How to use a Lab Radar? 5 easy steps
by Mac Raven
How to use a Lab radar? 5 easy steps
I have eluded to this chronograph in many of my articles; I may as well have just come out with it. The lab radar is one of the best chronographs available at this time. Now that that is out of the way let us begin, shall we?
Here are some of my tips and tricks on how to use a lab radar.
Before we begin, this will not be a tutorial on how to navigate the menu options. At the end of this article, I will leave a video link to F-Class John’s Youtube video, where he goes into that in detail.
What is a lab radar?
A lab radar is a Doppler radar that gives your projectiles velocity, among many other data points. Remember back in the day when police had radar guns to catch speeders? I sure do, and it is the same technology.
Things you need:
You can acquire one directly from the company or online. True, you can put AA batteries in the machine, but it eats up the power fast.
The company has a couple of different options that you can order directly, and I’ve used both—you won’t be disappointed with either.
The unit would have you align the radar using a little slit at the top, which is a complete pain.
We tried to overcome that problem in a couple of different ways, such as taping a straw on it or using a T-square to line it up.
Finally, we discovered something cheap, simple, and effective.
With a quick search online, you will come across a scope mount to attach to it, and it comes with a rail and a red dot scope.
Instead of missing shots while getting the unit to start gathering data, purchase one of these external triggers. Sometimes the radar can have an attitude, and a trigger will take care of that.
You plug one end into the radar, and the other end attaches with Velcro to your stock. You will never miss a shot again.
Finally, we put everything together.
Step one
Plug in your battery pack and JKL trigger. You attach the trigger sensor end to your stock.
Power the unit up.
Step two
Program your menu before you start your session.
You want to avoid physically touching the radar between shots. There is a possibility of accidentally moving it, and it could change your numbers.
Step three
Attach a plain piece of paper on the target board at 100 yards. You are only using that for an aim-point for the rifle and the Doppler radar.
Step four
Using the red dot scope, aim the radar at the paper. Pan, the unit two targets left or right, depending on what side of the rifle your radar is located.
Step five
Aim the rifle directly at the paper.
You are setting it up in the previous two steps, so the radar intersects the bullet’s path.
Conclusion
You are good to go. Start shooting, collect data, and have fun.
After reading this article, you may be saying to yourself, “This is too complicated.” Once you get it set up and do it for the first time, you’ll realize it’s pretty simple.
Now, when you go to the shooting range, it will take you a few minutes before you are running, and collecting data.
You do not need to purchase these add-ons to make radar work, as I’ve done it both ways. You will not regret adding the extras, and I’m just trying to make life easier for you and keep things fun.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on how to use a lab radar? 5 easy steps and I hope you enjoy most of my articles. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. If I don’t know the answer, I probably know someone that does.
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