The ‘B’ of Bang! New Electronic Start System arrives

This week SAC took delivery of our new, state of the art, Electronic start system.

The system, known as ‘TESS’, will make life easier for starters, time keepers and athletes.

The first trial run was at the Academy session at Wyvern College, where our future stars got to try out the new sounds and practice some blistering starts.

TESS has been funded by the Martin Hedge Fund (Martin Hedges – Southampton Athletic Club) and will be a fitting legacy.

The traditional starters gun is replaced with an ‘actuator’ that flashes a bright LED light for the time keepers to see, and sends a sound to the three speakers that are placed near to the starting athletes. The time keepers also have a light and speaker near them.

Although the start sound is quieter than a gun, it is crisper and more targeted for the athletes, ensuring that all lanes will hear the sound at the same time.

The TESS works independently or with a full electronic timing system, which we will be purchasing in the near future.

Earlier this year we purchased an EDM (Electronic Distance Measurer) for our throwers and jumpers. This was also provided for us by the Martin Hedge fund.

EDM ensures fast and accurate measurement of distances and certainly makes officials' lives easier. We were able to take equipment to Eton for the last SAL match of the season, where it was used for the shot and discuss events.

We are always on the lookout for new officials and volunteers, so if you are interested in getting involved please contact the SAC Committee.