« back | 12.03.2006: DARKLIGHT: INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR HAYCRAFT

:: AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR HAYCRAFT (DARKLIGHT DEVELOPEMENTS LTD.) ::

TRUTNEE:  Mr.Haycraft, how many sites in the world currently use DarkLight equipment? Are all of them using Version 5 of the equipment?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: There are currently 25 sites open, of which 21 use Version 5 and 4 are using Version 3 equipment. 2 more sites open in the USA in June. Further sites are planned for Ukraine and Kazakhstan very soon - details available soon

TRUTNEE: Concerning the equipment: from the player’s point of view one of the most attractive features of DarkLight equipment is the unique color light team indicators of the pack. Thanking to them there is no problem in detecting the team color of the pack even from a long distance and in the fog. But how durable these indicators are? The obtrusive clear plastic covering doesn’t look firm enough…

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: I GUARANTEE that the plastic domes we use (called Blobs) are almost indestructible. You can jump on them, hit them with a hammer, whatever you want. It is almost impossible to break them. They, like all our electronic housings, are made of polycarbonate which is what police riot-shields are made from. They are definitely tough enough!

At the IAAPA show in 2003 we dropped one of our BodySuits and Phasers from the 9th floor of a hotel onto concrete, in front of many independent witnesses - including the ILTA - to show how tough it was. From 9 floors it hit the concrete below - and the only thing that broke was the plastic clip that holds the battery in place...but it was still connected (just rattling around inside) and working!!! The entire suit was working fine - though a bit scratched!

How many laser game companies would let you drop one of their suits from 9 floors? We will do this test for anyone that wants to see it, too.

TRUTNEE: What other unique features are realized in DarkLight equipment?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: DarkLight was the first company in the world, in 1992, to use full radio polling in combination with a forward IR system. We also were the first company to provide a full text Liquid Crystal Display on the phaser, showing players all the information required for the game. Players can even see their rank adjust in real time as they play, as well the name of the person that they just tagged! One of the most common problems with laser tag equipment is that the cable that connects the gun and the suit fails, sue to poor design at both ends. Our unique new design completely eliminates this problem with a a special clamp system that prevents any stress being placed on the cable itself. It is again almost impossible to damage the cable.

TRUTNEE: Frankly speaking, I’ve never heard about any problems with your equipment. Yet, it is rather a complicated system, and I presume some faults may occur from time to time… Are there any problems, which are typical for DarkLight system?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: Well, nothing is perfect, but we have worked very carefully to design the equipment to be as free of problems as possible. Our Version 5 gear was created with the help of many of our established site operators. We asked them what they thought would make for a great system. We combined this information with our designer's knowledge and skill and the result was Version 5. Since we released it we have tried hard to eliminate any issues.

We have encountered a few small problems - for example the first vibrator motors we used within the Blobs were not as good as expected. This resulted in a number of failed motors at sites. We replaced all motors free of charge. We have had some problems also with the wires connecting the Blobs but we re-designed this and eliminated the problem. I would speculate that DarkLight has probably the lowest on-going maintenance costs of any laser game equipment in the world - but feel free to check with our sites for their impression.

Of course, regular checks by the staff will help avoid problems before they affect the customer. We are also developing some very clever diagnostic tools to further allow Owners to keep their equipment in perfect condition - I can provide more details about this soon.

TRUTNEE: When I was visiting a DarkLight site in the States, I sensed the smell of perspiration coming from the vests. What was the reason - was it caused by the arena staff (probably the guys were lazy enough to perform regular sanitization of the packs), or…? What type of the lining do you use in the vest, by the way? Does it absorb sweat?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: We use high-grade genuine leather, so it is a unique and stylish look - not like a toy as a lot of other companies produce. Like a good pair of shoes or leather jacket it should not really absorb the sweat too much. However, it is as you say, partly up to the staff to sanitize them with clean soapy water sometimes to assist in keeping them in good condition.

TRUTNEE: The Stalker site in Odessa (Ukraine) was the first arena to use a russianized DarkLight system. What about other languages - e.g., Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Belorussian, Swedish, and - probably - Mordovian? Shall the Buyer pay any additional fees for adding his national language to the system?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: We do not usually charge the customer for translation services. We usually work with the Customer to ensure that everything is translated correctly and this is usually included in the price. We can translate into any language and character set.

TRUTNEE: As a matter of interest: how much time will it take you to deliver the equipment when a Contract between DarkLight and Buyer is signed?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: As a standard lead time, we quote 10-12 weeks, though we aim to deliver in less if possible.

TRUTNEE: Training: as I know the usual practice is to send the operator’s staff to the UK for training. Yet, trip abroad may cause some inconvenience for the investors here (e.g., the necessity to obtain visas to enter your country, etc.). Is it possible to conduct training here, in the ex-USSR? Shall the Buyer pay for the training separately, or is its cost included into the system’s price?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: It is NOT our practice to require staff to come to the UK for training. When we provide a quote for equipment it includes our Engineer's labour for him to visit the site, install, commission and test the equipment and to conduct basic training on using the equipment and software, maintenance, etc. We usually spend about 3-4 days on-site doing all this and ensuring that the customer has no problems before he leaves.

The cost of the Engineer's flight, hotel and food is not normally included in the quote - we usually pay for the flight and invoice the customer separately, and ask him or her to pay directly for the hotel and food.

TRUTNEE: What are your plans concerning further expansion to the Eastern European countries?

ARTHUR HAYCRAFT: We are very keen to expand further across the Eastern European countries. I know that Laser Tag is increasingly popular and we believe that our unique system and games will keep us ahead of all the other companies in the world. We hope to bring it to as many countries as possible very soon!