REVIEW: Laserluchs Pico-Tracker-V2

Who doesn't know them, the trip wires? The wire itself is not the problem, but rather what sometimes hangs on the other end. No one wants to trigger an IED, meaning an "Improvised Explosive Device". Unfortunately, the trigger wires for these devices are anything but easy to see. LASERLUCHS has developed the Pico-Tracker-V2 specifically for easy identification of such traps. We went out to search with it.

In this rugged case, you will receive the Pico-Tracker-V2. The keen observer can already spot the first trip wire in the image. More on that later.

The Pico-Tracker-V2 itself is very simple. It comes with everything the user needs, namely two CR123A batteries, a cleaning cloth, and an instruction manual. The Pico-Tracker-V2 itself weighs only 137 grams and measures 25.4 x 133mm. So small and light - and when used correctly, it can save lives.

In addition to the power supply, the black-matte anodized housing also contains a visible laser source with 520nm/15mW and an invisible IR laser source with 850nm/1mW.

The Pico-Tracker-V2 is operated by a mechanically locking, multi-stage switch that switches through the switching stages of the individual laser sources one after the other. In the switching function of the visible stage, an additional mechanical lock must be manually operated to protect against accidental activation of the visible wavelength of the laser. Furthermore, the switch unit has been designed so that operation with gloves in winter or with protective gloves is comfortable.

This is where the lasers come out. Since both are Class 1 lasers, you don't have to worry about going blind if you accidentally look into the beam.

This is roughly what it looks like if it happens to you. A view from the front into the activated device.

The Pico-Tracker-V2 is a line laser, meaning the laser is not bundled into a single point, but is projected as a line. The laser device has an opening angle of 45°. So at a distance of 2m, the laser beam is 2m wide. At 5m, it is 5m wide, and so on.

This is how a slanted plane looks projected in space. Since we always liked Descriptive Geometry in school, we are very pleased with this sight. But how do you locate a trip wire with the Pico-Tracker-V2?

To demonstrate this, we built a small test setup consisting of three different tripwires. For our own safety, we refrained from attaching various explosive devices. Safety First!

At the top tripwire, we opted for a sturdy black sewing thread. Here it was somewhat visible, but in a dark hallway, it was hardly detectable from a meter away.

In the middle, the classic tripwire, fishing line. Here, we used a thinner model that was difficult to see even at a short distance.

At the bottom of our test setup, we used a floral wire. Although it was relatively thick, it was ultimately not much easier to recognize than its common counterparts.

Now to detect the wires: activate the Pico-Tracker-V2, hold it away from the body, and shine it diagonally towards the suspected wires. The laser will break on the tripwire, and we can see it perfectly. In the image, the reflections on the three wires are clearly visible.

To get a better picture of the wire layout, the user can move and rotate the laser back and forth. This way, the tripwire can be easily identified and avoided, and potentially the associated explosive trap can be neutralized.

In our video, you can see the application of the Pico-Tracker-V2 particularly well. We also don't want to withhold the application with the night vision device from you.

The wires are also easily visible with the IR laser of the Pico-Tracker-V2. The only problem is the focus of the night vision device, but that's another topic. The reflection on the wires works perfectly.

CONCLUSION: The Pico-Tracker-V2 does what it is supposed to do, and does it excellently. We are not aware of any comparable device on the market. The application is simple and self-explanatory. Thanks to its small size and light weight, the tripwire tracker can be quickly stowed in the deployment gear and is always ready. Definitely a good investment for anyone dealing with tripwires and triggering wires, plus accessories, as it can save lives.

The Picotracker is only available for authorities at LASERLUCHS. Price on request.

LASERLUCHS on the web: www.laserluchs.de