Part 1
Why?
Shooting long range target is a lot of fun, but it`s a pain to drive down to the target to see the results.
Unless your shooting at a range where you have target service(Highpower) or using steel, seeing holes trought your optic past 400yds is tricky.
Many solutions are available if you have the funds to persue them, but if your like me(cheap), you want a solution that does not break the bank.
My solution is not exactly cheap, but is versatile enought to justify the money spent.
The problem;
I shoot at a military range where we used to have access to a target monitoring system in which the sonic boom of the bullet passing trought the target would be detected and display on a screen with 1 mm precision.
We got spoiled with this system for a couple of years and budget cuts terminated our access to the system.
I wanted a system that would allow multiple users to monitor they`re targets.
The system had to be affordable, simple, easy to pack/unpack and easy to use.
The articles I read on a couple of forums where interesting, but did not satisfied me since the equipment where limited to that task only.
I was looking for a system that could use equipment that I already have or could use for other things.
The WiFi technology is everywere, I am sure that most of you use it at work and probably at home.
Therefore, you already have and are familliar with the equipment.
Also, since WiFi is mainly design for computers.
The possibilty are endless, hardware,software,etc.
I bought an Ipod Touch for many reasons, but having a ballistic software in a compact package was very interesting.
The Ipod using the WiFi technology was a bonus.
Again, I wanted something that all my buddies could use and many already had laptops or planniing to buy a Palm/Ipod.
PART 2
What you need
Display;
Laptop, IPod, Palm, anything that will receive and display a WiFi image.
Use whatever you have now. (I will be referring to the IPod in the following text, but all info applies to other display except in regards of software,
web browser being the exception)
Camera;
They are called network camera and are distinctive by there Ethernet connector(RJ-45) and WiFi antenna.
I suggest to pick a camera from the list below as they are compatible with Mobiscope software live feed video(IPod).
http://www.mobiscope.com/cameras/
To transmit over long distance, you will need a signal booster and antenna.
Antenna;
I strongly suggest you go with a Yagi or Patch antenna. They are directional antenna that will transmit the signal mostly towards your position(20 degrees).
An Omni antenna will transmit 360 degrees, therefore less range for the same transmission power
Signal booster;
Your camera will transmit the signal up to about 20'.
You need to boost that signal to reach your shooting position and IPod.
I started with a booster that attach itself directly into the antenna output of the camera and up to the Patch antenna. I had no problems and work perfectly at 600 meters.
I changed the booster because I wanted a model that would be able to handle multiple cameras.
More on this later.....
So, you have your IPod,camera, booster and antenna.
Once you switch everything on, you'll need to set your IPod to the WiFi network of the camera in the "Settings" Apps.
Operating with a web browser
Open the Safari web browser and write the IP address of the camera.
A picture from the camera will appear. You will need to refresh the address every-time you want to update the picture.
Bookmarking your camera address makes the process easier.
Operating with Mobiscope
Go to "my camera" press "+" and write the camera IP address and select the model and brand of the camera in the selection"add camera model"
Some camera might have a "user" and "password" protocol to fill up before you can access the feed.
Don't worry about it, this info comes in the camera's manuel and you'll need to enter it only once in the Mobiscope program.
Operating with a laptop
The software provide with the camera will allow you to have a live feed video.
Multiple cameras and displays transmission.
My primary goal was to find a system that would allow multiple users to monitor they're targets with the same base of transmission.
The other design I read about where limited to one or a few users, the WiFi system can handle multiple cameras and displays.
That is where you can save $$$$$.
Our shooting club agreed on paying for the antenna, signal booster, router(2) and switch(16 port), cost was less than 1 000$ ca.
Any member who wants to use the system has to bring his camera, ethernet cable and IPod. 110v outlets are provided.
How it works.
Shooters place they're camera in front of the target, run the ethernet cable from the camera to the switch.
The person in charge of the system plugs in the switch to the router and antenna.
Another router, called a repeater, is on the shooting line.
This router will receive the info from the antenna down range and retransmit to the IPods.
The tricky part is done by our WiFi supplier who configured the routers to communicate together before we deployed them.
This part is beyond my expertise and you will have to get the info from your supplier.
Actually, I would make it a condition for sale, that all components are configured before buying them.
The configuration is done once and can be downloaded to your hard drive in case it needs to be reloaded.
Cost;
1 user = 650$(detail below)
IPod = 250$
Camera = 200$
Signal booster for 1 camera = 100$
Antenna = 100$
Multiple user add 450$(detail below)
Router repeater = 150$
Switch = 100$
Signal booster for multiple cam = 300$
Links;
Booster
1 camera
http://www.cellextreme.com/cart/index.ph...amp;language=en
Multi camera booster
http://www.gblmedia.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=657
power supply
http://www.i4-wifi.com/index.php?p=productsMore&iProduct=151&sName=alfa-apoe02
Antenna
http://www.cellextreme.com/cart/index.ph...amp;language=en
Switch
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=71
Router
Repeater
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/CA/en/products/WRT54GL
Signal from a Yagi
Signal from a Omni
Multiple cam system with Omni antenna
Switch
Patch antenna
PS; A BIG THANKS TO ARROWHEAD FOR ALL THE WORK HE PUT IN TO THIS SYSTEM.
HE MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
Why?
Shooting long range target is a lot of fun, but it`s a pain to drive down to the target to see the results.
Unless your shooting at a range where you have target service(Highpower) or using steel, seeing holes trought your optic past 400yds is tricky.
Many solutions are available if you have the funds to persue them, but if your like me(cheap), you want a solution that does not break the bank.
My solution is not exactly cheap, but is versatile enought to justify the money spent.
The problem;
I shoot at a military range where we used to have access to a target monitoring system in which the sonic boom of the bullet passing trought the target would be detected and display on a screen with 1 mm precision.
We got spoiled with this system for a couple of years and budget cuts terminated our access to the system.
I wanted a system that would allow multiple users to monitor they`re targets.
The system had to be affordable, simple, easy to pack/unpack and easy to use.
The articles I read on a couple of forums where interesting, but did not satisfied me since the equipment where limited to that task only.
I was looking for a system that could use equipment that I already have or could use for other things.
The WiFi technology is everywere, I am sure that most of you use it at work and probably at home.
Therefore, you already have and are familliar with the equipment.
Also, since WiFi is mainly design for computers.
The possibilty are endless, hardware,software,etc.
I bought an Ipod Touch for many reasons, but having a ballistic software in a compact package was very interesting.
The Ipod using the WiFi technology was a bonus.
Again, I wanted something that all my buddies could use and many already had laptops or planniing to buy a Palm/Ipod.
PART 2
What you need
Display;
Laptop, IPod, Palm, anything that will receive and display a WiFi image.
Use whatever you have now. (I will be referring to the IPod in the following text, but all info applies to other display except in regards of software,
web browser being the exception)
Camera;
They are called network camera and are distinctive by there Ethernet connector(RJ-45) and WiFi antenna.
I suggest to pick a camera from the list below as they are compatible with Mobiscope software live feed video(IPod).
http://www.mobiscope.com/cameras/
To transmit over long distance, you will need a signal booster and antenna.
Antenna;
I strongly suggest you go with a Yagi or Patch antenna. They are directional antenna that will transmit the signal mostly towards your position(20 degrees).
An Omni antenna will transmit 360 degrees, therefore less range for the same transmission power
Signal booster;
Your camera will transmit the signal up to about 20'.
You need to boost that signal to reach your shooting position and IPod.
I started with a booster that attach itself directly into the antenna output of the camera and up to the Patch antenna. I had no problems and work perfectly at 600 meters.
I changed the booster because I wanted a model that would be able to handle multiple cameras.
More on this later.....
So, you have your IPod,camera, booster and antenna.
Once you switch everything on, you'll need to set your IPod to the WiFi network of the camera in the "Settings" Apps.
Operating with a web browser
Open the Safari web browser and write the IP address of the camera.
A picture from the camera will appear. You will need to refresh the address every-time you want to update the picture.
Bookmarking your camera address makes the process easier.
Operating with Mobiscope
Go to "my camera" press "+" and write the camera IP address and select the model and brand of the camera in the selection"add camera model"
Some camera might have a "user" and "password" protocol to fill up before you can access the feed.
Don't worry about it, this info comes in the camera's manuel and you'll need to enter it only once in the Mobiscope program.
Operating with a laptop
The software provide with the camera will allow you to have a live feed video.
Multiple cameras and displays transmission.
My primary goal was to find a system that would allow multiple users to monitor they're targets with the same base of transmission.
The other design I read about where limited to one or a few users, the WiFi system can handle multiple cameras and displays.
That is where you can save $$$$$.
Our shooting club agreed on paying for the antenna, signal booster, router(2) and switch(16 port), cost was less than 1 000$ ca.
Any member who wants to use the system has to bring his camera, ethernet cable and IPod. 110v outlets are provided.
How it works.
Shooters place they're camera in front of the target, run the ethernet cable from the camera to the switch.
The person in charge of the system plugs in the switch to the router and antenna.
Another router, called a repeater, is on the shooting line.
This router will receive the info from the antenna down range and retransmit to the IPods.
The tricky part is done by our WiFi supplier who configured the routers to communicate together before we deployed them.
This part is beyond my expertise and you will have to get the info from your supplier.
Actually, I would make it a condition for sale, that all components are configured before buying them.
The configuration is done once and can be downloaded to your hard drive in case it needs to be reloaded.
Cost;
1 user = 650$(detail below)
IPod = 250$
Camera = 200$
Signal booster for 1 camera = 100$
Antenna = 100$
Multiple user add 450$(detail below)
Router repeater = 150$
Switch = 100$
Signal booster for multiple cam = 300$
Links;
Booster
1 camera
http://www.cellextreme.com/cart/index.ph...amp;language=en
Multi camera booster
http://www.gblmedia.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=657
power supply
http://www.i4-wifi.com/index.php?p=productsMore&iProduct=151&sName=alfa-apoe02
Antenna
http://www.cellextreme.com/cart/index.ph...amp;language=en
Switch
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=71
Router
Repeater
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/CA/en/products/WRT54GL
Signal from a Yagi
Signal from a Omni
Multiple cam system with Omni antenna
Switch
Patch antenna
PS; A BIG THANKS TO ARROWHEAD FOR ALL THE WORK HE PUT IN TO THIS SYSTEM.
HE MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
