MK I (lo-tech prototype and proof of concept)
Very basic functionality for accuracy training.
Parts:
- 1 x scrap piece of wood
- some empty beer or soft drinks cans
- nuts & bolts (one of each per can)
- 1 x LED
- 1 x resistor (depends on LED)
- 1 x capacitor (for LED persistence)
- battery (low voltage to drive LED)
- wire to connect the targets
- wire to connect to epee or other weapon (only one pin is used)
Cost:
- a few pennies (unless you include the cost of the beer)
The target is a few drinks can bases that are bolted to a board, in this case a bit of leftover melamine shelf:
On the back face a wire connects all the bolts electrically.
A single wire connects the centre (or near) pin on an epee to the circuit.
The electric circuit comprises a battery and LED in series, and a capacitor across the LED.
The wire from the weapon connects to one leg of the LED, the other leg is connected to the battery +ve, and the battery -ve is connected to the target wire.
Pressing an epee's tip or touching with a sabre completes the circuit and lights the LED.
The capacitor means that the light dims slowly rather than just being a blink.