Chronograph -- Pact Mark IV w/ timer anyone have one?

[243_shooter]

Hi guys,

Looking to take it to the next level and start chronographing my loads. Up to now I've just been "playing" really, never had any type of good velocity data to use / compare.

When shopping around I stumbled on the Pact Mk IV timer with a built in chrono. Seems like a pretty good unit, I shoot a lot of IPSC to so the timer would be great to have also. Seems like the way to go?

Anyone use one for a chronograph, and if so how do you like it? Does it lack any features that I would want from a stand alone chronograph?

Thanks,
Leo

 

[esheato]

I have one and really like it.

Very simple to use. A little bulky but it has a lot of features.

Par time, random delay and keyed beeps are useful features. I use the keyed beeps all the time at the range. Basically, you can program the machine to give you a signal beep at at a specified time after a specified shot. For example..my normal training drill on a slide lock reload is to have a random delay of 1.5 to 2.5 seconds from pushing the start button...at the initial beep present the firearm and a double-tap on target, then slide lock reload and one more shot. You can program the machine to give a second beep 2 seconds after the second shot if that is your goal. That way you can see how close you are to your target speed for that drill.

Mine also has the ballistic computer and chrono on it. The ballistic computer is nice as it dispels a lot of guesswork, and making drop tables for rifles is really simple. I fiddled with the ballistic computer for a few hours the other night just running scenarios and comparing drop tables. It's very informative.

The chrono is easy to use also. A little trying at times on overcast days, but then again, most chronos are. Great company to deal with too. Order replacement skyscreens ahead of time...you'll never admit to shooting them, but it'll happen.

If you've got a good price on one, get it. As far as chronos alone go, I think the only thing better is the Oehler 35P. With the Pact you're getting a lot of other features.

The Pact does lack a printer, but it's not a necessity. I usually take a small notebook with me and write down all the data when I chrono loads.

esheato...

 

[243_shooter]

Esheato thanks for the information. Sounds like it's a pretty good unit. The fact I'll be able to use it as a chrono, and for practice is pretty exciting also.

They have a special listed on Pact's website. The timer with a free skyscreen bracket, and Brian Enos book for $200. I'm guessing that and an el cheapo camera tripod and I'll be good to go.

According to the Pact site the MK IV has an infared data port so you can connect it to a printer if you wish, but I can't find the printer on their website anywhere. They have a pretty lousy site, they really need to do some work on it.

Leo

 

[esheato]

Leo,

You might want to try Brian Enos site. That is where I got mine, although I believe it was the same deal. $200 for the timer and chrono setup. Although I did buy the book after the fact for another twenty bucks, but it was well worth it.

If you're serious about getting a timer and chrono, Enos has a lot of knowledge to share.

Kinda funny, but I went to the PACT site after I responded to you, and looked for the printer also. I couldn't find it. I believe some of the accessory suppliers (MidwayUSA, CheaperThanDirt) sell some printers that could be hooked up for it...but honestly, I've never had the need...most of those printers use thermal paper and if you intend to keep it in your load book, the paper will fade eventually.

Best of luck to ya, let me know how you like it.

esheato....

 

[Mr. Chitlin]

I have had one for many years. I have nothign to compare it to, but mine has done fine. I saw a write up in some gun rag a while back using the PACT and a couple of others, and all were right in there together.

As for the printer, I contacted PACT a couple of years ago about one. They didn't stock it any more, but somewhere I got the info and found one online.

If you need the info on the printer, I'll try to find it. It is a small hand held size that uses the IR port. Pretty neat, you just push the print button and it prints it right out. Seems like it was about $100 or so.

Here is a link to my chrono info...

Chrono Page

 

[243_shooter]

The only reason I ask about the printer is I have one at work... It's an HP infared printer that goes with a battery tester I got. Looks identical to the one on Pact's website, uses an IR port to do a printout of the battery testers results.

I don't really think I'd use the printer that much, but it'd be nice to know if the one I already have would work! Going just by the pictures, it appears to be the printer I already have.

If you happen to have one of the printers could you get me the model number off it? If you don't have one, don't worry about it I'll email Pact directly.

Bizarre they don't sell the printers also

Leo

 

[Mr. Chitlin]

It is down stairs in my shooting stuff. I'll get the info off of it tomorrow.

 

[Chris Rhines]

I have a Pact MkIV, but I've never used the chrono functions (I'm not a reloader, yet.) That aside, I very much like the timer. Lots of features, durable and easy to use.

243_shooter, that HP printer is probably the right one to interface with the PACT. Problem is, HP hasn't made those printers in years. I used to have one, but it disapeared into my basement, never to be seen again. I'd really like to see a version that would interface with my PDA or laptop...

- Chris

 

[batangueno]

My Pact MKIV are dead on with the Pro Chrono which are usually used in IPSC matches around here. Advantages of the Pact MKIV aside from also being a timer:

- 2 line display that can show you the running average
- the display is beside you, although you have to worry about the wires