Gents I can add some real world experience of both systems. Let me also state upfront that I am the Australian agent for Silver Mountain Targets.
Our Sydney range has about a dozen clubs operating simultaneously and it was decided to adopt the Kongsberg system with a shared server. Two other clubs have their own servers and another has the stand alone Kongsberg target.
In summary over a number of years (4 or more from memory) of usage:
1. Electronic target shooting has major advantages in terms of time efficiency - you get to shoot faster and more
2. Plotting accuracy is generally excellent and there are no challenges or incorrect marking problems - if you operate the system correctly.
3. Range setup and dismantling is far more of an effort due to the size and weight of the target enclosures, need for transport in and out of target sheds etc.
4. The current Kongsberg system has some significant vulnerabilities like shot out microphone and temp sensor cables, power fluctuations and more. The system is vulnerable to a single shot out cable which affects the entire operation of all linked targets - this has been a major problem for us.
5. Regular maintenance of the target enclosure is very time consuming and expensive compared with a conventional frame.
6. Additional paper aiming marks with scoring rings or blinders are needed to manage the aiming mark size for differing distances.
7. The Kongsberg software is very old and not ideally suited to our type of Fullbore shooting. It was designed for ISSF and may work better in the USA, but it has been very disappointing to see the lack of regular software updates.
8. In real life you need an expert group who can diagnose, maintain, operate and repair the system. This requires rigorous range management which is easier at a range facility, but much harder with an informal club running their own system.
9. No integrated scoring software that we can use. There is ISSF control room software which may work for US disciplines.
10. Cost for Kongsberg is high. We paid $11000 per lane without a server, another $10k.
This is not an anti Kongsberg rant, we have had many successful shoots on our system. After the excitement has worn off you have to learn to live with it...
As for Silver Mountain Targets, my comments as follows:
1. I would regard SMT as a truly modern system based on the smart use of proven, cost effective technologies and components that are readily available.
2. Portable, battery powered, wireless, upgradable and simple to operate.
3. Uses simple, light and affordable target frames with replaceable aiming marks.
4. Consistent and accurate plotting accuracy
5. Simple one-time target frame calibration - you can see the hole in the target and match the software plot to the actual shot.
6. Very cost effective upfront with low target maintenance costs thereafter.
7. North American made and supported, used internationally.
More info here:
www.electronictargets.biz
I hope this helps.
