Which power bank port i use to connect it to Labradar?
I have 2 port on my power bank 2.1V and 1.0V?
10 000mah power capacity.
I have 2 port on my power bank 2.1V and 1.0V?
10 000mah power capacity.
Magnetospeed V3 or Labradar?
- Thread starter Canuck1977
- Start date
Spent the time reading through this thread from the dark ages... Have had the MS V3 for some time and can't say I've had much of the issues I see above. Some thoughts:
- Most people have a smartphone, if not there is this old device called a pen. Write down the spacer settings for your barrels and keep them in the case so you are consistent between mounting
- Change spacers with hex wrench? Never used the hex wrench. The spacers have ridges so they won't slide around. Just put them squarely on one another. Not an issue i you tighten it down right.
- Never had issue of it coming loose. Loosen strap AND screw, tighten strap, screw for extra tension.
- I DO see a POI shift when using it, but haven't really noticed difference in group sizes.
Haven't seen a LR so no comment n that.
- Most people have a smartphone, if not there is this old device called a pen. Write down the spacer settings for your barrels and keep them in the case so you are consistent between mounting
- Change spacers with hex wrench? Never used the hex wrench. The spacers have ridges so they won't slide around. Just put them squarely on one another. Not an issue i you tighten it down right.
- Never had issue of it coming loose. Loosen strap AND screw, tighten strap, screw for extra tension.
- I DO see a POI shift when using it, but haven't really noticed difference in group sizes.
Haven't seen a LR so no comment n that.
I considered the MS but opted for the LR primarily because of the limitations of using the MS on pistols. Occasionally, I have experienced difficulty using the LR when the range is busy and more often than not, it is false triggers. Changing the trigger to Doppler fixes that problem most of the time. Alignment was initially a bit finicky but I cut a piece of straw about 2 inches long and laid in the notch as an aide. After a few trips, I don't even use the straw anymore and have no difficulty aligning the LR.
A buddy has a MS V3 and has shot his bayonet making for an expensive trip to the range that day. Having observed his MS setup, it does seem a bit more time consuming than the LR but less than aligning an optical downrange (multiple trips and all). If all I wanted the chrono for was rifle, I think I would have been equally as happy with the MS as I am the LR.
A buddy has a MS V3 and has shot his bayonet making for an expensive trip to the range that day. Having observed his MS setup, it does seem a bit more time consuming than the LR but less than aligning an optical downrange (multiple trips and all). If all I wanted the chrono for was rifle, I think I would have been equally as happy with the MS as I am the LR.
I’ve owned both and only shoot/measure rifle, not pistol, archery, etc...
Personally I had more issues with the LR with setup and just ease of use when going between screens. The arming and disarming, new strings is not as user friendly as the MS IMO during actual use on the range. Also like the fact that MS physically is smaller and easier to transport. I’ll typically shoot multiple rifles, a pistol, and maybe my son is with also with his 22 rifle. We have a lot of stuff, so one less pelican case is nice.
I’ve shot each of them over 100 rounds each and for those times, I have more ‘no shots measured’ with the LR than my MS. To quantify this, out of 100 rounds I would see about a 10% ‘no shot recorded vs. about half that for the MS. There’s a lot that can be attributed to this, but I’m going to go with the one I have less issues with on the range.
This is my experience and I’m not saying the MS is better, but it is better for me for whatever reason for setup to use... only reason I bought a LR was because it looked cool (lol), had to try it... bought another MS and haven’t looked back.
Personally I had more issues with the LR with setup and just ease of use when going between screens. The arming and disarming, new strings is not as user friendly as the MS IMO during actual use on the range. Also like the fact that MS physically is smaller and easier to transport. I’ll typically shoot multiple rifles, a pistol, and maybe my son is with also with his 22 rifle. We have a lot of stuff, so one less pelican case is nice.
I’ve shot each of them over 100 rounds each and for those times, I have more ‘no shots measured’ with the LR than my MS. To quantify this, out of 100 rounds I would see about a 10% ‘no shot recorded vs. about half that for the MS. There’s a lot that can be attributed to this, but I’m going to go with the one I have less issues with on the range.
This is my experience and I’m not saying the MS is better, but it is better for me for whatever reason for setup to use... only reason I bought a LR was because it looked cool (lol), had to try it... bought another MS and haven’t looked back.
I recently went with the Magnetospeed. There were too many reports of Labradars dying and needing to go back for service and the subsequent terrible labradar service that were my determining points.
I'm a MS user but I'm looking to possibly switch to the LabRadar. I'm getting tired of rigging the bayo up on different rifles. The LabRadar is just so much simpler for when your testing multiple guns or shooting with buddies.
I've had great / consistent results with my Magnetospeed. The only thing I don't like is a significant POI shift when its attached to the barrel. I attach it to capture velocity info but I don't count on it to maintain zero while attached and remove when I'm shooting for groups.
As long as its strapped on right and correctly positioned its never missed a shot. The size is a another great factor. I shoot mostly on public land out in the desert and the MS packs up small and light when I have to take a little walk to my shooting area.
As long as its strapped on right and correctly positioned its never missed a shot. The size is a another great factor. I shoot mostly on public land out in the desert and the MS packs up small and light when I have to take a little walk to my shooting area.
Finally got to use my new Labradar this weekend and was disappointed. Consistently missed reading shots from my 6.5 creedmoor rifle with SiCo Omega suppressor. It would only read when the Omega's brake was right next to the unit <6" away at it's highest sensitivity level. It was also detecting another fellow shooter's bullet who was 2 benches away (He had a muzzle brake). If I turned down the sensitivity to not-detect his muzzle blast it wouldn't detect mine. Needless to say the right side of my new Labradar is all blackened. Out of 30 shots my Labradar detected 19. Going to tinker with it again next time it's above 40°. Kind of miss my trusty Caldwell Chrono.
Stick the LabRadar a bit in front of the can. Can limits the blast so put the radar where the blast is most.
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Try one of these.
Labradar Trigger Gen 2
This is the gen two trigger for the LabRadar chronograph. It will work on anything from a 22LR to a big bore rifles. The trigger works great with suppressors and crowded ranges. The new, removable …
jklprecision.com
If they are USB, they are both 5 V, but one is 2.1 A and the other is 1 A. I would probably use the higher one, but they claim it draws 800 mA max so it theoretically shouldn’t matter.
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FYI, for those that don't check LR's site often, there have been a couple of software upgrades. V1.20 enables bluetooth and the ability to use the app on your phone to arm / create strings. V1.24 is the latest. The phone app works, but I wish it would save the data when you disconnect from the LR. I haven't had a chance to try this version but may get to it this weekend. Like stated above, if using a suppressor, you might want to check that doppler is enabled.
1.24
Bug Fixes and improvements:
- Minor Bug fixes
- Fix a bug: battery level indicate that it was empty while on external usb battery pack.
- Fix a bug that was preventing the radar to be armed while on external usb battery pack.
1.20
Bug Fixes and improvements:
- Minor Bug fixes
- Bluetooth Communication Enabled
- Mobile Application Ready
1.24
Bug Fixes and improvements:
- Minor Bug fixes
- Fix a bug: battery level indicate that it was empty while on external usb battery pack.
- Fix a bug that was preventing the radar to be armed while on external usb battery pack.
1.20
Bug Fixes and improvements:
- Minor Bug fixes
- Bluetooth Communication Enabled
- Mobile Application Ready
I got the magneto because it was the best I could afford at the time. It has worked very well for my two target rigles and a hunting rifle. I do reload for my pistols and would like to test them for speed. Also applying the maneto to the barrels must be done while range is hot and keep muzzle pointed down range. I run out of bench every time. My shooting partner saw his first Labradar last session and he is hooked. Between the two we will be great.
Both unit have pro and cons. I have both, and use both.
Magnetospeed:
+ Small and easy to bring everywhere, easy to use
- Must of their setup have to toutch the barrel wich can change the POI. Event if it don't, you'll want to shoot a little group at the end of your session to confirm your zero, wich is really annoying.
LabRadar:
+ Doppler radar technology, relatively easy to use, don't affect the POI, you can put it on your phone (haven't tried it yet), you can set it up fast without adjustment.
- Some people find the aligment difficult (never got any issue with that)
My favorite is by far the LabRadar, you get velocities at different distances, have the option to use both doppler or trigger to activate the radar, you can use it for pistol data, archery, firearm with or without silencer, airgun.
Of course it's more tricky to set (be sure there is no blast on it or you might get no read at some point, the bullet have to pass in the radar to get your read, etc.) but once you figure this out, it became a charm to use.
Magnetospeed:
+ Small and easy to bring everywhere, easy to use
- Must of their setup have to toutch the barrel wich can change the POI. Event if it don't, you'll want to shoot a little group at the end of your session to confirm your zero, wich is really annoying.
LabRadar:
+ Doppler radar technology, relatively easy to use, don't affect the POI, you can put it on your phone (haven't tried it yet), you can set it up fast without adjustment.
- Some people find the aligment difficult (never got any issue with that)
My favorite is by far the LabRadar, you get velocities at different distances, have the option to use both doppler or trigger to activate the radar, you can use it for pistol data, archery, firearm with or without silencer, airgun.
Of course it's more tricky to set (be sure there is no blast on it or you might get no read at some point, the bullet have to pass in the radar to get your read, etc.) but once you figure this out, it became a charm to use.
- Mar 15, 2018
- 1,350
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Disclaimer: I do not work for or receive a paid commission from LabRadar.
What I can say is that I have had mine for a little over two years now. I have used it for rifle (.338LM, .300WM, .308 Win, 6.5CM) and pistrol (.357 Magnum, 45 Colt, 50AE). I have recorded more than 22,000 rounds with it and can count on 1 hand the number of misses.
What I can say is that I have had mine for a little over two years now. I have used it for rifle (.338LM, .300WM, .308 Win, 6.5CM) and pistrol (.357 Magnum, 45 Colt, 50AE). I have recorded more than 22,000 rounds with it and can count on 1 hand the number of misses.
I have the lab radar and like it, BUT I'm not at a crowded range. If you'll have a lot of company when shooting, their shots can trigger the LR, which can be a pain. I shot suppressed, and paid for ther mic, but I read later that it isn't necessary if you position it right
It seems the main con with the MS is POI change. So if it was mounted off the barrel wouldn’t the MS give you the best of both worlds?
The bayonet isn't too much of a concern for me. I keep a piece of 3/16" dowel in my shooting gear (about 18" long) to check for interference.
If you aren't paying attention I suppose you could forget it in the barrel which would be bad...but if you stick to your routine its not really a problem.
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I use a Labradar and its set to doppler. Running off a cheap 6000mA battery I won as a door prize, it will run all day armed.
Ill have to look into one of those recoil triggers though, that sounds neat.
Ill have to look into one of those recoil triggers though, that sounds neat.
yeah shooting off the back deck doesn't pose the first problem, but the second one I can relate. I'm a DIY kinda guy so not to knock the trigger here, but ill probably have to bust out the soldering iron and try to figure this out for myself.
I just ordered my MS V3 last night. Excited to see how it does. I wanted something that I could use at my local indoor range and setting up a conventional chronograph or the LR would be difficult putting it beyond the firing line.
Glad I found this thread as it's very informative. After reading through this I'm heavily leaning towards the LR over the MS. I load for both rifle and handgun so having something that can measure handgun velocity would be beneficial. Though I can say I'm not thrilled about the price tag, but I'm guessing you get what you pay for.
MS is a great piece of gear but as you mention a need to chrono pistol loads it won't suit you're needs.
I've never used the LR myself but heard nothing but good reports.
And I've sworn never to use another light-sensor based unit again. Nothing but frustration for me.
I have both, and will keep both. Pros and Cons of each
LR
LR
- set it up once and shoot any guy - don't have to move between guns - this is the MAIN advantage for me
- doesn't change POI
- you're not going to shoot it unless you're a complete moron
- can do subsonics, pistols, archery, pellet rifles (I've used it for all),
- The App is a joke
- you need an auxiliary power source
- The thing is fragile by report and I wont risk it so I carry in Pelican case
- you need a tripod or base of some kind to set it up properly which increases the size bulk even more; LR, pelican case, auxiliary battery, tripod bulk and weight adds up
- data transfer easier than MS w SD card
- more compact easy to carry around, fits and stays in my range bag
- one CR123 lasts you a long time no power source needed
- It works in underground "tunnel ranges" where my LR won't
- Just as accurate as LR according to Litz
- No messing with acoustic sensors
- set it up carefully and pay attention or you may shoot it off your gun
- half the price of a LR
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it's a great unit for ease of use the v3 is to me it was decided by price and availability I got the v3 for under 300 dollars and it was in stock at the time I could not find the lab radar anywhere and it's price was more than I wanted to spend at that time . I wonder now since there are other doppler radar options if I might have gone with one of them .
I have been used both fairly extensively. Here has been my experience:
I First came across the MS in 2015. Not sure which version it was but I noticed that there would be some variation to what I chronoed and what I ended up truing at for MV. I want to say it was anywhere between 10-20 fps difference on average. I have used some of the newer models though and it seems to no longer be a problem.
When I first used my buddies LR I was blown away. He plopped it down and in 5 rounds I had confirmed zero and chronoed. I later went to distance to confirm and did not need to adjust MV at all. It was dead on. I was so impressed with how easy it was to set up and how accurate the MV was I went and bought one.
All that said here are the Pros and Cons I've observed:
MS:
Lots of finicky pieces you have to use to aligne it properly with the bore. It doesn't matter how many times I've done it, it always feels like going to shoot the piece nearest the muzzle.
Some folks don't like to zero with it as the added weight may cause a shift on thiner barrels. This can be solved with the offset mount that is sold.
A big plus is the price point. It is much cheaper than a LR and if you're only using it for rifles, maybe the price is enough to deal with the other issues.
LR:
Although there are fewer pieces, it still can be finicky at times. I use a battery pack because it tanks regular AAs. It has also had some reliability issues with Bluetooth. Usually this is fixed with a refresh of the app and a restarting the LR. Can be annoying when you've paid almost twice as much as the MS
The big plus for me is all the various ways it can be used. I have used it to get MVs for mine and buddies' bows. I have not had a need to chrono any pistols but maybe I'll try it now.
The other big plus is time spent setting up. I can hit the range with a new gun, get zeroed and chronoed in half the time as the MS. And I don't have to worry about shooting it.
These are just my experiences. Hope it helps if your looking at buying one.
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