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World Magnetic Model File - Current data file (WMM.COF) for 2010 - 2015: Download (copy to the FFS_Data folder; used in Delta software only.) TwistCalc software - Compute barrel twist rates and bullet stability factors: TwistCalc download Recommended PDAs - We are asked for recommendations for a PDA that will run the software satisfactorily. At the low end of the price scale we can recommend the HP iPAQ 111. We use this particular device daily for testing purposes and it has held up well over the last couple of years of constant use. (Be aware, however, that we have been unable to connect the device to a desktop computer running Windows 7 and have given up using the device as a test unit as a result. At this point, all development and testing is done using the Trimble Nomad, which is discussed below.) On
the opposite end of the price spectrum is the Trimble Nomad with an
internal GPS. We have acquired a Nomad 800LC (internal GPS and
integral camera) and can say that the many superlative reports we
received from FFS users were right. It is an excellent unit
and all of the software's features work perfectly on this unit.
The GPS uses the excellent SiRF Star III chip set and the software
locks up immediately upon start. Connecting a Vector IV to the
integrated DB9 connector immediately produces the correct serial
data stream as targets are ranged, one after another. Yes, it
is expensive. In our judgment, however, it is worth it - and
we are as surprised by our conclusion as anyone. The reader
may note that the Nomad is carried as a product on this website and
therefore may cynically conclude that this unit is being touted as a
sales strategy. Actually, we began to tout the Nomad based
upon 1) numerous positive user reports and 2) our own testing after
we requested and received a loaner unit from Trimble. We
confirmed that the Nomad not only worked extremely well with the
software from a user point of view, but it was highly compatible and
useful as a device to use in software development. We decided
to apply to Trimble to become a dealer and offer this unit only after we had concluded that the device
really was of high quality and ran the Delta software as well as it
could be run. 1.
While the software will run on WM 5.0, we recommend at least the WM 6.0
operating system.
4. An alternative to the internal or integral GPS is a GPS
unit that connects to the PDA via Bluetooth. There are many
Bluetooth GPS receivers to choose from and most come with either the
SiRF Star III or MTK2 chip sets, either of which will work very well.
Because the Delta series of software needs to know its current location
in order to compute magnetic variation, Coriolis, and Eotvos effects as
well as permitting the user to input compass bearings for target
direction and use compass bearings from other devices such as the
Kestrel weather meters and Vector range finders, it is essential that
the shooting location is current. While it is possible to
accomplish this by inputting current coordinates by hand, using the GPS
automates the process. 6. As the software continues to evolve, additional features are introduced some of which demand substantial computing power. While version 3.3 of the software could run on the most rudimentary PDA, as of version 4.5 that is no longer the case. We recommend a CPU clock speed of at least 624 MHz. That is another reason why we would not recommend the Trimble Recon even if it had an SD card drive. Its CPU clock speed is only 400 MHz and not considered adequate. The Nomad, on the other hand, has a clock speed of 804 MHz and there is virtually no hesitation at any point in the program, even those areas which place computational demands on CPU. 7. An issue related to CPU clock speed is available memory. The iPAQ 111 has 64 MB of RAM with about 31 MB available to run the program with no other programs running. We consider this a minimum. Even though the software will run on as little as 10 MB, performance begins to suffer. The Nomad with the internal GPS comes with 1GB of flash memory which obviously more than enough. And, in this regard, do not be fooled by companies offering devices with what appears to be an amazing amount of memory; look carefully to determine whether this apparently huge amount of memory is in the form of a fixed, internal SD card. Increasing available memory by adding a permanent SD card is, in our opinion, an inferior solution. Recommended Chronographs - We recommend and use only one: the PVM-21 (now called the PVM-08) chronograph designed by Werner Mehl (www.kurzzeit.com). The unit uses infrared light emitters and produces highly accurate data. As with any chronograph, checking the data by the POI method is still advisable, but the user will undoubtedly find that these units are not only accurate but not affected by lighting conditions: direct sunlight, shadows, bullet glint have no effect. This is a good, reliable and usable tool. Recommended Range Finders - There are a number of
range finders that we recommend but they are all manufactured by the
same company: Vectronix. The PLRF 10-C, PLRF 15-C, and Vector IV
are truly awe inspiring devices and we recommend them without
hesitation. Be warned, however, that there is a cost issue: for the least expensive in
the list expect to spend $8,000 to $9,000 and $13,500 for the Vector
IV. Pricey? Yes. Unbelievably good equipment?
Yes. If interested in pursuing a purchase of this equipment, you
can contact Jackie von Wodtke at Potomac River
Group. Necessary Support Software If you are using WM 5.0, you may need to install .NET Compact Framework 2.0 on your PDA. Download and then install: |
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