Labradar Lite - No Bluetooth

[EzGoingKev]

Labradar has released a new unit, the Labradar Lite, which does not have the Bluetooth capabilities. From what I have read the Bluetooth chips have been the hold up. This allows them to get product out.

For you guys that have the Labradar units how important is having the Bluetooth connectivity?

 

[VSP968]

When it works, it’s great.
When it works….

 

[whatsupdoc]

I been using Labradar for years it is a good reliable system that requires a little understanding
of the settings for trouble free operation.

However the Bluetooth is a piece of dog shit.

 

[Zak Smith]

I never use the BT

 

[slowworm]

I never use the BT

Me neither.

 

[lennyo3034]

I never use the BT

Same. Is there a price point?

 

[Conqueror]

Not once have I used the bluetooth. Maybe I should try it sometime but everyone says it is dogshit.

 

[BoulderE89]

Awesome when it works! Will stop connecting randomly and sometimes struggles to reconnect again. I wouldn’t lose sleep over not having it

 

[PB&J.]

Mine just arrived today. There were no Bluetooth units available at time of ordering and no one could give a lead time on them.

Even if the Bluetooth units had have been available, I still would have gone with the Lite. As far as I am aware the Lite has 100% the functionality of the full unit, minus the Bluetooth.

I have no need or desire to have the data displayed on the unit infront of me, relayed to another seperate device.

 

[EzGoingKev]

Thanks for the replies guys. I bought one from Brownells.

 

[6.5SH]

WHEN it works the BT features are great. Much easier to navigate the menus, no disrupting aim when arming/disarming etc.
That being said, I've owned my LabRadar since before the app was available (or Bluetooth even enabled for use). Even then it was a revolutionary leap forward over consumer level optical units.

If the choice was a Lite or no LabRadar, I'd absolutely take the Lite.

 

[dgheriani]

I've never used the BT on mine or the app or done any of the updates... I keep meaning to but it works fine as is and I'm lazy.

 

[vh20]

I never use the BT

Ditto

 

[rydah]

Forget the labradar. This is the new hotness:

Speedtracker (Bulletseeker) Ballistic Radar - Solids Solution Designs

Sekr-Tek Speedtracker is the most advanced ballistic radar for measuring bullet velocity. Very easy to use as it clips on to your picatinny rail.

www.solidsolutiondesigns.com

 

[max1840]

I use the bluetooth all the time. On occasion it's a pain but most of the time it works for me

 

[Baron23]

I too use the BT with the app. Mostly to arm/dearm but also to check that I didn't miss any in the series, watch ES/SD stabilize as the series grows, etc.

Now, I do think their implementation of this basically sucks and find myself fairly often to refresh the connection to the LabRadar to get the "transferring data" message indicating that its updating my series/shots info on the app. The little refresh symbol does not work worth a crap for me and the damn app locked my phone up hard for a few minutes once. Couldn't even reboot. Just had to wait until iOS dumped the app.

Most apps are an afterthought created by people whose primary business is not apps and are bug filled PIA's IMO.

 

[spife7980]

Haven’t used the Bluetooth since it was brand new. I find it easier to just use the buttons.

 

[VSP968]

Haven’t used the Bluetooth since it was brand new. I find it easier to just use the buttons.

I’ve defaulted to taking pictures of the display for record keeping later.

 

[dgheriani]

I’ve defaulted to taking pictures of the display for record keeping later.

I log the data in the data book for each barrel I have, haha.

 

[Conqueror]

Forget the labradar. This is the new hotness:

Speedtracker (Bulletseeker) Ballistic Radar - Solids Solution Designs

Sekr-Tek Speedtracker is the most advanced ballistic radar for measuring bullet velocity. Very easy to use as it clips on to your picatinny rail.

www.solidsolutiondesigns.com

When someone imports them to the US in bulk and we verify that it is as good as a LabRadar then I will be all ears.

 

[CaptNemo]

WHEN it works the BT features are great. Much easier to navigate the menus, no disrupting aim when arming/disarming etc.
That being said, I've owned my LabRadar since before the app was available (or Bluetooth even enabled for use). Even then it was a revolutionary leap forward over consumer level optical units.

If the choice was a Lite or no LabRadar, I'd absolutely take the Lite.

Same here. I use the BT every time. And the Piet trigger and the external power pack and the MK Machining sight on top to align the unit with the target...
Follow the directions on the set up especially if you're running a muzzle brake.

 

[BKKSW]

I use it with and without. Depends what I need that day. Consider upgrading your firmware if the BT isn't working well. Also consider doing some dry runs before you get to the range to ensure your device(s) are talking to y our Labradar properly. Trying to do it at the range in the bright/hot sun can be frustrating.

 

[Kra961]

When it works it’s great option have, I use it with an iPad because it will not work with my phone. The biggest problem is it randomly losing the connection. Still even with the poor performance with it’s BT the less I have touch the unit after dialing it in the better off it is.

 

[Ericsl2]

Forget the labradar. This is the new hotness:

Speedtracker (Bulletseeker) Ballistic Radar - Solids Solution Designs

Sekr-Tek Speedtracker is the most advanced ballistic radar for measuring bullet velocity. Very easy to use as it clips on to your picatinny rail.

www.solidsolutiondesigns.com

Dang near double the cost of the labradar and I’m not seeing much feedback anywhere. Has this made it to America yet?

 

[Kra961]

I’ve defaulted to taking pictures of the display for record keeping later.View attachment 7906297

That’s a pretty sweet setup!

 

[JimHs1]

It's a simple choice of whether you want to view your data by BT transferring to a compatible device or removing the memory card from the Labradar and plugging it into a compatible device and downloading it. Either way, you can get your data to the desired location and view it.

 

[SERE8541]

I’ve defaulted to taking pictures of the display for record keeping later.View attachment 7906297

Is that Quantico?

 

[England]

I have had my LR for years and took advantage of the Bluetooth connectivity with the firmware upgrade. I usually shoot prone and it is much simpler to use a tablet or smartphone to control the unit, and it avoids potentially disturbing the aim of the unit.

The second-gen software indeed works better, but still sometimes drops connection. I use my LR routinely and like it, but I remain suspicious that their nephew writes the code.

 

[strikeeagle1]

I have no need or desire to have the data displayed on the unit in front of me, relayed to another separate device

Same sentiments. "Two is one and one is none" doesn't seem applicable in this situation.

 

[rydah]

When someone imports them to the US in bulk and we verify that it is as good as a LabRadar then I will be all ears.

Put up a video on my experiences with it. It’s good.

 

[6.5SH]

Put up a video on my experiences with it. It’s good.

Good review. I'll disagree on the title though. It's a MagnetoSpeed killer not a LabRadar killer.
The only spot it loses to both on is the price though.
When it tracks to 100+ yards then we can claim LabRadar killer. Given how David Tubb uses a MagnetoSpeed this fills that niche in a much more compact package, the only downside in that role is no display and needing a phone/tablet, but that is a minor niggle.

 

[rydah]

Good review. I'll disagree on the title though. It's a MagnetoSpeed killer not a LabRadar killer.
The only spot it loses to both on is the price though.
When it tracks to 100+ yards then we can claim LabRadar killer. Given how David Tubb uses a MagnetoSpeed this fills that niche in a much more compact package, the only downside in that role is no display and needing a phone/tablet, but that is a minor niggle.

Why does it need to track to 100m?
All you need is muzzle velocity.

 

[PB&J.]

Why does it need to track to 100m?
All you need is muzzle velocity.

BC/CFD calculations for one.

 

[rydah]

BC/CFD calculations for one.

Please elaborate on how you've accurately used a Labradar to consistently track projectiles to a 100m (which labradars don't, mine never tracked past 50m) and then used that data to calculate bc and drag in a meaningful way and then how that’s actually benefited you.

 

[6.5SH]

Please elaborate on how you've accurately used a Labradar to consistently track projectiles to a 100m (which labradars don't, mine never tracked past 50m) and then used that data to calculate bc and drag in a meaningful way and then how that’s actually benefited you.

Is yours a low power EU version? If so that can explain a 50M limit.

As for myself I've used it to gather BC info that was accurate Vs what was stated on a website or not offered at all. The latter especially with surplus ammo.

With enough samples you can even see BC variation thanks to the work @ptosis has done.

Geladen | Labrabaco

 

[rydah]

Is yours a low power EU version? If so that can explain a 50M limit.

As for myself I've used it to gather BC info that was accurate Vs what was stated on a website or not offered at all. The latter especially with surplus ammo.

With enough samples you can even see BC variation thanks to the work @ptosis has done.

Geladen | Labrabaco

And how does that actually benefit you vs just shooting it, recording your drops and truing your data like everyone else does.

And no. I had the us version.

 

[6.5SH]

Then you have poor alignment to your target or too much clutter on your range for it to read that far.

I do not have the luxury of being able to place paper beyond 100 or walk out and freshly paint steel and take a tape measure to it. So truing that way is a guess for me, sure it hit steel, but where? I'll take the actual measurement.

 

[pineoak]

Saw this thread... excitedly rushed to Brownells.com to pick up a LabRadar at a discounted price...

Yeah, not much of a discount.

Back to Magnetospeed... (which honestly works fine so far)

 

[EzGoingKev]

Another question - how is Labradar's padded case for it? Good to go or pass and get a pelican case?

 

[Conqueror]

I have the Labradar case, I like it. It is plenty padded for the device and a lot more convenient to lug around than another pelican case. All the accessories (battery, cables, triggers, etc) fit in the front pouch, and the radar will still fit (just barely) even with an Arca base and an MK Machining improved aiming sight attached.

 

[Baron23]

Another question - how is Labradar's padded case for it? Good to go or pass and get a pelican case?

Its fine unless you plan to travel on airplanes, etc with it. Far more convenient than a Pelican case. And as noted above, you can fit all the bits and pieces needed in the pouch part also.

 

[PB&J.]

Please elaborate on how you've accurately used a Labradar to consistently track projectiles to a 100m (which labradars don't, mine never tracked past 50m) and then used that data to calculate bc and drag in a meaningful way and then how that’s actually benefited you.

Why do you even need muzzle velocity and how does that actually benefit you vs just shooting it, recording your drops and truing your data like everyone else does and then how that's actually benefited you?

 

[RetiredChief]

Have had the LR for several years now. Didn’t know about the Bluetooth capability until I read this post. I did download the newest FM and installed the app on my phone – It works. Will I use it, probably not but will check it out Next time I go to the range (Range I use doesn’t open until 1 Sept.)

Comments after reading the posts.
1) Carry “Bag”. I use a laptop case that I had laying around, But can pick one up at a local DAV cheap.

2) For alignment, You can build one for 10 bucks. Good alignment, Mine will track a0.264 Bullet out to 95+ yards.

3) Yes velocity data beyond MV can be important. A) Ability to calculate BC. BC changes with velocity. B) More important for me is the ability to re-compute MV when the LR reports incorrect MV. Ie LR reports MV of 5000+ ft/sec. This makes SD/Avg/Max incorrect. By looking at data past MV you can re-compute MV. Plug in corrected MV corrects SD/Avg/max.

 

[MDof2]

With all the shit we throw in and out of the back of the truck, van, trunk, back seat, bench, etc. the Labradar soft case is a hard pass for me.
$40 amazon special, and it fits like a glove.

 

[strikeeagle1]

I have lots of Pelican cases I could modify for the LR but the simple soft case is fine for me, as I'm not tossing it about in the truck. It has enough room for the LR tripod, battery etc. Have to look Left to not see the Made in China label.

 

[rydah]

Why do you even need muzzle velocity and how does that actually benefit you vs just shooting it, recording your drops and truing your data like everyone else does and then how that's actually benefited you?

It doesn’t really work both ways, turning it back onto me. Because load development exists and is a thing.
But yea still waiting for anyone that keeps saying silly things like they need/benefit from muzzle velocity readings to 100m to actually come up with how it does benefit them, because it doesn’t.

I don’t have a dog in this fight. Just showing people cool new gear. You wanna argue semantics to defend your purchase go ahead.

 

[PB&J.]

It doesn’t really work both ways, turning it back onto me. Because load development exists and is a thing.
But yea still waiting for anyone that keeps saying silly things like they need/benefit from muzzle velocity readings to 100m to actually come up with how it does benefit them, because it doesn’t.

I don’t have a dog in this fight. Just showing people cool new gear. You wanna argue semantics to defend your purchase go ahead.

Here's an example with an unknown load I had laying around in the back of my stack for too long. I shot a quick group with them and zeroed my scope. whilst I was doing that, my labradar was logging velocities that I then used to calculate the BC of that previously unknown projectile, at that previously unknown muzzle velocity out of that previously undoped rifle. I plugged that into my ballistic solver and used that data to shoot a group at 500yds that was within .2mils of calculated elevation. Real world benefits to calculating BC with a labradar? Nah, absolutely fucking none.

sure, I could have plugged in any random old swagged BC and sent a couple of hail mary's, but I had the ability to calculate actual BC so it would've been stupid not to.

 

[RetiredChief]

Why do you even need muzzle velocity and how does that actually benefit you vs just shooting it, recording your drops and truing your data like everyone else does and then how that's actually benefited you?

Here is an example where knowing Velocity past Vo is helpful (for LR). My LR has record Vo of 3000+ ft/sec - obviously, Which produces invalid SD, Avg and spread. By looking at data past Vo you can extrapolate what Vo should be, within ± 2 ft/sec. You can also correct for not so obvious errors. SD for Vo, V10 and V25 should be within ± 1. Also, within a given string, two shots with the same V10 should be within ± 2 ft/sec for Vo. Here is a 4 shot string that Vo LOOKs valid – until you look at V10 and V25. Look at shot #2. Vo is 2772 (only 29 ft/sec above average), But is within 2 ft/sec of shot #3 which is 2745 ft/sec. Based on this Shot #2 Vo should be about 2746 ft/sec

Shot ID	V0	V10	V25
1​	2722​	2697​	2663​
2​	2772​	2723​	2686​
3​	2745​	2721​	2685​
4​	2735​	2713​	2680​
SD	21.0​	11.8​	10.7​

Changing 2772 -> 2746 yields the following CORRECTED Values:

		Corrected
Average	2743.42​	2737​
Highest	2771.81​	2746​
Lowest	2722.22​	2722​
Spread	49.59​	24​
Std. Dev	21.04​	11.2​

Bottom Line: With the LR Vo is a calculated Value Not a measured Value. So for The LR, Values beyond Vo are very helpful!

 

[spife7980]

Here's an example with an unknown load I had laying around in the back of my stack for too long. I shot a quick group with them and zeroed my scope. whilst I was doing that, my labradar was logging velocities that I then used to calculate the BC of that previously unknown projectile, at that previously unknown muzzle velocity out of that previously undoped rifle. I plugged that into my ballistic solver and used that data to shoot a group at 500yds that was within .2mils of calculated elevation. Real world benefits to calculating BC with a labradar? Nah, absolutely fucking none.

sure, I could have plugged in any random old swagged BC and sent a couple of hail mary's, but I had the ability to calculate actual BC so it would've been stupid not to.

View attachment 7909775

You don’t need to refine a bc number to hit 500 yards… it’s basically entirely velocity driven alone at that short range with just a ballpark bc.

 

[PB&J.]

You don’t need to refine a bc number to hit 500 yards… it’s basically entirely velocity driven alone at that short range with just a ballpark bc.

Like I said. I could've swagged it and still hit, but I had the tool to input an accurate value, so I did. With the ability right there at my fingertips, it would be stupid not to use an accurate value I had access to.