Impressed with FX Chronograph Performance

[mtnGhost]

Recently, my Caldwell started reporting higher velocities than my LabRadar. I suspected the Caldwell was wrong, so I did some quick tests using my EdGun chrono (which I know reads 20-25fps faster than actual velocities). The results were closer to the Caldwell's numbers, but not consistent enough to give me confidence in my suspicions.

Enter the FX chronograph - I ordered one late last week and figured out a low tech way to mount it to my rifle using 3M Super 33 electrical tape  

Sure enough, it worked out of the box using the iOS app. It agreed with my theory of the Caldwell going out to lunch, and my only gripes with the FX unit are just minor app features that I can definitely live with!

 

[likkitysplyt]

Yep … I did the same thing with a couple of thick rubber bands. I was all but ready to send the blasted thing back to the seller when I was using a tripod … readings were every which way but loose. But latching the radar to the barrel changed everything. I would put electrical tape on mine but I keep switching it from one gun to another and it seems to change over just as well with rubber bands.

Love, Live & Laugh

 

[edosan]

Nice rig!

 

[ninelives]

That's good to hear. I may get one eventually. Would still be more convenient without having to attach it though.

 

[mtnGhost]

That's good to hear. I may get one eventually. Would still be more convenient without having to attach it though.

I read there's some 3D printed holders being made by a 3rd party company in the UK(?). The device has some hooks that fold out, where you could attach it with paracord (I'm not sure what other purpose they serve), but I may wind up using industrial Velcro straps to tie it to my shroud. For now, it's a non-issue for me to just use electrical tape, which works perfectly for this little guy!

 

[bandg]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582930-REG/GoPro_GRH30_Ride_HERO.html

I had considered something like this to be able to mount and remove the FX unit from barrels quickly and easily. One would have to make a bracket to attach to the arm but that shouldn't be too hard. Weight might be an issue but possibly not in light of the weight of the unit already hanging under the barrel.

 

[mtnGhost]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582930-REG/GoPro_GRH30_Ride_HERO.html

I had considered something like this to be able to mount and remove the FX unit from barrels quickly and easily. One would have to make a bracket to attach to the arm but that shouldn't be too hard. Weight might be an issue but possibly not in light of the weight of the unit already hanging under the barrel.

Interesting idea! If the weight does pose an issue, well .. there's still the electrical tape option!

 

[bandg]

No doubt and I'm sure the tape can work just fine.

 

[bandg]

https://www.amazon.com/iSportgo-Camera-Cameras-Lights-Monitors/dp/B072J52GBP/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=camera+handlebar+mount&qid=1567200811&s=gateway&sr=8-6

This one just popped up on my Amazon recommended list from recent searches. Cheap and looks to be plastic so probably pretty light. Fits tubes (barrels/LDC's) from .6" to 1.5". Lots of these type mounts available and seems a simple bracket to attach to the FX unit would be all one would have to make.

 

[mmahoney]

I don't think you would even need to make a bracket. You could screw the clamp right into the thread at the bottom of the chrony and shoot with the chrony upside down.

 

[bandg]

I don't think you would even need to make a bracket. You could screw the clamp right into the thread at the bottom of the chrony and shoot with the chrony upside down.

Interesting idea.

 

[MiniMe]

FX Radar has two plastic hooks already,everything what you need is rubberband

 

[bandg]

I'm sure rubber bands and tape can work just fine as many have stated so. With the positional issues reported, my thinking was that a quickly movable RIGID mounting method might be better. Certainly could be overkill for what is needed.

 

[Maddad]

Thanks for pointing this out! I was wondering what those were for but as soon as I saw this thread I new what they were. no need to buy a rig. 

 

[swissarmyknife]

Recently, my Caldwell started reporting higher velocities than my LabRadar. I suspected the Caldwell was wrong, so I did some quick tests using my EdGun chrono (which I know reads 20-25fps faster than actual velocities). The results were closer to the Caldwell's numbers, but not consistent enough to give me confidence in my suspicions.

Enter the FX chronograph - I ordered one late last week and figured out a low tech way to mount it to my rifle using 3M Super 33 electrical tape  

Sure enough, it worked out of the box using the iOS app. It agreed with my theory of the Caldwell going out to lunch, and my only gripes with the FX unit are just minor app features that I can definitely live with!

Can you provide some LabRadar to FX chrony comparison tests. I have the FX chrony and was initially really stoked until I actually used if for the first time realizing how finicky this little thing is with placement. I had ES of 50fps out of my Crown Cont. which I could just not believe and some of the velocities seemed like it was locked into a range (EX: if the actual speeds where 923, 925, 921, 915, 917, 919 it would all report back the first three as 923 and the second three as 917, as if there was a nearest rounding methodology). Then I place it much closer to the barrel with tape and the ES came way in around 5fps, but now I wonder how accurate this actually is.

Then I have seen comments in another forum that the FX results where consistent but generally about 20-30 FPS slower. Just wanted to see if anyone actually has some comparison especially someone with the LabRadar which I would think of as the holy grail.

 

[mtnGhost]

I've run it 4-5 times along side my LabRadar. They have been very close to each other, under 5fps - but usually within 3fps. 

They both have a tendency to stray from time to time, and it's almost always due to orientation. Small bore like 22 cal is sometimes really hard to pick up with my LR, and in the case of the FX chrono registering weird numbers - it was because the device was tilting downward just a tad too much. You really have to get it positioned nice and flat across the guide at the top. If you can get it to stay there, you won't see too many anomalies (if any).

Also, make sure the batteries have amole juice. 

 

[swissarmyknife]

I've run it 4-5 times along side my LabRadar. They have been very close to each other, under 5fps - but usually within 3fps. 

They both have a tendency to stray from time to time, and it's almost always due to orientation. Small bore like 22 cal is sometimes really hard to pick up with my LR, and in the case of the FX chrono registering weird numbers - it was because the device was tilting downward just a tad too much. You really have to get it positioned nice and flat across the guide at the top. If you can get it to stay there, you won't see too many anomalies (if any).

Also, make sure the batteries have amole juice.

Thank you. I noticed that yesterday. I used the rubber band method and there were a few numbers that didn't seem to jive. The FX was pointed down just a tad and I had to correct it by pulling the rubber bands further apart giving it more of a tripod effect.

 

[sonny]

great info mtnGhost , Thanks

 

[mtnGhost]

great info mtnGhost , Thanks

No problem! I'm still disappointed in my Caldwell, it was putting out good numbers, until all of the sudden - it just decided to crap out on me. I had a pretty nice little indoor bench tuning setup with a mount that I made for it too. Oh well, I like this chrono better anyhow. First world problems!