OnTarget Shooting

OnTarget TDS Introductory Release

2012-01-08T11:24:00.004-07:00

Good news. I have just released OnTarget TDS (Target Data System) Version 3.70 on an introductory basis.

TDS has been in the development and testing phases for the last couple years. Unfortunately, during that time it has taken a backseat to several other projects and I was unable to complete development of all the planned features however the program is very usable for ammo testing and benchrest practice, two of its primary uses.

Several of the TDS testers have encouraged me to release the program as is because it has proven value in its current form and I have been working toward that goal for the last several weeks. The program is still a little rough around the edges but has shown to be quite stable and mostly bug free. The help file needs work to fill in some missing sections and there are a few incomplete features including; full metric capabilities, OCW and Ladder displays, and some printouts.

Go here: OnTarget TDS Website to download your free trial get started with TDS.

A couple of more things. Use the 15 day trial period to make sure TDS operates properly on your system. If you have problems contact me and we can work through the issues. I can extend the trial period if necessary to finish any troubleshooting. And, if you purchase the program in its current form there will be no charge for future TDS updates.

As always let me know how the program works for you by contacting me through the website.

- Jeff

Scanner Compatibility

2011-11-30T06:32:00.003-07:00

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

OnTarget Development News

2011-10-14T05:34:00.004-06:00

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

2011-08-01T06:28:00.010-06:00

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

OnTarget Programs Update

2011-07-05T09:06:00.002-06:00

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

v2.10 Introductory Price Extended

2011-04-01T06:17:00.002-06:00

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

ARA Scoring Program nearing release

2011-03-20T06:17:00.003-06:00

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

OTPC v2.10 and ARA Scoring Changes

2011-02-14T05:52:00.001-07:00

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

Mobile Apps

2011-02-05T09:12:00.003-07:00

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

Article in Shooting Sports USA

2011-02-01T21:50:00.002-07:00

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

New OnTarget Precision Calculator

2011-01-23T06:19:00.004-07:00

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:

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

iPhone or Android, new poll

2010-12-02T05:55:00.003-07:00

My last post has generated a bunch of emails suggesting that I create a new OnTarget mobile application for the Android platform instead of the iPhone. When I wrote the post I made the mistake of using the term "iPhone app" as a generic for "mobile app". So, I've added another poll asking the question "Which mobile platform?".

Vote on your preference and let's see which one wins out.

- Jeff

OnTarget iPhone App

2010-11-23T10:44:00.004-07:00

I have received numerous enquiries asking if I plan to create a version of the OnTarget group measuring program for the iPhone or other smart phone. Since I'm not set up to create iPhone apps I have been asking around for another programmer who would be interested in taking on the project. Due to the expense of creating and marketing an app for the iPhone I've created a poll on this blog to gauge interest and perceived value of such an application. Please take the time to click on one of the answers showing your interest, or lack of interest, in an new program for the iPhone. If there's enough interest to make the app profitable it will help me convince someone to take on the project.

And, if you or someone you know would be interested in working with me on this project please contact me at: jeff@ontargetshooting.com.

-Jeff

Testing OnTarget Precision Calculator

2010-10-26T06:16:00.004-06:00

The new version of OnTarget Precision Calculator have been sent out for initial testing. Several testers will be using the program to shake out any bugs that have been missed during development. After several rounds of testing the program will be locked down and released for sale. Following are a few of the new features included in the new program.

- Bullet holes can be easily moved and deleted from the group.
- The user can set the size of the aim point and move its position.
- The maximum zoom level has been increased.
- The program can be set to display metric measurements.
- Printing of the project has been enabled.
- The target graphic can be rotated in 90 degree increments.
- Several hotkeys have been added to speed up use.

There are several other improvements planned for the near future including translation of the program for use in languages other than english.

When released the new program will have a free 15 day trial period. The cost to permanently enable the program will be $14.95. Future upgrades will be available to registered users at no charge. As stated in the original license agreement OnTarget Precision Calculator v1.10 will continue to be available as freeware.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions please send an email to: jeff@ontargetshooting.com.

- Jeff

OnTarget Scoring for ARA

2010-09-16T11:44:00.003-06:00

Over the last 18 months OnTarget has worked with the Professional Shooting League to develop a program that will calculate the scores their competition benchrest targets. The resulting program was used successfully at all five PSL matches during 2010. Competitor acceptance was very good due to the accuracy and consistency of the scoring results. Numerous match directors have asked when the scoring program would become available for other benchrest targets.

I am pleased to announce that for the last few months OnTarget Software has been working with the American Rimfire Association on a new program that will be used to scan and score the targets used in ARA benchrest competitions. The OnTarget ARA Scoring System will be tested at several ARA matches between now and the end of the year and is scheduled for release prior to the 2011 season.

Here's a short overview of the operation of the scoring system:
- Each target has a bar code label attached that contains the competitor and target numbers.
- At the end of each relay the targets are collected and scanned into the scoring program.
- The program reads the bar code, then locates the center of the bulls eye and bullet hole for each of the 25 bulls on the target.
- A score is calculated for each bull. The program will flag any bulls that need to be manually checked.
- The scorer reviews the scores, plugs any holes that are flagged, and finalizes the scores.
- The program then calculates the final score, saves the target file, prints a detailed score sheet, and exports the data for use in the ARA Benchrest Scoring Program spreadsheet.

The scoring software saves time by automating much of the scoring process. The scorer only needs to look closely at the bulls that have been flagged for manual scoring. Potential errors in adding up total scores and typos when entering data into spreadsheets are eliminated.

If you have any questions about this new program please send an email to: jeff@ontargetshooting.com.

- Jeff

Progress: Target Data System

2010-09-16T11:24:00.003-06:00

We are moving forward with testing and further development of the OnTarget target data program. The core functionality which locates the bulleyes and bullet holes is complete and fully functional. Several targets have been added to the program including 25 bull ARA (American Rimfire Association) and PSL (Professional Shooting League) practice targets. We are currently working to improve the data that is calculated from the targets along with the printouts and data exporting. Metric output and simulated PSL and ARA scoring will be implemented in the near future.

Preview: New OnTarget Program

2010-06-25T11:28:00.017-06:00

In several earlier posts I have mentioned a program that would automatically calculate group and target data. The program has been under development for some time and uses technology originally developed to calculate the score of the benchrest targets used by the Professional Shooting League.

Development of the core functionality has been completed including; scanning, bulls eye and hole detection, and basic data output. I am currently working to improve the work flow and usability of the program. Additional calculations, statistics, and data output methods will be added to the program prior to completion. My plans are to start field testing of the program within several weeks. After several rounds of testing the program will officially be released and offered for sale through the OnTarget Shooting website.

The steps for using the target data program are pretty straight forward.
- The program prints out test targets (8.5" x 11.0").
- The user shoots one shot per bull.
- Target is scanned and the format is automatically detected.
- Bulls eyes and bullet holes are automatically detected and positioned.
- The user has the opportunity to manually adjust holes if necessary.
- The data is calculated and displayed in a dialog or printout.

Here are a few graphics showing the target and process within the program. Click on the image to see a larger view, hit to return to this blog.

This is the scanned target prior to automatic bull and hole detection.

Here the target has been processed. You can see that each hole has been located and the distance from the center of the bull calculated.

This is the dialog that shows all of the shots combined into one composite group. Group sizes and offsets have been calculated in both standard and MOA values.

This is the current datasheet print out. It has the same information as the dialog with the addition of breaking each row of bulls into a separate group. Additional information will be added to the printout based on user feedback.

In addition to the features of the original OnTarget Pecision Calculator the target data software has the following improvements:
- Direct edit (i.e. moving) and deletion of bullet holes within a group.
- Aim point can be moved.
- More hotkeys for common operations.
- Standard and metric measurement units.
- Higher zoom levels.
- TWAIN scanner support.
- Target rotation in 90 degree increments.
- Printing of the entire target.
- Zoom-to-group view feature.

If you have any comments or suggestions for other features you would like to have available in the new program either post a comment to this blog or send an email to: jeff@ontargetshooting.com. If you know someone who might be interested in the program pass along a link to the OnTarget website or this blog and ask them to check it out.

- Jeff

Where's OnTarget v2.XX

2010-05-07T12:23:00.007-06:00

In December of 2008 I announced that I had started working on the next version of the OnTarget Precision Calculator and it would be released in a few months. I was adding and testing new features when in February 2009 I was approached with an idea for an entirely new project. After some research, in April 2009 I made the decision to put OnTarget v2.XX on hold and redirect my efforts towards the the new project.

That decision is based on several factors. First, the current program, v1.10, is very stable and requires little effort in the way of support and maintenance. I had expected the popularity of the program to fall off after the first year of release. In reality the visitor and download counts from the website continue to rise over time as the program becomes more accepted and popular within the shooting community. Second, the new release would require at least several hundred hours to complete and release. After that I need a break so the new project would have been delayed at least a year. And third, I believe the new project has more value to the shooting community than a new version of the OnTarget group measuring tool.

There are many planned improvements including: std/metric output, language translations, direct editing of the holes, expanded group information, better scanning... the list goes on. The planned changes are the result of user feedback I've received over the last two years. And, while I have not abandoned v2.XX it will remain on hold for the near future.

Now, about that mystery project that I've been working on.

In February 2009 I was contacted by Dan Killough, owner of Killough Shooting Sports and the Professional Shooting League, about creating a program that would automatically calculate the score of the targets used in rimfire benchrest competitions. After nearly a year of research, development, and extensive testing the OnTarget Scoring System has been successfully used to score the targets in the first two PSL matches of 2010. The program scans the target, locates the bulls and bullet holes, calculates the score, and exports the data for use in a spreadsheet. An operator monitors the process for accuracy and manually checks the score for any bull that is marginal. The program has dramatically reduced the time necessary to complete target scoring during the PSL competitions.

Our next step is to use this process to create a program that will analyze the accuracy and consistency of ammunition and firearms. The shooter will fire one shot at each bull on the target. When the target is scanned the program will combine all of the shots into a composite group and calculate the group statistics. A selection of targets will be available to cover a wide range of firearms, target distances, and ammunition.

I will be posting more information about the new target data software as we get closer to release.

- Jeff

Welcome!

2010-05-07T06:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the OnTarget Shooting blog.

This blog will be the place for me to pass along news and information about the OnTarget programs.

There is currently one program released by OnTarget Software, the OnTarget Precision Calculator. Originally released as freeware in February 2008, the program is used to measure bullet hole groups using your scanner or a digital photo of your target. The goal was to create a program that is easy to use and provides valuable information. That goal has been reached as evidenced by the popularity and acceptance of the program. When first released I was hoping a few hundred shooters would be interested in downloading a copy. To date, the OnTarget website has had over 50,000 visitors and the program has been downloaded over 10,000 times. Shooters world-wide have used the OnTarget program to measure their accuracy.

In future posts I'll be passing along news, presenting new ideas, and asking for feedback. I'll also address some of the most commonly asked questions including, the most frequently asked of all, "When are you going to make a version for the Mac?".

And most importantly, thank you for your support. The OnTarget program has been successful because of its users. The program has spread throught the shooting community because of word-of-mouth recommendations. Satisfied users are the best advertisers and the best measure of success.

- Jeff