DocUSMCRetired
Well-Known Member
For Military/Military Veteran/LEO/DOD/Game Warden/Park Ranger etc. Purchase Only, Credentials Must Be Verified
The Military Does Not Use or issue Iphones, so an iOS version was never developed of this app, and their are no current plans to develop an iOS version.
A User Guide can be downloaded by clicking this link: http://abmediaresources.com/ABTacUM.pdf
Please, take the time to read supplied Manuals. A lot of questions can be answered, as well as problems resolved by reading these.
In order to inquire about purchasing this app, please send me an email [email protected]
When considering which Ballistics Program to choose, always make sure you understand whats behind the GUI (Face), What makes up that program, for that here is Bryan Litz to explain it: www.appliedballisticsllc.com/Articles/ABDOC102_HowBallisticsProgramsWork.pdf
Understand the difference between the Litz Curves or AB Custom curves and someone saying they use Bryan Litz Coefficients or numbers. When you look at software and they say they use the Bryan Litz Coefficient they are taking that BC number and entering it in as G7. As opposed to Applied Ballistics where they use the actual Ballistic Curve developed through the full time Ballistics Lab. So while other apps and companies use G1 and G7. Applied ballistics uses G1, G7, and AB Custom. Which brings me to another point. Would you rather have a modified G7 BC, or would you rather have the Actual Curve developed through the lab? Litz Curves are only on Applied Ballistics Platforms.
Another thing to understand. Applied Ballistics has a full time Ballistics Lab constantly testing, updating, and providing the latest information. This means you are getting the backing of an incredibly accurate and up to date system. A proven system which other companies try meet.
Applied ballistics is, a Platform. While other companies offer the app and sometime the occasional device. Applied Ballistics is a complete platform. Offering systems on Android, PC, iOS, PC Analytic Software, IBEAM, ABEAM, REM, Wind Sensor Array, Tripod Weather Vane System for Kestrel, Raptor-S, Training Material, Full Time Lab, Full Time Support Staff, just to name a few. All that are inter-connective. This means that you are getting a system, not just an app. A Platform with integration in to multiple proven systems, all which can talk with each other. Devices that mount to a weapon, mount to an optic, and can talk with each other, in real time, giving you the best possible firing solution in real time.
How AB Tactical Works
AB Tactical uses 3DOF + Extensions, and the Litz Curves, G7, or G1 your choice.
I thought I would share the AB Tactical version with you guys. Its a streamlined version that doesn't need connection to the internet, and comes with Applied Ballistics Custom Curves pre-loaded. Heres a quick over view. I am posting this so you guys can see some of the abilities of this program. So here it is. Also purchase of this software is linked to you individually, not to your "google" or "apple" account. Where as purchases on google play store are linked to an email, and google and apple do at times refuse to allow transfers for purchases, this is linked by serial number to the device you install it on. As such you can install it on more than one device it will just require authentication to get up and running. What this means is if you get a new phone, and new email you don't have to buy it again. It can transfer with you, as technology and life changes. This software also has WEZ built in to it. I will talk about that more later.
Garbage in = Garbage out
Main Screen
The main screen of the application provides a quick view of all of the current bullet, gun, target, and environmental conditions. At the top of the main screen and all edit screens is a view of the elevation and windage holds for the current settings.
Navigation To move into any of the edit screens for the Bullet, Gun and Scope, Target, or Environment, press the ⋮ button located on the right of each of the sections.
Editing a Profile The AB Tactical application uses the concept of profiles to manage a bullet and gun combination. The currently selected profile is displayed on the main screen. When the application is launched for the first time, the name Default Weapon will appear in the profile section. It is recommended that you immediately rename this profile to your gun name. It is important to know that any parameters that are edited for the bullet and the gun/scope will be directly modified for the currently selected profile. Parameters of other profiles will not be modified. All changes made to the bullet and gun settings are immediately saved to the profile database. There is no need to additionally save the profile.
At Any Time you click the HUD to enter the Target Engagment Screen. The Fire Solution Control, or HUD is found on most screens. The HUD displays your current Elevation and Windage adjustments along with WEZ, TOF (Time of Flight), Remaining Energy, Target Lead, and current Output Units. Please read the user manual for more details regarding this section.
Profile Managment
The application allows for multiple weapon profiles to be saved. This can used as a library for quick access to different weapons, or it can be used to create multiple profiles for one weapon. For example, you used a suppressed weapon. If you normally fire suppressed it is recommended that you have a profile for if that suppressor must be removed. When using a suppressed weapon, you can adjust for the shift in zero by using the Zero Height/Offset feature. Create two profiles, one for suppressed and one for not. Then input the shift in zero when the suppressor is removed in to the Zero Height/Offset variables.
Bullet Screen
The bullet properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮icon on the right of the bullet section. This edit screen allows the user to edit parameters about the bullet itself, including ballistic coefficient, drag curve, bullet weight, bullet diameter, and bullet length. In addition, AB's extensive bullet library can be accessed from here by clicking on the Bullet Selection button.
Using the Bullet Database The bullet database includes parameters for over 425 bullets, including bullet weights, diameters, lengths, G1 & G7 ballistic coefficients, as well as AB-measured custom drag curves. These custom drag curves provide a highly accurate drag model through transonic flight, and are recommended for use instead of G1 & G7 to maximize accuracy.
When using custom drag curves, the ballistics engine is solving the equations of motion using the exact drag curve for a specific bullet, not referencing a standard (G1 or G7) curve. The added accuracy in trajectory predictions that is possible with custom drag curves is especially valuable when shooting at targets at or beyond transonic range, because that's the speed region where drag curves tend to diverge most. Once a bullet has been selected from the database, selection of the drag model is performed by clicking on the pull down menu. For bullets that Applied Ballistics has measured, the G1, G7, and Custom curve is available. For user created bullets, only the G1 and G7 will be able to be selected.
Gun and Scope Screen
The Gun and Scope properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮icon on the right of the appropriate section. This edit screen allows the user to edit parameters about the gun and scope, including the muzzle velocity, the zero range, the sight height and the twist of the barrel.
When any of the settings are modified on this screen, the Fire Control Solution Panel at the top of the screen is immediately recalculated and displayed. These modifications are performed on the currently selected profile only.
Target Screen
A number of factors are available here, however you can also use your devices built in sensors to acquire data. You can just point your phone/tablet at the target, and select the variable you want to input. It takes the phones sensor data and uses that for the heading and inclination. You can also enter the target size if you select target, as well as it has a range calculator by reading size in scope, using Mils, MOA, or IPHY (Inches Per Hundred Yards). Please refer to manual for detailed instructions.
The Target Screen properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮ icon on the right of the appropriate section. This edit screen allows the target including information such as the range, heading to target (0 degrees is North, 90 degrees is East), inclination angle to target, latitude, and target speed. A positive target speed indicates left to right and a negative target speed indicates a right to left target movement.
Target Range Estimation You can estimate the range to the target using the scopes reticle by clicking on the Icon and it will bring up a dialog box. You can change the units via drop down menu by clicking on the units you wish to change.
Environment Screen
The Environment Screen properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮ icon on the right of the appropriate section. This section allows the user to enter values for the wind speed, the direction it is coming from, temperature, pressure and humidity. In the case of wind direction, the number represents the direction from which the wind is coming; so a 12 o clock wind is coming directly at the shooter from the target direction, a 9 o clock wind is blowing from left to right across the range.
Atmospheric inputs have historically been the least understood and cause the most trouble for shooters running ballistics programs, in particular the pressure inputs. The following discussion elaborates on the correct way to manage these variables. There are two options for describing pressure to a ballistics program; 1) Enter the barometric (aka corrected) pressure and altitude, or 2) Enter the Station pressure where you are. Some definitions are in order regarding barometric and station pressure.
Barometric pressure is also known as sea level corrected pressure, and is what the weather station and airports report because it's useful for pilots and making weather assessments. Barometric pressure is not the actual air pressure where you are, rather it's a number that's corrected to sea level. In order to determine the actual air pressure where you are (which is what the ballistics program cares about), you have to account for the effects of altitude. However if you have a handheld weather meter like a Kestrel, you can measure Station Pressure directly which is the actual air pressure where you are. This is the preferred method of inputting pressure data because it's one less input and relies on only one measurement instead of two.
A common error is to mistake station pressure for barometric or vice versa. The consequence of this error is that the wrong air density gets applied which degrades the accuracy of trajectory predictions. This error is increasingly more severe the higher up you are above sea level.
The proper setup for the Kestrel is shown above. Ref Alt at 0, Sync Alt Off.
When connected to a Kestrel 4000 series these settings (marked in red) are no longer adjustable, they are a live reading from the Kestrel unit. The HUD is updated in real time.
NOTE: In the AB Tactical software, station pressure must be used – this is what is reported by the Kestrel device and most handheld weather meters or watches.
Acquiring Data from Device Sensors Most new phones are equipped with a pressure sensor and are capable of an internet connection. To obtain the station pressure directly from the phone, click the icon. To obtain the local temperature and humidity via the closest weather station, click the appropriate icon.
Ballistic Calibration
The ballistic calibration feature allows a user to calibrate the ballistic solution based on observed bullet drop at range. There are two parameters that can be calibrated: muzzle velocity (MV), and drop scale factor (DSF). The Ballistic Calibration Screen is available from any screen via the Android Action Bar.
Due to uncertainties involved with modern chronographs, velocity measurements are not always as accurate as we would hope. Therefore the first variable a shooter should attempt to calibrate is muzzle velocity. The recommended range for muzzle velocity calibration is where the bullet is at Mach 1.2 in its flight. If you have multiple 'observed' data points, use the farthest high confidence data point available for muzzle velocity calibration. The interface will provide recommended ranges range in which to calibrate muzzle velocity based on the bullets remaining velocity. After you've entered the observed range/drop pair, the application will automatically calculate the adjusted muzzle velocity and the application will display the actual MV that results in your observed drop. Click Use MV and the calculated MV will be applied and the elevation and windage shown at the top of the screen will be automatically updated.
For long-range shooting, the drop scale factor (DSF) is used to refine the ballistic solution in subsonic flight using a similar process. By firing rounds at long range, and noting the true drop, a drop scale factor is computed. Clicking Use DSF populates the DSF value and Mach number into the View DSF Table
Target Engagement (Range Card)
The range card is accessible by clicking anywhere on the Fire Control Solution Panel from any screen. By clicking on the solution, a range card is displayed that shows the ballistic computation at user-set increments, accessed by clicking the Settings button from the Action Bar. The range card shows the range to target, elevation, windage, the target lead, time of flight, and the velocity of the bullet in Mach. The range card shows MACH in orange where the bullet is in the transonic region and then in red where the bullet is subsonic.
Range Card Characteristics From the settings menu, you can access and adjust the range cards maximum range out to 3500, or the Step Size of each range (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 increments). To access the settings simply press the ⋮ icon in the upper right corner and select settings.
Updating Environmental Information You may update the environmental information from the range card at any time by selecting the appropriate method from the buttons located on the range card. If you need to make quick wind adjustments you may do so by using the Swipepad then selecting the recalculate range card button. The Fire Control Solution is updated in real time when using the Swipepad but the Range Card is not.
Updating Target Information You can update your Latitude and targets Azimuth by selecting the appropriate buttons from the range card. This can allow for rapid on the fly adjustments to the direction of fire to the target.
Updating Range Card If you have made any changes involving either the targets direction, your location, or the environment and need the range card to reflect those changes, simply click on the recalculate range card button. If you have made any changes it is always advisable to update the range card after words.
Note: The Range Card has a couple features that allow for quick adjustments on both the Fire Control Solution (HUD) and on the Range Card.
Clicking a Range Value Clicking on a range value in the table will automatically insert that range value in to the HUD. Example, if you click 1200 on the table, 1200 will then be inserted in to the Elevation portion of HUD. If you click 500 on the table then 500 will be inserted in to the HUD. NOTE: This is the best method for rapid adjustments to the Range in the HUD
Using the Swipepad If you need to make quick wind or range adjustments you may do so by using the Swipepad, then selecting the recalculate range card button. The Swipepad has indicator arrows and a vertical bar designating which side of the table adjusts range, and which adjusts wind. The wind speed can be adjusted from either side. The HUD is updated in real time when using the Swipepad but the Range Card is not and therefore you must recalculate the table. When swiping for wind speed, if you increase the wind speed, both wind 1 and wind 2 are updated. Important Note: If you decrease the wind speed, only wind 1 is decreased. If you need to reduce Wind 2 you must swipe all the way to 0. This will reset the wind speed 2 to 0, then you may increase it to the desired level.
Weapon Employment Zone (WEZ)
For detailed information on WEZ it is advised you read Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting by Bryan Litz : https://store.appliedballisticsllc.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=0004
To enable and utilize the WEZ tool , simply click on the Weapon Employment Zone tab to access. This tool allows a user to investigate how the bullet's point of impact is affected by changes or uncertainties in the input parameters, as it can reveal how accurately the parameters need to be measured. The WEZ screen allows the user to enter the precision of various inputs, as well as range to target, the precision of the rifle system used, the shape of the target, and the dimensions of the target. On the top, the results of the computation are displayed when you have the WEZ selected from the Setting menu.
System Variables
The WEZ tool provides the user with the insight to see how each of the variables in the table below affects the accuracy of a ballistic computation and determine probability of hit for every shot. The tool comes prepopulated with some precision values, as described in the table below, mostly based on use of the Kestrel to measure atmospheric conditions. Bryan Litz's Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting provides several good estimates for rifle accuracy and muzzle velocity variation. These values can be changed to match the user's experience, such as muzzle velocity variations measured by a chronograph.
The precision numbers are assumed to be one standard deviation values, which is a common measure for the precision of tools making measurements. In this case, 67% of measurements will fall within +/-1 standard deviation of the mean; 95% will fall within +/-2 standard deviations.
Overview of parameters
Once the fields are populated, the probability of hit is computed on the fly, which will compute how each of those error sources influence the bullet's flight, and show the overall probability of hit.
In addition to adjusting the parameters above, the WEZ tool also accepts different target shapes and sizes. The IPSC target is standardized and its dimensions locked, but the rectangle and circle targets can be adjusted to match actual targets in use.
Target parameters
Settings
The application settings are accessible from the Android Action bar. Several items may be adjusted such as the maximum range on the range card, and the output units.
Probability The application has a fully function WEZ program. The header may be used to display the probability of a first time shot at an unknown location.
Range Card Max Range Adjusting this will allow you to limit or expand the maximum of the range card up to 3500. This can help improve the time it takes to populate the range card with small step distances by limiting the maximum distance.
Range Card Step This setting adjusts the distance between each range step on the range card. These can be set to (5, 10, 25, 50, and 100).
Connecting to a Kestrel 4000 Series
The AB Tactical application has the capability of receiving external sensor input for the environmental conditions from a Kestrel device over a Bluetooth connection. To connect to a Kestrel, the Kestrel must have Bluetooth and it must be enabled. Please review to the Kestrel user manual for how to activate the Bluetooth. Once the Kestrel Bluetooth is active, it must be paired with your device through the Android pairing procedure.
Live updates from the Kestrel 4000 series devices will occur at the rate of approximately 1 time per second. The AB Tactical application applies the environmental conditions from the Kestrel directly to the Main Screen, Environment Screen, and the Target Engagement Screen. The wind speed from the Kestrel is populated into the Wind Speed 2 parameter since Wind Speed 1 is editable via the Environment Screen.
Connecting to a Kestrel Drop
AB Tactical has the ability to connect to Kestrel Drop Devices. This allows for quick atmosphere acquisition when wind readings are not needed. The Kestrel Drop is durable enough to be left clipped to your gear, and forgot about until needed. NOTE: Pressing the button on the front of the Drop 3 only makes it "Visible" so you can pair it to a device. It does not push atmospheric data when you press the button. The DROP does not maintain a continuous connection. It is on demand, and only updates when you repeat the process seen above as needed. This is to ensure the DROP battery is not rapidly drained by being left connected to the device.
Upload Profiles to a Kestrel
AB Tactical has the ability to send (upload) your current weapon profile to a Kestrel, and other Applied Ballistic Compatible Devices via Bluetooth. This does require you have a Bluetooth version of the devices you wish to upload to. There are a couple of settings that must be enabled first in order to do this. Also before you start this process ensure you have completed your weapon profile in AB Tactical. See the notes before proceeding to the demonstration. Kestrel Device Bluetooth must be on, and the Kestrel must be paired to the device you are running AB Tactical on.
WARNING for Kestrel Sportsman Users: You can use this system to upload to a Kestrel Sportsman, HOWEVER. You need to verify you are using a G1 or G7 BC first. You can do this from the Bullet Screen. If you attempt to upload to a Kestrel Sportsman with a Custom Drag Curve, it will successfully upload, HOWEVER your BC will be set to 1.0 which will give you an error in your firing solution.
The proper steps are shown and described in the instructions manual, however they are described below for uploading a profile to the Kestrel (or other AB devices).
On The Kestrel Device:
Step 1) Access the Main Menu and scroll down to Gun Selection on the Kestrel Device. Press Enter.
Step 2) Ensure "New Gun" is set to "On" If its Off simply press the right key pad arrow.
Step 3) Press the back button (Power Button), and select AB Mode on the Kestrel Device.
Step 4) In AB Mode scroll down and highlight "Gun". If you already have multiple guns in the Kestrel, then press the right key pad arrow until the selection reads "New Gun". Then proceed over to AB Tactical.
From AB Tactical:
Step 5) From any screen in the application access the Menu and select "Send Profile to Device"
Step 6) A list of avaliable Bluetooth devices will open. Select the Device you wish to upload to.
Step 7) AB Tactical will return to your previous screen and a notification will pop up with "Establishing a connection to the device"
On the Kestrel Device:
Step 8) If done correctly the Gun will change to (*USERGUN#) on the Device. This should happen within a couple of seconds. If this does not happen in 30 seconds then the upload failed. Note: Your not done yet
Step 9) Select the weapon you just uploaded (press enter) and verify all the data is correct. Also make any adjustments you need to the Units and Click values for the turrets. Naming is optional, and not required to upload multiple profiles this way. Simply return to step 4, set the Kestrel Device to New Gun and upload the additional profiles.
The Military Does Not Use or issue Iphones, so an iOS version was never developed of this app, and their are no current plans to develop an iOS version.
A User Guide can be downloaded by clicking this link: http://abmediaresources.com/ABTacUM.pdf
Please, take the time to read supplied Manuals. A lot of questions can be answered, as well as problems resolved by reading these.
In order to inquire about purchasing this app, please send me an email [email protected]
When considering which Ballistics Program to choose, always make sure you understand whats behind the GUI (Face), What makes up that program, for that here is Bryan Litz to explain it: www.appliedballisticsllc.com/Articles/ABDOC102_HowBallisticsProgramsWork.pdf
Understand the difference between the Litz Curves or AB Custom curves and someone saying they use Bryan Litz Coefficients or numbers. When you look at software and they say they use the Bryan Litz Coefficient they are taking that BC number and entering it in as G7. As opposed to Applied Ballistics where they use the actual Ballistic Curve developed through the full time Ballistics Lab. So while other apps and companies use G1 and G7. Applied ballistics uses G1, G7, and AB Custom. Which brings me to another point. Would you rather have a modified G7 BC, or would you rather have the Actual Curve developed through the lab? Litz Curves are only on Applied Ballistics Platforms.
Another thing to understand. Applied Ballistics has a full time Ballistics Lab constantly testing, updating, and providing the latest information. This means you are getting the backing of an incredibly accurate and up to date system. A proven system which other companies try meet.
Applied ballistics is, a Platform. While other companies offer the app and sometime the occasional device. Applied Ballistics is a complete platform. Offering systems on Android, PC, iOS, PC Analytic Software, IBEAM, ABEAM, REM, Wind Sensor Array, Tripod Weather Vane System for Kestrel, Raptor-S, Training Material, Full Time Lab, Full Time Support Staff, just to name a few. All that are inter-connective. This means that you are getting a system, not just an app. A Platform with integration in to multiple proven systems, all which can talk with each other. Devices that mount to a weapon, mount to an optic, and can talk with each other, in real time, giving you the best possible firing solution in real time.
How AB Tactical Works
AB Tactical uses 3DOF + Extensions, and the Litz Curves, G7, or G1 your choice.
I thought I would share the AB Tactical version with you guys. Its a streamlined version that doesn't need connection to the internet, and comes with Applied Ballistics Custom Curves pre-loaded. Heres a quick over view. I am posting this so you guys can see some of the abilities of this program. So here it is. Also purchase of this software is linked to you individually, not to your "google" or "apple" account. Where as purchases on google play store are linked to an email, and google and apple do at times refuse to allow transfers for purchases, this is linked by serial number to the device you install it on. As such you can install it on more than one device it will just require authentication to get up and running. What this means is if you get a new phone, and new email you don't have to buy it again. It can transfer with you, as technology and life changes. This software also has WEZ built in to it. I will talk about that more later.
Garbage in = Garbage out
Main Screen
The main screen of the application provides a quick view of all of the current bullet, gun, target, and environmental conditions. At the top of the main screen and all edit screens is a view of the elevation and windage holds for the current settings.
Navigation To move into any of the edit screens for the Bullet, Gun and Scope, Target, or Environment, press the ⋮ button located on the right of each of the sections.
Editing a Profile The AB Tactical application uses the concept of profiles to manage a bullet and gun combination. The currently selected profile is displayed on the main screen. When the application is launched for the first time, the name Default Weapon will appear in the profile section. It is recommended that you immediately rename this profile to your gun name. It is important to know that any parameters that are edited for the bullet and the gun/scope will be directly modified for the currently selected profile. Parameters of other profiles will not be modified. All changes made to the bullet and gun settings are immediately saved to the profile database. There is no need to additionally save the profile.
At Any Time you click the HUD to enter the Target Engagment Screen. The Fire Solution Control, or HUD is found on most screens. The HUD displays your current Elevation and Windage adjustments along with WEZ, TOF (Time of Flight), Remaining Energy, Target Lead, and current Output Units. Please read the user manual for more details regarding this section.
Profile Managment
The application allows for multiple weapon profiles to be saved. This can used as a library for quick access to different weapons, or it can be used to create multiple profiles for one weapon. For example, you used a suppressed weapon. If you normally fire suppressed it is recommended that you have a profile for if that suppressor must be removed. When using a suppressed weapon, you can adjust for the shift in zero by using the Zero Height/Offset feature. Create two profiles, one for suppressed and one for not. Then input the shift in zero when the suppressor is removed in to the Zero Height/Offset variables.
Bullet Screen
The bullet properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮icon on the right of the bullet section. This edit screen allows the user to edit parameters about the bullet itself, including ballistic coefficient, drag curve, bullet weight, bullet diameter, and bullet length. In addition, AB's extensive bullet library can be accessed from here by clicking on the Bullet Selection button.
Using the Bullet Database The bullet database includes parameters for over 425 bullets, including bullet weights, diameters, lengths, G1 & G7 ballistic coefficients, as well as AB-measured custom drag curves. These custom drag curves provide a highly accurate drag model through transonic flight, and are recommended for use instead of G1 & G7 to maximize accuracy.
When using custom drag curves, the ballistics engine is solving the equations of motion using the exact drag curve for a specific bullet, not referencing a standard (G1 or G7) curve. The added accuracy in trajectory predictions that is possible with custom drag curves is especially valuable when shooting at targets at or beyond transonic range, because that's the speed region where drag curves tend to diverge most. Once a bullet has been selected from the database, selection of the drag model is performed by clicking on the pull down menu. For bullets that Applied Ballistics has measured, the G1, G7, and Custom curve is available. For user created bullets, only the G1 and G7 will be able to be selected.
Gun and Scope Screen
The Gun and Scope properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮icon on the right of the appropriate section. This edit screen allows the user to edit parameters about the gun and scope, including the muzzle velocity, the zero range, the sight height and the twist of the barrel.
When any of the settings are modified on this screen, the Fire Control Solution Panel at the top of the screen is immediately recalculated and displayed. These modifications are performed on the currently selected profile only.
Target Screen
A number of factors are available here, however you can also use your devices built in sensors to acquire data. You can just point your phone/tablet at the target, and select the variable you want to input. It takes the phones sensor data and uses that for the heading and inclination. You can also enter the target size if you select target, as well as it has a range calculator by reading size in scope, using Mils, MOA, or IPHY (Inches Per Hundred Yards). Please refer to manual for detailed instructions.
The Target Screen properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮ icon on the right of the appropriate section. This edit screen allows the target including information such as the range, heading to target (0 degrees is North, 90 degrees is East), inclination angle to target, latitude, and target speed. A positive target speed indicates left to right and a negative target speed indicates a right to left target movement.
Target Range Estimation You can estimate the range to the target using the scopes reticle by clicking on the Icon and it will bring up a dialog box. You can change the units via drop down menu by clicking on the units you wish to change.
Environment Screen
The Environment Screen properties edit screen is accessible from the main screen by clicking on the ⋮ icon on the right of the appropriate section. This section allows the user to enter values for the wind speed, the direction it is coming from, temperature, pressure and humidity. In the case of wind direction, the number represents the direction from which the wind is coming; so a 12 o clock wind is coming directly at the shooter from the target direction, a 9 o clock wind is blowing from left to right across the range.
Atmospheric inputs have historically been the least understood and cause the most trouble for shooters running ballistics programs, in particular the pressure inputs. The following discussion elaborates on the correct way to manage these variables. There are two options for describing pressure to a ballistics program; 1) Enter the barometric (aka corrected) pressure and altitude, or 2) Enter the Station pressure where you are. Some definitions are in order regarding barometric and station pressure.
Barometric pressure is also known as sea level corrected pressure, and is what the weather station and airports report because it's useful for pilots and making weather assessments. Barometric pressure is not the actual air pressure where you are, rather it's a number that's corrected to sea level. In order to determine the actual air pressure where you are (which is what the ballistics program cares about), you have to account for the effects of altitude. However if you have a handheld weather meter like a Kestrel, you can measure Station Pressure directly which is the actual air pressure where you are. This is the preferred method of inputting pressure data because it's one less input and relies on only one measurement instead of two.
A common error is to mistake station pressure for barometric or vice versa. The consequence of this error is that the wrong air density gets applied which degrades the accuracy of trajectory predictions. This error is increasingly more severe the higher up you are above sea level.
The proper setup for the Kestrel is shown above. Ref Alt at 0, Sync Alt Off.
When connected to a Kestrel 4000 series these settings (marked in red) are no longer adjustable, they are a live reading from the Kestrel unit. The HUD is updated in real time.
NOTE: In the AB Tactical software, station pressure must be used – this is what is reported by the Kestrel device and most handheld weather meters or watches.
Acquiring Data from Device Sensors Most new phones are equipped with a pressure sensor and are capable of an internet connection. To obtain the station pressure directly from the phone, click the icon. To obtain the local temperature and humidity via the closest weather station, click the appropriate icon.
Ballistic Calibration
The ballistic calibration feature allows a user to calibrate the ballistic solution based on observed bullet drop at range. There are two parameters that can be calibrated: muzzle velocity (MV), and drop scale factor (DSF). The Ballistic Calibration Screen is available from any screen via the Android Action Bar.
Due to uncertainties involved with modern chronographs, velocity measurements are not always as accurate as we would hope. Therefore the first variable a shooter should attempt to calibrate is muzzle velocity. The recommended range for muzzle velocity calibration is where the bullet is at Mach 1.2 in its flight. If you have multiple 'observed' data points, use the farthest high confidence data point available for muzzle velocity calibration. The interface will provide recommended ranges range in which to calibrate muzzle velocity based on the bullets remaining velocity. After you've entered the observed range/drop pair, the application will automatically calculate the adjusted muzzle velocity and the application will display the actual MV that results in your observed drop. Click Use MV and the calculated MV will be applied and the elevation and windage shown at the top of the screen will be automatically updated.
For long-range shooting, the drop scale factor (DSF) is used to refine the ballistic solution in subsonic flight using a similar process. By firing rounds at long range, and noting the true drop, a drop scale factor is computed. Clicking Use DSF populates the DSF value and Mach number into the View DSF Table
Target Engagement (Range Card)
The range card is accessible by clicking anywhere on the Fire Control Solution Panel from any screen. By clicking on the solution, a range card is displayed that shows the ballistic computation at user-set increments, accessed by clicking the Settings button from the Action Bar. The range card shows the range to target, elevation, windage, the target lead, time of flight, and the velocity of the bullet in Mach. The range card shows MACH in orange where the bullet is in the transonic region and then in red where the bullet is subsonic.
Range Card Characteristics From the settings menu, you can access and adjust the range cards maximum range out to 3500, or the Step Size of each range (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 increments). To access the settings simply press the ⋮ icon in the upper right corner and select settings.
Updating Environmental Information You may update the environmental information from the range card at any time by selecting the appropriate method from the buttons located on the range card. If you need to make quick wind adjustments you may do so by using the Swipepad then selecting the recalculate range card button. The Fire Control Solution is updated in real time when using the Swipepad but the Range Card is not.
Updating Target Information You can update your Latitude and targets Azimuth by selecting the appropriate buttons from the range card. This can allow for rapid on the fly adjustments to the direction of fire to the target.
Updating Range Card If you have made any changes involving either the targets direction, your location, or the environment and need the range card to reflect those changes, simply click on the recalculate range card button. If you have made any changes it is always advisable to update the range card after words.
Note: The Range Card has a couple features that allow for quick adjustments on both the Fire Control Solution (HUD) and on the Range Card.
Clicking a Range Value Clicking on a range value in the table will automatically insert that range value in to the HUD. Example, if you click 1200 on the table, 1200 will then be inserted in to the Elevation portion of HUD. If you click 500 on the table then 500 will be inserted in to the HUD. NOTE: This is the best method for rapid adjustments to the Range in the HUD
Using the Swipepad If you need to make quick wind or range adjustments you may do so by using the Swipepad, then selecting the recalculate range card button. The Swipepad has indicator arrows and a vertical bar designating which side of the table adjusts range, and which adjusts wind. The wind speed can be adjusted from either side. The HUD is updated in real time when using the Swipepad but the Range Card is not and therefore you must recalculate the table. When swiping for wind speed, if you increase the wind speed, both wind 1 and wind 2 are updated. Important Note: If you decrease the wind speed, only wind 1 is decreased. If you need to reduce Wind 2 you must swipe all the way to 0. This will reset the wind speed 2 to 0, then you may increase it to the desired level.
Weapon Employment Zone (WEZ)
For detailed information on WEZ it is advised you read Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting by Bryan Litz : https://store.appliedballisticsllc.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=0004
To enable and utilize the WEZ tool , simply click on the Weapon Employment Zone tab to access. This tool allows a user to investigate how the bullet's point of impact is affected by changes or uncertainties in the input parameters, as it can reveal how accurately the parameters need to be measured. The WEZ screen allows the user to enter the precision of various inputs, as well as range to target, the precision of the rifle system used, the shape of the target, and the dimensions of the target. On the top, the results of the computation are displayed when you have the WEZ selected from the Setting menu.
System Variables
The WEZ tool provides the user with the insight to see how each of the variables in the table below affects the accuracy of a ballistic computation and determine probability of hit for every shot. The tool comes prepopulated with some precision values, as described in the table below, mostly based on use of the Kestrel to measure atmospheric conditions. Bryan Litz's Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting provides several good estimates for rifle accuracy and muzzle velocity variation. These values can be changed to match the user's experience, such as muzzle velocity variations measured by a chronograph.
The precision numbers are assumed to be one standard deviation values, which is a common measure for the precision of tools making measurements. In this case, 67% of measurements will fall within +/-1 standard deviation of the mean; 95% will fall within +/-2 standard deviations.
Overview of parameters
Once the fields are populated, the probability of hit is computed on the fly, which will compute how each of those error sources influence the bullet's flight, and show the overall probability of hit.
In addition to adjusting the parameters above, the WEZ tool also accepts different target shapes and sizes. The IPSC target is standardized and its dimensions locked, but the rectangle and circle targets can be adjusted to match actual targets in use.
Target parameters
Settings
The application settings are accessible from the Android Action bar. Several items may be adjusted such as the maximum range on the range card, and the output units.
Probability The application has a fully function WEZ program. The header may be used to display the probability of a first time shot at an unknown location.
Range Card Max Range Adjusting this will allow you to limit or expand the maximum of the range card up to 3500. This can help improve the time it takes to populate the range card with small step distances by limiting the maximum distance.
Range Card Step This setting adjusts the distance between each range step on the range card. These can be set to (5, 10, 25, 50, and 100).
Connecting to a Kestrel 4000 Series
The AB Tactical application has the capability of receiving external sensor input for the environmental conditions from a Kestrel device over a Bluetooth connection. To connect to a Kestrel, the Kestrel must have Bluetooth and it must be enabled. Please review to the Kestrel user manual for how to activate the Bluetooth. Once the Kestrel Bluetooth is active, it must be paired with your device through the Android pairing procedure.
Live updates from the Kestrel 4000 series devices will occur at the rate of approximately 1 time per second. The AB Tactical application applies the environmental conditions from the Kestrel directly to the Main Screen, Environment Screen, and the Target Engagement Screen. The wind speed from the Kestrel is populated into the Wind Speed 2 parameter since Wind Speed 1 is editable via the Environment Screen.
Connecting to a Kestrel Drop
AB Tactical has the ability to connect to Kestrel Drop Devices. This allows for quick atmosphere acquisition when wind readings are not needed. The Kestrel Drop is durable enough to be left clipped to your gear, and forgot about until needed. NOTE: Pressing the button on the front of the Drop 3 only makes it "Visible" so you can pair it to a device. It does not push atmospheric data when you press the button. The DROP does not maintain a continuous connection. It is on demand, and only updates when you repeat the process seen above as needed. This is to ensure the DROP battery is not rapidly drained by being left connected to the device.
Upload Profiles to a Kestrel
AB Tactical has the ability to send (upload) your current weapon profile to a Kestrel, and other Applied Ballistic Compatible Devices via Bluetooth. This does require you have a Bluetooth version of the devices you wish to upload to. There are a couple of settings that must be enabled first in order to do this. Also before you start this process ensure you have completed your weapon profile in AB Tactical. See the notes before proceeding to the demonstration. Kestrel Device Bluetooth must be on, and the Kestrel must be paired to the device you are running AB Tactical on.
WARNING for Kestrel Sportsman Users: You can use this system to upload to a Kestrel Sportsman, HOWEVER. You need to verify you are using a G1 or G7 BC first. You can do this from the Bullet Screen. If you attempt to upload to a Kestrel Sportsman with a Custom Drag Curve, it will successfully upload, HOWEVER your BC will be set to 1.0 which will give you an error in your firing solution.
The proper steps are shown and described in the instructions manual, however they are described below for uploading a profile to the Kestrel (or other AB devices).
On The Kestrel Device:
Step 1) Access the Main Menu and scroll down to Gun Selection on the Kestrel Device. Press Enter.
Step 2) Ensure "New Gun" is set to "On" If its Off simply press the right key pad arrow.
Step 3) Press the back button (Power Button), and select AB Mode on the Kestrel Device.
Step 4) In AB Mode scroll down and highlight "Gun". If you already have multiple guns in the Kestrel, then press the right key pad arrow until the selection reads "New Gun". Then proceed over to AB Tactical.
From AB Tactical:
Step 5) From any screen in the application access the Menu and select "Send Profile to Device"
Step 6) A list of avaliable Bluetooth devices will open. Select the Device you wish to upload to.
Step 7) AB Tactical will return to your previous screen and a notification will pop up with "Establishing a connection to the device"
On the Kestrel Device:
Step 8) If done correctly the Gun will change to (*USERGUN#) on the Device. This should happen within a couple of seconds. If this does not happen in 30 seconds then the upload failed. Note: Your not done yet
Step 9) Select the weapon you just uploaded (press enter) and verify all the data is correct. Also make any adjustments you need to the Units and Click values for the turrets. Naming is optional, and not required to upload multiple profiles this way. Simply return to step 4, set the Kestrel Device to New Gun and upload the additional profiles.
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