Steel Target Hit Indicator Testing

[psubond]

I am developing a device that will detect hits on steel targets and send a signal to a unit that the shooter has next to him. It will use a microcontroller and and Lora modules to transfer the data to a unit that is next to the shooter and will have a LED that lights up and a buzzer that sounds when a hit is detected. The LED and buzzer will be on the unit at the shooter's position.
When I finish the unit I am looking for someone who can test it for me at 1K yards (or more if you have a range that goes that far) and write reports on how it worked for you, what features you would like added and what issues you see. In return you can keep the test unit as well as receive a finished production model. It will take me a while to finish the unit but I wanted to ask if anyone was interested in helping when the work is done.

 

[260284]

Sign me up. I have a place to shoot out to 1000 yards and can test it at matches out to 1400 yards.

 

[Diver160651]

I am developing a device that will detect hits on steel targets and send a signal to a unit that the shooter has next to him. It will use a microcontroller and and Lora modules to transfer the data to a unit that is next to the shooter and will have a LED that lights up and a buzzer that sounds when a hit is detected. The LED and buzzer will be on the unit at the shooter's position.
When I finish the unit I am looking for someone who can test it for me at 1K yards (or more if you have a range that goes that far) and write reports on how it worked for you, what features you would like added and what issues you see. In return you can keep the test unit as well as receive a finished production model. It will take me a while to finish the unit but I wanted to ask if anyone was interested in helping when the work is done.

we can run at our monthly PRS matches

 

[bschneiderheinze]

Can test this at 1k to 1.2 if it works that far in a match

 

[bschneiderheinze]

The only downfall I see to this is time. With a target indicator it’s instant and the shooter can move or adjust with it seems like it would probably take 3-4 seconds for the signal to back to you after the shot. The flight time for my 6br at 1000 1.74 seconds

 

[olive drab]

We can test at Quantico at 1k.

 

[JMcBurn]

The only downfall I see to this is time. With a target indicator it’s instant and the shooter can move or adjust with it seems like it would probably take 3-4 seconds for the signal to back to you after the shot. The flight time for my 6br at 1000 1.74 seconds

Lora transmits at the speed of sound so getting the confirmed hit back is around 2.7 seconds. But if he is putting electronics on the target why not just add a hit indicator light also.

 

[bschneiderheinze]

Lora transmits at the speed of sound so getting the confirmed hit back is around 2.7 seconds. But if he is putting electronics on the target why not just add a hit indicator light also.

2.7 is a long time in the PRS world I’ve seen people get at least two shots off in that amount of time

 

[JMcBurn]

2.7 is a long time in the PRS world I’ve seen people get at least two shots off in that amount of time

I don't think you understand what I am saying.

 

[bschneiderheinze]

I don't think you understand what I am saying.

I understand that a secondary hit indicator would make it a more useful product

 

[JMcBurn]

I understand that a secondary hit indicator would make it a more useful product

The project is interesting in the fact that it could in theory create a full COF that wouldn't require an RO spotting really.

 

[bschneiderheinze]

The project is interesting in the fact that it could in theory create a full COF that wouldn't require an RO spotting really.

Agreed sometimes the lights are even hard to see on the target but with the light and buzzer it would be fool proof. I wonder what the cost point would be. I guess you could always add a hit indicator in addition also if it wasn’t part of the equipment. We get a ton of 223 shooters I won’t spot for them anymore past 400 yards I have decent vision but even with Swarovski’s there hard to see.

 

[psubond]

Ok, I will be in touch with the five people who responded once i get the working prototype sorted. I appreciate the help, please be patient I am still in the experimentation stage. A light on the target could work but I am trying to maximize battery life and have a minimal amount of the device sticking out (less to get shot or get hit with splash from an edge hit). I am not set on Lora, I am still looking at different protocols. Private GSM might be an option but I have to look into FCC regulations on that. There are specific parts of the spectrum that I have (am SUPPOSED) to stay in.

 

[Diver160651]

Ok, I will be in touch with the five people who responded once i get the working prototype sorted. I appreciate the help, please be patient I am still in the experimentation stage. A light on the target could work but I am trying to maximize battery life and have a minimal amount of the device sticking out (less to get shot or get hit with splash from an edge hit). I am not set on Lora, I am still looking at different protocols. Private GSM might be an option but I have to look into FCC regulations on that. There are specific parts of the spectrum that I have (am SUPPOSED) to stay in.

In a way not having a light, but a hit counter could be the solution the PRS/NRL needs..

Think about this, we moved to lights only to help the RO make the call, but now us shooters use them too.

Imagine, 30lbs 6br every hit is recorded, but the shooter had less advantage on big heavy long distance plates. The zippy 6.5 guy get a bit more feed back.. neither are scored incorrectly... hum what do I shoot??

I love the legs on this

 

[psubond]

Hit counter would be easy. Just need to add a display to the station that stays with the judge and have it count each hit, have a reset button to reset the counter between shooters. I am looking at 802.11 LR on a ESP 32 now as people are getting 10KM with a large directional antenna so 1km with a smaller directional antenna shouldn't be an issue. Then with the esp32 as both transmitter and receiver, Bluetooth connectivity to the receiving station becomes an option.

 

[seansmd]

Would the large directional antenna be centralized or would it have to be at every shooting position directional aimed at each target or in their general direction?

I am assuming you wouldn't need the large antenna at each target.

 

[JMcBurn]

Would the large directional antenna be centralized or would it have to be at every shooting position directional aimed at each target or in their general direction?

I am assuming you wouldn't need the large antenna at each target.

At these distances it shouldn't need any directional antennas.

 

[wadebrown]

I have good luck with these Zigbee modules for 1,000 yards, they are rated for 2 miles but have not tested beyond 1,000 yards. Zigbee modules allow a number of different networking options that work well for ranges with multiple targets, the modules at closer range can act as relays for longer range targets. The modules on closer targets will relay the signal back to shooter's location if the range of the farthest targets are too far to reach the shooters location .

 

[hacabrera071]

Man, this really sounds like a very interesting project, I’m definitely following!!! Great job OP!

 

[wadebrown]

One issue that a hot indicator has is the electronics on steel plate experience an intense mechanical shock when a hot is detected and this is hard on the electronics. Murphy's law will also cause some issues, any of the hot detector on the steel target will get shot, at a minimum an antenna or an LED flasher will be visible on standard systems.

I am looking at designing a Hit Indicator System (HIS) that would consist of two separate components, a detector with a short range radio transceiver and a unit that is mounted away from the target that would have the LED flasher and/or a longer range transmitter. To abbreviate the discussion call the detector and radio on the steel target simply the detector and the remote unit as the controller.

When the target is hit the detector unit would send an radio signal to the controller, the controller would turn the flasher on and/or send a signal back to the shooter's display unit, call this the display. The benefits of this design is the more expensive electronics are located away from the target, reducing the chance of getting hit. The detector would be very simple circuitry that is light and inexpensive, if the control unit was mounted the behind the target the detector would be entirely behind the steel. At a minimum the antenna has to be visible from the front of the target if the system has to send a radio signal to the shooter or a control unit in front of the target as the steel target will block much of the radio signal.

As the distance we shoot reaches longer ranges the components that signal a hit become more expensive for either a visible hit indicator or radio reach back to the shooter. The LED's have to be brighter to be seen and the radio has to have more power to reach the longer ranges. A system that is mounted away from the target would allow for larger equipment, since the chance of an impact is lower more expensive equipment could be used. Their are radios that would allow reach back of at least 10 miles for less than $30 for the radio and directional antenna, I would have to research LED flashers more to estimate their cost. Larger flashers and radios would require larger batteries would require larger batteries removing the main electronics away from the target would provide a larger area for batteries for permanent setups solar arrays could recharge the batteries.

The control unit could service multiple targets that are located in proximity and one display unit could be used to record hot information from multiple control units. As I envision it the display would show which target got hit and what time it got hit. With the cost of GPS modules less than $10 the control units could have a GPS on it to record time of hits.

The question I have is this: Is there any interest in a system like this? I could publish the design of the system including part numbers etc. on the web as an open source design. I don't know if there is enough desire to manufacture systems for sale, if there is not enough interest the cost per system would be high.

The question you may have is: How much would the system cost? The cost of the components for the detector in low numbers would probably be about $15 each. The cost of the components for the control unit not included the LED flashers or battery would probably be less than $100. I do not include the cost of the batteries or flashers is that is dependent upon the range of the system. The skills to assemble the system would be soldering and the ability to download software to the processor over a USB cable.

Maybe folks could chime in on whether they would interested in the system. Also, let me know what features I have forgotten and let me know what features in he design above that make no sense. I could also provide some figures that might help explain the system, my description makes perfect sense to me, but then it is my design so it better make sense to me.

I would appreciate advice on LED strobes or flashers that would work for extreme long ranges, this is the area of the design that I have no experience with all other areas of the design are things I have done in the past.

Let me know what you think,
wade

 

[AirGunShawn]

One issue that a hot indicator has is the electronics on steel plate experience an intense mechanical shock when a hot is detected and this is hard on the electronics. Murphy's law will also cause some issues, any of the hot detector on the steel target will get shot, at a minimum an antenna or an LED flasher will be visible on standard systems.

I am looking at designing a Hit Indicator System (HIS) that would consist of two separate components, a detector with a short range radio transceiver and a unit that is mounted away from the target that would have the LED flasher and/or a longer range transmitter. To abbreviate the discussion call the detector and radio on the steel target simply the detector and the remote unit as the controller.

When the target is hit the detector unit would send an radio signal to the controller, the controller would turn the flasher on and/or send a signal back to the shooter's display unit, call this the display. The benefits of this design is the more expensive electronics are located away from the target, reducing the chance of getting hit. The detector would be very simple circuitry that is light and inexpensive, if the control unit was mounted the behind the target the detector would be entirely behind the steel. At a minimum the antenna has to be visible from the front of the target if the system has to send a radio signal to the shooter or a control unit in front of the target as the steel target will block much of the radio signal.

As the distance we shoot reaches longer ranges the components that signal a hit become more expensive for either a visible hit indicator or radio reach back to the shooter. The LED's have to be brighter to be seen and the radio has to have more power to reach the longer ranges. A system that is mounted away from the target would allow for larger equipment, since the chance of an impact is lower more expensive equipment could be used. Their are radios that would allow reach back of at least 10 miles for less than $30 for the radio and directional antenna, I would have to research LED flashers more to estimate their cost. Larger flashers and radios would require larger batteries would require larger batteries removing the main electronics away from the target would provide a larger area for batteries for permanent setups solar arrays could recharge the batteries.

The control unit could service multiple targets that are located in proximity and one display unit could be used to record hot information from multiple control units. As I envision it the display would show which target got hit and what time it got hit. With the cost of GPS modules less than $10 the control units could have a GPS on it to record time of hits.

The question I have is this: Is there any interest in a system like this? I could publish the design of the system including part numbers etc. on the web as an open source design. I don't know if there is enough desire to manufacture systems for sale, if there is not enough interest the cost per system would be high.

The question you may have is: How much would the system cost? The cost of the components for the detector in low numbers would probably be about $15 each. The cost of the components for the control unit not included the LED flashers or battery would probably be less than $100. I do not include the cost of the batteries or flashers is that is dependent upon the range of the system. The skills to assemble the system would be soldering and the ability to download software to the processor over a USB cable.

Maybe folks could chime in on whether they would interested in the system. Also, let me know what features I have forgotten and let me know what features in he design above that make no sense. I could also provide some figures that might help explain the system, my description makes perfect sense to me, but then it is my design so it better make sense to me.

I would appreciate advice on LED strobes or flashers that would work for extreme long ranges, this is the area of the design that I have no experience with all other areas of the design are things I have done in the past.

Let me know what you think,
wade

Hello Wade.... Have you looked at he TISS system yet?? He has wired and remote. He also gives advise on
protecting the cables from impact and water.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

So what happens when the shooters on either side also employ this?

It could become distracting and misleading, negating its value.

Or; suppose the shooter doesn't have this, but the shooters on either side do.

It could become distracting, and danged annoying to non-customers; not a great marketing strategy.

There's already enough noise and distraction on the firing line, IMHO; and now we're adding flashing lights, too?

In principle I applaud your idea, but the means for notifying the user could be a problem for non-users.

Here's a suggestion: Some sound-cancelling earphones employ an input jack for music, etc. Setting up your receiver with a corded output to such earphones can eliminate sound distractions to others, as well as eliminating cross talking sound between the user's unit and others.

It might even be possible to employ Bluetooth; which could open up a lot of integrated possibilities (for instance, using your unit to confirm zeros using LRF/Aiming Dot Bluetooth interfaces). It closes the loop encompassing ranging, aiming, and impacts.

Imagine this: The ranging unit communicates the range info to the scope, which designates the aim point. Then, the shooter signals the scope that initiates confirmation cycle. The shooter fires and your unit does not return a hit confirmation, and the shooter signals a miss to the scope's program. The scope then provides an adjusted POA. Again, no hit, another miss signaled. The scope now computes a new POA, but in the opposite direction, up or down. The new POA delivers a hit, the shooter signals hit, and the scope's program recomputes the data to recalibrate the programs POA outputs. Maybe the same for windage.

It's all just programming, but now your unit provides the data that closes the computational loop. FYI, patent the blue stuff, NOW!.

Greg

PS, Was that first post actually an advertisement for an upcoming commercial product? Might get interpreted as one.

FYI, such posts can get a new member banned here. Please note; not an indictment, simply trying to help you avoid trouble.

 

[AirGunShawn]

So what happens when the shooters on either side also employ this?

It could become distracting and misleading, negating its value.

Or; suppose the shooter doesn't have this, but the shooters on either side do.

It could become distracting, and danged annoying to non-customers; not a great marketing strategy.

There's already enough noise and distraction on the firing line, IMHO; and now we're adding flashing lights, too?

In principle I applaud your idea, but the means for notifying the user could be a problem for non-users.

Here's a suggestion: Some sound-cancelling earphones employ an input jack for music, etc. Setting up your receiver with a corded output to such earphones can eliminate sound distractions to others, as well as eliminating cross talking sound between the user's unit and others.

It might even be possible to employ Bluetooth; which could open up a lot of integrated possibilities (for instance, using your unit to confirm zeros using LRF/Aiming Dot Bluetooth interfaces). It closes the loop encompassing ranging, aiming, and impacts.

Greg

PS, Was that first post actually an advertisement for an upcoming commercial product? Might get interpreted as one.

FYI, such posts can get a new member banned here. Please note; not an indictment, simply trying to help you avoid trouble.

I am just using the TISS at home for my 200 plus targets and shooting alone.
If I were to use it with other people, I would add a color to my flash unit with something. Maybe some monokote from the remote control airplane guys.

The TISS system is an actual product. Not mine in any way shape or form.

Sorry..... I had no idea that I may be doing something wrong. I was just giving out information that I
thought may be helpful.

Shawn

 

[wadebrown]

Greg,
I have heard some match directors for matches with steel targets would like a system that would provide visual feedback. Not understanding the issue about shooters from other side. I hope you were not referring to my post as an advertisement for an upcoming product. I am not a new member I have been a member for 11 years come this October.

Shawn,
I have seen TISS and I have gotten some feedback from ELR match directors that the flasher was not visible. What I propose is developing a system that the user could put their own flasher on it. I started programming the basic system up last night and am 90% done with the initial code drop. The basic system provides no radios or networking capabilities just a wired interface that the user could put a flasher on. The user can choose frequency of flashes and duration for each individual unit. The wired output would go to a relay or simple transistor depending upon electrical load, if the wire got shot all you would be out is some speaker wire or similar.

I use a crawl-walk-run (CWR) approach to developing new capabilities or products. The wired system above is the crawl version. I do not have the components on hand to build the hardware for any of the approaches, I probably do but my electrical work area is a mess, it takes less time to order a handful of components vs trying to sort the pile I have. The parts are on order. I have used the CWR approach on projects like Desert Hawk III when I was the lead engineer on that UAV program, 12 years later the Brits are still flying it.

As I see it the walk approach is a simple radio connection back to the shooter for one target. The run version would be the networked version.

Two issues have bogged the ELR crowd down radio range and a visible flasher, at least this is what one of the match directors related to me. With directional antennae 20 miles line-of-sight is not a problem, and since we are not using the system to score artillery hits 20 mile is probably overkill. Connections of 2 miles are a chip shot with a decent choice of antenna. Understand that the scoring system has a very low data rate, unlike a video broadcast like target cams, and the lower the data rate the easier it is make the range.

I kind of see putting out an open source design for the hardware and software. The hardware is mainly a collection of modules like a processor, accelerometer, and radio I would probably design a circuit board and put the design on a web site that you could order small quantities of circuit boards for little money and I would get nothing from the sale. The end user would have to solder the modules identified to the motherboard so to speak. The software would be loaded via open source software (Arduino) using a standard USB cable. I see the on target detector parts could be had for less than $20 each, not including the flasher. Granted you would need to supply a little sweat equity, but I think am economical solution. The open source option would only be developed if there was interest, no sense writing up the docs if no one is interested. This is a DIY section of the forum so sweat equity is what DIY is all about.

wade

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Trying to be helpful.

By other side; I mean shooters adjacent left and right.

Reread the post; more has been added, which may prove helpful. Your response indicates you may not have been aware of the changes made while your were typing. I acknowledge I was wrong in my initial response.

Best fortune.

Greg

 

[wadebrown]

We (the Lockheed Martin development team for the DARPA OneShot program) did some of what you added regarding projecting new POA in the scope. The system would project a new shooting solution for the measured wind about 10 times a second if I recall correctly. I really learned how fast wind conditions change while using the OneShot equipped scope as the shooting solution was constantly moving. Since I no longer work for Lockheed I can admit to actually touching and shooting the rifle. It was almost impossible to get corporate approval to handle the firearm much less actually shoot it.

I am retired now and have little desire to work on any more patent applications nor pay a legal group to process the application. For a small company of one I would not have the resources to defend the patent. I have become more and more open to the open-source approach. Granted if I thought I had a much better mousetrap that millions would beat a path to my door I would probably not open-source the mousetrap design as I have always wanted to own an island in the caribbean, at least 1,500 yards long for a LR practice range.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I honestly believe that patents are not about protecting ideas, but about full employment for lawyers, et al.

Wade; what you convey about how fast conditions change is one of the reasons why I have not invested in the more complex and pricey answers to wind correction.

No matter how accurate they are reporting such things; by the time the shooter gets the solution into the system, man and rifle, the solution is well on is way to obsolescence.

Many years ago, I became acquainted with the "Wobble Zone", wherein the standing N/M shooter simply relaxes, gets the best sight picture they can manage, and fires as smoothly as they can. The point is that the dispersion this generates is almost always smaller than what they might attain by trying to correct for wavering sight pictures.

I think it's much the same with the more complex wind correction aids we use.

The fall of the shot is the truest depiction of conditions; and if one is willing to take the time to observe, consider, and correct, applying the insight derived from experience, the time may be more wisely employed than by a fevered scramble between implements and guns.

Psubond; I want to see your ideas flourish; and wish you no ill will. Odds are what I suggested is so far behind the curve, it's long ago become protected knowledge. But I've been wrong about such things before. Like Wade, I post my ideas on public forums in the hope that others, better heeled financially, can make some wealth, and that the rest of us will get to benefit from a commercial product employing my ideas. I have enough money.

Said by a man who has won little, and talks a lot...

Greg

 

[wombat.6mm]

Any updates on this? Sounds like a cool idea.

 

[psubond]

Still working on it. I learned a valuable lesson about giving out too much information on what I want to do on an open forum. Others are already looking at turning this into an open source project and selling it themselves.

 

[Pbgt]

My kid is a computer wiz, we have a wifi camera system, the shooter hits the plate, its detected and a "flash" photo is taken...we can toggle between the real time feed or the flash pic, allowing us to find the hit in a busy bullseye. The computer tells us how far the impact is from the center of the intended bullseye. We have a ballistic app and weather feed(2 imputs, wifi, every 5 seconds, speed and direction) as well as a printer, allowing for a field printed computer generated drop chart ...We probably have 4k in the design and implementation of the system, worth every penny. KId has expressed interest in marketing the idea, you would need a ton of money to get to a final sellable product...and by then, some arsewhole will copy it...Have fun with your idea, be careful how deep you go down the rabbit hole....John moses Browning if I remember correctly died poor...

 

[Sam19kilo]

I can test out to 1763 yards, 1500yds, and 1000yds

 

[acudaowner]

have to wonder how loud a buzzer you would need to hear 1500 yards or even 1000 yards ? those hand held horns that run off of compressed air maybe and they are not particularly expensive especially while other people are still shooting , unless its just you at the range then maybe you could hear it a bit easier .

 

[Sam19kilo]

have to wonder how loud a buzzer you would need to hear 1500 yards or even 1000 yards ? those hand held horns that run off of compressed air maybe and they are not particularly expensive especially while other people are still shooting , unless its just you at the range then maybe you could hear it a bit easier .

Oh I thought you had something that indicated a hit on the steel, than you have it transmit a signal to something that rings next to the shooter. For example, I’ve beeb thinking about that for awhile and to make something that attaches to the back of steel, reads impacts, sends a signal to an app on your phone that you hit it

 

[wadebrown]

I am developing a couple of units the crawl approach that would use a flasher at the target to indicate a hit. The walk approach transmits a radio signal back to shooter to indicate a hit. The run approach would serve a group of steel targets with one output device at the shooters location. The walk and run approach will also support a flasher at the target.

It is not my intention to sell these units but will put the design out as open source files, I have no desire to manufacture and sell these devices.

 

[wadebrown]

Update: After a very slow start I got some printed circuit boards back for basic system and tested it at the range today. The system is still in a prototype stage not as robust as the final version, the sensors and processor are not soldered to main board but are attached via mating headers.
Testing today was done to check operation under pistol fire. I used an AR500 3/8" thick 8" circle target and attached the circuit and battery to the target using one of these neodymium batteries. I hung the target off of 20 inch chains so it would get lots of motion to test its robustness. The circuit and battery were attached inside a project box using double-sided foam tape. I fired approximately 200 rounds of 9mm at distances of 20-30 feet. The only damage was to the magnet it could not handle the shock and there were only two small pieces still attached to the project box.
Things learned:

• The magnet linked above is overkill a much smaller battery would work and might not break
• It may be better to just use the linked foam tape to attach the project box to the target, the tape is cheap so sacrificing 3-4 inches a range session would be a trivial cost.
• It seems the electronics will sustain the impulses delivered by the bullet. I will test with my 375 Ruger at 100 yards with the same target as a very worst case test.

I have some strobes ordered to test visibility,as I was driving up to the range someone was pulled over by the state troopers and you can see the strobes they use for an easy mile in broad daylight, it would be fun to give one of those a try. The strobes will draw significant power but only need to be on for a couple of seconds after a hit so I think a small 12-volt battery and strobe mounted away from the target would probably provide enough visibility.

 

[wadebrown]

Attached below are two images of a circuit board I designed and some PCB's made up for testing the hardware and software, this is a slight upgrade from the version I tested in a previous post. I don't see any issues with this but will get out tomorrow to test it. The first image is the base board without the processor module or accelerometer inserted. The second image shows the base board with the processor and accelerometer installed.

To keep the cost down and ease assembly for those who may want to make their own I used an Arduino Pro Mini development board for the processor. Arduino Pro Mini's are available on ebay for about $2.50. The accelerometer used is an ADXL345 mounted on a breakout board available on ebay for about a buck. The Pro Mini is more processing than needed but it makes sense to use this module for the processor because millions are made bringing the price down, the same can be said for the accelerometer breakout board. The cost of the PCB is about $0.75 in reasonable volumes, if people are interested I can sell these through something like tindie.com for cost plus a little handling. The rest of the components on the board are probably less than a $1.00, making the total cost of the board less than $10 with some assembly required. Putting kits together of the electronic parts to sell on tindie.com for cost plus a little handling is a possibility. People wanting to assemble their own systems could buy the kit of parts on tindie without paying the normally high prices when you only buy a few items.

There are three terminal blocks on the left hand side,

1. power (up to +18 volts),
2. the signal to drive an LED or strobe (this can drive a transistor, MOSFET, solid state relay or similar to drive an external high visibility strobe), and
3. serial output for debugging and to interface to a UART LORA radio (I will discuss more on this in a later post).

I have added some capabilities into the baseboard design for future upgrades as it just costs a little more real estate on the PCB allowing me multiple upgrades with one spin of the PCB. I brought out all of the pins from the processor that another programmer could exploit using this board if they have the ability to program it within the Arduino environment. I chose Arduino as the development environment and will post the software that can be utilized, and upgraded using that environment. A debate could be made as to whether Arduino was the correct choice, I think it is because it is free, easy to use, and there is a great user base to help available on arduino.cc

Given that there is some assembly required, soldering and loading software, to get these modules running. There may not be many people interested in building these. I have stated why I designed these in earlier posts, I never intended making these into a product that I would sell and support. My main drive to develop these was for personal use and like to work on designs like these that I can build up and use for myself.

I bought this strobe from amazon prime for less than $10 delivered, I have not tested it at range yet but I think it may well be visible at 1,000 yards in bright sunshine, testing may show it inadequate for that range then I will research others. The next spin of the circuit I posted below will have the drive electronics integrated within it so driving a higher power device will just be a matter of connecting the wires to terminal blocks like those shown on the images posted, and connect a large enough battery.

Next steps:

1. Test the circuit shown below.
2. Test the visibility of the strobe at 1,000 yards and further,
3. Integrate the LORA radio module into this design which will provide an RF link that will tell what target number just got hit.
4. Range test the LORA radio link, goal is 3 miles.
5. Post the design files and software, I will use one of the common open source licenses so if someone wants to use these for a product they understand how and what they can do with the design and software.

I hope there are some people interested in these, if not I still have them for my use and adds some additional tools for my range and ballistics work.

wade

 

[shafer44]

I am very interested in the target hit indicator system with a flash. I was looking at one made by Caldwell, but they have discontinued it. I shoot BPCR (black powder cartridge rifle) which is long range target, silhouettes to 500m and gong shooting out to 1000 yds. There is a shoot once a year at Forsyth, MT called the Quigley and they have a flash system on 4 of their long range gong targets that flash if a bullet impacts the target. We are building a range and this type of impact flash system is what we want. This post is a couple of years old, I am wondering if you have developed a commercial product or if not, is there a set of plans and parts that I could build one myself? Thanks.

 

[acudaowner]

gave my pop 3 of those magneto speed T1000's so he could at least see when he hit the steel at 3-400 yards on a line that was full of other shooters there was little chance of hearing a tiny 22lr but he can clearly see the impact indicator blink had one guy thinking he has mistakenly used incendiary rounds lol .the only bad thing I can see about them is the lack of controls for them yea they have a phone app but they don't always blink most of the time yes just not all of the time .and the yellow that is supposed to show a close miss I have only seen it light up one time not a great record but for 45.00 its not a bad thing . and there customer service was great when we had problems with them .