FAQ
Answers on scopes and smartphones, which rings are detected, accuracy, microphone access, outdoor use and what the free version includes.
Which spotting scope do I need to use TargetSpotter?
For the 25 m disciplines, a scope with about 35× magnification is enough. Development and testing used a Bresser Spektar 15–45×60. A solid smartphone mount is essential.
Can TargetSpotter be used as a scoring system in competitions?
No. It is not intended or suitable for that. Hit-detection accuracy is limited by camera resolution. TargetSpotter was built to give the shooter the same information they get through the spotting scope: where the last shot landed.
Why are only hits from ring 5 / 6 / 8 detected?
Covering a larger area optically needs more pixels. Current smartphone cameras, combined with a spotting scope, do not provide enough resolution for the outer rings while keeping a high recognition rate.
Which smartphones work with TargetSpotter?
The aim is Android 8 or newer with a usable camera. It was built and tested on an older Huawei P40 and a Xiaomi Poco – both budget phones. Phones with optical zoom did not work reliably in tests.
Can I use TargetSpotter for other disciplines, such as archery or crossbow?
In principle yes, within the technical limits. Reports from the field are welcome.
Can TargetSpotter be used outdoors?
Outdoors, lighting is usually less stable, so hit detection reaches its limits. We are happy to receive field reports.
What exactly does the app show?
A display of the shot group with the latest hit highlighted on a virtual target – no more, no less. The latest hit is shown in colour according to its ring value, earlier hits in grey.
From which ring onwards are hits detected?
25 m precision from ring 6, 10 m air pistol from ring 5, 25 m rapid fire from ring 8. The limit follows from the camera resolution and keeps the detection rate high.
How accurate is the evaluation?
Not to 1/100 mm, not official, not patented, not highly scientific – but simple and robust. At its core is a comparative optical image analysis, and it therefore depends heavily on the optical quality of the camera.
Why does the app need the microphone?
Hit detection is normally triggered acoustically by the shot, so TargetSpotter⊙ needs permission for the microphone. To stay insensitive to interference and ambient noise, the app learns the characteristics of the muzzle blast.
Does it also work without shot detection?
Yes. If shot detection is not enabled, TargetSpotter checks for new hits every 3 seconds, which drains the battery.
A hit was not detected – what now?
In that case the most recent camera image (real target) is shown for 4 seconds so you can check the hits yourself. real target can also be called up at any time by swiping.
Where do false readings come from?
From the technical limits: camera resolution, lighting, movement, vibration and acoustic interference. Even lighting and a vibration-free setup help most.
What is included in the free version?
In the free version the 25 m precision target and the 10 m air pistol target can be selected. Compare versions.
Can the app also be used at longer distances?
Yes, of course. You then need a spotting scope with a higher magnification. We are happy to receive your field report.
Can I score a target after the fact?
Yes, that is what AprèsShot is for. You photograph the shot target with your phone, the app finds the hits and works out the ring values – with no spotting scope or camera at the range. The free version stores up to 3 results, the annual subscription an unlimited number.
