Support - Version 3
This support relates to Version 3 systems (green boxes). Versions 1 and 2 (grey boxes) are no longer supported.
Installing under Vista and Windows 7
DryFire works fine with 32 bit Vista and 32 bit Windows 7. It may or may not work with the 64 bit versions.
Click here for details of installing under Vista or Windows 7.
Click here if the USB drivers do not install under Vista or Windows 7.
DryFire error message: "DryFire cannot write ..."
If you get this error message it means what it says - DryFire does not have write access to the folder where it was installed and cannot write its files! (Thanks Microsoft!)
Click here for details of installing under Vista or Windows 7 to get round this.
Most common questions/problems
- DryFire crashes - why? This is a pain-in-the-neck - and not our fault! However, we have a way round it - click here for details.
- Error 89 - you are running software from the American web site on a simulator purchased outside the USA - see below for details.
- How do I get everything set up correctly. Click here for help on accurate setup. Click here for some hints and tips.
- Trigger not working? Locked in release mode? The red box LED should flash when you press the trigger, not when you release it. Take the batteries out, hold down the trigger switch for 15 seconds, put the batteries back. The system will now be in normal trigger mode. Read the User Guide about set/release triggers.
User Guide
The first thing to do is to print out and read the User Guide from the Help menu. (Print in landscape mode.)
Some browsers may not find the User Guide when you click on Help in the software. The User Guide is in the form of a web page called "userguide.htm" in a sub-folder below the folder containing the DryFire program. Normally this is
c:\program files\dryfire\dfmanual\userguide.htm
but it may be
c:\dryfire\dfmanual\userguide.htm
if you entered this when installing under Vista. Find it with Windows Explorer then double click on it to load it into your browser.
Contents of this page
If your problem is not covered here please use the procedure on the General support page to contact us.
Error 89 - running US software with simulators purchased outside the USA
Software from the American web site cannot be used with simulators purchased outside the USA. If you attempt to do this the calibration data stored inside your simulator will be corrupted - causing error 89.
- Download this program to your DryFire folder: DFPATCH89.EXE
- Make sure your simulator is connected via USB and power.
- Run the DFPATCH89 program and select "Dump".
- Send the file created (CALIBRATION.TXT) to us as an email attachment. (See contacts page for our email address.)
- We will send you an email with a small file attached: DFPATCH.TXT - copy this to your DryFire folder.
- Run the DFPATCH89 program again and select "Patch".
If we cannot solve the problem in this way, i.e. if the corruption cannot be fixed with DFPATCH89, you will need to return your simulator to us for re-calibration. There will be a charge of 25.00 GBP for this service.
Windows says that DryFire has stopped working or you get funny graphics problems
Not true - this is Microsoft being economical with the truth - it is 99.99% certain that DryFire did not cause the problem.
This is probably a bug in the OpenGL language support in your PC's graphics card/chip. DryFire has found a way round it.
Try this first:
- Load Windows Explorer.
- Click on your C: drive then on the Windows folder.
- Scroll through the file list until you find DFGRAPH.INI. It may be shown as "DFGRAPH" without the ".INI" part.
- Right click on DFGRAPH.INI and select Open or Edit.
- Find the line:
SoftwareRender=0
and change the zero to a one:
SoftwareRender=1
- Replace (Save) the file.
- If Windows Vista does not let you save the file see the procedure "Turn off Microsoft's User Account Control (UAC) on the Vista installation page.
- Run DryFire again.
Right click here to download a copy of DFGRAPH.INI if you do not find it. Use "Save target as" to save it in c:\windows.
Problem still there?
If this does not solve the problem we need to know which module caused it. When Windows shows its error message it should have one or more buttons for you to click on to find out more information. Sooner or later one of them will end up displaying a module name.
Please contact us with a detailed problem report and let us know that module name.
One or both heads shake from side to side
Click here for a procedure to deal with this.
Spare parts for servo motor connections
It would seem that dogs, small children and vacuum cleaners have a habit of knocking over tripods with DryFire simulators on top! This sometimes results in the white connections between the servo motors and the brackets being broken. The good news is that spares are readily available world-wide from radio controlled model shops. The low-cost servos are Hitec HS-322HD and come with fittings. Some places sell an accessories pack just containing the fittings. This example is from the UK.
General installation notes
- You must install the software before plugging in the simulator.
- Use the default installation folder for Windows XP - see below for installing under Windows Vista.
- If you have any problems during installation please check the rest of this page.
- Once installed you must set up the critical distance values in the Configuration screen - see the Getting started - setup and testing page.
The critical values (to the nearest centimeter) are:
- Shooter to wall
- Simulator to wall
- Simulator height
You can leave all the other values alone to start with.
Recommendation: start with the simulator 1.5m from the wall, 0.80m from the floor and set the shooter position at 2.25m from the wall directly behind the simulator so that you can shoot over the top of it. You can change these positions (and Configuration screen values) later if you wish.
Do not stand too far back - certainly no more than 3m. DryFire is designed to work in a normal domestic room and if you stand too far back there is the possibility that the camera will not see your shot.
- Read the User Guide from the Help menu - it will be displayed in your web browser. We recommend printing it in landscape mode.
- At the start of every shooting session you must use the Muzzle alignment function from the Pattern board. If you bump the muzzle insert you should repeat the Muzzle alignment function.
Important note about muzzle alignment data
The muzzle alignment values are stored with your current gun/shooter information. If you select a different gun/shooter (moving from a trap gun to a skeet gun for example) you must carry out muzzle alignment again.
How to uninstall an earlier version of DryFire
Please follow all the steps in this preceded if you have any reason to uninstall/re-install:
- Use Windows Control Panel to uninstall DryFire and Course Designer.
- Delete the folder c:\program files\dryfire (or the folder where you installed DryFire if different)
- Delete the file c:\windows\system32\dfgraph.dll.
- Delete the file c:\windows\dfgraph.ini.
- Install the new version.
Installing under Microsoft Vista/Windows7
DryFire works quite happily on normal Vista/Window 7 and may or may not work on Vista 64.
Please click here for more installation details.
Error message: "The program can communicate with the simulator USB chip but there may be a problem with the firmware"
This is probably caused by having an older version of the software installed.
Please follow this procedure:
- Use Windows Control Panel to uninstall DryFire and Course Designer.
- Delete the folder c:\program files\dryfire (or the folder where you installed DryFire if different)
- Delete the file c:\windows\system32\dfgraph.dll.
- Delete the file c:\windows\dfgraph.ini.
- Install from the CD that came with DryFire.
Simulator does not nod and shows no sign of having power
The head(s) should nod when the simulator has power and is connected to the PC with the USB cable.
If the simulator has worked previously but now shows no sign of power and is not recognised by the DryFire software:
- Check that the power cord is connected to the electricity supply, that it is switched on and the other end is plugged into the simulator.
- Check that the USB cable is connected to the PC and the simulator and that the PC is switched on with Windows running.
- Use a voltage meter to check the output from the power supply.
WARNING OF DEATH OR INJURY: do not plug anything into the mains side of the power supply and do not open the power supply.
Plug the leads from a voltage meter into the cylindrical plug that would normally go into the simulator and you should get a reading of between 5.0V and 5.1V.
DryFire requires a regulated 5V power supply of at least 1 Amp with the positive connection in the centre of the round plug that goes into the socket on the back of the simulator.
The use of a different power supply, or a different voltage, will damage the simulator.
- If the power supply is connected, and working correctly with the correct voltage, the only other cause of loss of power is if a different power supply had previously been plugged into the simulator. Most homes have many power supplies and one with a voltage of more that 5V will damage the simulator by blowing one of the safety diodes on the PCB inside the simulator.
Checking and replacing the diode
Contact us first by email - just in case power may not be the issue.
Open the DryFire case to access the PCB. You do not need to remove the head(s) but take care that you do not bang them when working.
Place your meter across the end of each diode - it should show close to 5V - the voltage being produced by the power supply.
If one of the diodes shows a very low voltage, or no voltage, then it requires replacement. It will have blown to protect the digital circuitry when a power supply generating more than 5V was plugged in.
We are very happy to carry out the replacement for you if you send the unit to us (see packing instructions) - however, this takes time and can be expensive - especially if sent internationally.
Anyone competent with a soldering iron can replace the diode which is a very low cost and readily available item. So, the first thing to do is to see if you can find someone locally who is happy replacing standard electronic components.
Instructions for replacement
Make a note of the direction of diodes.
(Note: capacitors (metal "cans") may vary in colour - blue/red.)
|
It is best to replace both diodes although only one of them will have been damaged. They cost a few pence/cents each.
You need to be confident that you can remove and replace these parts without damaging the printed circuit board. If not we can do it for you - it just depends on your experience with a soldering iron.
It is important to use a temperature controlled soldering iron so that you can melt the solder without getting it so hot that the PCB becomes damaged.
Procedure:
- Make a note of which way round the diodes are fitted - look at the bands on their surface.
- Use side cutters to cut off the diodes from the top side of the PCB.
- Heat up the legs on the back of the PCB.
- Pull each one out with a pair of tweezers / small pliers from the top of the PCB.
- Clean the holes either with a solder sucker or solder wick. Never try to drill out the holes as this will remove the plating from them and stop the parts from working.
- Solder the new diodes into place making sure they are the correct way round. (The black band is towards the left viewed as in the photo above.) Do not keep the soldering iron in place for too long - this will damage the PCB.
The part you need is a 6.8v 1.3W Zener diode type number BZX85C6V8 or equivalent.
Please click here for details of the diodes used.
|
Side cutters - 'nippers'
Temperature controlled soldering iron
|
USB driver does not install properly
First thing to do is to uninstall DryFire ready for a fresh start.
- Use Windows Control Panel to uninstall DryFire.
- Delete the folder where you installed DryFire - usually c:\program files\dryfire or just c:\dryfire.
- Delete the file c:\windows\system\system32\dfgraph.dll
Now install DryFire from the original CD but do not run the software after installation.
Now follow this procedure:
When Windows recognises the device, ask it to search for a suitable drivers:
- Tell it not to check the Internet for software then select "Install from a list or specific location" and click on "Next".
- Select "Include this location in the search" and then "Browse" to find the correct folder.
For Windows XP the folder is:
c:\program files\dryfire\usb-drivers\xp-2000
For Windows Vista/Windows 7 the folder is:
c:\dryfire\usb-drivers\vista
- Click "Next" so that Windows can find and install the driver. Select "Continue anyway" if you get a warning.
This should fix the problem. If not, contact us.
Hints and tips when getting started
- Version 3 will nod its head(s) when connected both to a power supply and to the USB port of a PC.
If the simulator shakes its head(s) it indicates that the laser/camera heads may not be programmed or internal data has become corrupt. The Test, calibrate and program option from the File menu allows you to deal with this.
- These things influence how well DryFire can see your shot:
- How far the simulator is from the wall - never more than 2m, preferably less.
- How far too the side you shoot. You should never be chasing clays outside your comfort zone.
- How far you stand from the wall - between 2m and 3m should be fine.
- How the exposure level of the camera is adjusted in the Configuration screen. Set it as high as possible without the system seeing stray light.
Use the Automatic camera exposure function from the Setup menu or, in the Configuration screen, try setting values starting at 24 and working up in steps of 8 (32, 40, 48, 56, 64 etc.) until the camera starts to see stray light - then back off by 8.
- ** The setting of Max IR dot size in the Configuration screen. DryFire tries to reject stray sources of light and this value sets the minimum value to be rejected. If the value is too low DryFire will reject real shots! So, you can increase this value (try 20, 30, 40) if your system is still not seeing shots after you have checked everything above.
- **The value MaxSpotDiameter in the file c:\windows\dfgraph.ini. This is normally set to 40 and should not require changing.
** note: these two values are not required for simulators with a Bootloader firmware version less than 3.10. (Click on Help to check versions.)
Please see below for a procedure if your system is not seeing your shots.
- To make sure the system hears your call of "Pull" you can adjust the value under AR threshold in the Configuration screen. The lower the value, the more sensitive the acoustic release will be. Try values of 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25 or 20.
- Remember: DryFire starts to listen for your call of "Pull" after the servo motors turn off when they reach the start position for the target - and after you hear a beep on the PC. You can call "Pull" as soon as you hear the servo motors switch off - the software will "beep" at this point.
- Your muzzle alignment settings from the Pattern plate are stored in the current User settings. So, if you are using different settings for different guns you must remember to do muzzle alignment for each one.
The best rule is: do muzzle alignment at the start of every practice session and whenever you change user/gun.
- Always double check the key distances in the Configuration screen - especially shooter to wall, simulator to wall and simulator height.
Remember: you always measure to the top centre of the spirit level for simulator settings.
- If the screen goes black, and you can't see the layout, you have been messing with the date and time values on the Configuration screen. Set a sensible date/time (21st March, 12:00) and make sure the Speed-up value is set to zero.
If you are brave you can set Speed-up to 1440 and watch the screen as a complete day goes by in one minute. (There are 1440 minutes in one day.)
- When relaxing between DryFire shots you should never put the muzzle on your foot - this will alter the position of the muzzle insert and totally change subsequent shots.
We can introduce you to someone who has no toes on his right foot as a result of resting a semi-auto on his foot between real shots.
USB connection broken - Error 47
If for any reason your PC loses contact with the simulator the software may report an Error 47. If this happens:
- Run the software again.
- If the very unlikely event that the software still cannot communicate with the simulator simply unplug the USB cable and plug it back in again.
Procedure if your system does not see your shots - or sees too many shots
Check that the simulator is close enough to the wall (1m to 2m) and the shooter is close enough to the wall (2m - 3m):
Physical check
- Take the gun assembly off the gun.
- Watch the red LED on the red box then press the switch repeatedly. If the LED comes on each time you press the switch then the switch is fine - the batteries in the red box should last for tens of thousands of shots.
Note: if the LED comes on when you release the switch you have inadvertently set the system into "release trigger mode" - in which case, remove the batteries from the red box, hold the trigger down for 15 seconds, then replace the batteries. See User Guide for details.
- If it is NOT the trigger switch it would be worth testing the muzzle insert. Place it in a dark place with a piece of white paper about 1cm in front of it then press the trigger. If you look closely (in the dark!) you should see a feint flash of red light. The muzzle insert LED is infra red but there is just about enough visible red in it to see it close up in the dark.
Other possibilities
- The camera is not seeing the invisible Infra Red laser dot from your muzzle insert.
Solution: increase camera exposure value in the Configuration screen. The Exposure should be as high as possible without the camera seeing stray light. Try values of 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80.
Note: the Infra Red dot will not be seen on a dark green, concrete, stone or brick background.
- The camera is seeing too much light.
Solution: reduce background light and/or decrease camera exposure value in the Configuration screen.
- You have accidentally set your trigger box into release mode. (Release mode is used by some shooters in the USA.)
A shot is normally fired when you press the trigger switch. In release mode the shot is fired when you release the switch. Check by looking at the LED on the trigger box when you press/release the switch.
To set for release mode you hold the trigger switch down for 5 seconds or more.
To return to normal mode you take the batteries out of the trigger box, hold down the switch for 15 seconds and then replace the batteries.
Checking procedure for correct camera exposure value
- Double check that you have subdued lighting.
- Double check that there is no light, or reflected light, anywhere in the path followed by the target.
Don't forget: the camera is looking at the area around the target dot - not just at the dot itself.
Stray light could be from a window, wall light, spot light, ceiling light, mirror, reflection from a picture etc.
- Double check simulator and shooter distances.
- Use Automatic camera exposure to set the initial exposure value.
- Use the pattern plate for tests.
- Never shoot at the limits of the wall. (It would be bad shooting and a waste of ammunition in the real world.)
If shots are still being missed, start with an exposure setting of 16 and increase it in units of 4 until the camera starts to see stray light then back off by 8.
If shots are still being missed, increase the value of "Min IR dot size" in the Configuration screen - try 24, 32, 40
Error message: "Error when calling ReadIniFile"
If you get this message please delete the file DRYFIRE.INI from the folder where you installed DryFire. Windows Explorer may show this file as "Configuration settings." Now run the DryFire software again and set up your measurement values in the configuration screen.
If you are using Vista please check that you did not install in the default folder "c:\program file\dryfire" but in "c:\dryfire" instead. If you did install in "c:\program files\dryfire" please:
- use Windows Control Panel to uninstall DryFire,
- delete the DryFire folder ("c:\program files\dryfire"),
- install again from the original CD - making sure you change the installation folder to "c:\dryfire".
Problem with some Shuttle systems
A user has have reported problems with some Shuttle boards using Intel graphics chip sets.
The problems are intermittent and give similar symptoms to the ones where Windows reports "Dryfire has encountered a problem and needs to close".
Since the problem is intermittent - sometimes the system works, sometimes it doesn't - it is not a simple software fix. The best solution is to use a PCI graphics card plugged into the Shuttle board.
We have used the system quite happily on other micro-board systems such as Mini-ITX and it works fine.
Converting Version 2 layouts to Version 3 format
Please click here if you have upgraded to Version 3 and you have your own Version 2 layouts that you would like to convert.
|
