Steinert Acoustic Chronograph from Shooting Shed.

[Dougan]

...or a different Chrono

You'll have to excuse my ignorance with Chronos as I've never used one...but are there others that can be deployed out in front of you while others are shooting next to you?

[Dougan]

Just to clarify - the reason why I'm thinking along these lines, is because I've barely get the time to make all the shoots with my two clubs...so I never go on my own, and just don't get the chance to rig up a chrono....if there were a chrono that could be deployed in less than 5 mins, and while shooting was taking place; then that would be perfect.....and with the size, weight and detecting range this one has, the possibilities are opening up.....

....but if there is a fundamental reason why this can't be done...or you just think it's a silly idea; then just say so razz

[ovenpaa]

If you look at the vast majority of commercially available Chronos they are forward of the firing point, you need to have them in front of the muzzle, the exception to this is the MagnetoSpeed which attaches to the muzzle plus a couple which also attach to the muzzle but are designed for the air rifle market.

Top end are things like the PVM-21 however it requires a separate power supply such as a reasonable sized battery and as with CED, Chrony and similar it goes forward of the line so once set up it has to be left there until it is safe to move forward.

Some of those I mention have remote displays and printer options and some are local to the device, all of the use frames to control light over the sensors and invariably require the use of a tripod. The exception being the SC which may not require a tripod nor does it use optical frames as it is acoustic however it does not have a remote display nor does it have a means or remote data logging such as a smart phone or tablet across Bluetooth.

So the problem is always going to be you have something forward of the firing point (Or attached to the barrel)

For ease of use the SuperChrono is the one for me, just turn it on, place it on a flat surface pointing at the target and you are ready to go and my somewhat crude system of hauling it back in with a length of paracord which is also used to gauge the muzzle to chrono distance is enough for me.

[dromia]

Getting it back isn't the issue for me its getting it out and reset without interrupting the detail that is exercising my mind.

Fishing pole rests, lengths of wood etc will all give the desired results but also means extra kit to lug which defeats the attraction of the Steinert its compact simplicity. Swapping electric string for lengths of wood, fishing poles etc is a side ways move for me.

You mentioned a wireless/bluetooth option on the drawing board, what exactly does that mean and will you need expensive extra ipots and such like for it to work, also will the current unit be upgradeable?

[Christel]

Current unit be upgradable

, good question.

I'll send an email asking about any future plans.

[Dougan]

If you can get on the point before shooting starts to set it up, then being able to pull it back in by string is beautifully simple.

I'm surprised there isn't the option of having a lead to a display on the point though...

Sorry to continue with the daft ideas (can't help it razz ), but how about attaching it to a remote controlled vehicle...?

[Christel]

Had an email back from the developers saying that there is a Bluetooth enabled version in the pipeline. However early days yet so no date yet, as far as I know they have not even built a prototype yet.

That was pretty much all the information I got.

[dromia]

Bluetooth???

Is that not some kind of tuna?

[Scotsgun]

I finally got out to play with mine today. Dromia's article and the repeated error messages from my geriatric chrono convinced me to buy one from Ovenpaa. That and him putting up with my stupid questions. I even wrote a wee review for one of my clubs as many were interested when i showed it around on Fri night. Hopefully it'll result in some sales (provided you don't mind me passing your web address):

Note : Apologies for the pics. I used my phone and managed mostly to get partial pics of feet, bushes, cows in the next field, etc. Everything but the intended thing to be photographed. Unfortunately this has resulted in much less pictures than originally intended.

OK, so my old chronograph finally died after months of faulty readings or flat refusals to work. I was tired of the same optical types which required firing between the poles and could only really measure velocities at the rifle; not further down-range. A bit of research and advice from friends and then an article to a forum I sometimes haunt led me to the SuperChrono Accoustic Chronograph. Essentially a chronograph that measured velocities acoustically by measuring the crack of the bullet as it travels across two sensors. Promised benefits included:

• No more limitations in poor light.
  No need to shoot between poles.
  A much greater readable area (approx 60 inches above the chrono and 31 inches either side).
  The ability to place it anywhere along the bullets flight in order to confirm velocities at different distances.
  Can be used regardless of weather and light conditions, including rain, snow and fog.

A few days later and the parcel arrived at home. Removal of the wrapping and bubble wrap and I discovered the unit packaged in a vac formed blister pack, complete with cardboard backing card which unfolded to show instructions on both sides. Instructions which were brief and straightforward.





Setup
The unit is supplied with an allen key (metric size) which is used to remove the battery pack lid and install 4 x AA batteries (not included). There’s also a threaded hole on the underside with which to fit a photographic tripod. There’s also a sticker repeating the siting instructions for those who couldn’t be bothered reading the original instructions or have forgotten.


Operation
I’ve recently acquired a Remington 700 in 22-250 which i’m having problems working up a load for so decided to bring the chrono along. The day was winds of between 30-40mph, gusting to 50s, showers and poor light conditions. Ideal for testing its capabilities.



I set the chrono approximately 40yds from the target and then withdrew a further 150yds approx. The handheld laser read 192yds in total. The chrono has a pair of sights similar to those found on a lever action rifle, mounted at the front and back. Provided you sight along these sights and position the unit in line with the bullets path, it will record the velocity of the bullet as it travels over it. The only other consideration is ensuring that it is level. This is helped with the addition of a small spirit level positioned on the top face.



The chrono will read the velocities in either feet per second (ft/s) or meters per second (m/s). You can switch between both without fear of losing your readings at any time and an average will be calculated upon pressing the average button. Just remember to clear old readings by pressing the reset button. I didn’t and got thoroughly confused.





At the end of the day my friends and I had successfully recorded velocities using calibres including .243, .223, .308, 22-250 and 25-06. The only failures occurred when we deliberately acted like numpties and attempted to confuse the unit.

Numpty Tests
How could we cock up and how far could we deviate from the instructions in order to confuse the chronograph? We began by leaving the unit uneven. The readings didn’t change substantially until the front was elevated to approximately 20 degrees. By that time it was reading 200-300 ft/s less than expected. However the easiest way to confuse it was to change its direction from that of the bullets path. We aimed it 45 degrees from the bullets path and in doings so reduced the recorded velocity by approximately 1000 ft/s !
Shooting either side didn’t seem to change effect it much. We eventually worked out to stupid distances of approximately 4ft either side of the target before concluding that anyone shooting so badly has no right to own a rifle in the first place.

My Results
I’d love to be able to tell you that all my shots resulted in a neat little clover leaf on the target and that I went home with a big smile on my face. The chronograph performed faultlessly but I didn’t. My 22-250 load consisted of 52gr Hornady Amax bullets, CCI primers and 35.5grs of Varget. Unfortunately the velocities ranged from 3605 – 3632ft/s which resulted in bullets scattered all over the 3.5 inch target at 190yds. Obviously i’ve messed up my reloading somewhere.

[Christel]

Pictures are just fine...
A customer of ours commented that the packaging looks like a Halford item, ready to hang in their shop :lol: :roll:

Excellent write up and test, thank you indeed. Something that caught my attention is the missing batteries apologies!!

It was meant to come with batteries...