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General Introduction to the Program - This is the READ ME file that is sent to each purchaser of the software. Delta User Notes. Display Delta program on desktop - Download MyMobiler (Freeware) to your desktop or laptop computer. Connect PDA to computer and install MyMobiler. Open the MyMobiler folder on the desktop and double-click on the MyMobiler icon. The PDA screen appears on the desktop monitor and makes data entry in the Delta program easier since it is being done from a full sized keyboard. Updated Bullet Database - Download then copy to the FFS_Data folder; replace existing file. For use in Delta software version 4.2 and higher only.) World Magnetic Model File - Current data file (WMM.COF) for 2010 - 2015: Download (copy to the FFS_Data folder; used in Delta software only.) Recommended PDAs - We are asked for recommendations for a PDA that will run the software satisfactorily. At the lowest end of the price scale we can recommend the HP iPAQ 111. We have used this particular device daily for testing purposes and it has held up well over the last couple of years of constant use. It is not particularly suitable for the Delta IV or V software since connecting a serial cable from a range finder will be problematical, but for the Delta III software it is entirely adequate. We can no longer affirmatively recommend the Pharos 565E as a relatively low cost (around $500) alternative to the HP unit. While it comes with more memory that the HP, a built-in GPS with a good chip set (we believe it to be the excellent excellent SiRF Star III), Bluetooth and a RS-232 serial connector, some users have reported what appears to be odd device behavior during Delta software operation. We have tried to obtain a test unit from the manufacturer to verify the operation of the Delta software on this unit, but the request was refused on the basis that the manufacturer's policy did not allow it to make test units available. We were therefore unable to determine whether these problems are due to improper program operation, some inherent design deficiency in the device itself, or user error. We can say that the CPU on this unit has a clock speed of 624 MHz which is the same as the HP 111 and is the minimum speed recommended for the Delta IV and V programs. On the high end of the price spectrum is the Trimble Nomad with an internal GPS. We have used the Nomad 800L and 900L extensively (internal GPS, 1 GB of memory) and can say that the many superlative reports we received from FFS users were right. It is an excellent piece of equipment and all of the software's features and tools 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 or PLRF range finder to the integrated DB9 connector immediately produces the correct serial data stream as targets are ranged, one after another. It has a very fast CPU speed (806 MHz) which has no problem in performing even in the most complex areas in the program; the user will not detect any delay during operations except for the loading of bullet database which has nearly 3500 entries. Yes, it is expensive. In our judgment, however, it is worth it - and we are as surprised by our conclusion as anyone. (For set up details, read the Nomad FAQ.) 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 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. In evaluating this unit, keep in mind the difference between "cost"
and "price." While the unit has a substantial price, it's cost of
ownership over the long haul is likely quite low. It is a very
substantial, high quality, rugged unit which will give many, many years of
service. 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. Not inexpensive, but good. You should review this excellent article Chronograph Accuracy written by Glen Roberts, a precision shooting instructor in Australia. (www.precisionshooting.com.au) 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 $6,500 to $8,500 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. Recommended Rifle Scopes - We recommend
the Premier Reticle tactical scopes simply because they are the best
scopes we have used. Here is some interesting educational material
from the Premier Reticle website:
How to Use
the Gen 2 Reticle,
First
and Second Focal Plane Reticles,
Parallax Explained,
Scope
Mounting,
Lens
Cleaning and Maintenance. (Note: The "Scope Mounting" article
recommends the Wheeler Engineering level set. We have not used
this product and cannot comment on its accuracy or usefulness.
Before relying on that device, be sure to review the experience of
others regarding this product.) 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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