I created a free shot group calculator app. I want to improve it so please give your feedback!

[Spottrdev]

SPOTTR is a simple shot group calculator with an integrated shooting diary and it is designed to be pretty straightforward but functional. You can customize shooting success criteria, set up actionable targets, track results, and share them with friends.

You can try SPOTTR for Android devices here. (iOS version will be ready later this fall)

The app is completely free! I planned to add monetization but removed it after initial feedback. I realized that I should give to the community a working product first, and build it up based on what you request.

Please help me improve the app by answering these questions:

- What do you think about the app in its current state?

- How do you usually track your score? Do you use some other ballistic app?

- Is there any specific feature you’d want to see next?

 

[Robbins290]

Installing now, will try it out when I can.

 

[JTHunter]

What about a program or app for a Windows based computer? I don't have a "smart" phone of any kind.

 

[wally]

What about a program or app for a Windows based computer? I don't have a "smart" phone of any kind.

I've never tried, but one of these might work:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/3-free-ways-to-run-android-apps-on-your-pc

Skip the first one as it just displays the output of the app running on the phone (which you don't have) in a window on your PC. The other three look promising, but I've never actually used any of them.

Spotterdev might have some input here, lets hope he is not just a drive-by "member" posing an ad for his app here. This is his first message.

 

[sparkyv]

Nice, very easy, fairly intuitive interface. I'll test it some more; suggestion, I'd like to see a variable reference instead of needing a 1" reference. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you are successful with your development.

What is "save your data remotely?"

 

[JTHunter]

Thanks Wally. I'll check it out.

 

[gobsauce]

Nice, very easy, fairly intuitive interface. I'll test it some more; suggestion, I'd like to see a variable reference instead of needing a 1" reference. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you are successful with your development.

What is "save your data remotely?"

Remotely means it's being saved somewhere else, be it another server ,etc etc etc. This , I believe, would make it so that you could use multiple devices linked to the same account and have access to your data. Locally would imply that the data is stored on your device.

 

[Spottrdev]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

I'd like to see a variable reference instead of needing a 1" reference"

Hmm, interesting suggestion, added to the backlog!

Remotely means it's being saved somewhere else, be it another server ,etc etc etc. This , I believe, would make it so that you could use multiple devices linked to the same account and have access to your data. Locally would imply that the data is stored on your device.

Exactly, thank you for explaining!

 

[CryptKeeper5]

Installed and plan on using this morning at the range! Thanks!

 

[Archie]

What about a program or app for a Windows based computer? I don't have a "smart" phone of any kind.

Second the motion. I'm confused enough without a smart phone AND I can read a map.

 

[Archie]

Sounds like a good idea. I can analyze the group, adjust for distance (yardage), then calculate the 'minutes' needed to center the group. But having that calculation done by a calculating device without my input of anything but data sounds quicker and less prone to my faulty arithmetic.

 

[brasscollector]

Does the app still work when there is no cell service / wi-fi available? My Range is in a 'deadzone'.

 

[gobsauce]

Does the app still work when there is no cell service / wi-fi available? My Range is in a 'deadzone'.

I'd Imagine that the only thing you couldn't do in a dead zone is save your data remotely. Even if there's something connected via Bluetooth, I don't think it'll matter.

I'm not the dev, but I've worked a ton in IT and all, being an Electrical engineering student.

 

[Spottrdev]

Yes, everything works without cell service / wi-fi. You only need it if you want to share your results

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I checked the permissions. The one about "running on startup" stops me from even downloading the app to try.

I want to turn it on when I want to use it. I do not want it to run automatically when the phone starts.

 

[DTL]

If you added a short explanation of how you use it, I might be interested in looking into it. Also +1 on the start-up function objection, no unnecessary app should open without owner setting it to do so in options.

 

[wally]

I checked the permissions. The one about "running on startup" stops me from even downloading the app to try.

I want to turn it on when I want to use it. I do not want it to run automatically when the phone starts.

That is concerning, I can't imagine a need for this permission on this app or most any non-core function app for that matter, to run on startup. I hope Spottrdev pops in with clarification, to me, such a thing in an app like this is a red-flag that it is a "Trojan" that occasionally does something somewhat useful while harvesting data 24/7 in the background. If you have the skills, monitor its network activity to see if it "calls home".

Many big name commercial apps are like this, my wife tried the McDonald's app to get "special coupons" it wanted access to contacts, photos, location, virtually everything! immediately said no and uninstalled.

 

[gobsauce]

So in this case, I can't say anything as to why it needs a bunch of those permissions. However, I can see why it needs the photos, as the app needs the photos to calculate your shot group.

Y'all also gotta understand that many "free" apps make money by two main methods :
1. Harvest and selling your data. The McDonalds app is a perfect example.

2. Running ads. Sorta like TV, they play a movie, and then make money through running ads for XYZ incorporated.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Y'all also gotta understand that many "free" apps make money by two main methods :
1. Harvest and selling your data. The McDonalds app is a perfect example.

I do understand this.. which is why I won't download or use this SPOTTR app. I don't agree to the permissions.

 

[gobsauce]

I do understand this.. which is why I won't download or use this SPOTTR app. I don't agree to the permissions.

This wasn't my harking on you, my friend, but rather explaining to someone who might not. Good on you for knowing these things. My ex girlfriend , who's 8 days older than me, doesn't.

 

[wally]

So in this case, I can't say anything as to why it needs a bunch of those permissions. However, I can see why it needs the photos, as the app needs the photos to calculate your shot group.

Y'all also gotta understand that many "free" apps make money by two main methods :
1. Harvest and selling your data. The McDonalds app is a perfect example.

I would think the Mickey D app would make money by enticing you to go there instead of somewhere else with a "special offer", selling my contacts info to spammers is totally unacceptable! The only way this will stop is to avoid apps that routinely ask for permissions they don't need. Running on start up is a total red-flag to me that you really don't want to install it. YMMV.

Some versions of Android allow you to revoke permissions individually (but with others its all or nothing), if it won't run without the the "run on startup" permission, to me that is the operational definition of a "Trojan" program.

An app targeted at gun owners that is spying on you, especially with "location" data, could be very bad news for you down the road. Be careful out there!

 

[Spottrdev]

I checked the permissions. The one about "running on startup" stops me from even downloading the app to try.

Thanks for bringing this up! "Running on startup" a standard setting for most apps. I get your concerns about safety of your personal data an will address this in the next patch!

Y'all also gotta understand that many "free" apps make money by two main methods :
1. Harvest and selling your data. The McDonalds app is a perfect example.
2. Running ads. Sorta like TV, they play a movie, and then make money through running ads for XYZ incorporated.

That's not how I plan to monetize his. Here's my idea:
1. Make the free version good enough that it would be useful for many gun enthusiasts out there
2. Gather feedback on what additional things you want and eventually develop a separate paid version with more sophisticated features. Most of casual shooter users will never need those and that's fine!

 

[Spottrdev]

I've released the iOS version! You can download it here - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spottr-sport-shooting/id1589950981

 

[mcb]

Makes the calibration distance user settable. Let the user enter the distance for calibration and then click two points that represent that distance rather than always using 1-inch.

Calculate mean radius for the group.

 

[Spottrdev]

Makes the calibration distance user settable. Let the user enter the distance for calibration and then click two points that represent that distance rather than always using 1-inch.
Calculate mean radius for the group.

Thank you for the suggestions! Added to the backlog