Model #: 20-5101 Literature #: 98-0766/04-06

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Bushnell ELITE 1500 ARC (Angle Range Compensation) Laser Rangefinder. The ELITE1500 ARC is a precision Laser Rangefinding optical instrument designed to provide many years of enjoyment. This booklet will help you achieve optimum performance by explaining its adjustments and features as well as how to care for this precise laser rangefinding optical instrument. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, please read these instructions before using your ELITE1500 ARC. INTRODUCTION Your ELITE1500 ARC (Angle Range Compensation) is an advanced premium laser rangefinder designed by hunters for hunters. Elite 1500ARC is comprised of Digital Technology featuring a built-in accelerometer-based inclinometer that digitally displays the exact slope angle from +/-60 of elevation with +/- 1.0 degree accuracy. The Bushnell ELITE1500 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: ARCs 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 5-99 yards / meters and a maximum inclination of +/- 60. Rifle Mode ( ): Calculates and displays the amount of bullet drop, at the target in inches or centimeters. The amount of bullet drop is determined by the line of sight distance to the target, degree of elevation, along with the specific ballistic characteristics of the caliber and ammunition load. When you range your target, the line of sight, degree of elevation, and bullet-drop/holdover in inches or centimeters will be displayed from 100 to 800 yards/meters with a maximum inclination of +/- 60. One of eight ballistic groups (identified as A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) can be selected by the user, with each formula representing a given combination of caliber 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. The ELITE 1500 ARC allows range readings from 5-1500 ARC yards / 5-1372 delivering superb and accurate range performance to +/- one yard. Measuring 1.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 inches, the 10-ounce ELITE1500 ARC also features Selective Targeting Modes, Superb Optical Quality, 100% Waterproof Construction, and Bushnells patented RainGuard coating. HOW OUR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WORKS The ELITE1500 ARC emits invisible, eye safe, infrared energy pulses. The ELITE1500 ARCs 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 ELITE1500 ARC is plus or minus one yard / meter under most circumstances. The maximum range of the instrument depends on the reflectivity of the target. The maximum distance for most objects is 1000 yards / 914 meters while for highly reflective objects the maximum is 1500 yards / 1372 meters. 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 color, surface finish, size and shape of the target all affect reflectivity and range. The brighter the color, the longer the range. Red is highly reflective, for example, and allows longer ranges than the color black, which is the least reflective color. 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 degree 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 units maximum range will be. Conversely, very sunny days will decrease the units maximum range.

NOTE: Use only high quality alkaline batteries. Do not use heavy duty or lithium batteries. It is recommended that the battery be replaced at least once every 12 months. is displayed within the in-view readout, this means low battery or Low Battery Indicator: If battery charge is getting low and the 9-volt alkaline battery should be replaced. ADJUSTING THE EYEPIECE Your ELITE1500 ARC is constructed with a twist-up eyepiece designed for comfort and to exclude extraneous light. For users without eyeglasses, rotate the eyecup counter clockwise while pulling up until it locks into the fully up position. The ELITE1500 ARC provides extra long eye-relief. If you wear glasses, make sure the eyecup is in the down position as this will bring your eye closer to the eyepiece lens allowing you to see a full field of view. To lower the eyecup from the full up position, rotate clockwise while pushing down slightly. It is also possible to set the eyecup to positions in between, fully up and full down, which may suit some individuals better. The ELITE1500 ARC is also equipped with an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 2 Diopter Adjustment) that allows one to focus the LCD display relative to the image. Simply rotate the diopter setting until the LCD is in focus. The eyepiece contains a protective cap. This cap should be placed upon the eyepiece when the laser rangefinder is not being used. When in sunlight and not using the device, always place the cap on the eyepiece to prevent sunlight from entering the device as sunlight can damage internal components. CAUTION: Do not stand the unit on the end as it will expose the eyepiece and internal electronics to the intense beams of the sun, which could damage the unit. 5

GETTING STARTED

INSERTING THE BATTERY Lift the flap near , then pull the flap to remove the battery door. Insert one 9-volt alkaline battery into the slot as indicated, then close the battery door. The battery slot was designed to only accept the battery in the correct position. Therefore, if you are not able to close the battery door, check to ensure that the battery has been installed correctly. 4

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY While looking through the 7x eyepiece, depress the power button once to activate the in-view Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Place the aiming circle (located in the center 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). At power up and anytime a target has not been acquired, dashes will show in the primary numeric display area. Note: Once activated, the ELITE1500 ARCs LCD will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 30 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 again. MENU SETUP SELECTION of BOW, RIFLE, REGULAR MODES and UNIT OF MEASURE 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 five seconds. The SETUP display icon will light and the current compensation mode will be identified by either the BOW symbol ( ), the RIFLE symbol ( ) lit with one of the ballistic groups (A thru H) displayed and flashing, or no indicators lit and the flashing in the bottom of the LCD. message The modes can be cycled through in a circular fashion by pressing and releasing the mode button. The order of modes is a follows: BOW, RIFLE A, RIFLE B, RIFLE C, RIFLE D, RIFLE E, RIFLE F, RIFLE G, RIFLE H, REG, etc. 6
When the bow selection is displayed, the BOW icon will flash and when a RIFLE: selection is displayed, the RIFLE icon will be steady, but the ballistic group will be flashing toward the bottom of the LCD. is displayed, the message will flash near the bottom of the LCD. When the 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 meters will flash in the LCD 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 and to return to the normal operating menu. Upon returning to the normal operating menu, the current compensation mode and unit of measure will be identified in the LCD as pictured below.

SETUP menu Normal Operating Menu
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. 7
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, a degree of angle and compensated range will be displayed beneath the line of sight distance as seen in the images below. BOW MODE EXAMPLE Line of sight is 32 yards, angle is -44 degrees, and the Angle Range Compensated distance is 23 yards. The means play or shoot as, so instead of shooting as 32 yards, shoot as 23 yards. If you were to shoot as if 32 yards, 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 of 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 degrees up an incline, the arrow is at a different angle. RIFLE MODE EXAMPLE Line of sight is 376 yards, angle is +33 degrees, and the bullet-drop/holdover is 28 inches. ARC not only takes into account ballistic data based off your caliber and load from distances of 100-800 yards, but also compensates for any uphill and downhill angles which also affect bullet-drop.
ARC Rifle Mode 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 of 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 Meters (M), the bullet drop will be calculated and displayed in centimeters and the IN icon will be turned off. 9

23 Yds. True Distance

Regular Mode This mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated distance, will still appear below the line but instead, line of sight distance only. The of sight numeric display, but there will not be any information displayed in this secondary numeric display. 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).
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 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 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 recognized 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 (as seen below). There may be times when only 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 recognized 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 of 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 displayed in the LCD. 11

Regular Mode

SELECTIVE TARGETING MODES (Standard SCAN, BullsEye, and Brush) 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 targeting 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. Each of these targeting modes will operate with any of the BOW, RIFLE, or REGULAR ARC (Angle Range Compensation) modes. 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 1500 yards. Used for moderately reflective targets that are typical of most distancing situations. The minimum distance in the standard mode is 5 yards. 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. 10
Once in this mode, press the POWER button to turn the unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object that you want distance to. Next, press and hold the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the object until a circle surrounds the Brush indicator. If the laser beam recognized 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 in the LCD (as seen below). There may be times when only 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 furthest of the objects recognized by the laser. Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to the last targeting mode used. KNOWING WHICH BALLISTIC GROUP TO SELECT Bushnell engineers have worked with Sierra Bullets ballistic programs and grouped many of the most popular calibers and loads into eight ballistic groups (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H). Once you know what caliber 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 caliber. 12

Popular Caliber & Load Combinations
Federal Cartridge.224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55 gr. Bear Claw at 3600 fps Federal Cartridge.224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 60 gr. Partition at 3500 fps Remington Arms .224 dia. 22-250 Remington Arms , 50 gr. V-Max at 3725 FPS Remington Arms .224 dia. 22-250 Remington Arms , 55 gr. PSP at 3680 FPS Winchester.224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55 gr. Ballistic Silvertip at 3680 FPS Winchester.224 dia. 22-250 Rem, 55 gr. PSP at 3680 FPS Federal Cartridge .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. Ballistic Tip at 3060 fps Federal Cartridge .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. Partition at 3000 fps Remington Arms .277 dia. 270 Win, 140 gr. PSPCL Ultra at 2925 FPS Remington Arms .277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. SPCL at 2850 FPS Winchester.277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. Partition Gold at 2930 FPS Winchester.277 dia. 270 Win, 150 gr. PP-Plus at 2950 FPS Federal Cartridge .308 dia. 30-06 Spring, 180 gr. AccuBond at 2700 FPS Federal Cartridge .308 dia. 30-06 Spring, 180 gr. Bear Claw at 2700 FPS Remington Arms .308 dia. 30-06 Springfield, 180 gr. A-Frame at 2700 FPS Remington Arms .308 dia. 30-06 Springfield, 180 gr. BRPT at 2700 FPS Winchester.308 dia. 30-06 Sprg, 180 gr. FailSafe at 2700 FPS Winchester.308 dia. 30-06 Sprg, 180 gr. Partition Gold at 2750 FPS Federal Cartridge.308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. AccuBond at 2960 fps Federal Cartridge.308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. Bear Claw at 3025 fps Winchester.308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. Ballistic Silver Tip at 3010 FPS Winchester.308 dia. 300 WSM, 180 gr. Fail Safe at 2970 FPS Remington Arms .308 dia. 300 R.S.A.U.M., 180 gr. PSPCL Ultra at 2960 FPS Remington Arms .308 dia. 300 Wby Mag, 180 gr. PSPCL at 3120 FPS Lazzeroni Arms.308 dia., 7.82 Patriot, 180 gr. Partition Lubed at 3184 FPS Lazzeroni Arms.308 dia., 7.82 Warbird, 150 gr. Lazerhead at 3775 FPS Lazzeroni Arms.308 dia., 7.82 Warbird, 168 gr. HPBT MatchKing at 3550 FPS

Ballistic Group

G F H G H G F F E D E E D D D D D D F F F F E F H H H
Above are a few of the most popular caliber / load combinations. The enclosed Ballistics CD contains approximately 1000 caliber and load combinations. Simply load the CD into your computer CD drive and follow the instructions on your screen. This complete list can also be found on Bushnells website (www.bushnell.com). After you have determined which ballistic group corresponds to your caliber and load, select this ballistic group (See MENU SETUP above). The internal formula will determine amount of bullet drop / holdover in inches or centimeters based upon distance, angle, and ballistics of your caliber and load. NOTE: All bullet drop / holdover data assumes the rifle has been sighted in at 100 yards. This state-of-the-art digital technology allows the hunter or shooter to know precisely where to hold for an effective shot. This information should be treated as a helpful guide or tool and in no way should it ever replace practice and familiarity with your rifle, cartridge and load. We encourage practice shooting at different ranges so you know how your rifle, cartridge and load will perform under various conditions. Always know what is behind your bullet; if you dont know, dont take the shot. EXAMPLE You have a 300 WSM and are shooting the following Winchester brand load: 180 gr. Ballistic Silver Tip bullet at 3010 FPS muzzle velocity. This combination falls under Ballistic Group F. After setting the rangefinder to ballistic group F, go to the range and sight in your riflescope at 100 yards. If you then take a shot at a target at 317 yds, the bullet drop will be 9 inches. If the shot is at angle of 27 degrees upward, then the corrected bullet drop will be 8 inches. 14

What if your caliber is not listed? While we have taken great care to include as many calibers and brand names in our ballistics tables, new loads are always being developed. In addition, some shooters load their own ammunition with unique ballistic characteristics. If you cannot find your load in our ballistic tables, you can still use the bullet drop feature of the laser rangefinder. As above, sight in your rifle at 100 yds. Then shoot the rifle, without adjusting the riflescope, at 300 yds. Measure the bullet drop from the point of aim. Using this drop, select the ballistic group from below. If you will be shooting longer distances then you may want to check the bullet drop at 500 yds. Because there is enormous variation in rifle barrels, chambers, and hand loads, you should thoroughly test the ballistic setting before actual hunting. You may need to move up or down one group depending upon your tests. If Bullet Drop is: Use: A B C D E F G H 25-31 inches 20-25 inches 16-20 inches 13-16 inches 12-13 inches 10-12 inches 8-10 inches Less than 8 inches 63-79 cm 50-63 cm 40-50 cm 34-40 cm 30-34 cm 25-30 cm 20-25 cm Less than 20 cm 114-146 inches 88-114 inches 72-88 inches 61-72 inches 55-61 inches 47-55 inches 39-47 inches Less than 39 inches 291-370 cm 225-291 cm 182-225 cm 155-182 cm 139-155 cm 119-139 cm 99-119 cm Less than 99 cm 15 @300 yds @300 m @500 yds @500 m
OPTICAL DESIGN Magnification and Coatings The ELITE1500 ARC features a powerful 7x magnification monocular for viewing your target. Optics are Fully Multi-Coated allowing maximum light transmission for optimum brightness, superb resolution and contrast for a clear vivid image even in low light conditions such as dusk or dawn. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is mounted within the optical system and when activated, displays a reticle for targeting, yards / meters, and Mode indicators. Inherent in the manufacturing process are small black spots that appear in the optical system. These are a natural characteristic of the LCD and cannot be fully eliminated in the manufacturing process. They do not affect the distancing performance of the unit. RainGuard The outer surfaces of the objective and eyepiece lenses are RainGuard coated. RainGuard is Bushnells permanent, patented, hydrophobic (water repellant) lens coating that prevents fogging by causing condensation from rain, sleet, snow or even your own breath to bead up into much smaller droplets than on standard coatings. Smaller uniform droplets scatter less light which results in a clearer, brighter view. TRIPOD MOUNT Molded into the bottom of our ELITE1500 ARC is a threaded tripod mount that will allow you to attach a tripod for a more stable operation during long periods of use.

SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions: Measuring 1.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 inches Weight: 10 oz. Ranging Accuracy: +/- 1 yard Range: 5-1500 Yards / 5-1372 Meters Magnification: 7x Objective Diameter: 26 mm Optical Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated Display: LCD Power Source: 9-volt alkaline battery (user supplied) Field Of View: 340 ft. @ 1000 yards Extra Long Eye Relief: 19mm Exit Pupil: 3.7 mm 100% Water Proof Construction RainGuard Coating Built-In Tripod Mount Includes case and strap CLEANING Gently blow away any dust or debris on the lenses (or use a soft lens brush). To remove dirt or fingerprints, clean with a soft cotton cloth, rubbing in a circular motion. Use of a coarse cloth or unnecessary rubbing may scratch the lens surface and eventually cause permanent damage. For a more thorough cleaning, photographic lens tissue and photographic-type lens cleaning fluid or isopropyl alcohol may be used. Always apply the fluid to the cleaning cloth - never directly on the lens. 17
TWO-Year LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Bushnell product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for two years after the date of purchase. In the event of a defect under this warranty, we will, at our option, repair or replace the product, provided that you return the product postage prepaid. This warranty does not cover damages caused by misuse, improper handling, installation, or maintenance provided by someone other than a Bushnell Authorized Service Department. Any return made under this warranty must be accompanied by the items listed below: 1) A check/money order in the amount of $10.00 to cover the cost of postage and handling 2) Name and address for product return 3) An explanation of the defect 4) Proof of Date Purchased 5) Product should be well packed in a sturdy outside shipping carton, to prevent damage in transit, with return postage prepaid to the address listed below: IN U.S.A. Send To: Bushnell Outdoor Products Attn.: Repairs 8500 Marshall Drive Lenexa, Kansas 66214 IN CANADA Send To: Bushnell Outdoor Products Attn.: Repairs 25A East Pearce Street, Unit 1 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 2M9
TROUBLE SHOOTING TABLE If unit does not turn on - LCD does not illuminate: Depress POWER button. Check and if necessary, replace battery. If unit does not respond to key presses, replace the battery with a good quality 9 volt alkaline battery. If unit powers down (display goes blank when attempting to power the laser): The battery is either weak or low quality. Replace the battery with a good quality 9 volt alkaline battery. Heavy Duty alkaline batteries are NOT recommended. If target range cannot be obtained: Make sure LCD is illuminated. Make sure that the power button is being depressed. Make sure that nothing, such as your hand or finger, is blocking the objective lenses (lenses closest to the target) that emit and receive the laser pulses. Make sure unit is held steady while depressing power button. NOTE: The last range reading does not need to be cleared before ranging another target. Simply aim at the new target using the LCDs reticle, depress the power button and hold until new range reading is displayed. Specifications, instructions, and the operation of these products are subject to change without notice.