Product Overview
The PACT Club Timer III is our most popular product, trusted by shooters worldwide for its reliability and versatility. This comprehensive knowledge base article combines information from the product manual, product page, and our existing support documentation to provide you with everything you need to know about your Club Timer III.
Key Features
- A Display You Can Read - The purpose-built display tells you everything you need to know about your shot string at a glance. Shot Number and Total Time are highlighted with FIRST SHOT and last SPLIT displayed with no button pushing required.
- A Buzzer You Can Hear - We developed our own custom buzzer that's significantly louder than standard commercial buzzers, ensuring you can hear it clearly even in noisy environments.
- Ergonomic Design - The Club Timer III is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, with the buzzer and microphone located to the side of the timer to minimize the possibility of blocking them.
- Recessed Control Buttons - All control buttons are recessed below the top of the timer to prevent accidental presses while running, yet positioned to fall naturally under your fingers.
- Keypad - Our custom-sealed conductive rubber keypad is waterproof with no mechanical switches to fail at critical moments.
Technical Specifications
- Power: Standard 9V battery
- Battery Life: Approximately 20-30 hours of active use
- Auto Power-Off: After 15 minutes of inactivity
- Maximum PAR Time: 99.99 seconds
- Price: $129.95
Basic Operation
Turn Timer On/Off
Press any button to turn the timer on. It will turn off when you press GO and RVW together, or automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Timer Mode
When you turn the timer on, there are no shots in memory; it will display a "bouncing ball" on the right side to let you know it's working.
DELAY or INSTANT will be lit, telling you whether there will be a delay of 2 to 3.5 seconds after you release the GO button for the buzzer to sound, or if the buzzer will sound instantly upon release of the GO button. If a PAR time has been entered it will be also displayed.
Press and release the GO button. The buzzer will sound and the TIME will start counting up. Each time a shot is fired the shot # will increment, the shot time (last shot fired) and split time will be displayed. In addition, the FIRST SHOT time will be displayed on the lower left of the display – unless a PAR time is entered.
Pressing GO will clear the current string and start a new string.
Review Mode
Assuming you've recorded some shots, pressing RVW will get you into Review Mode. Each time you press RVW the timer will increment to the next shot and display the time of that shot, and split from the previous shot.
The UP/DOWN arrows will let you scroll forward and backward through your shots. Any time you press GO in Review Mode the timer will jump to Timer Mode and start a new string.
Advanced Features and Settings
Set Mode
Set Mode is used to switch between DELAY or INSTANT go, and enter or clear a PAR time.
To enter Set Mode press and release the UP/DOWN arrows together. You'll see that SET appears, and DELAY and INSTANT are alternating. Press the UP arrow (toward the display) to freeze it on DELAY. Press the DOWN arrow to freeze it on INSTANT.
After you've set DELAY or INSTANT, PAR will begin to flash. If you do not want to enter a PAR time just press GO.
Setting PAR Time
To enter a PAR time press RVW. The current PAR time (if any) will appear with the hundredths number flashing. Use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the number you want.
Press RVW to accept the number and move to the left (tenths, ones, tens).
When you have the complete par time entered, press GO to jump back to Timer Mode. Note that PAR is now lit and the time you entered is now displayed in the lower left corner.
When a PAR time is used the FIRST SHOT feature is disabled. The SPLIT time of the first shot after the PAR is the time from the PAR buzzer to the shot. It is the amount over time, not the time between shots.
SHORTCUT: A quick way to clear a PAR time is to enter Set Mode, set your INSTANT/DELAY, then press GO. No need to set everything back to zero.
PAR Time Limitation
The Club Timer III's PAR time maxes out at 99.99 seconds. For longer PAR times (up to 999.99 seconds), consider the MKIV XP Timer/Chronograph.
Maintenance and Adjustments
Adjusting Sensitivity
With the proliferation of action shooting disciplines, the sensitivity of the microphone has become an issue. Set too sensitive, the timer will pick up shot echoes or even its own buzzer. Not sensitive enough and it can miss shots, a real problem with the low power rounds.
We have included an adjustment located in the corner of the battery compartment. However, we strongly recommend that you do NOT mess with it unless necessary.
If adjustment is needed:
- Locate the white plastic adjustment screw in the corner beneath the battery compartment.
- Turn it 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn clockwise to increase sensitivity or counterclockwise to decrease it.
Replacing Battery
It's best to change the battery with the timer on to ensure that it resets properly when the new battery is installed. Should the time lock into off mode when you install a new battery, just remove the battery and let the timer sit for a few minutes to dissipate the internal charge.
Always use a fresh, fully charged 9V battery (recently purchased). Low voltage can cause erratic behavior.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Power Issues (Unit Turns On/Off Unexpectedly)
Battery Terminal DIY Fix:
If the CT3 powers on and off inconsistently:
- Open the battery door and remove the 9V battery.
- Locate the two metal battery terminal tabs.
- Use string (e.g., floss or fishing line) to gently pull the tabs inward, bending them toward the battery for a tighter connection.
Battery Clip DIY Repair:
If the terminals are bent flat:
- Remove the battery and unscrew the four housing screws on the back.
- Carefully separate the two halves (wires will still connect them) and lay them flat.
- In the battery compartment, bend the spring clips outward slightly with your finger—use finesse, not force, to avoid breaking them.
- Reassemble, ensuring no wires are pinched, and replace the screws and battery.
- Repeat if more tension is needed, but avoid over-bending.
Battery and Sensitivity Problems
Battery Check: Use a fresh, fully charged 9V battery (recently purchased). Low voltage can cause erratic behavior.
Adjusting Sensitivity: If the CT3 picks up too many "shots" or misses them, follow the sensitivity adjustment instructions in the Maintenance section.
Airsoft Compatibility
The CT3 is designed for live rounds but can detect airsoft guns, depending on their decibel level and proximity. For best results, position the timer close to the airsoft gun. We often test functionality with airsoft guns in close range.
Repair Options
If troubleshooting doesn't resolve your issue (e.g., persistent power or sensitivity problems), we offer a repair service. For full details, including shipping instructions and costs, visit our Repair Service.
If you purchased your CT3 directly from us within the last year, the repair fee may be waived—contact us to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last?
A standard 9V battery typically lasts 20-30 hours of active use in the Club Timer III.
Can I use the Club Timer III for airsoft?
Yes, the Club Timer III can detect airsoft guns, though performance depends on their decibel level. Position the timer close to the airsoft gun for best results.
What's the maximum PAR time?
The Club Timer III supports PAR times up to 99.99 seconds. If you need longer PAR times (up to 999.99 seconds), consider our MKIV XP Timer/Chronograph.
How do I clear a PAR time?
The quickest way is to enter Set Mode (press UP/DOWN arrows together), set your INSTANT/DELAY preference, then press GO without entering a PAR time.
My timer turns on and off inconsistently. What should I do?
This is typically a battery connection issue. Try the Battery Terminal DIY Fix or Battery Clip DIY Repair outlined in the Troubleshooting section.
Support and Contact
Need help with these steps or have other questions? Reach out to us—we're here to assist. Want your own Club Timer III? You can purchase it directly from our site for $129.95.
For additional support resources, visit PACT.com.
Thank you for choosing PACT, Inc. and making the Club Timer III our most popular product!