Any tips on using SI electronic punching?

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I'll be using e-punching for the first time at the US Champs this fall. I've never used the Emit or SI systems. (I'm almost certain the US Champs will us SI). Do any veteran e-punchers have any tips? How do you carry your control descriptions when you use e-punches?

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), September 27, 2000

Answers

When I've used the electronic punching at the WOCs, I've carried my control descriptions the way I always do, in a control-card case attached to my finger. I figure that's what I'm used to and most comfortable with, so I stick to that rather than putting them around my wrist or hanging from my top. Added bonus: I don't need to do anything (cover with contact paper or tape, eg) to the descriptions as they go into a little plastic thing.

I predict you'll LOVE the system (the punching, not my control descriptions one).

-- Peggy (Pdickison@aol.com), October 01, 2000.


My first exposure to SI will come this weekend at the Hudson Highlander. I'm planning on carrying my descriptions the way I'm used to, which means hanging from my watchband, so that I just have to glance down from the map to see them. (Normally there would be a punchcard there as well, back to back with the clues.) The SI gizmo will go on my other hand. I'm fully prepared to be completely underwhelmed by this technological marvel. I'll let you know how it works out.

-- J-J (jjcote@juno.com), October 03, 2000.

I got my first chance to use the SI system at last weekend's US Champs. I carried the control description in a little plastic bag that was on an old compass lanyard. I held the bag in my left hand beneath my map. I could check the descriptions by flipping my hand and taking a quick look. This is the way I usually carry my punch card and descriptions.

I had the "dip stick" (i.e. the Sport Ident e-punching "card") on the middle finger of my right hand. I use a base plate compass and the dip stick did not get in the way.

The SI system was very simple to use. It took almost no time to get used to. It makes punching very quick.

The only problem I had was when I fell down and lost my dip stick. I was going down a hill and stepped in a hole. I fell forward. When I got up, I took a few steps and noticed that the dip stick was not on my hand. I stopped and retraced my steps. I found it quickly (probably about 30 seconds). I was lucky.

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), November 06, 2000.


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