ProChrono DLX Operating Instructions

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ProChrono DLX. It is important to read and understand this manual before using your new chronograph. This manual contains setup information necessary to achieve proper performance from your chronograph.

Competition Electronics is here to help. For questions or comments, contact them at 815-874-8001 or visit www.competitionelectronics.com. The ProChrono DLX is designed and built in the USA, and with proper use and care, it will provide many years of trouble-free service.

How It Works

The ProChrono DLX operates by measuring the time it takes for an object to travel between two internal projectile sensors. These sensors monitor light through two rectangular openings at the top of the case. They are electromechanical devices that detect small changes in light intensity when a projectile interrupts the light rays. The chronograph measures the elapsed time between these interruptions, converts it into velocity, and displays it on its LCD screen.

Lighting Considerations

The ProChrono DLX is a light-sensing device and must cope with various lighting conditions. While it performs flawlessly over a wide range, certain environmental factors can affect performance.

Diffuser Use

The best natural conditions for using the ProChrono DLX are overcast or cloudy days, as it works best with diffused light. For clear, sunny days, white plastic diffuser hoods are provided. These ensure homogenous and scattered light for the sensors, reducing errors and missed detections. On overcast days, it is generally better to remove the diffusers, as the clouds already provide diffusion and allow more light into the chronograph.

Common Conditions That May Cause Problems

Reflections

On sunny days, reflective projectiles can cause "glints," leading to velocity errors. This is minimized by using diffuser hoods, but further adjustments may be needed depending on the sun's position. If false readings occur with diffusers, try these steps:

• Change the chronograph's position relative to the sun's angle.
• Color the bullet tip with a black, permanent marker.
• Move the chronograph to a location in the shadow of a building or opaque wall, ensuring the sensors still have a clear view of the sky. An alternative is to use shields taped to the guide rods to create a shadow, using cardboard or similar material that won't interfere with ricochets. This eliminates direct sunlight reflections while maintaining a clear sky view for sensors. In some cases, this may reduce incoming light too much, making the chronograph less sensitive.

Trees

Avoid locating the chronograph in the shadow of a tree, as the movement of leaves and branches can cause instability in the lighting environment.

Sunrise and Sunset

Lighting conditions at sunrise and sunset can cause errors due to reflections (glints), skewed shadows, or low light levels from the sun's extremely low angle.

Electrical Interference

It is unlikely but possible that using the chronograph near a radio tower, microwave tower, or large power facility could cause errors and functional problems. Avoid using the chronograph in these areas if such issues arise.

Using the Chronograph Indoors

Common problems when using the chronograph indoors include:

Not Enough Light

Indoor lighting is often unsuitable. Most common incandescent lamps positioned directly above the chronograph provide uneven light over the sensing area. A white background with even light distribution works best, such as an incandescent flood lamp shining onto a white surface above the chronograph.

Wrong Kind of Light

Fluorescent lamps will not work as a light source because they pulse many times per second, which the chronograph can detect. This pulsing frequency can be similar to projectile speeds, rendering the chronograph useless.

For areas with improper lighting conditions, Competition Electronics offers a specially designed indoor lighting system (more information in the "accessories" section).

Lighting & Accuracy

Adverse lighting conditions can cause accuracy issues. Any change in light intensity detected by a sensor, other than the shadow of the intended projectile, will result in errors.

Using the ProChrono DLX with Different Projectile Types

Pistols & Rifles

The primary consideration is muzzle blast. Ensure you stand far enough back to avoid triggering the sensors and causing velocity errors. For pistols, maintain a muzzle-to-chronograph distance of 5 to 10 feet. For rifles, a distance of 10 to 15 feet is recommended. If muzzle blast affects readings, move further back. If using a scope, check the boreline-to-scope distance and adjust your aimpoint to accommodate this measurement to prevent the projectile from hitting the chronograph.

Shotguns

When chronographing shotgun loads, do not install the guide wires and diffuser hoods, as they may be hit by the shot mass. Diffused light is not necessary due to the size and shape of shotgun shot. Start by standing about 5 feet from the muzzle, aiming approximately 6 inches above the unit. Experiment with shot placement and muzzle distance to find the optimal spot for your load. Standing too far away can cause shot spread, inaccurate velocity readings, and wad separation that might damage the chronograph. The CEI Debris Shield (available in accessories) can provide additional protection.

Bow and Arrow & Crossbow

Ensure you stand more than one arrow's length away from the chronograph when shooting. This prevents the arrow from accelerating as it reaches the chronograph, which could lead to inconsistent velocity readings. For arrow tips, dark colored field points are recommended for best results.

Paintball Guns

Muzzle-to-chronograph distance is not a factor for paintball guns. However, paint buildup on the unit may affect its performance. The CEI Debris Shield can provide additional protection.

Airguns, BB Guns, Pellet Guns & AirSoft Guns

Muzzle-to-chronograph distance is not a factor for these types of guns. BBs are challenging to measure with light-based techniques due to their small size and shininess. However, with proper setup and lighting conditions, the ProChrono DLX can measure them reliably.

Miscellaneous

The chronograph can be used for other purposes, such as measuring the speed of sporting clays. If a projectile can pass over the sensors, its velocity can likely be measured.

Battery Installation

Install a new 9-volt alkaline battery in the chronograph's battery compartment. There is also space to store a spare battery. A new alkaline battery provides approximately 20 hours of operation.

Mounting the Chronograph

The chronograph can be placed on a sturdy table or mounted to a tripod using its molded-in 1/4-20 threaded insert. Be cautious in windy conditions, especially when using a tripod, as the diffusers can make the chronograph susceptible to wind gusts.

Installing the Guide Wires & Diffuser Hoods

(Note: Diffuser Hoods are intended for sunny conditions only)

Insert the 3/16" rods into the holes on each side of the plastic diffuser. Then, insert one rod into the chronograph and the other rod into the opposite side of the chronograph.

Diagram Description: A line drawing illustrates the ProChrono DLX unit with key components labeled: Delete Shot Button, On/Off Switch, Projectile Sensors, Display Readout, Bluetooth Connect LED, Review Button, String Change Button, Battery Compartment, and Tripod Mount with 1/4-20 Thread insert.

Operating the Chronograph

To turn the chronograph on, move the small black slide switch on the side of the unit to the "ON" position. The display will briefly show all segments.

Meters per Second/Feet per Second Selection

The chronograph defaults to ft/sec mode. To register velocities in meters/sec mode, hold down the “review” button while turning on the chronograph until the "rdY" message appears. This setting must be applied each time the chronograph is turned on when meters/sec readout is desired.

Getting Started: Recording Projectile Velocities

To get a velocity reading, simply turn on the chronograph and shoot over it. Shoot along the long dimension of the chronograph, within the triangle formed by the rods and diffuser screens (even if they are not installed). Be careful not to hit any parts of the chronograph. Upon detection of a projectile, the display will briefly show the current shot string and the number of shots in the string, followed by the recorded velocity.

Duplicate Velocities

If the chronograph records two shots of the same velocity consecutively, a "dup" (duplicate) message will appear (Fig. 1), followed by a single digit number representing the duplicate velocity. If subsequent shots have the same velocity, the number will increment. After 10 sequential duplicate velocities, the number resets to 1.

Display Message Description (Fig. 1): Shows "dup" followed by "P1" on the display, indicating a duplicate shot.

Low Battery Indication

When the battery voltage becomes low (6.8-7.0 volts), the chronograph will flash "bAt" at intervals (Fig. 2) to signal the need for a battery change. If the voltage drops below 6.8 volts, the chronograph will flash "CbAt," indicating it's time to change the battery, and the unit will no longer register velocities.

Display Message Description (Fig. 2): Shows "bAt" flashing on the display, indicating low battery.

Error Indication

If a signal is recorded by the first sensor but not the second, an error message "Err" will flash momentarily (Fig. 3). Try adjusting your aim position if this occurs.

Display Message Description (Fig. 3): Shows "Err" flashing on the display, indicating an error.

Working with Projectile Velocities & Statistics

The ProChrono DLX allows you to observe and work with your velocity data using either the front panel pushbutton controls or built-in Bluetooth connectivity with free apps. (See the Bluetooth Connection section on page 12).

String and Shot Navigation

Each time the ProChrono DLX detects a shot, its velocity is stored at the end of the currently selected string. The ProChrono DLX can store up to 9 strings, each with up to 99 velocities, in non-volatile memory, retaining data even when powered off or the battery is removed.

Pushbutton Controls

String Change

When the ProChrono DLX is first turned on, it defaults to shot string 1, displaying the most recent shot velocity. Pressing the "String Change" button sequentially selects each of the 9 string memories for storing shot velocities. Selecting string 9 and pressing "String Change" returns to string 1.

Review Shots and Statistics for a String

Pressing the "Review" button displays the previously fired shot velocity within the current string. Subsequent presses cycle through previous shot velocities until the first shot is reached. Pressing "Review" again cycles through statistics: High Velocity, Low Velocity, Average Velocity, Extreme Spread, and Standard Deviation. Pressing it again returns the display to the last recorded shot velocity.

Statistics Explanation

Extreme Spread (ES)

Extreme Spread is calculated by subtracting the lowest velocity (for the current string) from the highest velocity.

Standard Deviation (Sd)

Standard deviation indicates the dispersion of velocities around the average. For example, a standard deviation of 10 fps with an average velocity of 1000 fps means 68% of shots fall between 990 and 1010 fps. Doubling the standard deviation to 20 fps means 95.4% of velocities fall between 980 and 1020 fps. Firing more shots increases the accuracy of the standard deviation calculation. A minimum of 5 shots is recommended.

Delete Shot

While viewing a velocity, pressing the “Delete Shot" button deletes that velocity. Subsequent shot velocities are renumbered, and the display updates to the last remaining velocity. Statistics are recalculated excluding the deleted shot(s). This operation is not reversible.

Delete String

All velocities in the current shot string can be deleted at once by pressing the "Delete String” button. This operation is not reversible.

Redisplay

The "Redisplay" button can be used to view the string and shot information again after the velocity is displayed. It briefly shows the string and shot number, or the string and statistic ID, allowing a second look at the data without scrolling through the entire string.

Bluetooth Connection

The ProChrono DLX features built-in Bluetooth capability, allowing it to link with smart phones and tablets. Bluetooth is active when the chronograph is turned ON, indicated by a green LED near the ON/OFF switch.

For Mobile Apps

Ensure your device has Bluetooth enabled. Search your device's app store for “Competition Electronics Digital Link,” install the app, turn on the ProChrono DLX, and open the app. The app will automatically pair with your chronograph, and the green CONNECT LED will illuminate. Create a shot list to begin recording data on your device.

Note: Do not attempt to pair the chronograph via your device's Bluetooth settings. Pairing is done exclusively through the Digital Link app.

For up-to-date information about the apps, visit www.competitionelectronics.com/pages/apps.

For Desktop Apps

Visit www.competitionelectronics.com/pages/apps for free downloads. Windows and Mac are supported.

Note: Due to technological changes, ProChrono DLX units manufactured from 2024 onwards will not connect to the Digital Link desktop app via Bluetooth. Data can be collected on a mobile device using the Digital Link mobile app and then transferred to the desktop app via file sharing.

See a video demonstration at: www.competitionelectronics.com/pages/video-library.

Specifications

Limited Warranty

Competition Electronics, Inc. warrants the ProChrono DLX to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 2 years from the original purchaser's date of purchase. Competition Electronics, Inc., at its option, will repair or replace without charge, or refund the purchase price of, any product that fails during the warranty period due to a defect in material or workmanship. This warranty does not cover failures attributable to abuse, mishandling, failure to follow operating instructions, alteration, or accident.

To make a warranty claim, the purchaser must return the product to Competition Electronics, Inc. at the address below, properly packed and with shipping charges prepaid. All claims must be made within 30 days after the product failure, and within 30 days after the expiration of the 2-year warranty. All claims must be accompanied by the sales receipt or other written proof of purchase date.

To the extent permitted by law, any and all implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are excluded. Any implied warranties not excluded are limited in duration to 2 years from the date of purchase. Incidental and consequential damages are expressly excluded. The remedies provided in this warranty shall be exclusive to the extent permitted by law.

Some states may not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you. This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

If a returned product is found by Competition Electronics, Inc. to require service not covered by warranty, the company will advise the purchaser and request further instructions. Competition Electronics, Inc. will recondition to working order any ProChrono DLX returned to it, regardless of condition, upon the purchaser's remittance of payment of 1/2 of the current retail price, if it is still manufactured.

Service for Your ProChrono DLX

For assistance with your ProChrono DLX, use the following information:

Competition Electronics, Inc.
3469 Precision Dr.
Rockford, IL 61109

Phone: 815-874-8001
Fax: 815-874-8181
Website: www.competitionelectronics.com

Accessories

Indoor Lighting (Model # CEI-4100)

This durable and compact lighting accessory provides optimum lighting for indoor use or under low light conditions. The system includes: two light bars, AC power adapter, and instructions.

Image Description: Shows two light bars, a power adapter, and cables for the indoor lighting system.

Replacement Diffusers (Model # CEI-2526)

A replacement set of four guide wires and two diffuser hoods for outdoor use on sunny days.

Image Description: Shows four guide wires and two diffuser hoods.

Debris Shield (Model # CEI-2519)

Competition Electronics offers an optional Debris Shield to help protect your chronograph from flying debris and paint. However, no guarantee is offered that it will protect the chronograph from damage. This item is shipped with a protective film to be removed before use.

Image Description: Shows a clear shield mounted on top of the ProChrono DLX unit.

Padded Carrying Case (Model # CEI-4715)

This handy case will protect your chronograph during transport and storage. It features a hook and loop divider compartment with ample room for storing guide wires, diffuser hoods, a spare battery, and an indoor lighting system. Dimensions: (L) 17″ x (W) 7″ x (H) 4.5″.

Image Description: Shows a black carrying case with a handle and a partially open compartment, with text indicating "ProChrono not included."