Automatic Shot Clock

[nataddrho]

I am going to make a few of these, maybe 10 for starters. The plan is to have double as a shot clock and a score board.

The idea is that since I need the wireless hardware for the shot clock to work, I can use the same hardware to make a wireless scoreboard system.

Each players game that they need to win are broadcasted automatically from the command booth at the beginning of each match. Every game won is adjusted on the score board, and sent to the command booth wirelessly. When a match is over the tournament director can just see the scores on his computer or at least clearly across the room. Rather than people standing in line walking back and forth telling the final scores.

The only way to know if it is worth it is to make it and try it, and see what people say.

 

[GideonF]

I don’t have an issue with a good shot clock, but in my experience (especially in amateur 8b), matches get bogged down more often because of style of play.

There are certain players I can predict will have long matches, not because they take a long time to shoot, but because every game devolves into a one pocket-esque chess match. I mean it’s 8b so sometimes that is going to happen, but when it’s always the same guys, it’s a problem.

 

[DeeDeeCues]

The only solutions to this that I can think of are both ridiculous and brilliant.

1. A triangular template that is suspended by strings from the ceiling on top of the balls instead of under the balls. The gravity provides constant inward pressure and forces the rack tight. Not too heavy though. When a break shot occurs the strings are pulled up and the rack quickly rises back to the ceiling. Like a boxing match microphone.

2. 15 holes are drilled into the slate of the table in locations that are strategic to cause the balls to roll towards each other, exactly like a magic rack. The cloth is then placed over the holes. Rods are inserted into the holes from the bottom of the slate and attached to an actuator. When the actuator is engaged, the rods move upwards until flush with the top of the slate, causing the dimples underneath the cloth to disappear.

In both ideas, the template doesn't interfere with the rolling balls, but forces a tight rack.

Ffs, mark the rack when the cloth is installed.

 

[straightline]

Asymmetric clocks.

Squeeze the guy in the lead so he can't stall.

 

[sudocrushms]

I am going to make a few of these, maybe 10 for starters. The plan is to have double as a shot clock and a score board.

The idea is that since I need the wireless hardware for the shot clock to work, I can use the same hardware to make a wireless scoreboard system.

Each players game that they need to win are broadcasted automatically from the command booth at the beginning of each match. Every game won is adjusted on the score board, and sent to the command booth wirelessly. When a match is over the tournament director can just see the scores on his computer or at least clearly across the room. Rather than people standing in line walking back and forth telling the final scores.

The only way to know if it is worth it is to make it and try it, and see what people say.

If you're ever looking for testers... <waves>

 

[fastone371]

I am going to make a few of these, maybe 10 for starters. The plan is to have double as a shot clock and a score board.

The idea is that since I need the wireless hardware for the shot clock to work, I can use the same hardware to make a wireless scoreboard system.

Each players game that they need to win are broadcasted automatically from the command booth at the beginning of each match. Every game won is adjusted on the score board, and sent to the command booth wirelessly. When a match is over the tournament director can just see the scores on his computer or at least clearly across the room. Rather than people standing in line walking back and forth telling the final scores.

The only way to know if it is worth it is to make it and try it, and see what people say.

I would probably be interested in buying one...................if I could get a darn Digiball.

 

[Robbiecameron]

A few details:

Do you have a small "start of inning" increment on the clock, as in some chess formats?

If a player's time runs out, does the other player take over the table immediately, and does he take the balls in position?

If the catch-up player is shooting alone, does he ever shoot before the balls stop moving to break up clusters, or intentionally shoot some other foul shot to improve the layout?

The lag/flip determines the first break in our alternating break format. As soon as the winner of the lag/flip is determined, the clock starts. There is no start of inning increment. One of the players is always on the clock. It is refreshing to see how quickly the balls are racked and broken off with this process. No cell phones used, no smoke breaks, just playing pool!

Once a players time expires, the opposing player's clock starts and that player continues to shoot, intentional foul shot or legal shot until the nine ball is legally pocketed. That player continues to rack and break the balls until he/she either runs out of time and loses because he/she is behind in wins, ties the match and runs out of time or wins more racks than his opponent in which case he/she wins the match. We had a couple players win their match over a player out of time with this process. As I indicated in my original post, the tie is broken with a one game playoff.