DIY Pro Chrono USB Digital Interface: Complete Instructions

[wsryno]

Thanks to a thread on Brian Enos's forum, I have created what I think is the definitive set of instructions for making your own cable for the Pro Chrono Digital USB Interface.

The instructions in the attached PDF are sufficient for those who are comfortable with an Ohmmeter, a soldering iron, and heat shrink tubing, and who know how to install and configure drivers for a USB converter. If this is not you, then please get help from a friend or don't try this project. I assume no responsibility for any damage whatsoever.

I purchased the 25' 3.5mm headphone extension cable ($4.65) and the TTL UART USB converter ($9.30) on Amazon. Links and keywords are below. I discovered that the USB Converter is not Windows 7 compatible, so I have included a link to one that is, that one is currently $15.99. I purchased the 10K 1/4W resistor at Radio Shack, it was less than $2 for 4 resistors. I have less than $15 into the whole operation. You can use any TTL UART USB converter you want, but I know that the Win 7 compatible converter listed here works with my setup.

Have fun and let me know if it works for you.

25' 3.5mm headphone extension cable (Keywords mini headphone extension cable)

Win 7 and prior compatible USB converter (Keywords Prolific 2303HX) (The attached wiring diagram color code is for this cable)

Win 8 compatible USB converter (Keywords Prolific 2303HXD) (The attached wiring diagram color code is NOT for this cable)

 

[mgmorden]

Cool - thanks. I've been meaning to try writing a Linux client to this interface as I don't run Windows on my laptop. I've put off buying the cable so far but might go ahead and build this one.

 

[wsryno]

The software by Competition Electronics is not very good IMO; you could probably do much better. For example, you can't see more than one string at a time, you can't download more than one string at a time, each time you change to a new string you have to click "Get Velocities" and "Get Statistics" to display the new string, the "Delete Shot" function only works on the last shot in the displayed string, etc. It's really a very rudimentary interface.

Of course writing an app for Android would be nice. I think it would still require RS232 voltage level conversion but it would be much more convenient to go to the range with a phone than a laptop. And it would draw less attention from newbies and "velocity moochers". Add RS232 to WiFi at the Chrono and you'd have crazy convenience!

It would appear from the posting on Enos's forum that someone has already started to decode the data dump.

 

[gfanikf]

As someone both cheap and a smartphone user I would love a chrono that could use my Samsung Galaxy III.

 

[renomedia]

I've been thinking the same thing to hook up my Pro Chrono to my iPad or iPhone. When I have more time I'll look at the instructions and see whether there is a way to decode for IOS devices.

 

[gfanikf]

I've been thinking the same thing to hook up my Pro Chrono to my iPad or iPhone. When I have more time I'll look at the instructions and see whether there is a way to decode for IOS devices.

iPad would be good too. iPhone...meh my wife's not letting me use her phone for chrono test. lol