Labradar DIY trigger

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I made this trigger for the Labradar I just got.

I used the GunWodan method, as posted on YT at this link:

I just soldered the wires on and used a piece of shrink wrap, it's a lot smaller. Hoping to test it out this weekend.

Question for any of you Labradar folks out there. I have 5 different loads to test, in 2 different length barrels.

When you test your loads like this, do you create a Series for each load?

All of my loads are the same COAL, same bullet and same powder. The only real difference is the barrel length. How would you record that on the Labradar to separate different powder drops?

 

[David Christian]

I typically use 1 sting on the LR, but write each shot down on a pad to sort the data by variable.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I would use two different series. You could even create a different series for each charge weight on each barrel.

 

[RegionRat]

I made this trigger for the Labradar I just got.

I used the GunWodan method, as posted on YT at this link:

I just soldered the wires on and used a piece of shrink wrap, it's a lot smaller. Hoping to test it out this weekend.

View attachment 1464085

Question for any of you Labradar folks out there. I have 5 different loads to test, in 2 different length barrels.

When you test your loads like this, do you create a Series for each load?

All of my loads are the same COAL, same bullet and same powder. The only real difference is the barrel length. How would you record that on the Labradar to separate different powder drops?

A "series" just starts and stops the CSV file, and starts a re-starts the stats on the display.

TLDR: the series in the name of the CSV data file until you start a new one. The display shows the stats per series.

If you don't start a new series, then all the data is being put into the same file and math, and if that doesn't help then you should start a new series for any data that doesn't make sense to process as a string.

When their BlueTooth app came out, it was okay cause it meant you could arm/disarm without touching the unit, but still didn't make it easy to annotate notes on the series. That means you still take notes and use the series number on your notes.

When they updated their BlueTooth app, it was still a mess in terms of starting up the connection when broken, and it breaks too often, but the series number won't change unless you take action. If your BlueTooth connection breaks it will keep adding data to the last series.

So in your example, you have a 5x2 test. You will end up with 10 series. Barrel = B, Charge = C
Series 001 = B1C1, Series 002 = B1C2, etc. Your notes and those series numbers ties the data to your test item.

Each one will end up as a CSV file which is easy to run with any spreadsheet after the fact. Once you end that string/series, you can either record the stats from the LR display on your notes, or pull the data when you are ready and annotate the CSV file with the details as you like, or if you are like me you do both.

I use Excel to keep that data so all I do is pull the card from the LR and plug it into a laptop and pull off the day's files (each file is numbered by the "series"). Taking good notes is part of load development and reloading in general. YMMV

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

So in your example, you have a 5x2 test. You will end up with 10 series. Barrel = B, Charge = C
Series 001 = B1C1, Series 002 = B1C2, etc. Your notes and those series numbers ties the data to your test item.

Yes, that is what I was thinking I would need to do. That for each load I would start a new series and it would do the math for those 5 shots, and then I could compare all 10 series against each other.

I have to ask a stupid question though. I expected there to be a "Format SD" in the menu, but alas there isn't. If I put an SD in the slot, it doesn't boot, but if I boot and then put the card in the Labradar continues to run.

I was thinking it might need a Windows FAT partition, but I don't now and it doesn't say in the manual.

If the Labradar only saves CSV files, those are text delimited files that could be taken into either Excel or LibreOffice. I use Linux for the most part, so would use the later.

Each one will end up as a CSV file which is easy to run with any spreadsheet after the fact. Once you end that string/series, you can either record the stats from the LR display on your notes, or pull the data when you are ready and annotate the CSV file with the details as you like, or if you are like me you do both.

Yeah, I didn't realize they would be separate CSV files, but that will work for me.

I use Excel to keep that data so all I do is pull the card from the LR and plug it into a laptop and pull off the day's files (each file is numbered by the "series"). Taking good notes is part of load development and reloading in general. YMMV

Exactly what I was planning to do. I just need to figure out why my SD is not allowing it to boot, but I suspect the format is incorrect, it is probably an Embedded Linux partition.

 

[RegionRat]

Just keep your first session simple and short. If your SD card fails, there is enough internal memory for the runs you described.

In the meantime, try and make sure your SD card works in general. Make sure it isn't "locked" in any way.

Try loading the latest LR software update onto the card and see if the LR picks that up. If it doesn't, try another different high speed card.

It should work easily in the LR. Try just blanking a series with an SD card, start a series and tap on the side of the LR to trigger it a few times, then start another series, or try an airgun at home to practice the setup and SD card.

It really shouldn't be complex as long as the SD card works in any laptop and isn't locked it should also work in your LR.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

In the meantime, try and make sure your SD card works in general. Make sure it isn't "locked" in any way.

Bingo, I thought it was from an Embedded Linux system, but it was formatted for an Exodus trail cam. That was an 8gig SD.

I just put another 4gig SD in and the system boots up with it in there. This one doesn't show up at all on Linux, so not sure what it is.

Since there is no format option in the menus, how do you format your SDs?

It really shouldn't be complex as long as the SD card works in any laptop and isn't locked it should also work in your LR.

I'm going to try formatting it for VFAT (32.bit)

EDIT: this one was already formatted for VFAT. The first 8gig SD was partitioned, but not formatted. I formatted it but it is still not recognized by the Labradar, the blue light just flickers instead of going solid. Hmmm...looks like a 4gb SD is going to be it for tomorrow.

NOTE to self: "Self, you're a dolt"

EDIT2: I don't see any charge for the Series, so am guessing that needs to be taken in notes also.

 

[Chris Edmondson]

LR app keeps a flash copy of the data on my phone, I've dug around in there hoping for an SQLite database I could mine; no such luck. In any event, I use the flash copy with the app for post session analysis; works good 'nuf for a weekend warrior.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

LR app keeps a flash copy of the data on my phone, I've dug around in there hoping for an SQLite database I could mine; no such luck. In any event, I use the flash copy with the app for post session analysis; works good 'nuf for a weekend warrior.

Probably wouldn't be too hard to create a SQLite database out of the CSV file. Could insert it into a MySQL database also. There are several options if someone wanted to go to SQL from the CSV file.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

Ok guys, thanks for helping my dense head. I was able to trigger the device and wave my hand, I got 3 shots in 1 series and see the CSV file on my SD card.

[aland@oak LBR]$ cat SR0001/SR0001\ Report.csv
sep=;
Device ID;LBR-0065456;;

Series No;0001;;
Total number of shots;0003;;

Units velocity;fps;;
Units distances;yd;;
Units kinetic energy;ft-lbf;;
Units weight;grain (gr);;

Stats - Average;2027.71;fps;
Stats - Highest;2197.72;fps;
Stats - Lowest;1819.39;fps;
Stats - Ext. Spread;378.33;fps;
Stats - Std. Dev;192.05;fps;

Shot ID;V0;V11;V44;V66;V88;V100;Ke0;Ke11;Ke44;Ke66;Ke88;Ke100;PF11;Proj. Weight;Date;Time
0001;1819;1813;1811;1812;1814;1811;1653;1642;1638;1640;1642;1639;407.92;225.00;08-06-2023;00:21:11;
0002;2198;0;0;0;0;0;2412;0;0;0;0;0;0.00;225.00;08-06-2023;00:21:51;
0003;2066;0;2039;0;0;0;2132;0;2077;0;0;0;0.00;225.00;08-06-2023;00:22:03;

I think I will create a series for each load, as was suggested above, as RegionRat confirmed. There's a lot of $#!T to get this hooked up correctly, I will see how it goes tomorrow. First time to use a new range also, hoping I have the combination to the gate sent to me at my p.o. box when I get up there.

 

[RegionRat]

The CSV file will look more legible in something like Excel.
Unless you really want to, there is no reason to play with SQL or CRUD.
I'll paste a CSV example here.


It is much easier to look at in a spreadsheet form when the data is presented in organized columns.
Some day, you may want a personal eTarget, for example a ShotMarker, and that is also a CSV file output.
It won't be hard to relate the LBR data to the SM data by shot ID number and study your results with velocity at muzzle, velocity at target, and target position.

Good Luck and have fun!

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

Rat,

That does look better in the spreadsheet, but damnit, I wanna see it in hex! Must be a Linux 'thang...LOL

Trigger needs some type of mount. I tried jamming it in the bipod adapter, but it kept falling out. I have an idea to either hot glue it or epoxy it to the Caldwell picatiny that the brass bag attaches to. I use those at the range so I don't need to go find my brass.

I had a problem with both rifles where they weren't cycling properly and decided to leave the range as it was hot and I wanted to think about it. 2 rounds had the tips deformed and got jammed in the bolt/mag/chamber. I believe it's because they are over gassed, I had the gas blocks all the way open thinking it would help them cycle but now I think that was over gassed. I was only able to test my first load in each rifle. Better to be safe than sorry. I didn't want to push my luck until I could think about it.

 

[RegionRat]

When I get asked to help develop a strange AR in 5.56, I just use bulk XM-193 ammo to keep it simple for start up. Let's assume the parts are all coordinated and correctly assembled....

If you know the buffer/spring is correct one for the length of the gas system, then start with the gas blocks turned way down and single shoot one round at a time opening the gas a little at a time till you have lock back, then introduce a round in the magazine and check for feed and margin by observing the ejection pattern.

Starting with too much gas is hard on the parts and brass.

You will iron it out, no worries.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

If you know the buffer/spring is correct one for the length of the gas system

Well, that is something I'm not entirely sure on. I have a 308 buffer in it, the short heavy silver type. I have some of the longer ones, but those are typically for rifle length gas tubes. I have pistol...my 308s are rifle tubes. Hmmm, thanks for mentioning that. I just watched a video that said a lot of people are having problems over gassing the system, I'm pretty sure closing it up some will fix this problem. I also saw the guy measured .025" from the shoulder, I didn't know it needed to be offset. That would seem to give it even more gas if I didn't offset it. But the buffer weight is a possibility also.

EDIT: I just read this from the Supperlative Arms website, the the buffer could still be an issue:

OVER GASSED:

Failures can occur by the speed of the carrier coming back too fast. If you are over gassed, follow these instructions:

Back the adjustment screw out counterclockwise until you bleed off enough pressure to achieve the recommended brass ejection pattern. If you are still over gassed at full bleed off, we recommend using a heavier buffer and/or buffer spring.

 

[RegionRat]

I didn't realize we were working with an AR10 pattern earlier.
An AR10 with a shorter gas port runs on a higher pressure pulse than one with a longer tube. That requires a different balance of parts to keep the gun running but also to smooth it out so it isn't beating the crap out of itself.
Unless you have lots of spare parts with you in a variety to cover all the contingencies, it is always best to work from a known good combination/pattern of parts that are balanced and coordinated.
You will find it. Good Luck and have fun!

 

[divingin]

If you run the LR from a phone or tablet, there's an option to name each series (the caveat being, however, that only that device will tie the name to the dataset. I don't think the name gets written to the LR or the memory therein.)

If I remember right it's on the first page after you create the new series.