Arken Optics Zulus ZHD520R: Menus, zeroing and updating firmware

Thanks very much to Arken Optics, for the opportunity to review their excellent new range-topping ZHD520R. So that’s Zulu-HD-5-20x with LRF, AND ballistic calculator (BCL). They not only welcomed me being entirely honest (presenting both pros and cons), but also invited suggestions to improve their new scopes, including the firmware.
My photo album including all pages of the user manual can be found here: www.flickr.com...
The worldwide Arken Optics website for the ZHD520R here: arkenoptics.uk...
The UK site to order a ZHD520R is here: www.pro-optics...
Bruce’s nine-page .PDF notes can be found here: drive.google.c...
Ballistic co-efficients thread on the AGF, including link to the comprehensive Hard-Air website: airgunforums.c...
hardairmagazin...
Bruce’s channel (www.youtube.co...) includes three videos with footage from the ZHD520R, in this daylight quarry video he demonstrates the holdover and dial-in methods: • Arken Zulus HD520 R ze...
Contents
00:49 Introduction.
1:50 Ballistic calculator fundamentals.
03:39 Bruce’s notes and the Smartphone App(s) for this scope.
06:53 Thru-scope footage with split-screen button-pushes, to guide you through using the scope menus.
08:40 Explaining the cool BCL aiming options: Holdover or Dial-in.
09:54 Zeroing.
12:20 Updating the scope with the latest firmware (including a few pitfalls to avoid).
15:02 George joins me in a local barn to checkout the scope for himself. 😊
17:10 Rounding-off.
17:53 Coming soon.
Airgun Forum HITTAC CP258 thread: airgunforums.c...
#arkenoptics, #zuluszhd520, #zuluszhd520r, #compactdayandnightscope, #highqualitydigitalscopewithlrf, #russdouglas222, #menus, #zeroing, #honestreviews, #independentreviews, #disabledreviews, #britishshootingshow, #scopesforpestcontroltwentyfourseven
DISCLAIMER - My videos are strictly for educational, documentary and entertainment purposes. Imitation of any acts depicted in these videos is entirely at YOUR OWN RISK. Neither RussDouglas222 nor KZbin will not be held liable for any injury or damage or violation of the law. I am fully licensed and insured (SACS.org.uk) for my work, and I do not sell or deal in firearms or any other shooting products. Such practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws.
I DO NOT sell Airguns or shotguns / Firearms, nor do I sell parts, magazines, or ammunition. PLEASE BE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE. ©RussDouglas222 2023.

[@richardgill9484]

Thank you so much for this. I’ve just bought one and wasn’t looking forward to working it all out, and then I found your superb video.👍🏻

[@RussDouglas222]

Happy to help Richard, thanks for watching (please share), and happy shooting. Cheers. Russ

[@davechadwick9181]

Great vid .so glad you done this one .buying a zulus at shooting show in Feb. I was a bot overwhelmed by ballistic input . Much happier after watching this vid . Cheers

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Dave, aye you could fall down the rabbit hole a bit with all the details, or just set it up once and use it, or even just use it as a great scope (with the bonus of an LRF). Come the BSS in Feb we might be able to buy the 3-12 version too, decisions decisions. 🤓 Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@spam68..]

​@@RussDouglas222 When does the 3x12 version go on sale on the uk market

[@RussDouglas222]

@@spam68.. End of March, or thereabouts. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@georgeg8106]

Thanks for sharing russ that scope will be selling like hot cakes now as always you’ve helped a lot of people who’s thinking of buying it 👍

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks George, and thanks for watching. All the best, cheers. Russ

[@gimlet61cotswoldlad38]

Thanks for that Russ, just set my scope up and yours and Bruce's info, as always very helpful. Clarity of the picture is suburb, even at the highest magnification.👏

[@RussDouglas222]

Awesome, we're happy to help as always, and we've got more to bring you all soon - once we get chance to test the new 3-12x model (which ranges down to 3m!)... and something else entirely 🤫 that Arken are secretly working on. All the best, cheers. Russ

[@rickydowning7557]

Looks the best out there at the minute

[@RussDouglas222]

I'd say so, yep -this even got Bruce excited! (Which is rare with NV gear). Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@shaunharris3690]

Hi Russ can't decide on one of these or the pard 008 any recommendations? Thanks

[@perki496]

Mines on order expected before christmas and i have a great resource to help me set it up and troubleshoot! thanks for your videos and have a fantastic christmas

[@Sportsterglide]

great vid loads of info thankyou

[@RussDouglas222]

@@Sportsterglide Thank-you and thanks for watching -please share. 🙏 Happy shooting, cheers. Russ

[@roseybut]

Thanks Russ. Mine has just been delivered. Your video has been very helpful.

[@RussDouglas222]

My pleasure, there is more detail to add re scope and ammo profiles etc, but you'll find that info in Bruce's notes. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@carlmorton2556]

Thanks Russ I’ve ordered one from OPW will refer back to this vid if I get stuck can’t wait for it to arrive it knocks ATN and WRAITH for six in image quality it will be my first sight with LRF so might be a bit of a learning curve

[@andydowden8117]

I absolutely agree in everything you said never had the atn but I did have the wraith and the Zulus blows the wraith out the park for picture quality happy shooting.

[@RugerGundog]

Excited to get hands on one in usa and review in my channel. Thanks for the content. Well done.

[@RussDouglas222]

Awesome, I think you'll love it! What Bruce and I are hugely impressed by is (a) the performance, (b) the ballistic calculator and (c) Arken Optics' positive responses to our creative feedback. In case you've not already seen it the (massive) existing dedicated thread on our AGF is here: airgunforums.co.uk/threads/hittac-your-thoughts.60126/ Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@STUARTLUCAS2]

hi russ great information thank you the ballistic coefficient for H&Nftt 177 is 0021 thats from h and n website im waiting for the 3/12 to come out for close up work

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Stuart, yep I've got that factored in. Looking at the AirgunForums.co.uk I believe the ZHD312R can now be pre-ordered. 🤓 Cheers. Russ

[@davemitchell-jv4lj]

mine is on its way will need to visit this again , brilliant video

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you, and thanks for watching. All the best, cheers. Russ

[@TTLegendsArt]

Great info on set up Russ would never of got it sorted without. Happy Shooting 👍

[@RussDouglas222]

Glad to have helped, thanks for watching and happy shooting. 🤝 Feel free to share. 🙏 cheers. Russ

[@GeorgeMcKnight]

Cheers for another great vid Russ...off to look at Bruce's handy pdf to help this newbie get his head around the ballistic app

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks George and thanks for your starring cameo role too. 🙏 All the best, see ya soon. R

[@GeorgeMcKnight]

It was my pleasure @@RussDouglas222 🤪

[@stevenlord782]

Hugely helpfull & honest as always Russ.

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Steven and thanks for watching -pls share to help spread the word! 🙏 All the best, cheers. Russ

[@nickjames2370]

I am adding myself to the "dinosaur list" here 🙂i.e. not having smartphone. There seems to be a somewhat larger proportion of us than I anticipated. However, thanks Russ for a very informative video.

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks for watching Nick... you could always get someone with such a phone to upload the necessary for you? Cheers. Russ

[@nickwebb6702]

Great help, made my Arken Zulus LRF ZHD520R easy to set up. Thank you

[@RussDouglas222]

Brilliant am glad it helped, enjoy your scope! Thanks for watching and please share. Cheers. Russ

[@malcolmhaigh3452]

Great tutorial Russ!

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you Malcolm, and thanks for watching. Happy shooting! Cheers. Russ

[@northeastverminhunters]

ill be ordering one of these as my new atn gen 5 lrf is going back to atn for the second time for failing at 4 weeks old

[@RussDouglas222]

Yikes! I haven't heard of any reliability issues with these Zulus as yet. Cheers. Russ

[@simoncoher4841]

Great video mate , Just waiting for them to come back in stock , Also I read on a forum they are hard to center the reticle I will be putting it a fx impact M3 .. Thank you ..

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Simon, nope the early scopes have simply been supplied with 35MOA Picatinny mounts, which is actually cool if your rifle's scope rail isn't inclined. Rifles like your FX M3 and my Krait already include 20MOA therefore the zeroed reticle is often a bit high, so Arken will soon make available 0MOA mounts (as well as long and short, and dovetail -options). I'm looking forward to rezeroing with a (long) 0MOA mount, which will better centre my reticle vertically, and offer more flexibility for the reach-back. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@simoncoher4841]

@RussDouglas222 Thanks Russ , That's cleared that 1 up can't wait to get one , Keep the content coming it's great mate ..

[@janrobertbos]

...always good vids!!!

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Jan, and thanks for watching as always! Cheers. Russ

[@davidr4310]

great video russ 👍

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks David. Cheers. Russ

[@douglasbattjes3991]

Where did you get all the info, not much of what you covered in the manual, as to ballistic program, and many other features it has. Great video and thanks so much. 👍👍👍👍

[@RussDouglas222]

Hmm between what I already knew of ballistic calculators, and what I learned from cleverer folk like Bruce. 🤓 Happy to help -happy shooting! 🎯 Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@RussDouglas222]

@douglasbattjes3991 I meant to add - check my links in the video description for more info, including to Bruce's nine-page user manual. Cheers. Russ

[@andydowden8117]

Just got mine and my god it ranges accurately I’m snapping twigs exactly where I’m aiming out to 55 yds, don’t think I can do this with a conventional scope.

[@RussDouglas222]

Awesome stuff, glad it's impressing you -I love this scope too. Thanks for watching and enjoy your shooting. Cheers. Russ

[@user-zf7nc1ss3z]

informative, nice work

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you, more coming soon -hopefully today.

[@billbowman3274]

Yes get the range finder model as hand held range finders don't work in the dark of night.

[@RussDouglas222]

Well they do, but only if you have a bright enough object somewhere in the background, that you can then use for enough illumination to read the range off the screen. It's not easy but not impossible, that's how I used to use my budget Amazon LRF in near-dark conditions. Cheers. Russ

[@rogerhinkins9965]

Useful video Russ, but you totally lost me on the zeroing, wasn't sure what I was supposed to be looking at/for.

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Roger, ah sorry I basically described what to do, rather then going into great detail recording this through the scope on a range. Within the menu you choose zeroing, then have a choice of profiles, reticles, colours, etc. When ready after firing a group you freeze the reticle with a short press of the power button, then adjust X & Y to suit (it always takes me a few goes to get the reticle frozen spot-on). Save these settings as-per the instructions. Cheers. Russ

[@gabrielianchuk8327]

Hello, I would like to know if mounting the Arken Zulus on a rail with a 30 moas inclination changes anything? I mean, does it modify the impact points? How does the scope realize and compensate for those 30 moas that the rail has? because nowhere can you load that data... Regards

[@RussDouglas222]

The scope doesn't realise / compensate for anything. For most air rifles you'll need 20MOA forward inclination for any digital scope, so either a 20MOA scope rail and 0MOA mount, or a 0MOA rifle rail and 20MOA scope mount. If your rifle has a 30MOA scope rail then you'll need to use a 0MOA mount with your Zulus, but you may find your zeroed reticle is a little high (above centre), unless you use heavy pellets. Hope this makes sense. Thanks for watching, all the best, cheers. Russ

[@midwebonline]

I think you are all doing a fantastic job, will you be doing a new video for the new DNT app?

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you and yes, it's on the way. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@midwebonline]

@@RussDouglas222 Thanks Russ

[@richk1898]

Hi Russ , Thanks again for a really helpful video . I fitted the Zulus today , but I’m in the market for a Chronograph to set up the ballistic calculator . I note your comment about yours purchased from Blackpool Airguns . Are you happy with yours ? On their site they do an R2 mini version…was this a consideration? Thanks again Rich

[@firefighteruk8093]

Great vid Russ . Am i to believe whenever you use the BC in the field you have to have your mobile phone with you as the app works out the impact point as opposed to the scope

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you but no, as I explained from @8:12, that's only when the 'real time ballistic calculation' option is used, not the 'table call' option I prefer. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@firefighteruk8093]

@@RussDouglas222 Thank's Russ

[@brucemcpherson8832]

No, the ballistic calculator can work in two different modes, one of which (real time ballistics) requires a continuous bluetooth connection between the scope and a phone The second method (which will be the most popular) is called "Ballistic table call" In this method, the relevant ballistic data is entered into the app and and the app creates a ballistic table which is sent to the scope via bluetooth. Once this has been done, the phone can be disconnected and the scope calculates the aim point using ballistic table and the range produced by the LRF

[@janhudson4501]

I’ve just asked that I must learn to read other comments before jumping in with both feet and my eyes closed. I’m a DH

[@firefighteruk8093]

@@brucemcpherson8832 thank you Bruce watched your vids also 👍

[@ozhunter2505]

Hi Russ, Great video as always mate. I'm In Australia and just purchased this scope. Trying to send info from my Android phone to the scope and for some reason when the yellow aeroplane come up on the Arken Ballistic app and I try and send the ballistic table to it, it says "this device does not support the ballistic table" and I can't send it. Any idea why this is happening? Cheers

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you. Hmm I checked with Billy )GPCBILL on the Airgun forum (airgunforums.co.uk/forums/anything-optics-scopes-mounts-nv-illumination.9/), and he recommends trying resetting the scope, but obviously make a note of all your zero values first. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@johnhart6050]

Hi russ it all seems ok till i try to upload to the scope and all i get is a message saying the device does not support the custom ballistic table, what am i doing wrong ?

[@RussDouglas222]

@@johnhart6050 I checked with Billy (@GPCBILL on the AGF), he replied... "Looks like the chap is uploading a custom table by Bluetooth rather than a standard table or Ballistic data over WiFi to one of the profiles." Hope this helps, cheers. Russ

[@paulh.8134]

Hiya Russ, when doing a firmware update do you have to do it on both apps or just the scope...?? Thanks

[@RussDouglas222]

Checking if an update is available for the App is a doddle, one press. Checking the scope is similarly updateable is equally easy, then you download it before updating after popping Bluetooth on, on both App and scope. 👌

[@PETRAKOV1]

Did Arken have a optic wiht fully integraded balistic calculator in real time in the optic withou using phone apps like a PARD DS35-LRF? i dont want to use extra device and apps to can shoot.

[@RussDouglas222]

You don't have to use the App to shoot here either (using 'Ballistic table call' method), you just input your ballistic data, create and upload the ballistic table to the scope. Then you can leave your phone at home, head out, zero your scope at the range you set-up in your App, and happy shooting. Cheers. Russ

[@janhudson4501]

Russ good vid. Now I’m a dinosaur and I don’t have a mobile and you said it works out the BC from phone and sends to sight. So if I don’t have a smart phone is not for me to use the BC?

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Jan, and thank-you. Sorry even if you use the 'table call' method, you still need to send the ballistic (table) info to the scope from the phone App at least once, then you don't need the App after that. Though you could borrow a friend's smartphone? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@stephencockman5008]

How do I get the ballistic algorithm to activate, any help would be greatly appreciated

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Stephen, have you created your ballistic table on your smartphone and uploaded it to the scope? Once you've done this (and zeroed the scope at your chosen range), you choose 'ballistic table call' or 'real-time' as your BCL method, then 'Holdover' or 'Dial-in' as the aiming adjustment method. Have you read Bruce's comprehensive notes? drive.google.com/file/d/1IiEwYyGo3LNZ0TYZGLtfWA6NeXiXT01P/view Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@keithcruickshank5984]

Hi Russ a great video as usual, do you have to have your phone connected all the time for range finding and ballistic calculating dial in regards Keith

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks Keith, nope if you select 'ballistic table call' you just input your parameters, create a table, upload it to your scope and that's it. Then every time you use the LRF it will display the aimpoint (via holdover or dial-in, as chosen). Only if you choose 'real time ballistic solution' do you have to keep your phone & scope connected. Cheers. Russ You only

[@keithcruickshank5984]

Thanks Russ, what happens if scope is turned off is information saved on scope for when you turn back on regards Keith

[@RussDouglas222]

@@keithcruickshank5984 Yes absolutely, it's saved until you replace it with a different ballistic table. I've been using the same one for a few weeks now, uploaded once and works perfectly. 👌🤓 Cheers. Russ

[@Mark-wx1ho]

Can you manually add 'clicks' to the scope for longer range targets? Just so I can do a target exercise of setting the scope at 600m for a 100m target to see how much higher the bullet is. I know I could use the laser and aim at something 600m away but thought I would ask. Thanks.

[@RussDouglas222]

No you can't manually add clicks, but you can use the FFP graduated reticles to help adjust holdover/holdunder, if not correcting your aim point using the LRF/BCL. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@Mark-wx1ho]

@@RussDouglas222 Thank you.

[@Fubar684]

Thanks for doing the PDF since the manual provided is somewhat lacking. How often should I check for system updates with the WiFi feature?

[@RussDouglas222]

Our pleasure (Bruce wrote it, I just printed & shared it). I'd say if it ain't broke don't look to 'fix' it, but it's worth keeping an eye on the Zulus threadS on the AGF, to see if/when useful updates appear. 🤓 Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@mikeyb9819]

This, and your previous video, very interesting. Info from you and Bruce have convinced me that (after looking for ages), this is the one for me. I’m guessing several others have come to the same decision because you can’t buy one! Any idea when stocks will land in the UK?

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks for watching and yes, this scope is something else, it's certainly really impressed us both - including Bruce who until this scope had been 100% thermal for some time. All the best - and please share too if you can? Cheers. Russ

[@RussDouglas222]

@mikeyb9819 There are two links in the description in case you want to buy it direct from China, or follow the link to the AGF forum then message @Yorkyboy (the UK importer). Cheers. Russ

[@justchillin131]

I got a bit lost with the measurements, so am i taking half the diameter measurement of the lens, half the diameter of the barrel and adding that to the distance from the scope to barrel? Then all these added together is the final measurement ?

[@RussDouglas222]

@@justchillin131 Yep that's right, then measure overall as a gross check on that measurement. Cheers. Russ

[@justchillin131]

@@RussDouglas222 thank you.

[@keithcruickshank5984]

Hi Russ, what weaver mount area you using my rangefinder is not reading correctly laser beam seems to be pointing high can you advise please regards Keith

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Keith, are you saying the LRF splash is high on-screen at base mag, in NV mode? Is this with your reticle fairly central (X & Y) after zeroing? Cheers. Russ

[@keithcruickshank5984]

@@RussDouglas222 Hi Russ first time use in Day mode using rangefinder on measured targets for example 30 yards is reading 47 looks like laser is reading above target at longer ranges mate

[@RussDouglas222]

@@keithcruickshank5984 You have to put the scope into NV mode to see exactly where the LRF splash is, relative to both your crosshairs and the LRFs daylight aiming marker. This obviously best done at your preferred range. Be aware there's currently no way (we know-of) to adjust the position of the LRFs daylight aiming + to fine-tune it to match the LRF splash position. Cheers. Russ

[@MKPSG12]

This is by far the best video ive seen on this scope so far, thank you! However, im still no further forward on how to actually 'program' the scope to get the ballistic calculator to work. Ive got both apps downloaded and in the Ballistics apps ive inputted all of my gun and ammo info but i dont know how to get that info into the scope. From your video it looks like you need to use it to create a Custom Ballistics Table, then that can be transferred into the scope? I can't work out how to get the info ive put into the app into the table?

[@RussDouglas222]

Sorry I missed your question till now... Full explanation is in Bruce's nine page .pdf linked in the video description, but basically once your table's created in the App, you put on Bluetooth on both scope and phone, press the paper aeroplane symbol on the App and transfer the table to your scope. Then once complete disconnect your phone and away you go. Happy shooting, cheers. Russ

[@markshinton2280]

Hi Russ... top video, but wheres the .pdf link to Bruce's setup? Cheers again...

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you, it's linked in the video description. Cheers. Russ

[@alanmullock381]

God, I'm a dinosaur! Looks to be very good Russ👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@RussDouglas222]

Haha hi Alan, sadly I can think of one or two shooters at my local range who don't have smartphones... they could ask a grandkids to help. 🤷‍♂ Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@the-electric-bagpiper]

Hi I have recently bought one and all has been updated, but I can’t get the ballistic calculator to work on the ballistic table call, but it works fine when I use it on the real time ballistic calculation. Any idea what I have missed? Thanks for videos you put out.

[@RussDouglas222]

Hmm I'll help if I can, but there's much more info on the AGF forum Zulus thread(s)... have you completed all your rifle/scope combo criteria, so the ballistic cable is populated? Also there's a link in the video description to Bruce's comprehensive .PDF notes, which might help. 🤞 Thanks for watching, don't forget to like/share/subscribe -to help spread the word, cheers. Russ

[@trickyangling8338]

Hi Russ just got my Zulus this week and set up with the ballistics table thanks to this vid you done :) however I seem to be getting ranging error popping up more times than not any ideas ?

[@RussDouglas222]

Check the LRF lens isn't obstructed, then watch you're measuring to >10m and be aware measuring in fog or rain (and to certain non-reflective surfaces) can be unreliable. Cheers. Russ

[@3421958]

Thank you for the information! How do you retrieve the saved footage from the scope?

[@RussDouglas222]

Thanks for watching! The scope can only record to an inserted MicroSD card, so you just pop that out and download to your PC. Happy Shooting, cheers. Russ

[@3421958]

@@RussDouglas222 awesome, thanks!

[@Airgunhunter-vt8bl]

Hi, good video. I struggled with zeroing cus I was thinking buttons do up,down,left and right and they don’t. Once I worked it out it was very easy. Anyway I got it zeroed ok but the big plan cross ret is above the centre of the screen, which is ok to be honest, I’ve done the update on the app so if I get it on the scope I’ve heard it will put the ret in the centre of the screen, my question is will I have to re-zero the scope again. I don’t want to mess it up as I’m hoping to get out to nite on the rabbits. Cheers Daz.

[@RussDouglas222]

We should always write down the zero before a firmware update, then check/restore it afterwards, just in case. Then just do a quick zero check before taking-on live prey, as usual. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@tyke3084]

Hi. Could you show us how to save a balistic table to custom balistic table please. What's the difference between a Normal Table and a TN table? I can name a table like you have at 6.40min but it won't send to scope saying input data.

[@RussDouglas222]

Ignore the TN table, that's for anyone using the multi-spectral 'Thermal Night' scopes. Bruce's full instructions are in a .pdf, linked in the description. All the best, cheers. Russ

[@melvynmacey3127]

Hi Russ I'm finding it very difficult to set this scope up instruction in panflet very vague do you set up the scope first to your desired range or what

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Melvyn, yes zero your scope as normal first, then measure all the parameters and input them to the App when you set-up your ballistic profile. Cheers. Russ

[@crazycressy7986]

So when you have set up this unit, you dont need to keep your phone connected to it ? Just watched a video where the guy said you need to have your phone connected all the time

[@RussDouglas222]

Nope, although there is an option for real-time calculation, why would anyone do that?!? The other option is 'Ballistic table call', where you set-up your ballistic table, transfer it to the scope, disconnect your phone - and you need never reconnect, if you don't want to. Thanks for watching - please share, cheers. Russ

[@crazycressy7986]

@RussDouglas222 thanks ,it almost put me of getting one ,hate it when ppl do reviews and get it wrong ,I will be watching this video a few times when I get mine lol thanks

[@RussDouglas222]

@@crazycressy7986 Yep you and me both, hope you left a correction under their video? (amateurs). Don't forget the link's in my video description to download Bruce's nine-page full manual .pdf too. 🤓 Cheers. Russ

[@Liam-ql7tr]

Use hold over with LRF extended ranges and tell me if it's dropping to the table ballistics. also you clearly did not talk about Angle/slope ? why?

[@RussDouglas222]

It works perfectly at different ranges, and since this was recorded Bruce & Billy have since carried-out testing on a tall wind turbine, which proved the Zulus definitely compensates (holdunder) for ranging/shooting at steep angles. 👌🤓👏 Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@jamesbowskill362]

Hi there, tell me, is this Zulus product not a rebadged Sytong HT60?

[@RussDouglas222]

Nope, totally new/different product & hardware, with a seriously sharp day and night image. 👌 This fella's the mutt's nuts. 😍🤓

[@robjsw1]

Hi Russ! Any thoughts about the custom ballistic table? I want to send one to my Zulus, but the table is empty no data on it..

[@RussDouglas222]

Follow the instructions in Bruce's .pdf linked in the video description, it's all there. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@kylefreemason]

I got my zulus today. It is s bright sunny day, I could figure out how to zero it, change reticles but I couldn’t figure out how to make the reticle bigger or change its brightness. I could barely see it.

[@RussDouglas222]

By bigger do you mean zooming-in (most reticles are FFP, so their graduations will scale-up), or do you mean thicker? If thicker -I believe there's a firmware update coming for that. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@kylefreemason]

The reticle isn’t very bright and is too small to see well and is easily washed out in sunlight. Is there a way to adjust anything but reticle type and color?

[@RussDouglas222]

@@kylefreemason Not yet, but I hate overly clunky/bold/fat reticles like the Sightmark Wraith. A happy medium would be good. 🤓 R

[@The_Owl94]

how do you get the coefficient for a qys 8.48gr .177 struggling to find it

[@marcusmanders81]

Can't get to the 9 page info keeps saying it's a 400 error. Any ideas m8?

[@RussDouglas222]

Try this link: drive.google.com/file/d/1IiEwYyGo3LNZ0TYZGLtfWA6NeXiXT01P/view?usp=drivesdk

[@davemitchell-jv4lj]

hi just wondering what battery you use, i have a 18650 vapcell B30 on a lamp i have do you think that would be ok. Dave

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Dave, yep flat-top 18650 vaping batteries should be good enough. Otherwise get them from somewhere like Ampsplus. www.ampsplus.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=Flat%2Btop%2B18650 Cheers. Russ

[@paulheaton4934]

I shoot.22 mainly ratting… how do you get the (bullet length) when using the calculator… sorry plus using the JTS dead centre new pellets can I find out the BC … seems it is too new…. Could I use a generic number ? … great video … excellent step by step…🎉… love it

[@RussDouglas222]

I don't think it's important but I just measured bullet (pellet) length with a ruler. I linked an AGF thread in the video description with BCs, if it's not there or in the US linked page you could post asking if anyone has it. Thank-you, and thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@paulheaton4934]

Cheers ..the JTS dead centre are the dogs bollxs in my HW100kt… cheers for the answer mate

[@JayD_113]

does the Zulus have selectable profiles if you want to change the scope to another rifle?

[@RussDouglas222]

Yes, twenty-six zero profiles, named A-Z. Cheers. Russ

[@wokkershunting4934]

great vid as always Russ . Question have you used the RAV auto recording on the Zulus if so does it work any good ?

[@RussDouglas222]

Thank-you and thanks for watching. No not as yet, no need with a recoilless PCP? 🤷🏻‍♂️ All the best, cheers. Russ

[@wokkershunting4934]

@@RussDouglas222 yes good point 😂 I just wondered how much recoil it took to activate perhaps would work on a Springer cheers

[@RussDouglas222]

@@wokkershunting4934 Oh it definitely should on a springer. Cheers. Russ

[@georgeg8106]

Hi russ do you know what the software actually done that you uploaded

[@RussDouglas222]

I checked with Arken and I think they simply replied "Fixes and improvements". Cheers. Russ

[@georgeg8106]

Thanks russ

[@georgeg8106]

I’ve just updated the the numbers on the cross hairs are really crisp now and there tiny 👍

[@georgeg8106]

Also russ can you help with the range finder day time do you know if it’s possible to move the small cross hair over it or move the flash over the small cross hair so you know where your ranging in day light thanks

[@RussDouglas222]

@@georgeg8106 Hi George, the LRF's daylight aiming box is position on screen is fixed at the factory, and there's currently no facility to adjust that by the user. Best thing to do is suss where it the LRF's IR 'splash' is relative to the aiming box in low light, then aim the LRF accordingly accordingly in bright daylight. Cheers. Russ

[@rhyscook2454]

hi russ do you half the measurement from the top of the shroud to the bottom of the scope aswell cheers

[@RussDouglas222]

Nope, that size plus half scope diameter plus half shroud diameter (then check the total). Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@speakthetruth9520]

What’s the price on the 225 thermal please

[@RussDouglas222]

@@speakthetruth9520 Looking at the latest FB posts by Andrew Dickinson (and others) on the new DNT Optics UK group, it may well be retailing for £999. 🤓 facebook.com/share/678K6yccrHnsdAzW/ I kinda expected that after Arken said their MSRP would be £1,200. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@bbeavers99]

Do you know if the gyro data is used in the ballistic calculation to compensate for shooting at extreme vertical angles?

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi there, I haven't been able to confirm this myself yet (I'd need a handy deep/accesible quarry for that), but Bruce was a little skeptical, see here on one of the AGF Arken Zulus threads: airgunforums.co.uk/threads/arken-zulus-user-experiences.71841/page-48#post-1273786 Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ Cheers. Russ

[@bbeavers99]

@@RussDouglas222 Ok great I’ll check it out. Really enjoy watching your videos, thank you.

[@crazycressy7986]

Hi ,you say to half the bore and scope size and then half the distance between them, but surely you half the scope and bore but not the distance between them ? ,sorry just trying to get use to it all before i buy ine lol

[@RussDouglas222]

Halve the objective lens diameter and the barrel shroud dia, then ADD the separation between the two. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@crazycressy7986]

Ive just checked again, i heard it wrong thats why i questioned it ,i have big ears but def 😅 ,thought you said half the distance as well ,my bad​@RussDouglas222

[@RussDouglas222]

@@crazycressy7986 No worries at all, I did wonder if I'd messed-up... but I think I'd have been told straightaway if so. 🤭

[@pvegod1484]

Hi russ. I’ve created a ballistic table and uploaded to the scope successfully. I’ve got the scope on hold over mode and 100% correct data inputted as I’ve checked it a thousand times. Every time I range the scope the hold over mark stays at the centre of the screen no matter how close/far I range. Any help would be appreciated

[@RussDouglas222]

Hmm not sure TBH, I've asked Billy (@GPCBill on the AGF) and he replied... "This is same as two or 3 other people on the AGF, is he on there? Also ask him if it works in live mode." ...and... "Also what version of firmware he is using and if it did work prior to upgrading firmware?" We'll get to the bottom of it. Cheers. Russ

[@pvegod1484]

@@RussDouglas222 hi mate thanks for taking the time to ask, it just randomly worked last night not sure what I did differently but after a few goes it worked. I’m not on the AGF no. Thanks again

[@RussDouglas222]

@@pvegod1484 My pleasure, so it's working ok now? I've had that happen, no holdover for first twenty mins of a ratting session, then it came on and worked perfectly from then onwards. Cheers. Russ

[@pvegod1484]

@@RussDouglas222 yes works fine now. It’s strange, app systems and data syncing are a bit of a pain sometimes 😂

[@pvegod1484]

Hi russ I’m a month in to using the Arken zulus, the picture qual is amazing but I cannot get on with the BC. I’m inputting 100% correct data with chronod ammo, correct BC and scope to bore height etc. the holdover marks are way off I’ve found in 22lr. I’m currently having to use prior knowledge of my rifle and completely ignore the hash marks as it is to get hits out to 100 m. My other ballistic apps give me much more reliable holdovers with the same data which is annoying. I’ve tried tweaking the FPS and BC to make the holdover more accurate, but by tweaking the bc it gives inn accuracy at longer range (120m). To get the correct holdover I’ve add to add well over 75 FPS. I thought it was something to do with the reticle but it can’t be as it’s ffp in effect. Thanks

[@speakthetruth9520]

Many thanks for that is it for sale yet

[@RussDouglas222]

@@speakthetruth9520 Sorry replied but had to edit when I realised you meant the TNC225R... I believe the TNC will be on sale here Autumn, i.e. late Aug / Sept. Cheers. Russ

[@jonsimpkins5751]

Thanks for all the info:) what does it calculate down to? As 5y sshot are a thing when rating? Thankyou

[@RussDouglas222]

Happy to help John. Ah the App might calculate/list holdovers down to 1m/y, but the LRF only ranges down to 10m, which is a semi-common hardware limitation (e.g. HIKMICRO LRFs have the same near-limit). Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@jonsimpkins5751]

Thank you:) that's a real shame! I was so close to getting one:( the 11y and under for me are the tricky ones. Thanks so much for your reply:)

[@RussDouglas222]

@@jonsimpkins5751 I feel it's the best day and night scope currently available, but if you need the LRF/BCL to work below 10m, the PARD DS35-50RF does range down to 2m. Cheers. Russ

[@Nick-Antoniou]

Hi Russ, is it worth switching from a Pard008slrf ?

[@RussDouglas222]

Many folk would including me (although I'm keeping my gen.2 Pard DS35-70RF & gen.1 DS35-50RF), but try to have a look through one for comparison to see for yourself. 🤓 The Zulus ZHD520R and ZHD312R (demo model) will both be on display at the Shooting Show, on the Arken stand (E11). Thanks for watching and please share. 🤝 Cheers. Russ

[@johnsockett7458]

Russ, Please get back to me before I throw this Arken Zulus out of the window. When trying to use lrf all it says is ranging error. No one has a answer for it.

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi John, I've only had that when trying to range within 10m (which it can't do). If there's nothing blocking the LRF's view or obstructing the emitter/receiver windows, then you need to get onto wherever you bought it from, as it sounds defective. Good luck, cheers. Russ

[@johnsockett7458]

Thanks Russ, I have tried again it is still the same. Do you have to create a ballistic table for it work, if this is the case please send me a link to the download needed to do it. I watch your video but is too fast for me. Thanks John.

[@realblakrawb]

Yes! Otherwise what's the point? It needs a reference point or what do you expect you can just point it randomly and expect a hit with no data? ​@@johnsockett7458

[@robjsw1]

Hi bud, i hope you figure it all out. I had also a ranging error and for me the problem was the ballistic table. For example, when you put the ranges on max 100m en send it to the scope i think it won’t regonize anything further then 100m and will give you a ranging error….

[@yamahabigwedgy]

Thanks for a great video, I really want one of these, to me they are the best bang for your buck, would I be able to set up a profile say for my 223 save it, the. Remove the scope pop it onto my fac air and load the profile for that rifle and then shoot? I understand moving the scope could mean a little tweaking of the zero?

[@RussDouglas222]

You should, as I've already dismounted this several times and each time after remounting it the zero's been pretty close afterwards. The new 0MOA and long/short option rails should be available around the end of the year. With the 35MOA supplied rail (on my Krait's 20MOA scope rail) the zeroed reticle's a bit high, so I'm looking forward to trying the '0MOA-Long' rail ASAP. Thanks for watching, please share to help spread the word. Cheers. Russ

[@yamahabigwedgy]

@@RussDouglas222 thanks for the reply great help yes I have 20moa built into the maverick already where as all my powder burners are 0, I will definitely share the video

[@RussDouglas222]

@@yamahabigwedgy Cool... I found my Maverick's rail is a little short/forward, hence the upcoming longer rail should be more suited for that rifle. Cheers. Russ

[@seankinder4370]

Hi russ. What sd card does the scope require? Have you got a link?

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Sean, I use Sandisk 32GB high-speed MicroSD cards, you'll find 'em in my Amazon shop here: amzn.to/4bpqKD4 Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@seankinder4370]

@@RussDouglas222 ok russ. Thanks. I've a zulus coming 2moro so I need a sd card I believe. Do you need to format it in the scope first?

[@RussDouglas222]

@@seankinder4370 Essentially yes, because even if you shoot 24/7 without recording your shooting, you need to have a MicroSD card in the scope before you can update the firmware via the Smartphone App. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Cheers. Russ

[@seankinder4370]

@@RussDouglas222 ok. Do you just insert the sd card, turn the unit on then go I to settings and press format?

[@RussDouglas222]

@@seankinder4370 I didn't format, just inserted the card and it worked straightaway. Cheers. Russ

[@Hutchy46]

Hi Russ, do you need to use the pro mount or the eagle vision mount like on the pards to get the reticle centred after zeroing so everything is in the centre?

[@RussDouglas222]

You 'shouldn't' need to get an EVC 108MOA rail or a ZB Lite (to pre-align the scope prior to zeroing), but this is a digital scope so it will show-up any barrel/action/rail misalignments, that wouldn't be obvious with a glass scope's more forgiving erector tube assembly. Both the ZHD520R & newer ZHD312R feature auto-centering when zoomed above base mag. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@Hutchy46]

@@RussDouglas222 Thanks Russ 👍

[@gap9992]

@@RussDouglas222 Why do people buy a replacement 0MOA mount to centre the reticle? (just seen youtube videos on it) Just to get it centred on base mag?

[@RussDouglas222]

@@gap9992 It's because 20MOA scope declination (forward incline) is perfect for a lot of air rifle scopes, whereas my Krait's Picatinny rail already includes 20MOA. So I swapped the original 35MOA supplied mount for a 0MOA mount, to centre the reticle nicely when zeroed. There's more info in my explanation video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYSWfGuiZbGSfdU Thanks for watching -please share 🙏, cheers. Russ

[@seankinder4370]

What is the idea of the custom ballistic table?

[@RussDouglas222]

Very few Zulus users keep the scope/App connected for live ranging / ballistic calculation (BCL). Most of us use the 'ballistic table call' method, whereby you input your rifle/scope combo info to the smartphone App, to create a ballistic table for that particular setup. You then briefly connect the scope & App, upload the table to the scope and disconnect your phone. That setup's then good until you change pellets or power level. Mine was perfect (spot-on accurate) for weeks & weeks, until I took the scope off for more filming. Full instructions are in Bruce's .PDF, downloadable via the link below the video. 🤓 Cheers. Russ

[@seankinder4370]

@@RussDouglas222 hi russ. The custom ballistic table just says na on all the settings? When I send my table 2 my scope I send it from the normal ballistic table not the custom one. Also from using the scope I've noticed that when I range a target and it gives me the aim point some of these are not correct. The reticle view on my phone is correct for the particular distance but the aim point it's giving me is not always correct at certain distances. Is this a glitch in the firmware? Someone has posted that the same thing is happening to him on the arken uk Facebook group earlier 2day.

[@Deanswinscoe-q2l]

How do you work out the ballistic coefficient?

[@RussDouglas222]

You don't, you get it off either your pellet/slug packaging, or from this AGF thread (or the U.S website I've linked to within it): airgunforums.co.uk/threads/pellet-slug-ballistic-coefficients-a-few-bcs-missing.1102/ All the best, cheers. Russ

[@fatherdaughterandsonfishing]

Do you find this better than the d35 pard thanks

[@RussDouglas222]

Hmmm I do like the DS35s, but I love this scope.

[@jeffreybarton1386]

Hi russ The arken looks very similar to the pard as in the reticle could be off centre of the screen when set up Does the Arken fit on to the eagle vision adjustable mount .?????

[@RussDouglas222]

Hi Jeffrey, ah the Arken is more advanced generally, and the slight misalignment (high zeroed reticle) is due to the Picatinny mount including 35MOA on top of my Krait rifle's rail's inbuilt 20MOA. It should be fine once I swap the Arken mount for a 0MOA version (available soon). But yes - I believe the Zulus ZHD520R does fit the Eaglevision 108MOA Pard008S fully adjustable rail, providing you use shorter screws, as the Arken screws are a little too long. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@jeffreybarton1386]

@@RussDouglas222 just to clarify the original eagle vision mount for the pard would be too narrow to fit the Arken so the updated one is needed

[@RussDouglas222]

@@jeffreybarton1386 I haven't tried the Zulus scopes on the original 008 adjustable mount, but as the 008s' underbody was wider, the mount for the 008 would surely not fit it. Cheers. Russ

[@OriginalMarkyBoy]

Wish I could get mine to connect to WiFi 🤦🏽 I’m not the only one 😞

[@AntonyLD]

Being used to the Pard 008s lrf I am finding setup of this zulus akin to controlling twent 5yr olds at a party after cake and sweeties! Designed by an ultra expert software geek for use by the same not joe public. JESUS CHRIST. I shall persist but am seriously close to throwing it out the window! What is the point of a ballistic table when it is supposed to just move the reticle automatically? Whenever I set the units of measurement then go into another menu, if I come back to my choices of unit, it has defaulted to Imperial making it a waste of time. On the Pard if I change ammo I just click the scope a couple of times. Do I need to open the bloody Zulus app and find a saved ammo and mess about with the over complex screens to change the ammo on the scope? Men in white coats imminent.

[@RussDouglas222]

Hmm have you read Bruce's notes? (the .pdf I link-to in the video description). If in doubt there's several Zulus threads on the AirgunForum's NV section, where fellow shooters like Billy (@GPCBill) can guide you through it: highly recommended. airgunforums.co.uk/forums/anything-optics-scopes-mounts-nv-illumination.9/ Thanks for watching and I hope you suss it out easily. All the best, cheers. Russ

[@MichaelPhilips-z9b]

What is this recoil rated for?

[@RussDouglas222]

I can't see that in the user manual, so have asked the team at Arken Optics this question; I'll get back to you ASAP. Cheers. Russ

[@RussDouglas222]

The team replied "Russ, it is .308" rated, and also tested with 300 win mag which has similar recoil with .50 BMG. According to our factory testing, it was tested to the same standard as Arken daytime rifle scopes. But we didn't yet get an result from mass field testing, he can try it with some big caliber to see if it can handle it (use a flat top battery and make sure the battery cap is tighten enough)." Hope that helps?

[@melvynmacey3127]

We're is braces pdf

[@RussDouglas222]

It's linked in the video description, from my Google Drive. 🤓 Cheers. Russ

[@JPE_DRAEB]

I don't think the Arken includes the ranging!

[@RussDouglas222]

The Arken Optics Zulus ZHD520R has both onboard IR with swappable heads (850nm or 940nm), plus an onboard LRF that works as-is, or in conjunction with a smartphone-loaded App has a ballistic calculator (BCL). The AO Zulus ZHD520 (formerly the Hittac CP258) has a non-detachable IR and no LRF. Cheers. Russ

[@JPE_DRAEB]

@@RussDouglas222 I was referring to the Arken across the pond in the USA. I don't see they have both models.

[@RussDouglas222]

@KevinMcGrath-777 I don't blame you, when these features are so useful! Cheers. Russ

[@nialbarnsley4108]

Hi QUESTION this arken or hikmicro cheetah?

[@RussDouglas222]

Totally different scope from the Cheetah, totally different shape. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@nialbarnsley4108]

​@RussDouglas222 well that was avoiding the question 🤔 obviously sponsored by arken.

[@RussDouglas222]

@@nialbarnsley4108 Oh you mean which would I prefer, I thought you were asking which it was? 🧐 The Cheetah I reviewed was decent, but no BCL (back then), had a non-detachable rubber eyecup and the ZHD520R simply works better for me, especially with the VCSEL IR (the Cheetah's onboard IR is LED). Nope am not sponsored by anyone, all my opinions are 100% honest. This Zulus' not perfect (very small zoom wheel and they need to lower the voltage at which it shows low battery), but close. 🤓👌 Cheers. Russ

[@nialbarnsley4108]

@@RussDouglas222 👍that's better 🥰

[@Auqalungangler]

When are you all going to wake up to the fact this needs an app it can be switched off by people you will never know at any time and you can never make it work again fools

[@RussDouglas222]

The scope firmware is updated via an App, rarely needed. The ballistic calculator is set-up via an App, that uploads the ballistic table to the scope. I did that once and it's worked perfectly ever since; the App is just a tool to set-up the scope for your rifle/scope/ammo combo, but it does not need to be kept connected. You're a fool if you think it does or that this will be the downfall of this scope. 🙄 But thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@trevoror8668]

Wouldn't buy anything that needs an app to make it work that means at any time someone can switch it off and it will never work again. Wake up silly sheep

[@RussDouglas222]

The scope firmware is updated via one App, rarely needed. The ballistic calculator is set-up via an App, that uploads the ballistic table to the scope. I did that once and it's worked perfectly ever since; the App is just a tool to set-up the scope for your rifle/scope/ammo combo, but it does not need to be kept connected. You're deluded if you think it does or that this will be the downfall of this scope, even without using the App at all it's still an excellent scope for day and night use, with an excellent LRF. But thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@dickcarruthers2449]

when the battery is refitted after charging,does the time/date stamp need reset? Is the ir illuminator removable,thanks

[@RussDouglas222]

Hmm I haven't noticed yet TBH, as I just swap batteries in a few seconds and the clock is ok. The IR illuminator is swappable (940nm module will be available soon), but if removed for any length of time you'd have to fit some sort of plug. Thanks for watching, cheers. Russ

[@fabriziomoretti4037]

Ciao Fino a che calibro centerfire viene consigliato? Un 300 winnie?