Range Report anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

[Mag 300]

I am looking at getting exbal on a dell handheld just wonder how useful it is???

any comments would be appreciated
Bill

 

[Lindy]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Exbal is an excellent ballistic program.

Dell handhelds are no longer being made, so you might not get much customer support.

I run Exbal, among other programs, on a HP iPAQ 111 Classic. It works great.

 

[GearboxRacquetball]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

What is a good inexpensive PDA that I could pick up for running this type of ballistics program? Are there older units that might work as well for this - if so which ones? I'm not real familiar with these, but am considering one for a basic platform to run the ballistic program mentioned above.

 

[Tburkes]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I run Exbal on a Palm Tungsten E2 and have had great luck with it. You can get the Palms on Ebay all day long cheap.

 

[GearboxRacquetball]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tburkes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run Exbal on a Palm Tungsten E2 and have had great luck with it. You can get the Palms on Ebay all day long cheap. </div></div>

<span style="font-style: italic">A great starting point, thank you.</span>

 

[Strangedays]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tburkes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run Exbal on a Palm Tungsten E2 and have had great luck with it. You can get the Palms on Ebay all day long cheap. </div></div>
Use the same setup got mine on ebay. Love it, easy and fast in the field!

 

[Lindy]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Just make sure you get the version of Exbal for the Palm OS rather than the one for the Pocket P.C.

 

[GearboxRacquetball]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Yes, that is indeed helpful info. Thank you. Has anyone on the Hide done a video review of one of these PDA's with Exbal loaded onto it?

 

[4Rail_Gunner]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I have Exbal on a Palm Pilot Tungsten E2 as well, I like it.

I just got an Iphone a few weeks ago.

Going to try Ballistic FTE I bought for Iphone and see how it does.

I would buy the PC version and the Palm version. ( I Did)

You can build range cards on your PC and print/laminate them ect.
and still have the palm pilot for the precise shooting.

You never forget to charge the battery on a range card too BTW.

 

[Carnivore]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

EXBAL is a damn nice program. It might not be as complete as Feild Firing Solutions, but it is very close. I've used it to 1400 yards and if you have the data right, your very close to the target.

My abilities to shoot are far less accurate than the program. It is very quick to use if you take the time to lean the program.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Any more in fo on Feild firing solutions?
also whats a good pda to get??? for this application seems to be the Tungsten 2

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Here's an alternative.

MOBALL is one of the few mobile programs that can calculate ballistics using the G7 BC.

-Bryan

 

[Lindy]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Looks nice a nice program. However, I suspect not very many are much interested in paying that much for that program even though it includes the device it runs on. I'm not - and I'm currently running FFS, Exbal, and Atrag on handheld devices, and a truckload of other programs on my PC.

Come up with a version which runs on a Pocket PC PDA, and I'll buy it.

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Lindy,

There are currently good programs out there for those who have PDA's, smartphones, and iPhones. One consideration is that it's getting difficult to find PDA's that are not cell phones, so if a guy wants to buy a new palm pilot, he's got to sign up for a wireless plan, or at least pay extra for the device because it was made to be used as a cell phone. Of course there are many used and re-manufactured PDA's out there that you can pick up cheap, but you can't buy a new PDA that's not a cell phone. I designed MOBALL to be a sensible option for those who don't already have a mobile device, and/or don't want their ballistics software to be on their cell. Often times you'll need the program in places that don't have cell reception which can cause the battery to die, and it's not an easily replaceable battery. By contrast, the TI Voyage will run many many hours on normal AAA batteries.

MOBALL was also designed to accept G7 BC's, calculate spin drift, coriolis, and multiple winds, features that most mobile ballistics programs don't have.

I don't disagree with anything you said. If I already had a device that could run Windows Mobile, I would probably purchase LoadBase3, a program that can use G7 BC's. If I had an iPhone, I would get BulletFlight, which can also use G7 BC's. However, if I didn't already have one of the above, and I didn't want to alter my current cell phone/plan, and/or if I wanted something that would stay with my shooting equipment and not be taken everywhere, MOBALL is an option that fills the need.

In short, it's not the only game in town, just a new player.

Take care,
-Bryan

 

[Lindy]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...but you can't buy a new PDA that's not a cell phone.</div></div>

Sure you can - HP's iPAQs, running Windows Mobile.

I don't want my programs running on an active RF emitter, which a cell phone is, either.

The nice thing about Windows Mobile is that if you want a ruggedized milspec platform, there are several available, including the Tripod Data Systems(TDS) Recon.

Good luck with your new product.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Brian have you used this and can you "vouch" for it ??
what does the output look like after the calc?
Bill


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bryan Litz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's an alternative.

MOBALL is one of the few mobile programs that can calculate ballistics using the G7 BC.

-Bryan </div></div>

 

[Mag 300]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Splatrol
let me know how this works yout for you
Bill

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: splatroll</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

<span style="font-weight: bold">$12.00</span>

Palm 125 PDA complete with "as new" included items. I just won this off the bay, and will put Exbal on it soon. Thanks to everyone who pm'd me with advice on selecting an inexpensive, yet capable PDA to run this software. (I had no need to go with a color version PDA for this dedicated "range" tool and for the price, after I get Exbal, I'll still be under $100.00, which in my situation is good.. </div></div>

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...but you can't buy a new PDA that's not a cell phone.</div></div>

Sure you can - HP's iPAQs, running Windows Mobile. </div></div>

OK, I stand corrected.

Give it 6 months.

Early in my efforts I looked at some windows mobile devices. The Dell Axiom (I think) was my original target platform. Based on internet research, it looked like a good testbed for developing a program. So off to Best Buy I went. Greeted by the sales guys, I asked that they show me the Dell Axiom's. They looked at each other, smirking, and said snidely; "do they even make those anymore?". On review of my internet research, all the material was old, really old, like, 2007 (roll-eyes).

Not to be deterred, I went and bought a shiny new smart phone with windows mobile and attempted to write a mobile Java program. Long story short, the jungle of IDE's, compatibility issues, upgrade cycles, etc... I simply wasn't smart enough to make it work. Granted, I'm not a computer scientist, I know it's possible, but I wasn't up for the support challenge of keeping up with version compatibility, product support, etc. Instead, I changed directions to a more stable platform/OS. The TI graphing calculators have been around for decades, very little changes. They make them the same way now as they did then. If you have one and it breaks, you can get another one just like it 5 years later. To me, that stability has appeal, and is why I went with that platform.

Again I'm not saying that the TI is a <span style="font-style: italic">better</span> platform, it's just a different option that may appeal to some more so than the currently available options.

Take care,
-Bryan

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Stoffels</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brian have you used this and can you "vouch" for it ??
what does the output look like after the calc?
Bill


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bryan Litz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's an alternative.

MOBALL is one of the few mobile programs that can calculate ballistics using the G7 BC.

-Bryan </div></div> </div></div>

Bill,
Yes, I can vouch for this. I've written, verified, and tested it myself. You can see the accuracy report here.

There was a long Q/A discussion on this device on LRH where I posted many screenshots. Rather than re-host all those pics here, I'll just give you the link to that discussion:
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/new-mobile-ballistics-calculator-48662/

I'm not sure, but I don't think you have to be a registered member on LRH to view the threads.

 

[BLAWTON]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Does it work with the ti-89 calc?

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does it work with the ti-89 calc?</div></div>

The resolution isn't as sharp, but it does work.

If you already have a TI-89, TI-92, or TI Voyage, I'll install MOBALL for $100 + shipping.

-Bryan

 

[Lindy]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I've run the Javascript application that Bryan includes with his book, and it's excellent. I have no doubt that this new program will be spot-on as well.

 

[GuinnessNM]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Bryan's point mass ballistics program is great, but I haven't figure out how to print out the table of values, and I couldn't get it to run on my Ipaq because Java support for Windows Mobile is poor. So I print out Exbal tables, and take my laptop to the range to compare with PMB when results don't agree.

Where does one purchase LoadBase 3.0?

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

You can get Load Base 3 from:
http://www.patagoniaballistics.com/

Gus is a dedicated software developer and provides terrific customer support for his product. Tell him I sent you.

To print the output from PM Ballistics, you have to select (highlight) the data in the output window with the mouse. Then, copy the data with the keyboard by holding ctrl and hitting c. Then open a word processor document like MS Word or notepad and paste the data in there (ctrl v on the keyboard). Finally, print the word processor document.

I know it's complicated, the next version will improve on the print capability.

Take care,
-Bryan

 

[zenbiker]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Yes and yes. I use mine on my HTC Smartphone in the field. I recommend it in conjunction with a Kestrel wind meter and thermometer. Remember, it works best if you've chronographed your loads first.

 

[GuinnessNM]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Bryan,

What I had tried was to highlight the text, right mouse click, copy and paste. But nothing shows with the right mouse click.

ctrl-c and ctrl-v, pasting into Notepad does work.

Thanks.

 

[Lindy]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

If you are using Microsoft Vista or Windows 7, they have a Snipping Tool for capturing screen shots built into the OS. I tried it on Bryan's Point Mass program, and it works fine.

Here's an output table, which I saved as a .gif file. jpegs are also possible.

Here's the skinny on the Snipping tool:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Use-Snipping-Tool-to-capture-screen-shots

 

[Black Rifle]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I just picked up a used Juniper Systems Archer on ebay. I am going to run the new version of FFS on it. I sent the Archer in to have WM 6.0 installed on it. Before I used the older version of FFS on a IPAQ and had great results. Went to the Archer because it is water and dust proof.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??


One hell of a nice PDA for approx $1500.00


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Black Rifle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked up a used Juniper Systems Archer on ebay. I am going to run the new version of FFS on it. I sent the Archer in to have WM 6.0 installed on it. Before I used the older version of FFS on a IPAQ and had great results. Went to the Archer because it is water and dust proof. </div></div>

 

[GuinnessNM]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are using Microsoft Vista or Windows 7, they have a Snipping Tool for capturing screen shots built into the OS. </div></div>

Just tried it. Handy since it allows to capture the header info with bullet mass, b.c., etc., along with the output.

 

[Ishallbie O'Cullkillin]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I bought an HP iPAQ 111 with Windows Mobile 6, and installed NF Exbal. I dont have anything to compare it with, but it allows me to hit clays at 500yds. Does it get better?

 

[Jasmck]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I just ordered MOBALL. (Based mosltly on how much I liked his book) It seems like a much more affordable Ballistic Calculator, compared to what is offred by Nightforce and Chey-Tac. I will post a review, once I receive it and use it in field conditions.

James

 

[BryanLitz]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

To those who may have been interested, I’ve added the option to use meters/MILS in MOBALL.

http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/index_files/MOBALL.htm

On discussing it with several shooters who requested metric, it turns out that most of them didn’t want complete metric (caliber in mm, bullet weight in grams, temp in Celsius, etc) but only the range and drop in meters and MILS.

MOBALL has been upgraded to accept range in meters (as well as yards) and output drop in cm and MILS (as well as inches and MOA).

Take care,
-Bryan

 

[desertHK]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I have Exbal on my HP ipaq 211. Great problem. Only draw back, max distance for calculation is only 2000 yards. It's a bit short for those running the Cheytac system.

 

[stater61]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

Tag for the info and links.

 

[Armorman]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I'm running the Nightforce version of Exbal on an iPaq 110. There are a few things that I don't like about the mobile Exbal program. Firstly the trajectory validation only works below 1000. Let's face it, 1000 yards for some is too far but for others it's just a starting point. It would be nice to be able to tweak the trajectory after 1000. Secondly, it doesn't have an input for wind in the field conditions tab. The only way to enter your wind is into the target engagement tab. Thirdly....no input for G7 BC data. Lastly....as mentioned already by another member, the calculate tab only allows inputs under 2000. Other than those minor annoyances I find it very useful and has served me well.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I went with Bullet flight and a Itouch from apple , also bought the Brian Litz book applied ballistics.
This is all I need right now

Great program and the apple is amazing

Bill

 

[Suasponte]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it ??

I called and spoke with Gerald Perry regarding and the G7 to Exbal.

He said that he will not be upgrading exbal for it!

Continue calling and bugging him! Maybe he will see the light!

I also emailed and talked to Bryan about this. He stated that Gerald knows and understands the merit of G7 and does not understand why he would not upgrade!

Keep calling him and emailing!

Terry

 

[Lowlight]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it

We sat down face to face with Gerald twice in the last 3 months and here is the short of what he thinks on the subject.

He basically feels both get you to the same place in the end and there isn't reason to support the G7 model as he feels the G1 does the job, and then when you include everything correctly, the difference downrange isn't enough to warrant, at least not in his mind.

He actually spends most of the time correcting small of the other limitations in the programs to where he feels the software is giving a better answer where you don't need to be adjusting things like G7 vs G1. I know with things like his angle fire and some altitude changes he made, he can show were the data improves based on corrected performance, so whether he is right about the G7 I don't know and can't say.

I do know with things like his "shooter's drift" input, that does tailor the actual results from the specific shooter to program, which should make for better data than putting a static number in the equation like most do. For that and other things I have seen Gerald do, I have to give it too him. He works the downrange results into the program more than just inputting someone else's numbers into it.

I had the feeling he wasn't 100% on board with Brian but he never came on and said, however the unsaid sometimes tells you just as much.

 

[THUNDERBOLT68]

Re: anyone using exbal on a handheld? do u like it

^