What is the purpose of the Black Boxes NCAA Officials wear during games?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Whereas I'd bet we'll all be magically stopping the clock with our whistles, even on the high school level, sooner rather than later, I can see a just as great a benefit being able to have the clock started by an official at precisely the proper time.
Seems there are just as many unfortunate instances of the timer not starting the clock properly as vice versa.
Do you think that will be coming down the pike someday? Will we have to add "little black boxes" to our Christmas list, right below "air needle" and "keeps-the-shirt-from-coming-out-of-your-pants rubber belt with knobbies all over"?

Well the problem is that these devices are very expensive. And with the financial trouble out country is in or the many school districts across the country, I do not think we will ever see this as a mainstay across the country in the coming years. Colleges make millions, they can afford thousands of dollars for a device that will decide who will make more millions.

Peace

[refguy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Well the problem is that these devices are very expensive. And with the financial trouble out country is in or the many school districts across the country, I do not think we will ever see this as a mainstay across the country in the coming years. Colleges make millions, they can afford thousands of dollars for a device that will decide who will make more millions.

Peace

The system costs about a grand and the batteries cost about $200 a season. The guy makes all his money on the batteries every year. (His batteries are specialized for the system.)

[BktBallRef]

Unless Mike has drastically reduced the price, it's closer to $2500. The batteries are a huge issue. Each set lasts about two games before needing replacement. The batteries are available from other vendors at lower prices but you agree to buy them from PTS. I know of two schools that got tired of the expense and sent it back.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Unless Mike has drastically reduced the price, it's closer to $2500. The batteries are a huge issue. Each set lasts about two games before needing replacement. The batteries are available from other vendors at lower prices but you agree to buy them from PTS. I know of two schools that got tired of the expense and sent it back.

I took a look at their website and immediately suspected that the batteries would be proprietary. There's nothing like residual income. . .

[eyezen]

That website is definitely updated at some value < c