Difference between revisions of "Buzzer"

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==How to buy a buzzer system==
 
==How to buy a buzzer system==
  
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A frequent question from new programs at any level is how and where to buy a buzzer system. The important thing to keep in mind is that ''all buzzers break.'' It is better to buy two $200-$300 systems with good warranties and always have a backup on hand for when one is being fixed, then buy a $600 system without a warranty just because you've heard the more expensive system is less likely to fail.
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New quiz bowl programs commonly ask how and where to buy a buzzer system. All buzzers break, so it is better to buy two $200-$300 systems with good warranties (so a backup is on hand for when one is being fixed) than to buy a $600 system without a warranty just because you've heard the more expensive system is less likely to fail.
  
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Past that, you want a system that provides for easy use in gameplay and practices. Systems that do not have individual lights and require the moderator to call out who has buzzed do not suit themselves to timed games and are annoying even in ACF formats. Something with an individual, easy-to-see light on each player's buzzer is the best.
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There are other concerns about buying a buzzer system for quiz bowl:
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*Quiz bowl does not use "self-resetting" systems; you should buy a buzzer with a moderator reset button.
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"Self-resetting" systems are not appropriate for use in any mainstream collegiate or high school format. Make sure to get a system with a moderator reset button that does not require a time delay.
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*Wireless buzzer systems are inappropriate for tournament play due to the potential for lag.
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*Battery-operated buzzer systems will require you to always keep spare batteries in the case in the event of a mid-tournament battery failure.
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Systems which make a different sound depending on which team has buzzed can be useful and provide a safeguard against breakage--you can play with up to two buzzers whose lights have burnt out on this system, one on each side, and still always know who has buzzed in.
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*Individual player lights on or next to each player's buzzer make it easier for everyone to recognize who has buzzed in first.
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If you buy a battery-powered system, ALWAYS KEEP FRESH BATTERIES IN THE CASE. Nothing is worse than a system failing mid-tournament because of a dead battery.
 
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Wireless buzzer systems are also inappropriate for tournament play due to the potential for lag.
 
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==

Revision as of 16:43, 7 June 2017

JudgeBuzzer.jpeg
Above:
The Judge

A "buzzer system" is a common name for a device used to indicate which player has signaled that he or she wishes to answer a question first. They are a necessary component to playing quizbowl matches when available, as they help avoid any ambiguities as to who buzzed in first. When no buzzers are present, teams must play slapbowl, where buzzing is indicated by slapping the desk or saying something like "buzz". While using a buzzer system, other players are prevented from buzzing after the first player until the system is reset; for this reason, buzzer systems are sometimes called "lockout systems" (e.g. in the official NAQT rules).

Ideally, a buzzer system consists of a control box which sits near the moderator, which connects to individual pushbuttons or paddles held by each player. The best buzzers trigger a sound and turn on a light specific to the player who buzzed when an individual pushbutton or paddle is used. Any one component of the system held by an individual player is often referred to as a "buzzer" as well.

Almost all tournaments require some number of teams to bring buzzers in order to have enough to run the tournament properly; for this reason, TDs usually offer a discount (-$5 or -$10) to teams that bring a buzzer.

Buzzer System Manufacturers

Here is a list of buzzer system manufacturers. The ratings are provided for the benefit of teams shopping for buzzer systems.

This list also includes prices as of May 2017 for minimum systems that meet the NAQT Lockout System Discount Policy (and which will be accepted for discounts at invitational tournaments).

Recommended

  • Anderson Officiator (website)--affordable, durable, easy to set up ($235 for the Officiator 10-player system)
  • Buzzersystems.com ($299 for the 8-player "traditional" system)
  • Zeecraft ($465 for the 8 player Challenger I system)

Other commonly-used systems

How to buy a buzzer system

New quiz bowl programs commonly ask how and where to buy a buzzer system. All buzzers break, so it is better to buy two $200-$300 systems with good warranties (so a backup is on hand for when one is being fixed) than to buy a $600 system without a warranty just because you've heard the more expensive system is less likely to fail.

There are other concerns about buying a buzzer system for quiz bowl:

  • Quiz bowl does not use "self-resetting" systems; you should buy a buzzer with a moderator reset button.
  • Wireless buzzer systems are inappropriate for tournament play due to the potential for lag.
  • Battery-operated buzzer systems will require you to always keep spare batteries in the case in the event of a mid-tournament battery failure.
  • Individual player lights on or next to each player's buzzer make it easier for everyone to recognize who has buzzed in first.

External Links

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