LabRadar Ballistic Velocity Doppler Radar Chronograph

[Rick]

A note on the distance the unit will capture the shot, the owners manual says 80 to 100 yards for a 308. We shot two different 308 rifles Saturday and it showed the results to the target at 100 for both of them. Both were flat bottom (gas check) cast bullets.

As for capturing a shot out to 500 yards I have little doubt in this day and age that it would be possible to build such a unit. I'm not so sure I would want to see the price tag though.

 

[Rick]

For those interested in the down range tracking ability of this unit I just found the info the Mfg. states. Here is a cut & paste .

.177 Pellet - 30 yards;
.177 BB - 30 yards;
22 LR - 60 yards;
223 - 60 yards;
270 - 70 yards;
308 - 80 to 100 yards;
9mm - 130 yards;
40 S&W - 130 yards;
45 ACP - 130 yards;
500 S&W - 130 yards;
12 gauge Slug - 90 yards;
Paint Ball - 50 yards;
Arrows - 50 yards;

 

[Winelover]

There is one glitch that keeps arising.......in fact I just posted this on CB, this AM.

Was out back playing with it, the last two days......it is finicky with the Rossi 357 carbine. Using the "rifle" mode, it would get readings with a 158 SWC and 14.5 grains of 2400 powder. Switching to a 180 RNFP and 11 grains of 2400, wouldn't read. Wouldn't read a 115 RNFP and 6.5 grains of Unique, either.

Tried those two loads, in the "handgun" mode, and still wouldn't read.

Not till I brought out my 6" Python, did it finally read those two loads.

Rifle mode is 984 fps and higher....both of those loads were higher than that, in the Python and well within the parameters. Tried it the day before, using a "blast shield" between the unit and muzzle of the carbine. So I'm ruling out muzzle blast errors. Worked just fine, with the blast shield, and my 308 AR, last weekend and a multitude of pistols in calibers from 30 carbine, 45 LC and a 308 W barreled XP. Seems like it doesn't like the Rossi with lite for caliber bullets nor heavy for caliber.

Winelover

 

[Rick]

Need more time with it. It does seem to be sensitive to the set up and to anything in front of the unit that could bounce radar signals. Which in our case seems to be the front of the shooting bench. Even though the unit sets up alongside the firearm it is sensitive to muzzle blast. Was mighty bummed this past Saturday when we were having issues getting readings and the week before there were none. Paying closer attention to the set up and moving both the muzzle and the unit closer to the front edge of the bench went a long ways to resolving the issues.

 

[Winelover]

Except for the Rossi.............

 

[Rick]

Well dang, if it's that bad I'll give you your check back, haven't deposited it yet.

 

[Winelover]

Just a small glitch...but it's not perfect, either. Definitely less hassle than cronys with sky screens.

 

[Rick]

A glitch? Possibly but I see it more as a learning curve dealing with something that neither one of us (or anyone else) have ever dealt with before.

 

[Winelover]

Well looks like it won't get dealt with until I'm well on the mend.

 

[freebullet]

Can't bring myself to be the ghinea pig. Major potential though. I'm a little jealous of your unicorn chrony & fully understand wanting the early stage test ride. Please keep us informed about it.

 

[Rick]

I don't think it's being a ghinea pig, there is a learning curve but it seems the unit is doing what it's supposed to do. I admit I was wondering for a while last Saturday but stepping back and thinking things over resolved most of the problems we were having. Can't blame the machine for operator error.

 

[smokeywolf]

I think it's absolutely amazing that it picks up (at all) the bounce off the back of a .177 pellet or BB. So far, with it's convenience and easy (even if a little persnickety) setup, it relegates even the Oehler to the 20th century. By-By shot sky screens and failures due to clouds, shadows, low light.

And, I don't own a Rossi.

 

[Winelover]

And, I don't own a Rossi.

And I can't afford those classic levers, you own.

 

[Rick]

Here's an update on the learning curve with LabRadar. When I bought it I ordered the bench mount with it but I didn't order the external battery pack. It runs on 6 AA batteries and with some turning off the radar transmitting while not using it the batteries lasted better than 4 hours. In the interest of not needing to buy 6 fresh AA batteries for every range trip I went ahead and ordered the battery pack from LabRadar, it came today. The cost was $25.00 plus $15.00 shipping, $40.00. It came packed in a USPS small Priority box with a UPS shipping label and UPS shipping charges.

I was kinda amazed at what it turned out to be, not a LabRadar product but aftermarket. I Googled the brand name and came up with the identical unit, same brand name, same model number, same color. Not the same price.

Amazon sells this aftermarket portable on the go battery charger for IPhone, tablets etc. for $9.99

(This is the identical unit)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...d_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_i=B00VWC2X2S

I still recommend for anyone considering the LabRadar to get the battery pack but obviously NOT from LabRadar.

 

[Rick]

Ok, time to revive this thread because Santa brought one of these right over to Brad's house. Enjoy Brad. Merry Christmas.

 

[Brad]

Santa was good to me. Now I need to find a decent day to get out and give it a go. Maybe Wednesday.

 

[Rick]

Brad, your gonna get Ian over to your house yet.

 

[Brad]

Maybe in May when we start to get to his winter temps.

 

[Winelover]

On the way...Ian can acclimatize in Arkansas.

 

[Pistolero]

66F here today, amazing since it was -6F in the AM a week or so ago.

Very cool. I want another user report on that thing.

Bill