MagnetoSpeed vs Lab Radar

[lawrence97]

Bart, thanks for the info. I have a battery pack set aside since I knew before hand it was a device hungry for AA's.

As for the magneto, I only used it on straight barrels. I guess the key is finding the right combination of spacers so that it sits as close as you can get it to the bottom of bore. If it sits too low it will not pick up the shots.

 

[Jeff A]

One thing about the power source on the LabRadar, I plug mine into AC at the range using a Motorola Bluetooth Headset charger and it bypasses the batteries. Any Micro USB charger should work.

 

[Twoboxer]

I have my labradar being delivered tomorrow.

Are there any settings that need to be tweaked or is it ready to use out of the box? . . .

If you have no other shooters there, it's pretty much ready to go. But here's what I recommend:

Before going to the range, make sure you know exactly how to switch the unit between its 3 modes. Go through each setting and make sure its set for what you want (rifle or handgun, imperial or metric, etc). Yes, take the manual to the range of course.

But if you read it before you go, you won't waste time at the range

If there are other shooters there you might have to change the settings for sensitivity and distance of projectile (ie muzzle) from chrono). You may have to play with those a bit until you get all of your shots recorded without reacting to anyone else's shots, especially if your range sounds like a war zone. It's easily doable, but there's a learning curve. At least there was for me.

GLHF !

 

[Jeff A]

If you have no other shooters there, it's pretty much ready to go. But here's what I recommend:

Before going to the range, make sure you know exactly how to switch the unit between its 3 modes. Go through each setting and make sure its set for what you want (rifle or handgun, imperial or metric, etc). Yes, take the manual to the range of course.

But if you read it before you go, you won't waste time at the range

If there are other shooters there you might have to change the settings for sensitivity and distance of projectile (ie muzzle) from chrono). You may have to play with those a bit until you get all of your shots recorded without reacting to anyone else's shots, especially if your range sounds like a war zone. It's easily doable, but there's a learning curve. At least there was for me.

GLHF !

This is great advice! I had read about the LabRadar and read the manual but you do need to spend some time preparing for real world situations. Before my second outing, I made a 3X5 cheat sheet to help me navigate the menu. You learn from doing but I hate it when I make screw ups on the range.

 

[Matt P]

If you have no other shooters there, it's pretty much ready to go. But here's what I recommend:

Before going to the range, make sure you know exactly how to switch the unit between its 3 modes. Go through each setting and make sure its set for what you want (rifle or handgun, imperial or metric, etc). Yes, take the manual to the range of course.

But if you read it before you go, you won't waste time at the range

If there are other shooters there you might have to change the settings for sensitivity and distance of projectile (ie muzzle) from chrono). You may have to play with those a bit until you get all of your shots recorded without reacting to anyone else's shots, especially if your range sounds like a war zone. It's easily doable, but there's a learning curve. At least there was for me.

GLHF !

My Labradar has just turned up and plan to use it this Saturday, I shoot on an open range with lots of other shooters, any tips on settings or at least which direction to move the settings ??
Thanks
Matt P

 

[Twoboxer]

My Labradar has just turned up and plan to use it this Saturday, I shoot on an open range with lots of other shooters, any tips on settings or at least which direction to move the settings ??
Thanks
Matt P

If you are the only shooter, the sensitivity (Trigger Level) default would be fine. Depending on how you are setting up, you may need to adjust the distance of your muzzle from the unit (Set Projectile Offset). For example, on one bench I use with 26" barrels, the 6" default setting isn't "correct". It works but the distance is more like 9 inches.

With other shooters, the default setting of "1" may be too sensitive, so you would move it lower toward "5". If the shooters are active when you arrive, turn the unit on, arm it, and watch it react. If it says "could not acquire" or actually acquires a shot . . . go into settings, and set the Trigger Level to 2. If it still reacts, set to 3 . . . etc. My BELIEF is that the lower the sensitivity you set the more likely you are to need the muzzle within 6". I say this not because I have proven it . . . just to give you an idea if you run into some trouble.

Make certain the Trigger Source is set to Trigger (shd be the default), TX power is standard (shd be default), and put the other settings where they need to be (like date, velocity units, etc.).

By all means, turn the unit on at home and go through each setting before going to the range.

ETA: Corrected "Doppler" to "Trigger"

 

[Comrade Terry]

Make certain the Trigger Source is set to Doppler (shd be the default)

The manual doesn't seem to agree with that.

From the manual: "Doppler : Use the Signal returned from the projectile to Trigger the unit: (Use of this mode should be considered with large projectiles travelling at really slow speed only). Do not use this mode for Firearms, it will affect the precision of the measurements."

Have you found something different to be the case?

 

[Twoboxer]

The manual doesn't seem to agree with that.

From the manual: "Doppler : Use the Signal returned from the projectile to Trigger the unit: (Use of this mode should be considered with large projectiles travelling at really slow speed only). Do not use this mode for Firearms, it will affect the precision of the measurements."

Have you found something different to be the case?

My error - will correct the post.

Thanks VERY much.

 

[Matt P]

My error - will correct the post.

Thanks VERY much.

Thanks Twoboxer

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

I should of had your magnetospeed. For the most part mine has been great. But worthless on straight barrels.

As for the Labradar just keep the instructions handy. It not hard to set up but I had to refer back to the instructions a for reviewing shots and arming it. Of course like a typical guy I threw batteries in it and turned it on. Never looked at the instructions till I got stuck!
Part of the setup is bullet weight so you'll need to change that when you change calibers.


It has a healthy appetite for double AA batteries. Some kind reviewer said it would run off of a auxillery battery pack, like those used for cell phones. Fortunately I had one and it kept the Labradar going for an all day session.

Bart

This is actually correct, I am running a high capacity battery pack with it. I can charge my phone, and run the LR with no issues all day.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

Doc, I've read where the LR has trouble tracking "fast" 17's. Say 4000 fps. Would like to see some real world experiences

Working on this now, I have 3 rifles going under the LR so to speak.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

If you got the money to spend than go for it. If the say 100$ chorno gives you same results as the 500$ where is the benefit of it.

Bryan did a study on this, and their is a pretty big difference. Check it out: http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/Articles/ChronographChapter.pdf

 

[kountryboy2]

Bryan did a study on this, and their is a pretty big difference. Check it out: http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/Articles/ChronographChapter.pdf

Thanks for the article, Doc.

 

[JimPag]

Bryan did a study on this, and their is a pretty big difference. Check it out: http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/Articles/ChronographChapter.pdf

Great article Doc. Thanks for posting it. More people who think a chrono is a waste of money should read it.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

That article does not include the Lab Radar. When it does read, the Lab Radar has very accurate results.

 

[fredo]

I use my Magnetospeed v3 for an 8-10 round ladder to find pressure threshold & velocity potential of a powder, and to note any possible 'nodes' in POI, at distance. By the time it would take to set up a screened chrono, or a Labradar, I'm done shooting my ladder, and have the info I want to base actual load development on...

Far as POI shift goes, have noted ~0.5MIL HIGH with V3 attached to #4 contour barrel, to almost none on an MTU contour. The POI shift does appear to be consistent, as long as the strap remains secure and the unit does not "walk" down the contour of the barrel. In that regard, I've found the 'flat spots' in POI at distance to translate favorably to showing actual 'nodes' without the V3 attached...

For the BR gents seeking the last n-th of an n-th degree of accuracy out of a bench rig, I can certainly see the merits of the Labradar unit for more systematic & prolonged testing. I even know some fellas who seem to enjoy testing more than actually shooting! They will LOVE the Labradar for all day fun, LOL!

But for a shooter who load tests with a more K.I.S.S. oriented approach, the V3 is all that, and a bag o' chips. Attach, shoot, gather data and done! With my initial pressure & velocity info quickly compiled, I'll let the target tell me the rest & my ballistic solver can 'true' MV, via actual bullet drop at distance...

 

[dabeechman]

By the time it would take to set up a screened chrono, or a Labradar, I'm done shooting my ladder, and have the info I want to base actual load development on...

Are you saying you can set up your MS3 quicker than a labradar?

 

[BartsBullets]

I use my Magnetospeed v3 for an 8-10 round ladder to find pressure threshold & velocity potential of a powder, and to note any possible 'nodes' in POI, at distance. By the time it would take to set up a screened chrono, or a Labradar, I'm done shooting my ladder, and have the info I want to base actual load development on...

Far as POI shift goes, have noted ~0.5MIL HIGH with V3 attached to #4 contour barrel, to almost none on an MTU contour. The POI shift does appear to be consistent, as long as the strap remains secure and the unit does not "walk" down the contour of the barrel. In that regard, I've found the 'flat spots' in POI at distance to translate favorably to showing actual 'nodes' without the V3 attached...

For the BR gents seeking the last n-th of an n-th degree of accuracy out of a bench rig, I can certainly see the merits of the Labradar unit for more systematic & prolonged testing. I even know some fellas who seem to enjoy testing more than actually shooting! They will LOVE the Labradar for all day fun, LOL!

But for a shooter who load tests with a more K.I.S.S. oriented approach, the V3 is all that, and a bag o' chips. Attach, shoot, gather data and done! With my initial pressure & velocity info quickly compiled, I'll let the target tell me the rest & my ballistic solver can 'true' MV, via actual bullet drop at distance...

I've got it easier than most! Mine stays right there on the bench. Just push a button.

 

[PA Jeep]

Can Lab Radar pick up bullets beyond 3900fps?

 

[dmoran]

I've got it easier than most! Mine stays right there on the bench. Just push a button.

Bart -
That sounds and looks easier then attaching a Magnetospeed, and definitely faster then setting up conventional eye sensor types, and no wires to boot. Nice setup..... thanks for sharing !.!.!
Donovan