![]() As technically advanced and feature rich as the original CED product was, it was certainly not as revolutionary as the first Oehler and years passed before it finally gained acceptance in a cluttered market. The CED was the first to catch up to PC technology with fast surface mounted fully integrated digital circuits (ASIC), none-volatile memory to store data, a large custom LCD display, multi-function keyboard and a true Infrared lighting option so it would work in pitch dark without AC power. A few had RS-232 PC connectivity but memory and software was limited and artificial lighting consisted of appliance light bulbs in a metal box. High-end models were printing to adding machine tape rather than saving data to memory. when the first Chronographsograph was introduced, older optical systems were beginning to show their age. They were all optical light trap systems with simple chipsets, photoelectric cells and a crystal oscillator clock.īy 1999. Some "all in one box" designs were intended primarily for IPSC handgun shooters, others with wires to the sensors from a control box were for riflemen shooting at a bench. Initial brand differences tended to involve convenience of setup, size and transportability. ![]() Not much happened to improve the basic technology other than clock speeds increased so a 10 ft. Over the next 20 years more companies entered the chronograph market with similar optical systems. For the first time shooters could capture accurate velocities WITHOUT altering the point of impact. BUT IT WORKED and truly revolutionized the process of load development. Slow circuits of the day limited precision so screens had to be 10 feet apart in order to reliably capture velocities to single digit deviation. How cool! It even had TWO push buttons to delete shots or toggle through the summary data. It had a tiny red single-line digital display (like the first HP pocket calculators) which showed velocity for each shot and the calculated Average, S.D., E.S., etc. In the late 70's Oehler introduced their first optical chronograph (timer tripped by the bullet shadow), it was truly revolutionary and instantly replaced all the old systems. It missed shots and shooting through the screens disrupted the bullet path to the target. The numbers it provided was barely better than none at all. Because it was simply measuring time, we all got stuck with the term "Chronograph" and what is called the "Screens" on today's chronographs were literally squares of metal window screen. Analog circuits would light a matrix of light bulbs inside a big ugly sheet-metal box and you would decipher the velocity from a printed sheet glued inside the cover. You would shoot through two squares of metal window screen. People who have never seen the old Herter's would laugh. I bought my first chronograph in the 1960's while in high school. Let's start with some historic perspective. Most reviews say each is the best or report they "do the job" for less! How can that be with a 1400% price differential?įor the purposes of this review I am limiting discussion to only products manufactured for the civilian shooter. Technologies range from proven 40 year old optical light trap systems, to newer acoustic, electromagnetic and now even doppler radar with prices from $55 to $800. Shooters now have so many chronograph choices it is more than a bit confusing. This review attempts to provide information that has not been published elsewhere. Serial Number 0006 was delivered to RSI in November, 2015 and we have been testing it extensively. It is finally shipping on a limited basis for around $600 with accessories. ![]() The shooting community has been patiently waiting for more information about the Labradar doppler radar chronograph. (tripod not included).Labradar Doppler Radar - An Honest Review Mounts on standard quarter x twenty tripod thread. Built in IPSC / IDPA Power Factor Calculator. The data is downloadable via USB or SD card. Individual shots display velocities at muzzle and up to five additional distances along with Kinetic Energy at each distance. Each shot series provides Hi, Lo, Average, ES, SD. It is positioned to the side of the weapon, not downrange where other systems are prone to damage. Labradar is not dependant on any light source and can be used indoors/outdoors in all weather conditions. with 0.1% accuracy using six AA batteries. LabRadar measures velocities up to 3,900 f.p.s. Multiple distances for velocity display are user definable on the unit. Smaller bullets do not track as far as large bullets. It continually measures velocities of your rifle, pistol, shotgun (slugs), arrows or pellets up to 100 yards depending upon the size of the bullet. Labradar Chronograph performance exceeds any consumer level velocity acquisition system.
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