Regulator tester

[Daztilley]

Here's my regulator tester that's been slightly modified with a much larger gauge
The gauge is easier to read and slightly more accurate than using the standard small gauge.

Regulator testers are essential to check the setting and operation of your regulator
It allows you to see the exact pressure that the regulator is set at and allows you to re set the pressure if you do a calibre change. Having the regulator set at the correct pressure for your setup allows you to maximise the shot count and to make sure that you arent thrashing the regulator to maintain the power of your shots.

The tester also indicates if you have any regulator creep - the regulator might reset to the correct pressure after every shot but the pressure can creep up as its sat between shots - which will have an adverse effect on consistency and ultimately accuracy.

Every rapid owner who tinkers with their rapid should own one 👍

[KCE]

I must confess Daz I don't have one in my rapid kit.
I have worked on just about all makes of springers over a great many years improving the action on them.
Spring work/Piston work/Ratchet beartrap work/top hat and tail work/to name but a few things I have done.
But when it comes to a rapid I have never stripped a block down.
All I have ever done is take out the action in order to clean it from time to time and clean the stock.
I guess I'm going to have to learn and get involved a little more on that side.
I can see how important it is to have a reg tester in my kit like yours so will get one from Dr Bob as and when I need to get one.
Regards Kev.

[Ca_Varminter]

Well I do have one of Dr Bob's reg tester jewels...


Rapid is not the only PCP that needs one....
With the inspiration from Dr Bob....
I design one for my Steyr LP50..






Stuart

[Daztilley]

Nice work Stuart 👍😎

[KCE]

So you like pcp hand guns Stuart.
Was not aware of that.
Looks a very nice handy piece of kit, is it for target shooting.
I spotted the carbon bottle in there also looks very nice.
And as to Dr Bob he is the one I will purchase my reg tester from.

Regards Kev.

[Ca_Varminter]

So .........
I spotted the carbon bottle in there also looks very nice.
................
Regards Kev.

Well If you have a Carbon Fiber Tank...
You have to own a Compressor to fill it!!

She will give me 4500 psi Breathing quality Dry air fills...
Empty 88 cuft tank fill takes 25 min
Top offs tanks about 5 to 10 min

Stuart

[KCE]

Another very nice bit of kit Stuart you have there.
I must admit once this covid is over I will need to strap on a dive bottle and get out in the fields to catch up on lost time.

Regards Kev.

[nevadacowboy]

What is the best regulator tester that will operate directly from the buddy bottle without a dive cylinder. I have read that the Best fitting ones. can provide a poor seal and the Lane ones have a poor bleed valve.

[KCE]

I have only ever heard good things about the DrBob Reg testers.
Im not familiar with other brands truth be told.
Drop him a message in his section for advise.
Regards Kev.

[Ca_Varminter]

Essentially all the other are Knock-offs from Dr Bob's Idea...
The addition of a bleed valve and guage..
This make it complicated.....
If you have a tank...Dr Bob's is the best...
That is why I have Foster's QD on my tank..No hose in between to waste air..
But now I do have a digital gauge on my tank now...

Stuart

[KCE]

Just a question regarding this subject.
Should I be testing my reg each year or only when I think there may be an underlying problem.
Regards Kev.

[Ca_Varminter]

I would go as far as to "test"
It is more like check it
I would  check it yearly during my normal
Tear down and tune-up I do in the off season!
Make sure it is at the correct cutoff pressure

Good Luck,
Stuart

[Daztilley]

Kev you can check your reg is operating correctly using 1 12 shot mag.....

Fill your buddy bottle to 200 bar
Fill your mag with 12 pellets
Setup your chrono

Shooting through the chrono-
Fire 3 shots quickly
Fire 3 shots at 1 min intervals
Fire 3 shots at 2 min intervals
Fire 3 shots quickly

Noting all off the chrono results!

All of the shots should be very close to the same velocity over the different time intervals!
If the 1st shot is faster than the other 2 in the first 3 shots - that indicates reg creep
If the shots get faster over the 1 min and 2 min intervals - that also indicates that the reg is creeping up in pressure.

You are looking for a stable 12 shot string

[Ca_Varminter]

On your Side of the Pond..
Non-FAC airguns....a Chronograph is a neccesary tool to have..
@12 ft-lbs, the is a small margin of error..
But the consequences are severe..
So use of a chrono compliments the reg tester..
So Max power, and consistency are thing to check....
Stuart

[KCE]

Thank you for your advice guys.
A chrono is on my next shopping list.
Regards Kev.