On Feb 5, 8:12*am, bildan wrote:
Just my clumsy way of saying that the biggest benefits of thermal
detection will be at shortest ranges. *Long range detection would show
hot spots where thermals are popping consistently but not the actual
thermal you will find when you get there.

Hmm...

On MANY occasions, I've spotted a dust devil a few miles ahead, and
while keeping it in sight the whole time (many minutes), I manage to
connect and climb away. It's usually best to arrive within a few
thousand feet as it's easier to figure out where to hit it.

But I agree that a range of a kilometer or so would be most useful for
dolphin flying.

-Tom