No one talks about Field Firing Solutions.

[2ndamendfan]

Seems like Field Firing solutiins was the cats meow 3 years or so ago. Doesn't come up much anymore. Also I was checking for updates and noticed their bullet data base hasn't been updated since 2014. So is this going the way of the dodo bird? Looks like AB equipment is taking over.
Time to redo (upgrade) my kit? I dont compete this is a hobby/stress relief for me. I might want to compete one day, but by that time it will probably be time for another upgrade.

 

[6.5 sender]

I personally thinck it is an excellent platform. That said i think some of the reasons you dont see more of it are due to the fact that it requires you to use what I'll call is a dieing platform (windows mobile 6). The hardware required to run is also fairly expensive. Couple this with fact that mobile apps on phones are generally cheaper and you will see that most will go that route. If however you have a highend laser like a vectronics plrf 10 or better with Bluetooth and the compass opinions FFS starts to make a lot of sense as you can laze targets and it will build you a real time dope sheet including wind calls if hooked to a kestrel.

 

[Raptor005]

FFS is awesome, but it's not as convenient. TRASOL (android and iOS app) runs on a cold bore engine and is a great alternative.

 

[Laseredge]

FFS is awesome, but it's not as convenient. TRASOL (android and iOS app) runs on a cold bore engine and is a great alternative.

+1, This. I have both. FFS is a great program, but the program and platform are quite expensive. The learning curve is high too, due to the complexity of the software.

TRASOL does really well for a lot less. I run mine on iPod/iPad.
FFS on a Trimble Nomad is deluxe and bombproof, but it is expensive, and it is a brick.

 

[Raptor005]

+1, This. I have both. FFS is a great program, but the program and platform are quite expensive. The learning curve is high too, due to the complexity of the software.

TRASOL does really well for a lot less. I run mine on iPod/iPad.
FFS on a Trimble Nomad is deluxe and bombproof, but it is expensive, and it is a brick.

Exactly - $1,500 for FFS on a Trimble Nomad is a bit steep for the average Joe (especially compared to a $10 app on your phone).

 

[AIAW]

Seems like Field Firing solutiins was the cats meow 3 years or so ago. Doesn't come up much anymore. Also I was checking for updates and noticed their bullet data base hasn't been updated since 2014. So is this going the way of the dodo bird? Looks like AB equipment is taking over.
Time to redo (upgrade) my kit? I dont compete this is a hobby/stress relief for me. I might want to compete one day, but by that time it will probably be time for another upgrade.

I keep up with it extensively. Moved this following thread over from Scout: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/forum/...-system-review

I thought about also doing ColdBore write-up also, but ehh.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Thanks for that AIAW. I have to agree with with comments here. It would be nice if it was migrated to a more current base software. I do believe it is a great platform even though I have yet to master it (hobby thing, lack of time). It has one hell of a learning curve for sure. I am okay with that I have never been afraid to learn something. The devices that run it are definitely robust. Just with it ran with a more current software, for apps and support.

 

[AIAW]

Thanks for that AIAW. I have to agree with with comments here. It would be nice if it was migrated to a more current base software. I do believe it is a great platform even though I have yet to master it (hobby thing, lack of time). It has one hell of a learning curve for sure. I am okay with that I have never been afraid to learn something. The devices that run it are definitely robust. Just with it ran with a more current software, for apps and support.

Thanks and no problem. I agree that it would be nice to be on a current production OS, but I have a very clear understanding of why not.

I see the threads about Shooter, AB iOS, TRASOL, iSnipe, etc (all iOS or Android-based ballistic solvers) either crashing or having some odd issue. Not particularly the developers fault - both Apple and Google constantly release OS updates that break random functions. So many different phones means a ton of different hardware to try to support simultaneously (Android has a massive hardware spread whereas iOS is very tightly controlled).

Windows CE/Windows Mobile 6.x is indeed truly ancient by todays software standards. Even the top Windows Mobile PDA hardware is technically ancient. There is an upside to this though. A) Obviously no new updates will break anything because there aren't any, and B) The hardware being ancient provides time-tested reliability with defined limits. The same situation applies even for NASA where 15-20 year old CPU's are used for the critical function and flight controller computers onboard.

Patagonia Ballistics (Gustavo Ruiz) does offer ColdBore on Windows Phone as well as their Windows Mobile 6.x version. Lex Talus (Blaine Fields) will not update FFS to run on any other hardware/OS due to the massive re-write that would be involved (not only an OS change, but a CPU architecture change as well).

If anyone purchases a Windows Mobile PDA this day in time it's virtually useless except for GIS/mapping, ColdBore, or Field Firing Solutions - or a simple calculator!

 

[ZiaHunter]

I have both FFS and a 4500AB but I always find myself using FFS when shooting especially ELR. It is complex and there is a learning curve but that is the beauty of it. The OS is dated but the hardware is bombproof and reliable. Not a fan of mobile phone apps for a number of reasons. Have a bunch of them loaded on my iPhone but never use them.

 

[bogeybrown]

I had seriously considered a Trimble with FFS a few years ago. I have a PLRF15C and a couple of Kestrels with ballistic solvers so I was the logical candidate for FFS. BUT, once I looked into the data interface cables, setup, etc. I had to be semi-realistic and realize that I'm not tech-savvy enough to invest in it. The damn PLRF will perform 20 functions that I don't really need and can't remember the "Morse code" for anyway.
In today's world, if I have a solid BC, MV, and reasonable atmospherics, then TRASOL or AB (not to mention JBM) will give me a very solid solution for basically free. I really can't envision a scenario where FFS tethered to all the other hardware would be worth its contribution in relation to its cost and effort to setup and interface.
Im not defending the Panjshir valley against a Russian mechanized brigade, and if I were I'd want to be setting up and taking down the fewest possible appliances to give me a workable firing solution.

Dont get me wrong, FFS was the absolute cat's ass, but I personally couldn't justify its expense and interface today.

 

[Raptor005]

If I could justify it, I would have a Trimble Nomad and FFS.

 

[CoryT]

As a reality check, note that by far the majority of shooters do not NEED ballistic software at all. Many of those who WANT ballistic software will really only use a minimum amount of features, drop and drift, maybe a picture of their reticle with drops marked. Now that everyone carries around a computer just to make phone calls, everyone and their grandmother can and does write 'apps' for the device and gives them away on the AppStore, virtually all of those shooters will only want to buy a $10-50 program. Some will break down and buy the Kestrel AB unit, or just use software delivered in the LRF.

FFS is a professional grade system, feature rich and robust. Is the platform dated, yes. But as stated above that's not actually a bad thing. My system, (Nomad w/Vector IV/21) is drop tested, waterproof, field chargeable and battery replaceable, NVG compatible and will answer pretty much any ballistic question I might ask. For ELR work, there is nothing better. I've got probably $20K invested in the .375CT and .338LM systems, dropping $1500 on the computer that makes them actually WORK seems like nothing at all.

Bottom line, it's the only software system I really recommend for the XLR class here at Gunsite, having watched many people struggle with the iPhone/Kestrel systems.

If you have a few rifles and shoot mostly 1200 yards or less, go to JBM online and make up some DA cards, or if your calibers work out use the FDAC, you are really just as well off as you'd be with any iPhone app. If you are working as a professional, or need to stretch out the range to where a computer is required for first round hits, then FFS is the tool of choice.

 

[bogeybrown]

Excellent points as always Cory. I should have qualified my BS by saying that I'm not gifted with the wide open spaces available out west. I'd imagine that if my "normal" range days allowed me to shoot a 375CT out past 2k on a regular basis, then the investment in FFS would likely be worth it. I'm just such a techno-tard that I could envision throwing a few grand worth of equipment around the range when it told me "no, you can't do that". As it is my gf has to take my pad away when it fails to cooperate and a pad is nearly idiot proof

 

[Emouse]

As a reality check, note that by far the majority of shooters do not NEED ballistic software at all. Many of those who WANT ballistic software will really only use a minimum amount of features, drop and drift, maybe a picture of their reticle with drops marked. Now that everyone carries around a computer just to make phone calls, everyone and their grandmother can and does write 'apps' for the device and gives them away on the AppStore, virtually all of those shooters will only want to buy a $10-50 program. Some will break down and buy the Kestrel AB unit, or just use software delivered in the LRF.

FFS is a professional grade system, feature rich and robust. Is the platform dated, yes. But as stated above that's not actually a bad thing. My system, (Nomad w/Vector IV/21) is drop tested, waterproof, field chargeable and battery replaceable, NVG compatible and will answer pretty much any ballistic question I might ask. For ELR work, there is nothing better. I've got probably $20K invested in the .375CT and .338LM systems, dropping $1500 on the computer that makes them actually WORK seems like nothing at all.

Bottom line, it's the only software system I really recommend for the XLR class here at Gunsite, having watched many people struggle with the iPhone/Kestrel systems.

If you have a few rifles and shoot mostly 1200 yards or less, go to JBM online and make up some DA cards, or if your calibers work out use the FDAC, you are really just as well off as you'd be with any iPhone app. If you are working as a professional, or need to stretch out the range to where a computer is required for first round hits, then FFS is the tool of choice.

Well written Cory,.......FFS doesn't need huge discussion. Those that know and are serious about their kit and end use just get on and use it. The Nomad is real money but FFS will run on lesser platforms too for those that can't or won't dig deep.This forum has a majority that claim they need 3,000 yard LRF's, ballistic apps etc when the reality is they probably rarely stretch their sticks beyond 300yrds. There is a big gap between "want it" and "need it".

 

[CoryT]

Amen brother. My standard response to people who think any piece of kit is 'just too expensive'? There is no such thing as an unfunded requirement.

 

[Petrov]

Because people would much rather spend 400 dollars on Arteryx Multicam Pants than 400 bucks on a software for which they will spend the next several days reading the manual that is quite lengthy.
With that being said I have Nomad with Cold bore that is somewhat similar in complexity.
I still refer to the manual on somewhat regular basis. I am a huge nerd and get a kick out of reading manuals and tweaking stuff.
With that being said I took a bunch of precision rifle courses recorded weather and what I needed to dial pretty religiously. Cold Bore gets me much closer to the real numbers 600 yards and out compared to cheap iphone/droid apps.

 

[Lowlight]

I think what a lot of people over look with FFS is the smaller units (juno) and the Micro SD version of the software.

This will reduce the weight and give you a phone sized dedicated device that is much more rugged for the field.

Also for an extra $150 or so, you can install ColdBore on it too... the ColdBore stuff will connect to the cloud and allow you to work on the desktop, transfer the data to a PDA and vice versa

If you have a "C" Model Vectronix you can also connect via the cable and get some great features, and a Kestrel will bluetooth to the device if you want that feature.

 

[ZiaHunter]

Just recently picked up a Juno and migrated FFS over to it. Sent the SD card from the Nomad to Blaine and he had the micro SD card back to me in a short order. With the Micro SD adapter can run in either the Nomad or Juno. The functionality of FFS in the Juno is the same as with the Nomad but in a smaller package and bigger screen. Was toying with selling the Nomad but will most likely keep it. Have a 25C BT on order and looking forward to integrating the units.