Question for new Garmin chrono users

[N-frame-guy]

I know that you can pair this unit with a smart phone and continue to manipulate the data in the app. Can the data be exported direct to a computer rather than to a phone via the USB cable in some fashion? I have a Windows 10 desktop if it matters.

I do not have a smart phone, with no plans to get one in the immediate future. In the past, I always made paper notes about the basic data summary while at the range. Don't really have an issue with doing it that way with my new Garmin that I can now put through it's paces.

I've downloaded the owners manual and don't see that option spelled out but thought perhaps some of the many users here on this board might have had time to really see what can happen with the data and exporting.

Someone (maybe here or perhaps another board) mentioned getting an inexpensive tablet and downloading the app to that for further record keeping; has anyone gone that route?

I'm hoping to get some time this weekend to at least try it out and was just exploring possible options.

 

[rh73]

Don't have one but this may help. "Garmin Express" for windows. Not sure if it's for updates only or has other features.

Xero(R) C1 Pro Chronograph | Garmin Customer Support

 

[Model 15-4ever]

Welcome to the Wide Wide World of the Garmin Beta Tester!

I will put up with glitchy, buggy and tweaky Garmin watches and their software, because I like to run and workout and track my performance.

For the life of me, I can't imagine buying a chronograph from Garmin, when there are so many other reliable ones on the market. Expect continual software updates and further frustration until you are so invested you can't get out.

YMMV

 

[Krogen]

Can the data be exported direct to a computer rather than to a phone via the USB cable in some fashion? I have a Windows 10 desktop if it matters.

It might be possible. I know that connecting the Garmin to a PC with the USB cable allows you to see the file structure in File explorer. I can find the files associated with test sequences. All fine and good except the files are .fit types. I see there are converters online, but I haven't downloaded and tested the conversion. It would have been nice for Garmin to make them available in .csv format. That's exactly what you get when you send yourself a data set from the phone app.

To another poster above who wrote about buggy Garmin devices: I will say the chronograph has been absolutely 100% functional. It hasn't missed a shot and I've tested it with centerfire rifles, suppressed and not suppressed, 22 LR rifles and handguns. It hasn't missed a beat and is truly a game changer. I've been through optical chronographs, a Magnetospeed and a Labradar. All of them - except Garmin - have given headaches of on sort or another.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

...All fine and good except the files are .fit types. I see there are converters online, but I haven't downloaded and tested the conversion. It would have been nice for Garmin to make them available in .csv format. That's exactly what you get when you send yourself a data set from the phone app.

To another poster above who wrote about buggy Garmin devices: I will say the chronograph has been absolutely 100% functional...

Yes, until it isn't. Their watch hardware is known to **** out, hopefully while still under warranty (they do replace things well). Their software has always been glitchy. Obviously, a fitness company decided to cash in on the $$$$$$ flowing into the shooting sports, without a lot of thought of the format that the actual user needs the data. No surprise from Garmin! Their reputation precedes them. Eventually they will figure it out. Sort of.

Try your questions on the Garmin Support website, aka The Bug Hive. Garmin Customer Support

 

[78bagger]

Good grief.What did Garmin do to you? There's a reason that Labradars are being dumped on the market. The Xero is the slickest thing since sliced bread. Doesn't miss a shot and can fit in your back pocket. Just set it on the bench and start shooting.

 

[llowry61]

Popcorn popped and ready for the show.

 

[Mike0251]

You need a smart phone to export the data as a CSV file. Plugging in the chrono to a computer will only show you a FIT file which is not the same FIT file as on their other devices and there is no converter. The app works great too.

And/or you can just review your data on the Garmin and plug it into your own excel file spreadsheet.

I export the data and add it to my own spreadsheet. This was from my first test of the Garmin with assorted reloads using .223 range brass. I was re-sighting in 2 scopes, 2 guns.

I love the new Garmin. What a joy to setup and get your data.

 

[N-frame-guy]

Thanks for the insight, folks. Looks like I'll be jotting down the info and pasting it as usual in my load books along with the targets and load data.
I'm really looking forward to giving this chrono a try. Always hated setting up the Pact and getting it just so.

 

[Mike0251]

Amen to no more setups!

 

[ken158]

Welcome to the Wide Wide World of the Garmin Beta Tester!

I will put up with glitchy, buggy and tweaky Garmin watches and their software, because I like to run and workout and track my performance.

For the life of me, I can't imagine buying a chronograph from Garmin, when there are so many other reliable ones on the market. Expect continual software updates and further frustration until you are so invested you can't get out.

YMMV

After owning chronographs that used sky screens up to and including the Lab Radar, I cannot understand why anyone would NOT buy a Garmin after reading reviews and my first trip to the range with mine. All the different issues I have experienced in the past are now in the past. The Garmin just works!

 

[Borderboss]

I really don't have an issue with Garmin doing software updates, so I can't understand why this would be a negative. I'm in the software business. Stuff happens when software gets into the field and you have a lot of different people using it under different conditions. You get this with Microsoft products too, so it's not unique.

What I do is fire up the unit at home before I head to the range. I let the software do its update, if there is one, at that time. Then there's no issue at the range.

I can't help the OP with his issue relative to the app. The app is made for use with a phone or tablet. It just is what it is. I think at this point in 2023, the number of people who don't have one or the other is probably pretty limited.

I believe someone recommended getting an inexpensive tablet. My wife has a Lenovo tablet that I got her for surfing the internet and checking webmail. It runs android, so could run the Garmin app. I just checked and right now Lenovo is selling them for $80. I'm not advocating for Lenovo. I'm just relating an available option.

Have a happy new year!

 

[cmj8591]

I'm waiting for Caldwell to reverse engineer it and sell it for $250 less.

 

[Durango Slim]

I have not seen it compared for accuracy to other units.

Is that little thing accurate as the much larger labradar?

 

[Rotorhead1026]

I'm waiting for Caldwell to reverse engineer it and sell it for $250 less.

Garmin has a pretty good legal team. Don’t hold your breath.

 

[Jim Watson]

Got mine in today.
I will start out using it like I have used everything from an Oehler 12 to a CED Millennium. Write each string’s values down in a notebook and reset for the next. After I am comfortable with basic operations, I will try the phone game.

 

[Krogen]

I have not seen it compared for accuracy to other units.

Is that little thing accurate as the much larger labradar?

Today, a buddy and I put his Labradar and my Garmin on the bench together. The rifle was a .260 Rem and ran about 2650 fps. The Garmin consistently read about 4 fps less than the Labradar. They had no trouble working simultaneously.

By itself, 4 fps variance is insignificant. However, the Labradar was slightly forward of the muzzle and the Garmin was back about a foot which might account for the difference. In reality, that's grasping at straws.

I have no idea of the actual distance where either chronograph takes their measurements and how or if they correct the measurement to muzzle velocity. The Garmin reports only one velocity but Labradar will track velocities at various distance, so I'm probably making some apples to orange comparisons.

 

[DWalt]

Got mine in today.
I will start out using it like I have used everything from an Oehler 12 to a CED Millennium. Write each string’s values down in a notebook and reset for the next. After I am comfortable with basic operations, I will try the phone game.

My first Chrony Alpha from nearly 20 years ago provided only a readout of the velocity for each shot in the strong. No statistical analysis of any kind provided, I had to write down all of the velocities for each load in a notebook, then take the notebook home and enter the data into Excel to get average, SD, spread range, etc., slow but it worked. I did it that way for over 10 years before I put a bullet through the Chrony. I then bought a Chrony Beta that did all of the statistical analysis for me. Only problem was the 10-shot string limit. I normally like to go more than 10 shots. I still have, and occasionally use, the Beta. It does everything I need. I would like a Garmin, but it has a negative cost benefit for me.

 

[Borderboss]

I have not seen it compared for accuracy to other units.

Is that little thing accurate as the much larger labradar?

Check YouTube. I've seen videos that did this comparison. No issues.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I have no idea of the actual distance where either chronograph takes their measurements and how or if they correct the measurement to muzzle velocity. The Garmin reports only one velocity but Labradar will track velocities at various distance...

The LabRadar creates a separate tracking file that I occasionally look at but never keep.

I've never seen the LabRadar pick up handgun bullets at less than 11 yds in those files.

It continuously tracks the bullet but only displays the speed(s) at the distance(s) you entered in the setup (5yds, 10yds, 15yds, etc.) in addition to the muzzle (0 yd.) speed, of course.

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