FX Pocket Radar Chronograph is not just for airguns but powder burner as well.

The ROC

The ROC

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Been searching and researching for a new and easier to use chronograph and finally ordered a new FX Pocket Radar Chronograph and tested it out. It will be great not having to set up my Shooting Chrony for velocities 1300 fps or less (according to FX) and does not rely on lighting.

My first initial impression after opening the packaging was this thing feels cheap as it is made of plastic. Setting up was a breeze, just be sure to follow the instructions and with Android be sure to turn location on or it won't connect. According to YouTube videos a barrel mount bracket results in consistent readings and FX is now including that bracket.

Several CON's I can report at this time is how quickly the batteries get depleted. After 30 mins of continuous use the battery level was less than 50%. This is no surprise since this device is Bluetooth and Doppler Radar technology under the plastic housing. That no big deal, I'll just carry more batteries in the range bag. On the flip side this unit is incredible compact, no wires, no mic, no sd card and not light sensitive. The other CON and I have not tested this yet but it's limited to 1300 fps so testing my 308 handloads will still require the Shooting Chrony.

I'll have to try for groups with this unit mounted on the barrel as I am sure this will affect barrel harmonics and accuracy. If it does affect groups then I'll just go the tri-pod mount.

Here's one of many YouTube videos that helped in my research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM53F1naSJE

Some pictures and screen shots testing CCI Quiet-22 (advertised 710 fps) and SV (advertised 1070 fps) out of my 16" barrel CZ 457 MTR in a MDT chassis.

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ThatTron said:
That is very interesting. I was looking into getting a chorny for my rifle CZ455. Any issues using it?
Click to expand...

So far the only issue I see is it will use up the batteries quite quickly due too the Bluetooth and Radar technology. As you can see i the pictures after 30 min the battery level is less than 50%... no big deal, just have extras on hand. The upside is it's very compact and portable and not light sensitive unlike my Shooting Chrony.

No regrets on this purchase.
 
That's a pretty neat concept and design. Too bad about the low max velocity of 1300 fps so it does have limits. I wonder why they could not up the maximum so that it could be used for a wider array of calibers. I like the fact that it can be shot over with the muzzle in front of it versus through. No more destroying the chrony when using a scope. Not that I have done that but came close once.....lol. I also like how it automatically plots your shot string without having to write it down. My only thought is how it will hold up over the years. I purchased my Shooting Chrony used and know it will work after years sitting in the closet with just a new 9 volt.

Cool item thanks for sharing. If only it had a better name like the one I have.... The Master Beta.

Any issue shooting Co2 rifles? I found with my shooting chrony it would register the gas versus the pellet so I would have to step back a couple feet to capture the pellet.
 
Have you had the chance to watched the video link? He talks about what it can do.

FX is an airgun company so my guess that is why it's limited to 1300 fps. But this is definitely the future of chronograph. There is Labrador but at around $500 I'll pass.

In addition to 22lr and my air rifles this unit will be great for knowing my 45-70 and 44mag/SPL plink handloads velocity.
 
I just wonder if you happen to know someone who has a Labradar to compare the result. I like my Labradar but something compact to chrono my 22LR would be convenient.
 
Nice little setup for airgun or rimfire . I dont like that it attaches to the barrel though . Changes point of impact too much.
 
The ROC,
Most interesting thread. The max velocity rating of 1300 is about perfect for my needs.

Ill use it for air rifles, .22lr rifles and my reloads: 9mm, 40 cal, 45acp, 38 spl and 357Mag.
None of them will exceed 1300 FPS except for extra hot 357 mags I may load in the future.

May I ask where you bought it and how much?
 
TrxR said:
Nice little setup for airgun or rimfire . I dont like that it attaches to the barrel though . Changes point of impact too much.
Click to expand...

I'm curious myself as to how much of a change including group size.

Planning to head up to the cabin this weekend so if the wind conditions are to my favor I'll try several groups with and without the unit attached to the barrel and I'll report back.
 
How high will it register?

Like say if I put it on a shooting bench, and if I'm standing shooting handguns, will it register accurately? Or do I need to have the muzzle inches over?
 
TrxR said:
Nice little setup for airgun or rimfire . I dont like that it attaches to the barrel though . Changes point of impact too much.
Click to expand...

I agree that mounting a chrono onto the barrel is not ideal, but it is actually what I have been waiting for.

My indoor range doesn’t allow allow anyone to go in front of the shooting benches, and there’s no space to set it up on the bench itself.

I don’t mind if the weight of the pocket chrono will change point of impact. It’s not going to be permanently mounted on the barrel. It will only hang on the barrel for a few shots, only during actual velocity measurements, anyways.
 
Same here... I want a quick mount to the barrel... shoot a few strings... plug the numbers into my ballistic app and I'm good to go. Setting up the Shooting Chrony is a hassle.

In time there will be an affordable Doppler radar chronograph that will read higher velocities.
 
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