chronograph recommendations
- Thread starter Hydenseek
- Start date
I purchase the Oehler 35 P been happy so far
Forum Boss
Administrator
My preferred chrono is the PVM-21, but I can't rate it highest on the Bang for the buck basis. Also the software is buggy so most of us PVM-21 users end up writing the data down manually (and using a $5.00 calculator to figure the Average and SD). But if you hook it up to a fully charged battery, set the gain right and dump the cache regularly, the thing is absolutely dead nuts reliable -- even in total darkness. The shortcomings of the software are pretty laughable -- you have this marvelous, very sophisticated data-recording device, and you must resort to 2000-year old technology (pencil and paper) to put down the numbers. Sort of like having a Ferrari that uses Fred Flintstone brakes.
I like the Oehler too. It takes quite a bit more time to set up. But the simple function and efficient printer set-up is great. Kachunka-Kachunka, you have your test data hard copy in a couple seconds. Staple that to the target and you are good to go. The Oehler also features a proof channel.
I like the Oehler too. It takes quite a bit more time to set up. But the simple function and efficient printer set-up is great. Kachunka-Kachunka, you have your test data hard copy in a couple seconds. Staple that to the target and you are good to go. The Oehler also features a proof channel.
I agree. I also bought a PVM-21 a year ago and love it's consistency but I flat out gave up on the software, it was some of the worst/poorly written software I have come across. It is embarrassing. But the hardware is the best.
Chip
Chip
i have a CED millenium and works well, never had any issues with it. My buddy has a Oehler 35 and it works great but it's a pain to set up haul and store,he just got a CED millenium and he likes the easy of operation and checked them both and the were identical readings, so now the one stays at home......jim
I own a PVM-21 and have no problem using the software to dump the buffer and preserve the data in digital form. If you are having some insurmountable problem, please state what it is and I will try to help you. There is absolutely no reason to manually record the data. [br]
It is a very accurate and reliable chronograph, albeit a bit pricey. For my usage, it is easily the best available solution this side of Weibel Doppler.
It is a very accurate and reliable chronograph, albeit a bit pricey. For my usage, it is easily the best available solution this side of Weibel Doppler.
jscandale said:
I also recommend the CED Millennium II on a cost-benefit basis, but I wouldn't call it "fail free". Out of the box it can be picky about lighting, etc., like most other non-IR based chrono's. There have been plenty of days where it refuses to give a reading, or will only do so intermittently, though it usually works well.
I'm really surprised no one has mentioned the Shooting Chroney line.
I consider them the best bang for the buck based on price, size and convenience. One does have to read the directions carefully and FOLLOW the directions. But, as I found out the hard way, if you do that, they are as accurate as one needs and are trouble free. You MUST use the right support rods and screens as well as have the bullets go through the relatively large sweet spot. With a decent tripod, this is easy. I wrapped some blue painters tape around the rods in the sweet spot area and I rarely get a poor reading.
I also used our clubs chrono once ( a much more expensive unit) and it was not as user friendly and consistant as my Shooting Chroney Beta!
I consider them the best bang for the buck based on price, size and convenience. One does have to read the directions carefully and FOLLOW the directions. But, as I found out the hard way, if you do that, they are as accurate as one needs and are trouble free. You MUST use the right support rods and screens as well as have the bullets go through the relatively large sweet spot. With a decent tripod, this is easy. I wrapped some blue painters tape around the rods in the sweet spot area and I rarely get a poor reading.
I also used our clubs chrono once ( a much more expensive unit) and it was not as user friendly and consistant as my Shooting Chroney Beta!
Jay Christopherson
Not An Admin
I use the PVM-21 and like previously stated, it's really, really accurate in all kinds of light conditions.
That being said, it is actually pretty fragile, at least in terms of the sky screens. They are made out of very brittle PVC (I think that's what it is)- it's very stiff, not flexible at all (which keeps the sensors aligned I guess), but a good knock will cause pretty significant damage. Mine has fallen over exactly twice onto the grass/ground. Both times from about 3ft extension on the tripod. Both times, one of the skyscreens basically exploded. Luckily, near the top and with a relatively clean break so I was able to use some plastic weld epoxy and get it back together.
I've since topped the edges of mine with a bit of neoprene- looks ugly, but I'm hoping it's enough that it survives another fall.
That being said, it is actually pretty fragile, at least in terms of the sky screens. They are made out of very brittle PVC (I think that's what it is)- it's very stiff, not flexible at all (which keeps the sensors aligned I guess), but a good knock will cause pretty significant damage. Mine has fallen over exactly twice onto the grass/ground. Both times from about 3ft extension on the tripod. Both times, one of the skyscreens basically exploded. Luckily, near the top and with a relatively clean break so I was able to use some plastic weld epoxy and get it back together.
I've since topped the edges of mine with a bit of neoprene- looks ugly, but I'm hoping it's enough that it survives another fall.
Jay Christopherson
Not An Admin
It will run entirely off a USB connection (meaning, you can capture the entire session live, continously, via USB to your laptop), although I don't know why you would want to do it that way. It's far more convenient to use it at the range and then use a USB connection at home to dump the data.
The software is also 100% reliable- it's just a 100% reliable a pain in the *** to use. But it always works. The only use I get out of it is dumping the controller after a shooting session into the shot table, which does all the calculations for you. If you shoot multiple rifles during a session, you can segregate the results in the shot table by selection.
The rest of the software is pretty useless for normal use.
The software is also 100% reliable- it's just a 100% reliable a pain in the *** to use. But it always works. The only use I get out of it is dumping the controller after a shooting session into the shot table, which does all the calculations for you. If you shoot multiple rifles during a session, you can segregate the results in the shot table by selection.
The rest of the software is pretty useless for normal use.
thefitter said:
thefitter said:
First, there is no such thing as 100% reliable software. Anyone who says differently is either ignorant or lying. I have purchased and implemented millions of dollars in software, from trivial programming utilities to extremely complex enterprise solutions. Every single package had some problem(s).
That said; if the software can meet your specific needs without unusual effort or expense, it is worth the purchase. The PVM-21 software is not perfect but can be easily made to perform as I want. It does connect through a USB port, dumps the data in a form that I can use, and requires no printing or manual recording. To a shooter with different success criteria than mine, that may not be enough. It is for me.
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