Have you seen the new Olympic starting pistol?

[pokersamurai]

The new starting pistol for the 2012 Olympic games is a plastic "E-gun". It simulates a gunshot by using a light at the tip and a sound generating box to replicate the sound of a gunshot.

Guess those deadly, blank firing, starters pistols were to scary for the citizens of the crown.

LINK:The Starting Pistol to be used at the Olympics is a Plastic E-Gun by Omega » Bob's Blitz

 

[nkdninjafrog]

oh those silly british. always scared of anything that seems uncivilized

 

[LEaSH]

This year, javelins are going to be Nerf, and archery is going to use those rubber suction cups on the arrows.

 

[handgun]

Dislike
.

The tech is cool and all. But why.. why must they do away with the starter pistol. :/

 

[gunman41mag]

what will those socialist think of next

 

[bingley]

This just seems like a natural evolution of technology. I don't think we have to chalk it up to some anti-gun attitude. After all, the runners just need to hear a signal, like the electronic buzz from the timer at USPSA matches. For all you know, the new starter signal device may be networked into some computer, so you can measure the lapsed time more accurately.

The starter pistol (the gunpowder variety) was just the technology available in the 20th century. Try and think up something small, reliable, really loud... Yep, a pistol.

 

[swany11]

This just seems like a natural evolution of technology. I don't think we have to chalk it up to some anti-gun attitude. After all, the runners just need to hear a signal, like the electronic buzz from the timer at USPSA matches. For all you know, the new starter signal device may be networked into some computer, so you can measure the lapsed time more accurately.

The starter pistol (the gunpowder variety) was just the technology available in the 20th century. Try and think up something small, reliable, really loud... Yep, a pistol.

This is exactly it. Nothing anti-gun...all about the technology to get the timing system started accurately.

 

[wsenefeld]

If the E-gun in the pic is the exact one used, it has the Omega (meaning "the end") sign on it. Maybe it is the end of common sense in London? I think I should replace all of my firearms with an E-gun. They would all be very safe then.

 

[ZombieApocolypse]

Neg rep @ England

 

[ryknoll3]

This just seems like a natural evolution of technology. I don't think we have to chalk it up to some anti-gun attitude. After all, the runners just need to hear a signal, like the electronic buzz from the timer at USPSA matches. For all you know, the new starter signal device may be networked into some computer, so you can measure the lapsed time more accurately.

The starter pistol (the gunpowder variety) was just the technology available in the 20th century. Try and think up something small, reliable, really loud... Yep, a pistol.

The old starter pistols were wired into the clock too. If you watch an Olympic track event, you could see the wire hanging down from the pistol when the starter raised his arm. This is probably just an easier more integrated system.

 

[NYFelon]

If the E-gun in the pic is the exact one used, it has the Omega (meaning "the end") sign on it. Maybe it is the end of common sense in London? I think I should replace all of my firearms with an E-gun. They would all be very safe then.

Omega is also the universally accepted sign for electrical resistance. Sort of makes sense to put a universally accepted electrical symbol on an electronic system.

Ω

 

[Hornett]

The flash signals the start of the clock, not the sound.
You can see the flash in the videos and replay and easily determine whether there is a false start or not
The sound is for the runners.
They use a similar orange looking thing at the local high school meets.
I don't have a problem with it.
It's not a dis to guns, just advancing technology.
IMHO

 

[snorko]

If the E-gun in the pic is the exact one used, it has the Omega (meaning "the end") sign on it. Maybe it is the end of common sense in London? I think I should replace all of my firearms with an E-gun. They would all be very safe then.

Omega is also the universally accepted sign for electrical resistance. Sort of makes sense to put a universally accepted electrical symbol on an electronic system.

Ω

Omega is a watch company guys, the offcial time piece of the Olympics. And besides, James Bond wears one.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

Omega is a watch company guys, the offcial time piece of the Olympics. And besides, James Bond wears one.

Ironic then, that they will build a watch that shoots, but build a gun that doesn't...

 

[versuchstier147]

Well, why does it replicate the sound of a gun shot? Why not a ping, buzz, or audible "go"?

 

[bingley]

Well, why does it replicate the sound of a gun shot? Why not a ping, buzz, or audible "go"?

Tradition!

 

[Ted]

This year, javelins are going to be Nerf, and archery is going to use those rubber suction cups on the arrows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCWz9U0MtoI

 

[hoosierdoc]

And this is the island that has never been conquered??!

They are tough folks, at least the older generation. you don't get bombed by hitler into oblivion and refuse to quit without being tough

 

[bingley]

And this is the island that has never been conquered??!

Conquerors of Britain:

Romans
Normans
Michael Jackson

 

[Ted]

And this is the island that has never been conquered??!

They are tough folks, at least the older generation. you don't get bombed by hitler into oblivion and refuse to quit without being tough

Well, not in recent history.

The Romans, Normans and French have in the past.