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. Competition Electronics is available to assist with any questions or comments. Contact them at 815-874-8001 or visit www.competitionelectronics.com. The ProChrono DLX is designed and built in the USA, promising many years of reliable service with proper use and care.

Table of Contents

• How It Works / Lighting Considerations
• Common Conditions that May Cause Problems
• Using the ProChrono DLX with Different Projectile Types
• Battery Installation
• Mounting the Chronograph
• Installing the Guide Wires & Diffuser Hoods
• Operating the Chronograph
• Meters per Second/Feet per Second Selection
• Getting Started: Recording Projectile Velocities
• Duplicate Velocities
• Low Battery Indication
• Error Indication
• Working with Projectile Velocities & Statistics
• Pushbutton Controls
• Bluetooth Connection
• Specifications
• Limited Warranty
• Service for Your ProChrono DLX
• Accessories

How It Works

The ProChrono DLX measures the time it takes for an object to travel between its two internal projectile sensors. These sensors, located behind rectangular openings at the top of the case, detect small changes in light intensity caused by a projectile interrupting light rays. The chronograph circuitry measures this elapsed time, converts it into velocity, and displays it on the LCD screen.

Lighting Considerations

Lighting Conditions

The ProChrono DLX is a light-sensing device designed to function in a wide variety of lighting conditions, including sunny skies, overcast days, and low light. While it performs reliably across many environments, certain conditions can affect its performance.

Diffuser Use

Overcast or cloudy days provide the best natural lighting for the ProChrono DLX due to the diffused light source. For clear, sunny days, white plastic diffuser hoods are provided. These hoods ensure the light reaching the sensors is homogenous and scattered, reducing errors and missed detections. On overcast days, it is recommended to remove the diffusers, as the clouds already provide sufficient 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. Diffuser hoods help minimize this, but further adjustments may be needed depending on the sun's position. If false readings occur with diffusers, consider these steps:

• Adjust the chronograph's position relative to the sun.
• Color the bullet tip with a black, permanent marker.
• Move the chronograph into the shadow cast by a building or wall, ensuring the sensors still have a clear view of the sky. An alternative is to create a shadow using shields taped to the guide rods (use non-ricochet material like cardboard). This method can sometimes reduce incoming light too much, decreasing sensitivity.

Trees

Avoid placing 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 during sunrise and sunset, characterized by the sun's low angle, can lead to errors from reflections (glints), skewed shadows, or low light levels.

Electrical Interference

It is unlikely, but possible, that operating the chronograph near radio towers, microwave towers, or large power facilities could cause errors or functional problems. Avoid such areas if issues arise.

Using the Chronograph Indoors

Not Enough Light

Indoor lighting is often unsuitable. Most incandescent lamps positioned directly above the chronograph provide uneven light. A white background with even illumination is ideal, such as an incandescent flood lamp directed at a white surface above the chronograph.

Wrong Kind of Light

Fluorescent lamps are not suitable as they pulse many times per second, which the chronograph can detect, rendering it useless due to the similar cycle rate to projectile speeds. Competition Electronics offers a specially designed indoor lighting system for such situations, detailed in the accessories section.

Lighting & Accuracy

Adverse lighting conditions can impact accuracy. 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

Muzzle blast is a primary consideration. Ensure sufficient distance from the chronograph to prevent muzzle blast from triggering sensors and causing velocity errors. Recommended distances are 5 to 10 feet for pistols and 10 to 15 feet for rifles. If readings are affected, move further back. If using a scope, check boreline-to-scope distance and adjust aimpoint to avoid hitting the chronograph.

Shotguns

For shotgun loads, do not install guide wires and diffuser hoods, as they may be struck by the shot. Diffused light is not necessary due to the size and shape of shotgun pellets. Start at a distance of 5 feet from the muzzle, aiming approximately 6 inches above the unit. Experiment with shot placement and distance for optimal readings. Excessive distance can cause shot spread and wad separation, potentially damaging the chronograph. The CEI Debris Shield is recommended for added protection.

Bow and Arrow & Crossbow

Stand at least one arrow's length away from the chronograph to ensure the arrow is not accelerating upon arrival, which could lead to inconsistent velocity readings. Dark colored field points are recommended for best results.

Paintball Guns

Muzzle to chronograph distance is not a factor for paintball guns, but paint buildup on the unit may affect 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, being small and shiny, are particularly challenging for light-based measurement techniques. However, with proper setup and lighting, the ProChrono DLX can measure them reliably.

Miscellaneous

The chronograph can be used for other purposes, such as measuring the speed of sporting clays, provided the object passes over the sensors.

Battery Installation

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

Mounting the Chronograph

The chronograph can be placed on a sturdy table or mounted to a tripod using its integrated 1/4-20 threaded insert. Exercise caution in windy conditions, especially when using a tripod, as the diffusers can increase the chronograph's susceptibility 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.

Operating the Chronograph

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

Meters per Second/Feet per Second Selection

The chronograph defaults to feet per second (ft/sec) mode. To select meters per second (m/sec), hold down the "review" button while turning the chronograph on until the "rdY" message appears. This setting must be reapplied each time the chronograph is turned on if m/sec readout is desired.

Getting Started: Recording Projectile Velocities

To obtain a velocity reading, simply turn on the chronograph and shoot over it. Ensure the projectile travels along the chronograph's long dimension, within the triangle formed by the rods and diffuser screens (if installed). Be careful not to hit any part of the chronograph. Upon detecting a projectile, the display will briefly show the current shot string and the number of shots recorded, followed by the velocity.

Duplicate Velocities

If the chronograph records two consecutive shots with the same velocity, a "dup" (duplicate) message will appear, followed by a single digit number indicating the duplicate velocity. This number will increment if subsequent shots also have the same velocity. If 10 sequential duplicate velocities are recorded, the number resets to 1.

Fig. 1: Displays "duP 1", indicating a duplicate shot.

Low Battery Indication

When the battery voltage drops to 6.8-7.0 volts, the chronograph will flash "bAt" at intervals, signaling the need to change the battery. If the voltage falls below 6.8 volts, the chronograph will flash "CbAt," indicating the battery needs replacement and the unit will no longer register velocities.

Fig. 2: Displays "bAt", indicating a low battery condition.

Error Indication

If the first sensor detects a signal but the second sensor does not, an "Err" message will flash momentarily. Adjusting your aim position may resolve this issue.

Fig. 3: Displays "Err", indicating an error.

Working with Projectile Velocities & Statistics

The ProChrono DLX allows users to review and analyze velocity data using either the front panel pushbutton controls or its built-in Bluetooth connectivity with companion apps. The chronograph can store up to 9 strings, each containing up to 99 velocities, in non-volatile memory, preserving data even when powered off or the battery is removed.

Pushbutton Controls

String Change

Upon powering on, the ProChrono DLX defaults to the end of shot string 1, displaying the most recent shot velocity. Pressing the "String Change" button allows sequential selection of the 9 available string memories for storing shot velocities. After string 9, the button 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 earlier shots. Once the first shot is reached, pressing "Review" again initiates the display of statistics, cycling through 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 from the highest velocity within the current string.

Standard Deviation (Sd)

Standard deviation measures the dispersion of data. For example, a standard deviation of 10 fps with an average velocity of 1000 fps indicates that 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. The accuracy of standard deviation increases with the number of shots fired; a minimum of 5 shots is recommended.

Data Management

Delete Shot

While viewing a velocity, pressing the "Delete Shot" button removes it. Subsequent shot velocities are renumbered, and statistics are recalculated excluding the deleted shot(s). This operation is not reversible.

Delete String

Pressing the "Delete String" button removes all velocities within the current shot string. This operation is not reversible.

Redisplay

The "Redisplay" button can be used to view the string and shot information (string number, shot number, or statistic ID) again, which is briefly shown before the velocity is displayed.

Bluetooth Connection

The ProChrono DLX features built-in Bluetooth for linking with smartphones and tablets. The Bluetooth is active when the chronograph is ON, indicated by a green LED near the ON/OFF switch. For mobile apps, ensure your device's Bluetooth is enabled and search for "Competition Electronics Digital Link" in your app store. Install and open the app with the ProChrono DLX turned on; the app will automatically pair, illuminating the green CONNECT LED. Create a shot list to begin recording data on your device. Note: Do not attempt to pair via your device's Bluetooth settings; pairing is exclusively done through the Digital Link app.

For the latest information on apps, visit www.competitionelectronics.com/pages/apps.

Desktop apps are also available for download from the same website, supporting Windows and Mac. Please 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.

A video tutorial is available at: www.competitionelectronics.com/pages/video-library.

Specifications

Limited Warranty

Competition Electronics, Inc. warrants the ProChrono DLX against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 2 years from the original purchaser's date of purchase. Competition Electronics, Inc. will, at its option, repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of any product found to have a defect during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, mishandling, failure to follow operating instructions, alteration, or accident.

To make a warranty claim, the product must be returned to Competition Electronics, Inc. at the address provided, properly packed with shipping charges prepaid. Claims must be made within 30 days of product failure and no later than 30 days after the expiration of the 2-year warranty. Proof of purchase date is required.

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

Note: Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or the exclusion of incidental/consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you. This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state.

If a returned product requires service not covered by warranty, Competition Electronics, Inc. will inform the purchaser and request further instructions. Competition Electronics, Inc. will recondition any returned ProChrono DLX to working order for a fee of 1½ of the current retail price, provided the product is still manufactured.

Service for Your ProChrono DLX

For assistance with your ProChrono DLX, please use the following contact 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 optimal lighting for indoor use or under low light conditions. The system includes two light bars, an AC power adapter, and instructions.

Replacement Diffusers (Model # CEI-2526)

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

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 against all damage. This item is shipped with a protective film that should be removed before use.

Padded Carrying Case (Model # CEI-4715)

This handy case protects your chronograph during transport and storage. It features a hook and loop divider compartment with ample space for guide wires, diffuser hoods, a spare battery, and an indoor lighting system. Dimensions: (L) 17" x (W) 7" x (H) 4.5". The ProChrono is not included.