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DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

KNIGHT11B4

Core Shooting
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 3, 2008
2,278
6
Everywhere
www.coreshooting.com
Precision Tactical Solutions (PTS) is honored to introduce a new technology in the world of precision long range shooting. This review of the product was done by PTS, we would like to thank DRS for the opportunity to test and now field this product. The DRS products will be featured at our upcoming matches and classes.

I will help to answer any questions or you can contact DRS directly.

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<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">DownRange Systems</span></span>


For years there has been a large hole in the data collection process needed for long range marksmanship. With the invention of handheld weather stations we have been able to accurately and quickly gather weather condition information at the shooter’s position. While this was a huge help to the shooter, it still left much room for error. As all informed long range shooters will tell you, conditions at the shooters position can be greatly different than conditions down range. This is especially true when considering wind speed and direction.
Enter DownRange Systems and the Ventus, a company who has developed a solution for this very problem. DownRange Systems (DRS) is a veteran owned and operated company based in Tennessee, and to make it even better, their systems are made in the USA.

<span style="font-weight: bold">The Ventus System-</span>
The Ventus is the solution to the limitations of current handheld weather stations and Bluetooth capabilities. The Ventus allows the user to place a Kestrel down range and monitor its readings from the shooting position. Tests have produced reliable reading up to 1 mile away with LOS (Line of Sight). Terrain and vegetation can interfere with the data transmission and reduce the effective range. I have tested this system in multiple locations and it has performed beyond my expectations.

There are multiple versions of the Ventus system. For the purposes of this review we will be concentrating on the Ventus-RT kit.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Ventus –RT Kit Components:</span>
-Down Range Data Transmitter-1A (DT-1A)
-Down Range Receiver-1A (DR-1A)
-Mini tripod and weather vane
-Charging system
-Carrying case
-Kestrel 4000 or 4500 (User Supplied)
-Tripod for Transmitter (User Supplied)

The Ventus-RT kit can be setup extremely quickly and deployed practically anywhere the user has the ability to go. Further instructions on specific steps for unit setup will be covered later. In a nut shell, the user travels down range and sets up the transmitter then returns back to the shooting location and sets up the receiver. Once both the transmitter and receiver are in place the user can use a Bluetooth device (cell phone, tablet, Nomad) to receive all data from the Kestrel that is down range. Ventus is compatible with almost all major ballistics programs (full list available on website) and will automatically update the firing solution. DRS has gone the extra mile and created their own app, Ventus 1 which is available on the Android app market. The Ventus 1 app is streamlined and acts as a display station for data received from the Kestrel. The system will give the user accurate reading from down range with a refresh rate as fast as 1 second. Most importantly, exact wind speed and direction (must be Kestrel 4500 for direction) is now available to the shooter.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Summary-</span>
DownRange System’s Ventus Kit allows the user to place a Kestrel weather station down range at long distances and receive accurate and fast transmission of data. This kit is a huge leap in the right direction in the world of long distance shooting. This system removes the guess work that for so long has been the norm for wind reading.
Whether you are a company that provides training, a shooter who wants to improve their wind reading ability, or just a shooter who is tired of missing because of the wind… this system is the solution.

http://www.downrangesystems.com/

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Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

A couple of photos from a test session done at Ft. Gordon GA. If you have ever shot there on the MWR range you know how crazy the wind is.

Unit was at about 850 yards and target was at 960. All rounds on target.


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Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

This is a pretty cool setup. Surprised it hasnt already been done by now.
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

While out of my price range, I could see this being an incredibly valuable training tool where people/students could confirm wind reads.
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

Looks like it works! Where those test roounds .308 or 300WM?
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Special Delivery</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like it works! Where those test roounds .308 or 300WM? </div></div>

260 142SMK at a slow 2750ish. It was my practice load.

Wing was double digits all day and switching directions fast.
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Dog Steel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool system and a great review as usual. </div></div>

That target in the pic is pretty sweet too...
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Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Dog Steel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool system and a great review as usual. </div></div>

That target in the pic is pretty sweet too...
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</div></div>

HEHEHE

Neet idea, it would be very handy for better positive feed back to learn from.
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Dog Steel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool system and a great review as usual. </div></div>

That target in the pic is pretty sweet too...
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</div></div>

You bet your sweet @$$ it is.

Can't wait to see the downrange systems at the spring PTS match on May 25th & 26th, in Cookeville, TN.
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

Definitely thought this would have sparked more interest.
 
Re: DownRange Systems, PTS Review and Introduction

Damn. This is very similar to something I was trying to make. Except that it didn't mate to a Kestrel, I was going to DIY together an impeller and transmitter.

Great looking system, wish it was a little more affordable.
 
This is an old review and it seems the biggest issue was the price but if you go to the website the price on the kit has been lowered.