Ep129 Special Guests Dustin and Judd From Athlon- Everything About Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph

Published on May 22, 2025
Duration: 74:28

Dustin from Athlon discusses the Rangecraft chronograph's design, features, and performance, addressing user concerns about accuracy and interference. He explains the technology behind radar chronographs, the importance of proper placement, and how the Rangecraft handles environmental factors. The conversation highlights Athlon's commitment to continuous development and customer feedback, emphasizing reliability and precision in data capture.

Quick Summary

The Athlon Rangecraft chronograph features frequency hopping technology to mitigate radar interference and allows on-the-fly display changes. For optimal accuracy, place it 4-10 inches from the muzzle. Troubleshooting the 'analyzing loop' error involves checking for interference and performing a hard reset.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction & Special Guests
  2. 00:44:00Introducing Dustin from Athlon
  3. 01:01:00Interest in the Rangecraft Chronograph
  4. 01:40:00Direct from Athlon: Dustin's Role
  5. 02:24:00Reception of the Chronograph
  6. 03:02:00Dustin's Involvement in Product Development
  7. 03:31:00Extensive Testing: 30,000+ Rounds
  8. 04:54:00Rangecraft's Coolest Feature: On-the-Fly Display Change
  9. 06:07:00Pain Points and Streamlining Design
  10. 07:21:00Advantages Over Garmin
  11. 08:46:00First Testing Results & Consistency
  12. 09:21:00Second Testing Results: The Analyzing Loop
  13. 11:32:00Explaining the Analyzing Loop: Interference
  14. 12:11:00Development in Real-World Scenarios
  15. 13:06:00FCC Regulations and Radar Interference
  16. 13:30:00Zeroing Lines and Radar Density
  17. 14:03:00Peculiarities of Chronographs
  18. 14:40:00Unique Testing Environment at the Range
  19. 15:53:00Testing Extreme Limits of Radar Interference
  20. 16:23:00Belief in Rangecraft's Performance
  21. 17:06:00Continuous Monitoring and Firmware Development
  22. 17:48:00Anomalies and Ongoing Investigation
  23. 18:43:00Impact of Lab Radar on Testing
  24. 19:27:00Hard Reset Procedure
  25. 20:09:00Future Testing Scenarios
  26. 20:48:00Frequency Hopping Capability
  27. 21:22:00Muzzle Velocity Measurement: Radar vs. Magneto Speed
  28. 23:08:00Measuring Projectile Speed: Time vs. Distance
  29. 23:47:00Validation Testing: Calibers and Configurations
  30. 24:26:00Detecting Projectiles Closer to the Muzzle
  31. 24:42:00Antenna Structure and Sampling Rate
  32. 25:19:00Internal Comparison: Rangecraft vs. Garmin
  33. 27:01:00Safety of Radar Frequencies
  34. 28:25:00Variability: Unit to Unit and Gun to Gun
  35. 28:31:00Projectile Size and Measurement
  36. 29:08:00Measuring Large vs. Small Calibers
  37. 29:26:00Challenges with Muzzleloaders and Shotguns
  38. 30:00:00Pushing Velocity Limits: 5,000 FPS Target
  39. 30:30:00Reading Signatures and Complicated Projectiles
  40. 31:01:00Realistic Expectations for Small Projectiles
  41. 31:15:00Optimal Chronograph Placement
  42. 32:00:00Testing with Mounted Chronograph vs. Static
  43. 33:36:00Placement Sensitivity and Field of View
  44. 35:16:00Variability in Testing: Panther Hollow Example
  45. 36:54:00Difficulty in Replicating Test Results
  46. 37:05:00Laboratory Testing vs. Field Conditions
  47. 37:44:00Minimal Margin of Error
  48. 38:25:00Consistency Breeds Accuracy
  49. 39:47:00Component Variability and Calibration
  50. 40:31:00Using One Chronograph as a Source of Truth
  51. 41:46:00Advantages: Larger Screen, Data Field Customization
  52. 42:19:00Battery Life and Backlight
  53. 42:33:00Ballistic Coefficients and Downrange Velocities
  54. 45:05:00Focus on Precision, Consistency, and Accuracy
  55. 46:04:00Opening Floor for Additional Questions
  56. 46:09:00Question: Muzzle Distance Imperative for Accuracy
  57. 46:34:00Question: Availability in Canada
  58. 47:13:00Question: Works with a Bow?
  59. 48:46:00Question: Works with a 40 S&W Round?
  60. 49:03:00Question: ETA for Orders from Paramount Tactical
  61. 51:52:00Question: Kestrel and Athlon Collaboration
  62. 52:16:00Feature Request: Linking Chronograph to Ballistics App
  63. 53:02:00Athlon Ballistics App Issues and Resolution
  64. 54:01:00Question: Testing Anti-Tank Rounds
  65. 54:24:00Question: BC Nerds - Muzzle Velocity vs. Ballistic App
  66. 59:04:00MOA/Mil Velocity and Athlon Ballistics App
  67. 60:07:00Eric Cortina's Visit
  68. 60:46:00Importance of Direct Manufacturer Representation
  69. 63:14:00Continuous Development and Streamlined Processes
  70. 64:11:00Firmware Update Process
  71. 65:16:00Feature Request: Continue Shot String
  72. 66:41:00App Update for Multiple Chronograph Connections
  73. 68:58:00Final Takeaways: Listening to Customers
  74. 70:14:00Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the 'analyzing loop' error on the Athlon Rangecraft chronograph?

The 'analyzing loop' error on the Athlon Rangecraft chronograph indicates excessive interference. This is often caused by multiple radar units operating in close proximity, such as having several chronographs set up inches apart, or by strong external electronic signals from other devices at a testing facility.

How does the Athlon Rangecraft handle radar interference from other devices?

The Athlon Rangecraft is designed with frequency hopping technology to mitigate interference from adjacent radars. This allows it to operate more reliably in environments like competitive shooting matches where numerous chronographs might be in use simultaneously.

What is the recommended placement for the Athlon Rangecraft chronograph?

For optimal accuracy, the Athlon Rangecraft should be placed within 4 to 10 inches from the muzzle of the firearm. While it has a forgiving 30-degree field of view, maintaining this proximity helps ensure consistent and precise velocity readings.

Can the Athlon Rangecraft be used with archery equipment?

Yes, the Athlon Rangecraft works with archery equipment. It is recommended to place it about 4 to 10 inches from the riser, within the arrow's trajectory. Unlike firearms, there are no concerns about muzzle blast with bows.

How do I connect the Athlon Rangecraft to the Athlon Ballistics App?

To connect, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and the Rangecraft. Open the Athlon Ballistics app, navigate to 'Connect Device' in the menu, and then tap 'Pair'. The app will guide you through the simple pairing process.

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