StraightSh00ter Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 The Caldwell is appealing because it has everything in one package. The reviews are decent. I particularly like the App which looks like it will work with an android phone. My memory sucks and I'm bad at writing things down, and the App looks like its setup well (even calculates PF on the spot). I also like that it comes with a tripod, and lights lights since I'll be joining a range with an indoor facility. But I feel like Pro Chrono is better quality for some reason and I have 2 friends with the Pro Chrono. It's more expensive (although good things usually are), and I don't know how I feel about the App or software and having to buy everything separately. Any reason not to get the Caldwell? Does it feel like a solid/quality unit? Any updates or success with Pro Chrono and Android? Thanks, Overthinker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonytheTiger Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I have the Caldwell. It feels as plastic as it looks, but when I shoot boolits through it it sends me numbers on my phone. I then name and categorize the groups, check PF, ES, SD etc. on the app and store it all for later review. Not sure how I could be happier with a more expensive, nicer looking unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v1911 Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I have the Caldwell. It feels as plastic as it looks, but when I shoot boolits through it it sends me numbers on my phone. I then name and categorize the groups, check PF, ES, SD etc. on the app and store it all for later review. Not sure how I could be happier with a more expensive, nicer looking unit. +1 Don't all chronos do the same job? So why not pay less and get a super easy to use free app. Hell, after using the app, I dot think if be happy using a chrony that didn't offer one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave33 Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I have the Caldwell. It feels as plastic as it looks, but when I shoot boolits through it it sends me numbers on my phone. I then name and categorize the groups, check PF, ES, SD etc. on the app and store it all for later review. Not sure how I could be happier with a more expensive, nicer looking unit.+1Don't all chronos do the same job? So why not pay less and get a super easy to use free app. Hell, after using the app, I dot think if be happy using a chrony that didn't offer one. +2 I also like the ability to store a picture of the target I shoot for accuracy after I'm done with the chrono work. Then days or weeks later I can reference all my load and chrono data and see which loads were most accurate as well without having to store a bunch of targets. It really just doesn't get any easier or better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightSh00ter Posted February 5, 2016 Author Share Posted February 5, 2016 Thanks guys, I guess that's what I was thinking and just wanted to make sure the Caldwell is working well for everyone. The reviews are decent, not quite as good as Pro Chrono, but then when you read them I think most bad reviews are people who don't read directions or have patience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safeactionjackson Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 Pro Chrono Digital has served me well, and is used regularly for group chrono sessions. Haven't got a chance to use the bluetooth module, and have mostly used it tethered to my laptop via a USB cable. Great chrono, low light kit works awesome indoors. ~g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I've got a Pro Chrono and it has always worked very well, no problems. Never any experience with a Caldwell so can't comment on one. I've also got an Oehler 35-P but that is in another league entirely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I have a Caldwell and wish I had the Pro just because of the additional features. I like how on the pro it will give you all the stats right there on the crono. the Caldwell just gives a reading unless you have it connected to your phone with a data cable. however, the cable never worked with my phone so it doesn't help me any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightSh00ter Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 I have a Caldwell and wish I had the Pro just because of the additional features. I like how on the pro it will give you all the stats right there on the crono. the Caldwell just gives a reading unless you have it connected to your phone with a data cable. however, the cable never worked with my phone so it doesn't help me any. Did you call Caldwell and try to sort out the cable / phone issue? I see there are a few phones that are not supported - is yours on the list? These are the things I was interested in hearing about before making a purchase. The Caldwell has a great set of features, if it works right and is compatible with your phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NFLcavediver Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I just picked up a Pro Chrono digital with the bluetooth. Worked from the first shoot, and I'm not the most technical guy. Now I just have to figure out how to get it to my computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 There's some kind of special cable they can send you to work with s4 and s5 phones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NFLcavediver Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I've got it on my phone. The bluetooth works for that. I think I just have to use the USB charge cord and plug it into my computer. It might prompt me what to do next. I have a 20 year old granddaughter that lives with us so she can do it for me. ☺ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 I wish the Caldwell had a Bluetooth function Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightSh00ter Posted February 17, 2016 Author Share Posted February 17, 2016 I ended up going with the Pro Chrono, mostly due to display, on-board control interface, and (local) user support. I didn't realize the USB would be so cheap and easy to build for the Pro Chrono, and had mistakenly thought I'd need the remote to get it to hook up to a PC. For about $130 I get the chrono, tripod, and USB, leaving out only the IR lights which I might just end up building (I've been wanting to mess around more with electronics lately). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 you could also get the Bluetooth adaptor so you can display everything on your phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzShooter Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Get the Pro Chrono. You can't go wrong. Displays all the information you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 I will say that the caldwell crono is a little more sensitive and it never missed shots like the pro crono will do when shooting 223. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 I got one of the bad Caldwell's with a faulty sensor. When I email customer service, 5 days later I had a new chrony on my porch. There are probably better units out there, but for the price and package its hard to beat. Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I did that as well but the pro crono has more features but sucks at picking up 223 which is mostly what I shoot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louu Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 I got the Caldwell today from Amazon (had a gift card) and the wire was just stuffed in the package not wound up neatly and no twist tie. Is that how all youze guys was too? I'm hoping it's not used because the phone app didn't really work but the screen on the unit worked every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rancher5 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Problem with Amazon,though if it works right,don't sweat it,other things to worry about Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixty Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Mine never would communicate with my phone. Hence the reason I have a pro crono now with the bluetooth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mscott Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 I got the Caldwell and used it today. Kinda nice not writing things down and not having to figure averages, power factor, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rancher5 Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 I got the Caldwell and used it today. Kinda nice not writing things down and not having to figure averages, power factor, etc.Yes,I've been using an old Master Chrono for ever,my problem I have 50+- pieces of paper all with chrono'd results, hate paper,the " app alone is Golden," with Caldwell, price 80 bucks +1Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightSh00ter Posted February 28, 2016 Author Share Posted February 28, 2016 I got the Caldwell and used it today. Kinda nice not writing things down and not having to figure averages, power factor, etc.Yes,I've been using an old Master Chrono for ever,my problem I have 50+- pieces of paper all with chrono'd results, hate paper,the " app alone is Golden," with Caldwell, price 80 bucks +1Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk That was one of my main criteria. The Caldwell and the ProChrono both have that capability. The ProChrono Digital stores all it's data in 'non-volatile memory' which can be viewed at home. With a $6 USB/serial adapter and single resistor, your PC can be used to recall the data, calculate PF (that's part of the software) and export to a spreadsheet. I figure the only thing I need to make notes on matching strings to loads. If I number my ammo boxes before shooting it should make that pretty easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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