Shooting Target Impact Signal System Bullet Hit Sensor Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: Equu-Pulse Company
Product Name: Target Impact Signal System III
Model Number: DK8-001-III
UPC: 847628010260
Price As Tested: $170 (targetimpactsignal.com)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Equu-Pulse Company.

Firing a bullet out to extreme distances with precision accuracy has been the primary goal for sharpshooters since the rifle was first introduced. Modern military training produces lethal snipers skilled with deadly aim that can hit key targets located so far away the shot goes unheard. Long-range shooting requires sharp skills and a high degree of understand to be proficient, but it requires repetitive target practice to ever become effective. To become well practiced it’s necessary to know if a shot hits its target, at distances where sight and sound of bullet impact fail to register. This is where the Target Impact Signal System aids shooters by flashing a strobe signal back to the shooter whenever a bullet hits its mark.

In this article we field test the Target Impact Signal System III, model DK8-001-III, at ranges beyond 1500 yards. A product of Equu-Pulse Company and Spencer Instrumentation, Inc., the Target Impact Signal System (TISS) is comprised of a Bolt VS-210 strobe flash unit, target box sensor unit, fastening tape, and 20-foot target box flash sync cable. These systems are typically offered in one of three configurations, with flash strobe light strength increasing with each version. The DK8-001-III model received for testing will be tested in bright sunny light at extreme long-range distances, with tips included on how to improve results and feedback.

• Power: 2 AA 1.5v batteries
• Time to first flash, Position 1: 6 sec.
• Time to next flash < than 6 sec
• Time to first flash, Position 2: 8 sec
• Time to next flash: < than .5 sec
• Time to first flash, Position 3: 8 sec
• Time to next flash: < than 1 sec
• Flash visible to: > 1400 meters (1531 yards / 0.87 mile)

The strobe flash unit on Target Impact Signal System III is comprised of a Bolt VS-210 Mini On-Camera Flash ($39.99 Amazon). VS-210 features a Guide Number (GN) strength of 72ft (22m) @ 100 ISO, which the manufacturer rates as visible to 1400 meters (1531 yards). Flash duration is between 1/2000~1/40,000 of one second, depending on the selected power setting. Shooters wanting to improve flash strobe visibility have some options available to them, since this system uses relatively standard components. At the back of the VS-210 flash that comes with the TISS-III kit is a 2.5mm off-camera sync socket, which is a requirement for replacement flash modules.

The VS-210 flash utilizes two AA batteries, and can accept standard Alkaline, or rechargeable Nickel-metal Hydride and Lithium battery types. Alkaline batteries are good for up to 100 flashes, and Nickel-metal Hydride and Lithium batteries may offer extended use.

The flash offers three power modes, numbered 1-2-3. Position 1 will provide a maximum discharge flash every 15 seconds, and is ideal for bright daylight settings with long delays between flashes. Position 2 delivers multiple brief flash discharges, and is ideal for rapid or repeated impacts. Position 3 can provide a single short flash discharge approximately every 2 seconds, and is ideal for fast-paced impact signaling.

The DK8-002 target box bullet-strike sensor unit is a custom device manufactured by Equu-Pulse Company, and contains a simple vibration sensor (shake sensor) attached to a female 2.5mm plug receptacle and embedded in solid epoxy. Incredibly simple by design, yet extremely effective and unlikely to ever fail under normal use.

The epoxy-filled Target Box is made of extremely durable construction, practically formed solid, yet remains sensitive enough to trigger the flash strobe with just a slight tap on the housing.

Equu-Pulse offers several related accessories for their Target Impact Signal Systems, including additional Target Box sensors and cable splitters. Some of the items are proprietary while others are off-the-shelf, so it benefits you to shop around.

Testing the Equu-Pulse Target Impact Signal System is as easy as pulling the trigger and then watching for the flash, with some distance thrown in for effect. But of course, that’s now how we do things around here. I tested the TISS-III kit using three different settings: long-range slow fire, automatic rapid fire, and medium-range semi-automatic repeated fire. Each test was conducted using different calibers, which are discussed below.

The full-flash test was conducted at several long distance intervals, ending at 1.0 mile (1609 meters / 1760 yards). Using a competition rifle with custom-built ammunition in .260 Remington, a 140 grain Hornady Match BTHP bullet was fired every fifteen seconds at the target. This test is intended to confirm full recharge/discharge of the flash every 15 seconds for mode position 1.

The rapid-flash test was conducted using a fully automatic M16A2 service rifle, firing Federal XM193 ammunition at the target 50 yards away. This test is intended to confirm rapid flash every second for mode position 2.

The quick-flash test utilized a semi-automatic rifle with custom-built ammunition in .223 Remington, and repeatedly fired 68 grain Hornady Match BTHP bullets every two seconds at the target 100 yards away. This test is intended to confirm quick discharge of the flash every two seconds for mode position 3.

Full discharge (mode 1) flash tests were confirmed with impacts every 15 seconds or longer. The Bolt VS-210 flash is rated at GN 72, so it’s among the brighter strobes available. The capacitor that charges between flashes is largely dependent on the strength of AA batteries installed, so as the batteries are drained the flash recharge time may be increased.

On a bright day with the sun overhead, the TISS-III flash can be seen up to approximately 1500 yards or better. At far-reaching distances the flash begins to appear like a bright white speck against the background, so it’s ideal to place it in front of a large dark area if possible. Having the sun shining towards the strobe makes it more difficult to spot flashes, but not impossible. I discovered that a large square tin (or similar metal container) laid on its side with the Target Impact Signal System positioned inside provided excellent protection from bullet fragments, and also shaded the flash from sunshine while focusing the strobe light towards my shooting position.

Rapid-flash (mode 2) tests were confirmed with several bullet impacts per second, using a fully automatic rifle. To be honest, it was both a challenge to hit the small gong target in full-auto mode as much as it was difficult to count the rapid flashes. In the competition environment someone else will be observing for score, but it’s not realistic to expect an accurate hit count in this rapid flash mode.

Quick-flash (mode 3) testing is ideal for most recreational shooter, since the partially-charged strobe flash is still bright enough to be seen for hundreds of yards. Without the aid of optics, I was able to observe the flash to approximately 600 yards in full sunlight. At 100-200 yards, the TISS-III flash was very easy to see as impacts registered about every two seconds in quick succession.
The Target Impact Signal System was developed by a competitive shooter, for shooters, so it should surprise nobody that the TISS-III (DK8-001-III) kit performed extremely well with very few possible suggestions. At first I had doubted the small flexible tripod that comes with the kit, thinking it would be useless. As it turned out, the 20-foot sync cord allowed the flash unit to be position far away from the target which allowed a choice of unobstructed placements. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Equu-Pulse Company replaces the sync cable with a wireless transmitter and receiver.

Positioning the TISS is important, since it becomes difficult to see a distant strobe of light when the sun is shining directly at the flash unit. Regardless of distance, the square cookie tin I used to contain the TISS-III worked to both further protect the hardware and also improve flash visibility.

While the tin box was helpful in shading the flash, the unpolished walls of the canister did only a modest job of concentrating and focusing the strobe’s light towards the observer. For most applications, a simple cardboard box will provide the shade needed in bright settings. However, for ultra long-range shooters (which I consider anything beyond 1000 yards) the polished sides of the enclosure would really help reflect the light back and improve visual feedback. Tin doesn’t take well to polishing, at least not enough to produce a mirror finish, so some experimenting may be necessary.

For long-range shooters hitting targets with little to no visible register of impact, a target hit indicator like the TISS unit becomes critical. I originally discovered the Target Impact Signal System when searching for a solution for spotting impacts on a stationary hillside target located nearly 900 yards away and painted white. At that distance, it became extremely difficult to witness impacts for score… especially on bright sunny days. Now there will be little doubt, since a bright white flash will indicate target impact and supplement and bullet splatter or dust.

The TISS-III kit is ready to work in stock form, but I would advise some additional investments. First would be a replacement flash, since the Bolt VS-210 ($39.99 Amazon) is one of the very few remaining units with a sync terminal built in. The only other options I found offered a weaker Guide Number (GN) strength (less than 72 ft/100 ISO), or cost much more than a small increase would be worth. The next item would be a reflective can/box to focus the flash and improve visability, but add a level of protection to the hardware as well.

RATING DISCLAIMER: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, be advised that every author perceives these factors differently. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer revisions that occur after publication which could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on this conclusion, as it represents our rating specifically for the product tested which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

The first area graded is performance. Bolt’s VS-210 flash unit is among the most powerful you’ll find, especially for it’s price range. In our field tests, a bright white flash of light from the strobe was observed without optical aid at approximately 1500 yards (0.87 miles) away. At that distance, a manhole cover looks like a grain of sand… if you’re using magnified optics. The fact that a flash could be seen with the naked eye at that range is impressive, but also reassuring that it won’t be a problem with scopes. Things get even better with a shade box or reflective enclosure for the flash unit.

Appearance is a subjective matter, especially for a product like the TISS-III. At first, I wasn’t so sure about the mini-tripod that comes bundled with the kit. After testing the kit and finding that it was all I needed, the little tripod began to grow on me. It wasn’t until I was fitting the flash unit into a reflective container that I became grateful for the compact size of the standing unit. The flash and target box are as sexy as they need to be, and I’m pleased with the overall looks of the kit.

Construction gets high marks, primarily because of how durable the Target Box sensor unit is built. I’m not going to get into proprietary details, but that sensor is not likely to ever fail in 100 years of normal operation. The flash and sync cable, on the other hand, will definitely wear down and fail at some point before then. Camera flash units do not typically last forever, although most have been rated to beyond 10,000 fully-charged strobe flashes (more with lower-power discharges). For long-range shooting, that lifespan is going to be much longer than necessary. Of course, a bullet fragment can cut down the life of the flash and sync cord in an instant.

In terms of functionality, the Target Impact Signal System III has been designed to offer something for all shooting styles: slow or fast, short or long. In fact, the unit is ready to power on and start sending hit reports right out of the box. There are wireless accessories available to expand the system, but my suggestion would be to add a square tin container to improve visibility at ultra-long distances while providing additional protection to the flash unit. The manufacturer suggests metal conduit pipe to protect the sync cable from damage.

Before researching the TISS-III kit, $170 (model DK8-001-III, direct from targetimpactsignal.com) it seemed like a really good deal, and it is, depending on your skill level with electronics. I’m a highly technical person, so it would be misleading to say that someone with above-average electronics skill couldn’t put together the same kit for around $100 and a few hours of time. But I realize that not everyone has these skills, or the spare time to research, design, and build the kit themselves. Taking this all into consideration I rate the value as good, for a solid product that comes with tech support, repair service, and a one-year warranty.

Summary: Equu-Pulse Company has a winner on their hands, for two reasons: 1) there’s no other active target impact signaling solution that compares, and 2) the TISS kit solves a lot of problems for a relatively small cost. Aside from two AA batteries the Target Impact Signal System III requires no upkeep or maintenance, and if you have a solar panel it might cost you a dime to keep some batteries charged and ready for the range. I really enjoyed testing this product, and highly recommend it to shooters wanting immediately-visible bullet hit feedback – especially long-range shooters.

+ Outstanding visible range for flash strobe
+ Three-function flash for all firing modes
+ Very sensitive yet durable target sensor
+ Plenty of cord to place flash in safe location
+ Extremely valuable tool for long-range shooters

– Flash and sync cord may require shielding
– May be built for less using standard electronics

• Performance: 9.50
• Appearance: 8.75
• Construction: 9.25
• Functionality: 9.75
• Value: 7.75

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: What kind of shooting would you use the TISS-III kit for?