AirforceOne muzzle-mounted Chronograph

JonnieP

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I’ve just seen the above advertised in Uttings. Has anyone put their have in pocket for one? What are they like and are they any good? I quite liked the look of it and its portability. It’d be great to see your thoughts.

TIA
Jonnie 👍🤓
 
A little further reading shows these to be on PRE ORDER so my request for info may be a little premature, but what do you think of the product?

Jonnie
 
There is already a thread about it
Quick summary
Should work fine. Technology isn't that complicated
Can't use a silencer with it on
It will most likely need regular clearing
You can buy the same exact one (they are all made in China) on Aliexpress for half the price
 
You can buy the same exact one (they are all made in China) on Aliexpress for half the price
So you're saying that AirForceOne - a brand who's whole business revolves around re-branding Chinese products for western markets and adding a significant margin because western buyers are averse to paying for 'Chinese' products - have re-branded another Chinese product that you can order direct from China under the original brand for for way less money?

You have to see the funny side of the whole business being about making a margin on westerners who don't want to buy Chinese products by selling them Chinese products at an inflated price.
 
There is already a thread about it
Quick summary
Should work fine. Technology isn't that complicated
Can't use a silencer with it on
It will most likely need regular clearing
You can buy the same exact one (they are all made in China) on Aliexpress for half the price
Thanks for the heads up, think I need to get an AliExpress login sorted 👍🤓
 
western buyers are averse to paying for 'Chinese' products - have re-branded another Chinese product that you can order direct from China under the original brand for for way less money?
The buy-resell model has been around for a long time and not just with products made in China. Companies used to add value by ensuring the quality met their own standards by separating the wheat from the chaff. The emerging trend is to just stick a logo on it and resell.
 
There does not appear to be adequate shock absorbing in the construction of the air force mod. Either laterally or longitudinally.
For example: The display is hard against the casing and the internal PCB is screwed directly to the plastic case ...so the shock is transmitted to the PCB very efficiently.
1719394160973.webp

Now: Take a look at the Daystate offering
You can see that the the whole assembly is decoupled via rubber O rings
So much better...but still...they could have done a better job with the IR TX/RX LEDs...at least some RTV on the back to stop them from moving (accuracy) or terminal Fatigue with repeated shocks and bumps.
1719394449607.webp
 
There does not appear to be adequate shock absorbing in the construction of the air force mod. Either laterally or longitudinally.
For example: The display is hard against the casing and the internal PCB is screwed directly to the plastic case ...so the shock is transmitted to the PCB very efficiently.
View attachment 511807
Now: Take a look at the Daystate offering
You can see that the the whole assembly is decoupled via rubber O rings
So much better...but still...they could have done a better job with the IR TX/RX LEDs...at least some RTV on the back to stop them from moving (accuracy) or terminal Fatigue with repeated shocks and bumps.
View attachment 511810
Is this available as an accessory, couldn't find it on their website.
 
Additional: I would not recommend them for springers...regardless of what they say.
The shock associated with a springer would be inducing fractures, broken components and dry joints.
Thanks for this heads up. I was thinking of using one on my TX. Looks I’ll be better of sticking with an LMBR 👍🤓
 
Hard to see - but looks like they also dont have any conformal coating on the daystate one, thats pretty lazy! Especially in the UK where it could be going from a warm place to the cold outdoors... humidity... corrosion over time
 
Thanks for the heads up, think I need to get an AliExpress login sorted 👍🤓
I love finding all the cheap bargains on AliExpress, always check the delivery time frames, I've had items arrive within a week, others 4weeks. Their tracking is usually ok but some sellers can be out in the literal sticks and take time to begin shipping (guess waiting for multiple shipments).
Also best advice I can give from learning the hard way is to video yourself opening the items you buy! Video the item all sealed and show it, carefully unwrap and inspect the item on camera. If all ok great, if not there's your proof when you make a return or refund claim.
Took me a week of back and forth messages due to time zone differences when a £100 knife sharpener arrived and instead of being a big box. I got a small box with 4 iPhone 7 screen protectors. Wasn't best pleased when they just said it's been delivered can you prove otherwise...
 
There does not appear to be adequate shock absorbing in the construction of the air force mod. Either laterally or longitudinally.

Now: Take a look at the Daystate offering
but still...they could have done a better job with the IR TX/RX LEDs...at least some RTV on the back to stop them from moving (accuracy) or terminal
View attachment 511810
Interesting design...
Shock absorbing - may not be an issue with small, light surface mount components. If there was large electro caps - definitely an issue. Maybe some stress on the board - but i dont think there's any real issue with the design overall. I think they used bands for better serviceability & faster build process. Hard to put a screw in there, increased BOM costs too.

You're 100% correct on the RX/TX there, that's a significant issue in terms of consistent detection.

The distance between them could also vary - as there needs to be a gap either side so it can be slid in place. Looking at the device size - 0.1mm difference ~1-1.5fps @ 1,000fps. This could be removed at the build stage if its calibrated, and I dont see them moving once constructed - so as long as its calibrated, its a great design.
 
Interesting design...
Shock absorbing - may not be an issue with small, light surface mount components. If there was large electro caps - definitely an issue. Maybe some stress on the board - but i dont think there's any real issue with the design overall. I think they used bands for better serviceability & faster build process. Hard to put a screw in there, increased BOM costs too.

You're 100% correct on the RX/TX there, that's a significant issue in terms of consistent detection.

The distance between them could also vary - as there needs to be a gap either side so it can be slid in place. Looking at the device size - 0.1mm difference ~1-1.5fps @ 1,000fps. This could be removed at the build stage if its calibrated, and I dont see them moving once constructed - so as long as its calibrated, its a great design.

Of course: You are right about SMD's not so much impacted by shock and vibrations, however it all depended on the component mass, solder quality and positioning on the PCB....but yes, we are not talking about electrolytic caps etc that would be much more in trouble.
My main concern, when I broached this subject was the OLED display...and it's connectivity as well as the movement of the RX/TX and legs stress.
I spent time evaluating HALT/HAS/HAEAS test results of both commercial and military testing...and sometimes, all it will take is a few cents worth of fixing or RTV , in the right place to save massive returns/ failures....
Again: My comments are mere observations and concerns...it is possible that due diligence was involved - I have no picture of the full assembly and how it is put together...so the red flags are based on what I can see.
 
My main concern, when I broached this subject was the OLED display...and it's connectivity as well as the movement of the RX/TX and legs stress.
I spent time evaluating HALT/HAS/HAEAS test results of both commercial and military testing...and sometimes, all it will take is a few cents worth of fixing or RTV , in the right place to save massive returns/ failures....
Ahhh my apologies, I was looking at the daystate - wasnt even thinking about the other one!
Good call on the screen - potential pressure & shock to a screen... longevity would be intersting.
 
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