Radio controllers have revolutionised clay shooting, offering shooters enhanced flexibility, safety, and control over target release. By eliminating the constraints of wired systems, radio controllers facilitate seamless course adjustments and a more dynamic shooting experience. Promatic, a leading provider in this domain, offers a comprehensive range of radio controllers tailored to various clay shooting disciplines.

Understanding Radio Controllers in Clay Shooting

In traditional clay shooting setups, target release mechanisms were often tethered by wires, limiting mobility and adaptability. Radio controllers address these limitations by utilising wireless technology to communicate between the shooter's handset and the trap machines. This wireless communication ensures that shooters can position themselves optimally without being restricted by physical connections, thereby enhancing both the strategic and practical aspects of the sport.

Advantages of Using Radio Controllers

1. Enhanced Mobility – Without the need for cables, shooters can move freely across the shooting ground, selecting positions that best replicate real-life hunting scenarios.

2. Quick Course Modifications – Wireless systems allow for rapid adjustments to trap positions and shooting angles, enabling organisers to modify courses efficiently to suit different skill levels or training objectives.

3. Improved Safety – The absence of trailing wires reduces tripping hazards, creating a safer environment for both shooters and spectators.

4. Solo Shooting Capability – Many modern radio controllers come equipped with solo delay features, permitting individual shooters to practice without the need for an assistant to release targets.

Promatic's Range of Radio Controllers

Promatic offers a diverse selection of radio controllers designed to meet the specific needs of various clay shooting disciplines. Their product line includes:

• Standard Single Channel Radio – Ideal for controlling a single trap, this controller is perfect for straightforward shooting setups.

• Standard Twin Channel Radio – Designed for A and B pairs, this controller manages two traps simultaneously, offering versatility for more complex shooting scenarios.

• DTL/ABT Controllers – Tailored for Down The Line (DTL) and Automatic Ball Trap (ABT) disciplines, these controllers provide precise control over trap operations, ensuring consistency and reliability during competitions.

Each of these standard controllers is supplied with the necessary receivers and includes a Promatic pocket light/magnet tool for easy activation.

GMS Range: Advanced Features for the Discerning Shooter

For shooters seeking advanced functionalities, Promatic's Ground Management System (GMS) range offers several enhanced features:

• Wireless Recharging – GMS handsets are equipped with wireless recharging capabilities, ensuring that controllers are always ready for use without the hassle of replacing batteries.

• Voice-Activated Solo Delay – This feature allows shooters to initiate target release through voice commands, facilitating hands-free operation and enabling solo practice sessions without additional assistance.

• Compatibility with Claymate III GMS – The GMS controllers seamlessly integrate with the Claymate III system, providing a cohesive and efficient shooting experience.

Highlighted Products

Promatic's commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse product offerings. Notable products include:

• Pigeon Key Fob – Designed as an accessory for the Promatic Pigeon trap, this key fob radio enables remote activation, adding convenience to personal shooting setups.

• SP4/SP8 Radio (Claymate 3) – Featuring a modern membrane keypad, this controller is available in 4 or 8-button configurations, allowing control over multiple traps with ease.

• Sporting 8 Channel Radio – Equipped with solo delay functionality, this controller can manage up to eight traps, making it ideal for complex sporting layouts.

• Skeet Radio – Specifically engineered for skeet shooting, this controller can fire two individual traps or release them simultaneously as a pair, accommodating various training and competition requirements.

• ABT Radio – Providing automatic control over trap rotation and elevation directly from the handset, this controller enhances the shooter's ability to adjust target presentations swiftly.

Integration with Acoustic Controllers

In addition to radio controllers, Promatic provides acoustic release systems designed to cater to disciplines such as Olympic Trap, Universal Trench, Skeet, Doubles, DTL, ABT, and Compak. These systems utilise microphones and referee boxes to detect auditory cues, ensuring precise and timely target releases. Depending on the specific discipline, Promatic supplies complete packages that include the necessary cables, microphones (ranging from 5 to 8 units), and referee boxes, ensuring a comprehensive solution for shooting grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Radio Controllers for Clay Shooting

Q1: What are the benefits of using radio controllers over traditional wired systems in clay shooting?

A1: Radio controllers provide significant advantages over traditional wired systems. Firstly, they allow shooters to move freely across the shooting ground without being limited by cables, ensuring greater flexibility in positioning. Additionally, the ability to make quick course modifications means that shooting layouts can be adjusted efficiently, which is particularly beneficial in training or competitive environments. Safety is also improved as the absence of wires reduces the risk of tripping hazards. Furthermore, many radio controllers come equipped with solo delay features, enabling shooters to train alone without requiring another person to release the targets. These features contribute to a more convenient, adaptable, and safe shooting experience.

Q2: Are Promatic's radio controllers compatible with all trap machines?

A2: Promatic's radio controllers are specifically designed to work with their own range of clay pigeon traps. However, they may also be compatible with other brands, depending on the frequency and transmission settings used. It is always recommended to check with Promatic before attempting to integrate a radio controller with non-Promatic traps. By ensuring compatibility, shooters can optimise their shooting experience with reliable and responsive control over their target release mechanisms.

Q3: How does the solo delay feature work?

A3: The solo delay function is an essential feature for individual shooters. It allows a shooter to activate the trap with a delay, typically between 3 to 5 seconds, so they have enough time to mount their gun before the target is released. This feature is especially useful for training purposes, enabling solo shooters to practice independently without needing another person to operate the trap.

Q4: Are radio controllers weatherproof?

A4: Many Promatic radio controllers are designed to withstand outdoor conditions. However, while they are built for durability, prolonged exposure to rain or extreme weather can affect performance. It is always recommended to store controllers properly and use protective covers when necessary to ensure long-term reliability.

Q5: Can multiple shooters use different radio controllers on the same shooting ground?

A5: Yes, Promatic’s radio controllers are designed to function without interference from other controllers operating on the same range. They utilise unique frequency coding to prevent cross-interference, allowing multiple shooters to operate different traps simultaneously without technical issues. This makes them ideal for both individual practice sessions and group training events.