General Functionality of the TAC II
The TAC II is both lightweight and compact for transport, and yet when deployed, will remain steadfast in winds as high as 30 mph while displaying two 24” x 36” silhouette targets mounted to cardboard backing sheets at a height of approximately 70”. Both targets always rotate to display or hide in unison, in order to support side-by-side training, practice or competition. It takes less than 1/2 second to rotate the two targets 90° from a hidden position to display position, or vice versa. In either position the targets are “locked” into position to prevent unintentional rotation due to windy conditions, or a round placed through the target supports. The wireless turning target system is designed for operation up to 1000’ away, under ideal conditions.
An optional Extended Range Antenna can increase the wireless control range to 2600'(1/2 mile) or more.
Basic Operation of the TAC II
The heart of the TAC II Target System is the microprocessor controlled Command Module target controller. In its simplest operating mode (Manual), each press of the remote control button will alternately display or hide the two targets.
Automation for Repetition
For qualifications, repetitive training, methodical practice, or competition, precisely timed and repeatable scenarios can be created. Therefore, in either of the two automated modes of operation built into the TAC II, it will execute a series of user-defined Options, and display intervals chosen from a list of available display periods, which we’ll call the Routine. The Options allow the TAC II to present both targets either once or twice during execution of the Routine. The display period for each presentation can be different or identical periods of time. When it is chosen to display both targets a second time, the time interval between the two presentations can also be varied. Once a Routine has been set, it will repeat each time the button on the remote control is pushed. Routines which the user would like to save, can be saved to the Command Module. These saved Routines can be recalled anytime in the future, or erased at will. You can also switch between the Routines remotely from the firing line.
Just two examples of the value of two presentations of the targets, are to practice “After Action” and “Reload” drills. Randomized Timed Intervals
For a real challenge, all of the previously mentioned options can be set to Random. This means that the Command Module will select the time intervals for how long the first target presentation is, if there will or will not be a second target presentation, how long the time interval is between the first and second target presentations, and how long the second target will present itself. However, each of the options can be individually set to either be Random or for a defined period of time as the user prefers. Automation Types
There are two options of automation to choose from. The first will execute the user-defined Routine immediately after the remote control button is pushed. The second will provide a delay between when the button is pushed and when the first target presentation occurs. This delay can be a repeatable delay of 1 through 10 seconds, in one second increments, between when the button is pushed and when the first target presentation occurs. Or you can choose a random period between 3 and 10 seconds, which is determined by the Command Module and is constantly changing. This is a great mode choice when only two shooters are present and shooting side-by-side. The one who presses the button has no “response” advantage over the other shooter. Example Scenario
Three TAC II Target Systems lined up one to the right of each other 30' from the firing line. All three systems are set to display their respective pairs of targets one time for 1 second. The leftmost TAC II is set to respond immediately to the remote control. The next is set to present after a delay of 1 second, and the rightmost TAC II is set to present after a delay of 2 seconds. They will all start their respective Routines through the press of one button from a single remote. (This is a used definable capability)
The leftmost TAC II will present a pair of targets for 1 second. As those targets are being hidden, the 2nd TAC II is presenting its pair of targets, and then the rightmost TAC II is presenting its pair of targets as the 2nd TAC II's targets are being hidden.
This stage could be used for one shooter who is required to shoot each pair of targets as they are presented, or for a "shoot-off" with a pair of shooters. The possibilities are endless! We also offer a feature which allows continuous cycling of the targets between hiding and showing positions with user selected timed intervals. Target Inspection
There is one more feature which makes life easier. We have provided a separate, dedicated button "Inspect", on the remote control, that will always present the targets to the firing line, for 30 seconds so that the trainer/shooters can evaluate their performance after a Routine has been completed. The targets then hide themselves, ready for another execution of the Routine. Creating an Automated Routine
Creating a Routine couldn’t be easier. It too is accomplished through the remote control. The Command Module has a two line, large character LCD screen display which indicates which Mode you are making choices in, and which Option is chosen within that Mode. The LCD screen faces directly up from the main horizontal support of the TAC II, and can be easily read while standing over it. A press of one of the remote control buttons advances the Mode you are in, and another allows you to choose any Options within the Mode. Advancing to the next Mode "locks in" you chosen Option. Selecting an Automated Routine
Once the Routines are defined, they may be switched between from one to another, safely from behind the firing line. Through use of the remote control, the Command Module can indicate which Routine is presently being used, and will allow you to select any of the other 14 Routines that are presently stored. For ease of initial familiarization, all TAC II Command Modules come with 15 predefined Routines, which may be readily redefined by the user at any time. Synchronizing Multiple TAC IIs
Any number of TAC II Target Systems can be operated simultaneously from one remote control as long as they are all within range of the one remote control. They will all operate in synchronization with one another as long as they are all running the same Routine(s). This means that with five TAC II Target Systems arranged downrange and running the same Routine, ten separate targets could be presented to the firing line at the same time with the press of one button. In fact those same five TAC II Target Systems can also be set to operate in Random, and still be synchronized.still
Activate with a Competition Timer
Some competitive shooting sports such as IPSC , IDPA and USPSA use a Competition Timer which starts a shooter by providing a "Beep" and then measuring how long it takes the shooter to fire each round. We offer a way to integrate the TAC II into these events using our optional Competition Remote Control that interfaces to the Competitive Edge Dynamics CED 7000. When connected the TAC II will iniate its built in Routine when the Competition Timer's "Beep" occurs. Alternately, the TAC II can be controlled by the Competition Timer's built in sequences such as for the NRA Bianchi Cup where the timer uses a "Beep" to start the event, and a "Beep" to end the event.
Construction of the TAC II
Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, the TAC II Target System will provide many years of trouble free service with just occasional light lubrication of one moving part. It operates on a 12VDC rechargeable battery (supplied), and collapses into a package 60" long, 5" wide, 9" high, and weighs only 26 pounds. A new battery with a full charge will provide 10,000+ presentations. The wireless remote control is approximately the size of a small box of wooden matches. The user must supply 4 upright wooden target supports (2”x 2”s, 1" x 2"s or lath), target backing cardboard, and targets. Temperature Range of Operation
The TAC II Target System is designed to be used in temperatures from 0°F to 140°F. What's in the Box
The TAC II Target System comes complete with the Command Module, antenna, wireless remote control, operating manual, battery, battery charger, a tube of lubricant, and online or telephone support. Everything you need except a carrying case. The TAC II is warrantied for one full year against defects in materials or workmanship. Damage Control
The TAC II Target System structure and electronics will be damaged if struck by a bullet, yet it is likely the damage won't interfere with the TAC II's operation. However, it is suggested that if your training situation warrants it, that you provide a protective barrier of sufficient height in front of the TAC II aluminum structure. This barrier should absorb or deflect the bullet energy to such a degree that the TAC II is protected.
Using the TAC II Target System without the use of a protective barrier is the sole responsibility of the user. However many of our customers use the TAC II as is without protection, with no issues whatsoever.
For locations where a barrier may be left permanently in place, many have used two railroad ties stacked one on top of another for use with antipersonnel rounds. However, Elite Target Systems does not endorse or recommend any particular protective barrier or construction.
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