O P E R AT I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S

Built-in

Please read this manual!

Look inside
This manual contains
setup information for accessories to use
necessary to achieve with your ProChrono DLX!
proper performance
from your chronograph.
PROCHRONO DLX
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Thank you for purchasing our product! It is important to

read and understand this manual before trying to use your
new chronograph.
We are here to help. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us
at 815-874-8001 or www.competitionelectronics.com. The ProChrono DLX is
designed and built in the USA, and with proper use and care it will give you many
years of trouble free service.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
How It Works / Lighting Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Common Conditions that May Cause Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Using the ProChrono DLX with Different Projectile Types . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Mounting the Chronograph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing the Guide Wires & Difuser Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating the Chronograph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Meters per Second/Feet per Second Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Getting Started: Recording Projectile Velocities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Duplicate Velocities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Low Battery Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Error Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Working with Projectile Velocities & Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pushbutton Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Bluetooth Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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How It Works
The ProChrono DLX operates on the principle of measuring the time it takes for an
object to travel from the first projectile sensor to the second projectile sensor. The
sensors, mounted internally in the case, monitor light through the two rectangular
openings in the top of the case. These sensors are specially designed electrome-
chanical devices that can detect the small changes in light intensity that occur
when a projectile interrupts light rays shining into the sensor opening.
If you can imagine looking up at the sky through a tube, you will gain an under-
standing of what the sensors see. The only light they see is what is directly above
them. Any change in light caused by an object passing over them is converted to a
signal that is detected by the chronograph circuitry. It then measures the elapsed
time between the light interruptions, converts this time into velocity, and displays
it on its LCD screen.

Lighting Considerations
Lighting Conditions
As mentioned above, the ProChrono DLX is a light sensing device. In the course
of use it must cope with a multitude of different lighting conditions… sunny
clear skies, overcast days, low light situations, reflections, different colors and
shapes of projectiles, etc. Although the ProChrono DLX works flawlessly over a
very wide range of conditions, there are times when the environment can affect
chronograph performance.

Diffuser Use
It may be counterintuitive, but the best natural conditions for using the ProChrono
DLX are overcast, or cloudy days. This is because the ProChrono DLX works best
with a diffused light source.
For this reason, white plastic diffuser hoods are provided with the unit for use
on clear, sunny days. This will insure that the light that the chronograph sensors
see from above is homogenous and scattered and will greatly reduce errors in
velocities and missed detection.
On an overcast day, it is generally better to remove the diffusers. This is because
the clouds act as diffusers, so no further diffusion is needed and is advantageous
to allow more light into the chronograph.

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Some Common Conditions that May

Cause Problems
You can encounter a wide variety of lighting conditions if you use your
chronograph outside. The following are some things to look out for:

Reflections
On sunny days, reflective projectiles may cause “glints” which can induce velocity
errors. This phenomenon is minimized by using the diffuser hoods. However,
depending on the position of the sun, further setup adjustments may be
necessary. If false readings occur with the diffuser hoods in place, you can correct
the problem with one or more of the following steps:
• Change the position of the chronograph relative to the angle of the sun
• Color the bullet tip with a black, permanent marker
• Move the chronograph to a location in the field of a shadow cast by a building
or an opaque wall. Make sure the sensors have a clear view of the sky but the
chronograph itself is within the shadow. An alternate method for this is to
use shields taped on the sides of the guide rods to create the shadow. Be sure
to use cardboard or something similar that will not cause any problems with
ricochets. This will eliminate reflections from direct sunlight, while still assuring
that the chronograph has a direct view of the sky. In some cases, doing this
may reduce the incoming light level too much and make the chronograph less
sensitive

Trees
You should not locate your chronograph in the shadow of a tree since the
movement of leaves and branches can cause instability in the lighting
environment.

Sunrise and Sunset

The lighting conditions at sunrise and sunset can cause errors due to reflections
(glints), skewed shadows, or low light levels because of the extremely low angle of
the sun.

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(Some Common Conditions that May Cause Problems continued...)

Electrical Interference
It is unlikely but possible that use of the chronograph in close proximity to a radio
tower, microwave tower, or large power facility could cause errors and functional
problems. Avoid use in these areas if you encounter these problems.

Using the Chronograph Indoors

Common problems that occur indoors include the following:

Not Enough Light

Indoor lighting is often not suitable for use with the chronograph. Most
common incandescent lamps positioned directly above the chronograph are
not a good light source because they provide an uneven amount of light over
the sensing area. A white background with even amounts of light over the
sensing area works best, (such as an incandescent flood lamp shining up onto a
white surface above the chronograph)

Wrong Kind of Light

Florescent lamps will not work as a light source for your chronograph, because
although we cannot see it with our naked eye, they are pulsing many times per
second and the chronograph can detect this which renders it useless because
the cycle rate is similar to the speed of projectiles.
If you would like to use your chronograph in an area where improper lighting
conditions exist, Competition Electronics offers a specially designed indoor
lighting system. More information on this is found in the “accessories” section of
this manual.

Lighting & Accuracy

Adverse lighting conditions can cause accuracy issues, and having read the above
you can understand why. Any change in light intensity that a sensor detects other
than the shadow of the intended projectile will result in errors.

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Using the ProChrono DLX with Different

Projectile Types
Pistols & Rifles
The main consideration here is probably muzzle blast. Make sure you stand back
far enough from the chronograph to avoid the muzzle blast triggering the sensors
and introducing velocity errors.
• For pistols, the muzzle to chronograph distance should be 5 to 10 feet.
• For rifles, we recommend a muzzle to chronograph distance of 10 to 15 feet.
If muzzle blast is affecting your readings, move back to resolve the problem.
If you are using a scope, be sure to check the boreline-to-scope distance and raise
your aimpoint to accommodate this measurement, otherwise the projectile may
hit the chronograph.

Shotguns
To chronograph shotgun loads, do not install the guide wires and diffuser hoods
under any type of lighting conditions or they may be hit by the shot mass. Due to
the size and shape of a shot mass, diffused light is not necessary.
Start by standing at a distance of 5 feet from the muzzle of the gun to the
chronograph and aim about 6 inches above the unit.
You may have to experiment with shot placement and muzzle distance to find the
right spot to measure your particular load. If you stand too far away, the shot can
spread out too far causing inaccurate velocity readings, and the wad can separate
from the shot column and may hit and possibly damage the chronograph.
See the CEI Debris Shield in the accessories section of this manual, it can provide
an additional measure of protection.

Bow and Arrow & Crossbow

Make sure that you stand a little more than one arrow’s length away from the
chronograph when shooting to assure that the arrow is not accelerating when it
reaches the chronograph, otherwise your velocity readings may be inconsistent.
Regarding the arrow tips, we recommend using dark colored field points for best
results.

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(Using the ProChrono DLX with Different Projectile Types continued...)

Paintball Guns
Muzzle to chronograph distance is not a factor with paintball guns, however
paint buildup on the unit may affect its performance. See the CEI Debris Shield
in the accessories section of this manual, it can provide an additional measure of
protection.

Airguns, BB Guns, Pellet Guns & AirSoft Guns

Muzzle to chronograph distance is not a factor with these types of guns. The main
issue is that BB’s are probably one of the most difficult projectiles to measure
using light-based techniques because they are small and shiny. However, with
proper setup and lighting conditions the ProChrono DLX will measure them
reliably.

Miscellaneous
You may think of other uses for the chronograph. For example, some have used it
to measure the speed of sporting clays. If you can get it to pass over the sensors,
you can probably measure the velocity.

Battery Installation
Begin by installing a new 9 volt alkaline battery in the chronograph battery
compartment. There is also space to store a spare. You can expect at least 20 hours
of operation from a new alkaline battery.

Mounting the Chronograph

The chronograph may be placed on a sturdy table or mounted to a tripod
using it’s molded-in 1/4-20 threaded insert. Be careful to prepare adequately
for windy conditions, especially if you are using a tripod. The diffusers make the
chronograph susceptible to wind gusts.

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Installing the Guide Wires & Diffuser

Hoods
(Note: Diffuser Hoods are intended for sunny conditions only)
Insert the 3/16” rods into the holes on each side of the plastic diffuser. Insert one
of the rods into the chronograph. Insert the other rod into the opposite side of the
chronograph.
Projectile
Sensors

Battery Compartment

Delete String
Button
Delete Shot
Button
Delete
Delete String
Shot
Display Readout

On/Off Switch
DL X
String Review
Redisplay Change
Tripod Mount
Insert 1/4-20 Thread

Bluetooth Review Button

Connect LED
Redisplay
Button String Change
Button

Operating the Chronograph

To turn the chronograph on, move the small black slide switch on the side of the
chronograph to the “ON” position. The display will briefly show all segments.

Meters per Second/Feet per Second

Selection
If you want to use the chronograph in ft/sec mode, just turn it on. To register
velocities in meters/sec mode, hold down the “review” button while you turn on
the chronograph until you see the “rdY” message.
You must do this each time you turn on the chrono when meters/sec readout
is desired.

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Getting Started: Recording Projectile

Velocities
Getting a velocity is as simple as turning on the chronograph and shooting over it.
You must shoot along the long dimension of the chronograph within the triangle
formed by the rods and the diffuser screens (even if they are not installed), being
careful not to hit any parts of the chronograph. On detection of the projectile, the
display will briefly show the current shot string and updated number of shots in
the string, followed by the velocity recorded.

Duplicate Velocities
If the chronograph should record 2 shots of
the same velocity one after the other, the “duP”
(duplicate) message will appear (Fig. 1), followed
by a single digit number representing the duplicate
velocity. If subsequent shot velocities are also the
same, the number will increment. If 10 sequential
duplicate shot velocities are recorded, the number
will be reset to 1.

Low Battery Indication

If the battery voltage becomes low (6.8-7.0 volts),
the chronograph will flash the message “bAt” at
intervals to signal that it is time to change the
battery (Fig. 2). If the battery voltage drops below
6.8 volts, the chronograph will flash the message
“CbAt” to let you know it is time to change the
battery, and the unit will no longer register velocities.

Error Indication
In the event a signal is recorded by the first sensor,
but no signal is recorded by the second sensor, an
error “Err” message will flash momentarily (Fig 3). You
should try adjusting your aim position if this occurs.

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Working with Projectile Velocities & Statistics

The ProChrono DLX allows you to observe and work with your velocity data. This
is done either through the use of the front panel pushbutton controls described
below, or the use of built in Bluetooth connectivity in conjunction with one of our
free apps. (see the Bluetooth Connection section on page 12)

String and Shot Navigation

Each time the ProChrono DLX successfully detects a shot, it’s velocity is stored at
the end of the currently selected string.
The ProChrono DLX can store up to 9 strings of 99 velocities each and retain them
in non-volatile memory even if you turn the chronograph off and remove the
battery. You can shoot now and the chronograph will store your velocities for later
review.

Pushbutton Controls
String Change
When the ProChrono DLX is first turned on, it automatically positions itself at the
end of shot string 1 and displays the most recent shot velocity. By pressing the
“String Change” button, the user can sequentially select each one of the 9 string
memories into which the unit will place the shot velocities as they are detected.
When shot string 9 is selected, pressing the “String Change” button will increment
back to string 1.

Review Shots and Statistics for a String

The “Review” button will cause the ProChrono DLX to display the previously fired
shot velocity within the current string. Upon each subsequent press of this button,
the previous shot velocity will be displayed until the user reaches the first shot in
the string. At this point, pressing the “Review” button again causes the display to
begin showing the statistics. The display will cycle through High Velocity, Low
Velocity, Average Velocity, Extreme Spread, and Standard Deviation. Finally,
pressing it again will reposition the display to show the last recorded shot velocity
in the string.

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NOTE: Most of the statistics are self explanatory, but the following two statistics
may require a bit more explanation:

Extreme Spread(ES)
To get the Extreme Spread, the lowest velocity (for the current string) is
subtracted from the highest velocity.

Standard Deviation(Sd)
Consider an example to illustrate the meaning of standard deviation. If for
example you have a standard deviation of 10 fps with an average velocity of
1000, 68% of the shots you fire will fall within 990 to 1010 fps. If you double the
10 fps standard deviation to 20 fps, 95.4% of the velocities will fall within 980 to
1020 fps. The more shots you fire, the more accurate the standard deviation. A
minimum of 5 shots is necessary.

Delete Shot
While positioned on a velocity, it can be deleted by pressing the “Delete Shot”
button. When you do this, the ProChrono DLX will delete the currently displayed
velocity, renumber all the shot velocities above it in the string, and reposition the
display to the last velocity. It will redisplay the velocity number which has been
decreased by 1 due to the deletion just performed. Statistics will be recalculated
minus the deleted shot(s). This operation is not reversible.

Delete String
If desired, you may delete all the velocities in the current shot string at once by
pressing the “Delete String” button. This operation is not reversible.

Redisplay
Because the ProChrono DLX momentarily displays the string and shot information
before listing the associated velocity, you may want to view this information again.
The”Redisplay” button will briefly show you either the string and shot number, or
the string and statistic ID. This allows you to get a second look at the data without
scrolling through the string again.

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Bluetooth Connection
The ProChrono DLX has built-in Bluetooth capability. It can be linked with modern
Smart Phones, tablets and computers. The Bluetooth is always active when the
chronograph is turned ON, and there is a green LED near the ON/OFF switch to
indicate when the ProChrono DLX is paired with a device.
For mobile apps, check to make sure your device has the Bluetooth enabled.
Search your device’s app store for “Competition Electronics Digital Link”. Install the
app, turn on the ProChrono DLX, and open the app. The app will automatically
pair with your chronograph and the green CONNECT led will be illuminated. Read
and follow the on-screen tutorial, then create a shot list to begin recording on
your device.
(*NOTE: do not attempt to pair with the chronograph in your device settings.
Pairing is done ONLY by opening the Digital Link app.)
Check our website at:
www.competitionelectronics.com for up to date information about our apps.

For desktop apps, visit our website for free downloads at:
www.competitionelectronics.com/shooting-products/digital-link-software
Windows and Mac are supported. Check to make sure your computer has
Bluetooth capability. If it does not, you can purchase a separate USB device to
make your computer BT capable.
Download and install the Digital Link desktop app on your computer. Follow
the on-screen instructions for making a connection and using the app. A
demonstration video is available at:
http://www.competitionelectronics.com/digital-link-desktop/overview

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Specifications

Velocity Range: 20-9,999 feet per second

Temperature Range: 20-100 degrees Fahrenheit
Size: 16x4x3-1/4 inches
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Battery Required: One 9-volt alkaline battery
Battery Life: Approx. 20 hours of operation
Current Consumption: Approx. 20mA
Mounting Hole Thread: 1/4x20
Guide Wire Size: 3/16x16 inches
Memory Capacity: Up to 9 strings of up to 99 shots each
Minimum Time Between Shots: 500 mSec
Shot Timing Resolution: 31 nSec (8000 counts @ 4,000fps) Crystal
Controlled
Accuracy: +/-.5% of measured velocity or better
Bluetooth: BT2 and BT4LE

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LIMITED WARRANTY
*********************************************************
COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC. warrants the ProChrono DLX manufactured by it to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of 2 years from date of purchase by the original pur-
chaser for use. COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC., at it’s option, will repair or replace without charge, or
refund the purchase price of, any product which fails during the warranty period by reason of defect in
material or workmanship found upon examination by COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC. to have been
the cause of failure. This warranty does not cover any failures attributable to abuse, mishandling, and
failure to follow operating instructions, alteration or accident.
To make a claim under this warranty, the purchaser must return the product to COMPETITION ELEC-
TRONICS, INC. at the address shown above, properly packed and with shipping charges prepaid. All
claims must be made within 30 days after the product failure, and in any event, within 30 days after the
expiration of the 2 year warranty. All claims must be accompanied by the sales receipt or other written
proof of date of purchase.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING MERCHANT-
ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXCLUDED. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES NOT
EXCLUDED ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO 2 YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. INCIDENTAL AND
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED FROM THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THE
PURCHASER, AND THE REMEDIES PROVIDED IN THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE EXCLUSIVE TO THE EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW.
(Note: Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitations and exclusions may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.)
If any product returned by the purchaser is found by COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC. to require
service not covered by warranty, COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC. will so advise the purchaser and
request further instructions.
COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC. will recondition to working order any ProChrono DLX returned to it
regardless of condition, upon the purchaser’s remittance of payment of ½ of current retail price, if it is
still manufactured by COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC.

*********************************************************

SERVICE FOR YOUR PROCHRONO DLX

For assistance with your Pro Chrono DLX, use the information below.
Competition Electronics, Inc.
3469 Precision Dr.
Rockford, IL 61109
Phone: 815-874-8001 Fax: 815-874-8181 www.competitionelectronics.com

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Accessories
Indoor Lighting Model # CEI-4100
This durable and compact lighting accessory
provides optimum lighting for indoor use or
under low light conditions.
System includes: two light bars, AC power
adapter, and instructions.

Replacement Diffusers Model # CEI-2526

Replacement set of four guide wires and
two diffuser hoods for outdoor use on
sunny days.

Debris Shield Model # CEI-2519

Competition Electronics offers an optional
Debris Shield which can help to protect
your chronograph from flying debris and
paint. However, we offer no guarantee
that it will protect your chronograph
from damage. This item is shipped with a
protective film to be removed before use.

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May, 2018

Built-in

www.competitionelectronics.com