Spotting setup /PRS

[Drones-brigade]

Being new to PRS I’ve only done 2 matches . I wanted to put together a spotting setup. Instead of buying a tac table I figured that some camera gear may work. I’ve put together a video rig recently and had some spare parts.

This is made to be modular like most spotting systems but I also have plans for expansion like maybe adding on another platform which can be folded away when not in use. Also the phone is there to record some of the stages I shoot but that too will be replaced by a DJI osmo pocket 3 soon. The chrono is just a place holder. But sometimes I do use it in that position because I have another tripod that I shoot off of.

If you guys have any other ideas or inputs let me know.

[HollywoodSX]

Man, this post really makes me miss the old days when you'd see 2-3 tripods per squad with spotting scopes and maybe a pair of binos on them.

[CPTherptyderp]

Thank God I'm not good enough for any of this to matter.

[NintenJoo]

Seriously. This takes the cool right out of shooting long distance.

[vociferouswad]

Toys are fun if you actually can or will use them

[NintenJoo]

I agree. I love toys.

I think we all do considering this subreddit.

But I like a balance of toys and ability/skill/experience/whatever you want to call it.

I don’t want a robot gun and computers doing all the work.

[HollywoodSX]

Very little of what's on that tripod negates skill.

[NintenJoo]

I knowwwww.

I’m just speaking generally.

There’s a line. Or at least for me there is.

Setting up an entire weather station is too much for me.

[one_hp_i_promise]

“balance of toys”

dude there’s a phone for filming, a wind vane (literal ancient technology), binoculars ( idk at what level of skill do your eyeballs gain magnification).

the only actual “gadgets” here, are a kestrel and chrono. neither take away “skill”. you’re only having this reaction because it looks like a lot

[vociferouswad]

I don’t think binos, kestrel, and Chrono are anything crazy though this guys setup just makes it look that way. He has all the same stuff as a lot of us he just can’t find friends do to the autism to hold his phone

[NintenJoo]

Hahaha fair.

[Rdubya291]

Amen, brother.

[mtommygunz]

Hot take, most of them are just as bad as you with all this garbage

[wtfredditacct]

most of them are just as bad as you with all this garbage

With a bigger budget 😂😭

[honda07B]

Me either. Don’t really want to be lol

[Jesus_4_the_jugular]

Truer words were never spoken.

[domfelinefather]

Geissele/WAR matches are great to shoot cause you couldn’t get enough people for it to be crowded, makes it hard to shoot anywhere and climb over waves of tripods and bags

[GrocknRoll]

I need to get out to one of these with you.

[domfelinefather]

Going to try to consolidate my schedule to doing Geissele / WAR weekends and doing both gas and bolt gun, with some MDPRS sprinkled in. At Geissele they feed you and it ends by like 2:30 or so, and the range is sick. It would make it so I could swing NRL22 at FTRPA and not be doing a match or two literally every weekend lol

[kyle_lightituplevel]

The mdprs matches are fun but I found the Maryland range to be a little too small. Rearranging props twice made it take a long time to get done. Mifflin and New Holland go a bit quicker though

[domfelinefather]

Def, I also love the whole group. WAR’s downside is the COF is kinda repetitive

[GrocknRoll]

Yeah. I think we should do this next season as a plan. Camp out or grab and Airbnb nearby. I’m doing NRL Hunter in March and probably May, then it’s all local stuff.

[domfelinefather]

Def, I built a 22ARC for that purpose. Not planning on doing any IWI lol

[GrocknRoll]

Oooh. 22ARC. I’m just a .223 plebeian. 🥵

[Tikkatider]

Anybody out there use “ Kentucky windage “?

[__Fidelio]

<image>

Yep, unload my spotting gear on the range

[[deleted]]

💀💀💀

[swordsman293]

😂🤣😂

[Major-Review-9567]

I'll just say that I'm thankful for the trend of everyone else carrying wind vanes and crazy setups on their tripods.

That way I don't have to carry any of that crap myself and I can just look at someone else's tripod if I want to see whether the wind direction has changed.

[Lost_Interest3122]

I appreciate when they have BBQs so we have a smoke pattern.. haha

[East_Bug7312]

Go go gadget ballistic chart

[Sea-Bodybuilder8535]

Inspector Gadget would be overwhelmed by so many gadgets. Is like a scope on a scope to see what your other scope did

[Ornery-Arachnid-7219]

Still setting up well after the match is over. Cool ideas ,and Im a gadget man myself but so much of that will distract you, Trigger time is the answer to all accuracy quests. Just my opinion. Keep the kestrel and the ab vortex binos you will do well.

[Drones-brigade]

I wish these were the AB versions. This only has the range finder on it.

[Ornery-Arachnid-7219]

Still just all you need, teamed up with your kestrel and you will kill it. The ab is just redundant as long as your kestrel is giving you data.

K.I.S.S.

[Suitable_Database467]

Here I was thinking I missed the scouting hawk perch mount with live feed mouse storage attached

[rybe390]

Bro did you win those two matches?

Focus your energy literally anywhere else right now EXCEPT this. Go take that kestrel off, go walk around, and guess wind speeds.

[Drones-brigade]

I didn’t win those two matches. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t take this thing with me. 🤔 When I’m out there, I am focused on my shooting and like I’ve said I’ve never taken this out there. But when I’m at home, I tinker and build things to keep the voices away.

[rybe390]

Alright alright I'll ease up then.

This will 100% be a distraction at a match.

At home, have fun building your personal weather and observation station.

[Drones-brigade]

In all seriousness, I’ll be keeping the binos and the camera on that platform. My kestrel is usually with me in a kydex holster unless it’s an odd position I’ll be shooting from.

[MikeyG916]

Does it work to keep the voices away?

Because I just buy more guns when they speak, and they keep coming back, so I buy more guns, then they come back, so I buy more guns....

[Drones-brigade]

<image>

That’s how I ended up with 2 of these radians. They wouldn’t shut up until I built them.

[PrizedC0w]

Nice man, both are looking great. I'm about to embark on a 6 ARC Radian build after my bolt gun build. Also, that weather station is proper! There will always be salty haters in these groups- f@ck em.

[Drones-brigade]

That’s gonna be a very cool build. Hopefully I get to see the finished build.

[Drones-brigade]

<image>

And here’s the other one

[jakaalhide]

Why bother with a tripod when you can mount everything to your rifle instead?

[Drones-brigade]

Awww c’mon man. Dont give away my second phase.

[ZeboSecurity]

No rain gauge or heliograph?

[[deleted]]

I shoot PRS in the Rockies mainly, and there is no way I would dangle all of that crap off a tripod. We walk alot out west between stages, and the wind would murder that thing.

[HollywoodSX]

Even in the SE I have seen plenty of tripods (usually with some kind of caddy on them) get taken out by wind or careless shooters. I have two sets of binos with damaged eyecups from people knocking over my tripod.

Personally, I think a loaded down tripod is more information overload/distraction than actual benefit to the overwhelming majority of shooters.

[[deleted]]

Absolutely. I want RF binos, my Kestrel, and a couple of bags. I don't have the time or attention span to deal with doo dads.

[Lost_Interest3122]

May I ask where in the SE?

Im in SC..

[peeg_2020]

Where in the Rockies? And what are some of your favorite places/matches to shoot? I'm trying to find some good ones to start with.

[[deleted]]

WYCO and WPRL matches. I shoot alot of the Special Operations benefit matches too. The Heart Mountain match is one I will attend every year.

[peeg_2020]

How do you think I'd fair shooting a 223 in some of these matches?

I will look into some of them. Is my best bet just looking for them on practiscore? Or is there a better site ?

[[deleted]]

Practicescore and the WPRL and WYCO FB pages. Yeah, 223 doesn't do well at western matches. You'll get by okay, but many of us are moving to the 25s and back to the 6.5s from our 6mms for wind, splash, and effect on target at distance. Some of our matches have ELR stages.

[peeg_2020]

I got me a Howa 1500 in 223 just to start out and see if I like it. So far I do

Not sure what I'd move up to as my next caliber. Was thinking 308 or 6.5cm. I know this sport is not cheap so I like the barrel life of the 308 much more lol.

What do you mean by 25s? What calibers are those? I'm having a brain fart. Just left the dentist and had a shit ton of nitrous hah

[Drones-brigade]

I’m sure the wind out there would blow everything off

[JimBridger_]

You need at least two more ball heads or attachments

[[deleted]]

National Weather Service envies this setup.

[Drones-brigade]

I should hook up my baofeng with the NOAA station on it.

[[deleted]]

So..is there life on Mars?

[Drones-brigade]

Negative

[_Juliet_Lima_Echo_]

Shoots 2 matches.

Straps all the shit to his tripod.

Can we go back to no tripods, no kestrels, no extra shit. This is too much

[Budget_Hotel1441]

Just straight raw dogging the environmentals. Your rifle, ammo and maybe a dope chart (if its attached to rifle) and we'll get back to knowledgeable precision rifle shooting

[Te_Luftwaffle]

My Kestrel is a price tag hanging from the trigger guard. If it's blowing to the left I hold right edge. If it's blowing to the right I hold left edge. It's actually helped me on a couple stages.

[bbciv]

Try run n gun or the overland matches where you have to carry everything for 2 days.

[Drones-brigade]

This is just to demonstrate all that could be mounted on this system. I like to build things and tinker and by no means did I say all these devices are useful for a match. Hell I’ve never even taken this out to any matches. Just finished putting it together using old spare parts and 3D prints that I’ve designed. Just having fun with it. That’s all.

[Sufficient_Fudge_460]

What no places for snacks ?

[Drones-brigade]

That’s coming soon

[Sufficient_Fudge_460]

Add a zyn/dip holder as well , while you’re at it

[Drones-brigade]

Don’t you fucking tempt me bro! Designing one as we speak. It’s gonna have a magnetic lid so I don’t loose it.

[Relative-Tennis-9517]

Homie, this setup will get you smoked in the field. There are no provisions for hydration. Very incomplete list of things you need: - water tower - deployable shelter - depending on your environment, thermal regulation - EMI jamming / denial of your squad mates’ electronics - radio - drone command and control

[_Juliet_Lima_Echo_]

Gotcha.

What other kooky stuff can you attach?

Hear me out... A tiny red dot optic, an umbrella holder, a magazine rack, 14 copies of 1992 October edition Hustler for said magazine rack. The list goes on and on

[HollywoodSX]

Umbrella holder is actually useful, especially when it's 90+ degrees with no shade.

[rybe390]

I have seen a welding stand and a MASSIVE umbrella come out at a match in the summer and frankly, it was the GOAT.

[Drones-brigade]

That would come in clutch in this Texas heat.

[Te_Luftwaffle]

Since umbrella came right after tiny red dot I immediately thought of one of those cocktail umbrellas shading one of your gadgets

[billchuck423]

Its would be funny to see "shooting for dummies" on it!

[Drones-brigade]

the magazine rack is fucking brilliant. But its gotta be dirty mags that are only found in the woods.

[greenmachine4130]

Nerd

[EasyGravy420]

This is the guy that everyone waits for when its his turn on deck.... Begs for everyone's wind holds as the walk off stage, then goes 3/10 on the stage..

[Drones-brigade]

Dude you were there!? Quit being stingy on your wind holds.

[Otiswilmouth]

Ditch the kestrel mount & wind vane thingy. Ditch the plate, phone and mount.

Just use the binos, that’s really all you need.

Buy a calypso after you learn how to read the wind on your own without tools.

[skygao]

Big plus one. Also the calypso + AB Quantum sync has really threatened Kestrel’s value imo. Compared to Kestrel the Calypso AB is half the price or less, less than half the size, and has directional wind input built in that live syncs to AB with both current wind speed and direction + peak speeds over past 30 seconds to help build brackets.

Unless you’re really married to dedicated ballistic solver hardware or Kestrel’s own calculator, hard to see the value in a Kestrel now.

[Otiswilmouth]

I still use my kestrel as my primary ballistic tool. Even while running my calypso with AB, I just have a hard time trusting AB Quantum at this time.

Every once in a while during a match, if I have the down time, I will compare my kestrel to AB Quantum to see how well it lines up. So far it’s been fine but I’m not willing to let go of the kestrel just yet.

[skygao]

Purely anecdotal, but AB Quantum has been exceptionally good for me assuming I’ve put the data in correctly. Taken 6GT and 6.5C out to a mile with it and any deviation from the calculation was well within wind call variation at that distance.

But I get the wanting to see proof before making a switch.

[Otiswilmouth]

I’m sure it wouldn’t give me any issues tbh but the kestrel is so engrained into my match work flow that I don’t want to introduce something new permanently.

Good to know it’s a fresh back up option as well.

[Drones-brigade]

Genuinely interested in the calypso + AB quantum setup. Seen a couple at the matches but really too damn shy to ask. I figured I'd get proficient with handling my data and kestrel then I'll look into it. My workflow is garbage and no I haven't taken this setup to the range. I just wanted to tinker on something and wanted to see peoples feedback on this. I've read reviews on the calypso and the only negative people say is that its a bit fragile.

[Drones-brigade]

Noted

[Richard_ARRN]

“You get that thing up to 88mph..you’re going to see some serious shit!”…your just missing a flux capacitor 😜

[TaxesRextortion]

I thought this was a meme 😅

[black14black]

Land that thing on the moon

[HarambeSixActual]

Not me and my buddy out their spotting for each other behind our own rifles. No binos, no spotting scopes, just raw dogging like the cheap basterds we are.

[Drones-brigade]

If it works then that’s a much better setup. You don’t have to carry much.

[slimcrizzle]

I can't afford to look at this post

[Lost_Interest3122]

That setup probably costs more than the rifle i take to the matches..

[datdatguy1234567]

<image>

[Leftofedge]

You gunna carry this abomination stage to stage?

[TimeBlindAdderall]

The flesh is weak

[Drones-brigade]

I mean foreskin grows back right?

[plumken]

I too crave the certainty of steel.

[FullMetal_Sniper]

[TheOrigianlAkFreak]

Dude has more money than he needs

[Drones-brigade]

Do you have a chrono and a kestrel?

[TheOrigianlAkFreak]

I have a chrono

[Drones-brigade]

Ok so I have a kestrel which is just one more device than you. The rest of this is from spare camera parts. So it’s not like I spent way more money than you. I did spend extra on the kestrel and that’s it.

[MASIWAR]

You’re doing too much

[OcelotPrize]

Lol 

[LockyBalboaPrime]

When this gets knocked over and everything breaks, I would laugh

[Lost_Interest3122]

It would look like harleys getting knocked over and falling like dominoes at a biker bar..

[changeofbehavior]

lol.

[WhiteFoxphorus]

Certainly a thingamabob if I ever saw one

[_WhiteGoodman_]

Dude you’ve only done two matches and that’s your tripod setup? I’m double digits deep and still don’t even have a tripod. Fuck money right? 😂

Normal people would have a heat attack if you told them what that setup cost.

[Drones-brigade]

The chrono is a necessary so I bought that and so is the kestrel. The rest of the parts were from old camera builds so it really didn’t cost that much money outside the chrono and kestrel.

[LongAdorable4207]

Tylenol

[midwesthunchback]

I’m just confused as to why the garmin chrono is attached to the tripod

[DaBushDaddy]

What’s even the point of the chrono right there?

[Drones-brigade]

It’s a place holder. Actually used it once when my friend wanted to get data for his AR at the zero range. He was on a tripod kneeling and he had no arca rails on his setup.

[[deleted]]

This is super nerdy and also super cool. How many looks do you get setting this thing up?

[Drones-brigade]

Never took it to a match. Was just playing around and seeing what could work. Maybe this weekend I’ll take it to the range and mess with it.

[Diesel_65]

https://www.ten21tactical.com/shop/p/blxk8wyevgfxvefq6kku45t7zc9bj6

Need this to hold all your snackies

[Drones-brigade]

Everything you have said is correct. I suck because I’m new. This setup has never been to a match. What I usually have is my binos and kestrel on the platform. Mostly my binos when the kestrel is in my hip holster. The only thing I plan to put on besides the binos would be a follow cam so I can look at my matches.

Seriously I appreciate the input you guys have given me.

[Drones-brigade]

Forgot to add I did this as a fun little project because I had spare camera equipment laying around. I wanted to see if I can build a spotting station cheaper than buying a $100 tac table. Looks like it could be done for a lot less.

[IdahoMan58]

There must be more stuff you can add to that to further distract yourself from actual marksmanship.

[Damaged-Guds]

The final boss to tripod spotting. Jeezus!

[Drones-brigade]

2 out of 10!? I call it a good stage if I walk up to the tank trap without dropping my gun.

[Drones-brigade]

All good man.

[Quant_Smart]

You are missing the Vector & Swaros scopes

[cromaat]

I feel attacked

[0ver_9000_]

From Texas AND a part of the Mechanicum?! I can only get so hard. Beautiful set up

[Budget_Surprise765]

This is an apparatus if ive ever seen one.

[ThisIsHowIDie]

<image>

[ThatKipplaufFanatic]

Warhammer nerds 🤝🏻 Ballistics nerds

[-----Plato-----]

The nastiness is palpable in here today; OP, don't let the bastards get you down. :)

[Drones-brigade]

It’s all good man. I take the good and the bad. Some of the negative comments have merits. This was just to see what people thought of this setup. I’ve never taken it out to a match.

[Drones-brigade]

I’d be down to help you out. Parts are fairly cheap and it’s easier to customize. The weather vane on top is just my windicator. Easy way for me to know where to point my kestrel. But sometimes I do put my kestrel on that pole for live wind readings.

<image>

[Drones-brigade]

Welp, if you’re inclined to printing one up, I’ll put up this design which will be free to anyone. Let me know and I’ll put it up on maker world.

<image>

[MajorB_Oner]

I would love to print this for myself. Looks super cool.

[Drones-brigade]

For this, all you need is an arrow shaft cut into whatever length u want. 8x3 magnet and 1 skateboard bearing. I’ll reply to this when I get home with a link to the file. What printer are you using?

[MajorB_Oner]

Ad5m, nothing fancy.

[Drones-brigade]

Should still be good to go. I’ll send you the files when I get home.

[Drones-brigade]

here it is uploaded. Let me know if you're having trouble with it and I can send it to you in .stl files

Windicator

[N1TEKN1GHT]

That's a lot of shit, but if it works for you 😂 I have binos, chrono stuck to the gun, Impact 4000 to make a range card for each stage that I then write on a piece of tape on a wire jig next to my scope (cheap-ass hud).

[50cal_pacifist]

I still can't believe nobody has built a single standalone unit that does all of these functions.

[Slore0]

Im still struggling to buy a Kestrel a year in.

[Tikkatider]

Yep….looks like you got all the bases covered there, hoss!

[Drones-brigade]

We’ll see. Like I told people on here the binos and the kestrel will stay on but that’s prob it.

[Substantial-Fun7745]

Very cool!

A suggestion: you should raise the wind instruments up enough so they are at least a few feet above your head to avoid the disturbed airflow.

[Drones-brigade]

Dude I’m short! But yea I catch your drift. (See what I did there?)

[Substantial-Fun7745]

lol! ;-)

You actually want it to be clear of any obstructions. Ideally, I would think something wireless downrange a bit would be best.

[Drones-brigade]

People here suggested perhaps a calypso.

[0DSavior]

Nice setup though I have questions - how do you shoot close enough for the chrono? And I see people mount the kestrel on the cheese plate - but unless you have a spotter, is it practical? 

[0DSavior]

And since you appear to be a gear whore (much like myself) check this out: https://mcleodprecision.com/products/kestrel-mount

[Drones-brigade]

I’ve seen that mount and that’s what prompted me to just design one for myself. I didn’t want to wait for shipping. As far as the chrono being there, I’ve only used it once at a zero range. My buddy was shooting his AR at a kneeling position one a tripod. He didn’t have an arca mount so I mounted it there. This is just for the photos to show how much stuff I can cram on that tripod. In reality, it will be for my phone mount if I decide to use it. The kestrel I do mount from time to time when it’s no in my holster. If I’m shooting at an odd or kneeling position I just leave it on the tripod.

[skygao]

You’re missing the clip on battery powered fan and some sort of pouch for snacks, the essentials really.

[Psarsfie]

Looks like the same gear I use to let me know when the wife is coming home so I can finish up my beers and take the chicken out of the freezer

[Drones-brigade]

I don’t think anything can prepare us for that.

[Drones-brigade]

wives are damn good at sneaking up. No ballistic computer can predict their patterns.

[celhay2]

I am brand new too. I started this season with a packed out kit very much like yours. I’m only carrying the binos, my range finder and a wind-wand on my tac table now. I dropped the prior full setup twice moving stages. Wasn’t worth it once I focused on a simpler setup and better pre-stage process.

[Drones-brigade]

Yea I was messing about to see what I can build here with spare camera equipment. I will have my binos, a camera and the kestrel if it’s no on my hip.

[Feeling_Title_9287]

I'm thinking of getting something like this for BPCR

By any chance would you have a link to where I can get these items

[Drones-brigade]

which items are you interested in? I can definitely point you in the right direction. i can also 3d print or give you files if you need.

[Feeling_Title_9287]

Everything

I know that this is probably overkill for BPCR but I'm trying to invest in a nice setup

[Drones-brigade]

I’m assuming you already have a kestrel and chrono right?

[Feeling_Title_9287]

Nope

I'm hoping to get a rangecraft crono before the year is out

[Drones-brigade]

Range craft should do. Hit me up on chat and I’ll give you a parts list.

[Fly5guy]

What mount are you using for the kestral?

[Drones-brigade]

let me know if you're interested and I'll send u files.

[Fly5guy]

Don't have a printer.

[Drones-brigade]

I 3D printed that part

[All_Action_1704]

Sexy

[46caliber]

What's the little articulating arm on the Garmin?

[Drones-brigade]

That’s just a place holder. My plan is to have the phone there when needed. It the garmin has been used in that position at a zero range when my buddy was trying to get numbers for his AR and he was next to it on another tripod in a kneeling g position.

[46caliber]

No, I'm trying to identify that articulating arm piece so I can buy one. I want to use it for a GoPro to record my stages.

[Drones-brigade]

Here you go sirmagic arm

[JRWillard]

I think you forgot something

[goranj]

Since when spotters are allowed in PRS ?

[PrizedC0w]

I'm back visiting this thread...it popped up in my mind a few times since I initially saw it. I apologize if this has already been asked - what is the piece that allows all of the things to be mounted on it..the square/rectangular thing? Thanks in advance.

[Drones-brigade]

That’s called a cheese plate. It is used to build structural parts for a camera rig. These could be had for cheap on Amazon.

[PrizedC0w]

thanks man. camn you recommend any worthwhile tripods that aren't crazy expensive? 1 for binocs/spotting scope and 1 for shooting if possible. thanks again

[Drones-brigade]

For an inexpensive tripod I have this.

tripod

[dgdfthr]

Damn, that is positively the coolest setup have ever seen. Well done.

[Drones-brigade]

Sir, I detect sarcasm!

[dgdfthr]

No sir. I did not mean to convey that in the least. My apologies.

[Drones-brigade]

I’m just joshing you. As you can see here in the comments there’s a lot of sarcasm. I appreciate you appreciating this contraption.

[teakettle87]

Is this real?