myArmsCache

Guns & Ammo Inventory Database Manager

ArmsCache

myArmsCache Update: August 18, 2021

myArmsCache Version 4.5.5 | Release Date: August 18, 2021

Over the past few months, I have been working on adding features to the app that received the most votes in the last user survey. The last update included a number of the new features users wanted. In this new version of the app, I added a Gun Part section (only available to Premium Members) — it was one of the more popular features that the Premium Members voted to be added to the app. 

Here are more details about the Gun Part section:

  • The Gun Parts section is separated into 4 sections:
    • All Parts: Keep a detailed list of all your Gun Parts
    • Added to Gun: Keep track of the parts you added to a Gun
    • Available Parts: Keep track of parts that haven’t been added to a Gun
    • Sold Parts: Keep track of the Parts you sold, who you sold them to and how much you sold them for
  • Duplicate Parts: if you have more than one of a part, you can duplicate an existing part that way you won’t have to add the same part multiple times
  • Sort Parts: Sort parts by Name, Manufacturer Category, Finish, Location, or Gun
  • Move from Accessories: Move Parts from the Accessory section to the Parts Section.
  • Sort Default: Set a sort default (Name, Manufacturer, or Category)
  • Export Data: Export data for your Parts and Sold Parts
  • Share/Export: Share or Export data for a particular part
  • Search: Search your parts by Part Name, Model, or Part Details
  • Shopping List: Add parts you need to purchase to the Shopping List
  • Purchase Report: View purchase details for your all your parts.
  • Statistics: View detailed stats on parts, including number of parts, parts assigned to Guns, amount spent, number of parts sold, amount received.

For more information on using the Gun Parts section, go to the User’s Guide.

If you have any questions, issues with the app, or feedback, you can contact me through the app by going to the Support section and selecting Email Developer.

myArmsCache Update: July 20, 2021

myArmsCache Version 4.5.0 | Release Date: July 20, 2021

A number of changes have been made to this version of myArmsCache, including a new Home Screen, 3 new sections, and a number of new features for Premium Members.

New Features for Basic & Premium Members:

  • List Section: in this section you can see all the items on a particular list. For example, if you want to see all the guns you have for a particular manufacturer, or for Ammo, if you select Calibers, you can see how many rounds you have for each caliber.
  • Summary Section: this section will show the total Guns, Ammo, and Accessories you have, along with your activity over the last 30 days.

New Features for Premium Members Only:

  • Search Guns Section: you can now search your guns by model, gun name, and notes.
  • Add 4 Additional Photos for an Accessory
  • Add Tags: you can now add Tags to your Guns, Ammo & Accessories
  • Add a Category to the Range Report. Now you can keep track of why you went to the range (Sighting In, Competition, Recreation, etc.)
  • Sort Default for the Maintenance Section: you can now set a sort default for the Maintenance Section
  • Sort Default for the Range Report: you can set a sort default for the Range Report
  • Red Indicator when Ammo is below 100 Rounds. Whenever you have less than 100 rounds of a particular ammo, the number of ammo and the caliber will appear in red.
  • Zoom in and out on Individual Images (Guns, Ammo, Accessories, Range Report)

If you have any questions or feedback, you can contact me through the app by going to the Support section and selecting Email Developer.

Getting a New Device? Here’s what you Need to know.

When setting up your new device, Apple has made things really simple with Quick Start.

With Quick Start, you can set up your new device using the information on your current device — and it’s very simple. Just turn on your new device and place is near your current device. A screen will appear on your current device that will take you through prompts to set up your new device. For complete instructions, visit: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210216

Even if you choose to use Quick Start, I still recommend that you backup your data before getting rid of your old device. I also recommend using File Sharing to copy the myArmsCache databases to your computer, just in case you run into any issues. See more details below:

Backup your Data

One option is to use iCloud to backup your data. There are a number of steps you need to follow to make sure myArmsCache is included in your iCloud Backup. You’ll need to make sure you follow the instructions exactly.

For complete details, visit Instructions for Backing up Data

File Sharing (also known as iTunes File Sharing)

In addition to backing up your data (or if you don’t want to backup your data), I recommend using File Sharing to keep a copy of the databases on your computer.

It is an additional safeguard that can help to prevent you from losing your data when getting a new device or if something goes wrong with your current device and you can’t restore from backup.

Also, if you want to have your data on more than one device, you can simply copy the databases to that device.

File Sharing Instructions:

The instructions for File Sharing differ slightly depending on what operating system you are using on your computer.

Here are is a link to detailed instructions provided by Apple for File Sharing: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201301

If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, you can use Finder to share files between your computer and your devices. Here is a link to instructions from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210598

*** WARNING *** do not attempt to edit or modify the database files on your computer; doing so could cause serious issues and corrupt the data.

If you have any questions, you can contact me through the app by going to the Options & Support section and selecting Email Developer.

New Feature Survey Results (April 2020)

I wanted to thank all the Premium Members that took time to complete the survey I sent out at the end of April. It provided a lot of good information about the app.

If you’re interested, here are the results of the survey:

1. How would you rate myArmsCache on a scale of 1-5?
Answer: the Weighted average was 4.59

Some of the comments included:

  • Range records could be easier to enter and would be nice to be able to add different ammo type to guns that are used at the range. Also, not sure of the purpose of the Range Checklist –> I’ve tried to make it as simple as possible to enter range info. Also, you can add your ammo or different ammo in the Range Report. I created a detailed post about the Range Report.
    The Range Checklist keeps track of the items you take with you to the range. As you pack the items, you can use the checkmark box to check them.
  • Interface feels dated. Somethings, like removing ammo b/c you went to the range requires too many steps – I have to create a shooting record. –> I am working on redesigning the interface. I’ve tried to keep the Range Report as simple as I could, but it was designed based on user feedback. In order to incorporate all the features users wanted, it needs to include 2 steps. You can read more about why it is designed the way it is on the Range Report page.
  • Need the ability to take more photos in every category –> The app offers the ability to take quite a few photos, with the exception of the Accessory section. In the Gun section: you can take up to 5 photos (a main photo, and 4 additional). Ammo section: you can take a main photo for your Ammo, then photos of each of your purchases. Accessory section: you can take 1 photo of your Accessory. Range Report: you can add as many Shooting Records as you want. Each Shooting record includes a photo.

    This app is designed for many different devices with different storage capabilities, including the iPad Pro, iPhone 7, iPhone 11, etc. Photos take a lot of memory and not everyone has a device that can handle a lot of photos, so myArmsCache has to accommodate their devices and be a ‘photo’ heavy app. If you want a lot of photos of your guns, a great solution is to use the Camera & Photos app that comes with your device. Once you add photos, you can add them to Albums. That way you can keep as many photos of your items as you need

  • Needs to sync with iPhone –> I have hesitated adding this in the past, as most users are concerned with privacy and like the fact that all data is stored on your device. However, since I have had requests for it from Premium Members, I will include for Premium Members to vote as to whether they want to see it added to the app.
  • There is room for improvement. I’d like to be able to sort ammo by velocity or energy –> I will be including that on the list of items that Premium Members can vote on.
  • Would like a search features, would like an easy way to export all photos, an easy way to export any and all photos, a way to just export and print C&R eligible firearms –> I am planning to add a search feature to the app. As far as exporting photos, I’m not sure where you want the photos to be exported to. And I don’t know of a way that all photos can be exported. You do have the option to save your photos to the Photo Library (on your device). There are 2 ways to do this. You can find complete instructions in the User’s Guide in the Gun section under “Save a Copy of your Gun Photo” (it also works the same for Ammo and Accessories).

2. What sections of the app do you use the most?
Summary: It looks like the Ammo section is used the most, with the Gun section in 2nd place. Here are the percentages:

  • Ammo 78%
  • Guns 61%
  • Statistics 44%
  • Range Report 39%
  • Purchase Report 39%
  • Accessories 39%
  • Shopping List 17%
  • Range Checklist 6%

3. What sections of the app do you use the least?
Summary: It looks like the Shopping List section is used the least, with the Range Checklist not far behind. Here are the percentages:

  • Shopping List 56%
  • Range Checklist 44%
  • Purchase Report 22%
  • Statistics 22%
  • Accessories 11%
  • Range Report —
  • Ammo —
  • Guns —

4. What new features would you like to see added to the app?
Some users already answered this in the first question. Here is a list of the responses (I removed duplicates):

  • Ability to sync data between devices
  • Bar codes for ammo purchases
  • Shot timer
  • Build section that adds parts instead of assigning accessories to a rifle. Tracking for custom built rifles/pistols on an AR platform
  • Sort Ammo by velocity or energy
  • Reloading section
  • Ability to Search (Guns, Ammo, Accessories)
  • Zoom in on photos
  • Rounds shot since last maintenance
  • Manufacture date for ammo
  • Additional photos for Accessories
  • Ability to use dark mode
  • Graphical (Pie graph) representation of statistics
  • Ability to keep track of target inventory
  • Add multiple pics at same time –> I’m not clear on what you are referring to. Most sections (except for Additional photos for guns) only allow you to add one photo.
  • More accessory options –> If you have a specific suggestion of exactly what other options you would like to see in accessories, please email me.
  • Quick add/use ammo –> When adding ammo, you only need to add an Ammo once, then each time you purchase that ammo, you only need to add a Purchase Record to it. That way you can keep track of the total of that ammo you purchase, how often you purchase it, etc.
  • Ability to add multiple pictures in all areas –> This has been requested by a few users. See my response in question #1 above
  • Easier access to adding pictures to guns –> I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I’ve tried to make it as simple as I possibly can. If you have a specific recommendation, please feel free to email it to me.
  • Condensed listing of guns by name so I could scroll through it fast, if I am looking for a particular gun. –> I’m not exactly sure what you mean by a condensed listing. If you’re look for a particular gun, sort your guns by model there is an alphabet down the right side, you can simply tap the first letter of the model and be quickly taken to it.
  • A way to re-order guns in a brand listing –> You have the option to sort guns by Manufacturer (brand), or are you referring to something different?
  • Export photos –> See my response in question #1 above
  • Move Shopping List items to Guns, Ammo, or Accessories –> The app currently does this. If you go to the User’s Guide, under Shopping List, it will tell you how to move items from the Shopping List to your Guns, Ammo, or Accessories.
  • Add a picture correction app to crop and change pic properties –> Your device already has the ability to crop and edit photos. There is no way I could even come close to creating something as nice as what Apple already provides on your device. My suggestion is to take the photos with the Camera app on your device and edit them how you want. Then when you add the item to the app, tap the ‘Add Photo’ and select ‘Choose from Library’ (instead of Take Photo)
  • I don’t see ability to use files to back up my data –> I’m not exactly sure what you’re referring to. If you go to the Backup Data page, there are instructions there on how to backup your data.
  • Easier viewing/scrolling through multiple pictures of guns –> In the Gun section, you can tap the ‘photos’ button (bottom right) and view photos of all your guns. If you’re referring to something different, please send me an email.
  • Face password option? –> Once you set a password for the app, you can use Face ID to access the app. If it isn’t working for you, you may need to go to the Setting app and check your setting for Face ID.

5. What improvements would you like to see made to the app?
Answers included in #4 above.

6. We value your opinion and appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. Do you have any other comments or suggestions about the app?
Answers included in #4 above.

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PHOTOS:
There are a number of users that would like to add more photos to the app, so I wanted to address that. Right now, the app offers the ability to add a number of photos, with the exception of the Accessory section.

Gun section: you can take up to 5 photos (a main photo, and 4 additional).

Ammo section: you can take a main photo for your Ammo, then photos of each of your purchases.

Accessory section: you can take 1 photo of your Accessory.

Range Report: you can add as many Shooting Records as you want. Each Shooting record includes a photo.

This app is designed for many different devices with different storage capabilities. Photos take a lot of memory and not everyone has a device that can handle a lot of photos.The app needs to be able to be user friendly for ALL devices.

myArmsCache is a gun and ammo app, not a photo app. I need to stay true to its purpose. If you want a lot of photos of your guns, a great solution is to use the Camera & Photos app that comes with your device. Once you take a photo, you can add them to an Album — call the album Guns, so it’s easy to find. That way you can keep as many photos of your items as your device has room for. I addressed this in Question #1, but I wanted to include it here also incase you missed it.

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I value all of your input and am doing my best to continually improve the app for everyone.

My goal is to make the app user friendly for everyone. The challenge is, everyone has different devices and they use the app differently.

I am only one person, there is no team or anyone helping me. It takes a great deal of time to keep the app updated due to changes in the iOS and continually add new features. When I add new features to the app, I need to consider all users and make sure what I’m doing is beneficial to everyone using the app.

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for being a Premium Member and supporting the app!

The app would not exist if it wasn’t for your support.