Using at the Range or in the Field
Learn how to share ShotKam videos between students using memory cards. Follow steps to transfer videos with a thumb drive and laptop.
How to Share ShotKam
If you are sharing one camera between multiple students, then we recommend getting a memory card (thumb-drive or SD card) for every student. Once a student has shot a round, you can simply copy/paste his or her videos onto the memory card using your computer. An iPad/Tablet cannot be used with the USB cable, so use a laptop to transfer the students' videos with the cable.
Here's how to transfer videos with an external thumb drive:
Recommended articles:
- What to look for in the students' ShotKam videos?
- How do I share my videos via email, text, or social media?
- How to save or delete videos using Windows PC
- How to save or delete videos using Mac
Memory Cards:
- Pack of 10 thumb drives from Amazon USA
- SD Card Specs: RoHS Compatible, UHS Speed Class 3 (Class 10)
Align the ShotKam reticle to your gun's Point-of-Aim (POA) for optimal analysis. Learn why top instructors recommend this setup for better sight-picture training.
Align to Point of Aim
The POA is the point-of-aim where the bead of the gun is pointed. The POI is the point-of-impact which is where the center of your pellet pattern is at a certain distance. We recommend that you align the reticle to your Point-of-Aim, not the Point-of-Impact.
The reticle is designed to represent the bead of your gun, so having it aligned to your POA will make it easiest to analyze why you missed. The top instructors who shoot with ShotKam (ex: Harlan Campbell, George Digweed, etc) all setup the ShotKam reticle to be at the POA. The reason being is they want to “train their subconscious brain on where to put the muzzle." If the reticle represents the POI, then you’re not imprinting the correct “sight-picture” into your brain as you watch the videos. The more you can imprint the correct sight-picture, the faster your brain will recognize it and pull the trigger. For example: Most trap guns shoot high because it is a rising clay, so your videos should show that your barrel is just under the clay.
With that said, you can certainly align it to your gun's POI if preferred using a patterning board. To do so, stabilize the gun and find the center of your pellet pattern on the patterning board. Move the crosshair to the center of your pattern, then press "Save." This typically takes two people to do: one person will hold the gun steadily pointed at the center of the patterning board, then the second person will adjust the reticle to the center of the pattern.
Please refer to Step 2: Attach, calibrate, and user modes.
No need to re-calibrate ShotKam's reticle if reattaching to the same gun or similar types. Learn when re-alignment is necessary and setup tips.
When to Re-Calibrate Your ShotKam Reticle
You will not need to re-calibrate the reticle (crosshair or red dot) if putting the ShotKam off and on the same gun, or when moving between guns of the same shotgun type and gauge (ex. 12 Gauge semi-auto to another 12 Gauge semi-auto). Remove the camera to clean the barrel as needed, then simply mount the camera in roughly the same place and the reticle won't need to be realigned. We recommend attaching the camera 3 to 10 inches from the muzzle end of the barrel, or at least 3 inches back from porting holes. Use the lens of the camera as the point of reference, and anywhere between 3-10 inches on the barrel that feels comfortable to the balance of your gun will work.
If you're moving the camera between guns of the same type (ex. a 12 GA break action to another 12 Gauge break action), then attach the camera the same distance back from the muzzle on each barrel (ex. 8 inches back from the muzzle), and the reticle won't need to be adjusted.
You should re-align the camera's reticle if:
- It is your first time using your ShotKam and mounting it to your gun.
- You move your ShotKam between different gun types (ex. single barrel semi-auto to double barrel over-and-under).
- You move your ShotKam between different shotgun gauges (ex. 12 Ga semi-auto to 20 Ga semi-auto).
- You change your ShotKam's position on your barrel by over 2 inches.
Learn how to quickly and easily Calibrate your reticle.
Yes, you can use an external battery charger with your ShotKam. You can safely use any USB portable powerbank to charge the ShotKam.
USB Port Battery Pack
The portable power-bank should have a USB port to fit the provided ShotKam charging cable. The provided USB cable that is included with your ShotKam purchase is 5-Volts and available for purchase here if needed.
Portable Charger Options:
- Amazon USA
- Amazon UK
- Amazon CA
- EU and AU Customers: Please refer to the USB cable specifications and purchase through your appropriate Amazon store.
Note: The ShotKam automatically turns off when charging, so you cannot charge while also recording video.
Can I use the camera while it's charging?
No, the camera will automatically turn off as soon as it begins charging. You cannot record video and charge the battery at the same time.
Align your ShotKam to your Point of Impact (POI) using a patterning board. Follow step-by-step instructions to adjust the reticle in the ShotKam app.
Steps to Align to Point of Impact
You can align your ShotKam to your Point of Impact (POI) if preferred. To align your ShotKam to the POI, you will need to use a patterning board:
- Aim at the center of a patterning board and take a shot to see your pattern.
- Find the center of your pattern on the patterning board and make a reference point (such as an "X").
- Once you've made a reference point in the center of your pattern, stabilize your gun about 20-30 yard away from the patterning board and connect to the ShotKam app.
- Keep your gun (POA) aimed at the center of the patterning board itself (not the center of your pattern)
- Once you have your gun stabilized and aimed at the center of the patterning board, adjust the ShotKam's crosshair in the app to the reference point you made on the center of your pattern and press "SAVE".
For any questions on how to align the reticle in the ShotKam App, please refer to Step 4: Calibrate the video crosshair.