Bullseye Camera Systems Remote Target Cameras
Russ Chastain 02.11.15
Last week, I wrote about TargetVision, which I saw at the 2015 SHOT Show range day. It was impressive, and I admired its capabilities. I then learned of Bullseye Camera Systems and looked into their products. Both companies offer remote cameras that you can set up downrange near your target, then view the camera’s feed back at the bench on a digital device. In essence, a digital spotting scope.
Like TargetVision, Bullseye has systems for various distances, but Bullseye’s offerings are more varied and more reasonably priced – and with the addition of their YAGI antenna upgrade, they say you can shoot farther than one mile. A mile is 1,760 yards, and they say this antenna will allow you to “shoot out to well over 2,000 yards” when used in conjunction with their long range system.
Set up a camera downrange, aim it at your target, go back to the firing line, connect your WiFi-enabled device to the camera’s signal via the free app, and start shooting. The camera shows your shots in real time–no more squinting through a spotting scope and trying to spot black holes through black targets.
It also shows your most recent shot with a blinking marker – no matter how many times you’ve shot the target. So even a well-perforated target can provide valuable accuracy info. To touch on the high points, you can create shooter profiles, mark/color/number shots and shot groups, log detailed data for each shot, review previous shots and shot groups, view live video and capture still images, and review previous shooting sessions.
The software does much more than I can detail here. For more info, see the Bullseye Target Manager software page.
To save space below, let me add that all of Bullseye’s cameras are waterproof and offer IR night vision capability, and every camera system includes Bullseye Target Manager software package for iPhone, iPad, Android Devices, Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
Here is a quick rundown of Bullseye’s current gear:
– AmmoCam Sight-In Edition – works out to 300 yards. Includes camera mounted into the box, easy tilt stand, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and charger (12+ hour run time), plastic case resembling a GI ammo can, price $349
– 500 Yard Standard Edition – works out to 500+ yards. Includes camera with laser target pointer (helps with aiming camera at target), rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and charger (5-6 hour run time), router with 500+ yard high gain antenna, tripod, large padded carrying case, price $449
– 500 Yard Elite Edition – same as above, but includes 11.6″ Windows based Acer Aspire One laptop – $849
– Long Range Standard Edition – works out to one mile with a laptop; optional Base Station Receiver/Signal Extender ($149) recommended for smart phone or tablet due to their smaller WiFi antennae. Includes camera with laser target pointer (helps with aiming camera at target), rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and charger (5-6 hour run time), router with high gain antenna and signal booster, tripod, large padded carrying case, price $549
– Long Range Elite Edition – same as above, but includes 11.6″ Windows based Acer Aspire One laptop – $949
Optional upgrades include: Extra 5+ hour Battery and Fast Charger ($49.95), Base Station Receiver/Signal Extender ($149), and 15dbi YAGI antenna with tripod ($199).
– AmmoCam Long Range Edition – works out to one mile. Includes camera mounted into the box, easy tilt stand, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and charger (12+ hour run time), Base Station Receiver/Signal Extender, plastic case resembling a GI ammo can, price $649
Bullseye company founder Nick Skrepetos was kind enough to answer my email promptly and thoroughly–something TargetVision has yet to do.
Because I felt Bullseye had been ignored in our previous articles–especially since they appear to be the originator of this type of target camera system–I asked Mr. Skrepetos about what sets Bullseye apart from other companies, which camera system came first, etc. Here’s some of the info he offered:
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The Bullseye Camera System was released to the public in September of 2012. We have more than 5,000 units out worldwide, being used by high-profile clients.
Bullseye Camera Systems was the first company to offer a software/camera solution on multiple platforms such as iOS, Android and Windows, and we have the patent filed on the blinking shot, a unique feature that others have mimicked as they see how successful and useful it has been in our system.
Bullseye’s system is modular so we can add external YAGI style antennas and shoot past 2,500 yards. Cheytac uses it on their 2500-yard test range.
The Bullseye Camera System is waterproof. We are based in Oregon and we use the system in the rain all the time. Also, clients in Iceland and other extremely cold climes use them without any issues.
We have infrared on our camera for low-light and night shooting.
WiFi is WiFi, so these systems send their images using the exact same technology.
Bullseye Camera System uses a standard definition camera because in extensive testing HD cameras did not yield any better bullet detection and HD images take 4 times longer to transmit and the cost is higher. As a result, our base units have standard definition cameras and we have HD options.
Bullseye’s software is developed in-house. This allows rapid response to consumer demand, frequent updates, etc.
Bullseye supports Windows, as well as iPhone, iPad, and Android, and they are planning to offer Mac OSX in early 2015. Other companies don’t provide Windows and/or Mac OSX support. This is often critical to professionals such as bullet testers, who need to do rapid data entry on a keyboard and/or require other computer features.
Bullseye provides free software updates to all users.
Bullseye even offers a $29.95 two-year downrange protection plan, which offers free repair or replacement of damaged equipment–even if it gets shot.
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Well, I’m impressed. Many thanks to the reader who brought Bullseye to my attention.
