NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

NRAA - E-Targets – Requirements Discussion – Feb. 2013 of 13

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

ELECTRONIC TARGETS A GUIDE AND GENERAL DISCUSSION OF REQUIREMENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The purpose of this document is to provide a reference for the derivation of the separate NRAA

document – “Essential Requirements for Electronic Targets”. This document may also be used as a guide at State and Club level and where potential suppliers are encouraged to engage with these users and adapt equipment solutions to their specific needs and budget.

1.2. The NRAA recognises that modern technology now offers the potential to change the way that Rifle

Shooting competitions have been conducted throughout Australia. Historically target systems have evolved in Australia from the early 1800’s to the systems now in place. Electronic targets potentially offer the next stage in the evolution of competition targets systems.

1.3. An “electronic target system” includes all of its components installed on any rifle range and how it should

inter-react with the user. It includes multiple target lanes in simultaneous operation, targets capable of detecting competition rifle projectiles passing through them at all ranges, interconnecting cables, radio data links, power supplies and central processing units capable of reporting and plotting shots in real time on operator interfaces. Operator interfaces shall meet shooters, coaches, competition, teams and Match Organisers requirements. The “electronic target system” shall also be capable of being scaled to operate any number of targets in simultaneous operation and tailored to meet local environmental and interference conditions.

1.4. There are already many rifle ranges throughout Australia and it is a requirement that any new target

system be capable of being adapted readily into existing infrastructure. An evolutionary approach is required to ensure affordability at State, District and club level throughout Australia; rather than a “green fields” approach where all of the previous investment is abandoned in favour of new facilities.

1.5. Acoustic sensors are an example of current technology being employed in electronic targets, whilst other

technologies are possibly emerging. This document will highlight issues relevant to acoustic sensor technology as the NRAA is concerned that some equipment solutions developed to date are proving unreliable in detecting projectiles at long range or in strong wind conditions. Those deficiencies need to be corrected before any acoustic sensor electronic target system could be approved for National level competition in Australia.

1.6. Some competitions sponsored by the NRAA in Australia can only be accommodated on ranges with 60

target frames, and so an electronic target system must be scalable to at least 60 concurrent target lanes.

1.7. It is current NRAA policy that the electronic target shall replace only the marker and that official scores will continue to be recorded manually on scorecards. There is potential for the scoring system to be


fully automated, however this is not a requirement at this stage, but may be a development path for the future when confidence in the reliability of the system has been established. Suppliers may offer enhancements, but in the short term, manual recording of official scores is the requirement.

1.8. This document reflects requirements current at the time of approval. The NRAA expects that the

competitions that it sponsors will continue to evolve and this may require electronic target systems to be modified over time. It is desirable that an electronic target system be free of defects and be readily adaptable to changes in the nature of competitions, and that suppliers be prepared to facilitate fixes or updates at no or minimal cost to the NRAA and users affiliated to the NRAA.

2. RULES

2.1. The NRAA sponsors a wide range of rifle shooting disciplines. Promoting bodies throughout Australia

use the NRAA Standard Shooting Rules for the conduct of rifle shooting competitions. Electronic targets shall be capable of supporting all rifle shooting disciplines covered in the Standard Shooting Rules.

2.2. Copies of the Standard Shooting Rules can be accessed on the NRAA website.

2.3. The Standard Shooting Rules cover all aspects for the conduct of shooting competitions and potential

suppliers should familiarise themselves with these in order to gain a better understanding of how shooting is conducted in Australia as well as rules that impact on the operation of the target system. Electronic targets must meet the conditions of the NRAA Standard Shooting Rules, particularly those referring to electronic targets.

3. APPROVED RIFLES AND AMMUNITION

3.1. Approved rifles and ammunition are specified in the NRAA Standard Shooting Rules. These vary from

22 caliber Rimfire, up to 8mm caliber in the centre fire cartridges and larger for Black Powder competition. NRAA sponsored National and International matches, at present, primarily employ the centre fire calibers and are the focus of this paper.

3.2. It is important to note that it is common for projectiles in most NRAA centre fire disciplines to become

transonic before 1,000 yards and subsonic beyond 1,200 yards. Acoustic signatures of projectiles become weaker as the competition range is extended.

3.3. Field and Rimfire competition is conducted with Rimfire rifles at shorter ranges on the short-range

target, whilst Black Powder competition is conducted at long range. These latter disciplines certainly result in terminal sub-sonic velocities at the target face on both short-range and long-range targets.

3.4. NRAA sponsored competitions are regularly conducted from 300 yards to 1,000 yards and long range

matches from 800 yards to 1,200 yards. It is essential therefore, that the electronic target system be capable of reliably detecting projectiles of various centre fire calibers on both the short-range and long- range targets.

4. APPROVED TARGET DIMENSIONS 4.1. Approved target dimensions are specified in the NRAA Standard Shooting Rules.

4.2. The NRAA sponsors a variety of high velocity centrefire competition and some competitions to

International standards. Examples of NRAA International targets are: a. Palma target. b. ISSF 300metre target. c. ICFRA target. d. Match Rifle target.


4.3. It is essential that a complete library of all the NRAA sponsored competition targets and desirable that

all State and Club level competition targets used in Australia be available for selection in an electronic target system.

4.4. It should be noted that the ICFRA targets have been modified for Australian conditions and where more

than one discipline use the same target. For example, both the Target Rifle and F-Class disciplines in Australia use a common modified ICFRA target.

4.5. It is expected that the NRAA will have cause to update or add to the library of NRAA sponsored

competition targets over time, and it should be possible for a user to update their electronic target system with the most current library.

4.6. Target aiming discs or aiming marks are specified in the NRAA Standard Shooting Rules. For scope

rifle competition, such as in the Match Rifle, F-Class and 1,000 Yard International Benchrest disciplines, it is necessary to see scoring rings, particularly within the aiming mark. In the case of Field and Rimfire Class and Service Rifle disciplines, other types of aiming marks are employed.

4.7. When different disciplines shoot on electronic targets the competition organiser would paste on

discipline-specific paper aiming marks. For this reason it is preferred that blank target faces be supplied, and with the centre of the target face suitably marked. Then the competition organiser can paste on relevant aiming marks and better align them with the centre of the “virtual electronic target”.

5. DETERMINING A HIT

5.1. In accordance with the Standard Shooting Rules, a hit is registered when a projectile passes through the

target and either lies inside a scoring ring or just touches a scoring ring. Electronic targets must employ the principle of recording a score when either the projectile strikes the target within a scoring ring and when it just touches a scoring line.

5.2. Consideration of a projectile touching a particular scoring line requires knowledge of the diameter or

caliber of the projectile. NRAA rules permit centre fire calibers from 0.223 inch to 8mm. The Standard Shooting Rules say that all centrefire competition shot holes shall be gauged to 7.82mm. Electronic targets shall score all shots on the target to the 7.82mm gauge diameter.

6. PERMISSABLE ERROR IN SHOT LOCATION

6.1. Electronic targets shall be capable of locating shots within 1mm of the centre of the actual shot hole on

the target and in any of the operating environmental conditions encountered in Australia. Whilst shots are gauged at present to tighter tolerances, it is recognised that the practice of pasting existing paper targets onto frames and environmental factors invariably introduces some wider tolerances, estimated at least 1mm. Electronic targets should at least match this current capability.

6.2. A supplier of electronic targets should be able to demonstrate the degree of accuracy of which their

electronic targets are capable. There should also be a method of establishing the accuracy of the target from time to time throughout the life of the target.

7. RANGE TEMPLATE AND SAFETY ISSUES

7.1. Rifle ranges in Australia require a large area of land because the concept of range templates is employed to

ensure safety of operations. Range templates of civilian rifle ranges are inspected regularly and are approved by State Police authorities. Most civilian rifle ranges in Australia are therefore located in rural areas adjacent to towns or cities. Metropolitan rifle range complexes are now rare, but some remain.


7.2. An example plan view of a typical rifle range template is shown at Figure 1. Whilst dimensions have not been shown, it shows the layout of a typical Australian civilian rifle range.

Figure 1: Typical Australian Rifle Range Template

7.3. State Police authorities control some aspects of target properties and this typically relates to safety issues with respect to personnel located near or operating a target and safety issues for neighbouring properties. Mostly this relates to the likelihood of ricochets and shrapnel being generated by projectiles on contact with soil or the target frame. In order to comply with range safety standards, electronic targets must not be constructed with materials that might generate ricochets or cause fragmentation of a projectile.

7.4. Small sensors and electrical wiring mounted in the target frame would not be considered a risk in

generating ricochets and fragmentation. Nevertheless, they are best positioned on the outer region of the electronic target frame to mitigate the risk of their being struck by a projectile.

7.5. State police authorities accept that wooden target frames are an acceptable construction material. Target

frames shall be made of wood or other materials that are acceptable to the relevant State police authorities. Metal frames are prohibited.

8. TARGET DEPLOYMENT

8.1. Current practice with manually operated targets is to store them in sheds and move them to target frames

by hand, hand-trolley or towed trailer. When moved manually, normally two people would move the target and position it in the target frame. When moved by trolley or towed trailer, a number of targets would be loaded horizontally on the trolley or towed trailer.

8.2. Country clubs typically operate only a few target frames. The target shed is typically located in close

proximity to the target frames and the targets are handled manually. Typical operation is shown at Figure 2.


Figure 2: NSW Country Rifle Club

Target Shed and Target Frames

Target Shed Storage

Moving Targets Manually

Positioning Targets in Frames

8.3. At larger range complexes, a larger number (30 to 60) of target frames are operated. The target shed may be several hundred metres from the target frame position and mechanical means, such as trolleys or towed trailers are employed to move the targets to the target frames. Once in location, the targets are manually positioned in the target frame. A typical recent large rifle range is at Lower Light as shown in Figure 3.

8.4. In some locations, it may be acceptable to leave the electronic target in its firing location and to protect

it with a weatherproof cover when not in use. In other locations where the threat of vandalism or theft is present, the electronic targets shall be capable of being moved and stored in a secure location when not in use. Most rifle ranges in Australia are faced with vandalism or theft threats because the ranges are unattended when not in use. Electronic targets should be able to be relocated and manually handled into and out of position on target frames by no more than two persons. They should also be capable of being stowed and transported by mechanical means without risk of damage.

8.5. There are a number of target frame designs in operation throughout Australia, ranging from pulley to

balanced-lever designs. Clubs employ different means of attaching the target on the target frame. In some clubs, the target face is slipped into a wooden frame that is attached to the target frame. In every case, however, the target frames are capable of being adapted to mount a target with wooden legs from 600mm to 750mm long and either 1200mm or 1800mm apart at the outer edges.


Figure 3: Lower Light Rifle Range

Target Shed

Target Frames

Moving Targets by Trailer

Target in Frame

8.6. The Third Class target (1200mm square) has legs 1200mm apart, whilst both the Second Class (1800mm square) and the First Class Target (2400mm x 1800mm) both have legs 1800mm apart. Electronic targets shall be able to be adapted to fit on all target frame designs and if necessary, employ 1200mm or 1800mm standard leg arrangements.

9. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

9.1. There are three fundamental Australian environmental weather conditions, these are:

a. Cold Wet b. Hot Wet c. Hot Dry

9.2. Cold Wet conditions are typical of both Tasmania and South East Australia. The wet conditions of

interest here is the precipitating rainfall, dew conditions and high humidity in rain conditions. In winter, temperatures as low as minus ten Celsius temperatures in the middle of winter is experienced in Canberra. Humidity levels of 100% are not uncommon. For example, during rain or in winter early morning condensation conditions, where fogs and mist becomes apparent or dew forms on the grass.

9.3. Hot Wet conditions are typical of the tropical environment, particularly during the wet season. It is

typical of North Queensland and Northern Territory conditions near Darwin. Daytime temperatures can typically reach into the mid 30 Celsius, whilst heavy precipitation and flooding can occur. Humidity


levels are very high in the wet season, typically over 70% and as high as 100% in heavy rain. Lightning storms are common in the tropical environment

9.4. Hot Dry conditions are typical of inland Australia, both Mount Isa and Alice Springs would be good

examples. Temperatures in the middle of summer can rise into the mid 40 Celsius, whilst humidity is relatively low, probably 40% to 50%. Dusty conditions are prevalent and fine bulldust will settle and find its way into all man-made equipment. Metal equipment in the open heats up due to solar radiation and reaches temperatures well in excess of air temperature and as high as 60 Celsius.

9.5. Strong and gusty wind conditions up to 30 knots in strength are common throughout Australia. These

present noise, vibration and pressure on either the target face or back. There have been reported instances of some electronic targets failing to detect projectiles in Australia due to the target face or back being distorted inward in strong winds and thereby compromising the acoustic cavity.

9.6. Vibration is experienced during transport of targets and the rest of the target system, accidental dropping

of target system components and during strong gusty wind conditions.

9.7. Man-made electromagnetic interference may be experienced with radio and television transmitters, CB radios, mobile phones and airport radar transmitters.

9.8. Rats, mice, rabbits, sheep and termites are common throughout Australia and have been known to attack

electrical equipment, particularly electrical cable and wiring.

9.9. Electronic targets are required to operate reliably under the following Australian environmental weather conditions:

a. In heavy rain and over flooded terrain or watercourses lying between the target and the firing line. b. Humidity levels of 100%. c. Equipment metal case temperatures from minus 10 Celsius to plus 60 Celsius. d. In gusty wind strengths up to 30 knots. e. In hot dry and fine dust conditions. f. During electromagnetic interference in lightning storms.

9.10. Electronic target systems should be resistant to attack from stock, vermin and insects.

9.11. Electronic targets are required to operate reliably under the following shock and vibration conditions:

a. During and after gusty wind conditions. b. After accidental drop c. After handling and mechanical transport.

9.12. Electronic targets are required to be immune from man-made electromagnetic interference as might be

present with local radio and television transmitters, CB radios, mobile phones and airport radar transmitters.

10. POWER SUPPLIES

10.1. One or more of the following power supplies would be available on rifle ranges throughout Australia:

a. Single- phase 240V, 50 hertz mains power. b. Single-phase 240V, 50 hertz portable generator sets. c. Vehicle type batteries, 12 volt DC, capable of being configured into DC supply voltages in

multiples of 12 volts. d. Electrical solar panels configured to DC or with single-phase 240V, 50 hertz converters as

required.


10.2. Most rifle ranges in Australia are located in the country. Typically, they are located between 5 and 50 kilometres from a town centre. Many have permanent 240V, 50 hertz mains power connected to their club rooms and a few may have power connected to their target storage shed. None have power connected to the target lane or to firing lanes. In the vast majority of cases, therefore, initial operation would be with batteries and either trickle charged by generator sets or by solar electrical panels.

10.3. Electronic targets might be operated on any of the above power supplies. Where Single phase 240V, 50

hertz power supplies are the primary power source, the electronic target system should be capable of switching to a backup DC supply in case of primary power supply failure.

10.4. When electronic targets are being run on the DC power supply, either as a primary or backup source, the

system must warn and indicate low battery state.

10.5. Interruption of any power supply must not result in loss of data, or interrupt the sequence of competition before or after power is restored. All shooters must be able to continue their shoot after a power failure interruption, without loss of their previous plot of shots and scores.

10.6. The power supply requirement might best be satisfied by running the system on batteries being trickle

charged from mains power, generator sets or electrical solar panels.

11. INDIVIDUAL SHOOTER REQUIREMENTS

11.1. A typical positioning of a club shooter and scorer under the current system is shown at Figure 4.

Figure 4: Shooter and Scorer

11.2. The shooter needs to know where the shots are positioned on the target and their value. The scorer has responsibility for recording the result and for consulting with the range officer whenever there is a dispute over any particular shot. The scorer then has the responsibility to amend the score of any disputed shot in accordance with the Standard Shooting Rules.

11.3. The required features of either shooters or a scorers display screens are different. This section covers

the requirements of the shooters display screen.

11.4. Most NRAA shooting is fired from the prone position, although some disciplines shoot also from sitting, kneeling or standing positions. The shooters display cabinet should be capable of being positioned so that the shooter can view and read the display from any shooting position.


11.5. The electronic display is required to have adequate adjustment of brightness and contrast to enable the display to be read in dull or bright sunlight conditions. A screen may be attached to shield the display from rain or background lighting reflections.

11.6. Essentially the scorer is in control of the shooter and is responsible for squadding the shooter on the

mound, giving the all clear to commence firing and stopping the shooter to resolve scoring issues or for range safety issues. This implies that the scorer must be in control of an electronic target, such as readiness indications on the firer’s electronic display. The shooters display should visually indicate when the target is ready to receive the next shot from the shooter. The shooters display should also visually indicate when the target is not ready to receive a shot from the shooter. These conditions may be set by any of the following circumstances: a. The scorer has started the shooting sequence. b. The scorer has stopped the shooting sequence. c. The target has malfunctioned.

11.7. The following information should be presented on the shooters display:

a. A commence shooting indication. b. A stop shooting indication. c. A progressive position plot of each shot, as it is fired. d. A progressive scoresheet showing the number of the shot fired and its value. e. Appropriate warning messages. f. Highlight the position of the current shot graphically, and its value on the scoresheet. g. Alert a user of a new shot being added to the scoresheet that may or may not belong to the shooter,

e.g. by an audible beep. h. Highlight the target dimensions being used, e.g. SSR 500 metres, with any graphic to be scaled to

match that target.

11.8. There is a requirement to score and plot all shots in any shooting sequence. There may also be a requirement under the Standard Shooting Rules to fire additional shots in dispute situations. There may be no requirement to distinguish between sighters, scoring shots, or disputed shots, because the scorer will determine those and record the result manually on the official score card. There is a requirement to score and plot up to twenty five shots in any shooting sequence on both the firers and scorers displays.

11.9. It is desirable that the following options or information be presented on the shooters display:

a. Highlight the discipline assumed to be applicable to the current shooter and adjust the shot scoring scheme accordingly.

b. Highlight the match number assumed to be applicable to the current shoot. c. An elapsed time counter starting from the system being initialised for the current shooter. d. Allow an initial series of shots to be cut by the shooter – such shots to be excluded from the total

score as calculated by the system. e. Allow the Range Officer to cut shots that do not belong to a shooter, e.g. due to a cross fire or an

optional sighter – such shots to be excluded from the total score as calculated by the system. f. Allow the Range Officer to add shots that do belong to a shooter, e.g. a miss that has not otherwise

been recognised – such shots to be included in the total score as calculated by the system. g. Distinctively mark the centre of the group of shots for the current shooter as the group develops. h. X-Y position and the radius position of the current shot in millimetres. i. A zoom in and zoom out function for the plot of the current shooters group. j. The option of a temporary snapshot display of the current shot on two targets adjacent to the

electronic lane being used.

11.10. The NRAA is considering a national data base of its members, their shooting results and grading. A User Interface Number (UIN) smart card is being considered as part of the national data base and


membership identification. It is desirable that electronic targets also identify the shooter by a future UIN smart card.

12. SCORER REQUIREMENTS

12.1. Scorers operate in the sitting or standing position. The scoring display screen should be mounted on a

suitable stand so that it is readily visible for a person sitting or standing. The scorer’s display shall replicate the information on the shooters display. The scorer’s display might be larger than the shooters display and one shall be located behind each shooter.

12.2. It is a requirement that the scorer be able to read the screen in rain or bright light outdoor conditions.

12.3. There may be a safety requirement to halt the shooting on all targets at any time during a match. The

Range Officer has this responsibility and will bring this to everyone’s attention at the time. The scorer will respond to the call to cease firing and shall interrupt the firing sequence by “stopping” the firing sequence. When the Range Officer gives the “all clear”, the scorer shall “restart” the firing sequence on the target.

12.4. The Scorer, in consultation with the Range Officer has the ability to stop the shooting sequence of any

shooter and consider the appropriate action in accordance with the Standard Shooting Rules, as for example: a. When the shooter is known to have missed the target, or has cross-fired on the wrong target. b. When another shooter has cross-fired on the subject target. c. When the shooter has fired, but the target has malfunctioned or has not recorded a hit. d. After the appropriate action has been determined, the scorer restarts the shooting sequence.

12.5. The scorer shall control the shooting sequence as appropriate. The scorer’s display should have a

control feature enabling the scorer to start or stop the shooting cycle, and to indicate that intention on the allocated shooters display. In the commence shooting mode the shooter would keep cycling shots on the target until either stopped by the scorer or by a target malfunction.

13. CLUB, COMPETITION AND TEAM SHOOTING REQUIREMENTS

13.1. A typical positioning of a team shooter, team coach and their scorer under the current system is shown at

Figure 5. This arrangement changes significantly at Club, Regional, State, NRAA National and International levels of competition, although the team coach is always positioned next to the team shooter, whilst the team captain, master coach and scorers are always positioned behind. The team coach would use a shooters display, whilst other team officials would use or share the scorer’s display.

13.2. At club level there is a requirement for up to, two display screens at the firing point, one for the shooter

and another for the scorer. Some clubs, for cost reasons, may wish to tailor this to only a single display screen to be shared by both the shooter and scorer.

13.3. At larger Regional and State competition meetings such as “Prize Meetings” with a large number of

competitors and multiple firing lanes operating simultaneously, there is a requirement for two display screens at the firing point, one for the shooter and another for the scorer.


Figure 5: Team Shooting Arrangement

13.4. At National and International level, the requirements for electronic displays are more demanding.

13.5. At National teams events there are: a. Two pairs of firers/coaches firing simultaneously on two separate targets. b. A master coach and team captain controlling shooting strategy from behind the firers. c. Two scorer/check scorers, one pair behind each firer. d. An electronic display is required for each function, although the master coach and team captain

may share a display, whilst the scorer/check scorer may also share a display. e. Coaches and scorers/check scorers have a requirement to view the results of their particular single

target. f. The team captain and master coach have a requirement to view the results on both team targets.

13.6. The most complex scenario is probably the Palma International Team Match, where there are:

a. Four pairs of firers/coaches firing simultaneously on four separate targets. b. A master coach and team captain controlling shooting strategy from behind the firers. c. Four scorer/check scorers, one pair behind each firer. d. An electronic display is required for each function, although the master coach and team captain

may share a display, whilst the scorer/check scorer may also share a display. e. Coaches and scorers/check scorers have a requirement to view the results of their particular single

target. f. The team captain and master coach have a requirement to view the results on all four team targets.

13.7. In National and International team shooting matches, the electronic target system shall also give the

option of a temporary snapshot display of the current shots on any other team’s allocated electronic target lanes.

13.8. The NRAA and also the IFCRA rules ban the use of any device on the firing mound that enables third

parties to contact any competitor or team member whilst they are competing on the firing mound. Primarily this is to prevent unauthorised coaching or cheating. This approach is taken because range officials are simply unable to police this type of activity. All potential suppliers are therefore advised


that any device capable of connectivity between third parties and competitors or team members on the shooting mound, for example wireless tablets, cannot be employed in the electronic target system. Locally this policy is enforceable at all prize meetings in Australia, but Clubs may relax this requirement only provided their systems are not used in prize meetings.

14. MATCH ORGANISERS REQUIREMENT

14.1. The Match Organiser needs to download all results of each shooter on every target at the completion of

each range. Scorers will manually transcribe the shooters results from the scorers display onto a scoresheet, including any amendments in accordance with the Standard Shooting Rules. These manual scoresheets, in accordance with current practice, will be forwarded to the Match Organiser.

14.2. There is a requirement to provide Match Organisers with a master control interface to the electronic

target system in order to, for example: a. Set parameters that apply to all shooters (e.g. match number, distance being fired) b. Access functions reserved for Range Officers, and c. Access system diagnostic information (e.g. failure of target sensors or other key components of the

electronic target system.)

14.3. There is a requirement to minimize the functionality to shooters and scorers via their displays. Any system control functionality should be protected by password and/or access being only possible via the master control interface.

15. SHOOTING ANOMALIES

15.1. There is a requirement for all detected shooting anomalies to be reported on the shooters and scorers

displays with an appropriate error message. Electronic targets must employ the principle of full disclosure of all available information so that a Scorer and Range Officer can fairly judge the actual result of any shot fired and account for every miss (real or apparent). If the electronic target system is able to identify a circumstance that casts doubt on the reality of a miss then the shooter should be given the benefit of that doubt.

15.2. Shooting anomalies may arise as follows:

a. A single shot event is detected by some of the electronic target’s sensors, but the system is unable to plot the shot.

b. A simultaneous shot event is detected by some of the target’s sensors, but the system is unable to separately plot these shots.

c. Another shooter crossfires onto a shooter’s target and this is detected by either the system or the scorer.

d. A ricochet event is detected by the system. e. An event caused by a projectile striking the earth and throwing dirt or stones against the target face

is detected by the system. f. A malfunction has been detected by the system since the last recorded shot event, which might

suggest any subsequent normal shot event may not have been detectable at all.

16. SPECTATOR CONSIDERATIONS

16.1. There is a need to provide spectators with live information at any range. Spectators will be present behind the firing line and like to view how any shooter is progressing. It is desirable that methods such as providing a scorers display large enough to be viewed by spectators within three metres distance of the scorer, or by other separate electronic devices be considered.

16.2. There is a need to provide the public with information that promotes rifle shooting competitions. The

Internet offers an effective medium for this purpose. It is desirable that an electronic target system be


capable of downloading reliable, attractive and timely information for upload to the Internet in accordance with a protocol that can be controlled and vetted by the Match Organisers.

17. MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

17.1. The following three levels of maintenance support are required and should be designed into the target

system:

a. Level One Maintenance: Is undertaken by the shooting body. It simply involves identification of the faulty unit and either isolating the fault and shuffling shooters to another target, or replacing it with a serviceable unit. The latter action requires a reserve of shooting system units, including spare cables. The supplier should recommend what numbers and types of reserve equipment should be held. This will depend on the number of target systems employed by each shooting body. This should include each shooting system unit, including target, central processing unit, shooters display, scorer’s display, and a selection of cables as appropriate.

b. Level Two Maintenance: Is undertaken by a qualified electronic technician and must be able to be

conducted in-situ, if necessary, with specified portable test equipment. It is expected that this work would be conducted on the faulty item previously identified, and at the end of the day’s competition. It should be completed so that the repaired equipment can be redeployed for competition the next day. The concept is that repair is effected by fault finding to printed circuit card, or module level and by replacement of the faulty module. The equipment shall be designed so that module replacement can be undertaken in less than half an hour. The faulty module, if repairable, shall be back loaded for Level Three Maintenance. A level two maintenance kit containing: a maintenance manual, a selection of modules, cable repair items and other high use items should be supplied with the target system.

c. Level Three Maintenance: Is provided either by the manufacturer, or by a local agent. It is desirable

that Level Three Maintenance be performed within Australia. Level three maintenance involves fault-finding to component level on the returned module and by replacement of the failed component and any recalibration that may be required. If the cost of repair is uneconomical, the module would be scrapped and a new module shipped in return to the level two maintenance technician. The turn- around time for level three maintenance, including shipping, shall not exceed two weeks.

18. SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

18.1. It is a requirement that customer support, and preferably maintenance support, be provided from within

Australia. Suppliers should visit potential users to discuss their circumstances, the tailoring options, undertake a local environmental audit, including assessment of potential local electromagnetic interference, in order to recommend a suitable system prior to sales.

18.2. Suppliers should provide training to users on electronic target system operation and maintenance.

18.3. Suppliers should provide users with written protocols that address, inter alia:

a. How to set up and test their systems before each match. b. How to reset and test their systems after an interruption. c. How to assess the consistency of operation of all targets running simultaneously.

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

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