I Hate Electrical Stuff

[suregrip]

I was thinking about writing a book called "Armoring for Dummies". I figure if the biggest dummy (myself) can learn to do it, I could 'dumb it down' to my level so everyone else with the same mind block or apprehension could do it.

[Artisan]

I was thinking about writing a book called "Armoring for Dummies". I figure if the biggest dummy (myself) can learn to do it, I could 'dumb it down' to my level so everyone else with the same mind block or apprehension could do it.

The publishers of the Dummies books will pay for manuscripts...if they think they can make money with it.

While we're at it, lets have a Cliff's Notes version of the rules, where all the "interpretations" are spelled out clearly.

[fixxmyweapon]

I was thinking about writing a book called "Armoring for Dummies". I figure if the biggest dummy (myself) can learn to do it, I could 'dumb it down' to my level so everyone else with the same mind block or apprehension could do it.

I love that idea because as many times as I've rewired a foil, I always manage to mess something up. (Hence, the name) I much prefer fixing bodycords. They are sooo much easier.

[esskreemr]

Oh man, do I feel your pain!! Let me set my experience up for you:

Divisional qualifiers. I'd been fencing REEAAALLLLYY well in several prior tournaments (3rd place in senior sectional qualifiers). While arriving to the venue, I miscalculate the distance and arrive 10 mins after reg closes but they let me in. I could tell something was off (in my fencing) during the pool bouts because I won 2 lost 3 (all the bouts were close losses). I'm still thinking that's ok, a little "late arrival, no warmup jitters;" I'll burn them off in the 1st DE and get my form back.

I draw a lefty, no prob, I feel like I've figured out the "lefty dilemma." We hook up and start fencing vigorously. I noticed that our grounding lights were going off continuously and that fairly solid hits weren't registering, I comment to the director so he has us test; lights work, keep fencing. We keep fencing. I was hitting him but we were still not getting lights when we should have. So I'm thinking my aim must be off, gotta focus. Then I start noticing that his fairly solid hits weren't going off either. We spent what felt forever to get to 3-something (his favor) and I'm about 10 years older than him and not nearly in the shape I should be in so I'm panting and sweating pretty hard with a stitch developing in my side. The points failing to register is really taking a toll because we have to attack more and fence longer for each point. During a halt, I finally take off my mask and protest that our hits aren't registering. He has us test again, it works; keep fencing. When we reach 3-8 (his favor), the director FINALLY picks up on the problem, does more extensive testing and realizes that we're grounding. So we switch strips and continue fencing. Problem gone. By now, I'm ready to pass out but manage to take the lead. I just can't hold because I'm running on empty and end up losing the bout.

The machine was of a certain brand that is known to ground out with sweaty fencers. I've had problems with this brand before (not Eigertek). When we switched, we switched to Favero's and everything was fine.

Now I'm not saying the outcome would have been different, but given the circumstances, I was more than a little annoyed. If had been just another ratings tournament, I would have been disappointed. But I really wanted to go to Nationals this year and felt like I deserved it. I think I might have been able to shake off the earlier blues and come through; then again maybe not, we were both in the same boat after all. I don't mind losing (don't like it either), but now I'll never know and have to wait another year (the stamina thing isn't going to be a factor next time 'cause I'm taking care of that ).

OK, I'm done whining. If you made it this far, thanks for listening. Whew, I feel so much better now with the catharsis and all...

[Artisan]

Doesn't 3rd place at sr. sectional qualifiers get you a 1A spot @ summer Nationals?

[FencingMonkey]

I'd recomend Rudy Volkmann's book to anyone wanting to learn to fix electrical stuff! I learned everything I know from his book and now I'm the armoer for my club!

[geezer]

Read, look, watch, play with it, do it how you think it ought to go, learn for yourself.

Have a nice bout.

non illigitimi carborundum