Thoughts on Lab Radar

Regarding the care of setup. Typically I load 15 rounds of the lowest charge I want to test and then ten of each incremental load. The extra five is to on the lowest charge is for setup.

Also, mind the fact that you need to have about a second and a half between shots or the radar may miss them. Count to three in your head between shots and you’ll pick them all up.

Does your power bank have a on/off switch? If it does, powering on at the power bank before turning on the radar should work.

brutus51 said:

Always bring my notebook along so I can take notes about the recipes I'm trying out so it was a simple matter to jot down the string number.
Bought 2 20,000mAh power banks from Amazon which worked fine but every time I powered down I would have to unplug it and then plug it back in in order to get it to power back up. Is this normal?

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I do not remember the rating of the USB battery I have for the LabRadar, but I turn the LabRadar on at the beginning of the session and leave it on until I am done. That can be up to a couple hours or so. I've never run out of power. If you run the LabRadar all day, maybe it will run the back up battery down.

"...every time I powered down I would have to unplug it and then
plug it back in in order to get it to power back up. Is this normal?"

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The LABRADAR wouldn't power up ?
If so, No that's not normal.

FWIW: This little $10 Aibocn Power cell has been running mine for two years now. Absolutelty reliable/shoot all week. Connect to the 1Ah outlet for the LABRADAR


.

My topmate battery has leds that light up and show the charge level when I plug the LabRadar in. There is no on off switch. Occasionally I do need to replug into the USB if the bank turns off. I suspect there’s circuitry that detects if there’s a current draw and shuts itself off if there’s none.
I have my test loads in a spreadsheet and then use word to create a “shoot sheet” that I take to the range. One entry is the shot string ID. I have written to the Labradar team about several bugs and improvements to their app but so far after 2 years they haven’t. Perhaps if enough people send their thoughts on they’ll be more responsive. That was one thing the CED team was, they did listen to their customers and sent out updates to their app.

lordpaxman said:

I have written to the Labradar team about several bugs and improvements to their app but so far after 2 years they haven’t. Perhaps if enough people send their thoughts on they’ll be more responsive. That was one thing the CED team was, they did listen to their customers and sent out updates to their app.

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I contacted Caldwell about a couple of bugs in their app, and within two weeks I got a notification from the app store that there was an update, and they had fixed both bugs. And these bugs were related directly to use on an old obsolete iPhone 4.

I do agree that they could do more to improve the app for the Labradar. There is no reason in my mind why the data can't go directly to the phone, instead of having to swap the memory card or use the USB cable.

Toprudder said:

I contacted Caldwell about a couple of bugs in their app, and within two weeks I got a notification from the app store that there was an update, and they had fixed both bugs. And these bugs were related directly to use on an old obsolete iPhone 4.

I do agree that they could do more to improve the app for the Labradar. There is no reason in my mind why the data can't go directly to the phone, instead of having to swap the memory card or use the USB cable.

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I don’t have to swap card or use cable with mine to have the data transferred to iPhone or iPad not sure what you mean.

Reeferman said:

I don’t have to swap card or use cable with mine to have the data transferred to iPhone or iPad not sure what you mean.

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I can view the data on the iPhone, but unless I am missing something, I can't save or transfer a file for archive. With my Caldwell app, I can text or email the .CSV files with all the data.

See if any of the data is under the files folder. I can back up most any app that stores data there. Depending on format I may or may not be able to view it.

Toprudder said:

I can view the data on the iPhone, but unless I am missing something, I can't save or transfer a file for archive. With my Caldwell app, I can text or email the .CSV files with all the data.

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When you have your iPhone or iPad hooked up wirelessly to the LabRadar go to what ever ID number you have used, open it and the data will transfer. The only crappy thing is you have to do this with each ID number.
You only have to do it on each ID number and all shots and data will transfer within that ID number.
It’s the only way I know of and wish Labradar would have made it so it transfers automatically. I only use my iPhone when shooting and using the LabRadar and have to do the same thing when I get home and want to put it on my iPad.

Toprudder said:

I can view the data on the iPhone, but unless I am missing something, I can't save or transfer a file for archive. With my Caldwell app, I can text or email the .CSV files with all the data.

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Ok I put my reading glasses on and see what you are saying now. I found the same as well. Disregard my above post.

I recently got a labradar. Got out to the indoor range today. Labradar worked beautifully. Only missed a couple shots out of about 200 fired.(and that could have been douple taps. Think it takes a second or two to reset for next shot) Took a whole whopping 2 minutes to set it up. Definitely happy with the purchase.

Guy right next to us was doing mag dumps for a bit and it picked up a couple of his shots somehow. I turned the chronograph just slightly from his direction and it didn't do it anymore and still picked up our shots just fine. Never triggered off his shots tho I dont believe.

Forgot to bring 22 ammo so only tested with center fire. Shot 380, 9mm, 38special, 45acp, and 454casull.

Still need to go back through the data and record the info into my reloading notebooks but definitely had some suprises in velocities for my handloads.

My 230gr fmj 45acp 4.6gr win231 load is in squib worry territory I think...about 600fps average or so....although I've fired probably a couple thousand of that exact load at this point through several 1911s without issue. Lowest was 550fps if I recall.

Labradar worked great though and is super easy to set up. Kinda pricey, but if limited to an indoor range like I am most of the time, its basically the only solution I saw. Really cant think of anything bad to say about it except the $$$. Havent messed with uploading data. I just write it into the appropriate notebook for the caliber.

I've been using a little lipo car jumpstart power pack I already had. Could probably power the thing for a couple days straight.

James

I recently bought a Caldwell g2 from midway and I like it very much. Especially the Bluetooth iPad app. Unfortunately it came with a busted tripod and I’m going to return it. Midway is out of stock and I’m seriously considering the labradar to replace the G2. I’ll miss the iPad app.

Suedenflames68 said:

I recently got a labradar. Got out to the indoor range today. Labradar worked beautifully. Only missed a couple shots out of about 200 fired.(and that could have been douple taps. Think it takes a second or two to reset for next shot) Took a whole whopping 2 minutes to set it up. Definitely happy with the purchase.

Guy right next to us was doing mag dumps for a bit and it picked up a couple of his shots somehow. I turned the chronograph just slightly from his direction and it didn't do it anymore and still picked up our shots just fine. Never triggered off his shots tho I dont believe.

Forgot to bring 22 ammo so only tested with center fire. Shot 380, 9mm, 38special, 45acp, and 454casull.

Still need to go back through the data and record the info into my reloading notebooks but definitely had some suprises in velocities for my handloads.

My 230gr fmj 45acp 4.6gr win231 load is in squib worry territory I think...about 600fps average or so....although I've fired probably a couple thousand of that exact load at this point through several 1911s without issue. Lowest was 550fps if I recall.

Labradar worked great though and is super easy to set up. Kinda pricey, but if limited to an indoor range like I am most of the time, its basically the only solution I saw. Really cant think of anything bad to say about it except the $$$. Havent messed with uploading data. I just write it into the appropriate notebook for the caliber.

I've been using a little lipo car jumpstart power pack I already had. Could probably power the thing for a couple days straight.

James

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Price is high but it’s the only one that works in an indoor range where I shoot and doesn’t matter if sunny or overcast when outside.

Suedenflames68 said:

Only missed a couple shots out of about 200 fired.(and that could have been douple taps. Think it takes a second or two to reset for next shot)

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Yes, particularly if you are used to other chronographs, the LabRadar takes longer to reset between shots. Once you get into the groove, it will not be an issue.

five.five-six said:

I recently bought a Caldwell g2 from midway and I like it very much. Especially the Bluetooth iPad app. Unfortunately it came with a busted tripod and I’m going to return it. Midway is out of stock and I’m seriously considering the labradar to replace the G2. I’ll miss the iPad app.

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There is an app for the Labradar. I much prefer using the app over the front panel on the Labradar.

Reeferman said:

Price is high but it’s the only one that works in an indoor range where I shoot and doesn’t matter if sunny or overcast when outside.

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I think the Caldwell G2 would work for you. It comes with built in LED lighting and it mounts with the sensors facing down on your bullet. The only complaint I have with the app on the G2 is it won’t work in landscape on my iPad but it’s nice to be able to name strings. There’s a wholE lot of learning curve on these as this was my first crono ever

five.five-six said:

I think the Caldwell G2 would work for you. It comes with built in LED lighting and it mounts with the sensors facing down on your bullet. The only complaint I have with the app on the G2 is it won’t work in landscape on my iPad but it’s nice to be able to name strings. There’s a wholE lot of learning curve on these as this was my first crono ever

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One issue with an optical chrono at indoor ranges is that some indoor ranges simply will not let anyone forward of the firing line, so no way you can setup one.

I like the idea of the G2 inverted sensor setup, but I still think that indoor lighting could mess with the sensors, even with the illumination on. Has anyone here tried that?

I've got a Caldwell chrono and have sure gotten my moneys worth out of it. I have over 1000 shot groups across mine so far.

five.five-six said:

I think the Caldwell G2 would work for you. It comes with built in LED lighting and it mounts with the sensors facing down on your bullet. The only complaint I have with the app on the G2 is it won’t work in landscape on my iPad but it’s nice to be able to name strings. There’s a wholE lot of learning curve on these as this was my first crono ever

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Nope it won’t work as none of the indoor ranges will allow it ahead of the firing line where I’m at. I actually have to confess that I didn’t buy my LabRadar as my two kids bought it and a 3D printer for me a couple years ago for Father’s Day. However I was going to buy it for myself a couple days prior when my son and I went shooting and he had to let the cat out of the bag by telling me.

My labradar is here! I had my after shooting nap, woke up and checked the tracking, It says that it had just been delivered 7:09pm at front door. I call my wife and excitedly ask: is it here yet is it here yet is it here!?! She says no, but looks into it and the cameras showed the mailman NOT get out of the truck at 7:15. She deduces that it had been delivered 8 minutes earlier to 1234 mystreet drive and wee live at 1234 mystreet circle. Grab my flashlight, walk down the block and there it is, I can see “MidwayUSA” box on their porch. It’s a very bizarre feeling stealing a package off a doorstep, even with my name on it.
My 10-year-old and I will be making an “ unboxing” video. He’s an aspiring World renowned YouTube unboxing video creator. Please take the time to watch, like and fallow him, and to make a child smile, comment on his video. 25-30 views in a week really makes his day.

MEHavey said:

The LABRADAR wouldn't power up ?
If so, No that's not normal.

FWIW: This little $10 Aibocn Power cell has been running mine for two years now. Absolutelty reliable/shoot all week. Connect to the 1Ah outlet for the LABRADAR


.

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Have the same power cell rated at 10k mah, and seems to last a long time, has 2 ports 1a and 2.1a that I use to charge the phone while using the labradar. Also use it at home for charging earbuds and it lasts about a month. Havent used the app yet, only had it out about 4 times so far. Use it at the PD range where I collect lead in the berm, usually too tired to set it up. Need to collect as much lead as possible before we move to Idaho in January.
Also the Labradar seems to go on sale once a year around November for 499 which is when I got mine.

A side story on their usage. At 2019 IRC chrono was done on an indoor range. The RO had a table with a wall powered calculator, but the LabRadar he was running on internal batteries. When it was my turn the LabRadar showed a very low velocity. The whole Hogue team was in-line behind me shaking their heads, no way that velocity reading was right, based on the retort and muzzle flash they had seen. Just then the LabRadar flashed "low battery". After the RO changed out the alkaline AA's, my rounds were now reading at where it was suppose to be. Never figured why the RO was running the LabRadar on alkaline battery power as opposed to a 5V USB wall wart. I think someone inline suggested that anyone who failed chrono should get a do-over with fresh batteries.

I use one of those palm sized USB 5v batteries and have never had it go down in a range session. In fact, I've even run the LabRadar and a fan off of one battery for an hour with no problem.