World Cup #2, Sassari, ITA (14.04 – 18.04.2011)

Management summary:

• Shooting device: IQ-Container, UIPM Version 2011
• Targets: IQ H&M (GER)
• Lights: NAVISTREET (HUN)
• Software: CARDSYS (HUN)
• Power backup: none
• Work issues / malfunctions:

• Update of IQ-Software for targets for the relay match (up to 6 Pistols / range = target)
• Update of IQ-Software for IQ-Containers
• data transfer errors detected
• ocasional non recognition of missed shots

Technical matters:

• The range contained 38 targets from IQ and 38 lights from NAVISTREET. No repeaters. Result system was provided by CARDSYS. No power back up was provided by the LOC. No power break down. First time of relay matches with the IQ-Laser System. Each team shot on one target with all athletes. The targets were re-programmed so that they could receive the data protocol from the weapon of the according athletes. The first 3 minutes in warm up they have to connect their laser pointer with the target. All IQ-Containers received a update by IQ.

Practical side:

• The target problem from Palm Springs was solved, no double initiation. But a new problem appeared. Some targets didn’t receive the first shot and didn’t start the 70 seconds. In the six semifinal and during shooting some targets didn’t register shots. The time was running but the athletes didn’t see the blinking of the lights for missed shots when they shoot. If this happened we didn’t register the shots via software. The data protocol is necessary for responses on problems or protests. Before the final again all IQ-Containers were checked for the right setup-mode and the targets to be paired propperly. In the women’s final there was no problem of starting the 70 seconds but again in registration on three targets. Two targets seemed to have a problem of registering shots on the black aim. We changed them. The laser works, the targets register the shots and sent a signal to the lights, the lights are blinking. After evaluation of the data sheets by CARDSYS we realised the registration problems. In the men’s final we notice only the registering problem of non-blinking of missed shots. In the mixed relay we experienced no problems.

Weapon test:

• IQ and the UIPM Laser advisor checked the Pistols like in the first WC. This time 10 hours were needed. The idea was to handle that part of the competition easier for athletes and LOC. But after weapon test there were some problems with pistols. Some athletes said that some pistols didn’t work like before or were damaged. The other side is that the athletes and trainers complained about transparency of weapon check. At the moment we have only one test system for caliber from Dr. Schneider company and one laser class test. Both are not proved by UIPM. To check the laser and the caliber it is necessary to have a room with a constant light. As long we do not have a proved method of test we should come back to the weapon test of UIPM rules – trigger and measure test at the range before combined by LOC. That makes the test more reliable transparent and trustable.

Rules:

• The UIPM Laser Advisor stated: The current laser competitions are working with rules for pellet shooting. The laser container is a fragile electronic component. If you touch the table too strong the electronic could damage and stop working. Nobody could see a breakdown from outside. Don’t touch the table any longer, or if it is possible UIPM could work with a shock absorber on the table. If a laser and caliber test is required, we have to revise the rules and amend with the technological components. The laser mode for a competition must also clarified. At the moment nobody knows how to change the mode and which mode is needed for a competition. A seminar for trainer and athlete could be helpful.

Conclusion:

In the finals the system worked. The problems with the data transfer has to be solved by the involved companies. The laser test has to be clarified. Rules has to be adapted to the new system.

World Cup #1, Palm Springs, USA (24.02. – 27.02.2011)

Management summary:

• Shooting device: IQ-Container, UIPM Version 2011
• Targets: IQ H&M (GER)
• Lights: SIMPOWER (FRA)
• Software: EASYPENTY (FRA)
• Power backup: none
• Work issues / malfunctions:

• Update of IQ-Software for IQ-Containers
• wireless address collision detected & solved

• First UIPM World Cup in Palm Springs. The report includes technical matters, the practical side, weapon test and questions about UIPM rules. It is high time to think about modification due to the laser shooting.

Technical matter:

• The LOC prepared a shooting range for 38 targets as it is requested in the rules, but not in that way as it has to be build. The firing places of the athletes didn’t correspond to the targets.
• Targets were presented by Mr. Kremer, the LOC rented them. IQ prepared the Software in a way, that the build in LEDiods didn’t work because it disturb the concentration of the competitors. EASYPENTA was responsible for the result system, and also for the lights. The LOC in Palm Springs was not able to know what is needed for a competition. They ordered only lights for the athletes no repeaters which created new problems for spectators. Spectators were not able to follow the competition because they couldn’t see the lights. SIMPOWER brought 8 new lights and the rest was an older generation of lights. For these 30 lights it was necessary to buy electric power adapters. At the moment there is no financial solution for that case! For the future the LOC has to be informed about these matters. The preparation for the range took all in all 2 days. Not acceptable. These details have to be cleared before the competition.

We had 2 complete electric breakdown during competition. Therefore the rule 5.18.1.vii for a power backup system is not longer a additionally detail it is a must for laser shooting and all LOCs! The backup power system was bought also by Mr. Kremer.

• Hit & Miss shooting after connecting targets and pistols was no problem. Sometimes in case of a miss shoot we didn’t see the flashing of the lights. Without flash there will be no data registration. This is also one of the important points for the result system to have a certificate for all shoots in cases such as protests. After the Budapest indoor championships and now Palm Springs, IQ knows about that case and they are working on that problem to solve it for all result systems.

Practical side:

• Some athletes had a very short time to train with the laser because they received the laser container only in Palm Springs. But they accepted the system and shoot very well and very fast (see the headline about the shooting time world record on the UIPM website). They understand how they have to pair and unpair weapon and target. The handling of the Pistols didn’t change. The athletes load, take aim and shoot like always. For them it was not a big change in shooting and it was absolute clear to follow the rules that means during the loading action they have to get in contact with the table.

Weapon test:

• We tried a new way to check the laser pistol because we now have the chance to simplify that procedure and if we want to check the laser class and the caliber we need more time and a place which is inside. One day before the first semifinal we checked all the weapons for the first competition. The next day we checked the second semifinal. Each test took about 2 hours. Additional to the normal test we had a caliber and a laser class test. If the weapons pass it we changed all batteries, replace a new one and seal the weapon. That makes it easier for the athletes, LOC and judges. When athletes arrived at the range we had only a seal check. The battery is good for the whole competition days. Only the caliber tester is a problem. IQ ordered one tester from Dr. Schneider company. If we want to place this test for all competitions there must be a solution about the financing from UIPM side. The 500 gram trigger weight and size test has to be reconsidered as well.

Rules:

• During the technical meeting for the finals there was a big and strong discussion with trainers about rules 5.14.1. v. It needs to be thought about the sense with laser shooting to remain on that rule. For everybody it is easier to accept the loading action during the movement to the table. The athletes have to touch the table but that’s it. Maybe a modification of that rule and announcement of our solution in the next news letter before the next big competition would be helpful. This would help the athletes, trainer and of course the shooting judges. If we decided in that way it would reduce the number of shooting judges and range officials. The view to the spectacle at the range would be much better for TV spectators etc. and there is no more disturbance during the competition.

Seal:

• We have to think about a broken seal. Is the concerned athlete punished by elimination? A new caliber test is to wasteful to organize at the range at the moment.

Conclusion:

• The laser system works successful! The athletes are satisfied with the new system, they accept it and handle it very fast! The electronic protection has to be explained and recorded to the rules. For weapon test and rules adaption everybody has to think.

Youth Olympic Games, Singapore 2010

Management summary:

• Shooting device: IQ-Container, UIPM Version 1
• Targets: IQ Dr.Schneider PLT (GER)
• Lights: SIMPOWER (FRA)
• Software: EASYPENTA / OMEGA (FRA / SUI)
• Power backup: none
• Work issues / malfunctions:

• direct sunlight affects sensiblity/recognition of targets

• this report is based on the discussions, exchange of ideas and experiences before and during the YOG with UIPM Laser Advisor, who was responsible to report to the UIPM headquarters directly.The UIPM Laser Advisor was in Singapore in the function of the UIPM shooting director, he was present before and during the YOG with Klaus Kremer, and Mr. Uwe Keller of Dr. Schneider Meßtechnik GmbH, which developed the first precision laser targets (PLT) for Operate IQ GmbH.

Singapore shooting range

• The shooting range had been built in north/south direction; the recommendation is/was east/west, as direct sunlight is fatal for Laser Shooting in general.
  

Result: The range did not give shadow to the targets after 4.30 pm. From this time on the sun “blinded” the cameras in the targets, beginning with half shadow; so the equipment couldn´t work 100% correct. A new roof was built to provide shadow over the targets.

Extreme weather conditions limited how, when and where the practise and competition could take place. Heavy rains and thunderstorms stopped the practise competition often.The design of the range didn’t protect competitors or equipment. Every day all electronic equipment had to be re-installed. 

In future it would be necessary to have a range designed for all weather conditions, regardless of where competitions take place

• General: The system was successful and worked under extremely difficult weather conditions

Daily intensive Equipment tests of the Laser Units

• UIPM purchased STEYR LP 10 pistolsand laser containers through Operate IQ GmbH. These were used in the first official competition in Singapore. All pistols were tested in single target shooting with no malfunction.Next, they were tested in multi-target shooting with each pistol. No malfunctions.
  
• General: Some athletes had problems with their shooting technique: with laser it is advisable to not “snatch” the shots

Competitions

• In the womens individual combined event the sky was cloudy. Range No.4 collapsed. Reserve No.1 was then used. During the competition there were no further problems.In the mens individual combined event, weather conditions were ok. During warm up, there were problems with range No.4 -> R1 was used again. After the mens event, the target and computer in range No.4 were changed. There was an additional malfunction on another range so it was changed shooting to R2.In the mixed relay event, the sun was right behind the range and “blinded” the cameras guiding the system. During warm up there were technical problems of registering shots on a number of ranges. During this competition several shots were not registered. This showed that the system was unpredictable in this kind of setup / daylight condition in the direct sun.

Targets, Precision Laser Targets (PLT), Hit & Miss (H&M)

• The PLT targets record the point of the laser with a camera and show the result on a computer screen via Software. The computer shows the following two modes:
  1. Training mode, which can be compared to shooting on paper targets
  2. Competition mode, showing hits and misses on the screen

  Training mode is necessary for athletes, because it allowes them to set the pistol and train the basic shooting skills. Competition mode allows to see the results on monitors in front of the athletes. A hit is shown with a green light, a missed shot with a red light. In addition, you can see where the hits are on the targets. Klaus Kremer demonstrated the new Hit & Miss (H&M) target. This system provides the “old” targets without computer connection, an new feature are five LEDiodes. The laser unit (IQ Container) can be “connected” (paired) to the target as soon as the first shot is fired & hits the black valid shot zone; from this moment on, only this pistol can fire on this target. This is a new feature according to the UIPM requirements. The problem of crossfire is solved with this function of the new system. Existing lighting systems (SIMPOWER / NAVISTREET) can be connected to the new H&M targets.

  The disadvantage of the Hit & Miss target is that you can not see where the shots hit on the target. This could lead to disputes from athletes about the right registration of the shots.

• General: The targets need further development work, due to problems of position of the equipment in relation to the sun and shadows, H&M targets offer anti-cross-fire options

Laser Shooting Range

• Every LOC is required to prepare a shooting range in accordance to the current UIPM rules. Laser guided shooting offers easy design possibilities. For example, a range with scaffolding material like the English range could be built. It is very easy to build, and rebuilt. It is not very expensive, and it is very light. 
• Future Idea: The UIPM could think about a complete standard shooting range which every LOC could rent.These would be used to stage all world cup, and world championship events, and help to create a new corporate identity. Further there would be a wide range of advertising / sponsoring / Logo placement options, for further marketing.
• Such a standard laser shooting range should include the following components:
  • Basic structure
  • Electronic devices
  • A team to construct the range and service it during competitions
  • Advertising the UIPM every four years
  • The range should be “tidy & clean” in regards to photography, connections and other equipment cables, behind shooting tables and walls

  The organizers could prepare their own advertising material because the dimensions would be fixed. A further advantage would be that no-one would need to buy new material for a competition because it would be borrowed from, managed by, and cared for by the UIPM. This would offer security of planning, a new “attractive face” for the UIPM, and easier competition planning and organisation for each LOC. The UIPM would only need to invest once, and in one period it would be amortized.

  UIPM should consider adopting a standard range design and construction. This will help competitors, judges and spectators to identify this part of the sport with modern Pentathlon

Microsoft WINDOWS™ computer operating system

• The Microsoft WINDOWS™ System used for the PLTs is potentially not safe enough for UIPM’s special needs. There are other computer operating systems which may provide better solutions. Dr. Schneider Messtechnik GmbH company could find out which would give the best protection. The solution would be to adopt another operating system such as one based on Linux. The UIPM should consider to include specialist advisers into their decisions. The current operating system is limited and can arise security problems, in Singapore athletes were “playing” with the computers

Electronic Components

• Due to different devices and different plug systems all over the world, a standardized system has to be created which avoids malfunction. It is important to agree standards for the following:
  • UPS = uninterruptible power supply
  • Automatic brightness control for changing sun conditions
  • A secured computer operating system
  • LCU = laser calibration unit to check laser diameter and its intensity (power).
  • Higher laser power possibly allows higher tolerances, which could influence the shooting results
  • Avoid crossfire
  •   Laser coding
  • Stable computer interfaces
  •   Analysis of unrecorded hits and shooting times

  General: There is a need for standardised components in the whole computer based system, particularly to remove cables in favour of cable-less connections. This also has a safety aspect

UIPM Working group

• Based on experiences in Singapore, the UIPM should set up a working group composed of companies, computer experts, modern pentathlon rule experts and a financial advisor. The task of such a group would be to take the lessons learnt from Singapore and seek solutions to operative problems.

There is a need for a small compact Working Group to develop and integrate all aspects of the new laser operated system, especially the adoption of the shooting rules!