I have wanted to purchase a new chronograph for a long time now. But after watching other airgun enthusiasts struggle with their chronys, I decided to "think about it" for a while. The old style chronographs need the light conditions to be just right. Watching others struggle with error after error. I just knew their had to be a easier way.
Above: The XCORTECH X3500 chronograph. This little chronograph seems to be the answer to my problem. It's affordable and it is easy to use. I do struggle with it at times because my vision is crap. And being born in the 1950's all this high tech stuff really drives me nuts sometimes.
Above: Here I have the X3500 set up on a tripod (not included) to check the fps of my Diana Bandit. I installed a regulator in the Bandit and wanted to check my fps. As it turned the fps was lower than I hoped for. So I had to reset the regulator.
Above: This particular screen is from testing my custom Crosman 2240. These are pretty good numbers for a 2240 with a stock valve assembly and stock transfer port. I am particularly pleased with the extreme spread of only 11.3 fps. I use 14.3 grain Crosman Premier hollow point pellets (and a fresh 12 gr Co2 cartridge) in the 2240.
Above: This is the main screen. This is the screen you will see when you are putting rounds through the chrony. This reading is the Diana Bandit after setting, then resetting, then removing and cleaning and resetting the regulator. I was hoping to get it around 500 fps on the regulator. But after all the trouble it gave me, I'll settle for 472.8 fps.
Above: This is the Ammo selection screen. This gave me the most trouble. I thought I could only select from the weights and calibers shown. I only just recently figured out these can be set to your ammo caliber and weight. The part I dont like is, you need to convert the pellet weight to grams. It will calculate the muzzle energy once you have entered the correct caliber and weight. Another thing, it displays the muzzle energy in Joules not f.p.e. (foot pounds of energy) Now, I may find out latter on that these can be reset as well. But for now I am stuck with grams and Joules. The chrony does let you choose between fps (feet per second and m/s metres per second for the velocity. That is the main thing I need (velocity). The conversion from joules to f.p.e. can be done online.
Above: I should mention this, the chrony actually has two separate components. The viewing and selection screen and the main part with the ballistic tube. The screen can be removed and attached to a picatinny / weaver rail. Each has it's own batteries and they have a wireless connection like Bluetooth. Also you won't have to worry about a flyer hitting the screen, I've seen more than one chronograph with the display screen all shot up.
Above: I was able to contact the manufacturer through the seller. I sent along a pic of the damage. I was quoted 147 TWD Which in US currency is $7.00 and that includes delivery. You can't beat that with a stick!
Above: After removing the 4 (push in) rubber feet there are 4 Phillips head screws connecting the bottom and top halves of the cover. Fortunately all the electronic stuff is in the bottom half.
Above: I think the little chrony is fantastic. Maybe not the best chrony for me. But that's only because of my poor vision and my inability to use all the functions properly. But for anyone else? I think it would be great! I give it 5 Stars *****
