Mark

You really need to ask the manufacturer. Most chronos I have had will not work with ordinary incadescent bulbs. But newer technology must have caught up by now? And Mark, your next big step really should be into the 21st Century. Don't feel bad. I just recently bought my first PC and digital camera but am still in the 20th Century in learning how to use them.

Ray

Well here we are moving into the 20th century, finally got a chronograph.

What is the best way to use them when it starts getting dark, other than buy a $40 light attachment? Will a 100 watt light overhead work, or is it a trial and error thing as to what works and what doesn't?

Mark,
I hate to bring this up since you apparently have just purchased a new chronograph, but the CED Millenium chronograph with the infrared upgrade will operate even in the dark. Possibly this may be of some use to you, if you need a chronograph to work under unusual conditions. Regards.

If you have the Shooting Chrony, DO NOT try to use their lighting attachment. It will melt your screens. Been there, done that, got the T shirt.

I believe the artificial light problem is with fluorescents, not with incandesents.

I have the F-1 chrony and I found a way to use it at night, although it's a real PITA. I painted a 2' X 4' sheet of ply flat white, set it up on a frame, painted side facing down, about 4 or 5 ft. above the chrony and directed a floor stand type work light up at it. I admit it's unorthodox, but it works.

Puncher

Good tip. I'll have to try that.

There's no reason why the screens can't be rotated 90 degrees and the board placed to the side instead of overhead. That would make it a little easier. Rotating the screens so the diffusers face an early morning or late evening sun is also a good way to avoid the "glint" that wrecks all your readings when you have no choice but to chronograph during those times.

Ray

Mark,

Chronographs need a defuser to work properly, as if you just shine the light directly onto them they are not going to work.

Have a look at this



If you make something where the light shines from above the defuser, you should be able to get them to work.

The defuser is a piece of plastic cut from a box. In fact, anything that is slightly opaque will work.