BQTournament Computer-Based Buzzer System

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I have created a computer-based buzzer system designed to reduce errors made by buzzer operators, timekeepers, and scorekeepers. The system plugs into a computer's usb port, and works directly with the BQTournament software.

Windows XP and Windows Vista users: the default polling rate for the buzzer system with these operating systems is 8ms. To get a 1ms polling rate (faster response rate), see notes below.

Buzzer System Features

  • Can have a **1 millisecond response rate (default rate is 8ms).
  • Handheld switches attach to and detach from the system using rca jacks. It is possible to attach handles from the current buzzer systems, or to make your own for use with the system.
  • Automatically buzzes then calls out the color and number of the first quizzer who buzzed in (eliminates error of a daydreaming or color-blind buzzer operator)
  • Calls out "interruption" as needed (using the quizmaster's handheld button - the quizmaster presses the button if the question is interrupted)
  • Automatically starts the 30 second timer at exactly the right moment (eliminates timekeeping errors)

Buzzer Description
Buzzer Handle
Buzzer Status
  • Displays the time that the first quizzer buzzes in, and displays the thousandths of milliseconds later that other quizzers hit the button - coaches can see how close quizzers are hitting
  • Accurately determines whether a quizzer buzzes in before the 5 second timer expires (eliminates error and prevents time from being called as a quizzer responds)
  • Within BQTournament, automatically selects the first quizzer who buzzed in (eliminates error of giving the credit to the wrong quizzer)
  • BQTournament automatically clears the buzzer appropriately as the questions advance (eliminates error of forgetting to clear the buzzer)
  • Eliminates the need for a buzzer operator, while at the same time makes the scorekeeper/timekeeper's job easier

Notes: ** The 1 millisecond response rate is automatic in Windows 98. For more recent Windows-based operating systems, such as XP and Vista, the default usb hid driver rate is 8 milliseconds. To increase the polling rate for the buzzer system to 1ms, you must change the polling rate for your usb hid driver. Note that these changes to the OS have the potential to corrupt your operating system, so follow the directions closely and understand that you make these changes at your own risk.

For Windows XP, correct the polling rate by downloading and running this utility.

For Windows Vista, the change is harder to make. Find directions here. Note that this link has recently changed and is applicable even through the latest Vista service pack release. When you follow these directions, be sure to have your buzzer system plugged into a usb port so that the hidusbf setup.exe program will recognize it.

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