LabRadar info

[nmkid]

So, I have decided (?) to purchase a LabRadar. The other day at the range there was a fellow with one, ( I didn't talk to him) and he was pushing buttons all over the place. Now, is this machine that hard to operate? My needs are very simple in that I want to know the velocity and average of shots taken. Can this unit be used as a, "turn on and go machine"? I don't mind my metal detectors being complicated but, I like to relax when shooting. Would rather not wonder if I'm pushing the right buttons.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If you use the phone app its alot easier but no its not turn on and go. Its well worth it once you get it set up like it needs to be. Buy a base from arkco matt on here and be done. I turn mine on then arm it. 2 buttons pushed. Reviewing shots and deleting strings is a lot of buttons if youre not using the app

 

[rardoin]

+++ on the base from Matt. Don't get the base sold by LabRadar, IMO (I was not satisfied with mine). With the phone app it is much easier.

 

[Kurt Blasser]

If you use the phone app its alot easier but no its not turn on and go. Its well worth it once you get it set up like it needs to be. Buy a base from arkco matt on here and be done. I turn mine on then arm it. 2 buttons pushed. Reviewing shots and deleting strings is a lot of buttons if youre not using the app

How do we find arkco matt, searched, nothing came up.

 

[rocketron]

no space. arkcomatt

 

[powderbrake]

You do need to read the manual, and hit a few buttons on the initial set-up, but after that, it is "turn on and go".

I purchased a small tripod from amazon, and I set it up at the front of the bench, place the Labradar on it with the muzzle about 1 or 2" in front of the labradar, and about 2 to 3" to the side of the barrel, align the Labradar to the target, and I am set to go.

I HIGHLY recommend the Labradar app on your smartphone, with it, you only have to touch the Labradar to turn it on and off.

A comment on Labradar support. The adjustable base is very nice, but my barrels always stick out way past the bench, and I have no place to set the base, so a tripod with a ball head suits me better. If your barrel is not past the end of the bench, or if you are shooting prone, the adjustable base is better.

Labradar alignment. I tried a straw, and a plastic carpenter square held against the front face to align the unit to the target. They both work, but I found something better. I glued a short piece of brass 1/4 diameter tube to the top, and slide a longer brass tube into it to sight through and align the Labradar. This tubing is available at a model airplane/car shop, and is manufactured by K&S http://www.ksmetals.com/. I put a rubber ring on the rear, and sprayed some black paint inside to stop reflections. It really works well, and the tube stores in the Labradar bag.

 

[PatMiles]

There is a shallow learning curve for the LR. The gentleman you saw pressing buttons all over the place probably didn't bother to read the instruction manual and figured if he pushed enough buttons enough times he would find what he wanted. Bet he didn't.

 

[ToddKS]

Another vote for the Arko Machine Products base. Love mine. arkomachine.com is the website.

 

[Willie]

Most have no problem aiming on the horizontal with a straw or pencil. You also need a ball mount to easily tune the vertical. I use Matt's base and a small ball mount, works great, and a quick release plate, that I leave attached to the bottom screw hole on the LR.

The vertical adjustment is critical to the unit picking up the bullet at same distance each shot. I place my target board in same place at the range and mark the footprint of my rest & LabRadar on the same bench. It saves time sitting up and I notice it if there is any movement.

Add: By marking my position of rest, bag and unit, I have not encountered much change in (same load) velocities.

 

[divingin]

You do need to read the manual, and hit a few buttons on the initial set-up, but after that, it is "turn on and go".

That kind of depends on what you are doing with the unit.

I use mine for everything from 500 fps airgun readings to 3K+ fps rifle. There's lots of button pushing involved. If you only clock one discipline, then I agree with you.

Be warned, the user interface on the unit itself is dreadful. AFAIK, you still need to go there when switching settings or starting a new string (at least I do - haven't totally figured out the app and what it can/can't do.)

Once you get the settings right for your session, you can largely get by with the app.

And I agree that you'll likely need a tripod unless your range has pretty long benches (long as in fore/aft.)

 

[newbieshooter]

Be warned, the user interface on the unit itself is dreadful. AFAIK, you still need to go there when switching settings or starting a new string (at least I do - haven't totally figured out the app and what it can/can't do.).....

+1 - user interface on the unit itself is dreadful.

APP
New string/series: on the "Series List" tab/page - hit the + at the top to create a new series.


Settings: From the menu, select "Settings". On the Settings page, you are able to view/change any of the parameters.

 

[rckendall]

Be warned, the user interface on the unit itself is dreadful.

+2

 

[KenOath]

Most have no problem aiming on the horizontal with a straw or pencil. You also need a ball mount to easily tune the vertical. I use Matt's base and a small ball mount, works great, and a quick release plate, that I leave attached to the bottom screw hole on the LR.

The vertical adjustment is critical to the unit picking up the bullet at same distance each shot. I place my target board in same place at the range and mark the footprint of my rest & LabRadar on the same bench. It saves time sitting up and I notice it if there is any movement.

Add: By marking my position of rest, bag and unit, I have not encountered much change in (same load) velocities.

As stated above a pen or pencil I’ve found easiest to line the lab up on target and convenient as I’ve always got a pen in my range box so no need to carry extra bits...But Powderbrakes idea would also work well..

+2

+3