diffusers for my chronograph

Suzanne · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 9:16 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Crap I'm always getting hit for spelling errors

Suz

PaulS · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Ok, you want to see the prototype, well here it is:

PaulS · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:30 pm Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

I cut it out and then creased it where the folds were and taped it all together. I then glued all the corners on the inside with three layers to keep it rigid and friction fit it on the chronograph beam.

If it works I will make a new enclosure out of wood and mount it to the beam so I can use four legs at the corners to keep the wind from blowing it around and over. I will have to seal the edges of the top with tape before we try it out..... looks like a range trip after Christmas sometime.

gelandangan · Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2013 2:42 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Oh hey thats awesome.

Vince · Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2013 6:47 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Looks good Paul...be interesting to see if you get sufficient light in to register the bullet.

RePete · Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2013 7:21 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Looks great.

My first one was a box with the bottom cut out and two holes in the end. When the chrono with IR sensors (a PACT Professional) was on the tripod the box was placed over the skyscreens.

My second was made from panelling with a side door.

I have 2 Shooting Chrony's and I had another solution for them - battery powered puck lights held on with rare earth magnets.

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:59 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

I use a Pact Mod 0ne. It sees the shadow of the bullet passing over the sensors. Not sure if that configuration would work for the Pact.

RePete · Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2013 6:29 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Bushy it might. The bullet will cast a shadow on the sensor.

The light intensity can be changed.

That's something that I can try with my PACT.

PaulS · Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 1:39 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Bushy, This is a Pact model 1. Without the diffusers the sky is too dark on a cloudless day for it to see the bullets. When I lived in Seattle it worked fine because there were always clouds in the sky. I haven't had five days this last year without clouds unless it was raining or snowing. The blue sky is just too dark to register the bullets. I used plastic milk carton for the diffusers - just one layer but it should be enough white for the bullet to show up well.

The reason I built the whole box was to keep direct sunlight away from the screens. The whole beam is kept in a shadow and the only light is directly above the screens diffused by the milk jug plastic. I am hoping it works - but remember this is just a prototype that's why it's cardboard. If it works out well then I will build one out of plywood that will be better sealed and stiffer. It will also have four legs - one at each corner because right now it all balances on my tripod and I am sure the first gust of wind is going to blow it over.
We are scheduled to give it a range test next weekend - so far it is supposed to get to 40F.

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:44 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Will be waiting for the results.

Hey...!! we think alike in some ways. I use the same tray for my mud boots.

RePete · Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Paul you can use an old photographers trick and hang a weight - 10 - 15lbs - from the bottom of the center column of the tripod. If the wind blows that over, then maybe you need to be inside anyway.

PaulS · Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:27 pm Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

RePete wrote:

Paul you can use an old photographers trick and hang a weight - 10 - 15lbs - from the bottom of the center column of the tripod. If the wind blows that over, then maybe you need to be inside anyway.

I thought of that too but the beam is attached to the tripod with one bolt and the mounting shaft raises and lowers. I'm fairly certain the wind could use that 12 x 25" box and tear the beam off the tripod or at least bend the beam up.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2013 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

By the way, I use a fairly inexpensive tripod for my chronograph, in case someone decides to shoot it! I was using a nice Bogen, for the weight, but then realized what it would cost me to replace it.

RePete · Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 7:32 am Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

Paul, you can still do that but tie the loop around the column above the tripod yoke (where the legs are attached).

dhc4ever · Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: diffusers for my chronograph

The chrony looks a lot better without Gelands hi speed modification.....