Post by Jay Nistetter on Sept 9, 2003 11:37:23 GMT -5
This is somewhat cros-posting but what the hey. It answers one question about electronic callers. This is a re-cap od an outing with Rich Higgins.
CAUTION! The PreyMaster PlayStaion Does Not...Float.
I watched in horror as Higgins performed a field test only he could devise.
This Fear Factor Obstacle Course involved two AARP candidates carrying stools, guns, cameras, electronic callers and a flowing canal. The question is… How to get to the other side?
Entrusting my belongings to AARP candidate #2, I proceeded to hurl my lardass across the canal with amazing success whereupon I would be handed the aforementioned equipment.
AARP candidate #2 decided to lessen his load by casually tossing AARP candidate #1’s equipment into the flowing canal, to wit the words “Uh Oh” could be heard.
Not having the proper US Coast Guard approved floatation devices attached to my electronic caller, we quietly watched as the unit sank, replete with bubbles reminiscent of a Jaques Cousteau film clip.
With snail-like abandon, AARP Candidate #2 bravely entered the flowing waters penetrating the depths in attempt to retrieve the unit while claiming rights of salvage under Maritime Law.
AARP candidate #2 did retrieve the PreyMaster caller (which was renamed PrAyMaster) and proceeded to drain canal water from the unit. Having had experience with hand calls, AARP candidate #2 proceeded to blow the unit, which I found quite ironic.
Subsequently #2 attempted a leap across the canal, which confused me somewhat because of his wet nature after having already gone snorkeling just moments prior.
Not wanting to lose an opportunity of calling up a coyote or two, we continued on to make a stand. We were unsuccessful.
Upon heading back to the truck we encountered the canal obstacle once again whereupon I generously offered to hold #2’s video camera. The offer was refused.
We shook and patted the unit as best we could to help drain any remaining nuisance water and set it out to dry in the Arizona sun. Two hours later the ultimate test was about to begin. With great diligence, we replaced the four AA batteries with a fresh set. Gently pressing the on/off button, we received no response. We removed the heretofore Baptized sound card and replaced it with a fresh one. The unit came to life and after several voice trials we determined that the unit worked perfectly. The only casualty was one sound card but I think the contacts can be restored by rubbing them with a pencil eraser (although I have not tried yet).
The sounds on this unit are crisp, correct and more importantly devoid of electronic feedback as found in other units. Volume is more than sufficient for long distances which makes me wonder why there would be any need for any amplified attachment. My only guess would be that those requesting more volume must be calling in sustained 30 mph winds.
We did not call in any coyotes during our field trial, but there are a couple reasons as to why. (We did attempt a cat stand and managed to call up something behind #2 which acted suspicoiusly like a cat but we will never know.) Despite the set-backs, I feel that I am familiar enough with sounds and electronic callers to know that this is one impressively little unit.
Two sounds may be played at the same time as advertised. Operation of this unit requires that it be turned off and then back on to change to a completely different sound. The volume is controlled by repeatedly pushing the button for increasing and decreasing volume. Simply holding the button down only increases the volume one notch.
The clear plastic cases that protect the unused sound cards are a nuisance in that they collapse when empty, making it difficult to replace the cards. It reminded me somewhat of fiddling with the produce baggies at the grocery store.
If I were to suggest any improvements, I would say that the speaker jack is a little cheesy. The removable belt clip is fragile enough that with any extended use will find it missing or broken. To be handy, the unit would need to be placed on the outside of a heavy coat rather than confined to a belt. It would be nice to select from the vast list of available sounds for a custom sound card to meet individual needs.
The unit itself exceeds other units costing much more. Would I use it again? Without hesitation… besides I spent my own money on it.
What did I get out of this experience? I saw a look of total bewilderment on #2’s face and got to see him bobbing for callers in canal water. That alone was priceless.
CAUTION! The PreyMaster PlayStaion Does Not...Float.
I watched in horror as Higgins performed a field test only he could devise.
This Fear Factor Obstacle Course involved two AARP candidates carrying stools, guns, cameras, electronic callers and a flowing canal. The question is… How to get to the other side?
Entrusting my belongings to AARP candidate #2, I proceeded to hurl my lardass across the canal with amazing success whereupon I would be handed the aforementioned equipment.
AARP candidate #2 decided to lessen his load by casually tossing AARP candidate #1’s equipment into the flowing canal, to wit the words “Uh Oh” could be heard.
Not having the proper US Coast Guard approved floatation devices attached to my electronic caller, we quietly watched as the unit sank, replete with bubbles reminiscent of a Jaques Cousteau film clip.
With snail-like abandon, AARP Candidate #2 bravely entered the flowing waters penetrating the depths in attempt to retrieve the unit while claiming rights of salvage under Maritime Law.
AARP candidate #2 did retrieve the PreyMaster caller (which was renamed PrAyMaster) and proceeded to drain canal water from the unit. Having had experience with hand calls, AARP candidate #2 proceeded to blow the unit, which I found quite ironic.
Subsequently #2 attempted a leap across the canal, which confused me somewhat because of his wet nature after having already gone snorkeling just moments prior.
Not wanting to lose an opportunity of calling up a coyote or two, we continued on to make a stand. We were unsuccessful.
Upon heading back to the truck we encountered the canal obstacle once again whereupon I generously offered to hold #2’s video camera. The offer was refused.
We shook and patted the unit as best we could to help drain any remaining nuisance water and set it out to dry in the Arizona sun. Two hours later the ultimate test was about to begin. With great diligence, we replaced the four AA batteries with a fresh set. Gently pressing the on/off button, we received no response. We removed the heretofore Baptized sound card and replaced it with a fresh one. The unit came to life and after several voice trials we determined that the unit worked perfectly. The only casualty was one sound card but I think the contacts can be restored by rubbing them with a pencil eraser (although I have not tried yet).
The sounds on this unit are crisp, correct and more importantly devoid of electronic feedback as found in other units. Volume is more than sufficient for long distances which makes me wonder why there would be any need for any amplified attachment. My only guess would be that those requesting more volume must be calling in sustained 30 mph winds.
We did not call in any coyotes during our field trial, but there are a couple reasons as to why. (We did attempt a cat stand and managed to call up something behind #2 which acted suspicoiusly like a cat but we will never know.) Despite the set-backs, I feel that I am familiar enough with sounds and electronic callers to know that this is one impressively little unit.
Two sounds may be played at the same time as advertised. Operation of this unit requires that it be turned off and then back on to change to a completely different sound. The volume is controlled by repeatedly pushing the button for increasing and decreasing volume. Simply holding the button down only increases the volume one notch.
The clear plastic cases that protect the unused sound cards are a nuisance in that they collapse when empty, making it difficult to replace the cards. It reminded me somewhat of fiddling with the produce baggies at the grocery store.
If I were to suggest any improvements, I would say that the speaker jack is a little cheesy. The removable belt clip is fragile enough that with any extended use will find it missing or broken. To be handy, the unit would need to be placed on the outside of a heavy coat rather than confined to a belt. It would be nice to select from the vast list of available sounds for a custom sound card to meet individual needs.
The unit itself exceeds other units costing much more. Would I use it again? Without hesitation… besides I spent my own money on it.
What did I get out of this experience? I saw a look of total bewilderment on #2’s face and got to see him bobbing for callers in canal water. That alone was priceless.
