Competition Electronics Digital Link for Chrono

[Dudedog]

I had a Pro Chrono Pal and liked it so I decided to upgrade. I purchased a New Pro Chrono Digital and the Bluetooth Digital Link. I also purchased a small Android tablet to run the software. Software does not work. Not compatable with my device. Called Competition Electronics and left voice mail. Did not hear back. Called again and finally got a hold of somebody. I was told sorry the software just won't work on that Andriod tablet . (RCA android 5.0.1) They suggested I buy a more expensive tablet.
I am returning the chrono and link. Funny I can download the Caldwell software to the tablet and it works. :banghead:
Now I am out shipping and have to return the blue tooth link thing and the tablet. Major waste of time and money.
I just wanted everyone to know the software may or may not work and Competition Electronics just dosen't seem to care or have anything warning that there are known issues with the product.

The device is supposed to be neat if it works but buy it and try it at your own risk.

They do say it will work fine if you buy or own an expensive Samsung Galaxy Tablet.


Sadly disappointed to say the least. After my positive experience with my Pro Chrono Pal I expected more from Competition Electronics.

 

[vaughnmr]

The RCA tablet is basically junk. I've got the same setup and it works great on all my tablets (including Android 6.0.1) and phone (Nexus 6). You don't have to buy an expensive Samsung tablet, my Lenovo was a real nice 10" tablet for $200. Look for a different tablet, not chrono, lol.

 

[Dudedog]

Funny thing is the tablet will run the Caldwell app just fine (no headphone/microphone jack so it won't talk to the Caldwell but the app runs).
You can say the tablet is junk but it runs lots of Android apps fine.
So is it the tablets fault or the software's fault?
If software says it runs on XX OS you expect it to run unless it says requires it has certain requirements.
(By the way I used to be a programmer so I can discuss poorly written software, bad API calls, hardware dependency, failure to conform with OS standards etc, but that has no bearing on reloading)
I would expect it to run on Android if it says it runs on Android with no mention of requirements (other than bluetooth)
I returned the tablet and bluetooth thing.
I will try the USB device, hopefully this may work out better even though my laptop is Windows 10 and the USB thing does not say it supports Windows 10.
I liked my Competition Electronics ProChrono Pal which is why I bought another from them.
Just disappointed they don't mention known issues on their web site.
Caldwell lists devices they know don't work with their chrono on their site.
The $1000 question is if it won't work on that tablet what else won't it work on?
All I am trying to do is warn people that there are KNOWN issues with the software.
I would hate for someone else to think they could get a working setup for say $200-$250 when in reality you would have to spend at least $100 more to buy a tablet that works with the software.
(other inexpensive tablets may work but who knows)
It also is supposed to work with phones but I wanted a larger screen which is why I bought the tablet.


Welcome to THR, Glad it works for you vaughnmr.

 

[Duvel]

I've got the Digital Link, and run it on both an Asus tablet, and an Android phone - works great.

Perhaps the RCA is proprietary in some way?

If you get it up and running, you'll like it

 

[Dudedog]

glad you like it and it works for you.
It would be nice if it talked to Bluetooth enabled laptops but there is no Windows version of the software.

Oh well, I will go back in time and try, ah the non wireless way of connecting devices.
I was really happy with my old ProChronoPal. (it learned how to dodge bullets, so it never got shot!)

 

[sl33py]

It's the tablet.

It's hard to tell which RCA tablet you have - i see some single core 7" tablets, and other 7" tablets that are quad core. If you have a specific model # i can give you exact details - including possibly rooting or installing a new Android OS which hasn't been released for it (if capable).

Ultimately it's a compatibility issue with the version your tablet is able to run (Android 5.01) vs. CED's app which is no longer compatible with that older Android OS version. And since your tablet won't run the newer Android OS - CED won't run on your tablet.

I would seriously look to get a new tablet, or load it on a newer phone than your tablet and it should work just fine. You might also look on local craigslist or similar for an inexpensive used one that's running the latest version of Android OS.

HTH - GL!

 

[fouled bore]

I have it on an old HTC phone running Android 2.3 and it works fine.

 

[Dudedog]

Thanks for the offer to help with the tablet sl33py, I appreciate it.
It was a quad core but I just decided to get the USB device and connect the chrono to a laptop.

Bigger screen still. (getting blind in my old age )

Seems like I was just lucky enough to buy one of the Android devices the blutooth device wouldn't work with. :banghead:

 

[jell-dog]

Thank you Dudedog!

Dudedog,
Thank you for PIFing your experienced Pro Chrono Pal to me!!
It is nice to know that you have trained it to dodge bullets

It was a complete surprise and I'm very grateful for your generosity!

JD

 

[LiveLife]

Ultimately it's a compatibility issue with the version your tablet is able to run (Android 5.01) vs. CED's app which is no longer compatible with that older Android OS version.

Android 5.x is old? It just came out in 2015! My guess is majority of tablets in use are running Android 4.x-5.x and if product manufacturers won't support these OS versions, they are alienating A LOT of customers. If any product won't support Android 5.0.1 that Dudedog's tablet is running, I share the sentiment/frustration and would buy something else that was compatible with the OS version.

I keep wishing my dual core 10" Acer tablet running Android 4.0 would die so I would have an excuse to buy a new quad core Samsung tablet but it just keeps working so darn well ...

Dudedog, is your tablet returnable? Even this quad core RCA tablet from Wally for $39 is running Android 5.0 with phone jack and bluetooth - http://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-7-Tablet-8GB-Quad-Core/45804398

BTW, I am using the Acer tablet with Caldwell chrono and it works fine with Caldwell app along with my Samsung phone and all of my older android phones out of service (FYI, S&W is parent company of Caldwell, Frankford Arsenal, etc.).

 

[Dudedog]

The RCA I bought came from Wally World. (returned it)
So for anyone considering that combo with the Blue Tooth adapter it won't work. (software won't install)

 

[Dudedog]

Your welcome jell-dog.
Enjoy!

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

I'm wondering if it more the blue tooth capabilities rather than the OS.

I have the CE prochrono and i was hoping to run it with a laptop. But laptop is down thanks to my son. Got it wet and it will cost me more in parts than just buying a used on on craigslist.

Fwiw i like the prochrono for the price. Works well for me so far.

 

[sl33py]

My mistake on the version of the OS. Looks like BT (lack of or incompatible).

It's not uncommon for one major version to the next some become outdated. Good to know CED is keeping compatibility back to an old version like 2.x

 

[Dudedog]

No it had Bluetooth, double checked that before purchasing.
To bad, otherwise it a was a neat little tablet with a real keyboard (small)
for a good price. Seemed to run some other apps I tested ok.

Awaiting the arrival of my USB PC adapter. Will report when I have a chance to test it.
To bad Competition electronics don't have the Bluetooth device software in a Windows version.
Lots of laptops have Bluetooth and if they don't a bluetooth dongle is about $10.


Note---info on USB device later in thread, I could not edit the first post. I put it here as opposed to starting a new thread.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

No it had Bluetooth, double checked that before purchasing.
To bad, otherwise it a was a neat little tablet with a real keyboard (small)
for a good price. Seemed to run some other apps I tested ok.

Awaiting the arrival of my USB PC adapter. Will report when I have a chance to test it.
To bad Competition electronics don't have the Bluetooth device software in a Windows version.
Lots of laptops have Bluetooth and if they don't a bluetooth dongle is about $10.

I meant the Bluetooth hardware might not have been compatible. Some data transfer rates are different in Bluetooth devices. If the Bluetooth hardware was not the newer EDR then the older hardware may not be able to handle the data flow.

Id like to know how that usb works, ill stay tuned.

 

[kcofohio]

A question for those that have had success with the Bluetooth. Will the adapter allow for saving a string onto device and deleting the string off the chronograph while it is downrange? Thanks!

 

[Duvel]

A question for those that have had success with the Bluetooth. Will the adapter allow for saving a string onto device and deleting the string off the chronograph while it is downrange? Thanks!

I can't say I've tried, but, at least in my use, the chrono's memory becomes moot, as any new string that exceeds the the unit's capability simply overwrites the oldest, previous data - the important 'storage' resides on the device (phone, tablet).

I have 4 or 5 extended (last was 75 strings) sessions with this setup, and other than turn it on, the chrono's only purpose is to take readings, as all strings are entered & deleted on the tablet.

For a large number of strings it can be a bit inefficient when it comes to transferring .csv files to a PC, but otherwise the setup is pretty slick.

 

[Duvel]

Here's a screen grab of a single string outputted to a spreadsheet in .csv

 

[kcofohio]

Thanks Duvel. The reason I ask is, several times at the range I bring 10+ loads. And I will bring an analog pad and pen. When I exceed the nine strings, I have to write down the string data before I delete. It would be one less thing to remember to pack if the data could be saved on a device before deleting to free up a string.

 

[Duvel]

Analog, not really familiar with that term

With the ProChrono / Digital Link / Tablet setup I've never needed to delete a string on the chrono itself, as all data transmitted in real time to the tablet.

There may be limitations to the number strings that can be entered into the software on the tablet, but I haven't run into that brick wall yet (most I've entered is 75).

 

[Dudedog]

And I will bring an analog pad and pen.

Make sure you upgrade to analog pad Version 2.0 and pen version >3.11 or it might not work
With pad version 1.0 I kept losing results before I got them in the computer and with pen version 3 it smeared when I set my coffee cup on it.


Got my USB device today.
Got home from work late so it is dark. At least I can try to get it setup on my laptop and see if it wants to work with Windows 10.
Will keep everybody posted.

 

[kcofohio]

Duvel, thanks for the feedback. I think I get the idea now.

 

[kcofohio]

Make sure you upgrade to analog pad Version 2.0 and pen version >3.11 or it might not work.
With pad version 1.0 I kept losing results before I got them in the computer and with pen version 3 it smeared when I set my coffee cup on it.

Thanks for the good chuckle Dudedog!

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

You can always run more than 5 shots per string as long as you note the order you shot them in. It runs backwards from the last shot. Saves a delete. Not much better I know and at 99 shots per string I doubthat I would want to keep up with all of that.

While on the subject. I lost my book in the move to my Pro Chrono Digital. Just bought it last year. How do I know whether it has Bluetooth or not? no Model or version on the thing anywhere!