View Full Version : FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA (Results, reports, media...)
Sean[_2_]
July 24th 16, 12:22 PM
Results from practice day 1: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
1. Sean Fidler - 9
2. Jerzy Szemplinski - 8
3. John Mittell - 7
Follow the event (reports, photos, videos, live tracking) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA/
Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
Sean[_2_]
July 24th 16, 02:52 PM
Report Practice Day 1
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA
July 23, 2016
Official Practice Day One Report
By: Sean Fidler, 7T
Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx…
Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
FAI SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
The forecast for official practice day one was excellent and called for lift to 6,000 MSL and ultimately 7,000 MSL and 3-4 knot thermals. John Godfrey (CD) built us a 223 km “hourglass” task which brought the pilots over the Ionia airport at the task midpoint. The gliders were going to be kept within 60km of the airport and basically hit all 4 corners of the task area.
Launch went very well and ponce off tow, pilots were immediately able to climb up to 6k and eventually 7k MSL. Cu were ample in the start area although there were some large holes are areas of blue out on course. Also, some high cirrus was moving in from the west.
This was the first GP start for many of the pilots and the morning briefing was extended slightly to answer and questions and clarify the FAI SGP procedures. John did a masterful job of handling the start process (making radio calls counting down the start). The pilots did an excellent job of executing a safe start and crossing the start line was actually quite a delightful experience.
On the first short eg there was a hole on course line and some cu either left or right. XG (Jerzy S.) went left and a larger pack went right where a cluster of 3-4 cu were closer. This yielded a decent 2-3 knot climb. QT (Garret) went direct on this leg and found a nice climb after the first turn point (08 Pewamo). The tracker showed that Garret actually jumped out to a bit of a lead on the group. At the second turn-point (22 Alma) the group was strung out a little bit and the shade of the cirrus was quite thick ahead on the third leg back towards the west. Many took weaker climbs and tried to get high. I was able to get up midway down the leg at the edge of the shadow and caught up to the lead pack although still 500 to 1000 ft. lower that most.
At the third turnpoint (12 Greenville) I was still slightly behind but in touch. Garret was still on top of the gaggle and there was more sun ahead but only a few cu. A large well formed cu was to the right of course line and nothing to the left, but good sun all around. I thought the large cu would die (also well right of course line) and decided to go straight to the fourth turnpoint (01 Ionia). I thought something would pop in the 10 minutes it would take to get there with all that new sun on the ground. It did! 2 small wisps formed and developed as I approached and I found 4 knots for 2000 feet. Thermal average so far had been 2.5. This got me into a strong position and I saw many gliders come into Ionia much lower (the pack I was chasing).
Now it become more challenging. Ahead into turnpoint 5 (06 Sunfield) was sun but no Cu. It was also the beginning of a 40-60km hole that went all the way to turnpoint 6 (16 Hastings). Here a line of excellent cu beckoned. It was a long way to these cu but I new I had Hastings by roughly 1000 ft. I thought with all the sun on the ground that something would pop along the way and if it didn't I had a nice paved runway airport at Hasting to drop into. Nothing popped, it was a completely dead glide on the way to Hastings. I saw no other gliders around me. Nearing Hastings and 1000 AGL, I was able to deviate left slightly and reach the convergence line of clouds (the wind shifted from N 8 to S 9 along this run). Here I found 2-3 knots which I took for 1000 ft. and then set off down the line of clouds directly towards hastings about 15km out. I hoped to find a better climb under all these great clouds. On that short run I got a giant jolt! I found myself in a 6 knot average climb which got me to final glide at 3 MC with a 400 margin. To bad we were not heading further S into these amazing clouds. We might have averaged 90 mph!
On the final glide I was sure that I was going to begin hearing radio calls reporting the steering turn. As I reached the steering turn I could see that no gliders were ahead so I pushed hard to keep anyone in trail from catching me. Crossing the finish line (marked with huge checkered feather flags) was pretty cool! Jerzy finished a few minutes back and John Mittell was third. My winning speed was roughly 96 kph (60 mph). What a GREAT day of sailplane racing! And we have not even started the actual event yet!
Sunday (Practice Day 2) is clearly not going to be a flying day. We have a warm front passing as I write (9:30am) and thunderstorms in the area. Race days 1-4 l(Monday - Thursday) look promising with good weather forecast.
Sincerely,
Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
Thanks for the nice report about the first practice day.
Sean[_2_]
July 26th 16, 04:40 AM
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 23, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T
Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.
Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.
The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines” were available.
A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.
At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.
In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming” young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.
SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8
WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS here:
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA
Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220
Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
Sincerely,
Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
Sean[_2_]
July 26th 16, 04:42 AM
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 25, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T
Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.
Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.
The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines” were available.
A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.
At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.
In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming” young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.
SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8
WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS here:
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA
Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220
Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
Sincerely,
Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
Bruce Hoult
July 26th 16, 06:15 AM
On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
> FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
> July 25, 2016
> By: Sean Fidler, 7T
>
> Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
>
> The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.
>
> Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.
>
> The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun.. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines” were available.
>
> A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.
>
> At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.
>
> In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming” young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.
>
> SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8
>
> WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS here:
> 1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
> 2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
> 3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
> 4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA
>
> Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220
>
> Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Sean Fidler
> 7T
> 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.
Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.
Dave Leonard
July 26th 16, 12:52 PM
On Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:15:28 PM UTC-6, Bruce Hoult wrote:
> On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
> > FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
> > July 25, 2016
> > By: Sean Fidler, 7T
> >
> > Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> > SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> > SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
> >
> > The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.
> >
> > Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.
> >
> > The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines” were available.
> >
> > A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.
> >
> > At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.
> >
> > In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming” young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.
> >
> > SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8
> >
> > WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS here:
> > 1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
> > 2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
> > 3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
> > 4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA
> >
> > Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220
> >
> > Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> > SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> > SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Sean Fidler
> > 7T
> > 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
>
> Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.
>
> Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.
That link will take you to "today's" tracking info. You can use the little arrow in the far bottom left corner of the screen to go back one day or the calendar icon right next to it to pick any days data.
The little "play arrow" in the bottom left corner of the map will start playback of the tracks.
There's a couple videos demonstrating capabilities at the bottom of the info|blog page.
Sean[_2_]
July 26th 16, 01:35 PM
Hi Bruce,
What Dave said is correct to the best of my knowledge.
You can also message the SGP USA facebook page and the gang here will do there best to help you in real time.
Lots of video's, photo's and interviews are up on facebook, etc.
Sincerely,
Sean
7T
P.S. my pasture was beautiful. After all the work we have been doing for the past week or two, it was nice to lay down in the shade and rest. I was actually watching the live coverage on my phone too!
Sean
Turn on your phone tracker so we can get a pilot view of the action!
XF
Bruce Hoult
July 26th 16, 04:13 PM
On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 11:52:32 PM UTC+12, Dave Leonard wrote:
> On Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:15:28 PM UTC-6, Bruce Hoult wrote:
> > On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
> > > FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
> > > July 25, 2016
> > > By: Sean Fidler, 7T
> > >
> > > Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> > > SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> > > SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
> > >
> > > The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.
> > >
> > > Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.
> > >
> > > The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines” were available.
> > >
> > > A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.
> > >
> > > At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.
> > >
> > > In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming” young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.
> > >
> > > SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8
> > >
> > > WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS here:
> > > 1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
> > > 2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
> > > 3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
> > > 4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA
> > >
> > > Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220
> > >
> > > Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> > > SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> > > SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > >
> > > Sean Fidler
> > > 7T
> > > 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
> >
> > Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.
> >
> > Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.
>
> That link will take you to "today's" tracking info. You can use the little arrow in the far bottom left corner of the screen to go back one day or the calendar icon right next to it to pick any days data.
>
> The little "play arrow" in the bottom left corner of the map will start playback of the tracks.
>
> There's a couple videos demonstrating capabilities at the bottom of the info|blog page.
I was watching the live coverage of the Grand Prix on youtube, and loading the same web page as they were showing. But I didn't see either the task description or the gliders that were shown on the broadcast.
Bruce Hoult
July 26th 16, 04:21 PM
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 3:13:25 AM UTC+12, Bruce Hoult wrote:
> On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 11:52:32 PM UTC+12, Dave Leonard wrote:
> > On Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:15:28 PM UTC-6, Bruce Hoult wrote:
> > > On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
> > > > FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
> > > > July 25, 2016
> > > > By: Sean Fidler, 7T
> > > >
> > > > Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> > > > SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> > > > SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
> > > >
> > > > The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.
> > > >
> > > > Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.
> > > >
> > > > The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines” were available.
> > > >
> > > > A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.
> > > >
> > > > At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.
> > > >
> > > > In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming” young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.
> > > >
> > > > SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8
> > > >
> > > > WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS here:
> > > > 1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
> > > > 2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
> > > > 3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
> > > > 4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA
> > > >
> > > > Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220
> > > >
> > > > Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=15947
> > > > SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
> > > > SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely,
> > > >
> > > > Sean Fidler
> > > > 7T
> > > > 2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer
> > >
> > > Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.
> > >
> > > Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.
> >
> > That link will take you to "today's" tracking info. You can use the little arrow in the far bottom left corner of the screen to go back one day or the calendar icon right next to it to pick any days data.
> >
> > The little "play arrow" in the bottom left corner of the map will start playback of the tracks.
> >
> > There's a couple videos demonstrating capabilities at the bottom of the info|blog page.
>
> I was watching the live coverage of the Grand Prix on youtube, and loading the same web page as they were showing. But I didn't see either the task description or the gliders that were shown on the broadcast.
Oh! Now I think I understand why.
If I go now and explicitly select the 25th from the calendar at the bottom left then I see everything.
It was already well after midnight (in fact Tuesday morning already) in my computer's timezone (New Zealand time) while I was watching the race, and so it was showing the data for the 26th, which did not exist yet in the USA.
Whoever maintains that site should get the UTC date/time from the user's web browser (and convert to local date at the site being viewed), not the user's local date/time.
Sean[_2_]
July 27th 16, 12:23 PM
For some reason my GlideTrack app does not work. We can't figure it out. It used to work fine last week. Will spend more time today trying to get it going. I wish some others had more than Spot too. I regret not making Delorme and mobile mandatory. We are doing our best but that was a mistake.
Next year I think Spot trackers will simply not be allowed. They are useless. The delay is unacceptable for race viewers. The sport of soaring deserves more that Spot tracking (boring). I think all pilots must have 30 second Delorme and/or the mobile tracker moving forward.
As this is our first go at SGP, there are sure to be opportunities for improvement. Tracking is critical to any sailplane race (SGP or even SSA) in my opinion and needs significant work all around.
Race report for day 2 on the Facebook page. Top 4 finished within 1 minute with 2nd, 3rd and 4th within 5 SECONDS! 103.5 kph winning speed in 2-4 knot thermals over 275 km. Unreal! Amazing and more fun than you can imagine!
Sean
Bruce Hoult
July 27th 16, 01:36 PM
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 2:23:52 PM UTC+3, Sean wrote:
> For some reason my GlideTrack app does not work. We can't figure it out. It used to work fine last week. Will spend more time today trying to get it going. I wish some others had more than Spot too. I regret not making Delorme and mobile mandatory. We are doing our best but that was a mistake.
>
> Next year I think Spot trackers will simply not be allowed. They are useless. The delay is unacceptable for race viewers. The sport of soaring deserves more that Spot tracking (boring). I think all pilots must have 30 second Delorme and/or the mobile tracker moving forward.
>
> As this is our first go at SGP, there are sure to be opportunities for improvement. Tracking is critical to any sailplane race (SGP or even SSA) in my opinion and needs significant work all around.
Yes, I agree.
I've watched both the first two races and it's basically impossible to understand who is leading from the tracker, given some of the update intervals.
It's great to watch DL and some others thermalling with well-defined circles, so 5 or 10 second updates would be nice (even if batched up and only sent once a minute).
And not everyone is sending altitudes, which just makes it absolutely impossible to understand whether being 10 km ahead of or behind the pack actually means anything.
Sean
If your using Glide Track take a look at the bottom info ribbon which gives a report on the status. I have found that if I launch the app too soon it will report "cold" before launch.
I launch app as I am buckling on chute and place phone in side pocket. While loitering before start I give it a glance to make sure it is "active". If it says "cold" or " not moving" I "stop" and then repress "start".
We are accustomed to activating spot and InReach some considerable time before launch but glide track doesn't like sitting idle.
Lane
Soartech
July 27th 16, 03:25 PM
> Lots of video's, photo's and interviews are up on facebook, etc.
Why are you using Facebook? Isn't that just a place for gossip and advertising?
I don't know a single pilot that uses it.
Why are you using Facebook? Isn't that just a place for gossip and advertising?
I don't know a single pilot that uses it.
Maybe that's cuz you aren't on Facebook.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 10:38:41 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> Why are you using Facebook? Isn't that just a place for gossip and advertising?
> I don't know a single pilot that uses it.
>
> Maybe that's cuz you aren't on Facebook.
I think that was the point..... 'only' those on Facebook get to see any news.
Bob
(Not on Facebook, BTW)
Craig Funston
July 27th 16, 05:51 PM
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 7:54:02 AM UTC-7, wrote:
> On Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 10:38:41 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> > Why are you using Facebook? Isn't that just a place for gossip and advertising?
> > I don't know a single pilot that uses it.
> >
> > Maybe that's cuz you aren't on Facebook.
>
> I think that was the point..... 'only' those on Facebook get to see any news.
>
> Bob
>
> (Not on Facebook, BTW)
Come join us on Facebook. It's where all the old people hang out. The young ones have moved on....
7Q
Sean[_2_]
July 28th 16, 12:41 PM
Thanks Lane. Will try launching app closer to launch, 5 minutes or so now.
SGP USA Updates (interviews, podium, live tracking replay, photos, etc) for Race 3 are now available on Facebook SGP USA page and the FAI SGP YouTube channel.
We are all having an absolute ball here in Ionia. The SGP USA competitors are really enjoying the opportunity to truly race sailplanes head to head. It's really incredibly fun, exciting and highly competitive. I have to say the push to stay ahead of Garret Yesterday was heart pounding excitement and I am enjoying this racing more than any other sailplane event yet. Simply awesome.
The shorter race track yesterday (118 km, 2 knot lift to 4500) was a HUGE hit with the pilots (and spectators!). On one had, it was all that we could safely do yesterday given the forecast and frontal passage which accused at 4:45-5:15 pm. But on the other hand, the shorter 1 - 1.5 hour race hugely amplified every decision and was amazing to witness both tactically and strategically. The start was key, but patience also paid off as the gaggle pushed a bit to hard at times. As usual, the gaggle quickly exploded into numerous small groups and the leaders got away free. It was not one clump as many assume.
I really wish the trackers were more accurate too. This race in particular would have been amazing to watch live with accurate tracking, although I think our crack commentators are doing a great job with compensating for the known lag of the spot trackers, etc. Kudos to them for their great work. I could honestly see the short race track being television friendly (or at least internet broadcast friendly) similar to Americas cup World Series events.
Back to Ionia today, the weather here today is again challenging. Two stationary fronts are sitting N and S. A window to fly is possible. If this happens, we will likely try for another 100km minimum distance race. The SGP format makes these short races extremely fun. This sentiment was clearly unanimous among the smiling pilots yesterday. What a blast!!!
Sincerely,
Sean Fidler
7T - SGP Organizer
Bruce Hoult
July 28th 16, 03:07 PM
On Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 11:41:33 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
> I really wish the trackers were more accurate too. This race in particular would have been amazing to watch live with accurate tracking, although I think our crack commentators are doing a great job with compensating for the known lag of the spot trackers, etc. Kudos to them for their great work.. I could honestly see the short race track being television friendly (or at least internet broadcast friendly) similar to Americas cup World Series events.
You know this has been tried before, and quite seriously too? It doesn't seem to have taken off :(
http://youtu.be/PPBzihGWsg4
Dan Stroschine
July 28th 16, 08:21 PM
On Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 4:41:33 AM UTC-7, Sean wrote:
> Thanks Lane. Will try launching app closer to launch, 5 minutes or so now.
>
> SGP USA Updates (interviews, podium, live tracking replay, photos, etc) for Race 3 are now available on Facebook SGP USA page and the FAI SGP YouTube channel.
>
> We are all having an absolute ball here in Ionia. The SGP USA competitors are really enjoying the opportunity to truly race sailplanes head to head.. It's really incredibly fun, exciting and highly competitive. I have to say the push to stay ahead of Garret Yesterday was heart pounding excitement and I am enjoying this racing more than any other sailplane event yet. Simply awesome.
>
> The shorter race track yesterday (118 km, 2 knot lift to 4500) was a HUGE hit with the pilots (and spectators!). On one had, it was all that we could safely do yesterday given the forecast and frontal passage which accused at 4:45-5:15 pm. But on the other hand, the shorter 1 - 1.5 hour race hugely amplified every decision and was amazing to witness both tactically and strategically. The start was key, but patience also paid off as the gaggle pushed a bit to hard at times. As usual, the gaggle quickly exploded into numerous small groups and the leaders got away free. It was not one clump as many assume.
>
> I really wish the trackers were more accurate too. This race in particular would have been amazing to watch live with accurate tracking, although I think our crack commentators are doing a great job with compensating for the known lag of the spot trackers, etc. Kudos to them for their great work.. I could honestly see the short race track being television friendly (or at least internet broadcast friendly) similar to Americas cup World Series events.
>
> Back to Ionia today, the weather here today is again challenging. Two stationary fronts are sitting N and S. A window to fly is possible. If this happens, we will likely try for another 100km minimum distance race. The SGP format makes these short races extremely fun. This sentiment was clearly unanimous among the smiling pilots yesterday. What a blast!!!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Sean Fidler
> 7T - SGP Organizer
I agree with you Sean about the trackers being a problem. The biggest problem that I have with watching is the tracker reporting intervals. It can be really hard to follow when you see that some refreshed a minute before while others are 15+min, then when those finally do update the whole look of the race has changed. The commentators have been doing a great job trying to deal with it but there just isn't really anything for them to do except for talk through it.
Is there a way to set the refresh interval on the trackers?
Overall though it has been fun to watch, you guys are doing a great job. Hopefully this will happen more in the US in the future.
Dan
Anyone know what sort of tracking and visualization system was used at the SGP Varese last year? They seemed to have almost minute by minute updates from most competitors and the visualization through the Silent Wings program was superb. All competitor data streams included altitude and speed. Not sure if it was airspeed or ground speed being reported, though.
At one point during one of the broadcasts they discussed the installation of special receivers and antennas at several locations - maybe they were using some variant of the FLARM OpenGlider Network? Seems like there may be some opportunity for technology sharing amongst the various venues.
In any case, my hat is off to Sean and the other organizers of this event. Flying a task, interviewing pilots,writing and posting the race reports, managing the contest, personally responding to email requests about the logo apparel, etc. Just wow, great job keeping it all together!
Robert
On Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 2:21:37 PM UTC-5, Dan Stroschine wrote:
> On Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 4:41:33 AM UTC-7, Sean wrote:
> > Thanks Lane. Will try launching app closer to launch, 5 minutes or so now.
> >
> > SGP USA Updates (interviews, podium, live tracking replay, photos, etc) for Race 3 are now available on Facebook SGP USA page and the FAI SGP YouTube channel.
> >
> > We are all having an absolute ball here in Ionia. The SGP USA competitors are really enjoying the opportunity to truly race sailplanes head to head. It's really incredibly fun, exciting and highly competitive. I have to say the push to stay ahead of Garret Yesterday was heart pounding excitement and I am enjoying this racing more than any other sailplane event yet. Simply awesome.
> >
> > The shorter race track yesterday (118 km, 2 knot lift to 4500) was a HUGE hit with the pilots (and spectators!). On one had, it was all that we could safely do yesterday given the forecast and frontal passage which accused at 4:45-5:15 pm. But on the other hand, the shorter 1 - 1.5 hour race hugely amplified every decision and was amazing to witness both tactically and strategically. The start was key, but patience also paid off as the gaggle pushed a bit to hard at times. As usual, the gaggle quickly exploded into numerous small groups and the leaders got away free. It was not one clump as many assume.
> >
> > I really wish the trackers were more accurate too. This race in particular would have been amazing to watch live with accurate tracking, although I think our crack commentators are doing a great job with compensating for the known lag of the spot trackers, etc. Kudos to them for their great work. I could honestly see the short race track being television friendly (or at least internet broadcast friendly) similar to Americas cup World Series events.
> >
> > Back to Ionia today, the weather here today is again challenging. Two stationary fronts are sitting N and S. A window to fly is possible. If this happens, we will likely try for another 100km minimum distance race. The SGP format makes these short races extremely fun. This sentiment was clearly unanimous among the smiling pilots yesterday. What a blast!!!
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Sean Fidler
> > 7T - SGP Organizer
>
> I agree with you Sean about the trackers being a problem. The biggest problem that I have with watching is the tracker reporting intervals. It can be really hard to follow when you see that some refreshed a minute before while others are 15+min, then when those finally do update the whole look of the race has changed. The commentators have been doing a great job trying to deal with it but there just isn't really anything for them to do except for talk through it.
>
> Is there a way to set the refresh interval on the trackers?
>
> Overall though it has been fun to watch, you guys are doing a great job. Hopefully this will happen more in the US in the future.
>
> Dan
Sean[_2_]
July 29th 16, 12:36 PM
Interviews, reports, video, podium all coming up this morning. We were all tired last night and are going to get this all done at the pilots meeting. Probably a no fly day but a small chance of a late task still exists.
The SGP Worlds last season used a custom tracker device (optimized for Europe) and this was available to us for SGP USA. I believe the are utilizing both satellite and mobile. It was fairly expensive and also required staff onsite to support and manage. The mobile trackers have similar performance in the USA when they work properly. Again, huge mistake to allow Spot trackers. One success was John Mittel who allowed me to talk him into buying a cheap pay as you go android phone and then installing IGCDroid from Google Play. This is working very well and BZ has one of the more reliable tracks during the commentary.
I think this technology will improve but I also think all pilots owe it to themselves and the sport to invest (time/small amount of money) in getting up to speed with the mobile trackers. This will make watching any contest far more enjoyable. When the trackers are working well, you almost have a live SeeYou replay.
I have a new hashtag. #justsaynotospottracking. ;-)
Sean
7T
SGP USA Organizer
"Just say no to SPOT" is very appropriate for the viewing experience that Sean is driving toward. However,the SSA Sailplane Tracking Committee has been very careful to distinguish that SPOT/InReach are recommended onboard for emergency recovery and emergency messaging. The mobile tracking apps are quantifiably better for viewing flights and this is there strong suit. Luckily Pedja has devoted many hours to writing code allowing a pilot to have multiple devices.
Please carry your SPOT/InReach in the tracking mode for emergency purposes and carry your mobile tracking app for spectator viewing purposes. Also, carry a spare phone battery so you will be sure to have phone juice in the event of a landout. My Iphone 6 will last about six hours in tracking mode. Earlier models have less efficient GPS's and therefore drain the battery sooner.
Also, we have found that creating a user account on GlidePort and registering all your devices directly with GlidePort is necessary for full utility. Please make sure your SSA number is correct in your GlidePort account so Winscore can find you. The SSA server uploads data to GlidePort but it may take several days before new data from the SSA is integrated in the GlidePort database.
When you use a mobile tracking app do not turn it on hours before launch like you do with SPOT/InReach. To preserve phone battery the apps recognize they are not in flight and hibernate. Turn on the app as you are getting your chute on. Glance at it before the race start and make sure the the Apple version does not report "cold" in the status banner. Make sure the Android version has a green "go" light. If either are not active, "stop and start" the tracking to wake it up. Then go have fun and let the mobile app do its thing. Afterwards you can email yourself the IGC file for study or OLC upload.
Sean and gang are doing a great job of promoting a race, day by day. Its hard work. Its amazingly hard to get the competitors to recognize the usefulness of real time tracking, its hard to remind them to turn it on, its frustrating when there are gaps in coverage, its hard for the commentators to keep the chatter interesting for a whole race and its hard to take negative comments from onlookers. I think Sean's effort is a watershed event in many regards. We have a lot to learn from it. Only through efforts like this will learn what works and what needs improving. This race and its efforts strike a chord with me. It is moving promotion in the direction I believe it needs to go. Just "say yes" to good promotion in whatever form it takes.
Thanks Guys!
Dan Marotta
July 29th 16, 04:56 PM
Now you've got my attention, Sean.
Could you elaborate a bit on this phone, please? Where do I go to
evaluate one? What might I expect to pay for a season of use? I might
be willing to go this route whereas I'm not willing to pay for a data
plan for my current Android phone.
I understand you're very busy with the SGP right now (congrats, BTW),
but I'd like to see you publish something here when you get the chance.
Good flying!
Dan
5J
On 7/29/2016 5:36 AM, Sean wrote:
> <snip>
> Again, huge mistake to allow Spot trackers. One success was John Mittel who allowed me to talk him into buying a cheap pay as you go android phone and then installing IGCDroid from Google Play. This is working very well and BZ has one of the more reliable tracks during the commentary.
>
--
Dan, 5J
Dan, just to be clear, the tracking devices being discussed are not hardware but third party software applications which are added to your personal Android or iPhone celluar smartphone. igc.droid ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ajw.igcdroid ) would be used on an Android phone and there is a one-time charge of $10.00. If you have an iPhone then you would use the free Glide Track app ( https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glidetrack/id888910571?mt=8 ). Both of these applications "report" to Glide Port http://glideport.aero/
If you are dead set against having a smartphone (which requires some sort of data plan) then you are just SOL. FWIW, my StraighTalk Samsung Grand Prime smartphone came from Wal-Mart, cost $150.00, uses the Verizon network, and costs $41.18 a month for unlimited talk, text, and 5GB data.
If you want to "try this out" you could borrow anyone's smartphone and add the igc.droid or Glide Track app and evaluate. No big deal. Just remember, these apps will only work when your phone has cell service and of course this is not always the case in some soaring arenas. This is where the DeLorme InReach has the advantage; I am not a SPOT supporter.
If you are interested, you should contact the application developer and inquire about tracking data usage amounts depending on the frequency of location reports. The shorter the report interval, the more data usage.
This is a great tool and will help grow the art and science of soaring; please get on-board soon.
On Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:57:02 AM UTC-4, Dan Marotta wrote:
> Now you've got my attention, Sean.
>
> Could you elaborate a bit on this phone, please? Where do I go to
> evaluate one? What might I expect to pay for a season of use? I might
> be willing to go this route whereas I'm not willing to pay for a data
> plan for my current Android phone.
>
> I understand you're very busy with the SGP right now (congrats, BTW),
> but I'd like to see you publish something here when you get the chance.
>
> Good flying!
>
> Dan
> 5J
>
> On 7/29/2016 5:36 AM, Sean wrote:
> > <snip>
>
> > Again, huge mistake to allow Spot trackers. One success was John Mittel who allowed me to talk him into buying a cheap pay as you go android phone and then installing IGCDroid from Google Play. This is working very well and BZ has one of the more reliable tracks during the commentary.
> >
>
> --
> Dan, 5J
I will share a little on my tracking experience. I am fairly new to contests - and believe that tracking is extremely important of many reasons. My wife is also my crew.
Originally I had SPOT - we know the pluses and minuses here - it is OK, family and friends find it boring to watch and your crew knows about where you are sometimes but not how high you are so........
I was a very early adapter with ICGDroid - this made a world of difference for family and crew - it was almost like fly with me. Because it was early and the market is tiny, there were some technical issues, but it is/was the best - unfortunately it does depend on cell coverage - so if your carrier doesn't have many towers in the area it does not work. At my home filed, this is my preferred device! by far - you get height, speed, vario and shows you thermaling.
I just purchased InReach - after I figured out (with help from a good friend) I purchased the correct plan - so I can adjust the interval to 2 minutes.. So far this has been excellent in terms of consistency. My wife was getting frustrated with the other trackers. BUT it is not as good as IGCdroid when it works well. and it is expensive.
So From here on out I will use InReach for all contests and flying in odd places - IGCDroid for flying local. and I have a SPOT I am willing to give to a needy pilot in need of tracking (kind of)
I hope all the excellent people working on tracking keep up the great work - when it is done right - it makes a huge difference in getting non glider pilot interest. We all fly because or the moral support (or at least tolerance) of Family & friends. When you watch the worlds you see how great tracking is possible - so it is a great cause to get behind.
Congrats to Sean for pushing our sport forward!! excellent job!!
WH
Dan
A typical five hour hour flight will use less data than sending a picture with your phone. As Sean said, you can go to Walmart and purchase the cheapest Android phone with a monthly "prepaid" data plan. Just reload the phone as needed. People are typically paying $40 per month for such a phone. Probably the same as adding data to your current phone, assuming yours is capable.
Despite assumptions to the contrary, the tracking apps use very little data due to the compressing of data. Also they can adjust to poor reception areas for the same reason. We do see some erratic altitude reports on some phones in some areas. This is caused be previous generation phones lack of barometric sensors and poor gps reception on some traces. Latest generation phones work better and clear view of sky in carbon ships.
Sorry this thread has been hijacked. Go Sailplane Grand Prix. Go Competitors. Go Sean and Tiffany! Go Soaring!
Lane
Dan Marotta
July 29th 16, 10:17 PM
First off, if I hijacked the thread, I apologize. I thought that using
a different subject line would create a new thread. Maybe someone will
"hijack" it back to the original subject.
I have a smart phone and it works with all cell carriers. And it only
costs $9/month since I choose not to have a $40/month data plan because
I don't do Twitter or Facebook and I don't want to surf the web with my
phone. It does all the other data stuff via wifi, but you won't see
that in flight any time soon... From the few short responses above, it
looks like I won't be getting a tracking device any time soon. My wife
and I have discussed this and she's OK with it. She hikes alone in the
wilderness when she's not flying with me and I'm OK with that, too.
Thanks again for the responses and "Go Sean and gang at the SGP!"
On 7/29/2016 2:26 PM, wrote:
> Dan
>
> A typical five hour hour flight will use less data than sending a picture with your phone. As Sean said, you can go to Walmart and purchase the cheapest Android phone with a monthly "prepaid" data plan. Just reload the phone as needed. People are typically paying $40 per month for such a phone. Probably the same as adding data to your current phone, assuming yours is capable.
>
> Despite assumptions to the contrary, the tracking apps use very little data due to the compressing of data. Also they can adjust to poor reception areas for the same reason. We do see some erratic altitude reports on some phones in some areas. This is caused be previous generation phones lack of barometric sensors and poor gps reception on some traces. Latest generation phones work better and clear view of sky in carbon ships.
>
> Sorry this thread has been hijacked. Go Sailplane Grand Prix. Go Competitors. Go Sean and Tiffany! Go Soaring!
>
> Lane
--
Dan, 5J
kiwiindenver
July 30th 16, 07:18 AM
I'm the author of IGCDroid, Lane is mostly right. Certainly very little data is needed, but simply because .IGC files are compact, not because the data is compressed. Both my app and Pedja's iPhone app work the same way. We send an uncompressed .IGC file in fragments.
If you want to get a feel for data usage I suggest you look at some of your personal .IGC files and see how big they are. Add 10%-20% for transmission overhead and you should have a good ballpark figure.
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