I still use the can method today. It is a quick and dirty method when you don't feel like going to get the chrono.

Popcan processes must be more efficient now days because the fps standards have changed.

350 fps will now go clear through both sides easily
The bottom is an almost perfect measure of 400 fps
If it goes through the top then GTFO the field

EDIT: I still remember the day when Spike had the blood pouring down his face. The gun that shot him was popcan chrono'd. It shot through the bottom AND RIGHT THROUGH THE TOP! What was that 600-650!

EDIT EDIT: I bet Spike remembers that day, too!

I used that before I got my chrono... And the uncertainty of the pop can method is why I got a chrono.

Personally I think access to a chrono, whether you own one or your buddy does, is crucial if you plan on doing any sort of upgrading work. How else would you know if you don't have an air leak problem?

I use a XCoretech as well, and found that it's very consistent as long as you hold the gun consistently as well. Even if you shift a bit in any direction, you'll get an oddball 5fps variance, but if you keep the position of the gun consistent the variance between shots drops considerably.

My XCoretech drives me nuts with the "TOUT" messages. I occasionally set up my BB catch next to a table or box or something and just place the gun on the table ... Consistent readings through the XCor every time.

Getting consistent readings through that damned thing should be the true test of marksmanship.

Challenge accepted.

http://youtu.be/9e15KlNtl0k

I flipping hate you, you darned sharpshooter ;)

too much tendon damage from gaming and sports to hold my hands that still. =(

i had the same issue, I placed a small flashlight shining into the back of the xcor and i no longer get the TOUT error.

My biggest gripe about the Xcortech is that I have about 20 BBs rattling inside it right now...

They're pretty easy to clear out. Just open up the unit a crack and shake all that crud out. The BB's get in there from shots that aren't straight through the tunnel. They end up clipping the optical ports at the end, which leaves shards (and sometimes full BB's) inside the unit.

This will happen with any type of tunnel chrony like this. The only way to avoid this is to get an open system, such as the Shooting Chrony, or CED units. They're much pricier, but if you want a truly accurate chronograph, these are the units to use. They're also great for recording things that you could never fit through a tunnel chronograph... such as grenades, real firearms.... baseballs? LOL.

http://img.redwolfairsoft.com/upload...g/CED-M2-L.jpg

Again, they're not cheap. To get a fully spec'ed out unit that's compatible with indoor lighting, in a full shooting station that can record data to a computer, you're looking at about $350.

Same goes for getting the TOUT message. It's caused by not shooting straight through. You might be straight on the left-right, but because it's difficult to see your alignment from the side (unless you have a mirror beside your shooting station), it's very possible you're positioned high and shooting at a downward angle.... or you're positioned low and shooting upwards.

End of the day, get what works for you and your needs. For the occasional output check, the cheaper units work fine. But for heavier work, the more expensive units are worth their weight in gold.

Can I use this thread for another question?

I got the x3200, and so far so good. Never got a single TOUT message (I kid you not).

I just wonder why the first shot with my GBB Pistol indicated 167.6, while the rest was +/- 240 (With .25) ?

What pistol are you shooting? It's very possible your hammer spring just isn't strong enough. First strikes are generally lower (especially with Japanese originated guns).

I have a question as well. I also have the xcortech 3200 and sometimes it doesn't give me a reading at all. It doesn't say TOUT either it just remains blank like nothing passed through. any suggestions as to why?

The weapon is a KWA NS2 system USP Tactical. Nothing wrong with it, I was just curious.

i bought my 3200 2 years ago and have used it almost every weekend *save for winter* and its still going strong.

while at Operation mason relic 4 there were 3-4 3200s at the chrono station..out of all 4 chronos mine was chronoing the highest fps's. by which i mean if you took ANY gun that was extremly consistant it would should upto 8fps higher on my chrono vs the lowest reading one. so i may have red tagged some people on my chrono if they hit 422 and may have actually been shooting under the 420 field limit. however we still are uncertain if my chrono is chronoing high/exact/low.

some tips we've learnt from my chrono

1. its easier to chrono a assault rifle if there is no silencer on in

2. if you don't have a tripod use 2 people...twice the eyes the better chance to not get tout

3. if you fire and get no tout and no reading it was a dryfire OR a peice of bb is stuck on your optics

4. if your pistol doesn't wanna read corrently or if it gives weird readings fire from further away *eg upto 6 inches as the gases may affect your readings

5. do not have your chrono parrallel with the sun. if due to safety reasons you must get as much shade as possible over both ends of the chrono


if anyone else has any tips or disagrees feel free to post :)

Is it a gas powered gun you're using? Guns that eject gas clouds can mess with the readings. This is part of the reason why I switched to open type chronos (vs tunnel). They are not affected by gas ejection. Considering how many gas guns I worked with, this was a positive investment for me.