Thinking of a new chronograph
- Thread starter Brutus
- Start date
The ProChrono Digital just released their bluetooth module to work with iPhone and Android devices (http://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/prochrono-digital/). App is a free download on the two stores. I have been very happy with mine using the 25' USB connection to the laptop, but I might have to buy the bluetooth component as it would be nice to not have to take the laptop to the range...
Unquestionably, this is doppler radar, currently being offered only by LabRadar.
http://www.mylabradar.com/
Here is a writeup:
http://snipershide.scout.com/story/1535699-labradar-my-personal-radar?s=541
As mentioned in the above article, there is also the MagnetoSpeed.
What isn't clear to me about the LabRadar is it's sensitivity. It's triggered by the muzzle blast of the weapon it's placed next to. But, what if you're at a public range, and have another shooter mere feet away from you? Having his shot trigger the radar- and pick up his bullet- would screw up all the data (ES, ED). Probably there's a way to delete a shot from the string- but that would be annoying if it kept picking up shots that aren't yours.
What's unfortunate is the Labradar site still doesn't have them for sale. Someone was taking pre-orders for them. I guess they still have production issues. Not sure how the article author got one unless it was special consideration for writing an article on it.
Brian Litz has tested a lot of optical chronographs and says 15 fps is about the practical accuracy limit, given that conditions affect them. He sells the Magnetospeed large saber version (the V3, I think) for that reason. My main concern with them is affecting barrel vibration so you can't record an accuracy load workup session.
The article on the Labradar says it will record a .308 bullet up to 100 yards, but the specs say 70 yards. The prototype in the site, if you zoom in close, is reading to 200, but I'm guessing it was the higher power version the FCC won't let them sell. So I don't know where the truth really lies here. I would sure like one, though. The multiple range velocities should make it easy to determine actual ballistic coefficients.
Brian Litz has tested a lot of optical chronographs and says 15 fps is about the practical accuracy limit, given that conditions affect them. He sells the Magnetospeed large saber version (the V3, I think) for that reason. My main concern with them is affecting barrel vibration so you can't record an accuracy load workup session.
The article on the Labradar says it will record a .308 bullet up to 100 yards, but the specs say 70 yards. The prototype in the site, if you zoom in close, is reading to 200, but I'm guessing it was the higher power version the FCC won't let them sell. So I don't know where the truth really lies here. I would sure like one, though. The multiple range velocities should make it easy to determine actual ballistic coefficients.
Marco Califo
New member
+1 I like mine a lot and have not had a single shot not register yet. I use my laptop and the 25' wire. It would be less cumbersome not to do that, but I like seeing fps at the bench.
That Bluetooth gizmo is $70.
Oehler
I've got a 1970s vintage Oehler 33 Chronotach. They are offering the Model 35 again. The price, at $575, is far greater than the newer whiz bangs; however, the quality is second to none and I can vouch for the longevity. Over the years, I or a buddy has poked a hole in the sky screens and Oehler Customer Service has been fantastic.
I've got a 1970s vintage Oehler 33 Chronotach. They are offering the Model 35 again. The price, at $575, is far greater than the newer whiz bangs; however, the quality is second to none and I can vouch for the longevity. Over the years, I or a buddy has poked a hole in the sky screens and Oehler Customer Service has been fantastic.
1) I bought a shooting chrony ~$80
I shot a hole through it with the first 10 shots from a handgun.
2) I bought a shooting chrony ~$80
I shot a hole through it with the first 10 shots from a handgun.
3) I bought a Pro Chrono ~$100
I shot a hole through it with the first 10 shots from a handgun.
4) I bought a Pro Chrono ~$100 and shot only rifles over it.
It has lasted 10 years.
Then I only shot handguns over it after I shot a few rounds with the hand gun first to check my accuracy.
I have successfully used it for years with handguns using this precaution.
5) I bought a Magnetospeed V3 ~$400 a month ago.
The Pro Chrono is much better about triggering than the shooting chrony.
I am hoping the magnetospeed V3 will be even better.
I shot a hole through it with the first 10 shots from a handgun.
2) I bought a shooting chrony ~$80
I shot a hole through it with the first 10 shots from a handgun.
3) I bought a Pro Chrono ~$100
I shot a hole through it with the first 10 shots from a handgun.
4) I bought a Pro Chrono ~$100 and shot only rifles over it.
It has lasted 10 years.
Then I only shot handguns over it after I shot a few rounds with the hand gun first to check my accuracy.
I have successfully used it for years with handguns using this precaution.
5) I bought a Magnetospeed V3 ~$400 a month ago.
The Pro Chrono is much better about triggering than the shooting chrony.
I am hoping the magnetospeed V3 will be even better.
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Marco Califo
New member
Aim higher.
OK, I really only care about rifle velocity, but, I use an adjustable tripod and set it up so that the chronograph is below bench level, but still visible. If I do try my handguns, tripod will be in the same position, or lower, with the handgun on a rest (the bench).
I bought a "Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph Premium Kit", went right back to Midway after 2 useless sessions, didn't read anything in indoor range, even with LED beams and no fluorescing lights and many different setups. Absolute waste made in China.
Was willing to shell out $600 for the LabRadar but they never replied to my email request. Website has a "Buy it" button but when you click on it you get a "LabRadar will be available in Fall 2014". Completely unprofessional; I don't even want to know how customer service will be if it ever comes out. As far as I know they announced this Chrono at least 2 years ago.
Then I bought the MagnetoSpeed. Works great so far, unless the bullet weight is below 100gr and FPS is below 900. I was able to get it attached on my Glock 29 eventho they say it won't work. Anything with a unshortened rail like on subcompacts or at least a 3 1/2" regular rifle / revolver barrel will work. Very accurate reading but as Unclenick said: irritating for accuracy loads.
Was willing to shell out $600 for the LabRadar but they never replied to my email request. Website has a "Buy it" button but when you click on it you get a "LabRadar will be available in Fall 2014". Completely unprofessional; I don't even want to know how customer service will be if it ever comes out. As far as I know they announced this Chrono at least 2 years ago.
Then I bought the MagnetoSpeed. Works great so far, unless the bullet weight is below 100gr and FPS is below 900. I was able to get it attached on my Glock 29 eventho they say it won't work. Anything with a unshortened rail like on subcompacts or at least a 3 1/2" regular rifle / revolver barrel will work. Very accurate reading but as Unclenick said: irritating for accuracy loads.
Jim Watson
New member
I now have a Pro Chrono Digital with corded remote.
It has a larger working area and more reliable pickup than a CED Millennium or PACT.
It has a larger working area and more reliable pickup than a CED Millennium or PACT.
Marco Califo
New member
Since the data and software are on your phone then you would not need the CD and USB wire. That would save $50. Or, you in effect pay $20 more for BT, and don't spend $50 for the wire.
But I already spent that $50 on the wire, so BT would cost me an additional $70.
But I already spent that $50 on the wire, so BT would cost me an additional $70.
Lost Sheep
New member
Two years ago the projected price was a little over $500. Protoype was (reportedly) shown at the SHOT show.higgite said:
Paintball enthusiasts and archers have, for a a bit less, something similar, but which will not clock speeds much faster than paintballs and arrows
http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Sensors-Inc-ASR362-Arrowspeed/dp/B000BZ1L66
which, in this test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eEy5Ra-gYI
delivered a degree of accuracy acceptable to the bowman testing it. However, a 1% variation is more than I find acceptable. However, the technology is there, and on the shelf. All one would need to to is tweak the power level and sensitivity.
Something like this would be the cat's meow. Incorporated barrel rest, a narrow beam so as not to get tripped by another shooter's bullets and completely self-contained,.
https://images.search.yahoo.com/ima...=yhs-mozilla-001&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001
Still waiting
Lost Sheep
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Lost Sheep
New member
My first Chrony developed a 22 caliber leak right through the readout screen on the last shot of a wonderful day of shooting with a friend of mine.Clark said:
My next Chrony was a Master model (remote readout, removing the need to be able to see the sensor unit). It wears iron armor now, in the form of two chunks of channel iron. One between the sensors and one angled in front of the sensor unit. If you TRY to hit any sensitive part, you can't. The iron will take an oblique hit from a .500 S&W (I tested it) without a mark.
There have been no errant bullets since. Apparently you are protected from accidents if you have insurance.
Lost Sheep
This outfit wants $559 for the Labradar bare unit, no tripod, etc. or almost $700 with the trimmings to carry it and use it. But, they don't expect to ship before September. They don't say which year.
http://www.longrangehunting.com/store/labradar-chronograph.html
waveslayer
New member
they are starting to ship, find some buddies and all go in on it. you should be GTG. it's neat unit but my Magnetospeed works just fine now.