Eggspert Buzzers?

[Mike Bentley]

Anyone ever used these buzzer systems: http://www.trainerswarehouse.com/Eggspe ... nfo/GABUZ/

Some coach brought one to a tournament yesterday but I didn't really get a chance to see them in action. It looks like they lock out according to a YouTube video I saw. They only have 6 buzzers and seem to have relatively short cords, but they're also only $62 which is very hard to beat. I'm considering buying a few of these to use as backup systems when teams don't bring enough buzzers to a tournament.

[Mike Bentley]

Ok so apparently you can get one of these things for $46 shipped at Amazon (or about 1/5 the cost of even the cheapest buzzer system), so I ordered one. I'll report back on its effectiveness for quizbowl.

[the return of AHAN]

Wheel of Fortune Mode
The teacher squeezes the Control Button, setting Eggspert's lights into motion. The eggs light up in sequence, blinking and beeping one at a time, first rapidly and gradually slower and s-l-o-w-e-r, until only one egg remains lit. The student (or team of students) assigned that color answers a question or completes an activity.

Well, THIS could be a funn mode to use!!!

[AKKOLADE]

Gotta admit that I kind of love that gimmick and can see it working for practice purposes.

[Carambola!]

Saw that it was down to $28 with free shipping and ordered one as well. Will report back.

[Mike Bentley]

Saw that it was down to $28 with free shipping and ordered one as well. Will report back.

I think that version may not come with an AC Adapter.

[Carambola!]

All-in-one AC adapter cable.

[Mike Bentley]

All-in-one AC adapter cable.

Did yours end up coming with an AC adapter? The more expensive one I bought didn't despite the fact that the Amazon listing said it came with one.

Anyway, I haven't used this for an actual quizbowl match yet, but here's some basic info:
-As implied above, the system can be powered by 4 AA batteries or with an AC adapter. This could make it useful for student activity fairs.
-The system does have basic lockout functionality, so it can be used for normal quizbowl.
-There are 6 buzzers and a moderator reset buzzer. These all plug into a central console with lights on it. The cords are rather short, probably around 3 feet each. I imagine the optimal set-up for this would be to have the moderator sit at a desk and put the unit on its own desk that players can huddle their chairs around. It's still going to be pretty cramped quarters.
-The buzzers themselves are a bit weird. They have this rubber padding to them which makes them a little hard to depress. I may look into removing this padding to see if it makes it easier to buzz.
-The buzzers use a 1/8th inch headphone connection. This is similar to what SVBZ buzzers use. It's unclear if this makes these buzzers as prone to breaking as the SVBZ buzzers.
-When I get some time, I'll see how feasible and cost-effective it is to create my own buzzer using a longer cord. I'll also see if there's an easy way to increase the total number of buzzers (or at least let two people share a single light but use a different buzzer).
-There's apparently a wireless unit that will fix the buzzer cord length issue, but it's more expensive (around $90) and the buzzers may not be as reliable. I think it still limits you to 6 buzzers.

[uclajerry]

I've used these in high school spanish class before. The Wheel of Fortune mode is awesome.

[Carambola!]

No adapter cable. I used the all-in-one I had lying around. Battery mode is also useful; I'll probably bring it to tournaments so we can practice sans power outlets.

[Tanay]

I'll probably bring it to tournaments

Awesome.