Setting up your Calibur system

How to start fencing anywhere, anytime? Here’s your quick guide to setting up your Calibur pocket boxes!

Open the “Calibur” app, downloaded from the application store (Google Play, App Store or Amazon Store).
On the first occasion, grant access to the Calibur app to access required services on your phone
After launching the app, a tutorial will lead you through the steps of connecting your pocket boxes to the mobile device. If you want to, you can disable this function later on in the settings.
To select your discipline, push the weapon icon in the middle

Now, turn on your pocket box - push the button in the middle firmly. Normally a blue light above the button should indicate that it’s turned on. If you see a pulsating red light, that means your box is low on battery and needs to be charged before using it.

Select the fencing icons on the bottom of the screen - your device will connect to the closest pocket box to the chosen side.

After connecting both fencers successfully, try on- and off-target hits! (Always test in real, bootleg circumstances, wearing a full fencing uniform, and imitate real-life touches! Do not touch the blades with your bare hands or keep your tip pressed!)
You can customize your scoreboard with a selection of features by pushing the middle button on the screen, between the fencing icons.
Close every other application.
Prêts ? Allez !

To have a more in-detail guide, take a look at our user manual, or contact our customer support at roland@caliburfencing.com.

Smart Target Practice DIY

Ever wanted to have your own responsive fencing targets? Here's a quick guide to Calibur Target Practice to test the accuracy of your attacks with minimal to no additional costs.

Requirements:

2 functioning Calibur pocket boxes
Free Calibur application (App Store, Google Play, Amazon Store)
A piece of conductive material (for example lamé)
Body cords or banana cables with an alligator clip
Two-sided glue tape
A pair of scissors

Step-by-step guide

Once you have a piece of conducting material (recommendation at the end of the post) you can get creative right at this stage. What you can see below is a medium-sized target, which is ideal for beginners and for high-intensity lessons.
Once you have your target surface, take a piece of tape and attach it to wherever you like it.

Connect your pocket boxes to your smart device (via Calibur app). Then, if you are an épée fencer, switch the mode on the top of the screen to "Target practice (experimental)". If you're a foilist, you only have to choose the weapon type in the middle of the screen and leave it in "1v1 bouting" mode.
Connect one pocket box to your weapon via the corresponding body cord.
Connect the second pocket box to the target surface by a banana cable with an alligator clip (the banana plug goes into the "C" socket of the box) or Use an épée body cord and install an alligator clip to the "C" branch of the cable to connect it to the target surface. (Épée)
Connect the second pocket box to the target surface by a banana cable with an alligator clip (the banana plug goes into the "A" socket of the box) or Use an foil/sabre body cord and clip it to the target surface. (Foil)

+1 Pro hint

To get a real feeling of challenge, use your target surfaces during lessons and fencing too!
Lead the cable through your fencing jacket to make valid fencing targets at the wrist or shoulder - take a look at our suggestions below.

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Loading the test firmware

If you have an older piece of hardware (that's still DVT 1.4.1.):
connect device -> "Firmware update" -> "Load test firmware" - this way, you will have the firmware with which the new sabre mode is available. Each time, you connect your pocket boxes with this firmware, a message box will inform you that it does not match the latest publicly available version. You can ignore this and go on with the test version.

This tutorial will be updated soon...

New Sabre Mode

The time has come: Calibur Sabre is here! Here's a quick tutorial for you to get familiar the world's first completely mobile scoring system for sabre.

Requirements:

DVT 1.4.1. Calibur pocket boxes
Calibur Sabre Adapter and magnetic plug (micro-USB), conductive armband with banana-snap cord
1 smartphone or tablet running Android 8.0 (Oreo)/above or iOS 10.0/above
Right firmware version (more details below)

After downloading Calibur (App Store, Amazon Store, Google Play), take the following steps to set up your wireless sabre scoring set:

Make sure that your hardwares are DVT 1.4.1. and their firmware is not older than 12 (after successfully connecting your pocket boxes, a message box will pop up with information regarding your hardware and firmware version).
If you have an older piece of hardware (that's still DVT 1.4.1.):
connect device -> "Firmware update" -> "Load test firmware" - this way, you will have the firmware with which the new sabre mode is available. Each time, you connect your pocket boxes with this firmware, a message box will inform you that it does not match the latest publicly available version. You can ignore this and go on with the test version.
Turn on this switch in Settings: “New sabre mode (with armband)“. (Update the app if this switch doesn’t exist).
Make sure that the application is set to sabre: you can change between weapon modes by tapping the weapon icon in the middle (only when no pocket boxes are connected).

Plug the magnetic cable head in the USB connector of the pocket box.
Attach the adapter to the pocket box.

Connect the banana plug-snap connector cable into the 4th (next to C) banana socket of the adapter.
Pull the conductive armband onto your arm, under the fencing jacket (whichever arm you prefer) so it's tight on your skin.
Attach the banana plug-snap connector to the conductive armband.

After successfully connecting your pocket boxes to your smart device and having your armband connected to your pocket box via the adapter, continue just as it were your regular scoring machine - connect your bodycord to the box, take on your fencing jacket and lamé and fix the alligator clip of the bodycord to the lamé.
Once both you and your opponent are ready, test your equipment. Remember that both of your pocket boxes have to be connected in order to register hits on the scoreboard.
En garde ! Prêts ? Allez !

*This is how your devices should be plugged in*

In case you followed the instructions step by step but the device doesn't work properly, check if the banana-snap cable is still attached to your armband. If it is, please contact our customer support at calibur@caliburfencing.com.

Connect a bigger display via cable

Having a larger display for the Calibur scoreboard is possible through cables and wirelessly. Depending on what device you own, the opportunities are various. Here’s a quick summary about the possible ways to extend your scoreboard to a second screen by cables!

Connecting Apple devices

Mac

First things first, you have to identify the ports on your device. This guide can help you to do so.

HDMI - if you have such a port, you'll only have to see if your desired screen has a matching input. If not, it is most likely that it has a VGA input, so what you will need to do so is an HDMI-VGA adapter.
Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port: Connect to HDMI with an adapter such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt, or Mini DisplayPort: Connect to HDMI with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable such as the Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Belkin 4K Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter.

iPad

Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port: Connect to HDMI with an adapter such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt: Connect to HDMI with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable such as the Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Belkin 4K Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter.

iPhone

Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3: Connect to HDMI with an adapter such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
Thunderbolt 2, Thunderbolt: Connect to HDMI with a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable such as the Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Belkin 4K Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter.

Connecting Android devices

If you are using devices powered by Android, you are likely to have either a micro-USB or a USB-C type of output. It's very important to check whether your device supports MHL, which is a technology needed to connect to an external TV or monitor via HDMI.

If it does so, all you need is the correct adapter (micro-USB to HDMI, USB-C to HDMI) - after plugging them in, you should be ready to go.

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Firmware update

What is the firmware and why is it important? Here’s your quick guide to update your firmware for getting the most out of your wireless fencing experience!

The firmware is a software that runs on your Calibur pocket boxes. It is important to keep the Calibur application, as well as the firmware updated, because we are constantly working on making Calibur easier to use while adding more features and with each update, you will get more out of your device!

After connecting the pocket boxes an automatic message will pop up. If you’re not connected to the internet, it will ask you to be so - in the other case, it will show the current version of the installed firmware and the latest available one.
If your current firmware doesn’t match the latest version, you should tap “update”. Remember, for this, you have to be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network!
The update takes a few seconds and you can follow the progress on the screen. Don’t worry, if during the update, the LED on your pocket box goes dark - it means it’s in update mode.

Once the update is done, you can see the LED in green again. Restart the application, and you are ready to fence!

To have a more in-detail guide, take a look at our user manual, or contact our customer support at roland@caliburfencing.com.

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Hints & tricks - guide to avoid errors

The aim of the Calibur system is to make fencing available for anyone, anytime, anywhere. In order to make this feature, we had to design a complex way of registering hits and transferring information.

Because of this, there are some, not so obvious ways in which Calibur differs from other scoring methods. Here, you can find a list of some elements that cause no problem while fencing, but sometimes are unusual to our users.

Most of the issues listed here can be avoided by testing your equipment in testing your equipment in full fencing uniform, in a realistic setting.

Bellguard for foil

With some equipment, bellguard distinction on foil has minor issues. We recommend that if you experience such things, turn on the switch for "register on-target hits for bellguard".

This also resolves the problem if you see that at some point, if you are sweaty enough (which means that your gloves are dripping wet), valid hits on you do not register as they should. This can also be resolved with a dry glove too though.

Bellguard for épée

One small bug that might occur is that if you test your épée's bellguard barehanded, while keeping the other weapon's point on it, it registers as valid. This is really easy to avoid, since in a realistic situation, since either putting on gloves or using a quick thrust never results in this error.

*Testing without gloves extremely slowly can light the screen*

Speed of registering hits

If you find that registering hits is somewhat slower than it is with the traditional scoring machines, you can augment the speed by:

Closing other applications that are making your mobile device slower
Turning off notifications
Deleting unused apps.

Overwhelmed hardware can cause delay in regsitering

Things to pay attention to when testing foil

In some situations, you may experience peculiarities, but only in circumstances that are extremely rare during fencing, and in case they would occur, it’s probable that no points would be given anyway by a referee.

To avoid misleading test results,

DO NOT hit the lamés on the floor. Always wear full fencing set (gloves, lamés, plastrons) and test on a partner.
DO NOT touch the blade when testing. Make clean thrusts on your partners lamé.
DO NOT keep your tip on the opponents lamé. Make quick hits, like in a real bout.

*Slower than realistic hits can cause* *error*

*Test equipment with a quick thrust to avoid error*

+1 Hint for athletes: to eventually get better at competitions, you can do more besides training. Get an insight into your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly performance by using sports analytics tools - the most simple one is keeping a log about your bouts (on training and competitions too). Find out how Calibur's bout tracking system works and do everything you can do for that medal!

To have a more in-detail guide, take a look at our user manual, or contact our customer support at roland@caliburfencing.com.

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Bout tracking

Save your results and analyse your efforts

Keeping track of your results during trainings and competitions is essential to discover patterns in your performance and be aware of the things you have to pay attention to in order to become better at fencing and competing. Calibur offers a detailed log of your bouts to help analyze your performance against other Calibur users, so you can make the best decisions when planning your training. Here’s how!

Download and launch “Calibur” application from your application store (Appstore, Google Play or Amazon Store)
Sign in to your account (or create one). You can do this by pushing the menu bottom on the screen, between the fencer icons and choosing “My Profile”.
After successfully signing in, you can save the results of your bout by tapping the upload icon.

You have to type in your opponent’s username to record the bout. After saving, your opponent will receive a “request to save the bout”. If they accept, the bout will be saved for them automatically in their log. In the other case, it will only appear for you in your log.
Track your bouts by choosing “My bouts” from the drop down menu.
You can select any bouts from your log to be deleted or exported to a .csv file, in case you want to have a chance to edit or analyze your results.

+1 Fun fact: Did you know that Calibur system comes with a free remote control for the scoreboard? Check our tutorial on Calibur Remote Control Mode!

To have a more in-detail guide, take a look at our user manual or contact our customer support at roland@caliburfencing.com.

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Reaction time game

Want to know who's the fastest in the fencing hall? Stop guessing, start playing - our Reaction Time Mode is already out to help you show your skills! Here's a quick guide on how to access it within the app.

How to try the Reaction time game in the Calibur app

If you don't already have it, get Calibur app from your application store (Appstore, Amazon Store, Google Play) After installation, connect your Calibur pocket boxes.
The Reaction Time Mode enables two fencers to compare their performance to each others'. Make sure that both of you are using the same type of weapon, both of your pocket boxes are connected to the app and you are at more or less equal distance from your targets (depending on how you want to contest - with an advance, a lunge, etc.).
Choose the Mode Selector on the top of the screen- we constantly add new modes and games to this section check out our other tutorials to know more. Switch to "Reaction time game (duel)".

Once done, by quitting the mode selector, you will be ready to test your reaction time and speed. Tap the middle of the screen to start a countdown from 3, after which the screen will turn blue at a random moment. This is your signal to strike. After both of you has touched the target, the screen will indicate who won with a little trophy icon and your time results will also be visible so you can keep track of your highscores!

Useful hint:

For better performance make sure to close every other applications on your phone and update the app to the latest version. Remember that hits must be sent and processed via a wireless connection. The system performs the best on the latest devices, however any device can perform better by making sure to dedicate as much resources as possible.

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Remote & referee app

How to use the Remote & referee app

Did you know it was possible to use remote controls for the Calibur scoreboard to start and stop the timer, add or deduct points, penalties, bouts and priorities? Here’s your quick tutorial on using the Calibur Remote Control Mode!

Once the scoreboard is set up, you will need a second phone or tablet. Download “Calibur Remote Controller” from your application store (Appstore, Google Play, Amazon Store), and open the application.
Push the top button in the “Calibur” app (mode selector) and enable remote control mode.

Toggle the remote slider in the mode selectord

Make sure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
In the Remote Controller, type in the local address, shown on the screen of the “Calibur” app.

If you're done, you are ready to manage all the scoring on your smart devices!

Setting the scores, adding cards etc

Useful Hint:
Network speed and your hardware can influence the speed of registering commands; if you wish to improve it, try to close every other application and use a stable network without many users (offline hotspot is also an option).

To have a more in-detail guide, take a look at our user manual, or contact our customer support at roland@caliburfencing.com.

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Requirements:

Step-by-step guide

+1 Pro hint

Recommended items

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Connecting Apple devices

Mac

iPad

iPhone

Connecting Android devices

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Don't miss out on our summer sale

Bellguard for foil

Bellguard for épée

Speed of registering hits

Things to pay attention to when testing foil

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Don't miss out on our summer sale

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