LABRADAR - Field Test

[forty_caliber]

I purchased a LABRADAR from Brownells a few weeks ago and have had an opportunity to test it out at the range. Yes they are expensive but if you need to gather data there is no better system on the market.

Labradar $600
Labradar fitted Case $50 - Just do it. Good insurance against damage and pouch to store accessories.

Pros:

• Accurate
• Easy data transfer to PC via .csv file.
• Data written to user supplied SDHC memory card
• Can use external "triggers"
  • Air guns
  • bows
    
  • Firearms
• Can be setup without crossing firing line
• Can be used with alternative off board power such as a portable usb cell phone recharge battery.
  
• Very good detailed instructions for setup and use
• Uses doplar radar to gather data.
  • Measures muzzle velocity and 5 other velocities downrange at user defined distances for each shot out to 100 yards.
  • Calculated energy based on projectile weight

Cons:

• Constraints surrounding placement in relation to firearm when using onboard sensors
• Power hungry
  • On board power requires 6 AA batteries that will only last about 10 minutes
• Requires user supplied tripod - any standard photography tripod 1/4-20 threads will work

The manual is well written and provides all of the detail needed to setup and use the unit. LCD screen on the back displays an easy to use menu.

Take the time to jot down a note describing each series so that when you download the chronograph data you can match a load to the data.



I highly recommend this aftermarket product. This "recoil trigger" completely removes the need to align the onboard sensors in relation to the firearm. I've had 100% success with capturing every shot with this trigger.

Labradar must be configured properly for this to work. Set the unit to trigger mode and change the sensitivity to 3.​

.40

 

[cfullgraf]

• Power hungry
  • On board power requires 6 AA batteries that will only last about 10 minutes

The good news is any USB back up battery will provide auxiliary power and power the LabRadar all day. A recommended accessory.

 

[Archie]

I have a Labradar. It worked quite well the first few times I used it but does not work after that. I read the instruction manual and follow the directions. Nothing. I shoot all by myself on the rifle range. No interference from shots (talk) or other units or transmitters. Nothing. It won't even give me information about 'hearing" the shot. I called them and was - after cutting out all the chatter - I was using the unit incorrectly. He told me I could pay the shipping, they would test it and send it back because nothing is wrong.

I will attempt using the device one more time. Using several distance and trigger settings (I'm paying attention to your comments about sensitivity, I do use 'trigger mode'.)

And yes, I do have the Labrador battery pack and it says it's full of charge. All the screens light up and seems normal. They stay that way, but they do light up.

I have to say the Chrony I used to use worked much better. I currently have a Caldwell as the Labradar unit refuses to cooperate. It works.

When the Labradar works, it was great. I really do like the way the whole procedure goes. Set up is easy (I thought) read out is easy, limitations of light is great. Now if it would just work.

 

[lordpaxman]

Take the time to jot down a note describing each series so that when you download the chronograph data you can match a load to the data.

This is pretty important if you have a number of series. I take the time to input the load data into a spreadsheet and then print the load data worksheet that’s used at the reloading bench, and the shot data worksheet that’s used at the range. When I fire a string that number is written down along with notes about the shots. The targets have also been pre-printed with the load data. Just keeping those all straight is about all I can handle these days.

If you haven’t already, check out mylabradar.com which has downloads. The first thing I had to do was update my firmware, and the app.

I would urge you to send emails to their support team and ask them to update the system so you could either name series or annotate the data via the app. Good luck!

 

[peels]

When the Labradar works, it was great. I really do like the way the whole procedure goes. Set up is easy (I thought) read out is easy, limitations of light is great. Now if it would just work.

Before you get too frustrating with your labradar, give a recoil trigger a try as the OP suggested. Yes, it cost a little more to buy one, but it will work much better than the internal sensor.

I also posted some info on how to make your own recoil trigger here.

 

[gifbohane]

Archie-

I cannot explain why you have this big problem.. I am bad with gadgets such as this but I got the hang of this one eventually. My problems were solved by 1) making sure the unit was aimed properly. I bought an aftermarket plastic peep site.. and 2) I set the screen saver to almost the max to avoid having it shut off on me (orange light goes out.)

I might even buy the recoil trigger that was mentioned. It might avoid changing settings between rifle and pistol??

 

[peels]

I might even buy the recoil trigger that was mentioned. It might avoid changing settings between rifle and pistol??

You won't have to adjust the trigger level, but you will have to change the velocity range (rifle vs pistol).