There's another new release of OnTarget TDS, version 3.81, available for download from the TDS Download Page.
The significant change for v3.81 is the addition of the Import Point Data feature. TDS, and other OnTarget programs, are limited to gathering data from a single target image. If a shooter wanted to combine the data from multiple targets they had to export the data from TDS, and run their own calculations in a custom spreadsheet.
The Import Point Data function reads the point data .csv file adds those shots back into the currently selected group. This allows the shooter to create a virtual group using data collected from multiple targets over an extended period of time.
A good example of this is was done by the author of the Art of the Rifle blog. He shot six ten-shot groups spread over the month of January and wanted combined group information for all 60 shots. To gather the data he reopened each target project and exported the point data to a single .csv file. He then imported that .csv back into TDS. The resulting group showed him what he could expect from his rifle if he didn't re-zero each time out.
The Import Point Data function is another tool for gathering and combining meaningful data in the search for better accuracy and precision in our shooting. I've given one example of how it's been used. Let me know how it works for you.
Jeff
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
OnTarget TDS v3.80 Released
This morning I released OnTarget TDS v3.80, available through the TDS Download Page.
There are seven new targets in the 50's range. Each target prints using only black ink and has an outer ring with a single inner dot. Shots must be completely inside the outer ring to be automatically detected.
Detecting bullet holes on a black and white target is a new feature for TDS and is much more difficult than locating holes in the red and blue targets. Give it a test and, good or bad, please let me know how it's working for you. I've done a lot of testing but I could use the feedback from the field.
In addition, I'm continuing work on the electronic target frame (see my previous post for more info and a YouTube link). The latest design has several notable new features. First, I've changed over from wired to wireless communications. The new communications link has a manufacturer stated range of one mile but this may be somewhat overstated. I can't be sure until I do more testing but I'm hoping for a kilometer. Second is an optional configuration using three microphones on one side of the target instead of a microphone on each corner. A three microphone configuration has theoretically limited accuracy at the outer edges of the detection area but it is much easier to set up and works very well inside it's sweet spot. Lastly I've switched over to new microphones that are more suited to the the application. The microphones have adjustable gain and detect the sound of the impact with better reliability.
During my latest basement tests, using an Airsoft pistol and various pump-up pellet rifles, the system is detecting about 95% of the impacts and the calculated position is acceptably accurate. As soon as the weather clears up in Colorado I'm headed to the outdoor range for testing with .22 and center fire rifles. I'll post the results here on the blog.
Safe shooting everyone!
- Jeff
There are seven new targets in the 50's range. Each target prints using only black ink and has an outer ring with a single inner dot. Shots must be completely inside the outer ring to be automatically detected.
Detecting bullet holes on a black and white target is a new feature for TDS and is much more difficult than locating holes in the red and blue targets. Give it a test and, good or bad, please let me know how it's working for you. I've done a lot of testing but I could use the feedback from the field.
In addition, I'm continuing work on the electronic target frame (see my previous post for more info and a YouTube link). The latest design has several notable new features. First, I've changed over from wired to wireless communications. The new communications link has a manufacturer stated range of one mile but this may be somewhat overstated. I can't be sure until I do more testing but I'm hoping for a kilometer. Second is an optional configuration using three microphones on one side of the target instead of a microphone on each corner. A three microphone configuration has theoretically limited accuracy at the outer edges of the detection area but it is much easier to set up and works very well inside it's sweet spot. Lastly I've switched over to new microphones that are more suited to the the application. The microphones have adjustable gain and detect the sound of the impact with better reliability.
During my latest basement tests, using an Airsoft pistol and various pump-up pellet rifles, the system is detecting about 95% of the impacts and the calculated position is acceptably accurate. As soon as the weather clears up in Colorado I'm headed to the outdoor range for testing with .22 and center fire rifles. I'll post the results here on the blog.
Safe shooting everyone!
- Jeff
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