New features & New Product in development

Out of both necessity & desire, I'm going to be adding new features to Plink Log Pro. I plan to add some reporting detail, e.g. generate lists of activity - what firearm used, where, when, how many rounds etc etc.

I'm also looking into creating a new product to link in with Plink Log Pro, Ammo Log will allow you to log all ammo purchase & usage, and also record any reloading activity you do for future reference. It will be FREE and can be used independantly from Plink Log Pro. When used together you should be able to log your shots & compare how different batches (commercial or reloads) compare when shot.

Some nice feedback

I've been emailed by an FBI instructor saying he uses the app & likes it, its always nice to get feedback and from such a professional source makes it all the better. I know development has kind of stalled, depending on my workload from my main job I may be able to put some more time into getting more features into this project.

V2.4 is out !

The Windage/Elevation graphs have been tidied up a bit. And the strings replay is also in place. Update from Android Market.

More new features

Rather than sit around waiting for Google to officially release the API for the features I'm working on, I'm going to code some user suggested features. The first is an Elevation/Windage graph for each string. Some times I notice that as a string gets shot, the POI (Point of Impact) seems to shift when the barrel warms up, a simple graph can show you where this is happening. The code is under development, here's a quick peek at whats coming up soon. The look & feel aren't nailed down yet, so it may change before you get to use it.

As with all other string features, you can overlay strings for comparison. These graphs can be turned on/off, resized & included in exported/shared images & stats.

I also want to code a string replay feature before doing the next release, but I dont anticipate it taking too long.

Market reported error fixed

The error report from Android Market has been fixed, its a pretty useful feature & lead me directly to the error. I've now rewritten that piece of code, and sped it up at the same time. I just spotted another small buggy that I'm going to fix at the same time, probably release the new build in 1 or 2 days.

Market error

I've just received my first error report via the Market of a force close error. I'll fix this ASAP.

New update

While I'm still waiting for the new Google stuff for printing etc, I've been tinkering with the Configuration section following some feedback from a user. I have now included the following -

• The Handles for scoring rings have been made larger, as they were a bit difficult to use at certain zoom levels.
• When zooming a score area with the handle, the shape zooms around its centre rather than an edge point, it was suggested this makes concentric circles easier to do.
• Scoring areas for some of the default targets will now automatically set up if you dont do them, you can always edit them if you want to. The sizing calibration will be finished when printing is done, as they are related.
• If the phone is tilted during calibration it now does not lose your work.
• If the SD Card is in use (USB sharing with a PC) then you are given warnings before starting any activity that requires the SD card for saving, the card cannot be written to until its unshared.
• Shot Size when placing shots in a string now has an "Ex Large" option so they are easier to see

The code has been out with my testers, and they think its OK to release so I will be uploading it on Android Market shortly. If you have any other ideas or feedback, feel free to suggest things & I'll try & accomodate them.

Taking a short break

I've been developing hard for a while now, and need to take a break for a bit. Work & home life needs more time, so I won't be adding any new stuff for a while. Plink Log is pretty much where I want it to be, there are some more features I want to add & they will appear when I can devote enough time to do them justice. Don't panic ! I will still support any users with any issues & requests if you want me to. Once everything has settled down, I'll start coding the ideas I have in my head.

Release Candidate R2 released

The new release is up on the Android Market, new features are Scoring & String Stats. The manual has been updated as well. I'll be doing the network/cloud stuff next when the APIs are available.

String Stats

I'm very pleased with the String Stats page. Each String shot is analysed & Plink Log calculates the score of each shot, the String Group MOA (Minute Of Angle) and Windage / Elevation correction for the Group Centre from the POA (Point Of Aim). Multiple strings can be superimposed on the same target, and stats generated for each string. Stats are generated as a simple HTML page, so you can upload them to a website easily.

The scores are in

The scoring features are completed, you can overlay a scoring "area" on top of any of the targets, either the built in or user supplied targets. Each shot placed will then be scored according to the area it falls in. Scoring areas can be Circle, Oval, Square or Rectangle. The "Grab Handles" on each shape allow you to manipulate it, the + handle allows you to drag it around, the X handle allows you to resize it & the numbered handle allows you to set the score for the area.

Is it getting cloudy in here ?

No, but things are getting a lot clearer for me ;-)

Seriously, some of the features I'm planning for Plink Log are ideas at the moment, I don't know how I'm going to do them. Things like Printing & Real Time shot transfer (aka Electronic Targets) are a real killer idea, I just dont have a clear idea how to implement them.

Or until now. I've been looking at some Google Cloud API features - Cloud Printing & Cloud to Device Messaging. This ought to make my work a lot easier. Problem is Cloud Printing for Android isn't ready yet. As all the wireless/network/cloud functionality is related, I'm going to split the next release into 2 stages. Stage 1 will have all the Scoring, MOA calcs, string stats etc. Stage 2 will have the other stuff like printing & real time shot transfer between devices etc.

The Stage 1 stuff is pretty much complete, I'll knock out a new manual quickly & release the update soon. The Stage 2 stuff will take a bit longer, I need to see how the Google APIs get done & decide if I want to use them or do my own thing. Either way, a major update release is due quite soon. Keep your ears & eyes open.

Less distractions = more work

My home internet has been down for a few days, wont be fixed until Wednesday :(
But it means I wrote lots more code ;)

More features appearing

Heads up plinkers ! The stats pages are almost ready, I'm just checking their accuracy. See how group centres are automatically calculated. POA (Point Of Aim) can also be entered to calculate how accurate your group centre is.

Its been a busy week

No updates for a while, I've been rather busy at work. Coding is coming along on the next release features, and some nice ideas have been coming in from users. Dont get withdraw symptoms, I'll post some screenshots soon. :)

Two release in a single day !

Its been a busy day today ! It seems that some handsets can't cope with the number of built-in targets in the FREE and PRO versions of Plinklog, most likely they have more apps installed/running than my test rig. I will be releasing a new FREE and PRO version to Android Market today with a reduced number of built-in targets. The PRO release will allow you to add your own targets.

Handset differences

Not all phones are equal. I develop using a low-spec phone (HTC Wildfire) to ensure the app should run on anything. But it seems that if you have a better phone, you just work it harder ;) Having more apps installed and running will gobble up memory. Plink Log Pro has more code than the FREE version, so the Target Selector may cause you to run out of memory due to the amount of images held by built-in targets. It looks like I may have to reduce the number of built-in targets, and users can add their own in as required. It seems like a good compromise to get it working on more devices. I'll make another unscheduled release (R1.2) once I have decided what to remove.

Release R1.1

Due to some unforeseen issues with Release R1 having problems on certain installations, I am making an early release of R1.1. This is essentially the same functionality as R1 but with some debugging code added, to try & capture errors for reporting. There will be a new Option menu entry to turn Debugging on/off, you should enable it if you have had problems running the software & I have asked you to submit a report. Plink Log Pro will produce a text file that you can email back to me, this will assist in resolving any specific problems with your handset or installation. There may be a few cosmetic differences between R1 and R1.1 as I am mid-development between R1 and R2. I remain dedicated to resolving all issues that users report to me.

Android Market grrrr

Its very infuriating, as a developer who cares about users getting the most from my code (no seriously !), its annoying that Google does not allow developers to respond to comments posted against apps. There is a comment on the Plink Log Pro page in the Market from a guy having problems, and I genuinely want to respond & resolve his issue. But Google wont let me post against my own app, or contact him directly. As someone who does customer support for a job, I find Google's approach rather unprofessional.

Oh well, if anyone does have problems, I will provide support on a 1 to 1 level if required and resolve any handset specific problems. Testing HAS been done on all API levels from 2.1 upwards, but I am aware that certain manufacturers may throw the odd curve ball. Let me know if you hit a problem, I'll look straight into it.

RC1 User guide

I have updated the RC1 user guide. Download it here - Plink Log Pro guide

Release Candidate R1 has been released !

Release Candidate R1 has been uploaded to Android Market, it is available for the very reasonable price of £0.99 including all future upgrades. The Release Roadmap has been changed slightly, scoring has been pushed back to R2, but shot numbering has been fast tracked and is available in R1.

Last minute tweaks

Found a couple more Android 2.1/2.2 differences, heavily into testing & code reviews now. Google account is set up, so will most likely release R1 today or tomorrow.

** News **
In order to celebrate R1 being released, the FREE version of Plink Log is going to get a feature from the PRO version.

Release Candidate R1 is almost here.

I'm waiting for Google to fianlise my merchant account, and doing a little last minute testing. Hopefully R1 will be up in a few days.

The zombie apocalypse is coming.

So you better get some practice in.
User targets are now coded, so make them as fun as you want.
Now, who has a spare Mossberg ? ;)

Test Target Share

This target was shared directly from Plink Log Pro.



and uploaded directly onto Blogger from the phone.

Pro version underway

I've started writing the PRO version extra features, the string compare function is done & looks good. I also fast tracked the Shot Numbering feature & really like it. Somehow I've re-introduced a Save String prompt bug that get removed a while ago, not sure how that happened.

Here's a screenshot to keep you going.

The User Guide is available

I really hate writing documentation, I'd rather be writing code or shooting. But its a necessary evil, I know some of you actually read it. So here it is, warts and all.

www.davederrick.aquiss.com/downloads/plinklog_guide.pdf

It will get revised as the software evolves.

v1.3 release

V1.3 - fixed a save reminder bug.
Added a "Delete String" option
Added a .PNG export to SD Card Media folder
(PNG then can be shared via Blogger, GMail, Bump, Bluetooth etc)

Update to v1.2 on Market

I have removed the bug, it should now work OK on Android 2.1. Please update from the Market.

The bug is revealed ...

Its not really an SD card issue, but a difference between Android 2.1 & 2.2. XML parsing seems to be different, oh well I'll change it back to the older methods. Sigh. An update will be available shortly, sorry to all having problems with 2.1.

SD card issues being investigated

Some problems with saving to SD card. May also involve screen rotation.

A small bugfix

V1.1 corrects a screen rotation problem.

V1.0 is in the wild !

Please head on over to the Android Market & download version 1.0 now. The QR link is on the side of this page.

BETA testing went well

Feedback has been received from several BETA testers, and no problems have been found with the current functionality. Suggestions have been made to tweak certain areas. Expect to see a release soon.

Plink Log v1.0

Plink Log is an Android app for informal target logging in all Target Sports.
The Open BETA has just been released for public testing, let us know your thoughts, and they could make it into the next release.

Screenshots

Plot your shots on screen, either as you take them or at the end of each session. Choose from a range of different targets available.

 

and make notes against each string you shoot.

BETA Features

• Shooting string recording of each shot
• Select from many targets included
• Record notes for each string, e.g. Name, Firearm, Date, Location (GPS assistance & GeoCoding) & Notes
• Store each string on SD card for easy access/export
• Load previously saved strings for display

Future Features

• Overlay several strings for comparison
• Export targets & strings to various graphic formats (e.g. PNG, JPG)
• Calculate MOA spread of a string
• Score a string
• Share a string
• Upload to PC or website
• Print strings to network printer
• Print targets to shoot on network printer