PDA died. Need More Help Please

M

MitchInOR

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 1, 2008
344
1
Oregon, Willamette Valley
#1
I've been running Patagonia Loadbase 3 and been pleased with the program. I especially like how I can sync back and forth between my mobile device and my pc.

Well my Dell Axim X51v bit the dust and Patagonia Ballistics will not let me reinstall on a new pda so it looks like I need to purchase the complete program all over again. I've never bought software that I could not transfer to another computer. I guess this stops pirating their software but it's not good for money spending customers.

OK, I just got a email from Patagonia and was told if I purchase the complete software they will offer a discount but did not specify how much.

First I need to find a used pocket pc pda that is very affordable. The Dell Axim 51v worked ok until I started getting the battery door error warming. It seems it is an issue with these. You can have it shut down and locked but there is an internal switch that thinks the battery door is open so the device starts from a locked state to warn you of the condition. So a week or two later when needed the battery is dead.

Also I don't know if I want to shell out more money to Patagonia. I do like how I can input all the data on my pc and then send it to the pda, then if any changes are needed in the field I can send the changes to my pc when I get home.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
#2
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

When I updated to a new PDA, Patagonia let me transfer. I'm surprised that they are not letting you do that.

I do know that they have changed their program name to "Coldbore". So maybe its something to do with not supporting the older program.

I would try them again and let them know your pda died.
 
#3
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Well, I had the same experience as you. When I contacted them on how to transfer the mobile program their answer was to "refer to the licensing agreement!" Well, dog gone it after reading it a couple times I realized that they allow you to transfer the desktop license but not the mobile. If you want it on another mobile device you have to purchase a seperate license. My fault, I should have paid more attention to the license agreement when I bought the application. I can't argue it's not fair/reasonable as it's in the agreement in plain English and I'm an adult. I decided instead to try FFS and have never looked back. Of course, it's running on a $1500 Nomad rather than a $400 PDA. YMMV
 
#4
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

I am not familiar with the Patagonia app, so take this with a grain of salt.

Are you set on purchasing a new PDA rather than using a smart phone? Do you have an Android based cell phone? Take a look at this SH thread on Litz's AB Mobile app:

AB thread

If you don't want to purchase a cell plan, you can purchase a used Android cell phone without service (craig's list or ebay). You can just use it like a pda and sync it over the wifi at your home.
 
#5
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jimichanga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not familiar with the Patagonia app, so take this with a grain of salt.

Are you set on purchasing a new PDA rather than using a smart phone? Do you have an Android based cell phone? Take a look at this SH thread on Litz's AB Mobile app:

AB thread

If you don't want to purchase a cell plan, you can purchase a used Android cell phone without service (craig's list or ebay). You can just use it like a pda and sync it over the wifi at your home. </div></div>

I agree with this. Almost everyone these days has a smartphone, so why not dual purpose it rather than adding to the gear.
 
#6
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

I use Ballistic on my iPhone. It has more features than I will probably ever use. You can check it out on iTunes to see if it will suit your needs. Huge data base for calibers and factory loads, able to add load data, range data entry, free upgrades and only $20 if you have an iPhone or iPad.
 
#7
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

OK, I read a little about this AB app and will check into it further. Maybe it's time to upgrade the phone.

I do have a question: I'm pretty hard on gear and phones. The guns can take it but I worry about trashing an expensive phone. Are there protective cases that will protect from mud and water?

My provider is Verizon can you suggest a phone that will work well for this?

Thanks,
Mitch
 
#8
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

As far as phones go I would check out Costco. The Galaxy SIII is popular, but it depends how much you want to spend. You can still go the route of buying a used phone cheap and loading the software to see if it suits your needs without a 2 year contract. Check out the Phonescoop website to research new/used phones to see if they fit your needs.

The Otterbox Defender phone case is about as bombproof as it gets, the downside is they are quite large. I have the same problem with breaking things, I have had good luck with the defender.

While the Otterbox is good with impact protection it is not waterproof. To combat the liquid sunshine of the Willamette valley and protect my phone when shooting I bought a shooting mat from Sunnyside Scott on here (who is incidentally a nice guy with a small family business) Sunrise Tactical while on a jaunt to Yakima. It came with a little clear plastic/velcro condom that you put your phone it and it keeps it dry. I don't think he refers to it as a condom though...
 
#9
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

I was going to do that tomorrow. I work at Costco. Also, I guess I don't have to go with Verizon. I just always have as their coverage seems to be good. I have had problems with dishonest business practices with Verizon. Might be time to give them the finger.
 
#10
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

As far as a tough case goes, id look into the griffin survivor. I think theyre way better than the otterbox defender. Better fitting polycarbonate case and thicker silicone.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/survivor

Watch the videos, theyre pretty funny. <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F0XJtbYaEbM&feature=youtube_gdata_player"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F0XJtbYaEbM&feature=youtube_gdata_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
#11
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EXTREMEPREJUDICE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, I had the same experience as you. When I contacted them on how to transfer the mobile program their answer was to "refer to the licensing agreement!" Well, dog gone it after reading it a couple times I realized that they allow you to transfer the desktop license but not the mobile. If you want it on another mobile device you have to purchase a seperate license. </div></div>

Where are you seeing this? I haven't been able to find it at all. On their web site they say this:

"You may physically transfer the program from one device to another, if and only if, the licensed device ceases to operate normally, provided that the program is used only by the licensee who purchase the right, on a single computer at a time. In group projects where multiple persons will use the program, you must purchase an individual license for each member of the group."

I guess I'm asking, because I'm about ready for an upgrade and am thinking about a Windows 8 phone. I really like to know what their stance is on this, otherwise I'll look somewhere else. I guess before I buy Coldbore from them I'll ask.
 
#12
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Here is the first reply I received:

Dear Sir,

LoadBase was superseded by ColdBore 1.0 (Desktop and Mobile)

Since your purchase is dated over 1 year ago, take into account that support is free for the initial 3-month period, after that a new license must be purchased to register the software on a new PC or PDA



http://www.patagoniaballistics.com/ord_lic.html



The software is licensed on a per copy per device basis, thus requiring a license for each device that executes the code. However, a single license can be reassigned from one device to another device provided the reassignment is made either (a) permanently away from the one device or (b) temporarily to accommodate the use of the license by a loaned device, while a permanent device is out of service. This waiver ONLY applies during the free support period. Once the free support period is over no waivers will be granted upon this statement, and a new license purchase will be required for a reinstallation.


Best regards,


PB
 
#13
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Hmm, that's interesting. I didn't even see the "3 month period". I guess I must have broke down in the first 3 months and got lucky then.

This changes things a bit. I may look elsewhere, but it's still a great program.
 
#16
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

OK, four emails from the guy at Patagonia and he is standing firm on his policy. I cannot purchase this application again if it has the possibility of a life of 90 days. Time to move on.

I don't have a smartphone and I'm not sure if I need one. I have been looking on Craigslist and I can get a phone for about the same price as a pda so I think I am going to go with the applied Ballistics app.

Can someone help me out, I have a couple questions? Sorry, this is all new to me.

I see the app requires OS 2.2 or higher and doesn't require internet to run, but will the phone need to be activated to run the software or can I just download the app via wi-fi.

The app is purchased at Google Play and they list all compatible devices but some of the phones I see are not on the list. What makes a phone compatible with Google Play?

If this works well for me I'll eventually want to upgrade. Will I need to re-purchase applications or can they be transferred from one phone to another.

Thanks, Mitch
 
#17
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

I have to say the customer service from Patagonia ain't very..........personable..... I like to feel that if I buy product that the company I buy from makes you feel like your important and that's NOT what I get from Patagonia. I have cold bore and frankly don't use it coz the amount of stuff on there and the feel of the company with the run around you get trying to purchase and install it. I actually refer back to bullet flight on my iPhone as its simple to use and has given me good data so far for all my guns out to 1200m. The Atrag program looks nice and user friendly.
 
#18
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Ok, I am going to try to answer this. Most smart phones either run Android (Google's OS) or iOS (Apple's OS). Google Play is the Android app store and you will need a phone (none Apple) running Android operating system to get on Google Play. I am not sure if an Android phone can access Google Play without being activated. That being said, have you looked at Ballistic: Advanced Edition? It is only for iOS and I know you can run it on iPod Touches (the last 2 gens), iPhones (without activation) and iPads. It's $20 and you can put it on as many iOS devices as you want. You can get iPod Touches pretty cheap on craigslist or a refurb straight from Apple for $130. And if you go with an iPhone check out the Lifeproof cases. Waterproof to 6', shock proof, dust proof. I have had one on my phone for over a year and I duck hunt, fish and have dropped it in over 10' of water without worry.
 
#19
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

I will second the life proof case for the iPhone. I have had mine for just over a year now. Their customer service is great and the warranty is great as well. Mine has been in saltwater, swimming pools and a couple of lakes. It goes with me everywhere now, including on my seadoo. I usually just leave it in the pocket of my board shorts now.

I just downloaded the ballistic app, but haven't used it yet. My shooting buddy has been using it for a couple of years now on his iPod touch with great results..

Paul
 
#20
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

And for ballistic apps - on iPhone I use and enjoy Bullet Flight (the easiest and the quickest to use), Ballistic AE (greatly enhanced and updated), and Shooter. On Android I use Shooter with Kestrel plugin. Strelok on Android (iStrelok on iPhone) is nice, but not as tunable as I'd like, and it does not support either stepped BC, or G7 BC.

All of the above programs can print nice range cards that one can laminate. Cards can also be printed by JBM online program...

I can add that while I don't own any product from Patagonia, my personal experience with the company was rather negative. Their ballistic engine may be more precise (I will keep that in mind next time I need to shoot at 4K meters), in the meanwhile my needs are served well enough by the applications listed above. If/when I outgrow them (which doesn't sound extremely likely right now), there is FFS to look at.
 
#21
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchinOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is the first reply I received:

Dear Sir,

LoadBase was superseded by ColdBore 1.0 (Desktop and Mobile)

Since your purchase is dated over 1 year ago, take into account that support is free for the initial 3-month period, after that a new license must be purchased to register the software on a new PC or PDA



http://www.patagoniaballistics.com/ord_lic.html



The software is licensed on a per copy per device basis, thus requiring a license for each device that executes the code. However, a single license can be reassigned from one device to another device provided the reassignment is made either (a) permanently away from the one device or (b) temporarily to accommodate the use of the license by a loaned device, while a permanent device is out of service. This waiver ONLY applies during the free support period. Once the free support period is over no waivers will be granted upon this statement, and a new license purchase will be required for a reinstallation.


Best regards,


PB



</div></div>

Thanks for posting this Mitch. A friend of mine was going to buy Coldbore. He was going to buy 2 PDAs (one as a backup). With this licensing scheme, having a backup PDA would only help for 3 months. That wont work of course.

I kinda can see limiting the time they support the product as support costs can get crazy, but when you buy a license for 1 device, you should be able to move it to other devices if/when it dies. Hardware does fail.

Not having a way to move a license will be a deal-breaker for many. My friend decided not to buy Coldbore because of this.

It's too bad thier licensing is so rediculous. They seem to have a nice product.

I previously used Shooter on the iPhone and on Andriod. The interface is better on the iPhone, but the Android will allow Bluetooth communicaton with a Kestrel. For 1000 yards or less, Shooter is a very good app.

Now I am using FFS. It runs on a PDA, like Coldbore and uses the same engine as Coldbore. It is pricey, but it works great. The first time I used the app, I hit 3 for 3 at 1108 yards shooting at a place I had never shot before.

Blaine supports the app 100% via email and phone calls. He is great to talk with. The support is fantastic. He answered every question I had patiently, and then some.

We are lucky to have several good choices in Ballistic apps right now.
 
#22
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Data books are simple cheap and they dont break and the batteries never run out.
smile.gif
 
#23
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Patagonia Loadbase is a great product. However, the service and constraints you have to abide by mean that I won't upgrade to Coldbore plus it will no doubt be dropped by him in due course as Loadbase has.

FFS is on my shopping list.
 
#24
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NOMAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Data books are simple cheap and they dont break and the batteries never run out.
smile.gif

</div></div>

Yeah, but databooks aren't very good at giving me dope for distances I have shot at yet, and they dont have cool shiny lights :)

I do use my databook a lot and am glad I have one, but I also use the heck out of FFS. It's like having a screwdriver AND a hammer.
 
#25
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

Sorry, I haven't been following my thread.

I ended up buying an Android phone last week. So far I have installed Strelok as its a free program. I am thinking of purchasing Applied Ballistics but want to use Strelok first and see how it works out. I'm cheap and don't have a Kestral. I get my data from a manual altimeter that I have had for decades and a thermometer. Where I normally shoot I can get phone reception so I am interested how the weather data gps function works.

I still have Loadbase on my pc and am planning on making some da cards and laminating them for my data book. I did this once for 308 and then shot out the barrel before I had a chance to use them. I'm Shooting 260 now and also want to make some up for my 77 smk ar loads. It will be good to have complete data that isn't battery dependent.

It's to bad about Patagonia, it is a good program. I bought it on a group buy here. Maybe they will see threads like this and decide to take better care of there customers.
 
#26
Re: Need Help. PDA died. Need new Ballistic Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchinOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Maybe they will see threads like this and decide to take better care of there customers.
</div></div>

I doubt it. They see us as Licensed Users...not Customers.
 
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