in BOW mode, the line of sight distance will display in the primary numeric display
and the inclination and horizontal distance will display in the secondary numeric
displays. Bushnell determined through extensive testing and interviews with high-profile
bow-hunting experts that multiple bow ballistic groups were not necessary. Bow-hunters
want to know true horizontal distance because that is how they practice shooting and,
once they confidently know that, they can make any necessary adjustments. Giving the
bow-hunter anything else other than horizontal distance creates additional confusion
and uncertainty.
Many people mistakenly believe that uphill shots perform differently from downhill shots
because of gravity. However it is not due to gravity, but more an aberration of the sighting
system used on bows. The sighting pin on a bow resides several inches above the
mechanical axis of the arrow. For example, when one is aiming 23° up an incline, the
arrow is at a different angle.
RIFLE MODE EXAMPLE
Line of sight is 376yds, angle is -33° and the bullet-drop/holdover is 28ins. ARC not only
takes into account ballistic data based off your calibre and load from distances of
100-800yds but also compensates for any uphill and downhill angles which also affect
bullet-drop.
If in RIFLE mode, the ballistic group will be displayed in the bullet-drop numeric field
anytime that the primary numeric display is showing dashes (i.e. no target acquired).
When a target is acquired in RIFLE mode, the line sight distance will display in the
secondary numeric displays. The “IN” icon (i.e. inches) will light next to the bullet-drop
numeric display if the unit of measure is set to yards (Y). If the unit of measure is set to
metres (M), the bullet-drop will be calculated and displayed in centimetres and the “IN”
icon will be turned off. If the bullet-drop/holdover reads “
lo
” this means the compensated
distance is beyond what can be displayed or beyond ballistic calculations and user will
need to hold low.
REGULAR MODE
This mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated distance, but
instead, line of sight distance only. This will still appear below the line of sight numeric
display, but there will not be any information displayed in the secondary numeric
display.
KNOWING WHICH BALLISTIC GROUP TO SELECT
Bushnell engineers have worked with Sierra Bullets’ ballistic programs and grouped
many of the most popular calibres and loads into eight ballistic groups (A, B, C, D, E, F,
G, H). Once you know what calibre and load you are shooting simply look through the
chart to determine which one of the eight ballistic groups match with your particular load
and calibre. For Muzzleloaders, we have worked with PowerBelt Bullets to incorporate
ballistic data into two ballistic groups (I and J).
POPULAR CALIBRE & LOAD COMBINATIONS
Federal Cartridge .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55gr. Bear Claw at 3600fps
G
Federal Cartridge .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 60gr. Partition at 3500fps
F
Remington Arms .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 50gr. V-Max at 3725fps
H
Remington Arms .224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55gr. PSP at 3680fps
G
