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PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

adkmtnman

adkmtnman

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 14, 2011
328
0
50
Upstate, NY
#1
Hi guys....

So, what are you guys using as far as PDA's and Handheld computers go, as well as software...

I'm thinking of picking up a PDA with the Nightforce Ballistic software...
I'd love to get that Nomad with a Ballistic software, but for that price, I'll pass...

Lets hear your recommendations....
 
#3
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

The Recon or Nomad from Trimble are becoming the most common and good in the field.

Nightforce is a good program especially if you use their scopes. It's ExBal which is from Gerald Perry and one of the first ballistic programs that was available for people at a reasonable price. I have found it to be accurate, though some would say it lacks some of the features of the newer programs, it is still very good.

I have NF Exbal installed, Loadbase 3 from Patagonia and Field Firing Solutions from Lex Talus. Both FFS and LB3 are the most feature rich, although to use FFS you want the chip so you need the Nomad or a PDA that will accept an SD Chip.
 
#4
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

Thx Lowlight...

are you running a Nomad or Recon? I think the Nomad is my kind of size friendly... I cant see plugging data into a PDA or Iphone with my sausage fingers...
Doesn't NF have a combo pack for PDA and PC? I may just end up with a Dell Axim PDA and put NF on it, for as much as I'm looking to use it, that should be more than enough. I can see if I shot competitively, or was in the "business" then I'd go with a better unit... The cost of that Nomad is half the cost of the 408 Chey Tac I want... muahahaha
 
#6
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

If you go they NF route, and it is a good route, with both a Desktop and PDA version, get the Recon. If you go another route, the NOMAD for the card slot.

I think both the Recon and Nomad are pretty similar screen size, plus you use a stylus.

Pretty sure NF has a combo kit featuring the Recon, I would get that.
 
#7
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

I looked up one of those Recons.... yeah, about that.... almost 1800.00!
I think I may go on a diet, and get a Dell Axim PDA....

I would LOVE, LOVE that RECON... just not in my budget.... this year... heheheh
 
#9
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elkhuntinguide</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can pick one up on E-Ghey for about $400... Just sayin... </div></div>


ahhhhhh haaaa!!!

on mah way
 
#13
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elkhuntinguide</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You're welcome...

If you look around some will already have Exbal loaded up for ya... </div></div>

The one I found, has exbal :)

I just emailed the seller... :)
 
#15
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

Slow down there Turbo. Some of these will require mobile 2003 or better. Make sure you are not bidding on one that can not be upgraded to a current software version for the software you need. Do your homework.
smile.gif
 
#16
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Slow down there Turbo. Some of these will require mobile 2003 or better. Make sure you are not bidding on one that can not be upgraded to a current software version for the software you need. Do your homework.
smile.gif
</div></div>
Thanks for the tip... I did that that into consideration.
 
#17
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

I found the accuracy, richness of features and the ability to run on iPod Touch and/or iPhone to be very strong reasons for buying KAC Bullet Flight and Ballistic FTE.

I'm extremely happy with both.
 
#18
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found the accuracy, richness of features and the ability to run on iPod Touch and/or iPhone to be very strong reasons for buying KAC Bullet Flight and Ballistic FTE.

I'm extremely happy with both.
</div></div>
Actually, last night a few of us were sitting around the fire and a friends fiancée has an iphone, I asked to see it and was amazed at how fluid the touch screen was. I went into the apps section and checked out bullet flight and tried to convince her to buy it or let me buy it and she'd have to cough up the phone or go shoot... hehe..
 
#19
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

If you need/want just the ballistic calculator thing - perhaps iTouch would be a more affordable solution as it comes without the iPhone's mandatory monthly subscription fee.

Speaking of iPhone - I found that iPhone 3GS handles Ballistic FTE (and Bullet Flight) perfectly well, so no need to go for iPhone 4 for that. In fact my wife almost convinced herself that 3GS rather than 4 is the way to go.
 
#20
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you need/want just the ballistic calculator thing - perhaps iTouch would be a more affordable solution as it comes without the iPhone's mandatory monthly subscription fee.

Speaking of iPhone - I found that iPhone 3GS handles Ballistic FTE (and Bullet Flight) perfectly well, so no need to go for iPhone 4 for that. In fact my wife almost convinced herself that 3GS rather than 4 is the way to go.</div></div>

Except when Apple moves to iOS 5 tomorrow the Rumor is, it won't work with a 3Gs iphone... They changed the chipset and the 3GS is underpowered to use Apple's newest Mobile OS.

If you are getting anything new, get the latest, it's changing after Apple's WWDC tomorrow.
 
#21
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

FFS Delta IV on a Nomad for you shoot ELR and can afford it. Otherwise, Exbal on a Palm works just fine for about $140 combined.
 
#22
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FFS Delta IV on a Nomad for you shoot ELR and can afford it.</div></div>
What would the advantages of FFS be compared to iPhone-based programs? Why would I want a dedicated calculator?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Except when Apple moves to iOS 5 tomorrow the Rumor is, it won't work with a 3Gs iphone... They changed the chipset and the 3GS is underpowered to use Apple's newest Mobile OS.</div></div>
iOS 4.3.3 runs on 3GS just fine, with all the relevant apps. <span style="text-decoration: line-through">You're right - one of the next OS releases won't work on 3GS (e.g. iOS 5).</span> But when you decide you must upgrade - there's a decent chance to get enough usage from e.g. 3GS to justify the initial purchase...

<span style="font-style: italic">Update. According to the announcement:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Forstall/Apple</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forstall said that iOS 5 will ship to customers this fall, and it will support all iPads, the iPhone 3GS and 4, and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch.</div></div></span>
 
#23
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & software oh my....

I guess that depends on what you want your program to do. If all you want is an elevation and wind solution for a known distance problem, then iPhone apps serve you just fine.

If you want a system that can solve PBR, danger space, loopholes, vertical hold from current target, connect to a LRF and GPS, give GPS position of a lased target, maintain a target and FFP list with groupings along with the current solution and vertical hold to all other targets in the group, automatically apply offests for suppressor on/off or varying ammo type, create simple backup data tables based on DA, etc... Well, the iPhone apps are a non starter.
 
#25
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah, Cory, that, and my Nomad doesn't ring unexpectedly when I am at a concert.
laugh.gif
</div></div>


HAHAHAHHA

or text you....... Are you on your way... YOUR son is driving us nuts!!!
 
#26
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoryT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want a system that can solve PBR, danger space, loopholes, vertical hold from current target, connect to a LRF and GPS, give GPS position of a lased target, maintain a target and FFP list with groupings along with the current solution and vertical hold to all other targets in the group, automatically apply offests for suppressor on/off or varying ammo type, create simple backup data tables based on DA, etc... Well, the iPhone apps are a non starter.</div></div>
Cory, first - thanks for providing this information.

The first two items (PBR and danger space) I think are adequately addressed by Ballistic FTE (and JBM), so no need to ditch iPhone to get those.
wink.gif


"Known distance": what does it matter whether the program gets the target range data from the keyboard (I took it from LRF and typed in) or over the wire (directly from LRF)? Yeah it's nice when "it" can get weather data directly from Kestrel, position data including altitude directly from GPS, target range/azimuth data directly from LRF etc. - but how much does all this interconnected dream cost (as it's pointless to e.g. pay extra for a calculator that can get the data directly from LRF unless you also pay for an LRF that can connect to it)? Out of curiosity - what LRF can connect to FFS? And what GPS? <span style="font-style: italic">I imagine that one could use the cheapest GPS for $50, but "connectable" LRF would likely be $10K+?</span>

The rest - yes those would be pretty good reasons for going with a solution like FFS.

<span style="font-style: italic">Now at the time I can afford an LRF that can connect to FFS and feed it the distances, most likely I'll buy FFS too.
grin.gif
</span>
 
#28
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Out of curiosity - what LRF can connect to FFS ? And what GPS ? </div></div>

Answer to your first question , Vectronix PLRF10C , about USD 7.500,00

Answer to your second question , Kenaz N100 , about USD 1.000,00

PP out
 
#29
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

Loadbase 3 from Patagonia group buy ongoing at the moment. Looks a terrific product with regular free upgrades.
 
#30
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

The Newcon units also connect for a fair bit less. Most GPS units that will connect to the PDA will work, BT units for example.

While FTE does do PBR, I don't see danger space anywhere. The iPhone is also not the most rugged and reliable device, even in an Otterbox. It is cheap, and it does the basic functions of elevation and wind just fine, which is all most users seem to want.
 
#31
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoryT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Newcon units also connect for a fair bit less.</div></div>
Yes... Following your suggestion I checked - and Newcon LRF <span style="text-decoration: underline">module</span> costs around $2800 from B&H. But it's just the "electronic guts" - like an internal hard drive or a display card that requires a computer into which it's installed. It would need a protective frame or something and mounting hardware - particularly if deployed in the field. Still, for a unit that provides elevation, azimuth and range for up to 2500 meters (and is useful for optical and thermal) the price is not exorbitant.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Most GPS units that will connect to the PDA will work, BT units for example.</div></div>
Yeah I thought so. The cheapest BT GPS I got some time ago was in the ballpark of $50 and worked fine with my computer.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While FTE does do PBR, I don't see danger space anywhere.</div></div>
Correct. Danger space is in the JBM Online but not in the FTE itself. <span style="font-style: italic">And as distances approach 1000m, danger space seems to shrink to a couple of meters for most rounds - depending on the settings of course.</span>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The iPhone is also not the most rugged and reliable device, even in an Otterbox.</div></div>
Very true. But then how many of us need this thing to be able to survive HALO into the water, 2km swim to shore, and a few nearby explosions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">[iPhone+software] It is cheap, and it does the basic functions of elevation and wind just fine, which is all most users seem to want. </div></div>
grin.gif
Sure. Plus the movers. Plus ballistic comparison of different loads. Plus the ability to dial your friend's phone number at the concern and watch him jump.
grin.gif
 
#37
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

On the Nomad, the WiFi is full featured, Internet Explorer is installed as part of the Mobile OS. The GPS is very good, my fixes are usually within a few yards. The antenna picks up even indoors and it is less than a minute to fire up.
 
#38
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

I've had a Palm Tungsten PDA, iPaq211, and am now running a Nomad. I loaded it with Exbal until I really learned the FFS Delta IV features, and now would'nt run any thing else. It's as simple or as in depth as any program I've seen, depending on how much info you want to input. As Cory has stated the features eliminate having to carry an ext GPS among other things. Also the battery life is great (12-15 hours), and the screen is readable in any condition/light.
 
#41
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

That ipod/phone case is great, suprised they aren't more popular. $500 for that and a middle itouch or $2k + for a nomad lc, need more reviews on the kestrel with atrag I think.
 
#42
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

I have the Nomad and FFS and the program works very well for me. One of the features I just started using is the Kestrel weather information download. I picked up one of the Kestrel 4500 with the blue tooth and when you go into the program you can set it for continuous download and use meter data to compute solutions. It gives continuous download of DA, Barometric Pressure, Temperature, Humidity and Wind. I went to the range the other day, propped my Nomad up with a magazine so I could see it from my left eye and put my Kestrel on a little gorilla tripod and it gave me a continuous wind correction in mils. You can either choose to input LRF data manually or with range finders like the PLRF10C, you can automatically download. With the GPS on it gives a firing solution every time you push the button. You can go into targeting and record multiple solutions, select a different zero and it will provide hold overs and hold unders. If you calibrate your scope and all the info is correct that you entered, the solutions that are provided are extremely accurate. Still learning how to use the system to its fullest capabilities and having fun doing it.

DSCN6526.jpg

 
#45
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bwo6.5</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Nomad and FFS and the program works very well for me. One of the features I just started using is the Kestrel weather information download. I picked up one of the Kestrel 4500 with the blue tooth and when you go into the program you can set it for continuous download and use meter data to compute solutions. It gives continuous download of DA, Barometric Pressure, Temperature, Humidity and Wind. I went to the range the other day, propped my Nomad up with a magazine so I could see it from my left eye and put my Kestrel on a little gorilla tripod and it gave me a continuous wind correction in mils. You can either choose to input LRF data manually or with range finders like the PLRF10C, you can automatically download. With the GPS on it gives a firing solution every time you push the button. You can go into targeting and record multiple solutions, select a different zero and it will provide hold overs and hold unders. If you calibrate your scope and all the info is correct that you entered, the solutions that are provided are extremely accurate. Still learning how to use the system to its fullest capabilities and having fun doing it.

DSCN6526.jpg

</div></div>

I do the same thing....... but I use the kestrel mounted on the extension pole of the ray vin bipod

P6060012.jpg


P6060010.jpg


P6060009-1.jpg


P6060007.jpg


P6060002.jpg
 
#46
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: davide</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bwo6.5</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Nomad and FFS and the program works very well for me. One of the features I just started using is the Kestrel weather information download. I picked up one of the Kestrel 4500 with the blue tooth and when you go into the program you can set it for continuous download and use meter data to compute solutions. It gives continuous download of DA, Barometric Pressure, Temperature, Humidity and Wind. I went to the range the other day, propped my Nomad up with a magazine so I could see it from my left eye and put my Kestrel on a little gorilla tripod and it gave me a continuous wind correction in mils. You can either choose to input LRF data manually or with range finders like the PLRF10C, you can automatically download. With the GPS on it gives a firing solution every time you push the button. You can go into targeting and record multiple solutions, select a different zero and it will provide hold overs and hold unders. If you calibrate your scope and all the info is correct that you entered, the solutions that are provided are extremely accurate. Still learning how to use the system to its fullest capabilities and having fun doing it.

DSCN6526.jpg

</div></div>

I do the same thing....... but I use the kestrel mounted on the extension pole of the ray vin bipod

P6060012.jpg


P6060010.jpg


P6060009-1.jpg


P6060007.jpg


P6060002.jpg
</div></div>
Insanely good kit Davide .Does the Kestral in the stand with the wind vane come as a unit ready to go or have you adapted this for use ?
 
#48
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

i use exbal on my pc and palm tugsten

I use FFS on my windows mobile phone and the older version of the software on my pc as well. I really wish they would continue to have the software releases available on a PC..
 
#49
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: davide</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bwo6.5</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Nomad and FFS and the program works very well for me. One of the features I just started using is the Kestrel weather information download. I picked up one of the Kestrel 4500 with the blue tooth and when you go into the program you can set it for continuous download and use meter data to compute solutions. It gives continuous download of DA, Barometric Pressure, Temperature, Humidity and Wind. I went to the range the other day, propped my Nomad up with a magazine so I could see it from my left eye and put my Kestrel on a little gorilla tripod and it gave me a continuous wind correction in mils. You can either choose to input LRF data manually or with range finders like the PLRF10C, you can automatically download. With the GPS on it gives a firing solution every time you push the button. You can go into targeting and record multiple solutions, select a different zero and it will provide hold overs and hold unders. If you calibrate your scope and all the info is correct that you entered, the solutions that are provided are extremely accurate. Still learning how to use the system to its fullest capabilities and having fun doing it.

DSCN6526.jpg

</div></div>

I do the same thing....... but I use the kestrel mounted on the extension pole of the ray vin bipod

P6060012.jpg


P6060010.jpg


P6060009-1.jpg


P6060007.jpg


P6060002.jpg
</div></div>

Now that is an awesome set-up! I guess that is what pro's use and rookies want! One day, One day I will get there.....
wink.gif
 
#50
Re: PDA's & Handhelds & Ballistic Software oh my....

yeah, you and me both brother.... great setups guys... cant believe that range finder... wow... and I thought I was badass with my Leupold....
 
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