Hog Splitter Pro - Precision Stopwatch for Curling

About Hog Splitter Pro

Hog Splitter Pro is a revolutionary stopwatch crafted specifically for curlers. My mission was to create a tool that meets the unique timing needs of the sport with simplicity and efficiency.

Capture back-to-hog and hog-to-hog times for the same shot with just three button presses.
Completely stateless design - no resets or modes to confuse you, and no annoying alarms.
A large, glanceable history of times - no scrolling or cycling required.

Unlike other stopwatches on the market, Hog Splitter Pro combines all these features into one elegant device.

The Prototype

Built using a programmable microcontroller with an e-ink display, the Hog Splitter Pro prototype is housed in a custom 3D-printed ergonomic design.

How It Works

Single Button Control: Press either top button to update the large display with the time between the two most recent presses. (The two buttons function identically, provided for ergonomics.)
History Display: View up to 6 lines of timing history, split into two columns - times under 5.5 seconds (likely back-to-hog) on the left, and longer times (likely hog-to-hog) on the right.
Paired Timing: Back-to-hog and hog-to-hog times from the same shot pair up on the same row for easy correlation.
Smart Filtering: Times over 20 seconds are shown on the main display but not saved to history. Times over 30 seconds are not displayed at all.

Current Limitations

As a prototype developed quickly, Hog Splitter Pro has a few areas for improvement:

Battery Life:

Lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, sufficient for an 8-end game, but requires recharging via USB-C before each game.

Durability:

While functional after a month of use, long-term durability is untested. The e-paper display may be sensitive to UV light or high temperatures (e.g., in a hot car).

Display Refresh:

The e-paper display refreshes only on button press, taking about half a second. This has not been an issue in for play testers, but some may find it bothersome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reset it?

You don't. Hog Splitter Pro is designed to be stateless with no need for a reset button.

How long does it take to charge?

About 2-3 hours via USB-C.

How much does it cost?

Currently, it's not for sale. Parts cost approximately $40 USD per unit, though this may vary with recent US-China tariffs.

Special Thanks

A special thank you to Derek Corbett for his invaluable help with 3D CAD design and playtesting.

I also extend my gratitude to Drew Tingen for brainstorming ideas and contributing to playtesting.

Next Steps

We're eager to partner with a curling supplies company to refine Hog Splitter Pro. By moving to a custom-designed device, we aim to enhance battery life, durability, and overall performance.

If you have connections in electronics manufacturing or are interested in collaboration, please get in touch!

Get in Touch

Have questions or want to collaborate? Reach out through the following channels:

Email: curl@tgau.me

Discord: @trevorsg