Originally Posted by
Panther G
So we could actually make the IR a little more accurate simply by choking down the tube? Mine always seem to be all over the place so I would love to get things a little more straight line. Even if i lose a little in chance hits I would rather hit what I'm actually aiming at instead of something 2 feet to either side.
Range then again is a totally different question. In my case I think it is mostly direct sunlight which is the biggest problem as the NEAD club always battles out side except when at Danville.
It's the same idea as barrel length and accuracy. It's not focusing or changing the beam just eliminating the spread. It can be done by using smaller tubes than the ridiculously wide ones generally in use or by making them longer. I first tested it by placing the emitter in the Tiger I barrel. I simply kept pulling it back until you had to be dead on the frontal width of a tank at 30 feet. Afterwards I recreated the effect with using a smaller tube. I use 30 feet because that's the longest uninterupted indoor space I have and gauging stuff outside has too many variables (mostly uneven grade) to properly tune.
I have zero sunlight issues with my non TBU setups. With a filter eliminating visable light and the sensors directly reading IR, not bounced off a mirror, the are much more effective. I think the terrain, baffles and pyramid of the TBU play into the light polution issue with comes to battling outside.
Keep in mind that both of those changes are a distinct disadvantage in a club battle secnario, but with my kids, I prefer it being harder to aim and easier to hit.