Start recording on firearm discharge.

[lmasters]

I am attempting to use Audacity as a ballistics chronograph. how do you configure the program to start recording the instant the firearm is discharged?

[waxcylinder]

The later versions of 1.3 Audacity have new feature added called Sound Activated Recording. You can turn this on via Edit > Preferences > Smart Recording, just tick the check-box - you can set the sound activation level to trigger the recording.

I have not tried this feature myself - and am therefore unsure if it will respond/activate fast enough for your application. Interested in hearing your feedback on how well it works.

WC

[lmasters]

Thanks WC Ill try it at the range tomorrow and let you know.
Regards Lmasters

[lmasters]

Howdy WC.
I tried the Audacity software at the range today and it works fine except that I could not get it to start recording on sound activation. If you would like to read more on this subject then
the web page is. Measuring Bullet Velocity with a PC Soundcard http://arxiv.org/ftp/physics/papers/0601/0601102.pdf
Regards lmasters

[waxcylinder]

Hi Lmasters,

thanks for the feedback - and for the interesting linked article.

When you say "it worked fine", but you could not get Sound Activation to work - I assume that you just let Audacity run and then fired the firearm - getting your calibration numbers from the Audacity waveforms?

WC