Budget Chronograph Options

[Kenk]

Any thoughts on an entry level Chronograph? I'm not looking for a ton of bells and whistles on my first unit, but does needs to be (somewhat) accurate. Once I determine that it will be used much, I'll pick up a nicer one
Thanks

Ken

[terdog]

I've been looking at this 1 from Caldwell.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTN5DTE/?coliid=I1YH8282RZXSY6&colid=1PPL7V9XORARS&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Know nothin about it but the reviews seem good.

[Kenk]

Thanks terdog, will give it a look

Ken

[Rooster41]

Im going from memory while at work but I believe this is the model I have. I really haven't used it in the past few years. I should take it out and run some rounds over it.

https://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/range-gear/chronographs/shooting-chrony-beta-master-sku749007868-37932-63690.aspx?cm_mmc=cse-_-Itwine-_-shopzilla-_-749-007-868&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=connexity&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_content=749-007-868

Edit: i checked when i got home. Mine is the "Beta Model" not Master.

[The_Shadow]

I went with the CHRONY F1 Master because it was on sale for $70 then I made my own switch to activate the function port for the various readings...
Switch info for the Shooting CHRONY
Anyways to build a remote you will need a 3 pole stereo 1/8 headphone jack plug. Even though only 2 connections are used a 2 pole jack WILL NOT work!!! Trust me on this as I had to go back and exchange parts.

On a 1/8 inch stereo headphone jack there are three poles - the tip, the middle, and the "base". Even though it is a two pole connection, the Chrony uses the middle and base connections on the plug. All you need to do is solder a length of speaker wire to the above mentioned poles of the plug and put a momentary contact switch at the other end!

Please note that the "tip" connection on the jack's plug is NOT used. I'm hoping that sharing this information will nudge few of my fellow loaders into plunking down for a Chrony now that all of the features can be accessed without purchasing expensive "Extras".

[sqlbullet]

Once I determine that it will be used much shoot one, I'll pick up a nicer one
Thanks

Ken

FTFY...

So, here is my somewhat more serious take.

Back in the days when no one had a computers, let alone spreadsheet software on their phone, the statistical features of a nicer chronograph were pretty useful.  Those days are long gone.

Today, you need accurate velocity from the chronograph, and a way to record the velocity.

I use a notebook and just write down the value between shots, but a video capable "go-pro" style camera to record your verbal call outs and the velocity displayed.  I got an off-brand camera for $50 a while back.

Currently the Caldwell is $80 on amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-720001-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B00HTN5DTE

Put the data in a spreadsheet for analysis.  I happen to have a Chrony brand, because it was cheap.  And yes, I have shot it.

[Kenk]

Thanks sqlbullet!

[Graybeard]

I've had 2 Chronys, shot the first one and more careful with the second. Have to say the first F1 took 2 10mm hits and kept on working, for awhile.....  If you get one of these, replace the sky screen metal rods with dowels. If you shoot the metal rods you will likely break the plastic housing of the electronics. The dowels just shear off.

[Kenk]

Nice, Thanks man!

[AlinMi]

Good tip on using dowels !!

[Kenk]

So Graybeard, will most all of these allow you to exchange the metal rods with dowels? Really good idea
Thanks

Ken

[Graybeard]

I can only speak for the Chrony brand, as that's all I've ever had. I don't see why it wouldn't work with any brand though. The only downside is the metal rods are 2 pieces so that they fit in the original box. The dowels will be too long, so you will need another box for storage. Totally worth it, in my opinion.

[jazzsax8]

CED M2 is the one I am using now.  I had two of the Shooting Chronys and this one gets way fewer missed readings.  Its a little bulky by comparison but easier to use once set up.  Looks like the eBay used/new pricing is only around $100.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CED-M2-Chronograph/293051430210?hash=item443b39f542:g:cBsAAOSwnI9corYE

[sqlbullet]

In addition to dowels I have used wooden skewers and wooden chopsticks.  You can buy them in the kitchen section, they are pre-cut to usable lengths and are cheap.

[Kenk]

Graybeard, what model # is the one you were referring to?
Thanks

Ken