GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates => All Air Gun Accessories Gate => Topic started by: Tallbald on March 18, 2021, 11:09:42 PM
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I could allow $100 to $120 or so toward a chronograph by summer. That covers a few models but I don't know what I'd be getting for that amount. or more importantly, NOT getting. I see that I could use a chronograph in airgunning much more than I'd ever have needed or used one back in my decades of powder gunning and reloading.
Thanks. Don
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Don,
I went old school, I got a Caldwell with tether. I hook it up to my old kindle and run the app. Works well, pretty solid.
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I went older school and got an Alpha Chrony Master. I bought it when the Caldwell was being developed and chose it because the electronics are separate from the unit itself. You may shoot the body of the unit but the electronics are on the table with you. Unfortunately I believe it is no longer in production. I don't use it often. Penetration tests with a coffee can or boards tell me a lot about how my gun performs.
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I started out with a Caldwell basic version, which I bought (at the time) from Cabella's for around 80 bucks. I see that they are ten dollars more now.
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/caldwell-ballistic-precision-chronograph (https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/caldwell-ballistic-precision-chronograph)
About a year and a half or so ago, Amazon had the more complete package for $89.00 (a great deal at the time), so I bought that one as an upgrade, and gave my basic model to my son.
That one is now $127.49 as of this posting - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5290/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5290/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Both models have worked well for me, however they do have their little "quirks".
I often get ERROR messages, which is frustrating, but I think it's mostly a lighting situation, and I tend to do the set up after work in the late afternoon/evening when the lighting is rather poor.
I do like the more advanced package with the lighted hoods, tripod, and all the bells and whistles. The LED lighted hoods work perfectly BTW.
I think just about all of them have issues of some sort as they rely on lighting conditions to properly read the reflection of light from the pellet as it passes over the sensors, but I would highly recommend the Caldwell, in either model, and especially within the range of cost that you are considering.
One caveat is that I haven't been able to utilize the Bluetooth tech, but the 25 ft. cable works perfectly on my Android phone.
If I ever happened to shoot mine out (highly unlikely) I would still buy another of the same model.
:D
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Don,
I went old school, I got a Caldwell with tether. I hook it up to my old kindle and run the app. Works well, pretty solid.
Same here. It was $60 a few years back and works great with the included cable to my old Android phone. The Caldwell app you install on your phone stores the shot strings and displays each shot as you go.
There is a model (not sure the brand) that hangs upside down in a frame that you might be able to find for under $200. It's supposed to be really good, hopefully another member will know what model I'm thinking of and have details.
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I don't know what a tether type means. My ignorance, herewith acknowledged, is showing. I just started looking through MidwayUSA earlier tonight. Goodness things look ....complicated.
I suppose a stopwatch, 100 foot tape measure, and a really loud "NOW!!" isn't such a good idea..... (grin)
Don
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I went older school and got an Alpha Chrony Master. I bought it when the Caldwell was being developed and chose it because the electronics are separate from the unit itself. You may shoot the body of the unit but the electronics are on the table with you. Unfortunately I believe it is no longer in production.
I did too Thomas, I went with the older school and got an Chrony Beta Master. I've used it for years, it's not as high tech as the newer ones but it has served me well for years and years.
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I don't know what a tether type means.
It just means a cable is attached from the chrony to your phone (as opposed to Bluetooth).
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I have a China clamp-on and a ProChrona Pal and 2 Caldwell Kits.
I like the China clamp-on best for airguns inside my home.
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I use the ProChrono Digital. I have the usb and the bluetooth. I also have the light kit.
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I don't know what a tether type means.
It just means a cable is attached from the chrony to your phone (as opposed to Bluetooth).
Correct. My version came out just before the blue tooth came out.
As an aside, I made my own 'light kit' with some left over LED tape put on the bottoms of the sky screens. I do so just last week when I found my new lighting on the shop (LED) was messing with the unit. Works great indoors now.
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I have the Caldwell kit like this: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015050545 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015050545)
I got mine from Midway a couple-few years ago. It looks like they upgraded the LED lights, though mine works perfectly. Very rarely do I get en error.
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Prochrono digital. Pre Bluetooth. Works great, but indoors requires the light kit. I want to buy another one now they've added the Bluetooth link to it. Absolutely no complaints.
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I sure would like bluetooth, I spend more time with that cable than the test of the setup.
I leave my chrony on a tripod 90% of the time and after seeing all the PB holes through the displays, I've been using a piece of AR-500 steel in front of it "just in case".
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I bought the Caldwell complete kit. Mostly because I had Cabelas points. BUT, it works well. The light was essential this winter when shooting in my pole barn. The light kit had some loose parts (connectors for power) that I had to take them apart to tighten up but I cannot imagine any air gunner not being able to fix. Lol. The tripod seem cheap. Haven’t used it. I connected the Caldwell to my iPad. Works great with the downloaded app.
My overhead fluorescents did interfere so bear that in mind.
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I have a Shooting Chrony (RIP) F-1 with IR light kit and a home-made momentary switch, which essentially makes it an Alpha. It's about 6 years old. Used exclusively indoors. Also got a nice tripod from a garage sale.
I bought it because of the steel construction and made in the USA. All the components were bought on great sales and rebates, so the total expense was about $115. Oh, plus a battery eliminator from amazon for $9.
It has a limitation of 32 shot strings, so statistics are compromised after 32 shots. Most other chrony's have about 99 shot string capability.
It's been very reliable, I would say "bullet-proof", but then I haven't shot it. Few ERR2 due to missing the rear sensor.
Since Shooting Chrony is gone, if buying today, I would get the Pro Chrony Digital because of its external interface.
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For the ProChrono Digital....
You don't need to buy the one with onboard Bluetooth.... this is what is on mine..... works great.
http://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/bluetooth-adapter/ (http://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/bluetooth-adapter/)
Edit:.... I know see the adaptor is discontinued.... sorry for the mis info.
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I have a China clamp-on and a ProChrona Pal and 2 Caldwell Kits.
I like the China clamp-on best for airguns inside my home.
Im using a clampon from China and it was gift from a GTA member. Works awesome and gives meters per second, easy enough to convert.
If you need it for a spreadsheet then there are probably options that will just make a file for you and it'll be right on a phone or laptop.
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Got the Caldwell G2 for Christmas, the one with the lights on the bottom and the electronics on top. Works perfectly, Bluetooth is effortless, holds a charge for a long time. Just shoot away and the numbers show up on the phone it is quite nice.
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Got the Caldwell G2 for Christmas, the one with the lights on the bottom and the electronics on top. Works perfectly, Bluetooth is effortless, holds a charge for a long time. Just shoot away and the numbers show up on the phone it is quite nice.
Thanks for the Chrony Mr.P!!!!!!!
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About a year and a half or so ago, Amazon had the more complete package for $89.00 (a great deal at the time), so I bought that one as an upgrade, and gave my basic model to my son.
That one is now $127.49 as of this posting - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5290/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5290/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I scored this back when they were on sale.
With the tripod and the LED lights it was an awesome deal.
outdoors th e tripod adjusts for uneven terrain and the shades help in the sun to get consistent readings.
If you are shooting indoors under florescent lights the LEDs are a must to avoid errors.
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For the ProChrono Digital....
You don't need to buy the one with onboard Bluetooth.... this is what is on mine..... works great.
http://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/bluetooth-adapter/ (http://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/bluetooth-adapter/)
Edit:.... I know see the adaptor is discontinued.... sorry for the mis info.
Yep. Discontinued when they built it into the chrony. The new version with built in bluetooth shows up on Dvor every now and then for like $109. Not one bit a bad deal considering back then the chrony was $100 and the bluetooth add-on was something like $65 extra. I have one myself but never bought the light kit since I never shoot indoors.
I use the smartphone app for mine and email myself the shot files after every string. By the time I put everything away, they're all waiting in my inbox to download :)
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Folks thank you for all the help and education. I began studying based on replies here and found this and ordered it:
Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph
$84.99 from Amazon with my free shipping and returns.
This one received very good reviews and several users stated specifically that it worked very well and reliably with air guns from .177 up to .45, as well as with a broad spectrum of powder burners. My nephew I think has a camera tripod I have asked to buy or borrow. keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you all again. It shall be wonderful to have the tool needed to help assess performance of the different weight pellets I shall be trying with my springers, and understanding the relationship between pumps, velocities and pellet weights on my pumpers. Heck. Looking forward to knowing the velocity of BB's out of my Red Ryder for that matter! And I craft slingshots so there's another thing I can check out. Hey. Just how fast can i spit????
My best to you all.
Don
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Outstanding, Don! Hope you enjoy it.
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Thank you so much. I'm sure it will be great to be able to compare pellet weight performance. Along with perform some diagnostics on my guns. Don
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F1. Cheap, cheap to replace if you shoot it, easy to use, easy to carry around. I can get the numbers from Pyramyd or AoA's computer. I never use a light or those white things over it. I just wait for clear weather.
You need one. If not it's like being at a football game without a program. You don't know who to cuss.
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That's the same one I have Don. I works great and never had a problem with it, I think you'll like it.
Also, I got a real nice tripod for mine at Goodwill for $3.
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Tater thanks for the good words! I'm excited. But I admit that a simple mind such as mine is easily amused! My wife put me in a round room and told me to sit in a corner and I was confused all day. Don
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Tater thanks for the good words! I'm excited. But I admit that a simple mind such as mine is easily amused! Don
Don't shoot it!
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I did see tongue-in-cheek references to chronographs curiously "exploding' when being shot through LOL. Don
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Competition Electronics’ Pro Chrono- American made, blue tooth works well. Results coincide with my Oehler 35P, something the Chinese made Caldwell didn’t.
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Wednesday, April 7, 2021
HW95L .22 (stock) FPS Pellet testing.
Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph & iPad APP
Created: 03/21/21 11:08 AM
Description: 10 shot test for H&N FTT 14.66 gr Notes 1: 25 yard target
Notes 2: Distance to Chrono(FT): 5.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.021
Bullet Weight(gr): 14.66
Temp: 51 °F cloudy day
BP: 1030.00 in Hg
Altitude: 495 feet, Cary, NC 27511
Shot # FPS FT-LBS PF
10 679 15.01 9.95
9 694 15.68 10.17
8 692 15.59 10.14
7 691 15.55 10.13
6 688 15.41 10.09
5 695 15.73 10.19
4 681 15.10 9.98
3 687 15.37 10.07
2 694 15.68 10.17
1 686 15.32 10.06
Average: 688.7 FPS
SD: 5.5 FPS
Min: 679 FPS
Max: 695 FPS
Spread: 16 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.0
True MV: 702 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00
Created: 04/02/21 11:38 AM
Description: 10 shot test for Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr Notes 1: 25 yard target
Notes 2: Distance to Chrono(FT): 5.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.026
Bullet Weight(gr): 18.13
Temp: 46 °F partly cloudy day
BP: 1030.00 in Hg
Altitude: 495 feet, Cary, NC 27511
Shot # FPS FT-LBS PF
10 611 15.03
9 613 15.13
8 614 15.18
7 615 15.23
6 616 15.28
5 615 15.23
4 620 15.48
3 616 15.23
2 621 15.53
1 624 15.68
Average: 616.5 FPS
SD: 4.0 FPS
Min: 611 FPS
Max: 624 FPS
Spread: 13 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.0
True MV: 617 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00
24 shots without any errors. Excellent unit.
(https://i.imgur.com/fFQttSWh.jpg)
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Just read some reviews and it seemed to be a good deal.
I did buy the light kit for it, it is a must for indoor readings.
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Since nobody has mentioned it yet, Combro CB-625 mk4
Attaches to barrel, no external lighting issues. Can be connected to laptop via usb for automatic string recording, fits in a shirt pocket.
JMJinNC
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I went with a Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph, and added a light kit for indoor testing.
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Some other things I like about the simple F1 is it folds in half and fits in my gun bag with my other stuff. I took some old Chinese cleaning rod section and cut them so they fit in side the folded chrony for the up rights. Along with a couple of batteries with tape on them to keep them from shorting. Got an ink pin and little note book in there also.
I painted the up rights red so I can see them down range when I want to measure velocity at 25 yards. I put bricks in front of the chrony so I want shoot it with a shoot and see target behind it. Get's a little old walking down range to see the numbers but it works for me.
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I got a Caldwell a few years ago when amazon dropped the price to the low $70s.
Its been good, some errors but mostly due to operator error.
9v batteries are the pits and I plan to rig up something with Li ion batteries soon because I keep killing the batteries.
2 1/2 weeks ago what was left of Ida blessed my family with 6' ow water in my garage. My Caldwell unit was mostly submerged but only briefly. I took it upstairs, shook it out and put it in the sun the next day, let it sit in with the dehumidifiers for a few days and powered it up. I was sure it was done like my rangefinder but it is 100%. pretty cool.
I am not saying it is waterproof or water resistant but certainly not so fragile that it was immediately toast.
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The cheap clamp-on from China is my favorite for airguns.
I have 4 chronographs.
I might be the only person here with 2 bad Caldwell Kits.
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I just received my lmbr chrony from Poland and is this thing kool, they even sent me every replacement part that you can imagine for it. And it has blue tooth also.
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I just received my lmbr chrony from Poland and is this thing kool, they even sent me every replacement part that you can imagine for it. And it has blue tooth also.
Excellent choice.
If I'm going to buy a chrono it'd be a LMBR.
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I have the Caldwell with the cable. I lost it. :( I also have a combro cb-625 that just works all the time and every time. The only accessories it needs are pen and paper.
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F1. Cheap, cheap to replace if you shoot it, easy to use, easy to carry around. I can get the numbers from Pyramyd or AoA's computer. I never use a light or those white things over it. I just wait for clear weather.
You need one. If not it's like being at a football game without a program. You don't know who to cuss.
Also folds in half (7.5"x4"x2.5") and fits in my gun box easily. Inside of it I keep a couple of batteries with electrical tape over the terminals, a small ink pen, small notebook and four pieces of old brass Chinese cleaning rods cut short, (5") to fit inside for the corner uprights. The rods are painted red so I can see them when I measure fps at the target. I place bricks in front of the chroney so I don't shoot it.