|
CED Chronograph FAQ
IMPORTANT INFO
We recently learned of a problem with some USB adapters that has affected people trying to download to USB ports on Windows XP systems. It seems a company called Prolific, that makes USB chipsets, released a horrible Windows XP driver earlier this year. The drivers are reported to do all sorts of bad things and is difficult to remove. There are reports of symptoms that look like a virus, system lockups, "The infamous blue screen of death", etc. Some systems have been reported to be soooo messed up the only cure is to reformat the hard drive.
Unfortunately there are several manufacturers of USB chipsets and internal components are never displayed on the finished adapters so it is impossible to know what brands are affected.
We used to recommend Keyspan adapters but their's no longer seems compatible with your chronograph. I believe it is because they only support devices with full hardware handshaking.
We now recommend people to buy their USB adapter from http://www.serialIO.com. Theirs is bundled with drivers that work with simple devices like the Millennium and will not cause Windows system problems. They even have drivers for OSX!
The new CED M2 Chronograph released in April 2007 includes a USB port and USB cable along with new software for easy downloads
Q
The CED Millennium Chronograph instruction manual states that it is compatible with an HP printer. If so, please advise as to which model?
A
Yes, the CED Millennium Chronograph has infrared download capabilities with Heulett Packard hand held thermal paper printers, such as their model HP82240B. We have been informed that these hand held printers are being fazed out of the market. Therefore, you may have some difficulty locating available stocks. We do not see the necessity in sourcing replacements, as the demand for this has dropped completely with customers using the PC downloads instead.
The new CED M2 Chronograph does not include a printer IR print function. It does include a USB port which allows easy downloads to a PC and then allows data to be printed through the PC on any printer.
Q
I have been unsuccessful in downloading stored information from the CED Millennium Chronograph to my PC. I have followed the instructions on pages 11 and 12 of the instruction manual and am still unable to transfer my data. What might be wrong?
A
If the LCD display continues to indicate "PR" when you attempt to download to a PC, then either the cable connection is incorrect or in the case when using PC Windows, it could mean that you have a software problem. Check your serial cable to make sure it is compatible. Verify that your cable is not a "Null-Modem" cable (a standard serial cable is required) and that it is connected to the right port. If the display indicates "PC" when downloading, then the data is leaving the chronograph correctly, but not being received by your PC. Review the instructions in the manual once again to make sure the PC is properly set-up.
Beginning in 2002, ALL CED Millennium Chronographs come with the PC serial cable included. The latest version Software is also included in CDROM format. This makes set-up of PC's easy and downloading smooth. CED offers optional serial cables for sale, if you lose the one provided, which are compatible with the CED Millennium Chronograph and most PC's. Check with your dealer to see if they have the cables in stock or order them direct from our web site. You can also look for a compatible cable at your local computer store or Radio Shack.
If you require further assistance in correcting this problem or if you want the latest software updates, go to the following web site for assistance. http://shootingsoftware.com/CEDMQA.htm
The new CED M2 Chronograph uses a USB port to download data through a simple connection with the included cable. Compatible with all PC programs including the the new VISTA. Once the M2 Main Unit is connected to a PC which has the CED Data Collector installed, the two will synchronize and automatically download the data collected in the chronograph.
Q
I just received my new CED Millennium Chronograph and it is everything I have been waiting for and will replace my old O----. I am a Macintosh user and can not find instructions for downloading my stored velocities onto my computer. Can you advise me as to how to accomplish this? Many PC users also need USB ports for their computers. What should they do?
A
Macintosh & PC computers with USB ports can connect the supplied cable as follows.
It is now recommended that Millennium owners buy their USB adapter from http://www.serialIO.com. Theirs is bundled with drivers that work with simple devices like the Millennium and will not cause Windows system problems. They even have drivers for OSX!
The new CED M2 Chronograph uses a USB port for all downloads. It is compatible with all PC programs (including VISTA), but is NOT Mac compatible.
Q
I recently used my CED Millennium Chronograph for the first time. It would not register any shots I fired with my 30.06 rifle. I set it up according to the book and stood a couple of feet behind it. Nothing happened. The display continued to show "0000". Can you help me?
A
The CED Millennium Chronograph is designed to prevent error readings due to muzzle blast reaching the front sensor before the bullet does. When this occurs, the display will not present a reading! Therefore, it displays "0000" only. When using rifles, you must position the end of the barrel a minimum of 7 to 10 feet behind the first sensor. This will prevent the muzzle blast from creating problems. In the case of large caliber rifles, you can position yourself even further away or design a blast shield. REMEMBER, to always mount the first sensor onto the arm, which contains the tripod screw hole. This will eliminate any possibility of the "mounting bracket" shifting upward from heavy muzzle blasts.
The CED Tripod and most other tripods on the market are designed for light weight attachments. Cameras,videos, etc. If you are using handguns or rimfire rifles, the CED Tripod and most other camera threaded ones are fine. HOWEVER, when using full bore, magnum, or other large high velocity rifles, it is STRONGLY recommended that only a HEAVY duty tripod or table mount plate is used. Large muzzle blasts can cause movement of the mounting bracket or screens, which in turn can cause incorrect readings or at best minimize the recording area above the sensors. The unit should be securely positioned to prevent such movement by using one of the above suggestions or some other method to hold it in position such as a tie down.
Q
I love my new CED Millennium Chronograph, but I damaged one of the sidearm screens the first day I used it. Can I get a replacement?
A
Yes! A complete line of accessories are available including sensors and screens. Additionally, mounting brackets of various lengths, indoor lighting set, PC serial cable, custom carry case, and infrared upgrade screens are all available through CED distributors or direct.
Q
Instructions for downloading Windows 98 software or newer versions are not included in your instruction book. Is my CED Millennium Chronograph compatible with these newer software programs?
A
The CED Millennium Chronograph will download to Windows 98 following the same instructions as are outlined for Windows 95. It is also compatible with NT and newer versions. We update the Software regularly and always include the latest software on CDROM format with each system sold. We post updated software versions on our web site where they can be downloaded FREE to our customers.
Q
Can the Infrared screens be placed further apart than 2 feet?
A
The distance that the screens can be set on the CED Millennium Chronograph is dictated by the length of the mounting bracket used with the sensors. CED makes 2, 4, 6, & 8 ft. mounting brackets for the CED Millennium Chronograph. Therefore, whether using daylight sunscreens, the indoor lighting set, or the infrared screen set, all will function at whatever length mounting bracket you have chosen to use.
The CED M2 Chronograph is designed with advanced digital firmware and processing speed that eliminates the need for longer rails. At 2 ft. spacing of the sensors, it provides 99.8 - 99.95% accuracy.
Q
What is the maximum distance the main Chronograph unit can be placed from the infrared screens and sensors?
A
The sensors are connected to the main unit by a 20 ft. cable. Therefore, the main unit with display can be located anywhere within a 20 ft. range from the sensors themselves. The infrared screens require their own power source, but it does not have to be connected to the main unit. Thus, it can be located close to the screens themselves.
Q
Will my CED Millennium Chronograph register shots if I put it down range further than the specified 7 to 10 feet?
A
Yes, the CED Millennium & M2 Chronographs will register velocities at any distance from which you can shoot through them! Many customers put the chronograph 100 - 200 yards down range. Since the display is the largest on the market, it is easy to read through a rifle or spotting scope without having to walk down range after each shot fired.
Q
How long does the NiMH Battery Pack last? How many times can it be recharged?
A
The battery pack provides 7 1/2 to 8 hours of continuous use. The no-memory nickel metal hydride batteries can be recharged a minimum of 500 times, but may provide up to 1,000 recharges.
Q
How do I know if the infrared screens are functioning? I can not see any light.
A
Infrared light can not be seen by the normal eye. However, that does not mean it is not there. The CED Infrared Screen Set has been designed with two indicator lights. When the screens are properly set up and power is supplied correctly, the "green" LED light will be on. If using the NiMH battery pack and the battery charge falls below the minimum level required, the "red" light will come on. If neither light is on, check to make sure the power supply is properly connected. Also make sure that the screens have been set up with the metal contacts from the side arms and the top screens in contact with each other.
Q
Can infrared screens be effected by sunlight or indoor lighting?
A
It is possible for very bright sunlight or strong fluorescent indoor lighting to interfere with the use of infrared screens making it hard for the sensors to detect a shadow or a break in the beam itself. If this occurs, simply change the position of the screens to a shady (less sunny) location or place a piece of solid or dark cardboard over top of each screen. If the sun is very bright, it turning off the infrared and use the screens with natural sunlight only as the diffuser. Infrared screens function with their own light source, which allows them to be used under cover, indoors, during cloudy or overcast days, or in the evening when there is insufficient sunlight or no sunlight at all.
Q
I purchased one of your Millennium Chronographs and I am having a problem with velocity readings for bow/arrows. It's reading approximately half the speed that the arrows are actually traveling. Occasionally it reads correctly but the majority of time it does not! I have read and re-read the instructions but cannot find anything obvious that's causing the velocity errors. It works fine for bullets. Is this a defect in the unit or what?
A
If the velocities of bullets are recording correctly, then it is not the chronograph that is in error. First, make sure that the skyscreen sensors are far enough away to allow the arrow to fully leave the strings of the bow before the tip of the arrow reaches the first sensor. Blunt arrow tips (rounded or flatter nose) work best! Remember, the sensors need to see a change of light in order to read the arrow. Another important point is to make sure you are using a longer mounting bracket than the length of the arrow. The 2 ft. bracket will not function with normal length arrows. You should use a 4 ft. or 6 ft. bracket which allows the full length of the arrow to pass through the first sensor BEFORE it reaches the second one.
The new CED M2 Chronograph uses a different firmware design and digital system which allows recoding of arrows using the standard 2 ft. mounting bracket. With this new technology, there is no longer any need or requirement for longer mounting brackets. This makes the system much more efficient and easy to set-up and use.
Q
Is there an easy way that I can test my chronograph to see if it is working without going to the range?
A
One method of testing the main unit & sensors of the CED Millennium Chronograph to see if they are functioning is the flashlight test! This test can be conducted in your home, as it requires no actual shooting or the complete set-up of the system.
Install a fresh battery in the main unit, but DO NOT turn it on! Plug in BOTH sensors into their proper "START" & "STOP" jacks. Position the two sensors "back to back" so that they are touching each other. Make sure the sides, which have the square holes for placement of the mounting bracket are facing each other. Now, turn on the main unit. Make sure that you see the display screen appear with the "0000" showing. Once you have done this, take a flashlight, turn it on and while holding it 2-3 inches above the sensors, run the light beam (as FAST as you can) over BOTH sensors. Make sure that you cross over the FIRST sensor (the one plugged into the START jack) first and then over the second sensor that is plugged into the STOP jack. If you do this correctly, you should see a recording on the display screen ranging from 70 fps up to 300+ fps. This will show you that both the sensors and the main unit are functioning! If you continue to see no velocity recorded on the main unit, but only "0000", then a problem with either one or both sensors exists or with the main unit itself.
Q
Will any serial cable work on the CED Millennium Chronograph? As I am a hardware technician, can you give me the pin details?
A
All CED Millennium Chronographs produced after Jan. 2000, include a new pin schematic which allows any 9 pin to 9 pin, or 9 pin to 25 pin cable to function with it. DO NOT use a Null Modem cable with the CED Millennium Chronograph. Product made before this year use the following pin format:
Pin#2 (TXD)
Pin#4 (DTR)
Pin#5 (GND)
We currently offer both 9 pin to 25 pin and 9 pin to 9 pin cables available directly from CED or through many of our distributors and dealers.
The new CED M2 Chronograph comes with a USB cable included. If the included cable is lost, any USB standard cable will function. These can be purchased at most computer related stores as well as Radio Shack.
|
