Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph with FPS and MPS Readings, Sun Screens and Large LCD Screen for Range Shooting

This is the basic Caldwell chronograph. It reads in feet per sec or meters per second. It is accurate if used properly. It can be light sensitive when the sun is very low in the sky (very early or late in the day). It comes with a sun/sky shield which provides a uniform white background that makes the optical sensors spot the projectile a little easier in less than optimal lighting/weather. This unit will not work indoors without an optional light kit (not included). Caldwell has a free app that will collect data when connect to your phone via a 1/8 audio mic style cable. You may need addition adapters if your phone doesn’t have a mic or speaker jack of this design. All new iPhones will require an adapter. With the adapter inline, the chronograph communicates with the app and you can save shot string data. The app is easier to use then my labradar chronograph app. The chronograph is easy to use. Just line it up properly and send the projectile through the sensor space between the sun shade and the body of the chrono. MAKE SURE your aim is clear of the chronograph before releasing the projectile or you may shoot and destroy the unit. It can happen easier than you think. This is my second Caldwell chronograph. The first one developed a short in the unit and cuts off unexpectedly. It also no longer communicates with the chronograph app, so I cannot capture data automatically. So if it’s broken why am I purchasing another just like the first? All these issues developed from frequent use over 4 years of ownership. Even though this old unit has failed, I still consider the Caldwell chronograph to be a very well-designed and cost-effective tool for its intended purpose. Otherwise I would’ve not invested my money a second time. Can you buy better, yes. Can you buy better that this price point… probably not. This is my opinion, but I did back it up by purchasing the same Caldwell chronograph. If you need a chronograph, this at least is reasonably priced and well made and will likely serve you well. If you reload or are into air rifles a chrono is almost a must have.

My first ever chronograph, and I bought this particular one over others because of the iPhone app. The app works really well, and there is no lag between the readings showing up on the chronograph and on your phone. I am not sure if this is common for chronographs, but the area over which you can shoot to get dependable readings is narrow (no more than a few inches- probably better for rifle or handgun with nice scope/laser or in a vice) at 20 feet, meaning you have to be a pretty good shot to use this well, or you will get a lot of error codes. Also, I had this at 15 feet, but noticed I was getting readings from the muzzle blast/flash (I mean, there is no way my .40 was producing 3000 fps!) and this led to some erroneous results. I clipped on some LED lights (these CAT 4-pack LED Worklights with Magnets, and Includes 12 Duracell AAA Alkaline Batteries) to the shades, and wasn't having any trouble using this in an indoor range. I had an idea of what the loads I was using should read (900-1200fps) and most of the readings were in this range, so it works! You also do have to make sure this is aligned well or you will also get some lower readings than you should. This, with the narrow reading area would have me leave it with 4 stars, but I added one for how rugged this thing is. Toward the end of shooting 150 rounds through this thing, one literally went through it and ended the measurements for the day. Luckily the bullet missed the circuit board and sensors, but tore up the battery and battery connector, but was stopped by the back sensor. This chronograph gets a star for its toughness, and ease to fix, as a trip to radio shack and a little basic wiring got this working again! Lastly, the case is a nice touch and I really like that the metal supports for the shade clip onto the shades to keep them together.

THIS IS MY FIRST CHRONO AND I CLOSED MY EYES AND WENT FOR IT! After spending a whole day reading reviews and watching videos of different units I bought this one. First time users of course have to experience the world of (exceptable) lighting conditions and all that comes with the dance of maintaining the right kind and amount of light above the 2 sensors so that the unit works and is accurate. As far as reviews go, check out the reviews for the higher priced units and yes you will find the same complaints regardless of price.My strategy/approach was to buy the cheapest unit I could find that had enough good reviews to indicate that the unit could work well enough to get the job done. Many people gave this basic chronograph good reviews and like the better units some complained of getting a lemon. After playing with this chrono for just a few hours ( and doing the research) I am comfortable in knowing what to look for in a chrono I believe.Fortunately this (my first ever) unit seems to work perfectly out of the box and with all types of projectiles both fast and slow. For example i have a spring loaded BB pistol that shoots at 100 FPS and have shot hand loaded bullets at over 3700 FPS with consistence accurate readings. The phone/tablet app loaded fast and worked as described (except the app will not allow for deletion of error shots without saving then editing)This unit is basic in that it will only give a readout of the speed and do no calculations UNLESS it is paired with a android/apple phone or tabletand a external source application for various computations. This I like because my eyesight is poor and I would rather have my data displayed remotely next to me. Plus I can customize my remote display device and type.The unit is well built well and is sturdy and the readout is large enough and instant. Basically just 3 functions on one switch which are OFF- feet per second- meters per second. Other than that their are 2 ports for data connection to a external device which are a usb type port and a ear phone type plug. This unit takes a 9 volt battery and the battery compartment is big enough to hold a spare battery.This unit does have a camera mount type thread receiver on the bottom for using on a tripod or other type holding set up.I feel fortunate that I bought a unit that works as advertised,of good quality, and really cheap ($69.00)Not sure if I will ever need anything more but I can understand the value and preference of having a unit that does the string calculations WITHOUT having to utilize external devices and cables so this model may not be what some need or want, especially when you can get such features for for just a few dollars more.UPDATE JULY 14 2017Have since purchased 2 more of these units to have on hand at different locations that I travel to and havehad no issues with the units as long as I set up the lighting environment adequately. I wish the unit would resetautomatically after having a read error when not using the remote app.