The story.
Like most things, it was born out of necessity! Back in August 2018, I had an idea to build a timer that my daughter could use as part of her training. The goal was simple: Since the training was all about simulating the competition environment why not include the timing as well?
Current timers are expensive and designed for clubs or larger organisations! So I built my own.
It wouldn’t just be used for my daughter – I also coach a 75-person all-female school archery squad and wanted to give them the experience of timers in a competitive environment as well.
It wasn’t long before others heard about it and started asking if I could make them one as well.
Fast forward eight months and our first prototype saw action in Fiji with great success thanks to World Archery Oceania.
Tempus Fugit: A training tool.
The Tempus Fugit (Latin: time flies) is a small archery timer that has a solid-state circuit board with software overlay, two internal (non-removable) rechargeable Li-ion batteries and a wireless remote.
After many years of development, delays brought on by COVID lockdown, semiconductor shortages and international shipping woes, we’ve finally made it to market!
What does it do?
The timer has four modes that can be selected using the four-button remote control. The “B” button cycles through each mode, while the “A” button selects or enters that mode.
Timer mode is a simple countdown timer.
Match-play mode is for three-end alternating A/B match-play (normally three arrows, single archers).
Teams mode is for two-end alternating A/B match-play (normally two arrows, teams/mixed).
SPT mode is designed for training drills where you alternate between holding the bow at full draw and resting (this may involve shooting the arrow).
Once you have selected the mode, you will have the option of decreasing (“C” button) or increasing (“D” button) the countdown timer value.
Once you have adjusted the value, you can press “A” to start the timer.
All modes give you a 10-second lead-in and use standard WA whistle commands. It will give a quick “tick” at 30s, and “tick” for the last 10s as a warning unless muted
You can control the unit from 10-15 metres away (we’ve tested it up to 25 metres but the display does become hard to read at that distance).
The timer is weatherproof (not waterproof).
What’s in the box?
| 1 x Archery Timer | 1 x 12v Charger |
| 1 x Remote Control | 1 x Small Tripod |
| A collection of international plug adaptors |
How big is it?
The timer unit is 160mm (length) x 80mm (height) x 55mm (depth) and weighs approximately 380 grams.
How much does it cost?
For a limited time, the timer package is NZD499.95 including GST.
If you are interested in purchasing one, contact us at sales@rifs.co.nz
Intended audience.
This unit is perfect for the individual who wants to add timing to their training process (either solo or with friends), or for coaches wanting to include timing when controlling groups of archers.
Small clubs or schools that can’t afford some of the larger timers might also find a collection of units useful.
“Can multiple timers link together?”
It is possible to train multiple timers to use one remote (the timers themselves don’t link together), but this is a highly experimental feature that we’ve had mixed results with and are working on refining.
“Do you make a larger unit for clubs?”
Not yet, but we’re working on it. We’re just trying to launch the personal version first.
“What’s the point? I can just use my phone…”
You sure can. But depending on the size of your screen they can be hard to see in the daylight and in order to make them more audible you may have to add a Bluetooth speaker.
If you’re a coach and have to be away from your squad, you can’t leave your phone – an added dilemma for clubs or schools.
I’m a sucker for tools – so this is another tool in my toolkit. I’ll use my phone for making calls instead…