12 replies to this topic

[koree]

As the Sept 14th NJ war slowed down I carried out a few tests. Our goal was to fire a level blaster from shoulder height over a chronometer and down 100' of measuring tape to compare the initial velocity of a dart and the distance traveled. To fire the blaster level we had two people on either side of the shooter inspect the firing position. People down range determined the distance traveled which was controlled against skipping thanks to grass and careful observation. These methods were nearly identical to what Beaver had done previously. 1 to 1.1 gram slug darts were used. Multiple types of blasters and variably pumped air guns were used to get a good range of initial velocities.

What's really cool about this test is that the data is very similar to what Beaver had previously observed. Here's the two data sets plotted together.



Raw Data


Given the lower than expected distances that both groups observed and the careful attention to how "flat" our blasters were, I think it's pretty safe to say that most reported ranges are not shot "flat."

Thanks to Andtheherois, Ballistic Joe, DX, Nerfoholic, and Donquixote for collecting the data with me.

Edited by koree, 15 September 2013 - 02:09 PM.

[azrael]

Great data. Very illuminating. Why not just tape a level to a blaster? I remember someone here did that and was really surprised what a PTG shot was. Was it Draconis? I dunno.

[Draconis]

Great data. Very illuminating. Why not just tape a level to a blaster? I remember someone here did that and was really surprised what a PTG shot was. Was it Draconis? I dunno.

I have done that, but I don't remember posting anything about it. I mostly just wanted to make sure that I was staying flat.

Great chart, Koree. That is actually going to be helpful for a project I am working on. Could I get a copy of the spreadsheet data from you?

[koree]

Great data. Very illuminating. Why not just tape a level to a blaster? I remember someone here did that and was really surprised what a PTG shot was. Was it Draconis? I dunno.

I have done that, but I don't remember posting anything about it. I mostly just wanted to make sure that I was staying flat.

Great chart, Koree. That is actually going to be helpful for a project I am working on. Could I get a copy of the spreadsheet data from you?

Thanks! I didn't have my level on me. It was an impromptu test.

Edited by koree, 15 September 2013 - 03:04 PM.

[azrael]

^Gotcha, I figured as much haha. Gotta do what you gotta do.

I have done that, but I don't remember posting anything about it. I mostly just wanted to make sure that I was staying flat.

Great chart, Koree. That is actually going to be helpful for a project I am working on. Could I get a copy of the spreadsheet data from you?

I just remembered seeing it in passing. You posted a pic, too? Wasn't a thread or anything.

[Ozymandias]

How tall were the shooters?

[The Nerfaholic]

How tall were the shooters?

I was the primary shooter, and I'm 5'6" on the dot. Firing from shoulder height each shot.

[koree]

How tall were the shooters?

A few different people shot. Everyone was beteween 5' 6" and 6'I believe.

EDIT: Derp, i went afk with the reply screen for a while and didn't know that Nerfoholic had responded.

Edited by koree, 15 September 2013 - 04:57 PM.

[Drev]

It's great to have new data like this. Lately on my blog, I have not been saying ranges of my homemades because I thought they were too low. I'm just saying that they get typical homemade ranges. This proves that most people fire their blasters angled and that some people lie about their ranges. You don't understand how happy this data makes me.

[Langley]

Given the lower than expected distances that both groups observed and the careful attention to how "flat" our blasters were, I think it's pretty safe to say that most reported ranges are not shot "flat."

This is a pretty cool experiment, and it's nice to see independent verification and careful data gathering. I will say that I think most people don't actually shoot flat during a war either. I think most of us know our range, and at least slightly arc our potshots when we need to.

Edit: this is also important data to consider when we're testing against the range caps we've imposed in NJ at indoor wars. Based on this data, most people will actually be able to get their primaries under the 75-80' caps as long as they aren't trying to show off. We should probably just switch to a velocity based rule, but we could also set up a more consistent testing rig with a lower cap.

[koree]

Edit: this is also important data to consider when we're testing against the range caps we've imposed in NJ at indoor wars. Based on this data, most people will actually be able to get their primaries under the 75-80' caps as long as they aren't trying to show off. We should probably just switch to a velocity based rule, but we could also set up a more consistent testing rig with a lower cap.

I remember being very surprised when a few people brought their normal blasters and shot within the range cap with little to no modifications.

[azrael]

Edit: this is also important data to consider when we're testing against the range caps we've imposed in NJ at indoor wars. Based on this data, most people will actually be able to get their primaries under the 75-80' caps as long as they aren't trying to show off. We should probably just switch to a velocity based rule, but we could also set up a more consistent testing rig with a lower cap.

A velocity rule would be much more consistent and be more conducive to safer blasters, but it's my understanding that most people don't own or want to pony up for a Chrony.

I'm working on a chronometer right now using an Atmel chip and and LCD display, if I provided the code, or made a version that was compatible with the cheap (10 dollar) Arduino Mini Pro, would people be interested in building their own board or buying the premade board? Should be cheaper than a standard Chrony. my current version is with surface mount parts, FWIW, but a through hole version could easil be made. just would be bigger.

[Langley]

A velocity rule would be much more consistent and be more conducive to safer blasters, but it's my understanding that most people don't own or want to pony up for a Chrony.

That comment was specific to indoor wars on the east coast where we had previously had a range cap. Out here, Koree will usually bring his chrono to wars like that if you ask nicely.