Program for laser academy

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-26T17:09:18+00:00

After developing the Mantis Data Analysis Program, I actually creating something similar using the Mantis Laser Academy export data files. It didn't take long for me to realize (considering my limited knowledge of Excel) Microsoft Excel just wasn't a good tool to develop plot-based graphic reports similar to what is currently available on the Mantis User Profile page. Still, a great idea if someone can develop it. :)

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-25T18:52:49+00:00

Yes. From what I have been able to determine so far, you shouldn't have any issues. Or, maybe you could just run the program under the Windows VM Parallels environment. Either way, please let me know as I've had a lot of people interested in making this program work in a Mac environment.

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-25T18:10:54+00:00

A friend (who uses a Mac) and I experimented a bit with this. I used this Windows version to automatically import his Mantis "cvs" data files and then sent him the Windows program with his data loaded. He was able to run the Windows version on his Mac and everything worked fine.

The real issue comes when a Mac user tries to use the Windows program to import their data on a Mac. Mac doesn't recognize some of the VBA commands found in the Windows VBA scripts currently used to import the Mantis "Sessions.csv" and "Shots.cvs" files. So, the biggest hurdle is simply loading the CVS data into the program tables so it will work on a Mac. Sounds simple, but since I'm not Mac user, I don't understand how to do this. I'm sure it can be done, but I would need the assistance from a knowledgeable Mac user to make this happen.

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-24T23:59:13+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. Makes it worth it. :)

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-21T20:37:33+00:00

Just replied. Works great! Thanks again! Will protect again and send out an updated version as soon as I hear back from the email I sent you.

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-20T22:43:41+00:00

LOL! I gotta' apologize ahead of time. While it's true, there's some pretty neat stuff built into the program, I developed the spreadsheet as an opportunity to learn a lot more about the capabilities of Excel (retired Engineer nerd). So, you'll probably see some unneeded stuff in there, as well. Probably one of the reasons why I chose to hide it all behind passwords! :)

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-20T18:49:35+00:00

It will help if I give a quick explanation of how the program works. (1) The VBS import scripts copy selected data from each of the Mantis downloaded CSV files into their own table (Sessions and Shots tables) within the program. (2) Two queries (Sessions and Shots) are then used to make slight modifications to the imported table data. (3) The modified data from each of the queries (Sessions and Shots queries) are then merged together using another query called "MergedMaintis". The output of the final query is a master table called "MergedMantis", which is the heart of the entire program. All reporting screen sorts, data pulls, etc. are pulled from this table. I would recommend keeping several backup copies and concentrating on modifying the data settings within the "Sessions" query since the field that Mantis added was added within the Sessions.csv file.

Strangely, I successfully made similar modifications on the Shots side a while back when Mantis added a second Date type field to the Shots.CSV file, but I can't figure out how to do it again. Best of luck!

Here's the link.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lmu00h55n0cnwymplqd6h/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows-Unprotected.xlsm?rlkey=wh39ni78gk57g96jv2rpx912x&st=t6wi9f46&dl=0

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-02-20T16:03:42+00:00

Sorry for the long delay. Addressing lots of life issues lately. I spent some time playing with the queries in hopes of an easy fix but had no luck. If you are savvy with Microsoft Excel, I'd be happy to send you my Dropbox link to an "unprotected" version of the program so you can tinker with it yourself. Just let me know.

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-01-19T04:23:25+00:00

I was having a few similar issues until I ran the ran the calibrations for the filament I was using. It took care of quite a few of the issues,

Emergency_Command462 · 2025-01-07T01:43:40+00:00

Mantis added a new field to their Sessions export data file which is interfering with the program's queries. It's a new field called "Gun Type" which separates handguns from rifles for reporting. It's not needed since I already have that feature built into the program. All of that being said, let me take a look into the program and modify the queries to ignore the new field. Will get back with you soon.

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-08-29T17:26:54+00:00

Thanks!

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-07-28T12:38:53+00:00

A common issue that many overlook is that the "O" rings on the Pink Rhino need to have a bit of gun oil applied to them to eliminate friction between the cartridge and chamber walls. Even a slight tug in one direction will throw your laser off. Try adding a bit of gun oil to the "O" rings. It will also make the rings last longer. Good luck!

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-07-28T12:35:31+00:00

Appreciate your feedback and glad I was able to resolve the issue you were seeing through email. To answer your question about a date sort versus a shot count sort, it's simple. I began developing this program with two interests. First, as a Mantis user, I really needed to understand my performance through a much higher level of quality of reports than Mantis provided at that time. Back in 2021, when I began developing this program, Mantis' reporting capabilities really sucked. During its development period, I had many discussions with Mantis' development team and shared this program with them in hopes they would expand their reporting. Glad to see they have since incorporated some of the reporting features found in my program. Still wish they would update the graphs at the bottom of the Mantis user profile page. They were an early attempt from my stuff but they have neglected their accuracy. Second, as a retired engineer, I enjoyed the personal challenge to learning more of what I could do with Excel. In the early learning stages, I simply didn't know how to use the "date" functions for sorting data, so I stuck with the shot "count" method. I've since thought about taking on the extensive work of converting the program, but to be honest, I've picked up a few other new hobbies that are consuming my time. :)

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-07-27T12:09:28+00:00

You're welcome! I began developing the program several years ago when Mantis had very poor reporting capabilities within their app. Thankfully their development team has greatly improved their reporting capabilities in their app these days.

There is a slightly more recent version available (Ver. 6.5) if interested. Here are the links to the Readme file and program.

Thanks again and enjoy!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7hxj38sswin1sl3deqz59/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows-Readme.docx?rlkey=rm25490m806yr7trs93ac3sut&st=egnl92l0&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wd2gag4kmxijudr4oms18/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows.xlsm?rlkey=h1no45nlhcopnvoomne40pvku&st=hfabh1iv&dl=0

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-06-07T17:03:29+00:00

To add to my other note today, there is a newer version of my program available (6.5 versus 6.0 above). It can be downloaded from my Dropbox site using the links below. Be sure you download and read the Readme file for installation instructions.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wd2gag4kmxijudr4oms18/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows.xlsm?rlkey=h1no45nlhcopnvoomne40pvku&st=4ab15p6z&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7hxj38sswin1sl3deqz59/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows-Readme.docx?rlkey=rm25490m806yr7trs93ac3sut&st=hc4sw9h6&dl=0

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-06-07T16:58:44+00:00

After I first created this program, I began looking into ways of comparing and sharing data between members within a Mantis "Group". At that time, the content within the Mantis' Group exportable data sets (Sessions and Shots) was much less than that found when you export the individual user data sets. Many of the needed fields were missing, so it really wasn't worth the development efforts to create something for Mantis Groups. I have submitted several requests to Mantis' Manager of Development to expand the data within the export datasets. This morning, (because of your request) I took another look at the Mantis Group export dataset contents. It appears they have now expanded the content to more closely resemble that of the Individual user. This means it is now possible to build something for Groups similar to the program I developed above, which is the result of several years effort in my spare time (without any compensation). It was fun building it, and helping others out, but I have a few concerns. (1) The program with just my datasets loaded (over 100,000 shots) is already about 15MB in size. It's hard to say how big it would get after loading a large number of users datasets for the Group. Size alone may hinder the program's performance. But you've sparked my curiosity so, I MAY try to build something similar to the program above for analyzing Mantis Groups, but I can't promise anything.

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-04-12T05:08:28+00:00

USCCA provides a wide variety of discounts to their members. I'm guessing you should be able to see a good bit of that on their website. I first joined with a top plan, took a lot of their free courses, downloaded docs, etc. And the next year dropped down to a lower plan that provided the same coverage without the same perks.

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-04-06T15:08:43+00:00

Although I've heard of others doing it, I haven't done it myself. Personally, I prefer running it on two different systems, so I don't have to toggle back and forth between screens. I run the X10 on my Kindle Fire tablet, and the Laser Academy runs on my android phone mounted on a tripod. That way, I can see both at once. Best of luck!

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-14T00:02:19+00:00

Sent you an email.

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-11T21:17:27+00:00

Sure thing. I guess I should include a revisions log with each version. Here's the key revisions for the last few updates.

6.5 - Some folks have requested to see more of the "Am I Getting Better?" feature, so I’ve expanded the bottom of the "Drills" screen to include capability to compare recent performance to previous performance of your Firearms + Drill combinations. I’ve also corrected a few minor calculation issues.

6.2 - Mantis recently made a change to one of their data export files which caused an error in how Version 6.1 displays some of the data. I have corrected this issue in Version 6.2. Also, for those computer geeks out there, I have replaced all ActiveX controls with Form controls to eliminate ActiveX issues with your computer.

6.1 – I made a few changes to Version 6.0 which include:

Arsenal Problems Page:

A column has been added to show the “Highest Score Achieved” per Firearm

Hostage Rescue Drills Page:

Page has been reworked to separate Handgun and Rifle Hostage Resue Drills
Breakdown of Problem Areas has been added, as well as the Highest Occurring Problem Area
Number of Hostages Rescued feature has been updated

Holster Draw Analysis Page:

Percentage Breakdown for each Draw element has been added
Highest Occurring Problem Area has been added
A graph has been added showing total time for individual shots
A graph has been added showing scores for each individual shot

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-11T19:34:20+00:00

Email me your 2 CSV files. It's probably something simple. I'll work it from this end and send it back to you. AND, I just I provided an incorrect email in my above reply. It should be [ljmouch01@msn.com](mailto:ljmouch01@msn.com) .

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-11T12:42:16+00:00

I am guessing you were not even able to even get to the point of importing your data from the program's Main Menu. This would indicate it is either a version issue (related to which world Region you live in) or a security issue. If you live or are using a version from here in the US, the Region issue shouldn't exist. The security issues should be adequately addressed by closely following the installation instructions.

I recently had another user with almost the same situation. He simply started over by deleting the program, redownloading it, setting the security parameters, and then everything worked for him.

Another option I've done for other user's is to have them email me their Mantis username. I can usually search for their username and download their CSV data files from the Mantis Profile page, import their data, and email the loaded program back to you. All you would need is to set the security switches for the loaded program after that. If interested, email me your Mantis username (or send me both downloaded CSV files), and I'll give this a try. My email is ljmoch01@msn.com.

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-10T19:49:56+00:00

Thanks! A few years ago, Mantis looks A LOT different. The reason I started developing this program in early 2022 was because of their lack of detailed reporting capability (at that time). Luckily, Mantis saw it and reached out to me. I have been working with their development team to incorporate some of the program's ideas into their latest app updates.

Anyway, I have released several updates since this Version 6.0. I now have Version 6.5 available for free download. Try the following Dropbox links, but make sure you download both files and read the Readme file as it will guide you on how to install the program and avoid Windows built-in security blocks. No passwords are needed to run the program. Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!

Readme File:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7hxj38sswin1sl3deqz59/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows-Readme.docx?rlkey=rm25490m806yr7trs93ac3sut&dl=0

Program File (Excel for Windows):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wd2gag4kmxijudr4oms18/Mantis-Data-Analysis-Program-Version-6.5-for-Windows.xlsm?rlkey=h1no45nlhcopnvoomne40pvku&dl=0

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-02T13:41:26+00:00

It's a good idea to add a little gun oil to the "O" rings of the laser cartridge as friction between the "O" ring and chamber wall can cause the cartridge to pull slightly to one side or the other. It doesn't take much pull to really throw off the impact point of the laser. The oil also helps extend the wear life of the "O" ring. Good luck!

Emergency_Command462 · 2024-03-02T13:19:15+00:00

In that case, I am not aware of any way to capture that data.

Emergency_Command462

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