Caldwell Chronograph?

[jerkface11]

Is anyone using the caldwell chronograph and associated smartphone app? Does it work as well as other brands? How finicky is it about light levels, position of the sun, angle of fire over it? Does it seem to be well put together or just cheap chinese junk?

 

[guncheese]

just got one in yesterday
of course its cheap chinese junk
but it seems to work fine with airsoft BBs
it goes to the range with me on Thursday
as for the app
it runs a treat on my nexus 5
but it will not connect on my Transformer (could be due to the rom im running on that)
and yes you can drop the data into Gdocs right from the device
as one of the sharing options is email and it asks you how to email, i choose copy to clipboard then i can paste it right into Gsheets no muss no fuss
ill have more of a review later in the week
and a review and info of the Maxam CSB-1 pistol/shutgun powder
im such a busy fool

 

[jerkface11]

How cheap? Will it fall apart with regular use? Or just not stand up to abuse?

 

[Toprudder]

I have the Caldwell chrono and love it. The only other experience I have is with a F1 Shooting Chrony. I still have that, but never use it.

The only problem I've had is when the sun is high enough that it starts to shine down into the sensor windows, then I get errors. I simply added some tape to the uprights to temporarily block the sunlight from getting in the sensors.

I use mine with my iPhone. They have updated the app a couple of times to add new features. I have had no trouble getting my iPhone to work with the chrono.

I bought the kit, which includes the carrying case (nice!), a tripod (cheap) and light kit (for shooting indoors or in low light - I have yet to use it). If I had it to do over again, I would probably not get the kit, just the chrono.

 

[konertjm]

I have had the Caldwell chrono for about 3 weeks. I have used it twice.
IU have connected it to both my Iphone and my Samsung Android.
The Iphone app is very nice, needs some more fine tuning to get complete info, but is heads above the Android version, which truly sucks.

The Chrono by itself only records one shot at a time, the app allows you to gather info for multiple shots attached to the same reloading data. Allows for templates that can be pulled in, and data unique to each load can be added.

As far as I know, it is the only Chrono that communicates with a current electronic device. I believe there is at least one, if not 2 others that require an RS232(?) interface to a laptop.

Problems I have had.
1. Shooting underneath a roof, but some mist got on one sensor, and it wouldn't function properly.
2. 3ft from pistol to Chrono did not work at all for Bullseye and Autocomp. Worked fine for Titegroup and CSB1. Moving the Chrono to 6 ft solved this problem.

Based on the cost of the Caldwell version, and the cost and functionality of the competition, I would definitely purchase again.

 

[dave333]

I got a caldwell chrono when it first became available and have really enjoyed it. I use mine with an iPhone and it works well. No problems shooting in sun, shade, or any combination so far. The app is very good an they have updated it a few times to make it even better.

 

[RAT807]

The kit was not available when I bought mine. The IR lights would nice to have. I have used it 3 times and two sessions went late and I got errors from lack of day light. Removing the screens helped for a bit but it's getting dark sooner now.
I have used the chrono with my iPhone but prefer to use my iPad. The keyboard is larger and typing in load data etc, is faster on the iPad.
All three sessions were over 2 1/2 hours and the battery meter is around 3/4 full. The battery compartment has room for a second battery.
If you type in all the bullet info, it can also tell you ft/lbs and power factor and I have load data in my pocket whenever I need it. Overall, I am very happy with it.

 

[konertjm]

Here are a couple of pics of the data available on the IPhone/Ipad app for the Caldwell Chrono. Rat807, is the IPAD any different?.

Also want to add, the Caldwell measures from 5 FPS to 9999 FPS.

Basic Screen with Power Factor displayed:

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Basic Screen with Energy:

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Drop Down screen with Bullet & misc info.

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[guncheese]

dont know about the ipad
but the android app is alot different!
i like the looks of the iOS app much better
but the android app is much newer and they are working on it all the time
my Transformer TF101 still wont connect to the chrono (im talking to Mike P. about it)
but the nexus 5 works fine

 

[guncheese]

had the chrono out this morning
out of 130 shots i had 1 "error3" which is rear sensor didnt get data
and one shot left a -1 fps
maybe it was a fly going backwards across it
here is a screen shot of the ruger six a buddy had out


im very pleased

that all said
i have quite a number of android devices
and its split about 50/50 works/not work
i tested the app on 6 devices and 3 worked fine
ive been in contact with BTI about it and they were very happy to get my multi device report

as i have read that the iOS app seems to be fine, so if you have a iphone or ipad your already good to go

being able to send the group data right to my Google drive or email or where ever (even facebook) is down right useful

 

[trigga]

i was at the shop today and the lady recommended it over the shooting chrony... something to look into

 

[Toprudder]

i was at the shop today and the lady recommended it over the shooting chrony... something to look into

I have both the Caldwell and a F1 Shooting Chrony. I would agree with that recommendation.

One disadvantage of the basic F1 Shooting Chrony is if you want to use it at a busy range, there is no way to reset the statistics other than turning the unit off/on. Since it has to be about 10 feet out, you would have to call cold range every time. Even with the optional printer (which I have) it just can't be done. The Master F1, though, has the display mounted remotely, and that would work. I had considered upgrading mine to the master F1 (the company will do that for a fee) but since I have the Caldwell I have not even taken my Shooting Chrony out of the box.

 

[RAT807]

konertjm, The App on the iPad looks just like yours on the iPhone. I have noticed if (when) you start shooting and forget to press start on the iPhone/iPad, the chrono still records the shot and displays the speed so you can right it down if you choose to. Ask me how I know this...:banghead:

This is the last group I shot. It's the second test of this load at 25 yards. The ES on the first test was 8 FPS.

Created: 09/28/14 17:39
Description: hp38 4.7gr, FGM100M
Notes 1: fed 59.8-60.1, .746 @1122
Notes 2: hap125 BS=.305
Distance to Chrono(FT): 15.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.158
Bullet Weight(gr): 125.00
Temp: 75 °F
BP: 29.87 inHg
Shots:
# FPS / FT-LBS
5 1162 / 375
4 1161 / 374
3 1163 / 375
2 1165 / 377
1 1161 / 374
Average: 1162.4 FPS
SD: 1.7 FPS
Min: 1161 FPS
Max: 1165 FPS
Spread: 4 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.2
True MV: 1171 FPS
Group Size (in): 1.70



Sent from my iPhone

Fired from a stock Glock 34. The same load with a CCI500 primer had an ES of 26 but the target looks the same, 5 rounds in a 1.75 or less group

 

[Toprudder]

Got the latest app update for my iPhone. Under the "whats new" tab, there were only two items: (1) Sort order corrected for Multi-Select Share, and (2) 3.5" iPhones running iOS7 - shot table height is now bound by view.

They released an update based solely on two bugs I had reported, about 2 weeks ago.