Chronograph Advice

[OldVet]

This question is for you more experienced chrony users. First of all I have a $30 chrono , and will upgrade asap , but in the meantime is there a sweet spot to use on that somewhat triangle shape you have to shoot through. Closer to top , or bottom ?
Distance away. I had a lot of trouble with my chrony yesterday , I think it was too hot.
I replaced batteries , was in the shade , just would not read. After I shut it off for about 10 minutes I got a few readings.
Appreciate any help guys. OV.

 

[UDABEGGER]

All are a bit different . Be sure to center up well and level to the unit itself . Try 3 inch above to center . Owners manuel would be handy . Good luck !

 

[OldVet]

All are a bit different . Be sure to center up well and level to the unit itself . Try 3 inch above to center . Owners manuel would be handy . Good luck !

Ok thanks I added some pics just now.

 

[UDABEGGER]

All I can think of is making sure the slots on both ends are clean and dust free and that the new batteries are good . My new chrony is a lighted sun shade type like yours and it works very good but takes a lot more power than standerd chrony . Mine has option to plug sun screen into 110 . That is what I do . Again good luck !

 

[OldVet]

All I can think of is making sure the slots on both ends are clean and dust free and that the new batteries are good . My new chrony is a lighted sun shade type like yours and it works very good but takes a lot more power than standerd chrony . Mine has option to plug sun screen into 110 . That is what I do . Again good luck !

Slots ?

 

[stovepipe]

Slots ?

The light sensors inside the case that are "looking" through the slots that are at each end of the chrony between the posts holding the overhead light. A common thing to do with the old Shooting Chrony models was to put a strip of "clear" Scotch tape over each slot to keep dust/dirt out of the case and off of the sensors. The sensors worked OK looking through the tape and you could wipe the dust/dirt off of the tape or replace the tape when you saw dust/dirt on it. It was easier than cleaning sensors that were inside the case, but I don't know if your sensors will "see" well through the tape.

stovepipe

 

[6gun]

This question is for you more experienced chrony users. First of all I have a $30 chrono , and will upgrade asap , but in the meantime is there a sweet spot to use on that somewhat triangle shape you have to shoot through. Closer to top , or bottom ?
Distance away. I had a lot of trouble with my chrony yesterday , I think it was too hot.
I replaced batteries , was in the shade , just would not read. After I shut it off for about 10 minutes I got a few readings.
Appreciate any help guys. OV.View attachment 569501View attachment 569503View attachment 569499View attachment 569500View attachment 569502

Over the years I learned 2 things with optical chrono, primarily with powder burners too. The sensors have to be clean and dust free, the reflector hats or light source on the wire triangles benefit from a black shade. Light interference is the number 1 reason I bought the fx radar chrono. Also my friend put a 22-250 thru his optical crony I was mooching.

 

[OldVet]

I found,the slots got them clean , and I decided to use a box to keep the chrony in the dark shade. It still only read about 3 times. I found a Pro at midway usa.

 

[UDABEGGER]

I hope you did not take the box from the cat !

 

[elh0102]

If the sensors are clean, exact placement isn't critical, as long as the pellet can be "seen" by the the sensor. If not, you will know immediately by no reading, or some error reading.
If you do a lot of testing indoors, I can recommend the Magnetospeed chrono. It needs no light for operation.

 

[Star7]

I do not have a clue what is going on here. I have two of these and have found them reliable. I wonder if looking into the slots; are the receiving sensors well centered in the slot? Are the illuminating leds directly over the slots? I am thinking maybe a slight misalignment is giving you problems.

I use a little handheld turbine (sorta a hair drier without heat) to blow out the sensor slots from time to time and store the chrono with a little card over the slot to keep dust out.

Something is cockeyed, in my experience these work pretty well.

 

[ndwind]

I have had several chronos over the years. High end good ones too but the best one of all is the Garmin. Its pricy but so worth it if it can fit your budget.. mine is in the raange bag everywher I go.

 

[Ratzy]

I have 4 $25 voice and wifi chrony.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrlwL3D

I set up for various size moderators and just slide them on. Tie wrap as necessary.

They are accurate enough, talk while shooting and you can capture the last 10 shots on a wifi device like a phone.

I have a Caldwell and Shooting Chrony Alpha and Beta but I haven't used them in months.

The talking is the part I really like.

 

[Str8tshooter]

I have had several chronos over the years. High end good ones too but the best one of all is the Garmin. Its pricy but so worth it if it can fit your budget.. mine is in the raange bag everywher I go.

I do not have any experience with either, but I thought the LabRadar LX was the best one of all?

LabRadar LX - Labradar

LabRadar LX contains the latest technology for your use. Ideal for measuring the velocity of rifles, firearms, handguns, pellet guns, bows, and crossbows. Operating at a staggering 60GHz, the design is ultra-compact and portable. The integrated rechargeable battery simplifies its operation, and...

mylabradar.com

 

[OldVet]

I like this very much going to try it Thanks.

 

[Ta-Ta Toothie]

@ oldvet, Not sure what caliber your shooting, but some can be picky with .177 or even .22.

@ Str8tshooter, For the LabRadar LX, good luck finding one.

 

[kwaping]

I have had several chronos over the years. High end good ones too but the best one of all is the Garmin. Its pricy but so worth it if it can fit your budget.. mine is in the raange bag everywher I go.

Future chronometer owner here... Why do you bring it everywhere? I thought once you have your ammo and velocity set, you're done?

 

[Ratzy]

Future chronometer owner here... Why do you bring it everywhere? I thought once you have your ammo and velocity set, you're done?

I don't own high end guns with all the tweaks and doodads. So I just fire off some pellets or slugs to see what kind of velocity I get with each type of ammo.

I have a few guns with adjustments but I just crank it up and let the pellets fly. I futz around with regulators and plenums as an engineering excercise but tuning is a MEH to me.

 

[OldVet]

I don't own high end guns with all the tweaks and doodads. So I just fire off some pellets or slugs to see what kind of velocity I get with each type of ammo.

I have a few guns with adjustments but I just crank it up and let the pellets fly. I futz around with regulators and plenums as an engineering excercise but tuning is a MEH to me.

My fun or goal is to see if I can get 5 shots through the same hole , and I have actually,done that 3 times in the past week.
It has been a great accomplishment for me.
I use the chrony to help me get close to the sweet speeds I read about , or see reviews on. If I'm at 5 pellets through the same hole I'm done tuning , and record how I did it by scope adjustments , pellet speed etc. Then start over with a new weight pellet which means resetting everything then go back , and see if I can do it again.

 

[ndwind]

Future chronometer owner here... Why do you bring it everywhere? I thought once you have your ammo and velocity set, you're done?

I have lots of differnet guns airguns black powder smokeless etc. The Garmin is dang easy to use i use it alot and youwould be surprised what you see using one regularly.