Got my new Labradar

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John Patrick

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After asking you all to recommend a new chronograph, I decided on a Labradar. They were out of stock everywhere, but I finally got one.

The reasons I decided on the Labradar were compactness and versatility, especially avoiding going beyond the firing line at public indoor ranges.

Looking forward to trying it out.

Any tips appreciated!
 
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Congratulations! great chronograph. I’ve used a friend’s a few years back. I did not opt to purchase one since I’m not limited to a public range and can go “down range” to take readings on my Pro Chrono at my convenience.
 
I highly recommend the separate microphone. I could not get mine to trigger reliably with about any smallish rifle (.222, .223, .243, .308, etc.), but I think that was because my bench size necessitated that I had to set the unit a ways further from the muzzle than is ideal. I get quite a few false triggers if there are others on the range shooting rifles with muzzle brakes, but since I usually am by myself, that’s not a huge problem. I also mounted a red dot on my Labradar for aiming purposes. Very helpful. It takes the guesswork out of aiming. If you can get your unit close to the muzzle, as per instructions, you may not ever need the microphone. For me, those two accessories have really simplified using the device. Presume you bought their little bench top tripod? Also very handy.
 
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LittleCooner said:
With a pistol, you may not have a problem, but if you have problems tripping the reading, you need one of the additional triggers as an addition.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what you're referring to. I bought my LabRadar five or six years ago. It's used often for rifle and handgun and works fine out of the box without after market gadgetry, save for the base, but the base has nothing to do with chronograph functions.
 
38SPL HV said:
Congratulations! great chronograph. I’ve used a friend’s a few years back. I did not opt to purchase one since I’m not limited to a public range and can go “down range” to take readings on my Pro Chrono at my convenience.
Click to expand...

Somewhere, packed in one of those mobile containers is my Pro Chrono. It cost less to buy the Labradar than get the Pro Chrono out of storage!

And I’m tired of shooting sky screens!
 
If you actually read the instructions, you wont have the above problems period. I have never needed a trigger, or used one..
Had mine since they came out..
 
There are a number of settings in the setup menu that may alleviate false triggers or failure to trigger. Setting Doppler instead of trigger can help avoid triggering on neighbors' muzzle blasts. There's also a sensitivity setting. That helps if you're missing shots or failing to trigger on them. Set the distance to muzzle setting correctly based on your actual setup.

Next, make sure the Labradar is aimed properly. The "sight" groove is sadly lacking IMNHO. I bought a 3D printed tube sight for mine. It's fastened with one of the Labradar body screws. Some people just lay a soda straw or Bic pen in the groove. One of my pals has gone over the top. He has a pic rail attached like my tube sight and has a small cheapo red dot mounted. Aiming does matter, but perhaps not that much.

Lastly, the smartphone app is helpful. You don't have to reach over to arm the Labradar which tends to mess up its aim to target. Some folks grouse about the app, but I find it's a net positive.

My 20 m$, and of course YMMV.
 
I added the 3D printed sight mount too but I mount a green laser on it too as I usually shoot at an indoor range.

The green laser easily works out to 25yds & you can quickly check the systems alignment during shooting by momentarily pressing the laser's on button, while seated, to make sure it's still hitting the bullseye where you originally set it.

I don't use the LabRadar app as it's too limiting. I found it disappointing especially considering how expensive the unit is.

I use some clamps to make sure the unit stays put as the indoor range's bench isn't very deep.

I didn't have good success measuring MV of my AR15. Overwhelmingly I got "Acquisition error: could not track the projectile". I recently bought the external mic but I haven't gotten back to re-test the AR15.

I like to import the raw LabRadar data into Excel & create charts/graphs with the data.

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Testing my FX9 with 8" bbl.
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Bluedot, nice setup with the laser sight. All my range time is outdoors so I use a 8" piece of 1/2" copper tube and bore sight it...works for me. I also skipped the Lab' app do the same. I really like the Labradar and after many hours of use glad I made the investment.
 
Bluedot, I just placed an order with Amazon for the Picatinny mount and the green laser. Thanks for the tip!

I expect that almost all of my use of the Labradar will be checking velocity of revolver hand loads, and maybe some 9mm loads. Back a decade or so when I was loading rifle cartridges, I found comfort when my loads performed as anticipated. I haven’t had that comfortable feeling shooting my revolver loads without chronographing them.
 
BLUEDOT37: I didn't have good success measuring MV of my AR15. Overwhelmingly I got "Acquisition error: could not track the projectile". I recently bought the external mic but I haven't gotten back to re-test the AR15.


Probably muzzle blast. Sometimes you have to move the LabRadar to different positions to find correct one. Also found that using external battery helped - don’t know why.
 
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Congrats on the new Labradar. Very nice!
I've been considering upgrading, but haven't...yet.

Enjoy.
 
CRT2 said:
BLUEDOT37: I didn't have good success measuring MV of my AR15. Overwhelmingly I got "Acquisition error: could not track the projectile". I recently bought the external mic but I haven't gotten back to re-test the AR15.


Probably muzzle blast. Sometimes you have to move the LabRadar to different positions to find correct one. Also found that using external battery helped - don’t know why.
Click to expand...

I've yet to need a sighting device other than the crude but effective one built into the unit. It's worked well. I'm only aiming at a 25 yard target for handgun and a 100 yard target for rifle, if that makes a difference. I've never tried batteries in the five or six years I've used my LabRadar. An external battery has worked well and goes a long time on a charge, at least several range trips.

Chronograph readings from ARs have been the same as with other rifles or carbines, but I keep all muzzles well ahead of the unit, if that matters.

Occasionally I'll get no reading when chronographing rifles but a slight adjustment of gun or unit will correct that. Don't think I've ever missed a reading with handguns.
 
CRT2 said:
BLUEDOT37: I didn't have good success measuring MV of my AR15. Overwhelmingly I got "Acquisition error: could not track the projectile". I recently bought the external mic but I haven't gotten back to re-test the AR15.


Probably muzzle blast. Sometimes you have to move the LabRadar to different positions to find correct one. Also found that using external battery helped - don’t know why.
Click to expand...

Right, muzzle blast and/or range baffles can result in the above-mentioned error. The baffles may reflect blast and affect triggering. They can also cause erroneous RADAR reflections and gum up projectile acquisition. There's a blurb about it in some of Labradar's application notes. Unfortunately they didn't offer a work-around.
 
John Patrick said:
Somewhere, packed in one of those mobile containers is my Pro Chrono. It cost less to buy the Labradar than get the Pro Chrono out of storage!

And I’m tired of shooting sky screens!
Click to expand...

I was tired of hitting the steel rods, I now use wooden dowels cut/trimmed to fit and to attach the shades. Also, use a B3 target to aim at about 10 - 15 yds behind the chronograph…keeps your concentration.
 
Really wish i had one when used to work up a lot of loads. Do considerably less experimenting now a days. Like reading about em however.
 
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