Oehler 35 VS CED chrono

[constructor]

The Oehler is back in production, have any of you used both and have an opinion on which gives more accurate results and is more durable?
The new 35 runs $575 and comes with stands and a printer in a hard case.

 

[Rustystud]

Just bought a CED and Retired my Oehler 33. The IR is the ticket.
nat Lambeth

 

[nhm16]

I have a non-IR CED M2, and contemplating upgrading it, getting the Oehler, or just going hog wild and getting a PVM-21. A guy at the local range has one and it's pretty much everything you'd want in chrono.

To me the main advantage of the Oehler is the proof channel, and the fact they are a known good chronograph. You can get similar confidence with two chronos back to back. It also has everything you need out of the box, saving you $50-100 on the cost of a decent stand or tripod.

Also, for the price of the Oehler, you could get two CED M2's with two tripods, or almost get two IR equipped CED M2's sans tripods, and are within reach of the awesome PVM-21. The latter two alternatives will work better in difficult light since they used IR emitters.

As for the printer it's a matter of preference, I prefer the ability to upload to a computer over the printer but others may feel different.

 

[bglenn]

Is the PVM-21 that much better than the CED M2 or Oehler 35 ?
Enquiring minds want to know. ???

Glenn

 

[constructor]

I have an CED M2 now purchased before I knew they were producing the 35 again, if the wind shakes it or there is a cloud anywhere close it will not read. Some times the shot counter just starts counting, goes all the way to 500 with no shots fired then must be cleared before I can start only to have it go off again in the middle of a string. Due to the sensitivity I must shoot it at 15 ft, no closer.
I like the proof screen too and have ordered the 35, it may get here by Christmas, if I still have the CED I'll test them back to back.

 

[flatlander]

I've owned a M33 since '86; biggest issue has been having to check all six C cell batteries, as one with low voltage will usually screw-up readings. There've also been some issues with the skyscreens - even after replacing the old 'venetion blind' diffusers with Oehler's latest, larger plastic ones, I'd get failures to register or the occasional wild reading.

I finally purchased a CED Millenium chrono several years ago, and followed that up with the purchase of a M2 two years ago. I've tested the two CEDs against each other, and the M2 consistently gives readings 10-15fps lower than the older CED. The M33's small LED readout is also tougher to read than the CED's large LCD display.

The only real negative comment I have to make about the CEDs is that the folding skyscreen rail that comes with these units is somewhat fragile. Both mine have broken at the hinge when wind blew over the tripod I use. I replaced the older unit's rail with a single piece of 1" square aluminum tube, gluing in a threaded brass insert to mount it to the QC plate for the tripod, and using the original plastic end plugs from the broken rail. When the M2's rail hinge broke, I simply pop rivited aluminum straps in place on either side of the rail and continued to use it. The M2 also seems to go through a 9v battery quite a lot quicker than the older CED.

 

[KenO]

I have the M2 with the IR screens. I borrowed an Oehler and put them in tandem to see how they compared with the bullet going across both. I put over 100 rounds of different calibers from .22rf to .30 and some handgun through them. They were about 2fps + or -.

The Oehler takes a lot longer to set up than the CED.

I really like the IR screens for chronying anytime, like at dusk or when its fast moving clouds. Also, I put a black garbage bag over a window screen, laid it on top the screens when chroying when its raining out. (I can shoot out of my garage.)

 

[AckleymanII]

I have been using my Ohler 35 since 1987....stands the test of time.

 

[paulnyc]

I have a shooting chrony - absolutely hate it. Thinking about "crying and buying" one that works consistently. Looking at the Oehler and the PVM-8 - would love to know peoples thoughts who own either.

 

[GSSP]

I'm taking a chance here due to the fact that Charles Hardy, CEO of CED has promised me a refund several times over in a 4-5 week period and it's still not here.

I purchased my Oehler M33 about 1980-81 and used it successfully until it finally died about 1-1/2 years back. At the time Oehler, to my knowledge, no longer had repair parts for the M33. I bit the bullet and bought a CED M2. I was impressed with it for about the first 8 months. It quit working. I called CED's CS and they had me run their "flashlight test". It failed. Over the next several months, I ended up sending in first the main unit, then one skyscreen and then the next, paying for shipping each time. They kept replacing parts until I basically had a new one. Mr. Hardy even called me from Hong Kong while on a business trip. After 1/2 hr phone call he even told me he suspected I didn't know how to properly chronograph but changed his mind and told me I did, in deed, know what I was doing. Once I had all the new parts, I was able to start chronographing for a few brief weeks. It got to the point that I could tell the time of day by the time the chronograph quit working; about 10:30 am. It didn't matter what direction I shot, the unit just quit working. I tell you, I got tired of wasting my whole summer, going out to shoot and not being able to get any velocity numbers. I also got tired of dealing with the CS folks, as polite as they were. I finally had enough. I wrote a somewhat terse email to CED. Hardy replied himself and things just went down hill from there with him accusing me of not knowing what I was doing and that it was all my fault. I demanded a refund. He obliged but demanded I return all the items with their receipts. I did just that. It arrived and a return email arrived stating the unit was broken and that they would only be able to return a portion of the full refund. At this point, I was fed up, tired and full of regret for even dealing with CED. I accepted their offer. It has yet to come and I'm sure Hardy will get wind of this post and some how refuse to pay me as promised.

On another note, I ordered my Oehler M35p in July and it arrived last month. What a wonderful piece of engineering. It simply works and works and works, even under the exact same conditions the CED failed.

Like optics, pay once and cry once; buy the Oehler 35p!

Alan

 

[Steve Blair]

I opted for a third choice with more modern components and a much faster clock; the Kurzzeit PVM-21. It comes with full-time IR screens that fire sideways and are never influenced by ambient light in any way. I live in San Diego, so light can be a problem. The unit is extremely accurate and reliable. I have never failed to record a shot that was within the sensitive area of 8" horizontal, 4.5" vertical. The unit was expensive, $750. After using it several sessions, the price is of no consideration. It exceeded my expectations and continues to do so. Like GSSP said, "...pay once and cry once." Of your original two choices, the Oehler is dated but reliable and the better option.

 

[CPorter]

I have the older CED and an M2. Both have worked without fail in regular light & I have seldom used the IR screens that I bought for the older model. It might be interesting to try to see if the fall off in velocity I see as the powder gets older is also related to seasonal variations in light. The 9V battery generally lasts me about a year which is about 2000 rounds. So far the only design problem I see is the supports for the sky screens. They are solid and have too much sail area for the wind to catch. I have a work around where I put 8lbs of ankle weights or more on the tripod to keep i from tipping over.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Any additional input on these? My old chrono just died, so I am in the market.

I like the thought of the PVM-21, but don't like the idea of the difficult initial setup I have read about. (To those using one of these, for a NON Tech guy, how hard is this really??)

I like the thought of the 35P, but again, set up is slow process every time out to the range. Non I/R seems like a step backwards, really, but I know these things work well.

The CED 2 with the IR screens seems like it might be an OK solution as well.

 

[Steve Blair]

I like the thought of the PVM-21, but don't like the idea of the difficult initial setup I have read about. (To those using one of these, for a NON Tech guy, how hard is this really??)

The initial setup is simple. It involves assembling the skyscreens and following a brief calibration procedure. I have not done that since it was purchased. There was a problem with the RJ45 connectors at the skyscreen. Occasionally, contact was lost due to strain on the connector. I fixed it by pushing the connector in all the way and putting a glob of hot glue on it and the skyscreen. No problem since. Because of the large active area, the screen is easy to align.

The PVM-21 is reliable and very accurate. It is likely the most accurate non-industrial chronograph available. I thought that our Moderator did a comparison test of available chronos a while back but I could not find it.

 

[cfrazier77]

I thought that our Moderator did a comparison test of available chronos a while back but I could not find it.

I would really like to read this, if anyone knows how to use the search function well and post a link to it I would be very appreciative!!!!!

 

[Steve Blair]

I would really like to read this, if anyone knows how to use the search function well and post a link to it I would be very appreciative!!!!!

Here is the Daily Bulletin article with the reference but I cannot find the test.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/09/another-amazing-video-from-kurzzeit-com/

 

[extremeaccuracy]

I do a lot of small caliber high speed testing and from my findings the Oehler 35P is MUCH, MUCH more reliable unit then the older CED Millennium units for that purpose. I worked with the CED reps. on this and spent a TON of time trying to get readings using the IR kit, blast baffles, blacking bullets and using other tricks. The older units just were not up to the task of reading 14 caliber bullets in the 5000 FPS range. I don't know how the M2 version does and have not completed any testing with them but I do believe they use the same sensors.

I can say I switched back to the Oehler 35P's and never looked back. I run a dual set of them in tandem at the muzzle and 3rd unit down range to help calculate bullet coefficients. The Oehler 35P units have been VERY reliable. I'm currently pushing past the 5000 fps range with some new bullet designs so I will repost if the Oehler units hit the wall here.

I can't tell you how many times I wanted to put a round through the older CED unit because of frustration trying to get readings during ladder load testing. Spending all that time loading up rounds to have a chronograph miss round after round or read very, very intermittently was extremely frustrating and a big time and resource waste.

I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming shoots,

Carl C.

Extreme Accuracy

www.14caliber.com

 

[rwj]

I do a lot of small caliber high speed testing and from my findings the Oehler 35P is MUCH, MUCH more reliable unit then the older CED Millennium units for that purpose. I worked with the CED reps. on this and spent a TON of time trying to get readings using the IR kit, blast baffles, blacking bullets and using other tricks. The older units just were not up to the task of reading 14 caliber bullets in the 5000 FPS range. I don't know how the M2 version does and have not completed any testing with them but I do believe they use the same sensors.

I can say I switched back to the Oehler 35P's and never looked back. I run a dual set of them in tandem at the muzzle and 3rd unit down range to help calculate bullet coefficients. The Oehler 35P units have been VERY reliable. I'm currently pushing past the 5000 fps range with some new bullet designs so I will repost if the Oehler units hit the wall here.

I can't tell you how many times I wanted to put a round through the older CED unit because of frustration trying to get readings during ladder load testing. Spending all that time loading up rounds to have a chronograph miss round after round or read very, very intermittently was extremely frustrating and a big time and resource waste.

I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming shoots,

Carl C.

Extreme Accuracy

www.14caliber.com

A lot has changed in the world of chronographs since 2011. You may find one of the new Doppler radar units will provide the desired performance…

 

[extremeaccuracy]

I do hope things have changed as of late but when I researched and tried the Doppler units none of them would read over 4500 fps. I sent numerous emails trying to get the manufactures to confirm that they could read in the 5000 fps range but none would commit. If you have heard of any of the units that can reliably read the sub caliber rifles up to the 5000 fps range please let me know.
My correspondence with the manufactures that I have tried have yielded no results .

Thanks for any information you can share,

Carl C.

Extreme Accuracy

14caliber.com

 

[TimW]

The Garmin Xero® C1 Pro is supposed to goto 5k fps but combined with sub caliber I am not sure. Its those sub cal that seem to trip things up especially at those vel.

Talk about resurrecting an old thread.

I still have 2 x CED 2 Mil with IR etc. They are emergency backups get tge dust knocked off at best once a yr . They would have been bettering if they had allowed open config changes for sensor spacing etc instead of fixed and locked down.