Academic Competition Newsletter Vol. VI issue 1 editors: Eric Owens and Gaius Stern Aug./Sept. 1999 Welcome to the sixth year of the Academic Competition Newsletter. The primary mission of the newsletter is to spread information about QB to new players and schools. To get a free subscription (or drop it), just write the editors and ask to be (un)subscribed. When posting questions or gripes, however, please write only to the editors and not to the entire subscription list. The newsletter will endeavor to report fully on all QB events for teams West of the Mississippi or of interest to those teams, continuing the earlier policy to extend coverage towards the Midwest. As always, subscribers are encouraged to write the newsletter editors with columns, tournament invitations, opinions, corrections, and especially tournament results. Readers will notice that ACN continues at Volume VI issue 1 where the old newsletter left off. We changed the name to reflect a neutral standing in the world of academic competition Eric Owens Gaius Stern etowens@feist.com gaius@uclink4.berkeley.edu ------------------------- This issue contains The change in CBI policy regarding HCASC schools News of a college Certamen game FALL 1999 CALENDAR Upcoming buzzer purchase opportunity Info on where to get buzzers ------------------------- COLLEGE BOWL TO PERMIT BLACK COLLEGES TO PLAY QUIZBOWL INVITATIONALS On 18 August 1999, CBI announced a change in their policies to permit the historically black colleges to decide for themselves whether to attend other quizbowl competitions such as invitationals or even rival academic competition organizations. Previously, the players from historically black colleges who attended non-CBI licensed events forfeited their right to compete in the Honda-sponsored competition. The top teams at Honda Bowl receive considerable financial scholarship prizes, so this effected a considerable bar to circuit participation. The official statement runs as follows: "Effective with the 1999-2000 season, each Historically Black College and University (HBCU) participating in the HCASC program is permitted to make its own decision as to its HCASC varsity team members' participation in non-CBCI licensed invitational tournaments." The newsletter editors congratulate CBI on this overdue change in policy and wish to extend a warm welcome to all the historically black colleges with the hopes of increased participation everywhere. ADDITIONAL COLLEGE ACADEMIC COMPETITION: CERTAMEN If you go to http://comp.uark.edu/~etasigma/certamen.html one can find that in 1997 Arkansas won the ESPh (Epsilon Sigma Phi) Certamen contest. I bet those players would make valuable additions to a college quizbowl club. From the above cited website: "A team made up of four Classics majors from the University of Arkansas won the "Certamen" at the annual national convention of Eta Sigma Phi, the Classical Studies undergraduate honors society. The "Certamen" is a College-Bowl-type competition that tests student knowledge of Greek and Latin culture, literature, language, art, philosophy, and history. Fifteen teams competed in the event." The U of A student team includes undergraduate Classical Studies majors Brandon Bolinger, Matthew Harrington, Maggie Smith, and Megan Tynan. FALL 1999 QUIZBOWL INVITATIONAL CALENDAR Sep 25 Illinois Oct 2 UM-Rolla Oct 9 Oklahoma Oct 16 UMKC, Iowa Oct 23 Wichita St, Illinois Oct 30 Berkeley WIT, Minnesota Nov 6 TRASH Regionals, UCSB High School Bowl Nov 13 Caltech Technophobia NAQT conference at Caltech, Illinois, Iowa St, Texas Nov 20 Washington-St Louis Dec 4 UC Berkeley Certamen -- HS Latin Bowl Jan 8 UCSB Jrbird College tournament: Walter Capps Memorial Jan 15 UC-Irvine HS competition POSSIBLE group discount BUZZER PURCHASE IN NEAR FUTURE I may be making a bulk purchase from Creative Electronics Design in the near future of the Quizwizard II. This is the system now famous as the Gordian Knot from the MD Academic Team page. If you are interested in joining in this purchase, write me back at gaius@socrates.berkeley.edu. WHERE TO GO FOR A NEW BUZZER When buying a buzzer, your team must weigh several considerations. First and most important is how many players do you need to accommodate? This question should precede price because there are large and small systems which cost a lot, and a few large systems are fairly economical. Second of course is price, and after that, what special features do you need? Special features to consider are player lights, assembly time, can it be set on individual and team mode? Can it tell who rang in 2nd and 3rd? What about portability, and expansion capability? I hope the below article is of some help to teams in deciding what to buy. The following 19 companies/products are reviewed: Groupics, Show me smart, Shelty Systems, Korthof, the Judge, Quiz-Wizard II, Buzz-in, Logitek, Academic Hallmarks, Quiz-co, Quik-Pro, Zeecraft, Jem Design, Funtronics, ACTS, Quiz-mo, High Technology Products, Officiator II, Kirkman, and Tie-breaker. If you know of additional systems, please let me know. A lot of info on buzzer manufacturers can be found at http://www.dbtech.net/asca/resource.html Supposedly you can get a lot of info on manufacturers from Patricks Press, but I find this site has very little info on buzzers. Patricks Press http://home.aol.com/quizbowl I suggest calling or writing them for buzzer info. P.O. Box 5189 Columbus, GA 31906; FAX 706-322-5806. Phone 800-654-1052. E-mail Quizbowl@aol.com --------------------------- Four cheap, no frills Buzzer systems: GROUPICS Buzzers that operate on batteries or AC with optional built-in timer for up to fifteen players. They also have larger systems and are suitable for television. It is very light weight. Major advantages: very portable Special features: can be expanded for more players, can run on batteries, Price: $199.99 (this price might not include the hand held buzzers) Holmes and Edwards, 1201 Lake James Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23464; Phone: 757-424-4021. http://www.buzzers.com Email: groupi@groupics.com SHELTY SYSTEMS "the Buzz Box" An eight person lockout system. Each person has a buzzer with a small LED that lights up to tell the player that she was the first to ring in; the control unit also has 8 LED's to indicate who was first. It runs on a 6V AC adapter It's made out of aluminum and costs $330 CDN plus taxes (7% provincial, 8% goods & services), and shipping. Cost is approx. $260 Contact: ruhtra@turing.toronto.edu SHO ME SMART lights Automatically resets after 2 seconds. Expands indefinitely to allow as Many players as needed. One year manufacturer's warranty on defects in material and workmanship, assuming normal use. Eight players $199 Ten Players $245 Additional light bars - $50 each Additional adapters - $25 each Additional 4 ft. extenders - $5 each SHOW ME Lights P.O.Box 305 Vienna, IL 62995-0305 Phone/Fax:(618) 949-3888 http://www.scholastic-bowl.com/ (not much help) Mr. KORTHOF (tip came from Case Western Reserve links) Moderators panel has small lights which show which team rang in. Players have a box connected by cable to moderators box. Each player has a small light bulb on his box which locks out other players once you press the button to ring in. Prices: Economy 8 players $255 10 players $250 Standard 8 Players $270. 10 players $300. Battery Power Unit With Charger $40. Applicable Sales Tax, if any, NOT included Add Shipping Charge ($10) in 48 States One Year Guarantee Perfektion Electronics Buzzer Systems Attn. William Korthof 4105 W. University Dr. West #104 Pomona, CA 91768 Email: William Korthof (??? Can't find this, try Case Western) Phone: 909-469-5100 Fax to: 562-430-2097 ------------------------ Somewhat more expensive systems, (usually with features) in no particular order ELECTROMATIC Inc. "The Judge" Comes in a briefcase. Players hit "foot pedals" to signal an answer which lights up green or red light corresponding to each buzzer. Locks out all other responses until reset. Major advantage: Very durable and portable. Special features: None Price: x8 players = $350 x10 players = $375 *** A 5% discount used to be available for ACF newsletter readers. Ask for it, if ordering this system. Address/phone: Electramatic Inc. 1815 Jefferson St. N.E. Minneapolis, Minn 55418 (612) 781-9588 Creative Electronic Design "Quizwizard II" Designed for High School Certamen. System is a box with 12 or 16 thumb activated buzzers held in hand at end of long chords. Only the moderator can tell who rang in from display (i.e. players can not see). System can be set for individuals or teams of 4 players each. System is delicate, so be careful with it. Major advantage: also tells who rang in 2nd and 3rd. Can play as teams or as individuals. Special features: System tells who rang in 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd. PRICE HAS GONE UP. The prices below might be available with a special request for a discount through me. Price: x8 players = $420 ***** Ask for an ACF newsletter x12 players = $495 discount, or say Gaius x16 players = $575 referred you Address/phone: Creative Electronic Design Inc. 2565 Celia Dr. Beaver Creek, Ohio 45434 - 6815 (513) 426-1506 http://www.c-e-d-inc.com/ JC ELECTRONICS BUZZ-IN SYSTEM Vendor of Buzz-in Lockout Systems, which has a built-in timer and is microprocessor controlled. It has response modules for two teams of four players each. Each palte has a light in front of them connected to moderators panel. Big ski pole handles (too big) with thumb pressed buttons on top. Price not listed on website. J/J Enterprises 918 Fairway Drive Sulphur, OK 73086 Phone 918-622-5772. http://members.xoom.com/jce Email: JTucker@brightok.net or Jwest@ok.azalea.net LOGITECH ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS Pyramid shaped buzzers. Hand held thumb pressed buzzers. A reasonable unit, but a bit more expensive than some of its competitors. prices (may be out of date): x8 players = $355.00 x10 players = $403.00 x12 players = $390.00 x15 players = $438.00 Logitech Electronic 3320 Bering Drive Houston, TX 77057 Phone 800-231-5870 Apparently this company also manufactures - but does not necessarily sell - The Quiztron III from Logitek. The Quiztron III is made for three teams and can be ordered from Academic Hallmarks. A free brochure is available. Academic Hallmarks PO Box 998 Durango, CO 81302 1-800-321-9218 email - equipment@greatauk.com QUIZCO This system has a moderator panel which tells which team rang in. Each player has a little box with button to press connected by cords to moderator panel and maybe each other (cant tell from photo) Carrying case looks like a zipped bag. 2 Teams w/ 4 players per team $315.00 2 x 5 $365.00 3 x 4 $420.00 3 x 5 $495.00 4 x 4 $530.00 4 x 5 $630.00 5 x 4 $635.00 5 x 5 $755.00 CARRYING CASES PRICE Optional Carrying Case I (holds system with up to 10 players) $75.00 Optional Carrying Case II (holds system with up to 16 players)* * - Systems larger than 16 players will require more than one case. $85.00 SHIPPING AND HANDLING OPTIONS PRICE Basic - Allow two weeks for delivery $10.00 Express - UPS 2nd day air $20.00 QUIZ-CO PO Box 44711 Boise, ID 83711 Fax (208)323-2397 Phone (800)294-0494 http://www.quizco.com Specialty Design Corporation - the QUIK-PRO (fire sirens system) Alabama manufacturers of the popular Quik Pro Systems used by many of our members. They have a deluxe set with individual player lights (8 players, 12 and 16) and also basic system with no player lights for less money. The Deluxe sets for teams of four cost $489.00 while basic systems without individual lights start at $289.00. A recent innovation, perfect for practice sessions, is the $195.00 all-in-one light and buzzer set that plugs into the Deluxe master box. (I have reviewed this system many times before in prior newsletters, so if you go there you can get a complete price breakdown.) Specialty Design Corps. 715 North 19th Street Bessemer, AL 35020 Phone 800-284-6377 or 205-428-1223 ZEECRAFT TECH Two different types of buzzer. One set has huge ski pole handles -- too big for some players. The other has a button you push with your index finger to signal. Be sure to specify which you want. The system automatically self tests when plugged it (really a nuisance, not a special perk). Prices are as follows: regular player lights flashing player light 8 Player System $349 $399 $430 10 Player System $410 $465 $505 12 Player System $445 $515 $560.00 14 Player System $485 $545 $600.00 16 Player $535 $595.00 $659.00 Challenger II-MTR-8510 8 Player System $449 $499.00 $530.00 10 Player System $510.00 $565.00 $605.00 12 Player System $545.00 $615.00 $660.00 14 Player System $585.00 $645.00 $700.00 16 Player System $635.00 $695.00 $759.00 Challenger III-MTR-8510-VTM 8 Players $549.00 $599.00 $630.00 10 Players $610.00 $665.00 $705.00 12 Players $645.00 $715.00 $760.00 Optional Carrying Case for all Team Responders $54.95 RR2 Box 157H New Milford, PA 18834 Phone 800-662-7475 FAX 717-465-7674. http://www.zeecraft.com/ JEM DESIGNS Our next-generation buzzer set is a console-based design. Two cords emerge from the center console, one for each pair of four contestants. The center console houses the reset button, the buzzer and eight indicators. Each student module will have a push-button switch and an individual indicator. The cord for each side daisy-chains through each of the student boxes. 10% discount for visiting this web site, http://jem.pair.com/ FUNTRONICS Two to 16 Players in teams of 4. Uses Slap switches, not buttons 1 Single Tower, 8 Slap Switches, Remote, Power Supply. Basic unit $299.00 ESI Associates 21 East 1575 North Orem, UT 84057 Phone (801) 765-1980 Fax (801) 765-1981 Toll free at: (888) FUNTRONICS (888-386-8766) http://www.funtronics.com/ Fred & Towana Aldridge They have one set left from their last build. That's all that is available at this time. It is a solid state light weight portable unit with LED indicators and audible sound. It requires 4 "C" cells (included). The unit has 8 hand held switches. The price is $249. Send inquiries to . ------------------------------- Four Unknowns (any info is welcome) ACTS 121 Erie St. Syracuse, NY 13204 Phone (315) 488-7094 "Quizmo" portable quiz sets. Fred Aldridge 4314 S. 580 W. Russiaville, In 46979 phone (317)-883-5636 e-mail-aldridge@iquest.net Quiz Equipment- owned by Steve Kirkman. 703 N. Rembrandt Royal Oak, Mi. 48067 High Technology Products 3978 Sword Dancer Way Grand Prairie, Tx. 75051 or call 214-263-0240. Officiator and the Officiator II and Officiator II w/ timer Anderson Enterprises 2082 Shalimar Dr. Salina, Ks. 67401 phone (913)-827-3014 -----------------NOT QUITE BUZZERS: TIEBREAKER probably not good for QB seems to be for 6 players. Maybe they can expand it. It costs about $300. B & F Industries 428 E. 3000 N. North Ogden, Utah 84414 Phone: (801) 737-1671 Fax: (801) 782-5682 or (918) 371-5125 E-Mail: deegifford@unidial.com or tiebrker@aol.com http://www.tiebreaker.com/ QUESTIONS ONLY http://www.cwru.edu/orgs/trivia/internet.html#equip for a full list Academic Address PO Box 660132 Birmingham, AL 35266-0132 Phone 205-967-4003 QNA 1261 Carter Road Decatur, GA 30030 Phone 404-288-5512 Academic Hallmarks (address above) Patrick's Press (address above) Triple Q Questions PO Box 305 Vienna, IL 62995 Phone 618-949-3888 ------------ - Eric and Gaius