Support - Version 2
Please see the General support page if you have a problem not dealt with here.
There are no outstanding support problems. The last problem was reported and fixed on 11th November, 2003.
Important note
DryFire no longer supports the serial versions of the system (Version 1 and Version 2 - grey boxes.)
The current USB version (Version 3 - green boxes) is supported under XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Windows gives an error saying DryFire has caused a fatal problem
or strange graphics problems - disappearing screen etc.
This is Microsoft being economical with the truth - it is 99.99% certain that DryFire did not cause a fatal error.
Simple solution for manufacturers' OpenGL problems
Some manufacturers may be unwilling, or unable, to solve their problem so you can use Windows NotePad to create a simple text file containing these two lines:
[DFGRAPH]
SoftwareRender=1
Save this file as DFGRAPH.INI in the main Windows folder: c:\windows
Using software rendering (drawing the screen) is less efficient than hardware rendering (which the chip manufacturer is supposed to provide) but it should work.
Please click-right here if you prefer to download this two line file rather than create it for yourself.
Target stops/starts under Windows XP on certain PCs
Targets are never perfectly smooth because of the backlash in the motors when the target changes direction.
However, there should never be any obvious stop/start during the time the laser is moving.
Version 2 or earlier: if you do notice this, particularly under Windows XP, simply turn off the "Enable sound effects on the simulator speaker" in the System configuration screen reached from the Setup menu.
How to get help
Please see below if Windows says that "Dryfire has encountered a problem and needs to close".
You must have the latest software and Service Pack installed before contacting us. See the Download page for details.
We need:
- the versions of the DryFire modules you are using - see the Help screen;
- the version of Windows you are using;
- exactly what you did and what happened. We need a step-by-step list of things to do so we can reproduce the problem - and fix it.
- a copy of the two files, dryfire.ini and dryfire.usr, which you will find in the DryFire folder: c:\program files\dryfire.
Contacting us
Please click here to send us an email if you have a problem.
Possible problems getting DryFire to run on your PC
DryFire installs first time, every time, on the vast majority of PCs running versions of Windows from XP onwards.
If it does not install and run first time, there are three possible areas to consider:
- Your PC or operating system is not suitable.
- Your PC does not have a suitable USB port to enable the simulator to be connected.
- Your PC does not have a suitable graphics card, or has an out of date graphics driver, to run the DryFire software.
The key to the best use of DryFire
Accurate settings + accurate alignment = accurate targets + accurate shots
To get the best from DryFire:
- Make sure that you have used the Simulator settings option of the Configuration menu to set all the distances accurately
- Make sure that you have used the Pattern plate option of the Settings menu to align the muzzle insert in your gun
You are now set for accurate targets and accurate shots.
Recommended configuration settings:
- Simulator in centre of wall.
- Simulator less than 2m (6') from the wall. 1m (3') is fine.
- Simulator about 1m (3') from the floor.
- Shooter standing directly behind the simulator and between 2.5m (7' 6") and 3m (9') from the wall with muzzle over the simulator. Standing too far back means that your angles will not be accurate and the camera may not see your shots.
- Wall to left of shooter: half of wall width.
- Wall to right of shooter: half of wall width.
- Camera exposure: use Auto-Exposure or start at a value of 24 and increment in steps of 8 until the camera sees too much light - then back off by 8 until the system is working reliably in your light conditions (subdued lighting).
- Camera gain: this should be left at 7.
Simulator beeps - Version 2 and earlier
When the simulator is "woken up" (by plugging in the mains power supply or by using the PC software) it may give a number of beeps:
| Beeps |
Meaning |
Action |
| 1 |
Power on |
Normal |
| 2 |
Power is being dragged low |
Check that one of the servos is not stalled - this will cause it to draw too much current. Check that the bracket is not rubbing against the camera moulding which should be free to move horizontally and vertically in the bracket. A very small drop of oil on the plastic lug can be helpful - but never allow oil to enter the servo motors.
If this fails please see Reprogramming below.
Servos are consumable items and low cost replacements are available from radio control model shops world-wide. The horizontal one inside the simulator base can be changed in a few minutes. |
| 3 |
Internal memory parameters not programmed correctly |
See Reprogramming below. |
| 4 |
External layout memory not programmed |
Normal if no layout has been downloaded.
You can continue to use the system as normal or you can reprogram to clear the error. See Reprogramming below. |
| 5 |
Simulator cannot communicate with the camera |
Open the simulator, remove and re-install the camera cable - just in case it has come loose.
If this fails please see Reprogramming below. |
Reprogramming
If none of the above solutions work with your simulator you should try programming, calibrating and testing the simulator before reporting the problem to DryFire. This option is available from the File menu when the software is running.
If the system cannot connect to your simulator when you first load the DryFire software, please select the Program option from the message box that will be displayed.
Full details may be found at the end of the User Guide.
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