Barrel Cool Review
- Thread starter watercam
- Start date
Jay Christopherson
Not An Admin
After trying it and using it, I can really only see one issue, which is battery life. I estimate that I got maybe 2 - 2.5 hours of runtime before the battery died... I keep a few packs of the correct battery type on hand for other things, so I happen to have them and plan to keep a couple extra in my range bag.
EDIT: I should mention that this was the first battery, the one that came with it, so I don't have a lot of data to work with. It could be that the battery was partially depleted or had some other issue. I'll be trying fresh battery starting tonight.
EDIT: I should mention that this was the first battery, the one that came with it, so I don't have a lot of data to work with. It could be that the battery was partially depleted or had some other issue. I'll be trying fresh battery starting tonight.
Last edited:
Forum Boss
Administrator
What we need is s a solar panel mirage shield that powers the barrel cool unit...
Integrate it with a peltier effect device and generate electricity from the heat of the barrel...
-Mac
Then add some dang A/C units to blow on the shooting benches to keep shooters cooler
.That's not a bad idea actually, but I wonder if that would be enough juice to power the unit up and get the same airflow.
That being said, there is no plans for an integrated rechargeable unit for various reasons, one being R&D costs, modifying mold costs, and added certifications.
We are currently testing high capacity rechargeable batteries. If this meets our requirements, we will be selling these as a separate option or quite possibly as a set with BarrelCool that also comes with a wall charger for the batteries. We are also working on an added feature that would possibly help with sealing/plugging the chamber and help "self-center" itself so maximum air is directed into the bore, regardless of chambering. If it works, this would be an add-on and the current BarrelCool housing would not change.
I will have updates on www.barrelcool.com on the testing and any updates to the product.
It has nothing to do with the fan being upside down. However, in that position it is close to the bottom of the action and it appears airflow is affected.
Deleted old_dood
left port. wrapped lanyard over scope knobs
I just ordered one myself. Had a frustrating day yesterday in 90 degree heat waiting for my barrels to cool, and not waiting long enough and getting my barrels hot (yes I am impatient)...definitely think it is worth a try! I don't get to the range often as I like, and usually only have a 2 hour window to use my time there, it sounds like a great product to me.
For those thinking about rechargeable batteries...
I tried a set of re-chargeable batteries. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF1XB3C/?tag=accuratescom-20
DO NOT BUY THESE. THEY DIE WITHIN AN HOUR!
These particular batteries I tested boast a 2,000 mah rating, which seemed a bit high and it is obvious that they are not at 2,000 mah, at least the set I received. I tried 2 sets (6 total batteries) and the results were consistent.
We ordered "higher end" rechargeable batteries and will be testing the capacity of these and I am sure we will see much better longevity. According to theoretical numbers, 700 mah rated rechargeables should last around 3-4 hours at the airflow we want for barrel cooling, which is plenty for a day match or a day out at the range.
Physically, the rechargeables fit in BarrelCool. They boast a voltage rating of 3.7V and we actually measured ~4.1V (this is common). So, what does this mean? The fan will spin at a much higher rate and you will definitely get more airflow.
We tested our current BarrelCool unit at 12V for 5 days now and so far, there have been no issues with running the fan at this voltage for extended periods of time. However, I will stress that it is unknown how long the actual fan will last, being subjected to nearly 3V more with charged up batteries than what we have tested the fan at during the R&D phase.
Disclaimer: Use of rechargeable batteries are at your own risk and we cannot warranty units using these batteries as we do specify CR123A batteries to be used in our unit.
I tried a set of re-chargeable batteries. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF1XB3C/?tag=accuratescom-20
DO NOT BUY THESE. THEY DIE WITHIN AN HOUR!
These particular batteries I tested boast a 2,000 mah rating, which seemed a bit high and it is obvious that they are not at 2,000 mah, at least the set I received. I tried 2 sets (6 total batteries) and the results were consistent.
We ordered "higher end" rechargeable batteries and will be testing the capacity of these and I am sure we will see much better longevity. According to theoretical numbers, 700 mah rated rechargeables should last around 3-4 hours at the airflow we want for barrel cooling, which is plenty for a day match or a day out at the range.
Physically, the rechargeables fit in BarrelCool. They boast a voltage rating of 3.7V and we actually measured ~4.1V (this is common). So, what does this mean? The fan will spin at a much higher rate and you will definitely get more airflow.
We tested our current BarrelCool unit at 12V for 5 days now and so far, there have been no issues with running the fan at this voltage for extended periods of time. However, I will stress that it is unknown how long the actual fan will last, being subjected to nearly 3V more with charged up batteries than what we have tested the fan at during the R&D phase.
Disclaimer: Use of rechargeable batteries are at your own risk and we cannot warranty units using these batteries as we do specify CR123A batteries to be used in our unit.
We are still a ways out with this. With all the worries about battery packs (think Samsung), we are making sure that everything is going to work and not cause any issues to the end customer. We are also working to see if we can maintain the same airflow with a rechargeable pack. The challenge is that the capacity is much smaller and will definitely be shorter than a disposable battery.
as we are working on this, we do have a holiday bundle and 2 BarrelCool with Free Shipping deal. Visit our shop and take advantage of this deal.
http://barrelcool.com/index.php/shop/
Thank you for the update. In the meantime, while there is certainly a risk with using the product with rechargeable batteries that are over voltage, is there any risk of using them with a battery that is under the recommended voltage?
I would be content with a combination that allowed the barrel cool to be run for one range trip and recharged versus running for two range trips (or more) but on non rechargeable batteries. If I wanted a maximum runtime of 3-4 hours between charges, is there a rechargeable battery on the market that would provide this while being unlikely to damage the unit?
People seem to like the higher voltage, which equates to more airflow. At the next level lower voltage (~7.4V nominal), the airflow is a bit less, but you can get the 3-5 hours of battery life you desire. There is a large MOQ for this battery so it becomes a business decision and whether or not there is enough demand to make it worthwhile to buy 1,000 battery packs for example.
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