Reactive targets are targets that react to being struck by darts or pellets.

A micro controller keeps very precise timings to gauge things like reaction time, overall accuracy, and overall speed. It will display the data on a built in LCD or to a computer connected to it via USB.

I have tried the system with:

6mm airsoft

NERF®

Various Blowguns

This is the second attempt at making 6mm airsoft reactive targets. The first attempt went so well that it warranted a second iteration of the design. With the improved speed of the new software, it now even works with NERF®

The project consists of 4 targets that use a trigger similar to a piezo-electric drum head. Instead of a pad, it uses a piece of sheet steel with a piezo element mounted to the back.

Each target has a indicator LED and an optional buzzer for audio feedback.

In the current iteration there are 3 "modes"

Quick Draw - In this mode, a random target will illuminate after 1-4 seconds. The software will measure the time from when the LED came on to when the piezo was struck. There is plenty of rest time in between to practice holstering, drawing, aiming, and firing.

Timed Mode - In this mode, random targets will illuminate for 10 seconds. Once a piezo is struck, another random target will illuminate. The final score will indicate how many targets were struck during the time period. This is to practice speed of aiming.

Rapid Fire - In this mode, one random target at a time will illuminate until 32 targets have been struck. The final score is given as the time it took for 32 targets to be hit. With 32 targets, this mode allows for the practice of magazine swapping to be figured into overall time.

The background info and schematic for piezo conditioning comes from an article called Piezo transducer signal conditioning by leucos