Is anyone using ProChrono Digital PC Remote software?

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mmorris

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I am thinking about buying the $50 ProChrono Digital PC Remote software. My searches of the archives make me think nobody uses this accessory program (or they don’t post about it).

I don’t intend to use it as a range display since I shoot in the backyard and I don’t have any problem calling a cease fire.

I don’t want the additional equipment setup of a laptop on the shooting bench, and I don’t have an audience requiring a BIG display.

My main interests are in getting the string shot data into an excel spreadsheet I made, and seeing graphs of the shot data (I've tried excel graphs, but I haven’t had consistent results - any tips?).

Questions

1. Must each string export go to a new, blank file to be copied into my spreadsheet
(9 strings = 9 exports = 9 copy & 9 pastes), or can I target each export to one of the 9 columns in my SS?

2. How good is the graphing capability (what does a 99 shot graph look like)?

3. Can a specific shot be deleted anywhere in the string after the data is in the program?

4. If you use it, do you like it?

Mike
 
It may be time to give customer service a call, I'm sure they could give you the answer you're looking for.

May be someone will come along with the answer here soon.


Do you have the updated software....read below

New Version 1.9.0.0 available for download.

Adds these features:


•Allows export of data to .CSV and other delimited formats for use in spreadsheet programs.
•Disables hibernation and shutdown while running to avoid failure of data transfer to/from chronograph.
•New, easier entry of bullet weight.
•Also retains corrections and enhancements from previous versions.


Jimmy K


This link may help too:

http://excel.tips.net/Pages/T003002_CSV_File_Opens_with_Data_in_a_Single_Column.html
 
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JimKirk
It may be time to give customer service a call, I'm sure they could give you the answer you're looking for.

May be someone will come along with the answer here soon.

Probably me. ;) I decided to order it from Midway today. I really like the ProChrono, and what's another $50 in the World's Greatest Hobby (oops, that's model railroading, isn't it? :neener:).
I posted this on two other forums I use and you are the first out of 90 or so views to comment (thanks ;)), so I guess there isn't a lot of interest. Maybe I'll find that it's the best thing since sliced bread and spread the word. :D

Do you have the updated software....read below

Yes, I downloaded it the other day and installed it, but it won't do much without being connected to the ProChrono so I can't experiment with program features.


Nice link, thanks Jimmy.

I think I'll make my son "teach" me some new excel tricks.:banghead:
It's too cold to shoot, anyway. :(

Mike
 
I have the prochrono pc remote software, and it works, but it sure isn;t pretty. I sometimes lug a laptop out to the range to record groups and set the software for the big digits on the table next to me. I have found however that 99% of the time it just isn;t worth the pain in the neck it is.
I most of the time just run strings on the chrony and use the built in Hi/Lo/Av/ES/Sd display on the chrony itself.

I personally am thinking that the remote they make that isn't specifically the pc one would have been the better choice. They really could update the software to make it much better. The export function is the absolute worst. I mean, how hard would it be to export in something besides tab delimited text?

as for your questions:
1)The export will only export the string you are on in a tab delimited text format. Barely useful if you are trying to chrony multiple loads with multiple strings per load. They should let you export the entire string memory(1-9) as one file. AND when hooked into the PC there SHOULDN'T BE A 9 STRING LIMIT!! I mean come on!

2)The graphs actually look pretty good. probably the best part of the entire software.

3)I do believe that a specific shot can be deleted in the software, but it may ONLY be at the time of the shot. not sure, I havent done that.

4)As you can tell, I marginally accept the program. Could be MUCH better. The ProChrony is an amazing value and performs better than my expectations. The software, not so much.

Hope this helps,
madd0c
 
Mike
I'm sorry I over looked that you did not have the Chrono itself, I thought that you did indeed have one and was adding the "remote" software.

I am thinking about buying the $50 ProChrono Digital PC Remote software

The excel link was to help with the .cvs files that "the software" exports in. I have worked with multi types of files that are useable in excel, but I have forgot most of that.

Sorry I could not be of much help

Jimmy K

Have you thought about the fact that the one you've ordered has all the brains setting OUT in the line of fire? I have and older version of the Pact 1 The brains set on the bench with you, you don't have to even get up to read, edit or average. If you shoot it(I hope not but, I have) all you have to replace is the eye for less than $20. Also if you leave the unit turned on and just in plug the screens, you can carry it back home and enter(type) the shot strings into you excel sheets and not lose them. Just a thought!

http://pact.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=69
 
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Mike
I'm sorry I over looked that you did not have the Chrono itself, I thought that you did indeed have one and was adding the "remote" software.

Jimmy K

Jimmy, I do have the ProChrono unit, what I don't have (until tomorrow-1/26/10) is the PC Remote package with the DONGLE required to connect to the chrono unit. Sorry I was unclear on that.

Your link to the excel site was very helpful, and I do appreciate the input. I am hopeful that excel macros will ease the import process (without the PC Remote I have to enter each shot value if I want to preserve the data).

madd0c
2)The graphs actually look pretty good. probably the best part of the entire software.

This may be enough to justify (for me) the purchase. I think I will want to print each graph as a pdf, that way I can save it on my PC and print a copy to go in the load development binder.

I like to see info in picture form instead of straight data. I can tell more in less time by looking at a graph than I can by reading the raw data.

I did take a statistics class years ago, but I forgot it all the day after finals. :evil: Oh, did I hate statistics.


Good to know at least one feature of this unpopular software has a fan.:D

Thanks, guys.

Mike

Jimmy, I take way too long to type and you added a comment. :)

I thought about the whole thing in the line 'o fire vs. the "brains" on the bench (bad visual image-yuck :barf:), but I decided that simplicity of setup outweighed risk. Sometimes I wonder if I was right. :D
Besides, I would likely trip over the wires and ruin it the old fashoned way - gravity.
 
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I have a problem with "selective" reading. My mind selects what it what to read from a post and gets hung up on that selection.

I have shot one chrono myself, with a bow. It belonged to someone else, cost me about $50 for plastic case for the brains. I have seen two Chronys get shot, one with 357 magnum 125 JHP, not fixable. The other got shot by a 270 win. 130 gr BT, we picked up pieces for 1/2 hour. I saw an arrow go slam through an older model like yours, the guy sent it back and they repaired it, but it cost him some $$.

I'm not trying to sell you on the Pact, but it does have, I'm guessing 20' cords. I can place the brain on the table right beside my gun, or off to the side, or even behind me for someone else to look at. So far I haven't shot it, but the eyes are <$20 each, so if I do, I'm not out a paycheck.

I a slow typer too! I get 50 words an hour!

Jimmy K
 
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