Oehler Research · Ballistic Measurement Systems
Oehler System 83
An earlier-generation combined chamber pressure and velocity system. For new projects we recommend its successor, System 85.
System 83 is an earlier-generation Oehler ballistic system. It connects to a Windows computer over RS-232 and measures chamber pressure, muzzle velocity and downrange terminal velocity on the same shot. The pressure input is a 0–10V signal digitized at 10-bit resolution every 18 microseconds; the pressure curve appears right after the shot with peak pressure, area under the curve and rise time. Velocity comes from Model 57 infrared screens, up to 6 in total, 3 of which can sit downrange to measure terminal velocity and ballistic coefficient. Oehler now covers this ground with System 85 (pressure and velocity) and System 89 (exterior ballistics and BC), so new installations should go straight to those. Evencat can assess repair and calibration needs for existing System 83 equipment.
Overview
System 83 is housed in a 17" × 8" × 1.75" metal enclosure and talks to a Windows computer over RS-232. The pressure input accepts a 0–10V signal, digitized at 10-bit resolution at 18 microsecond intervals. The pressure curve is displayed as soon as the shot fires, with peak pressure, area under the curve and rise time computed. Velocity uses Model 57 infrared photoelectric screens, up to 6 of them, and 3 may be placed downrange to measure terminal velocity and derive ballistic coefficient. The acoustic target works with bullets faster than 1,500 fps. Machine-gun rate of fire is measured up to 2,000 rounds per minute. The model has been superseded by System 85 and System 89 and no longer appears in Oehler's current list of industrial systems. Repair, calibration or upgrade of existing units, and sourcing of the successor, are put to the factory on request.
Key specifications
| Construction | Metal enclosure 17" × 8" × 1.75", RS-232 to a Windows computer |
|---|---|
| Pressure measurement | 0–10V signal, 10-bit digitizing, 18 microsecond sample interval |
| Pressure output | Pressure curve displayed right after the shot; peak pressure, area under curve, rise time |
| Velocity measurement | Model 57 infrared photoelectric screens at the muzzle for instrumental velocity |
| Screen count | Up to 6, including 3 downrange screens for terminal velocity and ballistic coefficient |
| Acoustic target | For bullets faster than 1,500 fps |
| Machine-gun rate | Up to 2,000 rounds per minute |
| Status | Discontinued; succeeded by System 85 (pressure and velocity) and System 89 (exterior ballistics and BC) |
Features
Pressure and velocity in one instrument
The pressure curve appears right after the shot, alongside muzzle and downrange velocity.
Up to 6 Model 57 screens
3 of them can be placed downrange to measure terminal velocity and derive ballistic coefficient.
Acoustic target support
For bullets at 1,500 fps and above.
Machine-gun rate to 2,000 rounds per minute
Rate-of-fire measurement for automatic weapons.
A clear succession path
System 85 takes over pressure and velocity, System 89 takes over exterior ballistics and BC, with no loss of function.
Configuration and maintenance

Configuration · SETUP
Pressure plus multiple screens
Up to 6 Model 57 screens, 3 of them downrange to measure terminal velocity and derive ballistic coefficient.
Sensors · SCREENS
Model 57 as the standard input
Active infrared screens are unaffected by ambient light. They were the standard velocity sensor for System 83 and are still supplied today.

Downloads
This model is discontinued; the factory successor is System 85. New projects should go straight to the successor, and repair or calibration of existing units can be assessed separately. This product is a ballistic measurement system. Oehler restricts its international export, a US export license may be required, and the factory evaluates each request case by case.
Need pricing, specifications or lead time for system83?
