Athlon Rangecraft Doppler Radar Chronograph

[hameditor]

Any time that you're using more than one measuring device - of any type, for anything - both will need to be calibrated together to ensure that they actually read the same. Otherwise there will be an error.

For example, in this scenario, if you use two Chronys and one reads just 2% high and the other 2% low - which would be pretty good manufacturing consistency - you have a potential difference of 4% in the FPS readings for the same shot. That difference could be significant when calculating Ballistic Coefficients, particularly if the variability between the two units is more than that.

But if the two units are calibrated - ie their reading of a known single shot under identical conditions is known - then, yes any two chronys could be used as suggested. Mind you, I would be quite likely to hit the one downrange near the target. That wouldn't be good

 

[Ezana4CE]

Any time that you're using more than one measuring device - of any type, for anything - both will need to be calibrated together to ensure that they actually read the same. Otherwise there will be an error.

For example, in this scenario, if you use two Chronys and one reads just 2% high and the other 2% low - which would be pretty good manufacturing consistency - you have a potential difference of 4% in the FPS readings for the same shot. That difference could be significant when calculating Ballistic Coefficients, particularly if the variability between the two units is more than that.

But if the two units are calibrated - ie their reading of a known single shot under identical conditions is known - then, yes any two chronys could be used as suggested. Mind you, I would be quite likely to hit the one downrange near the target. That wouldn't be good

@hameditor Great points! I’d considered these factors. For the differences in velocities I thought that taking velocity readings at the muzzle using both chronographs, averaging the readings per unit, and determining a base line variance between the units may be able to provide the necessary figure to calculate a roughly accurate BC.

As for shooting the chronograph I figured it would be good to place the Doppler radar chronograph downrange where it won’t have to be shot over. If one of the two have sensors, shoot across that unit close to the muzzle. I have no experience here. It was just a thought after someone I communicated with mentioned the possibility of using two of these Athlon units. I don’t think I’d purchase two when I could just purchase a single FX True Ballistics Chronograph for what two Athlons would cost.

 

[hameditor]

Agreed on all counts

 

[Ezana4CE]

The cheapest current price I’ve seen these Athlon Rangecrafts chronographs was around $343 out the door (to Texas) from two different vendors, Optics Planet and De Leon Pharmacy and Sporting Goods. Of the two I trust Optics Planet. Their price is comparable to De Leon’s with a valid $30 off or 10% off coupon (military, LEOs, first responders) or you can call and ask them to price match.

Optics Planet price matching policy

What is your price match policy?

OpticsPlanet's price match policy

www.opticsplanet.com

Optics Planet military, LEO, first responder discount policy (this discount actually covers more occupations)

Do you offer a military/law enforcement/first responder discount?

Do you offer a military / law enforcement / first responder discount?

www.opticsplanet.com

 

[Billm]

@Centercut I’m asking because I didn’t see that mentioned in the manual. I may have to go over it again. Also someone told me that Athlon my be incorporating a feature into the app to calculate BC but it will take two chronographs. I was thinking of where the second chronograph would have to be placed to obtain the velocity reading close to the target. I’m not sure how that would work. I figure that anyone with two chronographs can calculate BC with the right placement of chronographs.

I have the Garmin Xero. It doesn’t calculate the BC, but it does have a downrange function for doing it yourself. In the downrange mode it flashes the whole screen a few times to let you know that it recorded the downrange shot. I usually shoot a string with the Xero under the muzzle and then at 50 or 100 yds and then use the numbers to calculate the BC.

 

[Billm]

@hameditor Great points! I’d considered these factors. For the differences in velocities I thought that taking velocity readings at the muzzle using both chronographs, averaging the readings per unit, and determining a base line variance between the units may be able to provide the necessary figure to calculate a roughly accurate BC.

As for shooting the chronograph I figured it would be good to place the Doppler radar chronograph downrange where it won’t have to be shot over. If one of the two have sensors, shoot across that unit close to the muzzle. I have no experience here. It was just a thought after someone I communicated with mentioned the possibility of using two of these Athlon units. I don’t think I’d purchase two when I could just purchase a single FX True Ballistics Chronograph for what two Athlons

I bought one a couple weeks ago. It works great in all aspects, and has a significantly faster refresh rate than the Garmin. Plus, the screen is larger and more easily read.

I have used the included small tripod and also tried an ARCA fitting to attach it to my gun. The only issue I had at the recent Williams AZ event (I won the 100Y BR and 3rd in the EFT GP with the pictured .30 Skout) was that it would pick up the shots of the shooter on my left in addition to my own shots. Annoying, but not disqualifying, and I did get to see his “tune” with an ES over 20 fps.

PS., while significantly less expensive than the Garmin, it does NOT sell for $49.99.

View attachment 14941

View attachment 14942

I’m intrigued: how exactly are you using three adjustable rests at the same time? Is that what you’re doing? I would’ve thought that the “Stud” under the grip would have negated any adjustment in the rear rest. I’ve never looked at the Epochs, your rifle looks sweet and obviously performs.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I have the Garmin Xero. It doesn’t calculate the BC, but it does have a downrange function for doing it yourself. In the downrange mode it flashes the whole screen a few times to let you know that it recorded the downrange shot. I usually shoot a string with the Xero under the muzzle and then at 50 or 100 yds and then use the numbers to calculate the BC.

@Billm This is an excellent detail that I don’t recall reading elsewhere. Thank you for sharing this.


Does anyone know if the Athlon Rangecraft has a similar function?

 

[Billm]

@Billm This is an excellent detail that I don’t recall reading elsewhere. Thank you for sharing this.


Does anyone know if the Athlon Rangecraft has a similar function?

I think it was added with the last firmware update on the Garmin. It is a handy function. Before that function was added, I would try to place the Garmin at 95yds and offset to the side. Then I would find that it had not recorded any of the shots. With the flashing screen I can take a shot and adjust the position as necessary.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@hameditor Great points! I’d considered these factors. For the differences in velocities I thought that taking velocity readings at the muzzle using both chronographs, averaging the readings per unit, and determining a base line variance between the units may be able to provide the necessary figure to calculate a roughly accurate BC.

As for shooting the chronograph I figured it would be good to place the Doppler radar chronograph downrange where it won’t have to be shot over. If one of the two have sensors, shoot across that unit close to the muzzle. I have no experience here. It was just a thought after someone I communicated with mentioned the possibility of using two of these Athlon units. I don’t think I’d purchase two when I could just purchase a single FX True Ballistics Chronograph for what two Athlons would cost.

@Centercut From which distance is the chrono measuring the shot? That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out. Is it dependent upon where you place the device?

That I don’t know. Maybe 1/2 a yard? But that’s just a guess.

I found the instructions for placement of the chronograph.

https://athlonoptics.com/storage/2025/05/Chronograph-UM.pdf

Now I have to find out exactly what the person was talking about concerning placing the Rangecraft downrange. I’d like to know if he’s actually done it successfully. My apologies if I caused any confusion on this point.

 

[duchunter007]

@Centercut I’m asking because I didn’t see that mentioned in the manual. I may have to go over it again. Also someone told me that Athlon my be incorporating a feature into the app to calculate BC but it will take two chronographs. I was thinking of where the second chronograph would have to be placed to obtain the velocity reading close to the target. I’m not sure how that would work. I figure that anyone with two chronographs can calculate BC with the right placement of chronographs.

I was just at Idaho Air Guns and they told me if you have 2 Garmin xeros one at the muzzle and one out at distance that they will give you the BC number.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I was just at Idaho Air Guns and they told me if you have 2 Garmin xeros one at the muzzle and one out at distance that they will give you the BC number.

@duchunter007 It makes little sense to me for someone spend the money on two Garmins or Athlons. For that price one FX True Ballistics Chronograph can do that alone for less money.

 

[duchunter007]

@duchunter007 It makes little sense to me for someone spend the money on two Garmins or Athlons. For that price one FX True Ballistics Chronograph can do that alone for less money.

My thoughts exactly, I will continue to use my cheap Chrono Pro and just punch the numbers in to the calculator and get my new BC number

 

[Billm]

I was just at Idaho Air Guns and they told me if you have 2 Garmin xeros one at the muzzle and one out at distance that they will give you the BC number.

I don’t think it calculates the BC. It just means that if you have two Garmins, you can get the info that you need to calculate the BC with one shot. Whereas if you only have one Garmin (like me) it takes two shots, one with the Garmin at the muzzle and then a second shot with the Garmin downrange. The two Garmin method would give you a slightly more accurate result, as there would be no shot to shot deviation to worry about. But, when you consider that you don’t even know the distance that the Doppler picks up the projectile and the other small variables that affect the BC, I doubt it would make much difference. Also, knowing where to place the radar Chrono in relation to the muzzle doesn’t tell you how far from the chronograph the velocity is actually being measured. The two Garmins don’t communicate with each other and so you would still have to record each velocity and enter it into a BC calculator. I’ve posted several BCs on here using the Garmin at the muzzle and then near the backstop. There’s so many variables involved, but does seem to give you a usable BC. I really like my Garmin. It is convenient and easy to use when you are shooting several guns. I threw away my last chrono that used sky screens. But, I wouldn’t buy two, just to get a BC.

 

[duchunter007]

I don’t think it calculates the BC. It just means that if you have two Garmins, you can get the info that you need to calculate the BC with one shot. Whereas if you only have one Garmin (like me) it takes two shots, one with the Garmin at the muzzle and then a second shot with the Garmin downrange. The two Garmin method would give you a slightly more accurate result, as there would be no shot to shot deviation to worry about. But, when you consider that you don’t even know the distance that the Doppler picks up the projectile and the other small variables that affect the BC, I doubt it would make much difference. Also, knowing where to place the radar Chrono in relation to the muzzle doesn’t tell you how far from the chronograph the velocity is actually being measured. The two Garmins don’t communicate with each other and so you would still have to record each velocity and enter it into a BC calculator. I’ve posted several BCs on here using the Garmin at the muzzle and then near the backstop. There’s so many variables involved, but does seem to give you a usable BC. I really like my Garmin. It is convenient and easy to use when you are shooting several guns. I threw away my last chrono that used sky screens. But, I wouldn’t buy two, just to get a BC.

That makes sense. I do use a second chrono and set it at 100 yards last week. The Garmin at the muzzle and then shot through the hoops on the Pro chrono. And plugged those numbers it to the calculator for the BC. But that’s a good point is we’re is the pellet actually being picked up at once it goes through the hoops. Or at the muzzle for that matter. But I will say the new BC number did tighten up the group. Not really interested in getting another Garmin either

 

[Billm]

That makes sense. I do use a second chrono and set it at 100 yards last week. The Garmin at the muzzle and then shot through the hoops on the Pro chrono. And plugged those numbers it to the calculator for the BC. But that’s a good point is we’re is the pellet actually being picked up at once it goes through the hoops. Or at the muzzle for that matter. But I will say the new BC number did tighten up the group. Not really interested in getting another Garmin either

I used a CE Pro chrono for years. I hardly used it with my guns, but used the heck out of it for tuning my hunting bows. With sky screens, you know I it’s being measured between the two screens. With the Garmin, I suspect that it is being measured between 3-4 feet in front of the unit. I say that based upon my experience when placing it down range. It is very picky about where it is placed. I usually set it at 99yds so that there’s no backstop interference. I have three dislikes in regards to the Garmin: 1. Not bright enough, 2. The app is kind of lame - I wish you could enter a name like “JSB MRD” at the beginning of the session, 3. It doesn’t always update the shooting session right away.

 

[duchunter007]

I used a CE Pro chrono for years. I hardly used it with my guns, but used the heck out of it for tuning my hunting bows. With sky screens, you know I it’s being measured between the two screens. With the Garmin, I suspect that it is being measured between 3-4 feet in front of the unit. I say that based upon my experience when placing it down range. It is very picky about where it is placed. I usually set it at 99yds so that there’s no backstop interference. I have three dislikes in regards to the Garmin: 1. Not bright enough, 2. The app is kind of lame - I wish you could enter a name like “JSB MRD” at the beginning of the session, 3. It doesn’t always update the shooting session right away.

Forgot that it picks it up through the Sky screens. I agree it would be nice when you put information in like the pellet name and the gun would be nice. But I just add that when I get home or if I am using on a buddies gun then I add right away Stil like it though.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Has anyone experienced any issues with using their Athlon Rangecraft chronograph in high heat? If so, what sort of issue(s)?

 

[Ezana4CE]

After shooting about 5 mags and comparing the Rangecraft to my old ProChrono, I like this unit. Very user friendly and easy to set up. I didn’t have to ask any questions to forum members, nor did I have to run any search engine searches. I read threads, watched videos, and read through the manual before purchasing. Read the manual again after purchasing. The Rangecraft is an absolute breeze to setup. It will see more frequent use. It is very convenient to use. I haven’t gotten too familiar with the app, but it looks pretty straight forward.

Here are some comparative shot strings shooting CPHPs from my Prod. My ProChrono missed shots on every string. It was situated approx 23” from the muzzle. I’m in a shaded location where there is very little light interference (changing light exposure).

ProChrono shot string, two 8-shot magazines.


Rangecraft Data from the same string.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I was watching some of the readings of the Rangecraft as my ProChrono called out the fps readings. Several shots were very close on a string or two. By close I mean within 0.5 fps of one another. I wonder how that happens only for the fps readings to go back to varying by 4-5 fps again.

Next I’d like to see how the Athlon Rangecraft readings compare to my NateChrony readings.

 

[Jaabaa]

I didn't get the blueteef yapping chrono. I figured it would just be something to break. I just got the one that give you the readout in digital numbers. it works, long as I have it on a table. And don't shoot it....hahahaha, done that before. It will shorten the chrony life immensely.

Me too, good thing I used both eyes