SI advice please

[Mr Chips]

I have just taken delivery of a set of BSF8s and glass-fibre canes. I haven't had much opportunity to notice how other clubs have set up their control assemblies with this equipment - in particular how do they mount the control codes?

The new units have code numbers on top (the standard labels supplied by SI) - is that sufficient or are they too small?

Your advice and suggestions much appreciated.

[andy]

our BSF8s have labels on top which are actually smaller than the 'default' ones, and I've not had anyone coment on it yet, they are easily seen when you are punching the control which is surely what matters?

Although in saying that we generally only use them either tied on to something (city race style) or in the bigger t-bars (like at the scottish 6 day, which have bigger numbers on them) with a plastic converter.

[NeilC]

Had a conversation with Alan Leakey about this at the CSC final. For 90% of our events we just use numbers on the units themselves.

For more important events (regional + ) we have two laminated cards each with the control code on and joined together with Velcro - the tough self-adhesive stuff you can buy from craft/dressmaking shops has survived most weathers so far. The two cards are then 'velcroed' together around the yellow stake. Usually place these below the base plate but above the black hook that we hang the kites from.

We haven't bothered to attach any backup punch to the stakes mainly because we haven't yet had any unit malfunction. No plans then to permantly attach pin punches but may come up with an ad hoc method for major events - ie above regional status.

[Marco Polo]

I don't use them for informal training events (would have been level 5 in old structure) but do use larger labels for bigger events.

For what it's worth the BOF rules do say these are too small.

"6.4.4 The numbers or letters shall be black, 5 to 10 cm high, and have a line width of 5 to 10mm."

[andypat]

I suppose the obvious reason for that is so you can tell whether its not your control without going right up to it which could affect other competitors trying to punch it correctly.

[Mr Chips]

Thanks for your replies, and especially for Neil's velcro tip which I will implement.

Another question - has anyone any bright ideas for carrying a bundle of these control assemblies around the forest while setting out or collecting? We used to use drainpipes for carrying the alloy stakes.

[NeilC]

Well at 6am this morning I was collecting in the controls from last night's event. I managed to carry 16 sets (stakes/flags/units) without any carrying equipment and could run until I had more than four in each hand. Could never manage more than a dozen of the old stakes in a drainpipe.