Hitmate 2100 User Manual

Épée Hitmate

User Guide

Epée Hitmate

The smallest, lightest scoring system for épée practice.
It’s portable, convenient ...and fun to use!

An Epee Hitmate set comprises three units: A pair of Hitmate units

(one Red, one Green) and a Hitmate Floor Console. All three

should show the same number on the edge. Hitmate uses a single

radio frequency and the numbers allow units to recognise each

other. This also allows many Hitmates to be used within the same

Introduction

Epee Hitmate works with a standard electric fencing weapon and

a standard body-wire. It does not require spools, cables or an

electric piste. Hitmate slips into the breeches pocket or is carried

It’s important that the body-wire makes close contact with the

fencer’s body, between the weapon and the Hitmate transmitter

unit. Normally it’s sufficient to route the body-wire up the sleeve

in an accessory holster.

(inside the plastron if worn) and across the back.

venue.

1

Batteries

The Console case is enclosed in a rubber boot. Remove the boot

by first easing back one of the top corners, then the second top

Switch on Hitmate and the Console by pressing the red button on

the top edge. Each unit should emit a single beep. If it does not,

you need to check that the battery is correctly connected and is not

exhausted. The unit does not beep again if the button is pressed

To maximise battery life, Hitmate switches itself off after 30

minutes of inactivity. Hitmate can also be switched off by holding

The Console switches itself off after 30 minutes of continuous

When the internal battery has reached the end of its useful life,

transmitter range will be reduced and the unit may switch off

before the normal 30 minute interval. Always use alkaline

batteries for best results. Rechargeable 9v batteries do not last so

corner, and finally pull the case out
of the front of the boot.

The Console and Hitmate units are
powered by standard 9v batteries
(type MN1604A or PP3).

Open the battery compartment at
the back. Clip in the battery and
close the battery compartment. An
alkaline battery can be expected to
give about 100 hours of use.

Switching on

when the unit is already switched on.

Switch-off

the weapon tip switch closed for more than 5 seconds.

inactivity. It cannot be switched off manually.

Battery Replacement

long.

2

Operation

When a fencer scores a touch on the opponent, the épée tip switch

operates and Hitmate signals to the Floor Console. The Console

Once a hit is scored, both Red and Green are locked out for a

period of about 2 seconds. If opponents make hits in close

If both opponents hit within one twenty-fifth of a second, the

When one player’s épée hits the opponent’s bell-guard, that player

is locked out for a period of 5 ms, and no hit is indicated by the

console. For the guard detect mechanism to work properly, the

body wire must be worn inside the tunic sleeve by both players.

Hits to a metal piste do not register on the console. Hits to a

beeps and flashes a red or green light, indicating the hit.

succession, only the first to hit is indicated by the Console.

Double hits

Console indicates both Red and Green.

Non-scoring hits

The body provides an earth reference.

wooden floor do register on the console.

3

Pre-bout check

It’s good practice before the start of a bout to press the weapon tip

onto your shoe to ensure the unit is registering hits. It’s also good

to press the weapon tip to the opponent’s bell guard and confirm

Unlike wired fencing, you can’t use your ungloved hand to press

the tip and test for a score response. Hitmate detects your hand

the same as a guard, and does not register a hit. If you hold the

The bell guard is earthed through the fencer’s body, and Hitmate

detects contact with earth when it registers a non-scoring hit to the

guard. Occasionally, a sweat-soaked tunic can be conductive to

earth. If Hitmate appears not to register hits after working well for

a period of time, consider whether the opponent’s tunic has

If intermittent operation is suspected, it’s useful to have some

fail-proof tests available. With Hitmate and the Console switched

on, the first test is to press the épée tip on to any insulated surface,

Next, try pressing the tip to an electrical ground, such as the

metalwork of a radiator or water tap. A touch to a good earth such

These two tests are all that is needed to confirm that Hitmate is

working correctly. The next two tests check the coupling between

no hit is registered.

tip pressed too long, Hitmate will switch itself off.

Guard hit detection

become affected by sweat.

Operational checks

such as your shoe, and confirm that a hit is registered.

as this should never register on the console as a hit.

Hitmate and the fencer’s body.

4

Coupling checks

Press the weapon tip with your hand or finger, making contact with

the bare skin. No hit should be registered. If the Console does

register a hit in this case, repeat it while touching your own bell

guard. If now there is no hit registered, then the coupling between

Normally it is adequate to have the body-wire running the length of

the arm, inside the sleeve. For better coupling, ensure the body

wire is

the plastron (if worn) then route the wire over the

Try a touch to the opponent’s hand (not glove). This should not

register a hit. Then try a touch to the opponent’s guard. This also

should not register a hit. If it does register, the opponent’s body

wire is not well coupled to the body, or there’s no connection to the

It’s only necessary to do these checks if you suspect Hitmate is not

working the way you expect. Normally, you just pass the body wire

If we can resolve any questions you have, please email us at

the body wire and your body is not good enough.

inside

shoulder and down the back, inside the tunic.

‘far’ pin of the opponent’s body wire.

down your sleeve, plug in both ends and start fencing.

Questions

Fencing without wires may feel unusual at first.

[email protected]. We will do our best to help.

5

If your Hitmate develops a fault, please return all three units as a

set to your supplier, or send an email to [email protected]

describing the problem, and we will do our best to provide a

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of

with household waste. Please recycle where facilities

exist. Check with your local authority for recycling

subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not

cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any

interference received, including interference that may cause

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the

manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the

speedy and satisfactory solution.

DISPOSAL INFORMATION

advice.

FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

For Console receiver Hitmate HC2100
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

undesired operation.

Importer: Fencing .Net. 2080 Peachtree Industrial Court,
Chamblee, GA 30341, USA. Tel: [phone]

equipment.

Hitmate