I receive a number of questions relating to scanners that can be used with the OnTarget programs. For obvious reasons I am unable to test every scanner available on the market. And, while most brands and models of scanners will work properly, there are some that will not interface directly into the OnTarget programs. For this reason I recommend testing your system during the 15 day trial period to make sure everything is working properly. If you have a problem, contact me through the OnTarget website and we can work things out before you buy the program.
Scanner selection is even more critical when using the OnTarget scoring programs. Most competition targets are 11"x17" or larger which requires moving up to a large format scanner. While quality 8.5"x11" scanners can be found for under $200 the price jumps to $1000 and up for the same quality in large format scanners.
My current recommendation for use with the OnTarget Scoring System programs is the Epson GT-20000 large format scanner. This scanner consistently scores targets faster and more accurately than any other we have tested. The GT-20000 can be found new online for about $1000 shipped. Several users have purchased this scanner used for under $700. An eBay search this morning found two for sale in that range.
For more information please visit the Large Format Flatbed Scanner website and read the Epson GT-20000 11x17 Scanner Review
- Jeff
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
OnTarget Development News
TDS (the OnTarget Target Data System) is nearing release. Most of the features have been completed and tested. The largest remaining task to to make the program 100% metric capable. There's still work to be done on the help file and changes on the TDS website and the program will become available for sale. In the mean time contact me if you'd like to take TDS for a test drive.
Plans have started for improvements to the OnTarget scoring systems. Discussions are under way with the ARA for changes in next year's scoring system. In addition I am working with several other organizations to create custom scoring systems for their targets.
The OnTarget Precision Calculator has had several improvements. I will be assembling and releasing a new version in the next couple months. There will be no charge to registered user for this or any future updates to OTPC.
- Jeff
Plans have started for improvements to the OnTarget scoring systems. Discussions are under way with the ARA for changes in next year's scoring system. In addition I am working with several other organizations to create custom scoring systems for their targets.
The OnTarget Precision Calculator has had several improvements. I will be assembling and releasing a new version in the next couple months. There will be no charge to registered user for this or any future updates to OTPC.
- Jeff
Monday, August 1, 2011
Work is continuing on TDS (the OnTarget Target Data System program). I've been concentrating on the Optimal Charge Weight calculations and display. Following are images of a test target along with the OCW test dialog.
The first image is the target with nine three shot groups. The second is the OCW test dialog. The red circles represent the average distance to center (mean radius) of group and are positioned using a common point of aim. The red line helps visualize the order of the groups. The small list box shows the calculated ADC and string length for each group. The string length for each group is the sum of the distances to the previous and following group centers (for the first and last group it's 2 times the single distance). In the list the smallest group size is indicated by the '*' and shortest string by the '#' characters.
When analyzing OCW test results the shooter is looking for adjacent groups that have the smallest group size and the group centers closest together. The loads for those groups will produce the most accurate and consistent groups. By looking at the group display we see that groups 4 and 5 meet these criteria. TDS allows the user to quickly generate and visualize these test results without the need for tedious manual measurements and calculations.
Please visit Dan Newberry's OCW website for the definitive description of Optimal Charge Weight calculations and analysis.
- Jeff
The first image is the target with nine three shot groups. The second is the OCW test dialog. The red circles represent the average distance to center (mean radius) of group and are positioned using a common point of aim. The red line helps visualize the order of the groups. The small list box shows the calculated ADC and string length for each group. The string length for each group is the sum of the distances to the previous and following group centers (for the first and last group it's 2 times the single distance). In the list the smallest group size is indicated by the '*' and shortest string by the '#' characters.
When analyzing OCW test results the shooter is looking for adjacent groups that have the smallest group size and the group centers closest together. The loads for those groups will produce the most accurate and consistent groups. By looking at the group display we see that groups 4 and 5 meet these criteria. TDS allows the user to quickly generate and visualize these test results without the need for tedious manual measurements and calculations.
Please visit Dan Newberry's OCW website for the definitive description of Optimal Charge Weight calculations and analysis.
- Jeff
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
OnTarget Programs Update
Sorry I haven't posted for a while. I've been busy working on the OnTarget TDS (Target Data System) program, supporting the Precision Calculator and ARA Scoring programs, along with working a full time contract position. I'm busy and that's a good thing. Here's an update on the various programs.
The next program coming from OnTarget Software is the Target Data System. With TDS the shooter can easily gather data for multiple shots to create groups that would be impossible to measure and quantify using other measuring techniques. By using custom targets (first image below) and the same technology used in the ARA and PSL scoring programs TDS automatically gathers positional data from each shot and creates high shot count composite groups. Group data is calculated including: group size, group center, average distance to center, group size, and offset from center. The results are shown in the Group Data Dialog (second image shown below) and may also be printed and exported for use in a custom spreadsheet. The same data can be generated for any target by scanning or importing the image and manually defining the groups.
If you are interested in exploring the capabilities of TDS send an email to ontargetsoftware@msn.com and I will provide a link and login credentials to the download website.
The OnTarget Precision Calculator price has been permanently lowered to $11.99 and is performing well. A few minor issues have been found and I will be doing an update in the next couple months. Registered users be able to update their system at no additional charge.
The ARA Scoring System has been released and is currently in use at several clubs. The program has been well received and appears to be quite stable. Contact me if you are interested in looking at the ARA Scoring System for your club.
That's it for now. Enjoy shooting and remember to be safe.
- Jeff
The next program coming from OnTarget Software is the Target Data System. With TDS the shooter can easily gather data for multiple shots to create groups that would be impossible to measure and quantify using other measuring techniques. By using custom targets (first image below) and the same technology used in the ARA and PSL scoring programs TDS automatically gathers positional data from each shot and creates high shot count composite groups. Group data is calculated including: group size, group center, average distance to center, group size, and offset from center. The results are shown in the Group Data Dialog (second image shown below) and may also be printed and exported for use in a custom spreadsheet. The same data can be generated for any target by scanning or importing the image and manually defining the groups.
If you are interested in exploring the capabilities of TDS send an email to ontargetsoftware@msn.com and I will provide a link and login credentials to the download website.
The OnTarget Precision Calculator price has been permanently lowered to $11.99 and is performing well. A few minor issues have been found and I will be doing an update in the next couple months. Registered users be able to update their system at no additional charge.
The ARA Scoring System has been released and is currently in use at several clubs. The program has been well received and appears to be quite stable. Contact me if you are interested in looking at the ARA Scoring System for your club.
That's it for now. Enjoy shooting and remember to be safe.
- Jeff
Friday, April 1, 2011
v2.10 Introductory Price Extended
I've decided to extend the $11.99 introductory price for the OnTarget Precision Calculator until June 30, 2011. The program has been well received with very few reported problems but there are a few changes I would like to make before the price increase to $14.99. I still need to fix a small problem with the fonts when printing the targets along with a couple other minor issues. I will notify all licensed users when the update is available.
On the subject of software updates. Licensed users will be able to download and install updated versions of the Precision Calculator at no additional charge. This includes future versions that have been translated to languages other than English.
The ARA Scoring System is very close to general release. I've already started working with several match directors to get them up and running with the program in preparation for the 2011 shooting season.
The Target Data System (commonly referred to as "TDS") is generating interest with shooters that are serious about ammunition testing. TDS quickly generates data from large strings of shots that can be used for a variety of calculations. TDS provides several native calculations and can export shot data to an Excel compatible data file. I hope to have TDS ready for sale by the end of May 2011.
-Jeff
On the subject of software updates. Licensed users will be able to download and install updated versions of the Precision Calculator at no additional charge. This includes future versions that have been translated to languages other than English.
The ARA Scoring System is very close to general release. I've already started working with several match directors to get them up and running with the program in preparation for the 2011 shooting season.
The Target Data System (commonly referred to as "TDS") is generating interest with shooters that are serious about ammunition testing. TDS quickly generates data from large strings of shots that can be used for a variety of calculations. TDS provides several native calculations and can export shot data to an Excel compatible data file. I hope to have TDS ready for sale by the end of May 2011.
-Jeff
Sunday, March 20, 2011
ARA Scoring Program nearing release
Sorry for the light posting. The day job was taking up most of my extra time.
I have put the finishing touches on what will become the first released version of the ARA Scoring program. There have been several improvements to program usability and the program will now export the scores directly to the Excel spreadsheet used at most matches to calculate results. This weekend I'm contacting several match directors that have shown interest in the program. I'll be working to get them started using the program at their matches. The "official" release announcement should be on the ARA website within a few weeks.
Next I'll be moving on to the TDS (Target Data System) program. There's some cleanup, added features, and a new help file. I will also be adding several targets that will print from within the program and be scanned and analyzed automatically. TDS is running somewhat behind schedule but I hope to have it completed and released some time in May.
Take care and shoot safely!
- Jeff
I have put the finishing touches on what will become the first released version of the ARA Scoring program. There have been several improvements to program usability and the program will now export the scores directly to the Excel spreadsheet used at most matches to calculate results. This weekend I'm contacting several match directors that have shown interest in the program. I'll be working to get them started using the program at their matches. The "official" release announcement should be on the ARA website within a few weeks.
Next I'll be moving on to the TDS (Target Data System) program. There's some cleanup, added features, and a new help file. I will also be adding several targets that will print from within the program and be scanned and analyzed automatically. TDS is running somewhat behind schedule but I hope to have it completed and released some time in May.
Take care and shoot safely!
- Jeff
Monday, February 14, 2011
OTPC v2.10 and ARA Scoring Changes
Spent most of the weekend working on the programs and website. I was never really happy with the flow of the website. A few days ago I received a few suggestions from one of the testers and decided to clean things up a bit. The biggest improvment is that I removed about one-third of the words on the pages. Then I added in some information that was missing. I still need a few new graphics on the Home page and a redo on Quick Start page but overall I think it's looking a lot better.
I've been looking into the text size issues when printing and saving to graphic in the Precision Calculator. The text size and line spacing are not adjusting correctly. After I get everything working I'll be adding more target information to the bottom of the printout. Then it's time for the first update. Should come out as v2.15 some time in March. After that, if everything is stable I'll start the language translations.
The ARA Scoring program is moving along nicely to its release later this month. This weekend I added code that will read and write Excel spreadsheet files. Now I can open the Scoring Program that everyone uses at the matches and export the scores direct into the score sheets. It's the last step in the automation process for scoring targets.
And, an ARA Scoring program report. I had a call last night from one of the guys testing the ARA Scoring program. They had a couple matches on Saturday and Sunday. There were about 240 targets(6000 bulls eyes) scored using the program over the weekend. All the targets were scored using one computer/scanner/printer setup. He told me that the system ran fast and with no problems. Best of all, by the end of the match there had been only three scores challenged and only one that was changed. That's a very successful outing for the program and it's generating a lot of interest from the ARA match directors.
Thanks for visiting and shoot safely.
- Jeff
I've been looking into the text size issues when printing and saving to graphic in the Precision Calculator. The text size and line spacing are not adjusting correctly. After I get everything working I'll be adding more target information to the bottom of the printout. Then it's time for the first update. Should come out as v2.15 some time in March. After that, if everything is stable I'll start the language translations.
The ARA Scoring program is moving along nicely to its release later this month. This weekend I added code that will read and write Excel spreadsheet files. Now I can open the Scoring Program that everyone uses at the matches and export the scores direct into the score sheets. It's the last step in the automation process for scoring targets.
And, an ARA Scoring program report. I had a call last night from one of the guys testing the ARA Scoring program. They had a couple matches on Saturday and Sunday. There were about 240 targets(6000 bulls eyes) scored using the program over the weekend. All the targets were scored using one computer/scanner/printer setup. He told me that the system ran fast and with no problems. Best of all, by the end of the match there had been only three scores challenged and only one that was changed. That's a very successful outing for the program and it's generating a lot of interest from the ARA match directors.
Thanks for visiting and shoot safely.
- Jeff
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Mobile Apps
I've been in contact with the creators of a couple mobile apps that should be of interest to users of the OnTarget programs.
The first has developed two programs for the iPhone. iSnipe is a very comprehensive ballistics calculator that has numerous advanced features built in. The other, ShotPlot, is a shot plotting program used to keep records and provide stastistical analysis of your personal shooting diary. Here are the links:
iSnipe™ - The Original Ballistics Calculator for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. (http://www.isnipe.ca)
ShotPlot™ - The Original Marksmen's Plotter for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. (http://www.shotplot.ca)
The other is: Target Calculator for Android. Target Calculator is the first mobile app for measuring target groups. It uses the camera in your Android phone to take a picture of the target. Then place the circles over the bullet holes to measure the group and generate statistics. Results can be posted to the web directly from your phone.
Check them out and let the creators know you found them here on the OnTarget Shooting blog.
- Jeff
The first has developed two programs for the iPhone. iSnipe is a very comprehensive ballistics calculator that has numerous advanced features built in. The other, ShotPlot, is a shot plotting program used to keep records and provide stastistical analysis of your personal shooting diary. Here are the links:
iSnipe™ - The Original Ballistics Calculator for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. (http://www.isnipe.ca)
ShotPlot™ - The Original Marksmen's Plotter for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. (http://www.shotplot.ca)
The other is: Target Calculator for Android. Target Calculator is the first mobile app for measuring target groups. It uses the camera in your Android phone to take a picture of the target. Then place the circles over the bullet holes to measure the group and generate statistics. Results can be posted to the web directly from your phone.
Check them out and let the creators know you found them here on the OnTarget Shooting blog.
- Jeff
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Article in Shooting Sports USA
The OnTarget Precision Calculator is mentioned in the February issue of Shooting Sports USA. The article is titled Making Sense of MOA. The author does an excellent job of explaining how minute-of-angle (MOA) is calculated, how to measure groups and shot positions, and how it all relates to the sights on your gun. He also explains the math calculations behind sight adjustments and how to use that information at the firing line. Check it out, it's a great look into the science that goes into successful shooting.
- Jeff
- Jeff
Sunday, January 23, 2011
New OnTarget Precision Calculator
The next version of the OnTarget Precision Calculator is nearing release. The new features have been added and the program is in final stages of testing. There are still a few bugs to take care of and the new installer is being fine tuned but then it will become available for download from the OnTarget website.
Some of the highlights of the new OnTarget program are:
Some of the highlights of the new OnTarget program are:
- Target printing is available.
- Bullet holes can be edited directly.
- Data export has been improved.
- Supports both standard and metric measurement units.
- Target image can be rotated in 90 degree increments.
- Easier operation of the ruler and set reference tools.
- More hotkeys for common operations.
The new version of the program will come with a 15 day free trial. The cost for a permanent license will be $15. The existing free version of the program will continue to be available for download on our website.
In addition, work is continuing on our ARA target scoring program and the OnTarget Data System. The ARA scoring program scans an 11"x17" ARA benchrest target, calculates the score, and exports the data to the scoring spreadsheet. The OnTarget Data System is used to gather data during ammunition testing and will also simulate the scoring schemes used by several benchrest organizations.
Check back at the OnTarget website in a few weeks for more information.
- Jeff
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