Bill,
Yes, I range the shot first. Then here are the steps involved:
1. Press the OK button to enter the main menu.
2. Press the right arrow button four times to get to the distance entry and press OK.
3. Press the up or down arrow button to enter your range - one button press per yard.
4. Press OK when done.
In order for the ballistic calculator to work accurately, you need to enter scope height, muzzle velocity, projectile weight, ballistic coefficient and drag function (GL works best for pellets). All this data is saved under a profile....you can have multiple profiles if you want.
The X-Sight has built in inclinometer, and also reads temperature, pressure and humidity I believe. It takes all of this into account and repositions the reticle accordingly. It will even correct for wind if you specify the speed and direction, but since my compass doesn't work properly, I just leave the wind speed at zero.