CCM3 - What You Need To Know

CCM3 is finally here! You can visit the Predator website to download the software at any time. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the new software and features.

Before you install, please review these recommended requirements:
Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP 2, Windows 7
Intel/AMD 2Ghz (or equivalent) Processor
1 GB RAM
5GB Hard disk space

Updating CCM3 - It is suggest that you run the CCM3 launcher every few weeks before using the CCM.  Select the update file if available and then click to install. This will ensure that your version is the most recent. You can check the version of your software by looking at the lower right hand corner of the CCM3. We will announce new updates when they are available.

Updating your guns - Now that you have CCM3 installed, be sure to update all of your guns. CCM3 is designed to work with 4 battery units ONLY. Two battery guns WILL NOT WORK with CCM3. Your equipment needs to be updated to work properly and CCM3 is bundled with the latest gun software. Updating can be done in the Setup menu of the CCM. To update, your guns must be synced. The process is the same as it was in CCM2 once the update starts.

You no longer have to create a field account on predatorgames.net or log in to use the CCM. You can simply open the program, sync your equipment, and begin playing. It is suggested that you still enter your field information (Field Setup button) so that it shows up on reports.

You do NOT have to uninstall CCM2 to install and use CCM3. We recommend leaving CCM2 on your computer for a period of time until you become comfortable with CCM3. We don't want to ruin potential customer experiences! However, you can ONLY RUN ONE VERSION OF THE CCM at one time. The same CCM module is used for both programs. CCM2 will no longer be updated, but will be supported through the end of 2013.

A complete video tutorial series on CCM3 is available on our Youtube page.

You can download the CCM3 Quickstart guide for reference.

Getting a Grant for Your Business

Perhaps the biggest challenge to opening or expanding a laser tag center is having enough start up cash or funding! Not only do you need to buy the Predator Games laser tag system, but you also must pay for employees, a location or transportation method, bunkers, equipment, and more. Chances are, you have secured a small business loan to get started, but there are other methods for raising cash that you should explore.

A great option that many new business owners are exploring are state and local grants. Grant amounts can range from $500 all the way up to many thousands of dollars, and are preferred over loans since you don't have to pay them back. It depends on the size and scope of your community. The quickest way to find out if your area offers anything like this is to do a quick Google search or visit your local Chamber of Commerce. Sometimes your local Chamber will hold a contest asking all business owners to submit their ideas so the public can vote on who get's the funding in the end. Several Predator Games users have done this in the past and won! Communities always want more in the way of entertainment.

Business owners can also write their local, state, and federal representatives to see if they are aware of any funding available for grants and loans in your area. The economy might be tight right now, but funding is there for those willing to seek it out. My Three Sons, an indoor laser tag facility in Connecticut, recently accepted a grant after applying to the Small Business Express Program in their area. 

If you need any help or info in pursuing a small business grant or any type of funding, please contact us at social@predatorgames.com. We love seeing our users continue to grow.

Summer Operator Tour

Predator Games is seeking fields in the Midwest to visit this summer, in an effort to discuss laser tag with operators and hear their thoughts. Service and help will also be provided during the visit if the field needs it. We want to see how things are going and learn how your laser tag business is improving!

A rep from Predator will make a summer long effort for these visits, with tools and camera in hand. The fields that are visited will not only be promoted on this blog and Facebook, but also in promotional videos across the internet. Fields have the chance for loads of publicity! Your field will be video taped and staff interviewed. As an added bonus, any service or training you require on your systems will also be done during the visit.

If you or your field want to be visited, send an email to social@predatorgames.com. We can't guarantee that we will visit every field that submits a request, but we will try out best. Fields participating must use Predator Games laser tag systems and sign a photo release form for each person on camera. Please mention a preferred date, but know that scheduling must be flexible.

We can't wait to meet you if we haven't already!

Round 6: Meet the President - Rick Jensen

Great products and ideas start in the mind of a creative and inventive person. Meet Rick Jensen, the creator and owner of Predator Games (and also irTactical). Rick's background in electronics since the age of 16 and his degree from UW-Whitewater have helped him become the executive vice president of Universal Electronics, Inc (UEI) in 2001. He oversees all aspects of the company and keeps things running like a well-oiled machine. UEI is a complete contract electronics manufacturer and owns Predator Games. Rick created Predator Games in 2005 with an innovative product that would allow paintball players to enjoy the game longer for less money. Moving along, Predator has created even more exciting laser tag products and later formed a professional division, irTactical. Today, Rick has nurtured Predator Games into one of the most successful laser tag companies out there.

"I have been very lucky to be able to work with an outstanding group of individuals. They make my job very easy and are instrumental in the success of the company," said Rick.

Outside of Predator Games, Rick has an interest in martial arts and recreational shooting. He also is the father of four very active kids.