Stand alone ballistic computer

[nedceifus]

Years ago I bought a HP with ATRAG on it. It's outdated but want a modern version. Wish there was an option to have a small, rugadized, stand alone ballistic computer with the capability to download ballistic apps. Bluetooth capable, updateable. Is there such a thing?

 

[Fursniper]

The Trimble Nomad fits your requirements. Very rugged & very expensive too but you didn't mention a price ceiling. There are several models available.

 

[Lowlight]

ColdBore or FFS on a Trimble Juno

http://www.trimble.com/mappingGIS/juno5.aspx

ColdBore has all those features, will back up to an MS OneDrive account and has a desktop companion you can link to.

 

[...]

im running a surplus Armor X7 unit running Ballistic XLR......not as compact or capable as a Trimble.......but its significantly cheaper if youre on a budget.

 

[ZiaHunter]

Run FFS on both a Juno and Nomad. Both have there advantages/disadvantages relevant to each other. They are very rugged and although the operating system is dated it is very stable. I like the screen on the Nomad better but the touch screen can be a little touchy at times. Also have had issues with the serial connection when connecting to a LRF while not experiencing any with the Nomad. The Juno is more compact and easily fits into my data book along with a Kestrel 4500NV.

 

[nedceifus]

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[nedceifus]

Doing some reading on nerd forums,,, From what I can tell, if I have an app loaded on my phone prior to deactivating it, the app will still work once the phone is deactivated. So I should be able to load up TRASOL (already have it) & then when I upgrade phones use my old one as a ballistic tool exclusively. I can get an otter box for it so it will stand up to field environments better. Also I imagine once it's deactivated the gps tracking shuts off. I don't nessasary need Google to keep tabs on me. I can leave my phone in the truck & have a distraction free computing device. May be?

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

A cellphone doesn't need service ever to run ballistic apps. You can simply connect via wifi to the app store and download AB. You can also connect to wifi servers if you ever need to run updates.

As far as a rugged compact ballistic computer take a look at the Kestrel Elite and Garmin 701. These are going to far outperform a phone for battery life and durability. Plus they provide you with a lot of ballistic data outside the firing solution. These can also be weapon mounted, if you look at the specs on say the Garmin 701. It is 810 Rated. Which means its rated for shock, explosive shock, ballistic shock etc.

 

[nedceifus]

So riddle me this Applied Ballistics guy... If I take my old phone & use it as a stand alone ballistic computer (I.e. Not active as a phone)
If connected to wifi, can I download Applied Ballistics? Or, do I have to activate the phone, download Applied Ballistics, deactivate it.???

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

So riddle me this Applied Ballistics guy... If I take my old phone & use it as a stand alone ballistic computer (I.e. Not active as a phone)
If connected to wifi, can I download Applied Ballistics? Or, do I have to activate the phone, download Applied Ballistics, deactivate it.???

Using apps, and having cell phone service are two separate things. You do not ever need cell phone service on a mobile device in order to use apps. You simply need to connect to Wi-Fi, and then run the Google Play Store. A user can purchase a used phone, and never activate it, yet run all the apps they wish to.

 

[usmcmad]

You do not have to activate the phone to a cellular network to use it. You can still use wifi and download any app you need. Without cellular service you may lose some functionality of certain apps, unless every range you go to has wifi. Location services is the first that comes to mind. Another option is to get a cellular Ipad/tablet, You can get a cheaper data only plan for one and that would give you coverage for when you are not connected to wifi.

 

[nedceifus]

Awesome! Thanks for the help! This is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Lowlight]

All good advice,

I have a refurbished Windows Phone with no SiM and not active, I connect via Wifi as suggested above to move files and data, but use the Windows Phone strictly for ColdBore.

Windows is dead in a phone but a single ColdBore account will load on a Desktop, PDA (Trimble) and Windows Phone all linked togethter with the MS One Drive.

When I am in a place I can get Wifi I can save data to the OneDrive or move data off, works no problem

I think for a standalone the new Garmin stuff looks very promising as Doc noted,

 

[MysizeisMAGNUM]

I'm a huge fan of Coldbore ballistic calculations, so I understand why you want to go this route. I'm just curious why you don't try a Kestrel?

 

[LastShot300]

I'm not a fan of "dedicated" gadgets such as the Garmin or the Kestrel (with the software) they usually tend to be cumbersome, and give no flexibility functions-wise. Any phone is way better, a true computer, photos, calls, apps, etc and very easy to use. Pair it to a Kestrel or Windoo for wind and meteo data. And if worried about the "ruggedness" there are tons of options around, from a fully fledged MILSPEC phone to cases that can take a bad day. Battery on the field? No problem, just add any of the available solar chagers which are way cheaper than a Garmin or similar toy. Unless you want a very limited usage and pay top dollars. Upgrading software is also a big consideration, you know, there is no such thing as a bug-free software, making firmware growing old fast with dedicated devices, with a phone it's a no hassle situation. In short, I have no use for these devices and will stick with a phone unless someone come up with a real solution for ballistics. I run Coldbore on a phone and sync data to both the cloud and the PC in a pinch. Best solution I've found so far for ballistics software.

 

[nedceifus]

I should have listed a few more requirements in my original post. Cost being #1. Simplicity & familiarity of use. Size & weight. Really I just wanted to run a phone Ballistics app on a small PDA. Similar to the HP I had. For the cost of nothing using an old phone. I can meet all of the above requirements. I won't get a freaking call, text or email in the middle of a calculation. I won't have Google tracking that I'm working up ballistic solutions from specific positions. I can rugadize the "Ballistic computer" phone without having a big stupid case on the phone I use Day to day.

 

[J!m]

Thanks for the heads-up on the Garmin Foretrex 701! That looks like a perfect gadget for the field. [h=1][/h]

 

[Emouse]

I should have listed a few more requirements in my original post. Cost being #1. Simplicity & familiarity of use. Size & weight. Really I just wanted to run a phone Ballistics app on a small PDA. Similar to the HP I had. For the cost of nothing using an old phone. I can meet all of the above requirements. I won't get a freaking call, text or email in the middle of a calculation. I won't have Google tracking that I'm working up ballistic solutions from specific positions. I can rugadize the "Ballistic computer" phone without having a big stupid case on the phone I use Day to day.

Trimble Nomad with FFS,...no SIM needed and will hook up to wifi and bluetooth plus has serial cable port/USB. You can also pull down email via wifi and/or send files.