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For many years, Army ranges have
been equipped with the rugged and reliable Fixed Electric Target
(FET) produced by Royal Ordnance, Blackburn. The mechanical
functions of the unit are still effective, however the control
of the mechanism is achieved by mechanical relays which are
reaching the end of their life and are costly to replace.
This mechanism also uses a motion
sensor hit switch which, despite a major upgrade some years ago,
is prone to false triggers from target strikes by materials
other than the projectile. In addition, a rapid-fire facility is
not available.
MS Instruments PLC have designed
a solid-state controller to replace the existing relays thus
extending the economical life of the mechanism. This Printed
Circuit Board, is a plug-in replacement for the entire contents
of the existing relay box, with the exception of the large
capacitor.
In addition, the unit provides
the ability to reset the card simply by powering down and then
powering up. This feature is particularly useful where an
elderly mechanism causes the thermal cut-out to trip and
prevents the trainee from using that lane; the card is reset
without the need for personnel to go down-range with the
consequent delays caused.
When the PCB is used with the
existing hit sensor, an improved performance is obtained,
however use of the solid-state hit sensor gives a considerably
improved longevity and enhanced performance.
When the PCB and solid-state
sensor are combined with the MSI Range Control Console, rapid
fire hit counting is also available.
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