DryFire
 

What you need to use DryFire

You require the following to use DryFire in your own home:

  • a PC running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. (Note: DryFire runs on IBM-compatible PCs, not on Apple computers.)
  • access to the Internet for support via email (we provide support by email only);
  • a spare USB port;
  • a tripod (a cheap one will do);
  • a room with a wall at least 3m (10ft) long (painted, wallpaper - anything except brick, breeze-block or stone);
  • a DryFire system - the hardware and the software;
  • your shotgun (set on safety to give some resistance for the DryFire trigger switch);
  • a tape measure (see Setting up DryFire below).

Note about projectors

You do not require a PC projector or screen - but you can use one if you insist.

Screens will be OK for trap but they will not be wide enough for skeet or sporting crossers.

In our opinion, a projected image is a bad thing - it stops you focussing on "the target, the target and the target!"

Warning about Microsoft's Vista Operating System

There seems to be universal agreement that Vista is the worst version of Windows ever. Worst in the sense that Microsoft has become totally paranoid and introduced so many "security" features that the system treats the user like a nanny looking after a baby. This results in many intrusive messages "warning" you about this and that and telling you not to be so naughty. This is both annoying and not secure - many of the "security features" are totally insecure and many of them show that Microsoft has limited knowledge of what true computer security is all about.

However, Vista is the standard operating system with new PCs so we are stuck with it - though many large organisations insist that all their new machines run under Windows XP. DryFire works happily with "normal" Vista - even though our installation instructions recommend doing things in a slightly non-Microsoft way.

There is a horrendous version of Vista called "Vista 64" (only for 64 bit processors) which should be avoided like the plague if at all possible. Users of Vista 64 may find that many of the devices that have happily worked with better versions of Windows (XP, "normal" Vista etc.) will no longer work.

Pluses for Vista 64:

  • Vista 64 provides access to over 4GB of memory.
  • Vista 64 has "kernel protection".

Minuses for Vista 64:

  • "Kernel protection" causes problems for many drivers written for 32 bit Vista or earlier versions of Windows (XP for example).
  • There are no significant advantages of Vista 64 over normal 32 bit Vista.

So:

  • All PCs that will run Vista 64 will run normal 32 bit Vista.
  • Almost all PCs provided with Windows pre-installed come with 32 bit Vista.
  • Given a choice, we recommend not using Vista 64 - you will not be a happy person.

Microsoft is working on the next (some say "last") version of Windows, known in the trade as "Windows 7", but we have no idea if this will be even worse than Vista 64 or if Microsoft will have learnt its lesson and become a little less paranoid and a little more user conscious. Based on past experience we do not live in hope.

Please see the Version 3 support page for the best way to install under Windows Vista.

No wall? No problem!

It is harder than you think to find a clear wall for use with DryFire - too many windows, too many things on the wall etc. Raw brick or concrete walls are no good because the laser dot "hides" in the nooks and crevices - and outside walls cannot be used because of too much daylight. However, we have seen a large number of very successful alternatives.

If you are shooting properly you should be taking most targets directly in front of you or a few degrees to either side.

For example, on Skeet 4 doubles, you should be taking the first bird just before the cross-over point and the second just after it. You should not be chasing the second bird until it almost reaches the ground!

The critical area for the DryFire camera is in front of you so that it can spot your shot.

Commercial screen

A large commercial projection screen would be fine for seeing the central part of all trajectories and taking shots in front of you.

Home made screen

The diagram on the right shows a very simple framework made up of cheap timber from the local D.I.Y. Store. The two parts are hinged in the middle so it can be folded for storage. Onto the framework is stapled a sheet which is pulled tight to create a screen.

Obviously you can make it smaller or larger to suit yourself and, if you make it smaller but want it higher, you can add fold-out supports at the bottom and place it on two chairs.

A "standard" ceiling height in many modern homes is about 2.4m so you might like to make each half of the framework 2m x 1m - maximum width is more important than height.

All you need is a little imagination, some cheap timber, a few screws, an old sheet, a few staples and you are ready to practice almost anywhere in the house

Of course, it would be even better if you cared to put together some painted hardboard panels that can be folded away for storage.

Skills you require

You, personally, must:

  • be willing to use a PC by clicking with the mouse and entering a few things on the keyboard;
  • have access to the Internet so you can check the DryFire web sites for news and updates;
  • have an email address so that you can get support if you need it;
  • know a reasonable amount about shotguns, chokes, cartridges and clay shooting.

Advice for those unhappy using a PC

DryFire is a considerable investment - it works - but if you are unhappy about using a PC it may not be the right thing for you. Computers have a habit of not always working as expected and they can be very frustrating beasts - even to those of us who have been using them for 40 years! So, consider your mental health before diving in at the deep end.

Setting up DryFire

Accurate setup is the key to getting the best out of DryFire. You will need to:
  • measure the distance from the wall to the camera part of the simulator (1.5m is a good starting position);
  • measure the distance from the floor to the camera part of the simulator (0.8m is a good starting position);
  • measure the distance from the wall to your eyes;
  • measure the distance from the floor to your eyes;
  • measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling;
  • measure the distance from the simulator to the left and right walls (this is the area that DryFire has to work within);
  • decide on the cartridge details to be used (shot size, weight, muzzle velocity);
  • decide on the chokes in each barrel;
  • enter these details into the DryFire configuration and shooter screens;
  • select the Pattern plate option and shoot your calibration shot to align everything up;
  • set the simulator level for everything except skeet when it must be tilted backwards by about 45 degrees.
You will need one of these.
You will need one of these.

Calibration must be done at the start of every shooting session after installing the gun assembly.

You select the discipline you want and the targets you want to practise.

You can step through a complete layout automatically - but it is best to practise the hard targets, not the easy ones.

 
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