Wordcraft DryFire User manual

DryFire Version 5 User Guide
User Guide Version 5.1 issued 1st January, 2021.
Please see the web site for the latest version and for more documentation that may help you:
https://wordcraft.com/support
Safety
You are personally responsible for your own safety and the safety of others around you.
Wordcraft International cannot be held responsible if you ignore these warnings.
Ensure your gun is unloaded before using it with DryFire - double check semi-automatics.
Just as at the shooting ground, never point a gun at anyone.
Keep batteries and other small parts way from young children.
Avoid explosions and fire by never recharging batteries unless they say "Rechargeable".
Use a cable protector to ensure you don't trip over trailing mains or USB cables.
To prevent damage to your eyes, and the eyes of others, never look into a laser and never point it at
anyone.
Translation
1. Download this PDF document to your PC.
2. Visit the Google translate page:
https://translate.google.com/?sl=auto&tl=en&op=docs
3. Select the language you require.
4. Locate this PDF document on your PC.
5. Click on “Translate”.
6. The text will be translated but you will need this English PDF for the illustrations.
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Table of Contents
1 What’s in the box...........................................................................................................................................5
1.1 DryFire...................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Swing.....................................................................................................................................................5
2 Installation.....................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Preparing your room..............................................................................................................................6
2.1.1 Lighting...........................................................................................................................................6
2.1.2 Measurements................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Detailed preparation...............................................................................................................................8
2.3 Gun assembly setup..............................................................................................................................9
2.3.1 Trigger switch fitting........................................................................................................................9
2.3.2 UGA Safety.....................................................................................................................................9
2.3.3 UGA battery charging...................................................................................................................10
2.3.4 UGA fitting and use.......................................................................................................................10
2.4 Software installation.............................................................................................................................10
2.5 Muzzle alignment.................................................................................................................................12
2.6 Your first target.....................................................................................................................................13
2.7 Camera setup.......................................................................................................................................14
2.8 Microphone setup.................................................................................................................................15
3 Projection add-on setup...............................................................................................................................16
3.1 Laser targets first.................................................................................................................................16
3.2 Quick setup..........................................................................................................................................16
3.2.1 Before setup.................................................................................................................................16
3.2.2 Setup............................................................................................................................................17
3.3 Extended mode....................................................................................................................................17
3.3.1 An easy check for extended or duplicated mode..........................................................................17
3.3.2 Two displays but one mouse cursor..............................................................................................17
3.4 Wrong image size................................................................................................................................18
3.4.1 Checking for cropping...................................................................................................................18
3.5 Illustration of the procedure..................................................................................................................18
3.6 Setup procedure in detail.....................................................................................................................19
3.7 Report of problem with Windows 10 and extended mode....................................................................20
4 Swing setup.................................................................................................................................................21
4.1 Before installation.................................................................................................................................21
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4.2 Installation and calibration....................................................................................................................22
4.3 Setting the home position.....................................................................................................................23
4.4 Setting the laser ahead position...........................................................................................................24
4.4.1 Swing to wall distance..................................................................................................................25
4.5 Setting the shooter position..................................................................................................................25
4.6 Target selection....................................................................................................................................25
5 Screen layout...............................................................................................................................................27
6 Selecting a simulation..................................................................................................................................28
7 Releasing targets.........................................................................................................................................30
7.1 More information about targets.............................................................................................................32
8 Results and feedback..................................................................................................................................33
9 Shooters......................................................................................................................................................35
10 Firearms....................................................................................................................................................36
11 Settings......................................................................................................................................................38
11.1 Calibration..........................................................................................................................................38
11.2 Background........................................................................................................................................38
11.3 Scaling...............................................................................................................................................39
11.4 Target release....................................................................................................................................39
11.5 Clays..................................................................................................................................................40
11.5.1 Note about clay speed................................................................................................................40
11.6 Results...............................................................................................................................................41
11.7 Wind...................................................................................................................................................42
11.8 Sounds...............................................................................................................................................42
11.9 Localisation........................................................................................................................................43
11.10 Add-ons............................................................................................................................................43
11.11 Miscellaneous:.................................................................................................................................43
12 Installing adds-ons.....................................................................................................................................44
13 Designer add-on........................................................................................................................................45
14 Rifle & Pistol add-on..................................................................................................................................49
15 Competition add-on...................................................................................................................................50
15.1 Squads, multiple users and multiple guns..........................................................................................50
15.2 Getting started....................................................................................................................................50
16 Gun Motion add-on....................................................................................................................................55
16.1 Important note....................................................................................................................................55
16.2 Requirements.....................................................................................................................................55
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16.3 Using Gun Motion..............................................................................................................................55
16.4 Post-shot analysis..............................................................................................................................57
17 Report Generator add-on...........................................................................................................................58
17.1 Requirements.....................................................................................................................................58
17.2 Using Report Generator.....................................................................................................................58
18 Getting support..........................................................................................................................................61
18.1 Trouble shooter..................................................................................................................................61
18.2 Sending a support request.................................................................................................................61
18.3 Advanced support options..................................................................................................................62
19 Advanced room setup................................................................................................................................65
20 Advanced UGA setup................................................................................................................................67
20.1 Configuring the UGA..........................................................................................................................67
20.2 Bluetooth problems............................................................................................................................68
21 Warranty....................................................................................................................................................69
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1 What’s in the box
Check you have the following items and contact us if anything is missing.
1.1 DryFire
Simulator with two heads.
Power supply with mains cable.
The DryFire power supply generates 5V to power the simulator. Most homes have lots of different
power supplies lying around – using the wrong one will damage the simulator.
The two heads on the simulator will nod up and down when the USB cable is connected to a PC and
the power supply is connected to the simulator and switched on at the mains.
If this doesn’t happen it probably means that the wrong power supply has been used at some time.
Please follow this link for a test procedure.
https://wordcraft.com/dryfire/help/df_sim_test
Universal Gun Assembly (UGA) and barrel clamp.
Trigger switch and cable.
USB cable.
1.2 Swing
USB cable
No power supply is required for Swing because it has an internal battery which is being charged
continuously over the USB port. The battery provides the energy for the two servo motors moving the
laser spot.
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2 Installation
2.1 Preparing your room
2.1.1 Lighting
DryFire detects a pulse of infrared (IR) light fired from the Universal Gun Assembly (UGA) so you require a
room with subdued lighting and with no direct sunlight or artificial light falling on the wall/screen or being
reflected from it.
You will probably want a darker room if you are using the projection add-on - so you can see the screen better.
Be careful with targets taken beyond your normal break zone - the cameras may be seeing light to the sides
and you may get false shots. Check for reflected light from doors or windows, reduce overall lighting and try
again. If all else fails, you can reduce the sensitivity of the cameras.
2.1.2 Measurements
To present accurate targets DryFire needs to know two things:
where the simulator is (distance from wall and height above floor).
where your eyes are (distance from wall and eye height when you are in your shooting stance).
The reference point for measurements is the centre of the circular indentation on the top surface of the
simulator's metal case
The drawing below has the simulator mounted on the DryFire shooting stand:
https://wordcraft.com/dryfire/articles/cabinet
The drawing shows:
simulator to wall: 1.75m,
simulator from floor: 0.65m,
shooter from wall: 2.50m,
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the lower Post-it note marking the simulator straight ahead position - directly in front of, and at the
same height as, the simulator,
the upper Post-it note marking the shooter straight ahead position - directly in front of, and at the same
height as the shooters eye's when in the shooting stance.
This is an example only - your measurements will probably be different.
Take great care with "shooter straight ahead".
DryFire calculates everything from the viewpoint of your eyes when in the shooting stance.
This is not the same as your physical height and not the same as your eye height when standing up.
Imagine a shooter 1.83m (6') tall.
When in the shooting stance, with the barrels perfectly level, the bead points to a location 1.52m (5')
from the floor. That is the shooter straight ahead height for the Post-it note.
The spreadsheet below shows suitable measurements for use with DryFire. The ceiling, slope, left wall and
right wall values are rarely used.
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2.2 Detailed preparation
Prepare two Post-It notes (see the drawing above) by drawing diagonal lines to mark their centres.
The DryFire simulator should face the centre of the wall/screen and be absolutely parallel with it.
The reference point for DryFire measurements is the centre of the indented circle on the top of the
simulator's metal case.
The simulator should be between 1.5m and 2.0m from the wall/screen.
The simulator should be between 0.5m and 1.0m from the floor.
The optional DryFire Shooting Stand is ideal for this - the simulator will be 0.65m from the floor.
Put a Post-It note on the wall/screen directly in front of the simulator and at the same height - this is the
"simulator straight ahead" position. Measure the distance from the wall/screen and the height from the
floor.
Measure how far the left and right walls are from the simulator.
Measure the ceiling height.
If the wall has a slope, measure how far up from the floor it starts and how far the top extends into the
room.
Decide your shooting position and measure the distance from the wall/screen.
Stand in your shooting position, adopt a shooting position pointing straight ahead with your gun barrel
horizontal. (Get someone to put a spirit level on your barrel to ensure it is horizontal.) Use a Post-It
note to mark the position your are pointing at on the wall/screen. This is the "shooter straight ahead"
position
If your shooting position is not directly behind the simulator measure how far it is to the right (entered
as a positive value, e.g. 0.60m) or left (entered as a negative value, e.g. -0.60m) of the simulator
straight ahead position.
Write down all your measurements before running the software. Keep the list safe for future reference
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2.3 Gun assembly setup
The gun assembly has two parts: a trigger switch and a Universal Gun Assembly (UGA).
2.3.1 Trigger switch fitting
Wrap the trigger switch round the trigger as tightly as possible and wrap the excess cable round the trigger
guard. Fit the switch so the rubber tail is out of the way of your trigger finger – this it will be different for left
and right handed shooters.
Some people have fitted the switch the other way round so it is activated when pressed against the back of the
trigger guard. There is no "right" or "wrong" way as long as it works!
2.3.2 UGA Safety
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The Universal Gun Assembly (UGA) sends out a short pulse of low power infrared (IR) laser light when you
press the trigger. IR is invisible to the human eye but can still be dangerous so never look directly into the
laser and never point it at anyone
2.3.3 UGA battery charging
The UGA contains a rechargeable battery which may be charged from any USB port or USB charger.
The UGA requires charging before first use. A yellow "charging" LED will illuminate when charging and a
green LED will illuminate when fully charged.
It is worth periodically charging the UGA until the green LED is illuminated even if it is still functioning correctly.
Strange things can happen on low charge, e.g. you may be able to carry out muzzle alignment but DryFire
may not report shots when you fire at targets.
2.3.4 UGA fitting and use
Clamp the UGA under your barrel, close to the end of the forestock.
Plug the trigger switch cable into the socket on the back of the UGA.
Secure the excess cable out of the way.
Switch on the UGA - the red LED will flash.
Press the trigger switch, the red LED should flash each time you do this.
The red LED will continue to flash periodically to show the UGA is switched on.
Switch off the UGA after use.
Recharge the UGA from a USB port or USB charger.
The UGA comes ready for normal "press to shoot" mode, see the Advanced UGA setup section for "release
to shoot" mode.
2.4 Software installation
Click the link below to watch a video covering DryFire installation and first use:
https://vimeo.com/495157095
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Take all necessary safety precautions.
Do not connect your simulator to your PC at this stage.
Download the latest DryFire software. We recommend scanning the download at this stage.
https://wordcraft.com/support
Run and install the DryFire software - click to go ahead on any warnings.
Connect the simulator to power and to a USB port – the simulators heads will nod.
The DryFire power supply generates 5V to power the simulator. Most homes have lots of different
power supplies lying around – using the wrong one will damage the simulator.
The two heads on the simulator will nod up and down when the USB cable is connected to a PC and
the power supply is connected to the simulator and switched on at the mains.
If this doesn’t happen it probably means that the wrong power supply has been used at some time.
Please follow this link for a test procedure.
https://wordcraft.com/dryfire/help/df_sim_test
When DryFire connects to the simulator it will ask you to enter these measurements:
simulator to wall,
simulator height,
shooter to wall.
After entering the measurements click on "Next" - do not click on "Advanced".
By default the software will run as soon as installation is complete. If not you will have to run it so you can
enter setup measurements. In Windows 10 you will find DryFire 5 in the startup menu after clicking on the
Windows logo key - bottom left of the screen.
Keep it simple
For your first few laser targets we recommend you:
enter only simulator from wall/screen, simulator from floor and shooter from wall/screen,
don't use the "Advanced setup" option at this stage,
don't enter shooter or gun data - use the system defaults,
select a straightforward simulation, such a "Trap", "DTL", for your first few targets.
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You can come back later and enter more measurements and settings when you are familiar with how the
system works. Select "Settings", "Calibration", "Full calibration", "Calibrate", "Advanced setup").
Very important: start with laser targets
If you purchased DryFire with the projection add-on, or purchased the add-on separately, the screen shown
below may appear - if so, select "I'm not projecting" Don't worry if this screen does not appear.
It is important to get laser targets working correctly before you set up projection.
Follow the procedure below for muzzle alignment then try a few laser targets to become familiar with the
system before setting up projection.
2.5 Muzzle alignment
You should carry out muzzle alignment at the start of every shooting session.
Click the link below to download a video showing setup. Watch 36 seconds in to see the steps
involved in alignment.
https://vimeo.com/495157095
Check your PC speakers are switched on and working - or you won't hear the "bangs".
Check the UGA is switched on - the LED will flash slowly.
Step 1: you will be asked to shoot at your straight ahead position marked by the upper Post-it note.
Stand at your normal shooting location, take up your normal shooting stance, use the bead to aim at
the centre of the Post-it note and press the trigger - you will hear a "bang".
The laser dot is not visible during this first step but the camera head is looking for the location of your
first shot.
Step 2: a laser dot will now appear, Check your measurements (simulator to wall, simulator height,
shooter to wall) if the laser dot is more than 150mm from the centre of your Post-it note.
Aim at the dot (bead on the laser dot) and press the trigger - you will hear another "bang".
Step 3: another laser dot will now appear - aim at it (bead on the laser dot) and press the trigger - you
will hear a confirmation tone (not a "bang") indicating that everything is now ready.
Important note
It is perfectly normal for the laser dots not to appear exactly at the centre of the Post-it note - this is all
part of the calibration procedure.
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Something is wrong if you hear an "Uh, uh" sound instead of a musical tone at the end of alignment. This may
be because:
your simulator to wall distance (1.5m to 2.0m) is incorrect,
your simulator height (0.5m to 1.0m) is incorrect,
your simulator is not parallel with the wall,
something is lose on the simulator.
Work carefully through the whole setup procedure again and double check each measurement as you go.
Remember: DryFire "thinks" in metric units so it might be best to enter measurements in metres.
To carry out muzzle alignment at the start of every session select "Settings", "Calibration", "Alignment", "Align
current shooter".
2.6 Your first target
When you are presented with the DryFire screen:
Click on "Simulation" (top left), select "Trap", then "DTL" then "Start".
Click on the triangular play symbol - this will change to a green microphone symbol.
The software will "beep" when it is listening for you to call "Pull".
Take up your normal shooting position with gun mounted and a hold position close to the first Post-it
note .
Call "Pull", acquire the laser target, swing through and fire.
Congratulations - you have taken your first DryFire target.
Don't worry if you missed – wait for the “beep” and call "Pull" a few times to see where the target starts
and where you would like to hit it. Make a note of your ideal hold point then try again. Don't forget lead!
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2.7 Camera setup
Do this only if your shots are not detected or the system is seeing stray shots.
Make sure no direct light reaches the wall/screen Check windows, doors, ceiling lights and wall lights -
and possible reflections.
From "Settings" select "Calibration" then "Adjust shot detection".
Use the compass rose to move the camera head around and try shooting at the area it is pointing to.
You should see the "SHOT" message if the system detects your shot.
If your shot isn't detected, drag the white spot slightly to the right to increase the camera sensitivity
then try again.
You must find the maximum sensitivity without the system seeing background light.
If you can't get the right setting there will almost certainly be stray light reaching the wall or screen.
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2.8 Microphone setup
Do this only if your targets are not being released when you call “Pull”.
From "Settings" select "Target release".
Change the "Threshold" setting and call "Pull" - the word "Pull" will be shown in red next to the
threshold value if the system hears your call.
Continue adjusting the threshold until your call is heard.
During normal use:
The system starts listening after you have selected a simulation and after you have clicked on the
triangular "Play" symbol on the control bar (top left).
The system will beep, and the symbol will change to a green microphone, when the system is ready.
After shooting at each target you should wait for the beep before calling for the next.
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3 Projection add-on setup
Wordcraft does not supply projectors so you will need your projector’s manual available while setting up
DryFire to use with it.
DryFire will not work with a projector unless you have installed the Projection add-on.
Without the add-on things will not work correctly - you will see both laser and projected targets on the
projection screen and they will not line up with one another.
If you purchased your DryFire system with the Projection add-on it will be enabled already.
If you purchased the Projection add-on separately your invoice will contain a key to enable the function.
With the DryFire software running, select "Settings", "Add ons", enter the key in the "Apply key" field
and click on "Apply".
3.1 Laser targets first
It is very important to get laser targets working before setting up for projection.
Follow the step-by-step procedure below then, if everything is working and you have purchased the projection
option, you can carry out the projection setup procedure.
3.2 Quick setup
3.2.1 Before setup
Ensure you have DryFire working with laser targets before you start to set up for projection.
Ensure your projector meets the requirements for DryFire.
https://wordcraft.com/dryfire/about/typical-setup
Ensure the projector's aspect ratio is set to "Native" or "Auto" and that any "Image shift" or "Zoom"
features are set to zero.
Ensure your projector is working with your PC in "extended mode". (See below).
With hundreds of different projectors Wordcraft cannot help to get your projector working with your PC/laptop.
Check the projector manual or speak to your supplier if you have problems.
Ensure the image generated:
is truly rectangular - a spirit level comes in handy here,
fits within the boundaries of the screen - nothing off the top, bottom or sides,
is not distorted - check for keystoning,
is not cropped in any way - this is critically important.
Check all your measurements in "Settings", "Calibration", "Full calibration". Double check "simulator to
wall/screen", "simulator from floor" and "shooter from wall". If you have entered any other measurements
select "Advanced setup" and check them again.
Warning: entering a simulator height of "700" in metric mode will make DryFire think it is 700 metres above
the floor! DryFire operates in metres so this should be 0.70m.
Note: you don't have to enter any measurements relating to the size of your screen or the projected image.
Other values are established during the three step procedure described below.
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3.2.2 Setup
Select "Settings", "Calibration", "Full calibration", "Advanced setup" then "Next".
Select "I'm projecting".
Carry out the three step alignment procedure as described in the on-screen instructions:
◦Use your mouse with the movement pad on the screen to align a projected cross hair to a laser dot,
◦Measure the length of a projected vertical line in millimetres (mm),
◦Use your mouse with the movement pad on the screen to move a laser dot to the tip of each of four
projected arrows as it is displayed. Your projector is cropping the image if you can't see the arrow
tips.
3.3 Extended mode
PC/laptops can work with projectors in two "modes":
"Duplicated mode": the image projected is the same as the one on the PC/laptop.
"Extended mode": the projected image will be entirely separate from the one on the PC/laptop
You must use "extended mode" for DryFire.
The extended mode procedure for Apple Mac is described here:
https://tinyurl.com/y9z4bq9b
The extended mode procedure for Windows 10 is described here:
https://tinyurl.com/y9b5ffzf
The simplest setup for Windows 10, with your projector is plugged into your PC and has power on, is:
Press the Windows Logo key plus the "P" key.
Click on "Extend". You'll see everything across both screens, and you can drag items between the two.
3.3.1 An easy check for extended or duplicated mode
If the projector is set up correctly the PC display should not be the same as the projected display.
DryFire's left-hand sidebar, with the "Settings" button in the bottom, must appear only on the PC screen when
the DryFire software is running with the normal simulation background displayed.
Things are wrong if you see the "Settings" button on the projected display.
3.3.2 Two displays but one mouse cursor
There is only one mouse cursor shared between the two displays - and you will probably lose it sometimes.
Keep moving the mouse left and right until the cursor appears on the screen you wish to access - it may be
hiding in a corner or at the top or bottom of the screen.
Hint: a bigger cursor may help so on Windows 10 click on the Windows logo key (bottom left), then "Settings"
(the gear icon), then "Ease of access", then "Cursor and pointer" (from the sidebar), then "Change pointer
size".
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3.4 Wrong image size
You must set up your projector so:
the whole PC extended display image is visible and not cropped in any way,
the projected image fits within the screen area - and does not go beyond it.
3.4.1 Checking for cropping
Follow this procedure if, during projection setup, the tips of the four arrows are not shown on the projection
screen.
With the DryFire software running and your projector working, select "Settings", "Support", "Advanced", "More
options", "Check projector settings" then "Open check page".
You are using "duplicated mode" if the PC screen and the projected image are the same. You
must use "extended node". (See above.)
The image is being cropped if you do not see a red border on all four sides..
Cropping must be corrected before carrying out the DryFire projection setup. Check your projector's
manual or speak to your projector supplier..
Ensure the projector's aspect ratio is set to "Native" or "Auto" and that any "Image shift" or "Zoom" features are
set to zero.
The Internet has many articles on the general use of projectors, for example: here, here and here. For
more articles do a browser search for "pc projector cropping and scaling".
3.5 Illustration of the procedure
The drawing below shows:
The projected image within the boundaries of the screen or wall. Please see photos here:
https://wordcraft.com/dryfire/about/typical-setup#examples
The "Simulator from wall/screen" distance.
The "Shooter from wall/screen" distance.
The vertical line projected on to the screen - this must be measured when requested.
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Each of the four arrows that will be projected in the corners of the projected image - the laser dot must
be moved to the tip of each one as it is shown.
Important:
See the note above about "Cropped images" if you can't see the tips of the arrows on the wall/screen.
3.6 Setup procedure in detail
A red laser dot will appear close to the centre of the screen along with a projected image of a cross-
hair cursor. Use your mouse or touchpad to move the projected cursor so its centre is over the dot,
then click left.
Note: you will need to move the cursor from your main screen on to the projection screen, which
will usually be to the right of your main screen, but may be above, below or to the left.
Next you will see a vertical white bar projected in the centre of the image. Measure its length in
millimetres (mm) and enter the value on the PC screen. The measurement should be accurate to
the nearest millimetre.
The software will project four large arrows pointing to the corners of the projected image - starting with
the top left hand corner - and the simulator will display a laser dot close to the tip of each arrow in turn.
(See above if you can't get all four arrows visible.)
If the laser dot is more than 150mm from the tip of the arrow, it suggests that one of the
measurements ("simulator from wall/screen", "simulator height", "shooter from wall/screen") is
wrong, so restart the calibration process.
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The PC screen will show a pad to control the location of the laser dot using up/down/left/right buttons
for you to click on with your mouse or touchpad. Move the laser dot so it is as close as possible to the
tip of the arrow then click on "Next".
Important note: the procedure must be followed for each arrow.
Once this is done you can go through the muzzle alignment process, select targets and start shooting.
3.7 Report of problem with Windows 10 and extended mode
We received the following from a DryFire user in South Africa who was having problems with his projector.
Unfortunately Wordcraft cannot help with Windows problems but we are really pleased it got sorted out in the
end - and we now have an enthusiastic DryFire user!
Resolution was set to 1080 for both screens but the computer was saving the projector and laptop
resolutions differently. Windows failed to save settings entered into the extended screen options.
My computer guy reinstalled Windows and changed some advanced settings which had caused the
extended screen to switch back to duplicate screen as soon as I opened any program including
DryFire.
The refresh speed on the laptop was at an odd setting which was causing delays between the projector
and the laptop. Now sorted.
Needless to say, once it was working I shot until I couldn't lift the gun any more!
I am so impressed with this system I hope it never breaks as I now using it every day.
More importantly, I am going blind in my right eye which was dominant. Within 4 days I have taught
myself to shoot left-handed with 90 percent scores on most trap setups.
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