Saturday, April 20, 2013

OTPC Update News

Version 2.10 of the OnTarget Precision calculator was released in February 2011 and has proven to be very stable with few problems. Over the last two years I have made several changes to the program to correct problems with the target printing and data export functionality, along with some general improvements.

Until now I have only passed the new version, OTPC v2.14, along to a select few users that were having specific problems with v2.10, and it has performed as expected. At this time I would like to expand testing of v2.14. If you are a registered user of OTCP v2.10 and would like to test v2.14 please Email Me and I will send the download link. I would like to have about 50 users do the update so I can track the process and correct any issues that crop up.

After successful testing I will be releasing the new software with an updated help system and full list of improvements.

- Jeff

OnTarget TDS v3.78 Released

OnTarget TDS v3.78 has been released. Visit the OnTarget TDS Website to download the installation package. Improvements include, full metric units support, improved project printing, and the addition of several WRABF targets and scoring schemes simulations. Download the new package and let me know what you think of the improvements.

- Jeff

Saturday, February 11, 2012

OnTarget TDS v3.71 Released

OnTarget TDS v3.71 has been released. Visit the OnTarget TDS Website to download the installation package. There are several additions and improvements to the program including: an OCW data printout, new targets, and several usability enhancements.

- Jeff

Sunday, January 8, 2012

OnTarget TDS Introductory Release

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

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Scanner Compatibility

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

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

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