GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Topic started by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 10:14:23 PM

Title: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 10:14:23 PM
      Im going to post some tips and links to help those in need of advise tuning their AG
http://www.calc.sikes.us/1/index.php (http://www.calc.sikes.us/1/index.php)
http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/energycalc.htm?fps=900&grains=55 (http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/energycalc.htm?fps=900&grains=55)
http://www.calc.sikes.us/2/ (http://www.calc.sikes.us/2/)
http://www.airguns.net/calculators.php (http://www.airguns.net/calculators.php)
      Now the chronograph I use and Ill explain why shortly
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5290?keywords=caldwell%20chronograph%20premium%20kit&qid=1455761448&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5290?keywords=caldwell%20chronograph%20premium%20kit&qid=1455761448&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1)
      And audio cable you will need
http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-3-5mm-right-angle-AV-1404R/dp/B00EAON0BI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1456968499&sr=8-4&keywords=3+ring+audio+cable (http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-3-5mm-right-angle-AV-1404R/dp/B00EAON0BI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1456968499&sr=8-4&keywords=3+ring+audio+cable)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 10:18:13 PM
 First things first and thats setting up your Chronograph. I put mine indoors and shoot it outdoors threw a window in a safe direction into a pellet trap that also holds a standard size target paper. You can get different targets to print for free here=  http://www.mytargets.com/ (http://www.mytargets.com/)   Now attach light kit to your chronograph and plug it in and remember chronographs hate artifical light so try to avoid it. If your going to data log with the supplied data cable DONT!!! Throw it away and use the cable I listed above or you will get many error or missed readings. Now its time to run a string
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 10:31:46 PM
When I run a base string I normally will fill to max fill pressure and shoot the gun down till its going to slow to be useful. I keep this data on my phone where its captured using the data cable from the chronograph, here in the app I can delete or modify the string adding pellet weight or deleting missed shots etc. After I run a base string I normally if more strings are needed will only shoot 1 pellet every 3 shots to conserve pellets until im close. Also remember that when running your string dry fire the first round always its a waste shot that will only screw up your string or misguide you Ill explain why later.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 10:56:53 PM
Ok your chrono is set up with lights on and your ready to run a string so lets run one and see whats going on. Heres a string with a "Korean Cliff" that means its starts real fast and descends rapidly. The cause of this is normally to much hammer strike at the given fill pressure. Two ways to fix this or start to fix it, either fill to a higher pressure if its safe and run again or more likely reduce pre-load on hammer.
Created: 06/10/15 04:16 PM
Description:
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.054
Bullet Weight(gr): 31.00
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
8    906      56.51    28.09
7    917      57.89    28.43
6    930      59.54    28.83
5    940      60.83    29.14
4    945      61.48    29.30
3    953      62.53    29.54
2    971      64.91    30.10
1    977      65.72    30.29
Average: 942.4 FPS
SD: 24.7 FPS
Min: 906 FPS
Max: 977 FPS
Spread: 71 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 944 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone 
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 11:00:42 PM
What we are after in a non regulated PCP is a smooth BELL CURVE. So what we are after is your starting shot being the same or near the same speed as your last shot in the string with the peek speed in the middle. This will give you the most shots in the target area and the best usage of air. Thus Lower ES and or SD. ES (extreme spread) isn't a total but the difference between the highest & lowest velocity in a string.
SD (standard deviation) is figure showing how close each load is to being alike.
Created: 08/08/15 09:47 AM
Description: bottled Flex .30 non Reg.
Notes 1: 3100 fill to 2400 finish
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 44.75
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
27    881      77.14    39.42
26    885      77.84    39.60
25    888      78.37    39.74
24    895      79.61    40.05
23    896      79.79    40.10
22    899      80.32    40.23
21    901      80.68    40.32
20    903      81.04    40.41
19    905      81.40    40.50
18    909      82.12    40.68
17    907      81.76    40.59
16    906      81.58    40.54
15    908      81.94    40.63
14    903      81.04    40.41
13    910      82.30    40.72
12    903      81.04    40.41
11    910      82.30    40.72
10    907      81.76    40.59
9    904      81.22    40.45
8    907      81.76    40.59
7    903      81.04    40.41
6    900      80.50    40.28
5    ERROR 10
4    896      79.79    40.10
3    896      79.79    40.10
2    893      79.25    39.96
1    888      78.37    39.74
Average: 900.1 FPS
SD: 8.0 FPS
Min: 881 FPS
Max: 910 FPS
Spread: 29 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 900 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 11:11:43 PM
Anyone who wants to jump in here is welcome BUT please keep it as simple as possible Im doing this for those with limited tuning knowledge and LESS is more sometimes. You here me BOB LOL and you to Motorhead!!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 11:27:20 PM
Ok lets look at some strings with problems and how I resolved them.

Description: .25 marauder stock reworked valve with SSG .187 barrel port
Notes 1: 2800-1800psi
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 25.40
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
23    895      45.19    22.73
22    889      44.58    22.58
21    891      44.78    22.63
20    890      44.68    22.61
19    916      47.33    23.27
18    891      44.78    22.63
17    906      46.30    23.01
16    908      46.51    23.06
15    908      46.51    23.06
14    912      46.92    23.16
13    912      46.92    23.16
12    903      46.00    22.94
11    903      46.00    22.94
10    910      46.71    23.11
9    895      45.19    22.73
8    912      46.92    23.16
7    898      45.49    22.81
6    887      44.38    22.53
5    909      46.61    23.09
4    888      44.48    22.56
3    883      43.98    22.43
2    900      45.69    22.86
1    903      46.00    22.94
Average: 900.4 FPS
SD: 9.8 FPS
Min: 883 FPS
Max: 916 FPS
Spread: 33 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 900 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
The above string looks pretty good BUT every once in a while a much faster than normal shot would rear its ugly head!!! What gives? Well the first thing I would check in a string like this is hammer drag or binding. The hammer must flow smoothly down its bore to the valve if we want a string that is consistent. But in this case it wasnt that at all I had mixed two tins ofJsb pellets and some had thin skirts and some thick and when I put in the thin skirt pellet Id get a fst shot. SO when running your strings make sure your pellets do not have bent skirts or are different in any way.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Gertrude on February 17, 2016, 11:31:42 PM
Thank you Travis for your time and contributions for the benefit of all.
I'm sure many will find this helpful.
 (I know I sure will) , subscribed so I wont miss anything you have to teach.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 11:36:50 PM
 Ok heres another problem string as you can see it starts off real slow then jumps up quickly. What gives? All air guns have a sweet spot where the valve likes to operate thus fill pressures can make a huge difference when tuning and air rifle and this is the most common cause for inconsistent shot patterns ive seen from customers guns sent in. The above gun was filled to 3K as described by the specs given by the maker( Crosman in this case but as you can see the valve is struggling to over come this pressure and open the valve and not till it dropped low enough in pressure was the pellet able to get up to speed. This gun was so far out of tune I stopped the string early.
Created: 08/14/15 11:38 AM
Description:
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 141.00
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
5    769      185.18  108.43
4    766      183.74  108.01
3    753      177.55  106.17
2    741      171.94  104.48
1    718      161.43  101.24
Average: 749.4 FPS
SD: 20.8 FPS
Min: 718 FPS
Max: 769 FPS
Spread: 51 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 749 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 11:39:36 PM
 I had my teaching credentials many years ago and was a 1st Grade teacher many light years ago. Thank you Sir.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 17, 2016, 11:55:22 PM
Ok back to business heres another string from a Flex .30 cal and im using a lot of Flex strings only because I have so many with varying results. In this case  the Flex has a normal fill pressure of 3K but knowing that higher fill pressures in guns that can be adjusted to open the valve at high fill pressures will yield a tighter ES I filled it to test this out and as you can see at 3500 PSI its very efficient. But this isnt always the case it depends if the hammer energy is strong enough to open the valve at high fill pressures and the valve is able to flow enough. theres a lot more too it but Ill explain more in the advanced course lol.
Created: 07/29/15 01:14 PM
Description: flex 3500 fill
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.50
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 44.75
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
8    893      79.25    39.96
7    902      80.86    40.36
6    902      80.86    40.36
5    903      81.04    40.41
4    905      81.40    40.50
3    901      80.68    40.32
2    909      82.12    40.68
1    891      78.90    39.87
Average: 900.8 FPS
SD: 6.0 FPS
Min: 891 FPS
Max: 909 FPS
Spread: 18 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 901 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Tims229 on February 18, 2016, 12:00:47 AM
Hopping on to gain some knowledge.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 12:08:07 AM
 When the numbers LIE. Sometimes the SD  looks fantastic! But the truth isnt always in the SD and ES. Heres another Gun with a Fantastic SD  but this gun was set up to shoot 200 Yards and If you look at the numbers you will see To much jumping from shot to shot and at those distances those points between the numbers can mean a complete miss. In this case the gun was shooting slugs and wasnt cleaned well and leading was the issue.
Created: 08/05/15 10:15 AM
Description:
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.540
Bullet Weight(gr): 54.00
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
8    909      99.09    49.09
7    915      100.40  49.41
6    917      100.84  49.52
5    916      100.62  49.46
4    910      99.31    49.14
3    924      102.39  49.90
2    912      99.75    49.25
1    907      98.66    48.98
Average: 913.8 FPS
SD: 5.4 FPS
Min: 907 FPS
Max: 924 FPS
Spread: 17 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.0
True MV: 914 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 12:35:04 AM
 When it all goes right. Ok you have all your mods done you shot your final string and its as good as you can get it. Sometimes there comes a time when a few points either way just doesnt matter much and you have spent far too much time shooting out into the pellet trap so Its time to call it. Heres a few tunes where I just couldnt eek out another point. I do not sort, weigh or lube my pellets I just dont have time so you will always see some inconsistency due to the pellets themselves.

Description: Flex .30 SSG HFP
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 45.00
Temp: 67 °F
BP: 30.26 inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
20    888      78.81    39.96
19    887      78.63    39.92
18    888      78.81    39.96
17    892      79.52    40.14
16    892      79.52    40.14
15    897      80.41    40.37
14    900      80.95    40.50
13    898      80.59    40.41
12    887      78.63    39.92
11    894      79.87    40.23
10    898      80.59    40.41
9    894      79.87    40.23
8    895      80.05    40.28
7    892      79.52    40.14
6    898      80.59    40.41
5    896      80.23    40.32
4    893      79.69    40.19
3    893      79.69    40.19
2    893      79.69    40.19
1    891      79.34    40.10
Average: 893.3 FPS
SD: 3.9 FPS
Min: 887 FPS
Max: 900 FPS
Spread: 13 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.0
True MV: 893 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone


Description: Steve
Notes 1:
Notes 2: .22 marauder build
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 0.00
Temp: 68 °F
BP: 30.01 inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
42    883      0.00    0.00   
41    885      0.00    0.00   
40    891      0.00    0.00   
39    884      0.00    0.00   
38    896      0.00    0.00   
37    884      0.00    0.00   
36    885      0.00    0.00   
35    893      0.00    0.00   
34    889      0.00    0.00   
33    888      0.00    0.00   
32    891      0.00    0.00   
31    892      0.00    0.00   
30    881      0.00    0.00   
29    894      0.00    0.00   
28    889      0.00    0.00   
27    898      0.00    0.00   
26    901      0.00    0.00   
25    901      0.00    0.00   
24    897      0.00    0.00   
23    897      0.00    0.00   
22    902      0.00    0.00   
21    881      0.00    0.00   
20    903      0.00    0.00   
19    894      0.00    0.00   
18    901      0.00    0.00   
17    891      0.00    0.00   
16    886      0.00    0.00   
15    897      0.00    0.00   
14    900      0.00    0.00   
13    892      0.00    0.00   
12    900      0.00    0.00   
11    883      0.00    0.00   
10    904      0.00    0.00   
9    897      0.00    0.00   
8    ERROR 10
7    894      0.00    0.00   
6    897      0.00    0.00   
5    898      0.00    0.00   
4    899      0.00    0.00   
3    884      0.00    0.00   
2    903      0.00    0.00   
1    884      0.00    0.00   
Average: 892.9 FPS
SD: 6.9 FPS
Min: 881 FPS
Max: 904 FPS
Spread: 23 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 893 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 12:38:45 AM
Now lets use one of those links to learn more about our fine job we did.
http://www.calc.sikes.us/1/index.php (http://www.calc.sikes.us/1/index.php)
Now take the Flex .30 above and put in all the specs with a fill pressure of 3k start and 2600 ending you will now get the efficiency per shot everyone is talking about these days. Now change those fill numbers from 3000psi fill to 2500 psi and you can see how much it changes.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 12:47:17 AM
 So what does this all mean? The more efficient you can make your gun the more shots you will get and the more accurate it will be and the report from the muzzle will be the quietest. This is what we strive for and why I stay up to midnight many days a week tyring to find those few points I couldnt find the day before. Im going to dig threw some crazy strings Ive had and see if anyone can figure out what was the problem .
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 01:02:07 AM
 Ok if you were paying attention than you should be able to tell whats wrong with this tune. ANYBODY dont be shy its a learning experience.
Created: 10/16/14 11:04 AM
Description: WAR carbine
Notes 1: low speed tune HT 7 HS 0
Notes 2: 2900psi to 2400
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 0.00
Temp: 62 °F
BP: 30.05 inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
26    761      0.00    0.00   
25    764      0.00    0.00   
24    765      0.00    0.00   
23    757      0.00    0.00   
22    742      0.00    0.00   
21    742      0.00    0.00   
20    739      0.00    0.00   
19    727      0.00    0.00   
18    723      0.00    0.00   
17    716      0.00    0.00   
16    706      0.00    0.00   
15    704      0.00    0.00   
14    700      0.00    0.00   
13    697      0.00    0.00   
12    696      0.00    0.00   
11    691      0.00    0.00   
10    684      0.00    0.00   
9    676      0.00    0.00   
8    671      0.00    0.00   
7    665      0.00    0.00   
6    666      0.00    0.00   
5    661      0.00    0.00   
4    654      0.00    0.00   
3    646      0.00    0.00   
2    643      0.00    0.00   
1    636      0.00    0.00   
Average: 701.2 FPS
SD: 40.0 FPS
Min: 636 FPS
Max: 765 FPS
Spread: 129 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 701 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Motorhead on February 18, 2016, 01:14:00 AM
Descending velocity right out of the gate ..... YOU NEED A REGULATOR (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)

You did say contribute  :o
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 01:22:14 AM
 Butthead LOL
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Motorhead on February 18, 2016, 01:39:27 AM
Butthead LOL

What .... you saying string is ascending in velocity, what was I thinking !!!

You need a regulator !! ... still  ;D
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 01:41:10 AM
 Your not helping... >:(
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Motorhead on February 18, 2016, 01:56:03 AM
Your not helping... >:(

Lol .... but I could  ;)

When a set up has velocity INCREASE as pressure within tank is DECREASING .... tells you a few things are in play  ???

One being valves poppet is rejecting the opening force exerted by the hammer.
Could be Too Light of a hammer. Too light a hammer spring, TOO HEAVY a poppet spring, Too short of stroke along with a few other reasons.  :-\

When one understands the PRESSURE within a given valve on it's own is holding the poppet shut and must be overcome to get valve to lift and flow some air ... understanding this small piece of the puzzle much more comes into focus  ;)

As you were TEACHER  ;)

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 02:05:13 AM
 Scott of course is correct and For the less informed heres the fix(normally) You can do one or two things normally but may require both. First increase hammer strike so there is more energy to open said valve at that pressure OR lower fill pressure so less hammer energy is needed to open valve or a combo of both.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Tater on February 18, 2016, 02:11:54 AM
Great thread! I appreciate the easy-to-understand-for-noobs explanations of the adjustments.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Dairyboy on February 18, 2016, 02:51:50 AM
Thanks for this. Love the sites to figure out efficiency and hopefully can tune my guns even alittle better from all this info.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Verminstalker on February 18, 2016, 01:51:32 PM
Ok if you were paying attention than you should be able to tell whats wrong with this tune. ANYBODY dont be shy its a learning experience.
Created: 10/16/14 11:04 AM
Description: WAR carbine
Notes 1: low speed tune HT 7 HS 0
Notes 2: 2900psi to 2400
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 0.00
Temp: 62 °F
BP: 30.05 inHg
#          FPS  FT-LBS      PF
26    761      0.00    0.00   
25    764      0.00    0.00   
24    765      0.00    0.00   
23    757      0.00    0.00   
22    742      0.00    0.00   
21    742      0.00    0.00   
20    739      0.00    0.00   
19    727      0.00    0.00   
18    723      0.00    0.00   
17    716      0.00    0.00   
16    706      0.00    0.00   
15    704      0.00    0.00   
14    700      0.00    0.00   
13    697      0.00    0.00   
12    696      0.00    0.00   
11    691      0.00    0.00   
10    684      0.00    0.00   
9    676      0.00    0.00   
8    671      0.00    0.00   
7    665      0.00    0.00   
6    666      0.00    0.00   
5    661      0.00    0.00   
4    654      0.00    0.00   
3    646      0.00    0.00   
2    643      0.00    0.00   
1    636      0.00    0.00   
Average: 701.2 FPS
SD: 40.0 FPS
Min: 636 FPS
Max: 765 FPS
Spread: 129 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 701 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00


Sent from my iPhone

Valve not able to overcome pressure till late in the string. More preload on hammer spring?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on February 18, 2016, 03:49:05 PM
 Exactly you need more preload and possibly a lower fill pressure to boot. Good job! Ill throw some stumpers on in a bit.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: aceflier on February 18, 2016, 04:08:17 PM
I could have used this a week ago. Oh well learned the long and painful hand pumping way. Still watching in case I need to try something. I can't leave well enough alone sometimes.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: int3man on February 20, 2016, 02:49:07 PM
Also remember that when running your string dry fire the first round always its a waste shot that will only screw up your string or misguide you Ill explain why later.

O.K.  Obi-Wan Kenobi  Luke here, please explain the Jedi Mind Trick, "wasted first shot" as promised. 

From what I can tell the PE is the same and the Friction is the same so the KE should be the same.  The only thing that has changed since your last shot was the fill pressure and it has come back to where you first started.  So why is it a wasted shot???  Is it the Dark side of the Force?

I have seen it always lower but I have no clue as to why.

Thank you.   Obi-Wan

Michael :- )
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Dsrieth on February 27, 2016, 08:50:26 AM
I was looking at your suggested parts to get and noticed that the audio cable that you listed only has two rings, whereas my Caldwell ballistics chrono cable has three rings. I tried using a two ring cable and it wouldn't make connection. Did u end up using a 2 ring connector cable on yours, or is the one in your link suppose to be a 3 ring?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: int3man on March 02, 2016, 08:53:31 PM
Hi it should be a 3 ring Data cable.  Same ones that you use for an I Pod. 
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on March 02, 2016, 09:26:46 PM
Im sorry its this one I will go back and change it   http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-3-5mm-right-angle-AV-1404R/dp/B00EAON0BI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1456968499&sr=8-4&keywords=3+ring+audio+cable (http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-3-5mm-right-angle-AV-1404R/dp/B00EAON0BI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1456968499&sr=8-4&keywords=3+ring+audio+cable)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: MicErs on March 02, 2016, 09:34:44 PM
Butthead LOL

What .... you saying string is ascending in velocity, what was I thinking !!!

You need a regulator !! ... still  ;D
Yes, a regulator would give you more shots at a consistent velocity.  My BSA was doing the same thing.  I managed to get 70 shots out of it when I regulated it to 18 FPE.  Right now it is at 25 and I get 50 shots... but really I should tear it down and set it back to 18 FPE.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on March 03, 2016, 01:13:12 AM
   I get this question a lot. Why does my gun shoot slow when I fill higher than xxxPSI? Or why does my ES get huge when I over fill? Well its quite simple really there is a small valve head inside your gun that has pressure pushing it closed and its opened by the hammer when it hits the valve stem. So to open a valve at low pressure requires little hammer energy or how fast the hammer can travel to put it simply. So when you fill to high pressures there is way more pressure in the air tank pushing down on the valve head and requires more hammer energy to open it. Well that sounds ok BUT when you apply enough hammer energy to open the valve at high pressure it then opens the valve a lot at low power where it requires less hammer energy.  So most people will have a high pressure tune for higher power shots and a lower fill pressure tune for more consistent shots and a longer shot count.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on March 03, 2016, 01:46:47 AM
 MY gun get louder at low pressures??? Well once again this is all about potential energy and valve dwell so let me explain. There is vast more energy at 3K fill then at 2K fill so to push a given pellet to lets say 900FPS at 3k it takes very little dwell or how far the valve opens to get the pellet to speed where as at 2K fill the same speed requires the valve to be held open longer to use more air at a lower PSI to get the pellet to speed this is a long dwell. Long dwell shots waste more air and have the valve open longer thus more report from the barrel. So long dwell low pressure equals loud report and high pressure short dwell low report more of a snap where as a low fill long dwell is more of a woosh.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Rocker1 on March 03, 2016, 05:53:31 AM
Good stuff Travis now I know everything almost sometimes what day is it?? seriously good stuff and thanks for shareing and the lesson. David
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Tims229 on March 03, 2016, 09:01:47 AM
MY gun get louder at low pressures??? Well once again this is all about potential energy and valve dwell so let me explain. There is vast more energy at 3K fill then at 2K fill so to push a given pellet to lets say 900FPS at 3k it takes very little dwell or how far the valve opens to get the pellet to speed where as at 2K fill the same speed requires the valve to be held open longer to use more air at a lower PSI to get the pellet to speed this is a long dwell. Long dwell shots waste more air and have the valve open longer thus more report from the barrel. So long dwell low pressure equals loud report and high pressure short dwell low report more of a snap where as a low fill long dwell is more of a woosh.

I've noticed this when my jkhan bullpup goes off the regulator. I can literally hear when I'm off the regulator because the report sound changes. There is also more of a spring twangy sound after off the regulator. Probably because at that point, I have more hammer energy than needed to open the valve.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on March 04, 2016, 09:21:24 PM
 Your right on the money Tim. The valve is being held shut at a constant pressure with the Reg. and when it drops below the Reg. set pressure than you have over dwell = opening the valve to far and to long.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: GLPalinkas on March 05, 2016, 08:27:53 AM
Also remember that when running your string dry fire the first round always its a waste shot that will only screw up your string or misguide you Ill explain why later.

O.K.  Obi-Wan Kenobi  Luke here, please explain the Jedi Mind Trick, "wasted first shot" as promised. 


I agree, Come on Travis.... You are still teasing us. Inquiring Minds want to know.. LOL

THANK YOU for this thread. Very educational.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on March 12, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
 When using loyds PCP Air Efficiency Calculator  http://www.calc.sikes.us/1/index.php (http://www.calc.sikes.us/1/index.php)  You need to know your tank volume this can be found here for the most common PCPs http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/Tanks/GunVolumes.html (http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/Tanks/GunVolumes.html)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Fishobaby on March 20, 2016, 12:16:33 PM
Also remember that when running your string dry fire the first round always its a waste shot that will only screw up your string or misguide you Ill explain why later.

O.K.  Obi-Wan Kenobi  Luke here, please explain the Jedi Mind Trick, "wasted first shot" as promised. 

I agree, Come on Travis.... You are still teasing us. Inquiring Minds want to know.. LOL
First learn stand, then learn fly.  No, seriously, I think I know. I think that it–  that it wasn't enough just to want to see Uncle Henry and Auntie Em. And it's that if I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there I never really lost it to begin with.  Is that right?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: int3man on May 21, 2016, 01:38:47 AM
Hi All,
            So I spoke with OBI Wan today.  It turns out that when you fill the rifle you generate heat. That heat causes the Poppet to stick.  Either because the Poppet not so good because it heated or the Valve seat constricted around the the poppet.  Either way throw the first shot out!

Great education for free! 

Thanks Travis!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on June 08, 2016, 08:52:48 PM
Another helpful link for ALL your airgun MANUALS. This will save you time looking for all your air gun manuals they are all here in one place.   http://www.airventuri.com/site/manuals/ (http://www.airventuri.com/site/manuals/)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: JOSEPHVILLE GUN on June 20, 2016, 10:22:09 AM
Thanks for the help I like it.
Shane
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: jhm757 on June 20, 2016, 11:17:20 AM
Good Stuff!!!

Thanks oldpro!!!


Jim - jhm757
Title: I would add this to your numerical analysis
Post by: dan_house on June 23, 2016, 03:11:18 PM
most folks are familiar with the "SD" calculation yer crony gives..... But their is a better measurement of Deviation that fits us air gunners better: Average Deviation

It tends sot run smaller than SD, but I think its a better reflection of performance than SD. It shows what is yer most likely variance from shot to shot is. Trouble is you 'll need a spreadsheet to calculate it after keying in your string.....
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on June 23, 2016, 07:25:25 PM
So Im updating my chronograph in the shop and I thought you all would like to see what Im using now and why.   https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-G2-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B01B7OYNJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466720545&sr=8-1&keywords=caldwell+g2+ballistic+precision+chronograph (https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-G2-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B01B7OYNJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466720545&sr=8-1&keywords=caldwell+g2+ballistic+precision+chronograph)     and youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeqTJwmrsY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeqTJwmrsY) YES its a bit pricey but you get what you pay for and with its smartphone data logging its as good as it gets.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Wildcatter on June 23, 2016, 08:30:24 PM
Hammer spring.  Hey, I keep posting to find someone who tunes break barrels springers; does anybody know somone????
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Tater on June 24, 2016, 01:52:49 AM
So Im updating my chronograph in the shop and I thought you all would like to see what Im using now and why.   https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-G2-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B01B7OYNJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466720545&sr=8-1&keywords=caldwell+g2+ballistic+precision+chronograph (https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-G2-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B01B7OYNJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466720545&sr=8-1&keywords=caldwell+g2+ballistic+precision+chronograph)     and youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeqTJwmrsY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeqTJwmrsY) YES its a bit pricey but you get what you pay for and with its smartphone data logging its as good as it gets.

Nice chrony! Seeing that makes me wonder if it would help typical chronies if they could be mounted upside down on some kind of stand like a saw horse. Maybe get less errors?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: jhm757 on June 24, 2016, 10:49:39 AM
So Im updating my chronograph in the shop and I thought you all would like to see what Im using now and why.   https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-G2-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B01B7OYNJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466720545&sr=8-1&keywords=caldwell+g2+ballistic+precision+chronograph (https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-G2-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B01B7OYNJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466720545&sr=8-1&keywords=caldwell+g2+ballistic+precision+chronograph)     and youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeqTJwmrsY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeqTJwmrsY) YES its a bit pricey but you get what you pay for and with its smartphone data logging its as good as it gets.

Looks real nice!!

The only thing I see that could be bad is that it would be easier to shoot the chrony by mistake with it on top.

Jim - jhm757
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on June 24, 2016, 02:45:46 PM
Just the opposite. Because it doesnt pick up poor lighting there is no need to shoot close to the sensors.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: farmerjoe99 on June 24, 2016, 04:11:57 PM
Just the opposite. Because it doesnt pick up poor lighting there is no need to shoot close to the sensors.
I like the thought of not having to keep the cable on hand to :)
now if I could just trade in my current caldwell chrony for one of these  8)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on January 05, 2020, 10:28:57 PM
Why isn't this pinned in the PCP forum?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 05, 2020, 11:26:42 PM
 I totally forgot about this thread! I’ll add a little more to it this week.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: ranchibi on January 06, 2020, 12:12:12 AM
Travis, a most wonderfully informative thread! I’ve learned a boat load from you helping me tune my Raptor..many many thanks for the info and your time!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 02:35:52 AM
 For moving parts like the bolt and probe (don’t use on hammers) I like krytox Krytox GPL 205 Grease, Pure PFPE/PTFE, 0.5 oz Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWLDALQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-pTeEb8ZQT37S (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWLDALQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-pTeEb8ZQT37S)
 And for bolts that need adjusting but you don’t want to come loose I put a good coat of LET (liquid electrical tape) let it dry completely it drys fast also then install. Bolts like hammer strikers or velocity adjusters etc.
Gardner Bender 07315001126 LTB-400 Liquid Electrical Tape, Easy-on, Waterproof, Indoor/Outdoor Use, 4 Oz. Jar, Black, Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPAN2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_quTeEb8AXG3VK (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPAN2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_quTeEb8AXG3VK)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 06, 2020, 02:43:37 AM
Great stuff Travis.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 02:45:24 AM
 Here’s another problem child! I see this a lot it’s a common problem you’ll see with power mods etc. Can you tell me what’s causing this high jump in FPS in the middle of the string?

Created: 07/08/19 05:15 PM
Description:
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 0.00
Temp: 83 °F
BP: 1013.00 inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
30    897      0.00     0.00   
29    907      0.00     0.00   
28    925      0.00     0.00   
27    938      0.00     0.00   
26    946      0.00     0.00   
25    944      0.00     0.00   
24    940      0.00     0.00   
23    942      0.00     0.00   
22    951      0.00     0.00   
21    933      0.00     0.00   
20    927      0.00     0.00   
19    940      0.00     0.00   
18    934      0.00     0.00   
17    928      0.00     0.00   
16    931      0.00     0.00   
15    926      0.00     0.00   
14    920      0.00     0.00   
13    919      0.00     0.00   
12    909      0.00     0.00   
11    924      0.00     0.00   
10    904      0.00     0.00   
9     915      0.00     0.00   
8     908      0.00     0.00   
7     907      0.00     0.00   
6     911      0.00     0.00   
5     903      0.00     0.00   
4     901      0.00     0.00   
3     890      0.00     0.00   
2     881      0.00     0.00   
1     910      0.00     0.00   
Average: 920.4 FPS
SD: 17.8 FPS
Min: 881 FPS
Max: 951 FPS
Spread: 70 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 920 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: RDB on January 06, 2020, 04:00:57 AM
I'll take a stab. To light of a valve spring? Too big t port? I guess thats two guesses.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 04:04:06 AM
I'll take a stab. To light of a valve spring? Too big t port? I guess thats two guesses.
Very good quess!!!  But that’s not it. I will however show a string with to light a valve return spring in the future.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 06, 2020, 06:50:55 AM
Would this one be too much hammer spring?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 07:44:23 AM
Looks like it has a bell curve of sorts. regulation issue?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 11:10:18 AM
 Both good guesses but still not it and it’s a non regulated string.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 11:13:33 AM
I ain't the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to reading strings, but it seems like the hammer is sticking a little. There is a lot of variance shot to shot.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 11:15:07 AM
 Another good guess but it’s not a mechanical problem. Very common with High power tuning.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 11:28:17 AM
Hmmm I hate problem children lol
Pressure too low for given fpe?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 11:40:46 AM
Hmmm I hate problem children lol
Pressure too low for given fpe?
Not that. Hint, think what mods are common with high power tunes.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Dairyboy on January 06, 2020, 11:51:45 AM
Too heavy of a hammer? I'm not sure. But if it were my gun I'd just turn hammer spring in alittle to get the first shot to start at 920ish fps lol
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 11:55:46 AM
Since I dislike "problem children" and also mechanical mysteries Ill keep guessing ;D
Porting over sized?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 12:06:32 PM
Since I dislike "problem children" and also mechanical mysteries Ill keep guessing ;D
Porting over sized?
There ya go! The Transfer port is too large in this case. The valve in this gun has its peak velocity at around 2600 psi so when the valve gets to that point and the big transfer port is not restricting the flow it starts really shooting fast till the pressure drops this sort of over porting will also cause very poor ES/Sd across the board. To fix this you would either tune it for a declining string for hunting or put in a smaller transfer port to slow the flow in the middle power band area and smooth out the string. Very common issue with those seeking Power in their PCP guns.   
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 01:21:59 PM
Here’s another one what do you think the problem is
 

Created: 10/16/14 10:10 AM
Description: WAR .25 carbine
Notes 1: 6 turns HT 3 turns HS
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 25.39
Temp: 61 °F
BP: 30.06 inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
16    844      40.17    21.43   
15    851      40.84    21.61   
14    861      41.80    21.86   
13    863      42.00    21.91   
12    865      42.19    21.96   
11    872      42.88    22.14   
10    871      42.78    22.11   
9     872      42.88    22.14   
8     873      42.97    22.17   
7     867      42.39    22.01   
6     864      42.09    21.94   
5     875      43.17    22.22   
4     870      42.68    22.09   
3     846      40.36    21.48   
2     860      41.70    21.84   
1     850      40.74    21.58   
Average: 862.8 FPS
SD: 10.0 FPS
Min: 844 FPS
Max: 875 FPS
Spread: 31 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 863 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 06, 2020, 01:46:18 PM
Too much HT?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 02:08:31 PM
Too much HT?
No Sir. Hint This is a mechanical problem
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Jacob_M on January 06, 2020, 02:22:55 PM
This is a war .25 carbine so I’m assuming the gun has a bottle on it. To only get that many shots and Have such a short bell curve, the valve is probably over dwelling.

Or if the gun has a small air cylinder. It doesn’t look like a bad string lol.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 02:42:52 PM
Hmmm this is fun...
sticky hammer or greased hammer?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 03:00:39 PM
Hmmm this is fun...
sticky hammer or greased hammer?
This is not a full string I chopped it short due to the issue.Not a hammer issue. This is fun I could do this for months I have 1100 saved strings LOL!!!!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 03:09:50 PM
Im no expert lol but I don't give up easy haha.
How about pellets not being seated past transfer port?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 03:12:13 PM
Im no expert lol but I don't give up easy haha.
How about pellets not being seated past transfer port?
Ow thats a good one and I have a string of that also but not the case here.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Jacob_M on January 06, 2020, 03:16:20 PM
Not consistent pressure from the regulator.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 06, 2020, 04:33:23 PM
Is the hammer hanging up on the sear? This is fun and I'm learning a lot. This is tuning 101!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 04:38:04 PM
Fun and challenging. It sure would be easier if the gun was in hand lol
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 06, 2020, 04:47:59 PM
It might be easier if the gun was in hand but it's a great opportunity to learn how to "read" the velocity data and get a better understanding. I'm really enjoying this thread.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 04:58:24 PM
The nasty ups and downs over the first 6 shots suggest a weak hammer strike relative to the energy level it “wants” to be tuned to.  Also, either a weak, broken, or missing valve spring.

The absurd brevity of the bell curve is what bothers me most...unless the pressure vessel is the size of a tangerine.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 04:59:05 PM
Hmmm  maybe leak at transfer port?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 04:59:57 PM
 In this case it would be easier with the gun in hand but often as a tuner all I get is a string and a collection of thoughts what the customer thinks is wrong with the gun etc. Im trying to make it fun and informative.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 05:01:44 PM
Your doing a good job. This is FUN.  ;D
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 05:04:17 PM
Hmmm  maybe leak at transfer port?
Bingo!!! It blew the transfer port oring and the customer instead of fixing the issue tried to tune around it.   
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 05:08:42 PM
Yahoo 8) Keep them coming. super fun
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 05:09:23 PM
 Here’s another one and all the strings I’m posting are non-regulated unless I State it.
 
 Created: 10/29/14 12:35 PM
Description:
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 27.80
Temp: 77 °F
BP: 30.16 inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
16    895      49.45    24.88   
15    900      50.01    25.02   
14    906      50.68    25.19   
13    908      50.90    25.24   
12    912      51.35    25.35   
11    930      53.40    25.85   
10    922      52.48    25.63   
9     919      52.14    25.55   
8     930      53.40    25.85   
7     923      52.60    25.66   
6     939      54.44    26.10   
5     929      53.28    25.83   
4     942      54.79    26.19   
3     936      54.09    26.02   
2     934      53.86    25.97   
1     928      53.17    25.80   
Average: 922.1 FPS
SD: 14.2 FPS
Min: 895 FPS
Max: 942 FPS
Spread: 47 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 922 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 05:12:37 PM
Travis, I know how busy you are, but, these strings and solutions would be a GREAT teaching/tuning tool. And a great sticky. Maybe after driving us all nuts with guesses, that would be a possibility?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 05:18:32 PM
Korean cliff tune with an inconsistent hammer strike.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on January 06, 2020, 05:21:56 PM
Not consistent pressure from the regulator.
Travis already said it's a non regulated rifle.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 05:22:10 PM
Korean cliff tune with an inconsistent hammer strike.
Yes sir to much hammer because it was dragging metal on metal so it became impossible to tune other than a Korean Cliff
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on January 06, 2020, 05:23:26 PM
Travis, I know how busy you are, but, these strings and solutions would be a GREAT teaching/tuning tool. And a great sticky. Maybe after driving us all nuts with guesses, that would be a possibility?
Well, I don't know about you but for some of us that would be a very very short drive!!! lol
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 05:25:50 PM
Travis, I know how busy you are, but, these strings and solutions would be a GREAT teaching/tuning tool. And a great sticky. Maybe after driving us all nuts with guesses, that would be a possibility?
Well, I don't know about you but for some of us that would be a very very short drive!!! lol

For some of us(me), it would be a putt!!! ;D
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on January 06, 2020, 05:37:19 PM
Travis, I know how busy you are, but, these strings and solutions would be a GREAT teaching/tuning tool. And a great sticky. Maybe after driving us all nuts with guesses, that would be a possibility?
Well, I don't know about you but for some of us that would be a very very short drive!!! lol

For some of us(me), it would be a putt!!! ;D
So you're saying you want approach it slowly? lol
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 05:49:29 PM
Travis, I know how busy you are, but, these strings and solutions would be a GREAT teaching/tuning tool. And a great sticky. Maybe after driving us all nuts with guesses, that would be a possibility?
Well, I don't know about you but for some of us that would be a very very short drive!!! lol

For some of us(me), it would be a putt!!! ;D
So you're saying you want approach it slowly? lol


With a 60 degree wedge!!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 05:52:44 PM
 Here’s a tough one! Need a prize for who gets this. I’ll put some hints in if needed
Created: 08/14/15 10:18 AM
Description:
Notes 1: evanix 45
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 141.00
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
8     658      135.58   92.78   
7     699      153.00   98.56   
6     710      157.85   100.11 
5     739      171.01   104.20 
4     572      102.45   80.65   
3     567      100.67   79.95   
2     598      111.98   84.32   
1     809      204.94   114.07 
Average: 669.0 FPS
SD: 86.2 FPS
Min: 567 FPS
Max: 809 FPS
Spread: 242 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 669 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 05:55:50 PM
I want to punch you right now.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 05:57:05 PM
I want to punch you right now.
Hahahaha!!!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 06:06:12 PM
Here’s my hail Mary.
 
After shot #1, the valve stem began to push through the poppet, absorbing energy from each successive hammer strike, weakening shots 2 through 4.  At shot #5, the stem stopped moving and it began acting normally again.
 
If instead you tell me it will do this every time you fill to a specific pressure, I’m going to need a cup of coffee.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: farmerjoe99 on January 06, 2020, 06:08:47 PM
Now that is an interesting string!
Is it safe to assume that there are no broken parts in play?
Not to rule out mechanical but just that nothing is broken.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 06:12:31 PM
Now that is an interesting string!
Is it safe to assume that there are no broken parts in play?
Not to rule out mechanical but just that nothing is broken.
Something did fail that’s all I’ll say now
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 06:23:04 PM
Plot it.  It’s the Big Dipper.

Aliens from another galaxy sabotaged it.  Final answer.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 06:26:49 PM
Plot it.  It’s the Big Dipper.

Aliens from another galaxy sabotaged it.  Final answer.
That’s funny but I doubt many will get the humor
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 06:56:52 PM
Hammer spring broke?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 06:59:53 PM
Hammer spring broke?
No but getting warmer
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 06, 2020, 07:04:06 PM
Broken sear?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 07:09:50 PM
Broken sear?
Nope
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: dmeguy on January 06, 2020, 07:20:03 PM
Poppet extruded?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mikeyb on January 06, 2020, 07:28:07 PM
Broken valve spring.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 07:47:12 PM
 Nope none of those
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 07:48:49 PM
Striker moving?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 07:56:09 PM
Striker moving?
Very good guess but no. It’s not real elaborate it’s really a simple failure. You’ll all go DUH!!!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: mobilehomer on January 06, 2020, 08:07:14 PM
Breech o-ring? That's all I got. 8)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 08:09:36 PM
Not familiar with the gun but maybe another seal somewhere in the path of air?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on January 06, 2020, 08:28:29 PM
Travis, I know how busy you are, but, these strings and solutions would be a GREAT teaching/tuning tool. And a great sticky. Maybe after driving us all nuts with guesses, that would be a possibility?
Well, I don't know about you but for some of us that would be a very very short drive!!! lol

For some of us(me), it would be a putt!!! ;D
So you're saying you want approach it slowly? lol


With a 60 degree wedge!!
Ahh, you're a goffer!! lol Took me a few min. to figure out "60 degree wedge?"
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on January 06, 2020, 08:31:26 PM
The stem for the poppet either broke or broke thru the poppet shortening how much the 2nd shot the poppet could open.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: dmeguy on January 06, 2020, 08:35:47 PM
Broken valve spring?

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 10:46:37 PM
Breech o-ring? That's all I got. 8)
THATS IT!!! I blew the breech oring on second shot!!!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 10:58:42 PM
Aw, come on >:(  You made it sound like it was something off the wall ;D

But let me get this straight, after you blew the breech O-ring on a 200fpe big bore...you just went on shooting?  I hope you had earmuffs on!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 11:00:52 PM
 It only took off part of the oring and the gun was so loud to begin with I couldnt tell. But It was apparent there was a issue right away.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 11:12:20 PM
 Here’s a oddball you will probably not run into ever.
Created: 01/09/19 02:12 PM
Description: SS 2 .25 cal Mrod
Notes 1: 2700 tether poppet 200/352
Notes 2: 1/4 turns
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 34.00
Temp: 59 °F
BP: 29.79 inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
9     932      65.59    31.69   
8     561      23.76    19.07   
7     420      13.32    14.28   
6     446      15.02    15.16   
5     403      12.26    13.70   
4     336      8.52     11.42   
3     302      6.89     10.27   
2     283      6.05     9.62   
1     255      4.91     8.67   
Average: 437.6 FPS
SD: 208.3 FPS
Min: 255 FPS
Max: 932 FPS
Spread: 677 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 438 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 11:23:26 PM
A piece of debris between the hammer and valve?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 06, 2020, 11:26:46 PM
A piece of debris between the hammer and valve?
No Sir
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 06, 2020, 11:36:49 PM
Ok something seems like its sticking?
Greasy hammer?
Valve seat sticking?
Now i'm going to have to wait for the answer grrrr   ;D
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: nervoustrigger on January 06, 2020, 11:40:41 PM
I figure you're playing with a balanced valve when on shot #9, you figure how to make it a dump valve and empty your entire vessel that's acting as a 2700psi tether.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 12:17:28 AM
None of the above
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: triggertreat on January 07, 2020, 12:28:19 AM
Hammer lug came loose and tilted at an angle backwards a bit after the first shot.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 12:47:08 AM
I figure you're playing with a balanced valve when on shot #9, you figure how to make it a dump valve and empty your entire vessel that's acting as a 2700psi tether.
On the right track
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: triggertreat on January 07, 2020, 01:25:36 AM
Valve stuck open on first shot then settled down.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Franklink on January 07, 2020, 01:34:55 AM
I see the 2700 psi tether but......it looks like a nonregulated gun that got filled quite a bit higher than the tune calls for.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 01:55:34 AM
I see the 2700 psi tether but......it looks like a nonregulated gun that got filled quite a bit higher than the tune calls for.
  That’s exactly what happened! It was tethered to and external regulator that had a bad gauge reading much lower than the actual fill pressure. Once I figured it out and shut off the tank that’s string is how many shots it took to get to normal speed again. Moral of the story gauges are not always right and when doing work with a new set up verify it with a known good set up. 
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 02:02:12 AM
 I stopped using white Thread sealant tape long ago I found it did a poor job sealing pcp guns for various reasons including balling up during installation and poor slippage between parts while tightening so I started using ptfe gas pipe tape. Like this.
 50% less failures with this!
LA-CO 44094 Slic-Tite PTFE Gas Line Pipe Thread Tape, Premium Grade, [260" Length, 1/2" Wide], Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFPAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3bfEbB7HTVEJ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFPAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3bfEbB7HTVEJ)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 02:05:02 AM
 When I have my guns fully assembled I test with leaks with a 1 part dawn dish washing soap 10 parts water mix in a spray gun. I simply spray on all areas of the gun that may leak then wipe down and blow off with compressed air.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 02:08:59 AM
 When I have a gun fully assembled and ready to ship or when I’m using it in the field I spray it down and wipe it with SC-1 by Maximus it makes it shine and smells awesome but more importantly it prevents things from sticking to the gun and that’s always a plus.
Maxima 78920-3PK SC1 Clear Coat Silicone Aerosol Spray, 36 fl. oz., 3 Pack Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY95EFN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B.bfEbSP7AB99 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY95EFN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B.bfEbSP7AB99)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 02:13:36 AM
 I’ve been asked by many people what I use to lube my hammers the answer was and is nothing. I don’t believe in hammer lubes they all fail from either collecting debris or changing viscosity with temperature or absorbing moisture every hammer lube has a weak point. So I either polish the hammer and tube and run it dry or use a MDS hammer that is self lubricating. Never lube hammers ever.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Tater on January 07, 2020, 04:30:31 AM
Sticky valve?

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 07, 2020, 09:04:56 AM
I stopped using white Thread sealant tape long ago I found it did a poor job sealing pcp guns for various reasons including balling up during installation and poor slippage between parts while tightening so I started using ptfe gas pipe tape. Like this.
 50% less failures with this!
LA-CO 44094 Slic-Tite PTFE Gas Line Pipe Thread Tape, Premium Grade, [260" Length, 1/2" Wide], Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFPAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3bfEbB7HTVEJ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFPAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3bfEbB7HTVEJ)
Oh yes. As someone who has used thousands of feet of teflon tape. I keep it far away from my pcp. Pieces can come off and get stuck in places you don't want lol
The "gas" pipe tape you referenced is WAY better if you must use tape. 8)
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 07, 2020, 09:09:40 AM
I stopped using white Thread sealant tape long ago I found it did a poor job sealing pcp guns for various reasons including balling up during installation and poor slippage between parts while tightening so I started using ptfe gas pipe tape. Like this.
 50% less failures with this!
LA-CO 44094 Slic-Tite PTFE Gas Line Pipe Thread Tape, Premium Grade, [260" Length, 1/2" Wide], Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFPAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3bfEbB7HTVEJ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFPAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3bfEbB7HTVEJ)
Oh yes. As someone who has used thousands of feet of teflon tape. I keep it far away from my pcp. Pieces can come off and get stuck in places you don't want lol
The "gas" pipe tape you referenced is WAY better if you must use tape. 8)
Also while its obvious to some... The tape needs to be wrapped correctly to have any chance. Wrap in the direction of the threads or it comes of or bunches up.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 10:01:10 AM
 So we’ve seen some pretty bad strings and odd ones but how about a really good one and what separates it from a decent string. There’s more to a good string than just the ES let’s get into the basics. So the number one goal for most shooters is to have and accurate gun regardless if the shooter is a hunter or bench rest shooter so to achieve this there are a few things that need to be achieved in the shot string to make this happen. For most people they use the ES or extreme spread this is determined by the fastest shot subtracted by the slowest shot in a shot string. The primary goal is to have a single digit ES when possible when tuning as this will yield the best performance from shot to shot. Now another useful tool is the ES as a percentage and as a percentage you want it under 2% if possible this also is a goal for tuning to get the best possible shot to shot consistency so to get the ES percentage you take the ES divide it by the fastest shot then times it by 100. The last but not least is the SD or standard deviation this is the difference in speed shot to shot it’s not the easiest to quickly figure out that’s why most people use ES or the ES percentage but most chronographs will display the SD but if you want to figure it out on paper here’s a good link.
https://www.mathsisfun.com/data/standard-deviation-formulas.html (https://www.mathsisfun.com/data/standard-deviation-formulas.html)
 So below I’ll post a good string then we will go over it using the above tools.

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 10:09:20 AM
Created: 12/21/18 03:56 PM
Description: python valve test
Notes 1: 3000-1825
Notes 2: jSB beast diablo
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 16.00
Temp: 44 °F
BP: 30.23 inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
49    799      22.68    12.78   
48    800      22.74    12.80   
47    799      22.68    12.78   
46    800      22.74    12.80   
45    799      22.68    12.78   
44    801      22.80    12.82   
43    802      22.86    12.83   
42    801      22.80    12.82   
41    799      22.68    12.78   
40    801      22.80    12.82   
39    799      22.68    12.78   
38    801      22.80    12.82   
37    802      22.86    12.83   
36    799      22.68    12.78   
35    798      22.63    12.77   
34    800      22.74    12.80   
33    801      22.80    12.82   
32    801      22.80    12.82   
31    800      22.74    12.80   
30    800      22.74    12.80   
29    801      22.80    12.82   
28    798      22.63    12.77   
27    802      22.86    12.83   
26    801      22.80    12.82   
25    801      22.80    12.82   
24    798      22.63    12.77   
23    799      22.68    12.78   
22    799      22.68    12.78   
21    802      22.86    12.83   
20    803      22.91    12.85   
19    799      22.68    12.78   
18    800      22.74    12.80   
17    804      22.97    12.86   
16    799      22.68    12.78   
15    799      22.68    12.78   
14    801      22.80    12.82   
13    801      22.80    12.82   
12    798      22.63    12.77   
11    801      22.80    12.82   
10    798      22.63    12.77   
9     799      22.68    12.78   
8     800      22.74    12.80   
7     801      22.80    12.82   
6     799      22.68    12.78   
5     799      22.68    12.78   
4     799      22.68    12.78   
3     798      22.63    12.77   
2     802      22.86    12.83   
1     802      22.86    12.83   
Average: 800.1 FPS
SD: 1.4 FPS
Min: 798 FPS
Max: 804 FPS
Spread: 6 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 800 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00
 So using this above string let’s look into what makes it desirable as a shooter. First our goal is to have a single digit ES when possible and we do it’s only 6 so mission number one check two we want a ES percentage under 2% so lets check it 6/804x100= .74 or .74% ES that’s very good check box 2 our third goal is the SD remember we want a single digit SD when possible and ours is a outstanding 1.4 check 3.
 So to bring it all together to be accurate you need both shot to shot consistently (SD) and consistency over the entire shot string (ES) these two things together will give you the best advantage at hitting your target which is always the primary goal when shooting at something.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 07, 2020, 10:32:02 AM
Travis, thank you for creating a thread like this. I'm finding it to be very helpful when it comes to tuning. Do you have a set parameter when it comes to ES? For instance if it is over X amount you take it back to the tuning table and retune it and lower the ES? I know the goal is to get the gun to shoot as consistently as possible but when does it become unacceptable for you?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 10:39:40 AM
Travis, thank you for creating a thread like this. I'm finding it to be very helpful when it comes to tuning. Do you have a set parameter when it comes to ES? For instance if it is over X amount you take it back to the tuning table and retune it and lower the ES? I know the goal is to get the gun to shoot as consistently as possible but when does it become unacceptable for you?
I use a single digit over the entire shot string as my goal it’s not always possible but it’s the goal. So if I have to fill higher or stop shooting lower in the fill to get my single digit that’s what I do. It’s all determined by what the gun does from the first to the last shot to get it to that single digit ES
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on January 07, 2020, 11:53:02 AM
That makes sense. Thanks Travis.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 06:22:36 PM
That makes sense. Thanks Travis.
Your Welcome!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 07:12:45 PM
 OK Test time!!!
 Here’s a string that needs help! You’ve read threw(hopefully) some of the tuning guide and have and idea what to do so now let’s all work together and fix this gun. There’s several ways to fix this so I’ll give you my version after I hear your thoughts.
Created: 10/06/17 11:07 AM
Description:
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight(gr): 0.00
Temp: 64 °F
BP: 30.26 inHg
Altitude: 0.00
#          FPS   FT-LBS       PF
25    690      0.00     0.00   
24    715      0.00     0.00   
23    718      0.00     0.00   
22    729      0.00     0.00   
21    725      0.00     0.00   
20    748      0.00     0.00   
19    756      0.00     0.00   
18    754      0.00     0.00   
17    756      0.00     0.00   
16    763      0.00     0.00   
15    757      0.00     0.00   
14    754      0.00     0.00   
13    747      0.00     0.00   
12    747      0.00     0.00   
11    741      0.00     0.00   
10    732      0.00     0.00   
9     723      0.00     0.00   
8     719      0.00     0.00   
7     713      0.00     0.00   
6     709      0.00     0.00   
5     709      0.00     0.00   
4     700      0.00     0.00   
3     693      0.00     0.00   
2     682      0.00     0.00   
1     671      0.00     0.00   
Average: 726.0 FPS
SD: 26.1 FPS
Min: 671 FPS
Max: 763 FPS
Spread: 92 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.1
True MV: 726 FPS
Group Size (in): 0.00

Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: triggertreat on January 07, 2020, 07:18:21 PM
Increase HS or lower fill pressure.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: PoolDoc on January 07, 2020, 07:22:54 PM
Thanks for this.
1) increase hammer spring tension to cause a "cliff" shot string? or
2) restrict transfer port size?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: RDB on January 07, 2020, 07:39:38 PM
What gun? Hammer throw adjustments? What are we working with?

I agree with Pool, choke the t port to flatten it out, add a buffer and lean on the hammer spring a little more.But there's more than one way to skin a cat.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on January 07, 2020, 11:02:03 PM
 Good work guys! I strangled the TP and lowered the fill pressure 100 psi then adjusted the hammer strike to accommodate the changes
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Bigragu on January 08, 2020, 04:48:03 AM
Just read thru this entire thread. Thank you, Travis, and looking at the time of your last post, you better hit the sack, lol. It’s almost midnight and you’re holding Airgun tuning class!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Hawkeye51 on January 18, 2020, 01:45:20 AM
Why isn't this pinned in the PCP forum?

Great general info, would be a good sticky!
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: Madd Hatter on July 13, 2020, 04:59:02 PM
Bump for those who haven't had the chance to read this thread. Lots and lots of good info.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on July 13, 2020, 05:03:32 PM
Bump for those who haven't had the chance to read this thread. Lots and lots of good info.
Thanks Robert! I totally forgot about this!!! Ill throw some current info in this week.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: avator on July 13, 2020, 05:42:18 PM
Well, there's 45 minutes I'll never get back...
I wanted to take a stab at every one of them but I don't have a time machine....  ;)

Thanks Travis, good info.

BTW.... did Jason ever get to punch you?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on July 13, 2020, 07:49:47 PM
I enjoyed this thread a lot when it was going. Hopefully you got some time to continue on with it Travis.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on July 13, 2020, 07:52:14 PM
I enjoyed this thread a lot when it was going. Hopefully you got some time to continue on with it Travis.
To be honest I forgot about it. I’ll tally on. Would you like some short videos also?
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on July 14, 2020, 12:26:30 AM
That'd be awesome. These scenarios help out a lot to learning how to diagnose problems and how to fix them.
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: oldpro on July 14, 2020, 09:40:24 PM
That'd be awesome. These scenarios help out a lot to learning how to diagnose problems and how to fix them.
Thats awesome Chris. Im working on a few things to post
Title: Re: Helpful tuning tips and links
Post by: bear air on July 15, 2020, 10:37:56 AM
Looking forward to it. Thanks Travis.