Let's talk about chronographs that will work with iOS

TacticalJanitor

TacticalJanitor

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2023
Messages
270
Location
Western Montana
I'm off today to fire my first .38 Special reloads, and I wish I had planned ahead...and bought a chronograph.

Don't really know much about them. But, I do take an iPad with a keyboard to record my drill times when training. This allows me to look back over time to note improvements in accuracy and speed easily. It's also invaluable when comparing one carry pistol to another. I can really know which I shoot better, and by how much.

Using the iPad means that I can review my data while comfortably sitting on my couch. I do not want to have to go use the "real computer" at my desk for gun stuff. It's iOS or nuthin' baby!

This means that I'd really like a chronograph that will work with Apple phones or iPads. I'd rather it is not wired (bluetooth preferred). I also don't want to worry about the weather when collecting chrono data.

So. I've been reading up on the LabRadar rig, but it sounds like it can be finicky with Apple products.

Pluses for the LabRadar (IMO), are that it packs up smaller than most chrono rigs (I think), I wouldn't need to shoot through it, and I wouldn't need to worry about weather.

Does anyone here own and use the LabRadar setup? If you do, does it work with iOS in 2023?

Or, do you have something that works out better for handgun chrono data?

Advice would be awesome. Oh, I'm not worried about the price. I want something that works...no matter if it is pricey or frugal.
 
For frugal, I can recommend this one:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020438152?pid=988434
I used their original model for years and this one is even better, the blue tooth gives you the option to run the chronograph as a remote, or to save it as data to your iPhone. I just run it from my phone, it calls out the velocity of each shot and then allows you to review the data (which I write on my load label, avg velocity and std. deviation). I bought mine on sale with my birthday discount a year ago and got it for just $110, I see they have gone up in price, as well as being back ordered currently. The LabRadars are nice, but this one can do the job at 1/4 the price.
 
What he said ^^^^^^^^^^ software does work good and the bluetooth is reliable, so the data can be down loaded to your cell phone.

I would love to have a Lab Radar, but that's a lot of money for something I would use twice a year.
 
I have the ProChrono DLX and my shooting buddy has the Labradar. I'm an android person and he's an Apple person

The Labradar is easier to lug around, easier to set up, and there is less danger of killing it with a stray shot. The biggest thing for us is that the Labradar is more consistent in it's readings and less affected by lighting conditions...plus you can use it indoors if that is your desire. He makes adjustments on his unit using his iPhone

The DLX is simple to use as there aren't many settings to play with. It is more sensitive to the wind...easier to blow over.

We usually use his, just for the speed of setup and accuracy of the readings. We use our chronos whenever we tweak our loads or try new powder or change guns we're competing with...so not usually more than a couple of times a week during our 4 month off season
 
9mmepiphany said:
I have the ProChrono DLX and my shooting buddy has the Labradar. I'm an android person and he's an Apple person

The Labradar is easier to lug around, easier to set up, and there is less danger of killing it with a stray shot. The biggest thing for us is that the Labradar is more consistent in it's readings and less affected by lighting conditions...plus you can use it indoors if that is your desire. He makes adjustments on his unit using his iPhone

The DLX is simple to use as there aren't many settings to play with. It is more sensitive to the wind...easier to blow over.

We usually use his, just for the speed of setup and accuracy of the readings. We use our chronos whenever we tweak our loads or try new powder or change guns we're competing with...so not usually more than a couple of times a week during our 4 month off season
Click to expand...

Good infos. My least favorite part of going to the range is set up and take down. My steel targets are heavy, and they are mounted to my roof rack (permanently). Means I gotta crawl up and down to deal with them. I can imagine that putting a bunch of parts together for a chronograph would get old fast.

I'm going to do a bunch of reading for the DLX and Labradar. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
 
TacticalJanitor said:
Good infos. My least favorite part of going to the range is set up and take down. My steel targets are heavy, and they are mounted to my roof rack (permanently). Means I gotta crawl up and down to deal with them. I can imagine that putting a bunch of parts together for a chronograph would get old fast.

I'm going to do a bunch of reading for the DLX and Labradar. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
Click to expand...


Your an IT guy; so you may struggle, but normal people can setup a DLX in less than 10 minutes. Your Mileage is going to very. :)
 
dannyd said:
Your an IT guy; so you may struggle, but normal people can setup a DLX in less than 10 minutes. Your Mileage is going to very. :)
Click to expand...

So let me ask this...are you serious that it takes 10 minutes to setup the DLX? I would guess it takes me 10 minutes to set up the entire range for drills.

Of course, I'm not talking about initial setup and learning the settings, software, etc..

Let's say, a guy has already become familiar with both the DLX and Labradar. How long does it take to get either one out of the case and collect some data?

Edit: And, is either one likely to have some sort of glitch (when working with iOS) that will result in cursing?
 
I have used my Labradar for a few years now. I have had more issues with the Android app than I have with the Apple app. Your mileage my vary.
I ended up just using my iPad to run the chrono which works quite well.
IT guy as well, so you can imagine the hoops we might jump thru to get something working :rofl:
 
Kaldor said:
I have used my Labradar for a few years now. I have had more issues with the Android app than I have with the Apple app. Your mileage my vary.
I ended up just using my iPad to run the chrono which works quite well.
IT guy as well, so you can imagine the hoops we might jump thru to get something working :rofl:
Click to expand...

Yup, I can imagine brother! I get paid to fight with other people's tech issues, and would rather not have any of my own.

It may be a moot comparison. Some Googling indicates that I can't buy a Labradar with Bluetooth these days.
 
Last edited:
Varminterror said:
So many of these have happened in the history of human kind which have caused broad electrical disruptions across the world, everyone not planning for these is a fool…

Luckily, I dragon-proofed my home.
Click to expand...
Yes! Grid is completely soft and it won’t take much. Next door to my home town in Moore County NC… some terrorist did a test run on a sub station. Power gone for weeks, mini marshals law followed! Get YO data… write it down and return the crono to Amazon. Or build a F Cage around your battery powder crono! and stock up on rechargeable batteries
 
TacticalJanitor said:
So let me ask this...are you serious that it takes 10 minutes to setup the DLX? I would guess it takes me 10 minutes to set up the entire range for drills.

Of course, I'm not talking about initial setup and learning the settings, software, etc..

Let's say, a guy has already become familiar with both the DLX and Labradar. How long does it take to get either one out of the case and collect some data?

Edit: And, is either one likely to have some sort of glitch (when working with iOS) that will result in cursing?
Click to expand...

DLX out of the case, on the tripod and placed on range — 5 minutes if you know what you’re doing. Maybe less. It’s really simple. The iOS app connects automatically when you turn on the DLX.
 
TacticalJanitor said:
I'm an IT guy. We don't "do" paper. :rofl:
Click to expand...
I’m a sysadmin/programmer and I do use paper to make notes. The problem is trying to read them later. I have found using pen and paper saves me extra wear on the wrists and fingers. The dual banes of old IT guys: carpal tunnel and arthritis.
The Labradar would probably be the best solution for you based on the use case and circumstances. You aren’t at a crowded range, you are using an improvised bench, you are not shooting at limited distances, and from your description, it doesn’t sound like you are on a graded field - tripods work better on semi flat surfaces and tend to get tippy on soft grassy soil.
 
drband said:
DLX out of the case, on the tripod and placed on range — 5 minutes if you know what you’re doing. Maybe less. It’s really simple. The iOS app connects automatically when you turn on the DLX.
Click to expand...
just wait till Tic Toc hacks your crono… connect to Iphone!!! ZAP
 
GeoDudeFlorida said:
I’m a sysadmin/programmer and I do use paper to make notes. The problem is trying to read them later. I have found using pen and paper saves me extra wear on the wrists and fingers. The dual banes of old IT guys: carpal tunnel and arthritis.
The Labradar would probably be the best solution for you based on the use case and circumstances. You aren’t at a crowded range, you are using an improvised bench, you are not shooting at limited distances, and from your description, it doesn’t sound like you are on a graded field - tripods work better on semi flat surfaces and tend to get tippy on soft grassy soil.
Click to expand...

You bring up some good points that I haven't thought about. I shoot only pistols in "open bays", which means it's just me in a 25 yard range. Probably 20 yards wide with 10-foot berms on left, right, and target sides. It's graded gravel and mostly level. I have a steel table built into the roof rack of my shooting vehicle that I use for a bench when sighting in or...well...just need a bench.

I thought the "bench mount" that Labradar sells would work well on my table. I also think the table is wide enough for me to put the Labradar on one side, and my pistol rest on the other (table is appr. 40 inches wide). However, I haven't jumped into the Labradar manual/specs yet to confirm any of these initial thoughts. From some brief scanning of Internet review and sales info, the Labradar sounds like it's quick to set up and will pack small in my Jeep (which is a serious concern).

If I could pick up the Labradar Light (without Bluetooth), then iOS function doesn't matter. I could deal with manually entering the FPS data into a Numbers doc on my iPad. I'm doing this now with my shot timer. Not really a deal breaker IF the Labradar can deal with my other "needs".

I'm in Montana and it's rare to have sunshine here. Although I don't yet have a good understanding on the relationship between sunshine, weather, and traditional chronos...it sounds like there might be a lot of days that I wouldn't be able to reliably collect data. It rains quite a bit here too, and is often very windy at the range.

But, now I'm leaning towards picking up a DLX to get started because I cannot find ANY Labradars for sale (with BT). The DLX is much cheaper, and it sounds like it's reliable with iOS.

Decisions, decisions.

The reasons I eschew paper is because I can never find it after the fact, and my poor little hands can't write a single paragraph before cramping up. My block print also looks like it was done by an eight-year-old. :confused:
 
TacticalJanitor said:
So let me ask this...are you serious that it takes 10 minutes to setup the DLX? I would guess it takes me 10 minutes to set up the entire range for drills.

Of course, I'm not talking about initial setup and learning the settings, software, etc..

Let's say, a guy has already become familiar with both the DLX and Labradar. How long does it take to get either one out of the case and collect some data?

Edit: And, is either one likely to have some sort of glitch (when working with iOS) that will result in cursing?
Click to expand...


Never setup Labradar, but I use the DLX. Setup tripod, turn it on, move to where you want level it on the target and shoot. I only do revolvers.
 
TacticalJanitor said:
You bring up some good points that I haven't thought about. I shoot only pistols in "open bays", which means it's just me in a 25 yard range. Probably 20 yards wide with 10-foot berms on left, right, and target sides. It's graded gravel and mostly level. I have a steel table built into the roof rack of my shooting vehicle that I use for a bench when sighting in or...well...just need a bench.

I thought the "bench mount" that Labradar sells would work well on my table. I also think the table is wide enough for me to put the Labradar on one side, and my pistol rest on the other (table is appr. 40 inches wide). However, I haven't jumped into the Labradar manual/specs yet to confirm any of these initial thoughts. From some brief scanning of Internet review and sales info, the Labradar sounds like it's quick to set up and will pack small in my Jeep (which is a serious concern).

If I could pick up the Labradar Light (without Bluetooth), then iOS function doesn't matter. I could deal with manually entering the FPS data into a Numbers doc on my iPad. I'm doing this now with my shot timer. Not really a deal breaker IF the Labradar works can deal with my other "needs".

I'm in Montana and it's rare to have sunshine here. Although I don't yet have a good understanding on the relationship between sunshine, weather, and traditional chronos...it sounds like there might be a lot of days that I wouldn't be able to reliably collect data. It rains quite a bit here too, and is often very windy at the range.

But, now I'm leaning towards picking up a DLX to get started because I cannot find ANY Labradars for sale (with BT). The DLX is much cheaper, and it sounds like it's reliable with iOS.

Decisions, decisions.

The reasons I eschew paper is because I can never find it after the fact, and my poor little hands can't write a single paragraph before cramping up. My block print also looks like it was done by an eight-year-old. :confused:
Click to expand...
I’m not familiar with Montana, never been there, and don’t own either of the chronographs you’re looking at but I have researched them a bit one thing to keep in mind about any optical chronograph is you have to shoot across the optical plane and it’s really only reliable when you’re shooting level with the sensors. Angles tend to result in missed readings. You should leave a good gap between your bullets path and the chrony but there’s a limit to the gap. Also, the optics need to be a safe distance from the muzzle blast - typically 3ft max for my cheap little Chrony F1 - and I can’t say I know the answer for either one of your choices but the Doppler radar will not have any of those limitations. Just food for thought.
 
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