What the Heck is this?

It started with a simple idea…. Why not use a PC to emulate a scoring machine? All the main components are already in it… sound, graphics, etc. -- all you’d need to do is interface it to the fencers somehow and then write some software. Then, when the FIE inevitably changes the rules again, a tweak to the code for the programmer (me), and a download for you to update the program and you’re done… And, lots of clubs, schools, and plenty of individual fencers have an old PC or a laptop of some kind available to them, so it would be cheap and easy – the affordable scoring machine for the masses.

 And so here it is (a year and a half later), the Virtual Scoring Machine. For the PC only (sorry, no version yet for the Mac).

 Standard Features (as seen in non-virtual machines):

• Compliant with the “new” timing rules (a.k.a. T2005)
• Anti-Blocking
• 3- Weapons
• Integral, on-screen clock.
• Score Display
• Auto-Scoring in Epee
• Clock “auto-halt” with any touch
• Warning Card display
• Automatic Priority function
• Selectable for 1, 2 or 3 periods of fencing with automated “rest” timer
• Automatic “lock-out” when time has expired.

 New Innovations:

• It’s projectable! Plug your laptop or PC into a projector for the gold medal match.
• Auto weapon switching: switches to epee mode when both foils are unplugged (to cut out that the annoying buzz) and back to foil when both foils are reconnected after an 8 second delay.
• Use a wireless gamepad as a remote control that can’t be blocked by the fencers.
• Mute function available on remote.

 Advanced Functions:

• InFo Display – Shows hits too short to be valid (a.k.a. “flicks” in foil). Beneficial in either learning to flick effectively or learning to avoid unintentionally short duration hits. Also very useful in seeing why a hit didn’t register (got a plastic chest protector?) In Saber and Epee, the time separation is displayed for double hits, so you can train to “double-out” in epee, or see if your riposte is fast enough in Saber.
• Instant Replay Mode! Did the director miss the lights? Did you hit on the second or was it the third remise? Watch the replay and see it again.

Other Links Of Interest:

• Build Your Own Home-Brewed Reels
• Make BNC Body Cords for Foil