FIE Leipzig Firmware Chip

Eigertek is pleased to announce that the "Leipzig" firmware is available for use in Eclipse scoring machines. This microprocessor incorporates the new FIE foil and saber timings that will be required for all Junior and Senior World Cup competitions in the 2004-2005 season on an experimental basis beginning on October 1, 2004.

The FIE timing changes are as follows:

• The foil lockout time decreases from 750 milliseconds (350 milliseconds for international FIE competitions) to 300 milliseconds. Lockout is the window of time after a fencer scores a hit that the opponent may also register a hit.
• The foil debounce time for valid touches increases from 1-5 milliseconds to 15 milliseconds. Debounce is the amount of time that the foil tip must remain depressed to register a touch.
• The saber lockout time decreases from 350-400 milliseconds to 120 milliseconds.

In practice, we have found that these changes encourage counterattacks in foil and saber, and eliminate most flicks in foil regardless of the force of the flick.

If you want to get a head start in practicing for World Cup competitions or anticipate that the experimental changes will become official, you can install the Leipzig firmware in your Eclipse. The Leipzig firmware still supports the old USFA timings and you can easily switch between the old and the new timings.

The Leipzig firmware is available now from American Fencer's Supply for a suggested retail price of $25. American Fencer's Supply can be contacted at (415) 863-7911. You can also visit their website.