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© 2008, Shane Cossar, New Zealand.
All rights reserved.  
Contact:  shane_cossar@hotmail.com

Gucci Gear Topics:

The TDS Recon 200X Pocket PC using the Horus Vision ATrag-MX ballistic calculator provides a precise aiming solution - in the field, in almost any weather.  The Holux GPS card provides location co-ordinates; the Newcon 2500CI laser range finder provides the target inputs for slope range, angle degrees, target direction and target speed; and the Kestrel 4500NV provides the atmospheric data inputs for wind speed, wind direction, temperature, station / barometric pressure, and altitude.  The Mildot Master is an analogue ballistic calculator, as a backup, in case the PDA battery goes flat!

ELECTRONICS

Table of Electronics

PDA

Weather Station

Laser Range Finder

Hearing Protection

Make

TDS

Kestrel

Newcon

MSA-Sordin

Model

Recon 200X

4500 NV

2500ci

Supreme
Pro-X

AC Power

International adaptor
12 hours for full charge

No

No

No

Battery Power

Optional AA battery pack

9V
Non-magnetic
e.g. Ultralife Lithium Power Cell
or Ni-MH rechargeable

Qty 2, 1.5V LR03 AAA Alkaline
i.e. Duracell Plus

Purchase batteries from Dick Smith Electronics:
http://www.disksmithelectronics.co.nz/

The 9v Ultralife battery is marketed  in Dick Smith Electronics packaging

Battery life

Up to 18 hours after full charge -  much less using the CF card GPS

Hundreds of  actions - dependant on ranging distance

> 600 hours

Interface/s

USB port and cable with ActiveSync to PC
and RS232 port

RS232 and software for PC control

Input 3.5mm mono audio

PDA  
The primary purpose of the PDA is to operate a ballistic calculator in the field.  The Tripod Data Systems TDS Recon 200X is a handheld PDA with 64MB memory and 128MB storage, a Type I and Type II CF card slot, and Pocket PC Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system.  It interfaces with a Microsoft Windows PC via a USB cable.  The major advantages of the TDS Recon are that it is ruggedised, waterproof, and most importantly has a screen that is readable in sunlight. 

For information about the TDS Recon PDA from Tripod Data Systems go to,
http://www.tdsway.com/

Purchase a TDS Recon PDA from:
http://www.sdgsystems.com/

The TDS Recon has a touch screen, and can be operated with a stylus.  It comes with several popup soft keyboards, and the Recon Keyboard numeric keypad has keys large enough to be operated by finger.  So, with a bit of practice, it is possible to operate the ballistic calculators without the stylus.  Some of the higher specified TDS Nomad models are available with a numeric keypad.

The battery takes about 12 hours for a full charge, and has a life of about 15 hour’s continuous operation, although the GPS usage significantly reduces this.  Unlike many other PDAs data is held in non-volatile storage, so even losing power will not result in the loss of saved data.

GPS  
The Holux GR-271 is a GPS on a CF card, which plugs into the TDS Recon, although the Recon Extended CF Cap is also required to accommodate the extra length of the card and GPS receiver.  This comes bundled with GPS Viewer software for PC and Pocket PC.  The GPS Viewer displays position co-ordinates in degrees, minutes and seconds.  However, as other software can interact directly with the GR-271 GPS card the GPS viewer software does not need to be installed.

Purchase a Holux GPS from:
http://www.sdgsystems.com/

Ballistic Calculators  
A good ballistic calculator takes the variables for the rifle, scope, ammunition, atmosphere, ballistics, and target and provides an aiming solution.  Simple in theory, but like most software usability and ‘look and feel’ are important if it is to be used effectively.  Determining accuracy can only be done in the field and even then, the shooter’s habits and ability provide the most inconsistent variables.  The software is a comparatively inexpensive part of the shooting system.  Evaluations were done on three of the best ballistic calculators that will run on the TDA Recon and any corresponding software required on a PC, in order to print ballistic data cards.

The Trag1s5 Aiming Solution software for PC from Horus Vision illustrates one Horus reticle and the aiming hold-off given Gun / Bullet data, Atmosheric Conditions and the Final Firing Position.  In this case, using .338 Lapua Scenar sighted in at 100m for a 1000m target, with a 5km wind from 9 0’clock, aim 9.3 mils down and 0.6 mils to the right.

The Nightforce Ballistic Program, more commonly known as Exbal, is available separately in PC and Pocket PC versions.  The PC version can print ballistic range cards.  More suited to hunting, the Pocket PC Nightforce has variables organised by Bullet Data, Field Conditions, Target Engagement, and Program Options such as Match Sight-In Point and Lookup Factory Load Data.  The Drop Table can display in MOA, Inch Per Hundred Yard (IPHY), Mils, or Centimeter Per Hundred Metres (CPHM).

For information on Exbal visit:
http://www.perry-systems.com/

Purchase Nightforce Exbal from:
http://www.snipertools.com/

Horus Vision has three versions of ATrag – 1X for hunting, 2X for competition, and MX for practical, which is the version with the most features.  ATrag is available for Palm and Pocket PC, and is only provided on SD or CF chips.  Organised by Gun Information, Atmospheric Conditions, Target, and multiple parameter assist screens; the data input screens also have embedded numeric keys, so using soft keyboards isn’t necessary.  ‘Come up’ results can de displayed as Horus, USMS Mils, TMOA, SMOA or clicks.  ATragMX also handles coriolis and spin drift, multiple targets and dual wind speeds.  It is intuitive to use and is just as effective even if you don’t have a Horus scope.  Additionally Horus also has the Atrag1s5 for PC, which is a relatively simple ballistic calculator specifically for Horus Reticles that can print Range Cards. 

Purchase the Horus Vision ATrag ballistic calculator from:
http://www.horusvision.com/

Lex Talus Corporation has a Precision Shooter’s Workbench (PSW) for PC and Field Firing Solutions (FFS) for Pocket PC which is purchased as a single package.  It can also be downloaded as a trial version.  PSW is organised by Atmosphere, Bullet, Scope, and Target with various options for Data Files, Calculate, and Build.  FFS is organised by Wind, Targets, Calculate, Elevation and Windage with options for Presets, Profiles and Ranging.  Results are displayed in MOA and MIL.  PSW and FFS also factor coriolis and spin drift, multiple targets and three wind speeds.  It also has a deceleration constant (DK) which allows the drag curve to be tailored in light of actual field experience.  The Ranging option is particularly useful as it can be done Direct; from GPS co-ordinates, Map co-ordinates, or Reticle.  For example Mils or MOA.  PSW can print Trajectory Tables, Field Cards, and Calibration Charts.

Purchase the Lex Talus PSW and FFS ballistic calculator from:
http://www.precisionworkbench.com/

The FFS GPS Ranging function interfaces directly with the GR-271 GPS allowing the position to be captured as either FFP or target.  When the TDS Recon is held horizontally the various satellites being tracked are displayed on an electronic compass.

PSW and FFS are the most sophisticated and configurable of these ballistic calculators, and require more initial data set-up. 

Map Software  
A topographical map is primarily required to determine a correct altitude for the shooting position, which in turn is used to determine barometric pressure, using a portable weather station.  Another often overlooked use for a map is accurate ranging. 
Memory-Map is mapping software that is installed on a PC and can also be optionally installed as Pocket Navigator on a Pocket PC PDA.  Memory-Map Topo is a series of 1:250,000, and 1:50,000 topographical maps (the common NZ tramping maps), satellite photographs, and street maps. NZ-T9 covers the whole of New Zealand, and other maps are available for North America, Europe and Australasia.  While it should never be used as a replacement for a paper map for navigation, once a map is downloaded to the TDA Recon it is useful for planning routes, determining distances, altitudes, and when used with the GPS can also track locations. 

For information about memory-map visit:
http://www.memory-map.co.nz/

Pocket Navigator can directly interface with the GR-271 GPS for position co-ordinates.  It can also display other map point co-ordinates, elevation and distance from GPS position to a map point.  The co-ordinates and elevation data can then be entered into the FFS Ranging options. 

Bear in mind that the 200X is the lower specification in the range of TDS Recons, and maps require a lot of memory for storage.  So if storage of several large maps is important, consider a model with more memory.

Weather Station  
There are four primary environmental factors that influence long range shooting – wind, altitude / barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity.  Neilsen-Kellerman has a range of portable handheld weather stations and the Kestrel 4500 NV portable weather tracker with backlight provides measurements for; direction, wind speed, cross wind, headwind/tailwind, temperature, wind chill, humidity, heat index, dew point, wet bulb, barometric pressure, attitude, and density altitude.  The NV version provides a red light for Night Vision.  The lower features of the Kestrel 4000 also provide the data necessary for shooting.  Purchase the Kestrel Portable Vane Mount which comes with a vane boom, flight, and vane mount and miniature tripod.  The vane mount has a ¼-20 mount, so it can be used on most tripods.  The Kestrel meters are waterproof and have three user screens that can be customised to each display three measurements – for example barometric pressure, temperature and humidity which corresponds to the data required on FSS Preset Atmosphere input screen.

Read Zak Smith’ article on Wind meters and Environmental Stations for Practical Shooting at,
http://demigodllc.com/articles/
windmeters-for-practical-shooting/

For information about the Nielsen-Kellerman Kestrel 4500 Pocket Weather Tracker visit:
http://www.kestrelweather.com/

Purchase a Kestrel 4500NV weather station from:
http://www.weatherbuffs.com/

The Earths magnetic field varies and compasses are made calibrated to one of six regions.  If the compass is electronic it needs to be calibrated to a more local location.  In this case it is not necessary to have different Kestrel 4500 models for use in different locations.  A Kestrel 4500 purchased from North America will provide correct compass readings when used in New Zealand.  There are two modes in the digital compass – Magnetic North and True North.  To calibrate the compass enter the magnetic declination while the Kestrel 4500 is in True North mode.  The declination for Auckland, New Zealand, is 19 degrees 26 minutes East.

To find the magnetic declination of your location go to,
www.ngdc.noaa.goc/se  g/geomag/jsp/Declination.jsp

Laser Range Finder  
While there has been some degree of convergence between binoculars and LRFs, for the most part LRF optics are inferior to binoculars and should not generally be seen as a substitute.  The LRFs primary purpose is to estimate range, and is not regarded as an observation device.  No shooting tool offers more potential for disappointment than Laser Range Finders (LRF), which are all about smoke and mirrors.  Smoke because performance degrades with haze, rain, and bright sunlight.  Mirrors because the maximum marketed range is based on a highly reflective target, usually a very large mirror.  Even small road works signs provide excellent lazing results at long distances.  However, dark colours, slanted and non-perpendicular targets also reduce the reflection back to the LRF.  Hunting LRFs are typically available with ranges up to about 1500m, although lazing on animal targets is often only achievable out to about 700m.  Military LRFs start at ranges of 1500m and increase to more than 20km.  Using a LRF hand held will usually only obtain readings out to about 1200m, so for long distances a tripod is necessary to eliminate operator shake.  LRF prices increase by magnitude while performance improvements are only incremental. 

The Leica CFR 1200 and Swarovski 8x30 Laser Guide are generally regarded as the best available of the monocular hunting models.  The Leica Geovids are regarded as the best of the hunting binocular LRFs.

Read a review of Bushnell, Leica, Leupold, Nikon, and Swarovski hunting LRFs at
http://www.accurateshooter.com/
(search for ‘Laser Range Finders’ under Articles)

The Vectronix PLRF monoculars and Vector binoculars are regarded as the best of the military models.  However, with prices for base models at NZD$8k and NZD$15k respectively, they are not usually a viable option.

For information about Vectronix PLRF and Vector LRFs visit:
http://www.vectronix.ch/

The Newcon Optik 2500CI represents an eye-safe LRF with a potential range of 2500m and military functions including an electronic compass, inclinometer, and is also capable of taking speed readings.  It can provide range in meters or yards, azimuth in degrees or mils, inclination in degrees, and with either a cross hair or rectangle reticle.  For additional output it also has an RS232 cable interface and software for a Microsoft PC, although for bidirectional control it requires an additional adaptor.  The 2500CI has a LCD display (rather than LED), so use at dusk or night is not practicable.  Out of the box and handheld, repeatable readings are possible on buildings at 1585m, wooden and concrete telephone poles at 1085m and animals at 860m.  The 2500CI has an electronic compass and therefore requires a non-magnetic battery (9v) with a non-magnetic tripod, if longer ranges are to be achieved.  A run-of-the-mill camera tripod and head are not likely to be suitable as while the legs may be aluminum, a steel attachment thread will interfere with the magnetic calibration.  The 2500CI would be improved by a metal rather than plastic housing, improving battery life, and redesigning the battery compartment to eliminate the small screw and make it weatherproof.  Despite those points, the 2500CI out-ranges most of the hunting LRFs at a significantly cheaper option than other military models.

For information about Newcon Optik LRFs visit:
http://www.newcon-optik.com/

Purchase a Newcon 2500CI LRF from:
http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/

Whatever the choice, most shooting competitions do not permit the use of LRFs.  Also, LRFs are an active technology and most are detectable by Night Vision Goggles (NVG) when fired. The Vectronix PLRF15 is an exception and is not currently detectable by generation 3 NVG equipment. 

Mildot Master.  
The Mildot Master provides a manual alternative to the ballistic calculator software.  This is a manual slide rule calculator which calculates range and bullet drop in mils and MOA from the ballistic data in use.  If your kit is all metric, purchase the additional scale with target size in metres and bullet drop in centimetres.  Included as standard are scales for target size in metres with bullet drop in inches, and target size in yards and bullet drop in inches.

The Mildot Master is manufactured and available from:
http://www.mildot.com/

Range Cards. 
To improve shooting and maintain records of rifle use (when due for a new barrel) it is necessary to do some paperwork.  As this shooting is outdoors, choose ‘all weather’ paper.  The Modular Sniper Data Book is a good start, which comes as a binder, complete with a set of various forms.  http://www.uspracticalsupply.com have;
Zero Summary Chart; Alpha Data Sheets; Stationary Target Data; Unknown Distance Range Card; Cold Bore Data and Remarks; USTS Sketch Sheet; and others.
http://www.riteintherain.com have;
Universal Grid, Standard Range Card; many other forms and many other products including waterproof paper, pens and ClickBook for printing multiple forms per A4 sheet.

The Modular Sniper Data Book is available from:
http://www.uspracticalsupply.com/

Other Rite in the Rain products are available from:
http://www.riteintherain.com/

NZ Topographical Maps  
One of the easiest but most often overlooked methods of determining target range is to simply use a map.  Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) produces a number of NZ maps and the 1:50 000 Topographical Map 260 Series is very useful for tramping and outdoor recreation.  The 260 series has the main grid in New Zealand Map Grid (NZMD) with a secondary outer grid reference in latitude and longitude. 

For information about NZ topographical maps from LINZ visit:
www.linz.govt.nz/core/topography/
topographicmaps/index.html

Purchase topographical maps from Clearwater Tarn at:
www.clearwatertarn.co.nz/
New_Zealand_Maps/
NZ_topographical_maps/
NZ_topographical_maps_1.html

Both FFS and Pocket Navigator can display GPS position in various latitude and longitude formats.  FFS can also display GPS position in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and Pocket Navigator can also display the same position using setting UTM WGS84. 

To convert one geodetic reference to another type go to:
www.linz.govt.nz/core/surveysystem/
geodeticinfo/conversions/index.html

However, the UTM co-ordinates cannot be determined on a printed 260 Series map.  The solution is to use UTM only when using the Pocket PC, which is fine for the purposes of determining position and ranging.  Alternatively, maps can be printed from Memory-Map on the PC, overlaid with an UTM grid.  Select the PC positioning method as UTM WGS84 and then in print selections choose Grid Overlay and the sides that reference numbers are to be printed.  Any printing larger than 13” by 19” requires the purchase of a Professional Memory Map licence.  Rite-in-the-Rain has a range of waterproof paper to suit either laser or ink jet printers.

Purchase Rite in the Rain waterproof printer papers from:
www.riteintherain.com/

Disclaimer:  Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix.  You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.