Texas CHL App for Android Iphone

[bzo311]

I am an app developer whom, in my free time, enjoys creating fun little educational apps distributed freely. I have been kicking around the idea of putting the TX CHL handbook into an app along with some FAQ's that I read here a lot (ie: Where can I NOT carry, signs to look for, Renewl and fees, etc). Sort of like a digital pocket handbook.

My question is do you think it would get much use? Would you use it (if you have an Android or iPhone)? It would be free, btw.

[MMac]

Being new to all this and taking the CHL class tomorrow, I would find it very helpful.

[longtooth]

All my students get those things in handouts. I guess I can see how the younger very Imhone savy folks could find it helpful when not ably to carry the hard copies.

[Teamless]

Would you use it (if you have an Android or iPhone)? It would be free, bt

If I had a Droid, I would use it,
the key issue would be to have REAL applicable laws, and updatable locations, like Texas3006.com has for the website, with easy search and updatable information

[RHenriksen]

I'd be interested. Ensuring the info is fresh/current is critical.

Here's an idea: the TABC website is very user un-friendly. They're working on making businesses' 51% status available online. If you could incorporate a front-end in tour app that could quey the tabc server on 51% status, and return the results in a clear fashion, that might get a lot of interest.

[Smily]

YES YES YES YES YES!!!

I would love an app like this. There are way too laws to memorize. Would be great to have if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation with the police not knowing the law themselves.

-Smily

[Teamless]

Would be great to have if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation with the police not knowing the law themselves.

Sorry Smily, but if you find yourself in this predicament, it is highly doubtful that any officer will adhere to the knowledge that you can bring up on your Iphone or Droid.
They will follow their beliefs and be done with it.
Also, if you are already in a sticky situation, you probably won't be able to access it anyway.

To use it from getting yourself in that situation would be beneficial though

[KaiserB]

I'd be interested. Ensuring the info is fresh/current is critical.

Here's an idea: the TABC website is very user un-friendly. They're working on making businesses' 51% status available online. If you could incorporate a front-end in tour app that could quey the tabc server on 51% status, and return the results in a clear fashion, that might get a lot of interest.

When I questioned the DPS legal department about the improper/erroneous 51% sign posting they told me that an establishment may post a 51% sign even though they are not required to by TABC to prevent concealed carry in the building (i.e. the erroneous 51% sign would function as a 30.06). Similar to hospitals posting a 51% sign under GC §411.204 (b):

A hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, or a nursing home licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, shall prominently display at each entrance to the hospital or nursing home, as appropriate, a sign that complies with the requirements of Subsection (c) other than the requirement that the sign include on its face the number "51".

[Teamless]

that an establishment may post a 51% sign even though they are not required to by TABC to prevent concealed carry in the building

They can post it, its not enforceable
Also, I was at a place that had the 51% sign posted when it should not have been. I notified TABC, they visited them and made them change to the blue signs, and also fined them for having the wrong signs up, so I doubt whoever you spoke to knew what they were talking about

[bzo311]

Thanks for your replies. It seems, if anything, that there would be a good amount of usage for the convenience.

One thing I would not be in the interest of doing is trying to decipher the laws into a more understanding delivery, since IANAL and I want to dodge any liabilities that my, or the reader, may misinterpret. The data, for the most part, will be a copy of whats in the handbook, except WITH the conveniences of (a) being able to read it anywhere and without people knowing you're reading a CHL handbook therefore assuming you're carrying, (b) being able to jump directly to any section of the handbook with ease, and (c) by making the information more on demand, it increases the likelihood of awareness and knowledge of the laws / limitations and therefore may decrease incidents and laws broken by CHL carriers.

What some of you have suggested about queuing established web databases (TABC) to deliver information about 30.06 locations is a great idea, and soundds like a good phase 2 once I can get the handbook info down.

[comp73]

I've got a Droid X and would be happy to beta test.

[Heritage1]

Most of my students, 90% of them, carry smart phones and I have been asked about it before. Are you thinking of doing it for the Andoid, iPhone or both? I have an iGotScrewed 3G, trying to decide if I'm going to upgrade to HTC or bend over and take it again. An app like this could be a large factor in my decision. In any case I would beta for you as well if you need volunters.

[phrogg]

The complete handbook is already really available for the iPhone. You just go to the DPS site, click on the link for the handbook (the PDF one) and then when it comes up, click the link to show in iBooks. It'll then save it to your iPhone/iPad and you can pull it up anytime you want to. That's what I was just doing trying to look something up.

[bzo311]

I also have the CHL handbook in pdf format and can view it on my Android, but pdf is a bit slow on my device and finding what you're looking for can sometimes be a pain.

It's good that there is somewhat of competition out there, though. Thanks for the info.

[bzo311]

Most of my students, 90% of them, carry smart phones and I have been asked about it before. Are you thinking of doing it for the Andoid, iPhone or both? I have an iGotScrewed 3G, trying to decide if I'm going to upgrade to HTC or bend over and take it again. An app like this could be a large factor in my decision. In any case I would beta for you as well if you need volunters.

Well I have definitely decided to build it and it should be ready in a few days. I will post a beta version up first and continue development given feedback. Once it is up I will also be looking into working with established sites for share 30.06 locations.